Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen...

Yet another post disappeared! Last night I thanked Grannyqueenie for her reply, but it`s gone now. I only said that I`ve been to Bolton Abbey many times, but never seen it from that angle before.

Good late morning greetings from a sloshy slushy Kintyre. No snow though! Most grateful for small mercies.

callgirl Your dear granddaughter deserves an enormous hug for agreeing to stay with Lynne, so that you can enjoy a well deserved treat.

grannyqueenie Yet another winner. Your latest photograph is very atmospheric.

Elrel There are certain seats reserved solely for cake makers. You have bagged one such seat. It comes with its own tartan knee rug (free from crumbs). Settle down and enjoy the blether with the rest of us lot

N&G A roofer who is prepared to talk shop on a Sunday. He's a keeper!
By the by...stay in your lounging togs. Such sensible attire.

Morning all!! OK, where has my long, erudite, witty post gone!

It's snowing here and I can't motivate myself to do anything more than sit at the laptop! I have got hot chocolate though - anyone like some? Marshmallows, whipped cream and flakes also available.

Maw, that is a lovely thing for Toby to have done. A serious gulp moment.

Love the photo GQ - spooky! Fish is extremely good for the brain you know!!

Call how kind of your DGD, you deserve all the treats that are coming your way.

Everyone is being very industrious with cakes, muffins, filing etc.

I would like to say that we also have some snowdrops in the garden and they look lovely although they don't seem to spread as much as I thought they would have done by now. I would also like to say that we have some aconites and Christmas Roses but, unfortunately, we haven't. I blame over zealous weeding by DH.

kitty Hot chocolate, with any of the extras you mention, will make me a very happy bunny.

Hello the kitchen! Well all plans for today have ground to a halt due to inclement weather; in short, snow! So the birthday cake is grounded (it will sit here tempting me to prize slivers of chocolate ganache off the bits where it won’t show ? - oh, hang on! There aren’t any bits where it won’t show! ☹️); also the birthday card GS made and more seriously, his teddy, Duncan, who I didn’t even know had been left here, but he's a member of the family so that’s ok! He watched the Politics Show with DH this morning and I swear they were BOTH chuntering!
GQ I love your photo, and spent about an hour last night trying to work out which one it was. I wondered if it might be Bolton, but wasn’t really sure. Something about the river there looked familiar though.
kitty hot chocolate would be very welcome here, thank you! At least our snow may be turning to rain now. Hope it doesn’t freeze!
N&G you will have the peace of mind of knowing you won’t have to worry about the flat roof in the foreseeable future and the job will be a good ‘un when the orangery goes up!
Glad to hear you have dug your way out of the paper mountain, corner! Trouble is, there’s always another on the way - it is insidious!
I am off to finish some fish pies I am making. I’ll look in later.

I have returned from another planet. My computer has been out of action since Tuesday and my man has not been able to fix it so the computer has returned to basics and lost everything so even my email address has had to change. You can imagine what that is like, informing everybody with whom I have had an email address. The vast majority, including banks are very difficult and I will have to go in person there but Amazon is another kettle of fish so if anybody has any ideas re Amazon I would be grateful.

In sympathy my printer has died and I have not a clue if it is worth repairing it or buying a new one. Oh woe is me!

Charleygirl On reading your message I went into melt-down on your behalf. You are having to deal with a mega buggeration. MacS sends his commiserations. Bless you. Life can throw some nasty stuff into the mix. No amount of cake will help to cheer you up.

I have to dash. Before I log off, I would like to thank you all for your company. You lot are special peoples.

Never thought I'd be saying this but I am almost envious of the snow I'm hearing about.

It was pouring when I woke this morning and continues to pour, had the light on all day, hate it, hate it, hate it. We've had the company of granddaughters to lift the spirits, even if I finished up sewing with one, don't go there, I'm no N&G . Sorry greyd I know you could do without snow and ice, keep the cake safe.

The younger one did kindly build us a virtual ark on the sitting room rug, apparently only really room for her toys but she would squeeze me in as long as I do the cooking.

So sorry charley, that's a nightmare to be sure. Commiserations from Mr C as well. He just put his head in his hands and said 'poor woman'. Not a helpful response I thought. Although I am pleased it was the computer not you that was poorly. I think Amazon do have a contact us link, if there are no more sensible suggestions I think I would email with your new address, tell them the old address and see if they can help. They won't want to lose a customer.

I do have Christmas roses kitty, each year I put a pot on my parents' grave just before Christmas, retrieve them whenever I can get there afterwards and plant in the garden, sometimes they grow, sometimes not, I think 50:50 since we've been here. I also have one that was a cutting from my ma-in-law's garden many years ago, its survived goodness knows how many moves and struggles on. Could swap you some for some snowdrops?

Pleased you will get your treat callgirl, think we all need one this time of year and yours is well deserved.

Right, off to see to our meal, hungry noises are coming from somewhere, oh yes, that must be Mr C.

New washing machine is due tomorrow, we have half the kitchen in a spare bedroom, our meal could be well, interesting.

Stay warm and well everyone.

Amazon, being so up to date, want my old email address first and then will not accept it. So helpful. I think if I threaten to cancel my Prime membership somebody may waken up and get in touch. For the last 6 months I have all by myself kept that company going I think so maybe it is as well I do not have access at present.

I have not had access on line to my bank account so maybe I have saved some pennies there.

I still cannot rid of the lurgy I have had since before Christmas. I frequently waken up during the night coughing my head off.

Right, the little ones have gone and Hattie nd I are benjoying the silence. Sis in law left this afternoon too and I didn’t envy her the drive back to Kent in this awful weather.
I feel very flat but couldn’t have coped for much longer even with help! They are lovely lovely children but the little boys are like puppies needing lots of exercise and today’s snow/sleet ruled that out. They did painting and colouring and cutting out this morning followed by the “original “ Swallows and Amazons film (with Virginia McKenna- pure heaven) then their mummy and daddy got here in time for lunch. However I think the children might have ended up bickering at each other if they had stayed much longer, but little DGD “kicked off” because she didn’t want to go home!
I shall be glad of a quiet evening and later start tomorrow morning. Lovely to have and lovely to hand back!

Indeed, maw, indeed .

Snow all gone - temperatures set to rise, with lots of rain in the forecast (corner please take note! Send us your rain and you can have our snow - I am nothing if not generous! ). Goody! I can cope with that! Not out of the woods yet, though, methinks!
Nice to have you back on line, Charley. That would cause me no end of angst!
A winding down day for you and Hattie tommorrow then, Maw! Enjoy!
Signing off; a pleasant evening to one and all.

I am very pleased the weather is milder we are due to see the DGSs tomorrow. Last time we went two weeks ago it was thick fog and I missed the turning.
I expect we will be doing the same standing in the park in the wind. Winter drawers on!

I drove from Essex to Kent this morning to stay with DD2, DGD1 and the newest addition, two week old Charlotte. I'm here for the next week as SIL has to go back to work tomorrow.
I drove through heavy rain, sleet and even some snow to get here. What a thoroughly miserable weekend it has been.
Let's hope next week is warmer and dryer. I have to be up early to get DGD1 to school for 7.30 some mornings !!

Hope you’re recovering maw small children are delightful.... but let’s be honest here, small doses are usually best!
Hope you have lots of new baby fun sar and I bet that big sister will be glad to see you too.
Similar weather here gd, must admit I’m glad the snow didn’t really come to much and it doesn’t look like it should freeze tomorrow - hurray! I love it that you can identify a place by the look of the river, I guess that says something about what you’ve enjoyed over the years!
That’ll be why I’m so brainy then I wish kitty!
Glad you’ve sorted the washing machine dilemma corner I hope it wasn’t too painful a dent for the post Christmas bank balance.
Sorry to hear you’re still coughing charley, this years lurgies seem to have been particularly vicious.
A mostly indoors day today, hiding from the snow/sleet/rain. Am now glad I didn’t get that Fitbit thingy for Christmas, it would be sat there on my wrist shaming me for my inactivity. Maybe I’ll do better tomorrow!
Time to go before this phone finally admits defeat and runs out of battery. Good night all x

Hello everyone! I have been watching from a certain holiday venue near to Woburn with family and friends - 12 adults, 2 teenagers and 3 toddlers. You will guess who caused most fuss (teenagers!) and noise (adults!)
Great fun, lovely food but shattered now! Off to Aqua-fit with neighbour this morning. Hope you all have a dry and sunny day - some hope

Morning all !!

I wonder if all the lost posts end up in the same place as lost socks? Just a thought :-)

Glad you're back Charley !!

Sam disgraced himself this morning by now stopping at the door as trained after a run in the bog that is now our garden. Grampy shouted - Sam panicked . End result there is mud as far as the eye can see and Sam ended up on the bed trying to do whatever it was Grampy was shouting about !!

I am cross with Grampy because it could all have been avoided by using a different voice. Poor old Sam can't be blamed at all and I have snuck him a treat to say so!!

Love the sound of the ark Corner and I think any crafting with little ones is good- they are always pleased with the outcome even if we see its shortcomings.

I love that movie Maw , I read the books avidly as a child- wonderful !

I'm sure the drive was totally worth it Sar53 - enjoy your cuddles.

Sounds like lots of fun jane right up my street.

Grampy and I both got letters for our diabetic eye tests today and it turns out it is a day when we have the three little boys for a few days. Grampy actually pondered whether we should just take them and go and do it. Bear in mind they give you eye drops so neither of us could drive for a few hours.

So there we are, in a large hospital, with 3 under 8's , two old folk who can't see very well - what could go wrong?????

Needless to say , I'm ringing them today to rearrange the apt !!

Time to make tea and toast for the builders ( not Grampy - he's in my bad books!!)

Happy day all !!

Oh dear n&g , couldn’t help laughing - I’m sure grampy is suitably chastened, will he be allowed some lunch ? .

I’m breathing slowly and deeply this morning. Apparently our very needed washing machine is on a late delivery. Apart from a requirement to clear the laundry mountain before our friends arrive in the morning it means Mr C will be AWOL. Well, a committee meeting, but why is that important? I can foresee all sorts of anxst when two large delivery people who refuse to believe anything a white haired woman says try to squeeze a washing machine through the narrow access and install it in our tiny kitchen. The fact that the old washing machine is in the hall after we removed it yesterday through said space might give them a clue that it can be done, but I fear the worst.

I’m probably being gloomy because it’s still raining, forecast is rain for the next three days. What do we do with our visitors? Polite suggestions welcome

Onwards, deep breathing and toast and marmalade should fix it. Take care everyone.

Oh dear Corner I’d be like you I’m afraid with regard to men and washing machines !! Maybe it will all go better than expected !

In regards to the bad weather and friends arrival , I suggest welcoming them with a coffee with a nip of something to keep the chill out. Wine with lunch, a liqueur with coffee( if they’re not snoozing in their chairs after that...... pour another glass !! ) ????

A quickie...as they say in polite circles! I have stuff to do but will return later to play catch-up. I've added a few extra comfy chairs for any new visitors. jamsidedown may call by for a wee blether and a slice of whatever cake remains in the tin. That may not be good enough. I've dropped off a batch of oatie flapjacks. Tesco's finest.

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Okay! You lot win. I took one look at the pile of ironing and thought...Nah! Later maybe.

Sar53 Well done! You had a nightmare of a drive but the reward is beyond price. You get to cuddle the new baby. Enjoy every moment to the full. Charlottes big sister will be very happy to help.
I have three and a bit months in which to remain patient. By which time, we'll have two new babies to cuddle. Granddaughter's babe is due within the next three or four weeks. Yykes!

Maw Silence is golden. Especially after a riotous time spent with three young children. Hattie and grandma can now unwind.

NellieM Hope that your winter drawers have strong elastic. It's windy hereabouts.

N&G How naughty of Grampy. Poor Sam will have been distressed to be spoken to in a cross manner. To finish up on the bed...Sam, not Grampy, made me titter. So, who has to wash the bedding?

corner Nana's advice for dealing with visitors during inclement weather is totally sound.
As for the saga of the washing machine...think Zen...remember to breath in and out...^this too shall pass...^

Oh dear! Our car is refusing to start. We recently had to pay a hefty bill because the same problem occurred and putting it right took a very long time. Poor MacSporran looks awfully glum.

Just wish to share a lovely wee plaque that I discovered on eBay. It is old and it cost under £10. I LOVE it. I shall treasure it.

Plus one...

Soop we need your baking in The Argy asap.I can’t comment on the Cornish pastie I have just eaten there ( gaaaah!) It took three Pernods to get rid of the taste.
Thanks in advance.

lemongrove I shall bake buy a batch of flapjack thingies for the Argy. As for Pernod, I seem to remember being partial to a wee snifter in bygone days. It's an acquired taste. Certainly not for whips.

Whimps!