Soop`s Kitrchen,a refuge and sanctuary for genteel folk

We have had a lovely quiet day at home just 'being' and it was really good not having to get to any appointments. Smokie is now very curious about the empty trouser leg and the wheelchair and it is very interesting that he has stopped fretting over Himself's leg. It is a strange thing how animals seem to know when there is infection or something is wrong and he was clearly upset that something wasn't right with that leg. Himself looks so much better and is very much brighter in every way and the only pain is phantom pain which is very sharp but of short duration and we are assured it will go away. Hope that turns out to be so.
Our gardening friend was very busy for most of the day and potted on or planted out all kinds of things and generally made everything look so much better. Himself is very happy to see the garden being cared for and we are indeed fortunate to have such a good friend. The fruit blossom has been stunningly beautiful and we seem to have a good set on all the stoned fruit so far and hope the rest does as well so that we have a good harvest. We seem to have missed the really strong winds for a change which is very pleasing!

Lovely photos have been much enjoyed. TOYA and wishing you all well.

Sounds just the right day for you right day for you yesterday synonymous. You’re lucky to have missed the string winds, need to do some garden repair here yesterday. The Montana is hanging on in there, I love it and will try to attach a photo. No promises though.

Really popped in to say that the good morning thread tell me marydoll is in hospital. It seems a bad reaction to new meds. Wishing her well.

Take care everyone, stay safe and of course TOYA.

Oh no, poor Marydoll. I know she was worried about the new meds. I do hope she gets better very soon.

Sorry to hear about Marydoll
Will light a candle for her at Mass xxxxxxxxxxx

That is horrid 8Marydol* you have enough to contend with without the medication not agreeing with you.

corner would you really notice if the Montana is whisked away?!

I think Hattie has totally forgotten her former life- she is only awake long enough to eat, go for a quick walk and lift her leg. Like Tara she makes good use of the furniture.

I am washed and polished and going out for lunch later, Thankfully the wind has calmed down,

My thick towels dried yesterday, just an airing and everything here is clean.

I was so worried last night because Tara arrived home 2 hours late. Naturally, I was working out how to get her to a vet when she returned, ill or injured because I do not drive in dusk or dark. She appeared around 9 pm but gave me a wide berth, knowing she was naughty and I was worried.

I have the heating on and every door open because madam cannot decide whether she is going out or not. At present the warmth has won.

So sorry to hear your news Marydoll I hope they can sort your meds out soon and you can go back home.

I am so sorry to hear about Marydoll she has had more than enough to cope with yet is always cheerful and concerned for others.
Thank goodness the wind has dropped although it is still parky out.
I spent yesterday evening watching half of “The Barchester Chronicles “ on DVD . First time round I had not appreciated how incredibly funny it is and I adore Geraldine McEwen and Alan Rickman as the equally odious Mrs Proudie and Obadiah Slope. Trollope must have had huge fun creating them, I do wonder if they were based on characters in real life?
Hattie got as much of herself on my lap as she could (head and front paws) and served as a giant furry hottie!
I plan to see the film “Red Joan” this afternoon as I must get out and Judi Dench is supposed to be excellent in it.
TOYA xx
(PS Charleygirl, ladies do not “ lift their legs” - the very thought! ?)

Good morning everyone. After a couple of very foggy days (you don't want to know) my mind seems clearer this morning. I woke really early with sun streaming through the window which was lovely. Hearing aids put in and I was serenaded by the most wonderful Blackbird in full song. It was just so wonderful and reminded me that there IS joy in this world. That wonderful Thomas Hardy poem, The Darkling Thrush sprang to mind, especially the phrase "of joy illuminated." Thank you mother nature for the moment.

Thoughts go to Marydoll and hoping for your quick recovery. And now I know what it means I can add TOYA!!

Fresh sourdough and french white bread available later. CH kneading as I write.

I echo your thoughts on the lovely song of the blackbird Izabella. There’s nothing quite like it really. I always have to stop in my tracks and listen and it always brings me joy. I’m trying to inculcate a love for and recognition of birdsong in the GC. I’m not having too much luck with the male of the trio, but I’m patient!

Just spotted the lack of attention to preview in my earlier post. Oops. .

Morning all !

Just squeaked in by the skin of my teeth. Its another wild and wet one here and as Grampy's back remains troublesome another one where not much is happening !

Sorry to hear Marydoll is poorly- get well soon !!

LOVE the montana Corner , Montana Alba is my all time favourite. I really like clematis but with the huge showy flowered varieties, one scrap of wind and its bare ! Montana is so much more robust!

Sometimes a quiet day at home is just what you need Synonymous . Glad things are moving on and you are both getting the rest and time you need. AND the garden done lol . Grampy needs someone like that as he is not up to carrying on in the garden yet and he frets about what is still to be done .

I'm going to leave you with a photo of Cooper aged 4 , his latest writing. For those of you wondering ...it says Sonic Generations :-) but I see how he got his spelling lol

Happy day all x

Mypennyfarthing41 I'm sorry if I haven't welcomed you before today. Anyways...you are most welcome to join us--crazy--likeable lot in the virtual kitchen. Whatever the season, whatever you wish to share, come on in and join us.

Thank you, dear Doodle

Maw Hattie appears to be well-happy and not in the least little bit stressed.

Synonymous Animals certainly have a highly-tuned, extra sensitive sense of when something is amiss. Well done to Himself. You too.

corner I have Montana . Lucky, lucky, lucky you.

Dear Marydoll I'm so sorry to hear that you've had a bad reaction to meds. What happened? PLEASE get well VERY soon.

Izabella No matter how grim I may feel from time to time, a walk in the countryside, the sight of new-born lambs, the fresh vibrant green of leaves and, as you so rightly say, birdsong, never fails to lift the spirits. Nature is such a precious tonic.

Just want to say I am always TOYA.
I am having a day on my own today, of course I was used to this after H went into care but it is somehow different.

I send healing thought to everyone especially today Marydoll. She makes such light of her pain and condition and we know it is very bad.

I am having some mixed and adverse reactions to my news that we aren't having a funeral.
I make no excuses, just explain it is our decision and change the subject.

Everyone my H loved and who loved him said their goodbyes in that last two weeks.

Lovely weather here, I hope you are all enjoying it.

N&G Yet another smile-maker from our darling boy, Cooper.

ann We two have specified that we do not wish to have a full-blown funeral with mourners and expensive floral tributes. We will be cremated and only the undertaker will be involved. Although we are not Christians, we are good people. Family and friends will be invited to attend a very simple "celebration of life" gathering in the village church. No flowers. No wearing of black. Our friend is a part-time minister and she has agreed to officiate. There will be refreshments after the celebration. We wish for our ashes to be scattered on the beach (above high tide, because MacSporran is not a strong swimmer.) If those gathered would like to sing 'Mull of Kintyre' that would be a fitting farewell.
My thoughts are with you. x

Swanny Strawberries and cream...luverly jubbly. Our friend passed on a GT wotsit cleaner to us. I agree with you, it's fab.

That is exactly what is happening soop my H will be taken to the crematorium by the undertaker, he has his very best clothes on. He will be taken into the chapel and will rest there awhile .Then he will be cremated. I will have his ashes to be mixed with mine when the time comes and the same will happen to me.
Only I know when this will happen, I will tell the family after the event.

Ann and (((hugs a plenty)))

Lovely dropping by our Kitchen and catching up again,certainly enjoying those lovely pictures especially the dogs and the gorgeous wisteria.

So sorry hearing you are poorly yet again Marydoll and I hope the medics sort you out as soon as possible,with the least fuss to yourself

Time and energy levels allow me very little time to join in.
However since you are so kind,understanding and caring I shall try to keep you informed as our situation developes.
My man`s first scan locally has taken place,what a fiasco it is though now we are both using wheelchairs.
Yet I am amazed by the kindness and big hearted strangers whom came to our aid.
A further problem has reared its ugly head,my man`s leg is very swollen and with the GP phoning this morning arranging extra pain relief for this longish trip on Wednesday, I told him of my concern of a DVT, Wednesday`s journey,he did not hesitate but said he was on his way.Could be another scan this afternoon or tomorrow.It really is all systems go and I have hardly any time to think straight.

Indeed I listened to your advice regarding ordering an Ambulance for the Consultation appointment,in fact again I was given much help regarding what he needed and yes I go too.

We have managed to have some sort of conversation regarding this Sheltered Apartment and in fact have given a verbal yes.
Of course this is not ideal, having had the previous pleasure of living in three beautiful homes with amazing panoramic seascapes,but needs must and if we can eventually make this move, it will indeed be a blessing .
Of course we have many hills to climb first.

Wishing you all a peaceful week and indeed TOYA in abundance.

Dear Ann thinking of you and the planning you are doing,leaving nothing too chance,just as you have done throughout taking caring of your H.
Trusting all goes according to your wishes.

ann and soop I think it’s a good thing to have thoughts and plans for our final resting place. DH and I have known for sometime that we both want cremation but due to the recent passing of a friend, the subject of what happens after that cropped up. DH told me he would like to be scattered in our local river (this is allowed, I checked) near to a place we love with some beautiful trees and a seat. Yesterday saw us surreptitiously ‘scouting’ out the area and checking out if the water was deep enough by trying to poke a stick into it. I very nearly fell in . We both had a bit of a giggle about it and it feels nice to have that memory in our minds I think. Sorry a bit of a rambling post. Hope I haven’t upset anyone (especially you ann) I think you are right to have the funeral that you choose and to do things the way you want. I hope your friends and family support you

Sorry Panache crossed posts. I hadn’t seen yours when I posted.
Oh what a lot you and dear Mr P have to deal with. I am so glad some kind souls helped you out and that you seem to have a GP who is on the ball even if the hospital consultant has been a let down.
Your life must be very hectic at the moment with scans and everything else going on. I wish some of us could be closer and able to lend a hand. I am glad you have the ambulance organised and are making the trip too.
Your reluctance to move from your lovely views is understandable. The peace and comfort that can be found by looking out of your window on a beautiful vista is a precious treasure and I am sure you will miss it but I am equally sure that the move to sheltered housing will bring its own benefits in terms of safety and companionship. So pleased you have said yes to the offer.
Thinking of you both with prayers for safe journeys and hopeful outcomes. Take care xx

Ann what an excellent idea- do it all the way you want it and tell everybody afterwards. That is what H and you wanted- go for it. Please try to rest- life is still difficult because there is so much to sort out. At least you know H is at peace.

Panache I am pleased that your GP is alert to the fact that your DH is in need of attention.

Pleased also to hear that you will move to sheltered accommodation where you will receive some help because the pair of you cannot carry on as you are.

I have had lunch with a friend and driving home I noticed that Christmas trees are up for sale- please give us a break- Easter was only last week.

Tara was still at home today when I returned- I must keep an eye on her because that is very unusual- if I go out- she is usually knocking me over to get out first.

I spilt some of her biscuits by accident and she hoovers them up first before going to her bowl- she is well trained.