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

That sounds encouraging Nonna
A friend’s husband has just been told they will be going down the Prostate Cancer route after tests etc. She is understandably rather down and worried but I have heard more positive stories after early diagnosis. I think people should be readier to spread the good news to help people overcome their fear of the “big C” which they are afraid to name.

Hello the kitchen. I’m galloping to catch up too. Lovely photos of gardens. Kitty is that heuchera Midnight Rose? I have one in my garden and it is by far and away my favourite plant at the moment, with its paintbrush splatters of pink on the dark red leaves. Also, when we were out walking today we saw your little white convolvulus thingie with the yellow centre in a garden and wondered what it was. Perhaps you will enlighten me! DH wants some!

If I had known this was going to be the hottest day we have had to date here, I would have stayed home and found some shade instead of walking. We got lost. On a walk we have done no end of times. It started to feel, at one point, a bit scary, as the paths got narrower and narrower and more overgrown, and we ended up under a bridge with seemingly no access onto the road above it. A bit of an unseemly scramble up a near vertical slope and a climb over a wooden fence got us there in the end, but I am definitely too b****y old for stuff like that! When we got to the pub which is the half way point - it was closed! Despair! DH turned to walk away but I insisted we sit outside for a bit and take a breather. Then the landlord appeared and I asked him if they were opening. “In five minutes” he said. If I could have hauled myself to my feet, I might have kissed him! When we got home I looked like a boiled beetroot and was so drenched in sweat that I couldn’t get my shirt over my head.

Alygran I love the Farnes. The last time we were out there the weather was not spectacular, but it was still a treat. I have a particular thing for terns. My DS and his missus were at Alnwick recently and he, who knows a thing or three about fine dining, was seriously underwhelmed by their Treetop restaurant. But they loved Northumberland. My DiL is a Geordie.
Well that is me for tonight. I have a refreshing glass of lemonade and am not moving from this chair! Goodnight all!

Hospital visit today to see DH’s oncologist re his prostate cancer. All going well, and he will be off his regular 3 monthly injection by the end of the year. Once his testosterone rises, the PSA levels will inevitably rise too, but hopefully not too high.

We (or rather I) have booked a last minute break to Majorca week after next so a week in the sun should be good. Taking advantage of DGS being on holiday so having time off our regular weekly day with him.

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Oh my everyone is so busy! Just back from a very beautiful Northumberland. Visited the Farnes and saw the puffins and seals, and Alnwick. Three days with DD1 and DGS which was fabulous. Bittersweet memories for us all as we have been with DH so often before. Came home to find his memorial stone has now been installed.
You have all been very busy, so much to catch up on. Hugs to all who could do with one or two this evening.

ann, how lovely to have friends visiting although they might be taken aback at your H's deterioration. On the other hand, they will see just what you have been going through. Perhaps, one day soon, you will be able to go visiting friends yourself.
Much as I'd like a slice of cake, I feel quite full. Met up with friends for a Chinese lunch - very tasty. I managed to leave my stick in my friend's car, so she had to bring it round and have a brew and a chat. Then I had forty winks!
I hope Panache's recovery is going according to plan and that mcem is back on her feet - or, at least, on crutches. Everyone - have a good weekend and keep well.

Love your garden pics kitty. I’ve shopped, I’ve cooked, I’ve gardened and now despite a refreshing shower I’ve crumpled. Unfortunate timing really as our overnight guests are due to arrive very soon. She is my oldest friend, we’ve known each other since we were 14 which you’ll understand is not not that long ago and is married to one of the old boys teenage friends. So there will be a lot of blethering to be done this evening! I hope seeing your friends is a good experience Ann these longstanding friendships are very special ones I think - there’s so much you don’t have to explain to folk you’ve known for years.
Yes please I’d love a bit of cake gaga I’m really hungry waiting for our pals to arrive, pour souls are having a long and tedious journey I fear. Like you I find folk here an inspiration despite the difficulties they are coping with.

Hope you don’t get the weather you’re expecting soop, it’s certainly very muggy and warm here. I’d quite like just a spot of rain to water in the stuff I’ve planted out today.
Right back to the dinner prep, if they don’t arrive soon I’ll be eating the table leg! Evening all xx
ps anyone heard anything of nana lately, or have I just missed a post?

I hope that you are spared the storms and attendant power cuts Soop
Candlelight loses its romantic appeal when there’s only cold baked beans to eat!
I trust mcSporran’s check up goes well. I used to find that “No change” was generally cause for celebration. (Well any excuse!)

Gaga You are a treasure. Although I'm not too fond of and I shall put my feet up at six o'clock sharp and weaken, just to keep you lot company.

Our friend has been to see the GP. She's a stubborn wotsit and has felt unwell for about ten days. She has a temperature and kidney infection and has been prescribed antibio's that should help her to mend.

Because we went to Campbeltown a day early this week, I'm thinking that it's Saturday. Talk about routine. MacSporran and I rarely break the habits of our lifetime together. Never mind, we shall have a wee dram this evening. Our granddaughter and her husband are celebrating their first wedding anniversary today. Our other granddaughter celebrated her fifth anniversary yesterday. Good cause for celebrations all round.

I'm logging off a little earlier today. Providing the storm, should it arrive, doesn't disrupt the power supply, I shall be with you all again tomorrow.

A hearty thank you for your company. You lot are the tops. So there!

indomitable

Whenever I come to the kitchen I am always struck by what burdens some of the kitcheners are carrying but with what courage, grace and optimism they face those burdens. I feel humbled at the indomiable spirit shown in the kitchen and hugely grateful to soop for keeping the kitchen open and welcome for all who need it.

to all those who need a little cheer and to those who need a big cheers. And to everyone.

Chocolate brownies and lemon drizzle on the table (calorie free of course) for anyone who fancies a little sweet something!

kitty Your garden looks very peaceful. Lovely photograph.

Ann The visit by friends may well cheer you. You deserve some light hearted relief. Your husband will be well cared for. If at all possible be extra kind to yourself and relish peace and quiet and not having to do the things that are draining you of energy.

"biddies"

How very brave Panache sounds and how positive.
We all know it isn't easy.
I think she is catching me up in age if I remember a comment of hers.
All us old buddies are made of the right stuff.
My H goes on Tuesday, he could have gone on Monday but some friends of well over 50 years have arranged to come in the train to see us, like us they are no spring chickens, G is just 80 and J the baby is 75.
We never know if we will see it each other again.
Sadly I don't think they are fully prepared for how R is and that he won't have a clue who they are.
I now cannot wait, I am shattered and am coming to the decision that I may not visit while he is there, after a few days he will not remember if I have been or not.
We will see what the staff advise.

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It's so clammy I think it's time for a magnum!

kitty It is such a clammy day. There is barely a breath of a breeze and the midges are out in force. I rarely sweat perspire but right now I'm awfully sticky. Storms are heading this way. Maybe a little later.

Well, not only do you lot not sit still, my posts go missing too!

I think I am going to just sit tight and keep quiet so nothing befalls me.

I'll go back and try to catch up but, in the mean time, soop listen to Doodle, she's obviously a very bright woman.

Gentle hugs for everyone suffering but especially Panache.

Ann, I hope you are feeling better - when does DH go into Respite? Please rest but also meet friends while you have the opportunity - maybe go shopping and buy a bag?

I'm loving all the photos and will try to add one of out garden before the predicted storms arrive and lay it to waste.

Doodle Your latest message has made me go all misty-eyed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You've painted a big on my face.
As for sampling the Cointreau cake...make mine a whopping slice. I have a passion for Cointreau. I have a passion for cake. Neither of which are to be found in my own kitchen cupboard.

Enjoy it while you can Jane we are expecting a rainy weekend here.
Panache I admire your spirit and gumption (sorry couldn't quite think of a better word ) in tackling so many health problems and still managing to post caring thoughts for others. It sounds as though you have been through a lot and more to come. I hope you get home asap (hospitals are not much fun) and your DH gets a chance to look after you. Poor man must have been so worried. (gentle hug for you both from someone else who usually sits and waits while my DH has been through his problems)
soop in your low moments (which I hope you seldom have) just look back over this thread alone and see what a difference it makes to so many people. Don't ever again think the kitchen might have run its course. You have provided a much loved haven for the worried, the sick, the lonely, the happy, the excited sharing of good news and commiserations for the bad. All this and ? too?
Talking of cake, I leave some of my orange sponge on the table for those who would like to try a small piece. I say small because I used a little Cointreau to add to the orange flavour and my hand slipped a bit whilst pouring. (DH loves it )

The sunrise is at Psalidi on Kos. Another lovely day and not too hot, with plenty of cooling zephyrs! Back to real life tomorrow!

Maw Lurve the cushions. I do not need more. Although from time to time I think that I do. It's a me-thing.

Thank you Doodle for the good wishes regarding MacSporran's hospital check ups. He's doing very well. He is always cheerful and positive. A lovely man.

granniequeenie You have a wonderful garden. That is such a good photograph. I can almost smell the blooms.

Hello Nannylovesshopping lovely to have you back.

anno the west coast of Scotland has a weather warning to heed. Later today...storms...this could mean that our telephone line will be cut off. It happens on such occasions.

If I appear to have gone on walkabout...it's not of my choosing.

Well now! What's a girl to do? Catch-up time required in abundance. I think that you lot are b*** marvellous. Kind, considerate, loyal, and deserving of special mention and a real gold star.

Thank you, Panache for sharing and caring.

Welcome back mcem I'm so sorry to hear of your fall. You appear to be well cared for and a room with a view helps to lift the spirits.

NonnaW I've been wondering where you had disappeared to. It's good to have you back in the kitchen.
Likewise Bellanonna, it doesn't matter a jot whether or not you've something exciting to report ( I'm one of those folk whose daily life is strictly routine) but keeping in touch with the lovely people who frequent the kitchen adds colour to my life.

JaneD3 A beautiful sunrise. Here is last night's sunset.

Looks lovely mcem!
Pity you had to go a**e over t**to get the room with a view!

My pic

Thanks all.
Particularly for anno who knows the area but thought others might enjoy the view from my hospital window. I've been moved from the busy ortho ward as I now don't need trauma care - just rest and physio until I go home tomorrow.
Neurosurgery is not overstretched so I have bed in a pleasant peaceful room and am being well cared for by delightful young staff.
The pic shows the pretty village of Invergowrie with Invergowrie Bay and the valley of the Tay beyond.
The quirky white building is the Maggie's Centre designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.
(Not transferring so sending new attachment)