Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen...

Are you in Stockport or Hampshire/IOW, Charley or Maw?
If not Ernie has forgotten you!

It's another white morning here in Cheshire. I have to de-ice the car before I drive up to Lyme Park to see Lyme Hall decked for Christmas. I also see from their web page that there's an audience with Father Christmas!
I hope ann, you are feeling more like yourself today. Keep warm. 'They' say that it's going to be less cold later on. The only problem with that is that it could be wet and windy for a few days. Can't win.
Worrying that we have.n't heard from Panache for some time. This cold snap won't be good for them, to put it mildly

It has to be me then with the million, only thing is, they haven't notified me yet ?
It is indeed very white and frosty today.
I am feeling a bit better today, but will stay in and keep warm.
TOYA.

Actually, I expect it's me. I'll let you know when I check my emails.

anno Your family's recommendation regarding 'Knives Out' is to be celebrated. We are both hoping for the double back seat. MacS will there in good time to "bag it". We may even treat ourselves to some chocolate. Talk about living it up! We know a thing or two.

Maw Sometimes, not often, I am fearful that a few of the Kitchen's much-loved canines and felines are in need of visit from the animal welfare society. Just look at that poor wee mite with no place to snooze.

N&G Good for Sam. Us lot are concerned for his welfare.
On the subject of the Festive Season. I wish with all my heart that a little good fortune could be shared equally by the many. It is the few (who go without) that tug at my heart strings. My Nana always used to say...you're far too soft, my girl. True - but it's beyond me to harden up.

Welcome back, Pittcity.

Friends are treating us to a belated MacSporran birthday meal tonight. We hardly ever leave the house in the dark. As you may have guessed, we two are very much home-birds. Ah well...we are certainly not complaining.

Dear Panache Please leave a short message. We are worried about you.

Maw I am delighted to see that Hattie has enough space to spread out. Tara just manages it on a double bed.

She was moaning her head off earlier and pummelling at the door because I would not allow her to go out as I thought it too cold for her. In the end, she won as usual.

I have a hospital appointment early pm and I am going out this evening with my nephew and his girlfriend for a curry locally. I have to admit I do not like going out in the cold and the dark but I cannot hibernate here for 6 months.
TOYA

Afternoon all!

I think you are all mistaken and you will find I have won the big one !! But it’s ok because when I have the money in my account I shall be treating you all to a festive weekend somewhere gorgeous all expenses paid. We will celebrate the kitchen in real life with treats for all .

Do you sometimes wonder what people think who do win the big one ? Grampy and I have a plan for when we do !

Maw , Hattie looks most at home !

I think you were the last party girl standing Doodle ! I was most surprised to see you asleep on the kitchen table , covered in a tea towel this morning ?!

First day of retirement and I’m bored out of my tiny mind!
How on earth am I going to cope with the rest of my life?

Have you Ny hobbies Galen;? Or something you always wanted to do but had no time?

Any .... I want text talking honest lol

N&G

Book another cruise Galen ?

I'm hesitating to say this, Galen, but could you join the U3A locally? I suspect you might not be a natural 'joiner', but there are lots of things you can do in the interest groups that run in the U3A. I've recently joined a history group which is very friendly and I feel quite at home among the members. I'd bet that you would be a whizz at bridge - am I right? Our U3A also has a dining club which meets monthly at different restaurants.

I think you would be a superb fit for CAB, galen and they would welcome your expertise and knowledge.

Just back from the Edinburgh meet up, which was great. Had a message from soop during the afternoon saying their internet connection was playing silly buggers again so thought I'd pop in and let people know.

I hope your evening out was enjoyable, soop.

I'm now going to slurp down some cocoa and eat a seedy, nutty flapjack.

TOYA

baggs where are our flapjacks?!!! ?

Oh, sorry! I left them in the old Kerwallity Street tin inside the sideboard. P'raps I should have made them more visible but there's always the hope that there'll be a few left over if they're a bit hidden ??

Help yourselves!

Ooh I love your flapjacks baggs .

Wrote a long message last night and it disappeared!
In short, we have visitors and went to Sutton Hoo yesterday. Beautiful day, if cold, with the low sun lighting up the last of the autumn colours and a really interesting talk by a very knowledgeable lady.
I am fighting a stinking cold - yuk.
Our DGS was here briefly yesterday and was really miserable with his first wobbly tooth. Later, we got the photo!
TOYA

Popping in with nothing as usual, just to say my DiL is still here although she’s almost blind now and her balance is off. Steroids are keeping her going. Things are no better but they are a bit calmer. I think she’s finally come to terms with things. I’m with her at the hospital this week a full day of treatment so I’m hoping I’ll be brave enough to talk openly. I’ve been a bit of a coward and when she told me this week
“ well I might not be here for that” I pat her hand and say something like “let’s hope that’s not true” Galen your so full of knowledge and good sense I’m sure you’ll find some way of using all that when you’ve got over the shock of not having to get up on cold frosty morning. This time next year I will be expecting to hear all your news about your volunteering work giving advice to those in need. Chins up everyone, keep warm n snug and hold on tight for the run up to the Christmas season. Ho-ho-ho and all that

I'm glad that Sam is better NanaandGrampy, give him a gentle cuddle.
Enjoy your film later soop - and chocolate.
I have not slept for the past two nights due to family upset. I am not allowed to say anything. It is so hard, DH and I are struggling. Life just seems to be one step forward and several back.
Hope that all those with worries receive good news soon.

please don’t think of yourself as a coward morethan, you’ve shown huge courage and care. Follow your instinct, there aren’t rights and wrongs. Sending a hug and love.

I agree, galen, something meaningful will come to fill the space. Give yourself time to adapt.

Lins, what a hard situation, I do understand. Go gently, I hope there is something that can lift your spirits today, even if for five minutes. Sending love.

Oh Lins I am so sorry.Take care of yourselves?
more than,I can only echo what corner says,you have shown such courage and support to your daughter in law?
Galen, I am sure you will find something that interests you to do.I remember feeling so excited about retirement but then found the first few months quite difficult,I particularly missed my colleagues and also found I missed having to think in a work related way if that makes sense?Two years on,I haven’t looked back.Am absolutely loving retirement,saying that I am doing a locum shift on Sunday!
TOYA and hoping to hear from the panaches.x

Dear morethan2 my heart goes out to you and yours. Your DIL’s courage, indeed yours puts all the trivial issues around us into perspective

And an extra hug to Lins1066 I very much hope you find peace of mind very soon and that you and your DH can sustain each other.