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

Very interesting Greyduster but oh! so deeply poignant,even just reading your account has me damp eyed .We sometimes do forget the sacriifes made by so many..........and as you remarked.......by all age groups,some particularly mere lads.
Sometimes we need these gentle reminders and I can totally agree with you,such a moving visit needs peace and much contemplation.
Thank you for sharing though,a very special and meaningful visit for sure.

Night Night all......nightime comes early for some of us .....and I did have a poorly night last night.

I am late in the kitchen today. We have just come back from a worthwhile day out at the National Memorial Arboretum. It has been on our to do list for some time. It is moving, awe inspiring and on a couple of occasions, moved me quite to tears. Once when we found our friend’s name among the thousands of names on the Armed Forces Memorial, and once when I wandered round the ‘Shot at Dawn’ memorial and saw how many of those executed were only nineteen - just boys - and many no older than their very early twenties. Just about everyone is represented at the NMA though, from the armed forces to the Girls Brigade, the W.I., evacuees, still born babies..... we were even treated to the spectacle of a Spitfire flypast at one point - that was a complete surprise! We covered a lot of ground and now all I want to do is sit in a chair and think about it all. I will bid you goodnight.

Charleyg* Thumbs up for fish. We have more fish than meat dishes. I'm relieved that the vibes are reaching you. We do care...so there.

After a very long spell of ignoring the exercise bike...I'm recovering from a 15 minutes hard pedal. I'm sweating glowing and I'm out of puff. Time for feet-up time and a welcome .

All good wishes to you lovely lot.

Oh dear a big yuck from me when I hear about rhubarb crumble, custard and Eton Mess. I did have cereal for breakfast so that at least was liquid inside me. As for supper, I would prefer a cup of coffee only but the vibes are reaching me.

I ordered another sirloin steak next week from Morrisons because I did enjoy the steak toasted sandwich. There was not a lot to tempt my palate but I promise to have another look at the fish dishes because I do love fish.

I do have sea bass and smoked salmon trimmings in my freezer so I may well have a go with one of those over the weekend.

I can feel a spot of tennis watching coming on. Back soon x

Maw that was a very special, misty-eyed moment.

Panache Thank you for your on going interesting posts. You put me to shame. I have a routine that rarely changes. My posts err on the side of being samey and boring.

However, this coming week, MacSporran and I have two outings to look forward to. Oban hospital appointment (fish and chip treat afterwards) and I shall be blethering with Baggs in person later in the week. We'll be meeting in Lochgilphead.
On the subject of temaris...Baggs is an expert. I wish that I had her skill to create such beautiful objects.

MacSporran did get up the ladder, performed a short back and sides on the tall hedge...and made it down safely. Was I fretful? Yep!

JaneD3 I love rhubarb crumble and real custard with a passion. Just sayin' Oh, and Eton Mess. The messier the better.

CharleyG Just continue to tuck into whatever takes your fancy. You are making progress. That's what counts.

Good afternoon dear Kitcheners. It's a beautiful, sunny day. I had hoped to take a stunning photo of last night's summer solstice sky. Low cloud wouldn't shift when I wanted it to.
Here is the picture that I had to settle for.

N&G, your mention of low flying jets takes me back to the time we spent in Norfolk. We frequently had those jets, straight over our house. One of our cats, a card-carrying coward, used to dive for cover under a small sofa or a big antique chest of drawers; the other one just took it all in his very casual stride. When the primary school had its annual outdoor prizegiving, you could be certain that the jets would put in their usual ear-busting appearance. Some of the pilots lived in our village and I sensed a conspiracy!

Pleased to hear about your progress, mcem, a positive spirit always helps and you have loads of that.

Good grief, kitty, all I've managed today is a short trip to a garden centre and switching the computer on. Oh well, there's time yet for me to accomplish something tangible. Have a wonderful weekend, it will be fun, can you put your feet up on Monday?

I'll pass on the rhubarb, can't bear the smell of it. Mr C likes it though so he's happy to help out if needed Jane.

Sponsorship is fraught with danger, n&g, that was excellent advice, we always stick with a set donation depending on our view of the charity involved, its triggered some interesting conversations with the young ones about the relative merits of the charities the school is engaged with. I hope grampy has had just a little sympathy by now although there is a degree of pots and kettles as Mr C would understand, he often complains at the lack of tlc with what I view as 'silly' injuries.

We seem to be sharing your sunshine today panache, so I will stir myself, do what has to be done and then I can sit outside with a book which I will read rather than have a nap , honestly I will

Oh Maw! All misty eyed .
Oh yuk here! Remember we had squirrels in the loft a few weeks ago? Well now we have a smell. A nice young man from the pest control company came and removed the source from the loft, along with the accompanying maggots. Scented candles anyone?

Only recently I asked our practice nurse if I should have a tetanus booster but was told that they only recommend them for folks with 'dirty' work - like farmers.
(Later wondered if I should have asked if she's an Archers listener!)

Grampy of course

N&G I hope Gramoy is up to date with his tetanus shots?
Many years ago when I had to take the girls for their booster, the Nurse asked when I’d had my last one. When I said I had no idea, she suggested I have it there and then and (optimistically) rolled up my sleeve.
Imagine the juvenile hilarity when she said “No, no, Mrs Broon, drop them! “ [bkush]

I am now installed in Walthamstow and littlest fella has just called me “Granny” (well, Janny/Danny) for the first time! ???

Thank anno. I feel that having a little success is encouraging more. As for St A pier - I feel just a bit shoogly for that as yet!!

Did I hear Eton Mess mentioned??????

That WILL get me up and motivated.........it seems all you Mums and grans need more than Eton mess to give you the strengths to cope with tiny people..............but hey enjoy them Kitty,Jane and I think I read Maw is off doing granny duty too.........and all roped in to mind the youngsters.
I am no sports fan either Cornergran and Callgirl.................but hey when the sun shines we really have much to smile about.

A second helping if you please Jane...........after all you are on a diet I believe?????

Must rush and scamper away from soop`s territory.............giving her yet more posts to acknowledge.......
I think you need a P.A............???No I am not offering!!

Good work Kitty! I am just doing bathrooms before I start baking. I have done important things like decanting the rhubarb gin and baking the rhubarb - oh my days! I feel a rhubarb Eton Mess coming on ?

mcem, what great progress! You'll be out and about under your own steam in no time. You're getting excellent service from your physio. Next time I come up to Dundee, we could go on a pier walk at StA!

Just a quick pop in. We have DD2 and family here this weekend. Up to now I have made a cake, peeled and slices potatoes, made tomato sauce and had a tour of the garden so dh could show me all the new buds!

All the convalescents seem to getting there - well done mcem and eat please, charley. Panache your view sounds glorious.

That was a near miss N&G, you could have been homeless. Look after Grampy's leg.

Apparently Lottie (5) woke early and sat in bed shouting 'will somebody wake me up - I want to go to Ma and Pa's now!' I feel exhaustion coming on.

Morning all !!

I am in the process of drafting a complaint to 'Bomber Command' who rudely let several aircraft from a near by base do a low fly through this morning pre 8am !! Its just not on chaps !! I thought the RAF didn't rise till noon, and then took a leisurely brekkers before getting their 'man' to polish their shoes !! It's just not cricket old boy!

BUT now I'm up, its a beautiful blue sky day , a quick trip to the post office and then I see some serious crafting in my future :-)

Had to laugh at your skype experience Grey . I too worked from home with one company Maybelle and could often be found with my top half looking 'office worthy' in a blouse and my bottom half in my pjs !

Of course we missed you anno !! How can you think otherwise ;-)

Good news on all counts ann , you sound refreshed and very positive . I'm so glad for you.

Ah, Kitty men and their short term memory + clumsiness eh? Grampy scratched his leg the day before yesterday and then yesterday managed to know over a heavy piece of wood that dragged down the same shin, took off that 3 inch scab and added an additional 2 inches to it !!! I supplied him with 2 batman plasters and a Mickey Mouse one ( and not a huge amount of sympathy to be fair !!)

Charley , I'm not going to nag you (much) but maybe think about what you actually fancy eating rather than what you feel you must? Get a delivery of all those things however diverse and try to at least enjoy what you are eating . You must get better, Tara is counting on you !!

Soop enjoy your tennis !! I am not sporty in the least , since my days of doing any sport are long gone I am not much of a watcher .

This morning Grampy and I sponsored young Jackson in his Race for Life today. I asked my daughter how far it was, so should I sponsor him by distance? She replied' Don't do that Mum, just offer an amount because they pop them out on the playing field and just let them keep running round until they run out of steam ! Could have been VERY expensive !! :-)

Wishing you all a little sunshine in your day today !

`Morning all and what a corker it seems to be............looking out from my bedroom window I am ashamed to say!

Having read of our convalescing "heroines" it makes me feel somewhat guilty, because you are all determined to make the grade .......good on you,keep up the good work.

Whilst Charley I have visions of you fading away!
No nagging, but I will reiterate what I have said previously .......as has Corner too........the secret is in "Little and often"

Phew Jane you haven`t half been busy so I hope your family will all appreciatre your handiwork!

I have had to refrain from my favourite fruit, however seeing cherries and nectarines made me break my "golden rule" and yes.......I have suffered since! So I thought I would go the whole hog this morning, and enjoyed a red grapefruit for my brekkers............worthy of the problems I hope!........a beautiful crop of fruit this year Annodomini

I really must thank the so many of you for your kind remarks, because sometimes I do feel a bit of a fraud here in soop`s kitchen...........you all leading such active lives .......and I just bring up the rear!!!
Whilst yes, writing maybe "my thing" but these days I don`t have to much to fire up about.............so thank you for your encouragement.
Indeed Greyduster I could write reams about my beloved Wales and especially Pembrokeshire!

Whilst I am not going to hog this spot, so all I can add........for now........is have a lovely day,not overly energetic ......especially all of you "learning the ropes" yet again..................and do have a with me at eleven.

I was very happy with physio visit yesterday. All exercises going well.
She marked up score sheet. As I left hospital I scored 18 out of 28 and yesterday it was 25 (3 weeks and 3 days post-op).

Of course I asked about the missing 3 points.
1 lost because I used the arms of the chair to heave myself up.
1 because I still limp when walking without stick (so still need it).
1 because she thought I was slightly off balance when I turned a tight circle without stick!
All in all happy with that plus seal of approval for trip with DGCs on 10 July.

Good luck to others in 'convalescent ward'.
I' m convinced that eating properly has helped a lot - and I have less tummy fat!

Good morning to the Kitchen! This has been another amazingly busy week, getting the redecorated rooms back into use, as all the family and two dogs are up for the weekend. Nearly there! Family gathering to see nephew and family who are visiting from New Zealand.
The exciting bit is that we get the two littlies ourselves for a sleepover!
Next week I turn my attention to the garden, which has quietly gone mad while I was looking the other way!
Best wishes to those with good news and to those who are not in quite such good spirits

Never mind, Charley, 3/4 is better than nothing and it's a shame you weren't enjoying it. A little of what you fancy - whatever that may be. Maybe what you need is good old fashioned Scottish mince and tatties; or maybe not! How about fruit? Aldi had masses of luscious Scottish strawberries and raspberries today and I couldn't restrain myself. This year's weather has produced a bumper crop and I hope there are people there to pick the fruit.
Just noticed it's past my bed time. Goodnight.

I ate 3/4 of my curry supper and did not enjoy it because I did not want it. I do realise I cannot survive on coffee alone.

Tara is upstairs resting so I am going to join her.

Nagging head is on again, charley, please eat regularly, your digestion needs to get used to regular food. Little and often maybe?

I’m delighted for you ann, regular respite is certainly needed if you are to be able to carry on, excellent news.

Hope macs made it down in one piece, sounds like a case of head-age not matching body-age. .

I’m with you and sport avoidance tactics callgirl, will it all be over soon?

Mr C tends to be accident prone kitty, the ‘incident’ you describe could have happened here. I do wish Mr C would just stop and think sometimes. I’d quite like him to survive. More examples of head-age and body-age being miles apart. Hope your husband was able to move when he returned from his volunteering, otherwise will you take food out to him?

You be careful too anno, no more injuries. There seems to be quite a lot about at the minute.

Escaped physio with all limbs intact today. I practiced my nagging skills until the right number of referrals were made and there was agreement that I could have acupuncture for pain relief. Apparently it is usual to feel worse before feeling better. Not wrong there. Never mind, the sun has been shining, we had a nice stroll by the sea and I’ve chatted with a friend on the phone for an unreasonable amount of time. It’s not all bad

Take care everyone.