Soop's comfortable, cosy, friendly kitchen...

Lovely lunch today. I and my friend go out most Wednesdays and were thinking we needed to cast our net a bit further than the few restaurants we've been patronising for years. I consulted Tripadviser and we went to a highly recommended pub which didn't disappoint, though I have guilty feelings about the irresistible crumble!
Have you ever bought a book and, after a few chapters thought it seemed familiar? Yesterday I saw one that I didn't recognise and today realised it was on my Kindle and I'd read it last year. Oh dear!
I hope it's good news about your house sale, Panache. Your downsizing exercise may well have been worthwhile. Charley. I don't care for milk puddings though a decent custard can seduce me. When we were kids our mum used to add cocoa and raisins to Bird's custard and called it chocolate pudding. Milk is palatable if combined with chocolate!

Righty oh! I'm logging off until tomorrow. The sun is shining and the sea is calm. The garden looks stunning. I should flick a duster over the furniture. I shall give the matter plenty of serious thought.

Wishing you well until we meet again in the kitchen tomorrow.

Greyduster You've been far too busy. My advice is...reeeelax and maybe have a glass of chilled wine this evening.

Greyduster It beggars belief that a bank cannot get their own house in order. There should not only be a personal apology but a wee extra something paid into the account of folk who have suffered the stress of not being able to access their own account. Bloody cheek!

Charleyg I always ate the milk puds of pals who refused them when I was at school.

Greyduster thanks, I have some frozen but cannot look at it yet.

A miracle happened today- I got access on line to my TSB account, the first time in 5 weeks. I only opened the account I think in November but I am in the process of moving to Nationwide and needed access to my account because only current accounts are moved, not savings accounts so I had to transfer the dosh to my current account so all is ready. That deal should be completed on the 11th of this month. I cannot be the only person fleeing a sinking ship- I cannot see TSB surviving.

Luckily I had the foresight to sort it out pre surgery. Still, it is an excellent way of saving. Thank goodness I had another account I could use.

Well I have had a very exciting day, sitting in the dentist’s chair, then defrosting two freezers and filling in cracks that keep appearing here and there. DH says they are “settlement cracks” but the house is thirteen years old so if it hasn’t settled yet it doesn’t bode well. When it “settles” down around our ears perhaps he will take it seriously!! He offered to take me fishing today and I said I didn’t want to go. Now he thinks I am sickening for something as I am usually champing at the bit!
Panache I hope your viewing went well. At least you know if they have driven that far they must be serious buyers and not just nosy holiday makers! Fingers crossed! Your mention of the Blue Lagoon reminded me of our last holiday with our GS - he loves the place and has no fear of jumping in, though not from the height the Red Bull divers do! High enough though!
I shall return to my kitchen and shove the spag Bol around a bit. Charley I will save you some.

soop those are dishes I was forced to eat as a child so I hate them. I actually do not like desserts or anything to do with milk- I prefer starters.

I bought king prawn linguine x2 from Morrisons on line and I have had that for lunch 2 days running and today I added a toasted roll. I doubt if I will manage anything else today but I doubt if I will fade away.

A bright and sunny good afternoon from Kintyre.

I managed to complete the ironing session in two and a half hours. Now it's time to catch up and drink freshly made coffee.

Welcome Cherrytree59 I shall Google Mallow and compare the images. Thank you.

Thank you, Callgirl, Just keep on phoning until you get a visit. The dressing needs regular attention at this stage.
We said hello to David on our way to the surgery earlier today. I've had the Shingles vaccine and bloods taken. Sore arm but otherwise unscathed.

Charleyg Sorry to hear that you are still in pain. Do you like milk puddings or porridge? I find such meals easily digestible and pleasant. Especially with a helping of fruit.

JaneD3 That's a good question. I know not the answer.

Ann I totally agree with Greyduster. Please try to relax. The better you feel, the better you will continue to cope.

Hello kitcheners. A quick foray for me before I drag myself off to the dentist! Jane we have been doing the same thing! Dozens of the little blighters, all getting the cup and card treatment to be evicted back outside. Most of them honey bees too! I cleaned the fifteen windows inside our conservatory yesterday, and then DH started waving the fly swatted around, so I evicted him too!
Charley sorry to hear you are still in pain, and please try and eat a little something.
Cherry I’m not sure if the rogue plant can be mallow - I thought it had a different rather rounded leaf form. Could be wrong; frequently am!!
Ann I’m sure all of us imagine how you must feel, but you have done the right thing and it sounds as if your DH is in good hands - and so, with your GD there, are you. ??
Must dash. I’ll look in later.

Greetings all, sent from my bed where I am still malingering.
That doesn't mean I slept well because I didn't, I was worrying how H was coping.
The care home impressed me after my doubts, it was fresh and spotless and H's room has a lovely view over a very large ,well kept and interesting garden.
There was an entertainer in one of the lounges although we didn't go in.
Mr GD went with me and we all had tea and cake in another lounge and then left.
Greeting from management staff was a bit haphazard but other staff all came up and introduced themselves.
I was told to ring as often as I liked but I won't visit for a few days, my GD will go as he won't expect her to take him home.
She and I are going out for a meal tonight and she will stay again as she did last night but then it is back to work for her and a quiet few days for me.
I know it is the right thing for me, I couldn't carry on but a huge feeling of guilt all the same..
Sorry I have been preoccupied by my own problems, I know I am one of very many and I send mu very sincere wishes to you all .

Glad to hear that McS and Panache have had good news. Best wishes to everyone else.
Why can bumblebees find their way in through a patio door but not find their way out? 3 to rescue already!

Pleased to hear that MacS received some good news. Much as I love Scotland I do not miss the midges.

Sorry I have not been around but it is taking me forever to recover from this surgery- pain being the main factor. A decent meal inside me would not go amiss but I am not hungry.

Panache a quick sale without giving the house away for peanuts would be superb.

Maw please look after Hattie- she is not used to that amount of exercise. She would be better off here with me- we would care for each other. Sam could come if he wished but he has his own friends.

Soop, I was dead chuffed to read MacSporran`s reassuring news. As for the midges, you`ll have to get him one of those hats with all the net around them!

MawB, enjoy tomorrow, but don`t walk Hattie`s paws off!

Panache, I hope you get a quick sale. Do you have a property in mind if your house sells fast?

We waited all day for the district nurse to change Lynne`s dressings, she never turned up, so I`ll have to ring first thing in the morning and hope we get a visit tomorrow. They haven`t been changed since Friday.

Hi Soup
I popped into the kitchen yesterday as I was wondering if your triffid could be a Mallow.
We have had several self setters in our garden.
Very tall, large soft leaves, pink flowers in Summer time.

Oh...*Panache*, I have just this minute read your latest post. Wow! Someone is most def interested in viewing your home. What a pleasant surprise for you. As I dash away with the smoothing iron, I shall think of you and send positive vibes.

It has been a very pleasant day. There is a slightly cooler breeze but I'm not complaining. MacSporran has cut the grass again and reported that a gang of midges attacked him.

I'm logging off for the remains of the day. Ironing duties in the morning. I intend returning to catch up with you lovely lot early afternoon. Doesn't time fly when you're having fun.

Glad to give you the little uplift you certainly needed this day Soop........and I promise from now on I shall address a certain Mac ever so correctly.
Always such a relief when these Medical appointments of this nature are over,a little breather before seeing the Oncologist.
It is great to hear he is being looked after and as I keep on saying, we can but meet these appointments one day at a time................useless looking too far ahead.
Back to your artwork and get the taste of hospital out of your system Soop.

I think a welsh cwtch is in order Maw if you don`t mind me administering one?

We have a dental appointment tomorrow and I must be following you, in that I too am down for a Doppler since my legs are in a real state............though nothing like your
thrombophlebitis.
Delighted to add though my leg `op itself is healing nicely.

I can`t think of a better "pick me up" than a visit to The Flower Show...............Hattie should have a pair of her Mom`s sketchers!!!
I hope that those colourful specimens will well and truly uplift you and bring back that lovely smile.

Guess what my kitchen friends,this is nothing short of a miracle............although it has certainly rather put us in a state of flux.

My DH decided yesterday to put our home back on the Market before the School Holidays will bring the usual lull of viewers............this morning before 9.30am we had a phone call from our estate agent saying this couple from
Dorset are already in their car,heading this way, and could they view early tomorrow morning...................talk about being knocked down by a feather.............anyway that has certainly got us talking and pondering!!!!
We did not expect this early reaction that is for sure!

So there will be no long manuscript from me tomorrow early morning ............giving you a little break Soop!!!

Wishing you all a peaceful evening.

Thank you, Maw. I hope that you have a perfectly wonderful day at Chatsworth Flower Show. It's lovely that you will be with your sister-in-law and Hattie. What a treat is in store. I trust that the sun will shine brightly for you.

Soop that is reassuring and good news - very pleased for you both
Back from the hygienist (who was kind because she also used to treat Paw and I was a bit tearful- not unconnected with today’s GN) and now off for Doppler (ultrasound) scans on my legs for circulation following on from the thrombophlebitis I have been suffering from. Joy!
On a brighter note, Sis in law and I are taking Hattie to Chatsworth Flower Show tomorrow. A whole day on her paws- poor dog, the eyes will need serious resting when we get back!

A good afternoon greeting to all you lovely peoples (as our grandson would say).

MacSporran's scan result was favourable. Little change in the dimensions of the aortic aneurysm. He was able to attend the Campbeltown hospital for the procedure this time. Next appointment is with the Oncologist in Oban in a fortnight. We celebrated with a hug.

Lots to read and catch up with. Nothing new there.

Panache I'm pleased to hear you sounding so upbeat. You are a real trooper. I loved your reference to MacSparrow. Made us both chuckle.

anno I've been very busy with artwork recently. Missed the tennis. Never fear, I shall be glued to my chair when Wimbledon starts.

Does anyone know what the huge green plant is? (picture of it on a previous post.)

`Morning to all you kitcheners,whilst wishing Soop and MacSparrow a safe journey and good outcome.
These Medical appointments do tend to take over your life if you do not make a great effort not to get stuck in that rut!!

Loved the picture and the cake Callgirl.....never had one with my photo, so perhaps that is something left to aspire too...........I have a few Birthdays yet to look forward to...........although quite frankly I would be happier were they going in reverse order!

Happy Birthday to young Sam too.

Greyduster you know we always keep a welcome so perhaps you can pencil in a visit next year?
Thanks for reminding me of the name.....Traeth Llyn ...which was but a few miles from where I was brought up, but quite frankly I chickened out from taking those extremely scary metal stairs!!!
I had a boyfriend whom lived in Porthgain and this beach was his main “stomping ground” and I was quite envious.He was an avid Bird watcher too.

Now The Blue Lagoon just off Abereiddy beach has become internationally renowned for the Red Bull Diving Competitions,and of course that area of our Coastal path and Traeth Llyn beach has become world known.

Not quite the "empty" beach that we knew in the past.

A good time to visit perhaps??

The Competition.....and great influx of visitors is in September.

As a lover of all things of nature, the wild flowers have to be amongst my favourites,and this year we seem to be abundantly blessed.
We love our Foxgloves..........and lo and behold anyone who might dare to cut them back!!!

It is a crying shame when the Council send in their mechanical equipment to ravage our hedgerows and verges,sadly they seem to choose the wrong time of the year.

However at home here, my man spent a very full day mowing in the heat yesterday,whilst today has been pencilled in to start trimming those hedgetops..........leylandii and laurel.

The morning starts rather grey, and quite frankly, it is far more ideal for this heavier kind of garden work.

All this activity is far too much, but with our house now back on the Market since yesterday,obviously we have to be at the ready to present it all looking fairly respectable.
We both hate this part of moving home............but needs must, and so it is head down and get on with it!!!

Fennel............here`s a house ready made for you by the way!!!
Were we some years younger.......and fitter......we certainly would not be selling up!

One leg to be redressed,but healing nicely and I am still taking life rather gently....just as my body dictates.
So I think it time to wish you all a fruitful day with healing vibes to those in need.

I could help you out with that dilemma , anno....... but unless you’re in Yorkshire it might need to be a postal service !

soop, I've been watching the French Open Tennis on ITV4. I think several of the commentators are the same ones that work for the BBC at Queen's and Wimbledon. The ironing board is set up opposite the TV set. I must find something to iron tomorrow!
I hope MacS's scan is favourable.

Ah, you`ll have to keep on wondering N&G! Fancy you missing Sam`s birthday, lovely photos though. Safe journey home.

callgirl I love your cake but I can’t help but wonder what you were wishing for ?xx