Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen...

My D has gone to the rugby at Twickenham, her new friend is sport mad.
They are making a weekend of it by going to Southampton v Liverpool tomorrow. He supports S and her family are devoted L fans.

I like sport but rugby and cricket are definitely not on the list. I love athletics, tennis, swimming, ice skating to name a few.

I have been catching up watching Cold Feet which I ma thoroughly enjoying.

I am having an early night so that I can read my book- I must tell Tara I am staying in bed tomorrow at least until 8am.

ann, lovely to have an evening out with your 'sort of' GCs. I'm glad you have them close enough to enjoy and outing with them. I must try that new multiplex - hadn't even realised it was finished as I rarely go into town these days. I tend to shop close to home or on line. I hope Paddington 2 is still on as I had a bad cold a few weeks ago when some friends were planning to see it.

Just checked - Paddington 2 is on only at 9.30am tomorrow! Well, really!!

And it was only £3 for each of us. A bargain in anyone's book.
It was 9: 30 this morning we went.
Early in my day but really worth it.

Good morning kitcheners, I am still in bed trying to think up an excuse not to go and watch junior football this morning, but at the moment, I can’t think of one. Help me somebody!
Well, GS’s party went off very well yesterday despite a last minute change of venue. I’m always glad when we get it out of the way. I worry about the weather for one thing. If it had been held today with the forecast we have, travelling might have been a problem. As it was we had fourteen boys bouncing around at a trampolining centre. Enough to give you nightmares! They were all very good. The only mishap though was when one of them had a horrendous nosebleed. He is prone to nosebleeds anyway, and was very calm as usual. I said to DH that it is the first time since we have been attending his birthday parties that GS has seemed visibly embarrassed at having to listen to happy birthday and blow out his candles! Signs of growing up? The only very sad note was that the father of one of the boys died on Friday. GS spends a lot of time with him, he lives in the same road, and his father, such a nice man, has been ill for some time. He was quieter than usual but seemed glad to be there with the others doing something normal and letting off some steam, bless him. I feel so sorry for the family.
The cake was very plain, corner, just covered in fondant icing with a cake topper depicting some video game GS is fond of. He was thrilled to bits with it, though. Next year we will be buying one, too.
N&G that’s a lovely photo of Laura - I see a real beauty there a few years down the line. She suits the hat, too! I am a great one for hopefully trying on hats, but apart from my battered Tilley hat, hats don’t suit me!
Ann I have not yet seen Paddington One. I had it recorded then we lost all our recordings when the box conked out ☹️! Hope you enjoyed it. I didn’t know they did cinema showings that early in the morning! Good price, though!
Oh well, I suppose I had better show willing and put my best foot forward. I will look in later.

Good luck greyd. Wrap up warm. Pleased the cake and party were successes. Know what you mean about weather anxieties with celebrations, we’ve two family birthdays in February, it fell down with snow the day one of the birthday boys was born so I always wonder.

Blue skies here today, off out, not sure where but just good to be out for a while,

Have a good day everyone, stay warm and well.

Blue skies and sunshine here- almost a heatwave as T not in minus figures.

I am having a leisurely breakfast of coffee and toast and then out.

It sounds as though the boys enjoyed the birthday party- 14 to me appears to be rather a lot! Still, they were well behaved and no nasty injuries so a result all round.

Definitely buy a cake for next year- it is not worth the hassle and will they notice? I doubt it.

ann, you're a better woman than I am. Since I retired, my days have progressively started later and later! Can't believe that I used to be teaching by 9am! This morning I have got hooked on watching brave (foolhardy) young people doing impossible things on snowboards or skis! But this afternoon, I'll be watching the Scotland v France rugby from behind the sofa. Did someone mention the words 'couch potato'? I plead guilty especially when it's sleeting outside.

Good morning dear Granspals. The sun is shining and we are being treated to flurries of snow that hasn't bothered to hang around. Okay with me!

anno The American seventeen year old who won gold on the snowboard, was absolutely amazing. If only I could experience his exhilaration for a few moments. MacSporran shook his head and murmured...don't even think about it.

That sounds like one hugely successful party, Greyduster. It was never like that in "our day". I cannot recall ever going wild. Pity! I'm pleased to hear that your cake was well-enjoyed, as Torben would say. He's also a keen trampolener. Is that the correct spelling? I think not.

Charleyg I'm looking forward to the ice skating. It is one of my favourite spectator sports.

corner Our granddaughter celebrated her 27th birthday yesterday. Her first baby is due within the next two weeks. Thankfully, she's not too distant from the maternity hospital.

ann I was never interested in rugby, even though, long ago, I had a weekend job serving drinks after matches at the Saints club in Franklin's Gardens, Northampton. On coming to Scotland I've got a taste for the game and always yell for the Scots. That's what I shall be doing this afternoon. "*Come on Scotland*"...

I'm just popping in for bit of peace and quiet!!

Being the good Ma that I am, I replenished the stack of horrible foam stickers. The visiting DGDs have enjoyed playing with them. Unfortunately, all the grownups thought another grown up was watching the 'craft' session and I came downstairs to discover one foam sticker well stuck down on the dining table, one on the leather top of a Georgian desk and one on the glass of the grandfather clock. The glue is remarkably adhesive!!

They have gone swimming now so peace reigns - for now.

I love the picture of Laura n&g - when she has learnt her cooking skills will you be hiring her out? Shall we start stock piling legs of lamb in readiness for building commencing?

Really GD, I think you are a little too old and frail to be going out in cold weather - and you've got that really nasty infection........will that do? Glad the party went well. We've been to a trampolining place and found it difficult to spot our own DGC.

Since corner recounted her near miss, I've had a particularly nasty almost RTA going round in my head. Before we got married, DH and I were going down a road we knew well which had a series of traffic lights as roads came in at 90 degrees. One set was broken but, because there were so many more, we didn't notice until the very last minute. DH slammed the brakes on just a a car crossed from right to left at what appeared to be a million miles per hour. Isn't it funny how these things stay with one.

You sound as though you had a lovely treat Ann - I loved Paddington One so will try to see Part 2.

Anyway, I must go and try to find the kitchen before the family return.

You'll enjoy Paddington 2 kitty. Took my 6 yr old GD to see it and she loved it too. Just having five mins now before the family descend for lunch - roast beef today - yum ?. OH is at DS doing some odd jobs so lovely & quiet here on my own but it won't last long! Just had the heaviest of rain/hail/snow showers but over in five minutes and the sun is out again so may get to take GD out on her bike later if we're lucky. Otherwise it'll be board games & jigsaws this afternoon.

Me? Old and frail, kitty?? How very dare you! Yes you’re absolutely right! Good thinking. As it was, the matter was taken out of my hands as the assistant coach (aka SiL) did an early pitch inspection and they decided it was just too much of a bog, so they called it off. DH has excelled himself today. He spilled his coffee on the bed this morning, and when I made him a lovely apple, pear and strawberry smoothie, he managed to knock that off the table too! We are eating out later - it doesn’t bode well!

At least you want have to clear up the mess Gd!

Woe is me!
I have not been ill,for years but feel proper poorly today. A dry, hacking cough, a splitting headache and total brain fog.
Struggled out earlier to stockpile Covonia, Bronchostop, Lemsip, lemon and ginger tea tissues and runny hunny, so I shall survive. I also had some homemade (by me) chicken soup so I am adequately catered for.
But despite “happening to mention” it in texts to the DDs earlier today, *nobody seems to have noticed

Evening all!

Just a pop in ! Laura assisted by Grampy did Sunday lunch and as rain stopped play we are doing a 1000 piece puzzle.

Grampy and Laura did a letter drop to about 45 of our neighbours re the planning road show tomorrow so hopefully I won’t be protesting alone. But if I am Laura made me a sign which reads ‘ Nana’s need views too ‘ !!

Yes please Kitty , I fear we’ll need some legs of lamb !!

I am keeping up with you all , just short of time.

Beach AND zoo tomorrow !!

Just been watching ice dancing. Canada wow! They made it look so easy.

I might just take up this ice skating as new hobby. You never know I might be next years champion. Never say never.

carol58 There has been an almighty hailstorm. No snow lying on the ground. Enjoy your roast. I'm slightly envious.

Scotland beat France and I'm buzzing with excitement. Grieg Laidlaw was man of the match. Rightly so. I'm really proud to be living in Scotland.

Maw Stay warm and drink plenty of fluids. I do hope that you are not sickening for that very nasty flu bug. Cuddle up to Hattie. She'll take good care of you.

I've been working at the fox portrait. Will photo it to share. Hang on a mo'.

Not quite finished...
I need to log off. Bye for now.

Nellie

Evening all (with actions). Busy day chez Corner but a good one. Decided to go visit my parents grave, did some window shopping and then tidied a bit of the garden. The - very - fresh air encouraged speed with the latter activity

Oh dear, kitty, I’m sorry to have reactivated that memory for you. Think nice thoughts as much as you can. This not so nice Gran has banned foam stickers, mean soul that I am . Hope swimming has the desired effect and you’ve had a quiet afternoon.

Germs maw? Definitely not allowed. Stay warm, lots of comforting drinks and a nice early night. Hattie will do well enough without a walk tonight. Wonder who dared give you the lurgy?

I’m wondering if the restaurant survived Mr G, Greyd, we call them dropsy days here.

I’m sure you won’t be alone in your protests n&g, too many fields are falling foul of developers. I know people need homes but there’s a heck of a lot of brownfield that could be used if the will was there.

Our blue skies didn’t last. We drove back through hail and sleet in a howling gale. Sun out again after we got back, oiufed again almost as soon as I had finished in the garden. Crazy weather. Hope all goes well for your granddaughter soop and there’s no need to summon a snow plough. For our winter birth I was at home, the poor midwife had to face the snow. She was amazingly good tempered about it all. I’ve good memories of that experience, I can only but wish the same for your granddaughter.

It seems Md C is hungry, how unreasonable is that? So I’m off to the kitchen. Take care everyone, keep warm, especially those with bugs.

Me too Nelliemoser beautiful to watch. The Italians were so good. It’s so relaxing to watch. Thank you all for your concerns. DiL is still in hospital but responding to antibiotic. I spoke to her today, she was saying that she took bad on Friday morning and had to shout for the 9 year old who responded really well and telephoned for DiL sister and then got the two youngest ready for school all while saying “don’t worry mummy I can do it” I will have the children tomorrow and give her lots of praise. She’s such a good girl. Son no 2 is being discharged today. He has a disc bulge and compression of a nerve root they say there’s lots of scar tissue from previous surgery to his spine. Together with his recent leg fracture and ankle injury he’s in a bit of a State. Looking on the bright side unlike some of his old mates he still has all his limbs, and he won’t be going anywhere dangerous for a long time. One less worry. Wrap up warm everyone, especially you maw sorry you not feel well, hope your better soon. Showing off with a photo of the three youngest..lucky aren’t I

Beautiful children morethan. Hope it’s helped understanding a bit more of the detail. Really positive that your daughter in law is responding. Your nine year old did just the right things, she is a little star and deserves a fuss being made if her. As you say, your son will be safe for a while, wishing him and your daughter in law positive recoveries.

The Fox is looking good, soop, we have one around here who sadly isn’t so handsome. Mr C is clearing up in the fairly messy kitchen, I suspect he’ll be allowed to stay .

Maw, when I was teaching it was said that you didn't get ill until you had time to be ill - ie, the holidays. I am sure you haven't had time to be ill for many years. Families aren't the most sympathetic, so you are free to feel sorry for yourself. A good book, radio and/or tele and lots of sleep will see you right in no time.