Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for the sharing of...

Thank you for all the welcoming messages and thinking of all those with problems or joys.

Yesterday included the yearly eye test and it was a bit of a disaster. My macular problems are now getting worse and I also need operations on cataracts BUT they may refuse to do these because of the developing macular condition. This would mean no more driving ----we live in the country, 4 miles from the nearest town and OH will soon have to give up driving as well because of his mental capacity. The silly thing is, I still feel that my sight is OK, can still read small print, can still see the cyclists whizzing past the end of our 100 yard long drive. Oh well, worse things happen at sea, as my old Mum used to say.

I'm leaving some Hokey Pokey biscuits on the worktop so help yourselves---a new recipe to me, crisp, crunchy and toffeeish.

Thank you Carillion and hope your husband has a successful appointment with his consultant.
Dragonfly,I hope that after discussion with your oncologist you are clear about which treatment to have.?
Soop,I’m another one who thinks the overnight stays are a good plan.Hospital appointments are so exhausting even without such a lot of travelling.
Good luck with the new meds Izabella.
Well we have Miss Matilda staying, usual Thursday until Friday visit,I wasn’t sure she would want to leave baby but she had her bag packed and is enjoying our undivided attention!
TOYA and hope Panache isn’t too exhausted after her hospital visit.

Good morning all.
Just catching up while my tea brews.
Dragonfly, just take what treatment is offered, you will feel happier that you are being well looked after.
I just had 5 weeks radiotherapy as the cancer had not spread to lymph nodes although they were all removed for testing, this doesn't happen now , just the sentinel node.
soop take a couple of days, we are not getting any younger.
Another one here who needs a plumber, fortunately not urgently, YET??
I have a small stain on the ceiling of the downstairs shower room, obviously coming from the bathrooom, it is not getting bigger but there must be a drop coming from somewhere.
If you find one +Corner* ask him if he wants a contract, travelling countryside but stress we are all poor pensioners who can't pay a lot.
Well my tea is ready so I will enjoy that first welcome cup.

Hello all. cornergran plumbers are an endangered species where I live. A neighbour has booked one from over an hour away and will have to pay travelling time but needs must. I hope panache is ok. My heating is on and the hot water bottle is ready too. Autumn is here and winter not far behind. I hope to see the Downton film this weekend as a treat. TOYA

Definitely an overnight if not two soop. You don’t need the stress of travelling as well as hospital days and yes, pampering is called for.

Hello chicken and Grannysomerset. Good to meet you.

A lot to absorb dragonfly, it’s a long road but you’re getting there. Sending a gentle hug.

lins I’m feeling guilty, have intended to make soup all week. Have I? Nope .

Good luck with the new meds izabella, there are cyclamen and a climbing rose to plant here if it ever stops raining.

Hope all is well with panache, that you’re feeling more settled ann and kitty doesn’t need wellies inside.

We need a plumber, think they are extinct here, if anyone has one please send ASAP.

Its been a busy day , enjoyable but exhausting so will wish you all goodnight. TOYA.

Hope things go well for both the super soops. An overnight stay seems the best idea to cut down on the travelling.

izabella your style and humour are an inspiration. Leave a trail of crumbs so you can get back to the kitchen quickly if necessary (mind you if they are cake crumbs you might find I have gobbled them up ?)
carillion hello to you too. I also am hoping that things go well for your DH.
dragonfly that is good news about the cancer. Hope your oncology appointment explains all the options well for you to make an informed decision.

soops apologies - I hope all appointments and infusions go well. I have great hopes your feet will be pampered too.

In what may turn out to be a very unwise move, I ventured out of the kitchen threadwise. We shall see

Thinking of everyone as ever and sending positive thoughts. Welcome to the new ladies, chicken and Grannysomerset. If I have already welcomed you, I am sure you will forgive my tangled braincells. Anne I hope things are clearer for you now and that the Panache appointment went well.

CH is currently limping and ouching around after a particularly gruesome session yesterday with the physioterrorist.

Home made leek and potato soup on the side. I forgot the salt, so add your own.

Medication change again, a new statin that has some positives in conjunction with my Alzheimers meds. I may have mentioned that already (?) the post it notes are in disarray.

Tomorrow I shall enjoy planting some lovely cyclamen .

dragonfly Belt and braces is a very wise approach. We are the lucky ones, I'm sure you'll agree. You will make the right decision. I'm sending you a very tender (hug).

Carillion I too am hoping that your husband's rendez-vous with his consultant is positive in all respects.

Next week MacSporran has two hospital appointments. Both in Oban. Oncologist on one day, an aortic aneurysm scan the next. We may decide to saty overnight in Oban. The long journey between here and there is wearisome, to say the least.
At the end of the month I have my hospital appointment for the Zoledronic acid infusion. We go to Glasgow for that. I may be lucky and have a pedicure after the procedure. One of the cancer nurses asks patients if they would like a pampering. A lovely gesture.

It continues to blow a chilly wind. It's also raining. Not a lot!

Care home visit in the morning. I shall join you all again once we return home.

TOYA

Lins, yes please, the soup sounds wonderful.

Love and a gentle hug to you dragonfly ?

Thank you Carillion I hope your DH has his painkiller meds sorted out now and is given a date for his operation.

Yes hope Panache's appointment went well - look forward to hearing from her.

Haven't been around for a few days so have some catching up to do. Firstly a very belated Happy Anniversary to soop and MacSporran and the Izabellas ??
We have been into town for some shopping this morning, it was very quiet except for a group of sixth formers with folders doing some coursework project. We just arrived home before the rain.

I hope you enjoyed your coffee with you Thursday friend annsixty, and hope that Panache got on alright with her leg at the hospital.

We are feeling the cold here and put the heating on for the first time last night. I made industrial quantities of soup yesterday, chucked everything in - butternut squash, onions, leeks, carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, celery and fresh thyme. There is plenty left over for you kitcheners.

DD skyped us from Singapore earlier, she had been to Raffles for a Singapore Sling and has had a good time. This eveningshe is flying to Borneo to see the orangutans.
So nice to talk to her and check she is ok.

TOYA ??

Dragonfly, posts crossed. Sending love and <<<hug>>> x

Good afternoon dear kitcheners. I'm sorry to be only managing a couple of posts at present but things should improve soon. Off for our flu jabs tomorrow and only six sleeps until DH has his much awaited rendez-vous with his consultant.

soop, lovely photograph of you and Mac at your anniversary meal and it sounded delicious!
Can't remember who posted about liberty bodices but it brought back memories of my Grandma making mine...always the buttons around the waistline were fastened onto my McLeod kilts, lovely yellow and black tartan.

Importantly, welcome to Chicken and GrannySomerset.

Dragonfly, so good that you're driving again, it's such a positive move for you. X

GrannyGravy, hoping Freddie and his mummy are both doing well and are glad to be home...also, what a gorgeous little fellow Henry Jude is Susan

N&G, lovely photo of Jackson, it made me feel so cheerful just looking at him...and the fund raising was amazing...a knitted canoe is just wonderful. X

Just a quick hello to Maw and Doodle xx xx

annsixty ...thinking of you xx

Last, before I disappear, but never least...dear Panache, I hope your journey to and fro your appointment and the visit itself was not to arduous. Sending love to Mr P also.xxx

Until next time, to all kitcheners, TOYA.

That is good news Ann I am sure you will be able to discuss this with your GD. It is good of your DiL to keep you updated.
So pleased you look forward to going out again - it is so easy to just give up.

Had the results of my op today. They managed to get all the cancer out but I am advised to have chemo and radiotherapy so that means another 8 months treatment. Will discuss it more with my new oncologist next week. I think I will do it though as it is a belt and braces approach. I just have to get my head round it.

Panache Us lot are thinking of you. Please update us when you feel like sharing.

Ann It is heartening to hear you say that you are starting to look forward to going out again. It's good to have a Thursday friend.
You seem to have made the right decision regarding the situation that caused you a "bit of bother". Good for you. The relationship you have with your granddaughter is very special. I am delighted that she now lives with you.

It is chilly here as well soop I have the heating on.
I am waiting for my Thursday friend to pick me up to take me for coffee.
I am starting to look forward to going out again.
My ExDiL has told L, she picked her up and took her to work this morning.
She just said, well things won’t be any different will they?
I hope she will tell me when she gets in this evening and we can discuss it.If she is totally ok with it I will have the job of telling J I don’t want to go.
We shall see.
Hope to hear how Panache is after her hospital visit and kindest thoughts to all not feeling well.
As always TOYA .

The wind is chilly. A day for remaining cosy in the home. I've no complaints. Home is where my heart is.

Wow! I'm here all alone. I shall make coffee and share some flapjacks with you (not home-baked) but Tesco's finest. Then I shall plump the cushions and wait for some of you lot to join me.

Evening All. Well, should be good night I suspect . Hectic day, coffee morning, development meeting, unsuccessful attempt at finding a plumber and unexpected grandma duties. Hang on, isn’t retirement supposed to be restful?

I’m sorry you’re in this situation. ann. I totally agree, your granddaughter is the important one here as indeed is your sanity. Be ready with a hug if needed when your granddaughter hears the news. She may react differently now she isn’t sharing a home with her Mum and partner. Once you get a sense of how things are with her and your son has simmered down then perhaps a gentle but honest chat with your daughter in law to simply explain your decision. Please don’t forget yourself in this, this situation isn't of your making and your welfare is important.

Sorry, I’ve gone on a bit. Probably I should be asleep so ignore me if that makes no sense.

It’s a busy one again tomorrow so doubt I’ll pop in but I’ll definitely be TOYA. Sleep well everyone.

ann am I correct in assuming that this is the son and his daughter who now live with you? If that is the case I would tread gently. You’ve been through a lot recently and whilst I’m sure your DIL appreciates your friendship you don’t want to upset things in your own home. I expect much will depend on how your DGD takes the news. Good luck.

ann, sorry I misunderstood you. It's good that your DiL will tell her daughter about the wedding. I'm sure if anyone can cope with the fall out, it's you.