Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for kindly folk...

Just a quick visit to catch up and to wish everyone a Happy New Year, especially those who’ve had such difficult travails to endure. I am incredibly grateful for the Kitcheners, you’ve been a tower of strength to me, thank you so much. We’ll be quietly at home this evening, sharing a toast at midnight then off to bed. We’ll have people round tomorrow for drinks and nibbles, looking forward to that. Tree and decs are still up. They go up late, just a few days before Christmas Day, so I want them up until NY at least.

Lucky you in Madeira, Shazza. We visited about fifteen years ago and have been meaning to go back but never got round to it.

Brooke there seems to be some bargains in the shops this year! I got a pair of simple mule slippers for taking on holiday for £2.50 yesterday. I was most pleased with that.

Enough rambling from me! Take care everyone and see you in 2023. ❤️❤️❤️

Not really a new year celebration here, though I am hoping for a better 2023. I have made mince pies for tomorrow’s lunch with a group of lovely neighbours, and had a cup of tea with a friend, but will welcome the new year in my own warm and comfy bed. Hope the new year brings health and contentment to us all.

Good afternoon lovely Kitcheners. I’m on hols in Madeira but just wanted to wish you all in Soop’s supportive kitchen a very Happy New Year. 🎉🍷🥂 I would love you to give you all a wonderful 2023 if I had the power. We never know what life might throw at us but as long as Soop and her kitchen are there for comfort it just might make difficult days a little easier to bear. You are all very special.
Love and hugs to you all. 🌻🌻

It should have been a quick trip into town today to have a browse around the shops but I met up with DD2 and the two DCG so I was out a lot longer than planned. DH met up with us this afternoon so we all then went for a coffee and a cake as a NYE treat seen as none of us are going out tonight
We’ve just got home, there’s snow falling yet again with a bitterly cold wind - I don’t envy those going out into Inverness tonight for the Red Hot Highland fling as it’s all outdoors and starts about 8pm - brrrr, hope they’re wrapped up very warm 🥶🥶
Our decorations will still be up here for a few days yet, I really don’t like taking them down at all, I like to make the celebrations last as long as I can
I’d like to add my thanks to everyone for making soops kitchen just the best place to be, the support and friendship here is the best ever
Take care all and enjoy your evening

BA although we live in Leicestershire, my lot support Forest from when we lived nearer to Nottingham than Leicester. DH and DS1 have season tickets so it will be their turn for disappointment tomorrow.

Can I echo everyone else in offering thanks for the support on offer here and love to the soops just for being them.

Wishing everyone in soops kitchen a very Happy, Peaceful and Healthy New Year. Keep positive, keep safe and keep well.

Hi all, no decorations down here, they stay up for NYE, I love the lights, they may come down tomorrow.
It’s been windy, rainy and dull all day, so I’ve read my paper thoroughly and started one crossword.
We’ll be counting our blessings later as we raise a glass.
Enjoy your evening all x

Thank you for all your kind messages.

No wonder Leicester sons have been awfully quiet. Dear lads, will be miffed to bits.

The fire is being laid. We shall be home this Hogmanay. Suits us both nicely. Our days of hell-raising until dawn are but pleasant memories.

Tonight I shall raise a glass of cheer to you lovely lot. You are SUPER-SPECIAL. I cannot thank you enough for your companionship. Tomorrow we'll all be able to shout...Happy New Year...with which I shall imagine a huge, group hug. XXX

A very wet (outside) and quiet day here pottering around packing up some of the Christmas decorations. Just the tree and the table dressing left, both will be on their way on Monday. We’ll keep lights in the conservatory, it is good to feel a more spacious home.

Thank you all for your company during this last year. It’s appreciated more than you know. My wishes go to you for a gentle new year.

Hello everyone. OH has just driven off to Waitrose to see if they have any Christmas goodies reduced! I’ve been doing laundry and finished off the remains of the Christmas cake. I’ve also been sending off for more curtain fabric samples. We are having younger son’s old bedroom redecorated in February. I/we have chosen and bought the wallpaper, although OH has now gone off it! Tough. I have about five fabric samples but none of them seemed just right (apart from one with a black background and a monkey) so thought I’d order more. The other thing I’m looking for is a proper tallboy NOT a very tall chest of drawers. I used to have one which my grandmother gave me years ago but I gave it away. They should have drawers and hanging space. This would go in the newly decorated bedroom and replace a dreadful fitted wardrobe (not by us) and a red and blue painted rickety chest of drawers which we bought second hand off my brother’s ex wife’s cousin. We are having chicken curry and maybe ice-cream tonight. I have put a half bottle of wine in the fridge, just in case. OH can’t drink alcohol in the evening, but I can. Have a good, peaceful and safe NYE.

Nannytopsy, Roscoff onions really are the best! Have a lovely time. X

soop, love you ❤️
Nannytopsy so glad you’re coming to Brittany. It’s very beautiful and peaceful and has delish shellfish xx

kittylester b***dy own goals!! Sickening aren't they?? My Blades ⚔️⚽️⚔️ are on a bit of a run atm - now watch I've probably jinxed them 😭. GrandmaBatty I've just been to the Co-op to get some veg and a dessert for tomorrow and they had profiteroles in abundance but I went for the sticky toffee pudding. Anyway I wanted to get in early today and wish you all a very happy new year and may 2023 be kind to us all. TOYA 🌷

And The Foxes lost 2 - 1. And they scored ALL 3 goals.

Leicester Tigers played like drains as my menfolk say soop! Here’s to an improvement in 2023!

I just want to send my good wishes to everyone that we may all go into a Happier New Year.
May health problems improve if that is possible, friendship’s be strengthened and loved ones be content.
Good wishes to all kitcheners and thanks for the company and mutual support of all our friends here in our lovely safe space.

I have been all round the supermarkets trying to get ready made mashed swede and profiteroles. No chance so I've bought two swedes and I'll take my life in my hands trying to peel them. Instead of profiteroles I'm making a small trifle as I have the makings for that. I'm half way through the Hogmanay Big Clean and about to make soup for tomorrow. I would like to thank you all for your support over the last year and to Soop for the thread and many kindnesses. I wish you all a happy and peaceful New Year when it comes.

Er no, soop, neither the Foxes nor The Tigers.

Leicester sons will be what? Did Leicester win? I must check. They are both avid fans.

Our youngest granchild, Torben, has phoned to thank us for his Xmas gift. I haven't shed a tear in yonks. When I heard his lovely voice, I melted. Silly, soft Nana.

Welcome back to our kitchen, Carillion1. It is lovely to have you back with us lot.

Not too windy in North Leicestershire but quite chilly.

Mention of Leicester sport is best avoided today Topsy. Carillion, nice to see you again.

Very windy here in Notts too nannytopsy. A busy day for me so I'll say goodnight - sleep well 💤💤 TOYA

Carillion it seems like ages since I saw you post. We have just booked for a house near Roscoff in September.
We are still coughing (DH more than me) and I just can’t stay awake. We too have been watching old Poirot films and now it’s Tigers v Sale. I’m knitting another jumper for DGS but tomorrow I must start ironing.
Wet and windy still in Suffolk - let’s hope for a good day on New Year’s Day.
Have a good evening everyone.

Hello everyone. Well the final child has returned to London. OH is driving Younger Son to the station as we speak. I am sitting on the sofa with Milo. Ripley is nearby. I made a batch of pheasant stock this afternoon with the carcasses from last night’s pheasant extravaganza. The only Christmas food we have left is a small slice of Christmas cake and some Stilton. Younger son cleared out his room so all I have to do is the laundry. We watched another Agatha Christie this afternoon - Death on the Nile. Daughter bought me the Lucy Worsley book about AC so I look forward to reading it. Have a good evening everyone.

‘Evening All’

We’re babysitting. The grandchildren were a pair of giddy kippers earlier! They pleaded for bath time together - wearing goggles and using the squirty foam soap I’d bought them in Boots earlier.

All calm now. Hair drying off in the warm sitting room while they watch a cartoon. I’m taking L’il Miss up to bed first in 10 minutes. I must give the bathroom floor a wipe down ha!

Grandad is settling down ready to watch Liverpool -v- Leicester on Sky then at the end he’ll be picking the parents up from the steak house.