Soop`s superbly supportive,caring and fun loving Kitchen.

A quick pop in and indeed a warm welcome to a plethora of new faces, whom obviously know that *Soop`s& Kitchen Is THE place to be if looking for warmth,caring and that listening ear, not forgetting great sustenance in the form of delicious cakes!

Kitty how I sympathise with you and the tiredn ess probably from the extra caring of your "invalid"..........although every day I look for some form of improvement from my man, sadly, I have to admit that I am fearing his recovery is very stagnant and he is obviously not a well man at all.
As for me I am totally falling to pieces!
So I heartily sympathise.

For those interested in our welfare we have had (at last!) a very productive 2 hour visit from a lady whom worked previously for Age UK...... before they pulled out of this County.
We feel she is the first that really understands and has got to the root of our many issues,many of which are hidden but all too real.As a point of interest, she also asked if we were recieving due pay ments,the first that has broached this subject.

Whilst let me say my afternoons of late have been truly uplifted as I make a point of "downing tools" to watch "Escape to the Country" daily if possable,my favourite programme.............and although I know personally of the sheer overall beauty in Scotland,and had read of your wonderful descriptions of your own delightful idyll Soop .............which really wetted my appetite..........the programme bringing us first to the Isle of Arran and yesterday further treating us to scenes from Argyll and Bute.............I was left absolutely overwhelmed by the magnitude and utter beauty of the colourful countryside.
It would not take much for us to pack our bags and head up to join you there Soop and all friends living in those areas

Heatwave seems to have waved goodbye....... and so must I ...........but wishing you all a very pleasant day.

Twintwo congratulations, a new baby is always lovely.

Greyduster so sorry you both have colds but of course DH's is worse than yours! I had to laugh, at my appointment with the oncologist my DH was telling her about his bad back!!

Panache I hope this new lady can provide you both with constructive help and you will soon be moving to more suitable accommodation.

Soop just to wish you well for tomorrow. I know what it is like but when you are actually there things will fall into place and you will know what you are up against. Try and come and let us know when you get back, I know many of us will be virtually there with you [hugs]

panache that sounds really helpful.
I am assuming you are already in receipt of Attendance Allowance as I am sure somebody pointed it out to you back in October/November?
People I know who receive it use it for help in the house or garden or for taxis when needed.

Busy kitchen as ever and too much to keep in my head so (((hugs))) to all who need them. I have made one of Delia's 'stir it up and throw it in the tin' Sultana loaves which tastes better the longer you can bear to leave it in the cake box. It is on the side next to the kettle so I wonder how long that will be allowed to be kept!

Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers tomorrow dear soop.

Panache that is good to hear about your latest visitor, hopefully she will come up trumps with something very helpful.
BTW we learned never to turn anything down, however small, when an aunt turned down an award of 6d (long time ago!) and she consequently lost many other helps for which having that award then qualified her. To be fair to her I don't think that was properly explained at the time but she was very proud and private.

Himself goes for an MRI tomorrow which should be able to indicate just how far the bone infection has crept and then we will know if it will be a (below the knee) BTK amputation or (above) ATK. We are praying that it will be below as then it will be the loss of just one joint which obviously is much easier to deal with. When DD was here part of our storage organising was to make room for a leg storage area! Now there is a thought eh!?

Dear Maw thank you for your interest and input re my welfare which I really appreciate so much from you all.
I do not get Attendance Allowance and neither does my man,in fact this was broached today and dismissed.
I get full what used to be known as DLA for care and mobility.

There are some great people still around in this country for sure for yesterday a neighbour arrived unasked,complete with his "kit and caboodle" already dressed in work gear and mowed our paddock,a great weight off someone`s shoulders let me tell you!
I was prepared to leave it as a wild meadow,with a gardener to mow the smaller lawns.......all in hand.....IF this forthcoming possable house purchase does not happen!!
Our couple have "gone to ground" at the moment...... and so we are very much in the dark.

The lady visitor today has truly got to the root of our needs, some which are quite complex,but again absolutely appalled by the lack of care from the Medical/Stroke unit at our Hospital and the SS.

Such a relief indeed.We have some hope now.

Sending you my very best wishes dear Soop for tomorrow,am rooting for you and prayerfully hoping for the very best outcome...........lots of welsh cwtches heading your way

So pleased that somebody is "on your case" Panache.

Best wishes for tomorrow Soop.

Sending hugs to all kitcheners in need along with cookies ??????

I have had a busy and exciting few days, I finally took the plunge and purchased a new car. It is a convertible 4 seater, but extremely "snug" in the back totally impractical- but I love it and cannot wait to take delivery. I have prepared Mr.GG13 that if I have all GC at any one time I shall have to borrow his beast of a car!!!

Also can now say that we are to be blessed with a new GC in the autumn bringing our total to 7. I am so excited but slightly worried about DIL who is so tired and feeling poorly, as we are just up the road, 10 mins walking we are on hand to help.

Keep safe all xx

Susan56 Your supportive post makes such good sense. We do try to be all things to all people when duty calls. It's a natural reaction. The truth of the matter is, we can do our best to be supportive. It's a difficult ask.

Nannytopsy That is a prize winning photo of a truly splendid creature.

Urmstongran The thought of cancer rearing it's ugly head a second time, must be traumatic. Please tell us, if you wish, what the GP thinks is the likelihood.

kitty Here's a (((hug)))...you can alwyas have your dearly beloved removed to the poorly chaps wing. It would leave you free to relax.

Twin2 Pneumonia can leave you seriously jiggered for a very long time. However, news of a new baby expected in late summer has to be the best ever tonic. Wonderful news.

Galen you really don't deserve the misfortune of missing out on the far too early late spring. Although, of cours, it was a freak blip of Mother Nature. Your turn in the [sun] will come at the appropriate time.

Lovely photos, Greyduster. I am rather partial to custard tarts. Haven't enjoyed one in many a long year.

Panache I have the feeling that stuff is moving in the right direction. One step at a time. At least they are positive steps. You deserve as much. Keep positive. It suits you.

dragonfly Thank you. I shall pop in to give an update on our return home. It's an early start. Plenty of mileage. Maybe fish & chips on the journey home.

Synonymous My thoughts will be with you when your husband undergoes the MRI scan. We all hope for a positive prognosis.

GrannyGravy Oh, you lucky lady. A convertible. I would love a Mini Cooper convertible. Doubtful that I shall ever have one. Can't help but dream.
Congrats on the expectation of a new baby in early autumn. We have seven granchildren and two great grandchildren. Such a joy. The highlight of our year is the gathering of our clan, not too long to wait for the knees-up.

It won't surprise you lovely lot to know that I am running a little late. The ironing session went on a bit longer than usual. Arrived home to discover that our new neighbour was calling in for a coffee and blether. The rest is history.

We leave just after 7 tomorrow morning. I leave the Kindle here at home. I hope to call in to say hello and update you later in the afternoon.

Away to shower and wash my hair. The day has disappeared into the ether.

Kind regards to every one of you.

Hello everyone. I hope I haven't missed soop! Very best wishes for tomorrow - you are a very special lady and we need you well.

panach I think it was me who suggested Attendance Allowance because I'm always banging on about it. You, and your husband, will be entitled to it (probably at the higher level) it is not means tested and not dependent on other benefits so your advice yesterday was wrong. It would pay for lots of help.

galen I hope you are feeling a little better.

maw keep your cold to yourself please. And I hope the tooth is ok now nannyT

I'm assuming virtual custard tarts are gf so I'll have the left overs - if there are any gd

Congratulations Gg13.

Love and hugs to anyone I've missed.

Back later!

I shall hunker down in my corner kittylester ringing my bell ? and intoning “Unclean! Unclean!” ???
Surprised AA seems to have been ruled out Panache from what you have said you seem prime candidates. Perhaps you were putting on too brave a face?

soop all the very best for tomorrow and I hope you stop en route home for fish and chips.

Synonymous fingers crossed for tomorrow also.

Soop lets hope things are better than expected tomorrow xxx

soop and Synonymous all best wishes for tomorrow.
A trying time I know.
I am back from my D's, I had a lovely time with them but very pleased to be home.
I am happier at home than anywhere now.
My D and GS took me up to London and got me across on the tube, I could not do it on my own now.
They were allowed by lovely staff to take me on to the train, store my case and see me into my seat.
I had a taxi waiting at Stockport to take me home so it was relatively painless,BUT, old age is a pain.
Best wishes to you all.

Firstly I’d like to add my best wishes to soop for your long day and treatment tomorrow. I do hope it all goes well for you.

Secondly I have such relief as my dad’s GP appointment went well. After all the worry it turns out that the doctor has diagnosed a urine infection and prescribed pivmecillinum antibiotic especially for such symptoms. So it’s not a recurrence of the prostate cancer. ??

Thirdly I was so worried and gave no thought to bringing cake when I found a seat in this cosy and welcoming kitchen last night. I’ve put a date & walnut cake on the side (my dad’s favourite) - please all help yourselves! ?

Synonymous I hope the MRI gives the result you wish for.

Lovely to see Panache popping in. The benefits bit is a buggerstion because if you get DLA/PIP you don’t get Attendance Allowance - they are both designed to provide for care and help but AA doesn’t include the specific mobility elements.

All this talk of custard tarts will have me charging off to Lidl in the morning - their little Pastas de Natas (?) are utterly scrumptious. How many shall I get? ?

Urmstongran that cake is one of my favourites- I may have a slice now and sneak an even larger one out.

I left lunch too late so an early supper is calling. TV is dire for me.

Urmstongran so glad you had good news at the Drs,been thinking about you this afternoon.Also thank you for the cake.
I too would like to send my good wishes to you soop for tomorrow.Hoping for the best outcome for you and wishing you and McSporran a safe journey and hope you get those fish and chips on the way home.

AA was purposely designed not to include a mobility factor. It was decided by the PTB, that it would be too expensive as elderly people are more likely to have mobility problems.

Huge relief for you Urmstongran - it so often is a UTI.

So is Panache still entitled to her PIP ?

So pleased to hear your news Urmstongran.

Just popped in to wish Soop luck for tomorrow?. Hope all goes well.
Glad you made it home safely, Ann, and enjoyed your break.
Busy busy day today - now wish to do nothing, nothing and more nothing! Have a pleasant evening folks.