Another welcoming into Soop's kitchen for those who care to share...

Well, the rugby didn’t pan out as expected.
Sounds very uplifting brook a good spur of the moment choice.
I’ve had a lazy day, newspaper digested, crosswords to do, it’s been grey outside all day, my daughter called in briefly to borrow a large saucepan and two dining chairs. She’s hosting us plus my son and family tomorrow for lunch, it’ll be a dining chair for me, I’d need a forklift from her low sofa!

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soop I’m so sorry to hear that both you and Mr soop have heath problems, poor Mr soop’s* head looks very sore. I do hope that your health worries prove unfounded.
We had been told that mr dusty was due for a check up next week but having struggled to get through to Faro hospital yesterday to find out exactly when it is, were lucky to find a young woman in the appointments office who could only find one in May. It’s quite possible that we will eventually be told we missed one in March but at least I tried.

We seem to have acquired a doggy version of Sweetie Pie. I’m resisting giving him a name, although he does get called various things including Sweetie sometimes. He’s a very pretty little thing who has obviously lived in a house before. Although he has also got a taste now for being out all night doing whatever stray dogs do, bark mostly here. I’ve written a bit more about him on today’s Good Morning thread.
DH would like to keep him but has nearly fallen over him a couple of times. I’m a bit more realistic I think, I really don’t want to be chasing a young pup to force him to give up the stolen socks, soggy tissue, or even half empty dinner dish that he’s trying to take outside. Let alone have to hide because I want to eat something with a nice crinkly wrapper.
He’s obviously come from somewhere he was fed titbits and also where he was allowed to sleep on the sofa, not that he is here. He creeps up if he thinks we’re not looking and becomes very difficult to haul off.

An exciting afternoon of Rugby but some very disappointing results!!

Lovely evening yesterday watching Dg2 in her theatre performance of Dr Dolittle. She was a lobster! The animals were made out of Wicker work by a lady from outside Perth very environmentally friendly. The children held up their animals but they made the noises or spoke their lines. They are all very enthusiastic and well rehearsed. Quieter day today, delivery from Tesco this morning and then a television afternoon of football and rugby. Disappointing result for Scotland though. No actual plans for tomorrow but both Dd and Ds will appear at sometime I am sure. Nice pictures Dustyangel.

Gorgeous pictures dusty very tempting to keep him I guess but hard work. I hope you get the hospital appointment sorted out for your DH and he doesn’t inadvertently miss it
Well done to your DGD scapa with Dr Dolittle, I’m sure you must be so proud of her. It’s so lovely isn’t it when you can see them on stage doing so well after hours rehearsing just to get things right. I’ve also got a couple of DGDs shows coming up in the summer to look forward to as well 😀

Evening kitcheners, it’s very quiet, have you all nodded off?
We had a wonderful time at my daughters earlier, lasagna, new potatoes and salad, I didn’t lift a finger, flowers and gifts. My son, daughter and I share a sense of humour that reduces us to snivelling wrecks, it was so good to have that time, the grandchildren and MrJ were bemused.
It’s been cloudy, then rain and feels a lot later than it is, I hope you’ve all had a lovely day.
But I’m aware others are having a difficult day, not just because of today’s label, you’re never far from my thoughts, particularly in this welcoming place.

I haven’t nodded off. I’m reading the papers and still feeling full after a delicious lunch. OH, daughter and I had lunch at my favourite restaurant. Elder son sent honey marmalade from Kew, which I love. Younger son sent masses of daffodils via M&S. I don’t know how much he paid but they were perfect and delivered this morning. They filled four vases. Daughter had brought chocolates. Yummy.
The Pottery off final is clashing with Death in Paradise so I’ll watch the pottery people tomorrow.
Have a good evening.

Hi kitchen pals, a lovely but busy day here with DD2 and the DGC. We had an afternoon tea celebration with the usual sandwiches and rather a lot of cake. An afternoon playing board games, the others left abut 5ish but DGS stayed here for his Sunday night sleepover. He’s just gone through to bed now, I’m much more tired than he is ..
Sounds like you’ve both had a lovely day too Jax and llfl, special family memories made
Hoping grandmabatty is feeling much better soon

Good morning everyone! I’ve filled the cafetière and there are croissants keeping warm on the Aga.
I have been absent rather a lot recently so here are my abject apologies! There has been so much washing since we got home from holidays and now it’s the ironing mountain. A bit of toddler wrangling, two afternoons of WI meetings and a second pre-op for my knee, this time a group session with physios and OT. We are over an hour from the hospital so that took an afternoon. That was last week taken care of! We managed a couple of hours in the garden to erect a new rose arch and I gave the New Dawn a good haircut and tied it in. Another rose has been ordered for the other side. And then there was rugby! Sorry to the Welsh and Scottish grans but didn’t England play well!
DS & family took us to their favourite Chinese for lunch for Mother’s Day, then the DGC came back for games and tea. We took them home in time for bathtime.
This week looks quieter, thank goodness.
I can’t mention everyone but I hope GrandmaBatty, Jax & the soops are improving. I think a few dry days ( and dare I ask, some sunshine) would help everyone feel better.
Hugs to you all x

Good morning dear Kitcheners.

MrB has been having dizzy spells for several days and is seeing the GP this morning. I will not be online for a while.

Oh Blossoming that is a concern. I hope when you return it is with better news of him.

I too have worries today. My 92 year old stepfather has been referred on the two week ‘highly suspicious of cancer’ pathway by his doctor for an appointment with the colo-rectal surgeon. He has had a few red flag symptoms recently. So now we wait.

Sorry to hear you both have more worries Urmston and Blossoming, hoping for better news soon x

You’ve been so busy nannytopsy, the time flies by doesn’t it! Hoping the roses do well on the new arch - presume the New Dawn is a rose but I really don’t know! 🤣
A busy day here too, we dropped DGS off at school, I had a check up at the eye clinic which wasn’t brilliant news but I’m not dwelling on it. Then Zumba at the gym which cheered me up! A bit of gardening this afternoon too, still lots of winter tidying up to do as there’s not much that’s started growing yet
I’m just sitting on the sofa with yesterday’s gift of chocolates which are disappearing far too quickly!

Hi all, gosh Nannytopsy a veritable whirlwind of activity, my knee is slow, frustrating and my children say I walk like a gangster, apart from that.. thank you for asking.
I hope your GP has reassured you both Blossoming.
On no Urms I do hope he’s seen promptly.
I was back on the voluntary phone today, quite busy, MrJ will go to quiz, because of a steep step I have to walk a way to get into the venue (pub) I’m not confident in the dark, it’ll come.

Blossoming and Urms: I’m so sorry you are having difficult times.
I had a fun afternoon at my friend’s place. One of our craft group decided to teach the rest of us how to crochet. Now I can sew and knit pretty well but I only tried crochet once years ago and didn’t enjoy it. Anyway, this lady, who is a Primary school teacher by profession, had to contend with a bunch of women who were absolutely useless. Mayhem ensued!
OH is cooking dinner. We will then watch the final of the Pottery off, which I recorded last night.
Have a good evening.

Good evening, Soop and lovely Kitchen people. 🥰 I hope the Soops enjoy their family reunion.

I hope all those celebrating enjoyed their MD weekend, over the space of three days I saw all three sons and was thoroughly spoiled. Counting my blessings. My thoughts and prayers are with all those with illness, worries or sorrow. 💕🙏 . Hoping and praying that MrB and Urms' dear FiL are seen promptly and receive helpful treatment.

This afternoon I met up with my sister and her baby granddaughter at the park. The wee one is 14 months now, walking and talking, a real wee personality!

Your wee Sweetie looks quite the character, Dustyangel. Nice to see you, and Nannytopsy, back in the Kitchen.

I'm so sorry you were disappointed at the eye clinic, brook, but you are very wise not to dwell on things. Enjoy your chocolates!

Ladyleftfieldlover, your crochet class sounds like a riot! Many years ago I taught primary children knitting and sewing. I remember using small mirrors, which I kept for Maths symmetry lessons, to help the left handed knitters. I certainly didn't attempt crochet!

I hope Grandmabatty continues to improve and has had a good day with the boys.

Jaxjacky, your family day sounds great fun, a good laugh is a real tonic. Hope your knee is gradually improving. You are very welcome to join me on the sofa for the Monday night 📺 quizzes!

Wishing everyone a peaceful Monday evening, TOYA

Popping in late and I’m still feeling rather full after an unexpectedly busy day with lunch out.March tends to be full on for us with both our birthdays in the next couple of weeks, our wedding anniversary today and of course Mothering Sunday yesterday. Also DD1’s wedding anniversary, although unless that is a significant one we leave the two of them to celebrate on their own.
First of all my friend called in after she’d been to church, bringing some flowers for Mother’s Day and cards for both birthdays. After our weekly session with the physiotherapist we decided to go out to lunch at our usual local cheap and cheerful restaurant/bar. Shock horror, having been dropped off by the Uber we discovered that the restaurant was closed. Walked a few yards and decide to try a new very Italian pizza restaurant before we looked for a car home.
It was completely empty which should have warned us, but we both needed to sit down. We got very inexperienced service until the manager got involved and then it was brilliant although expensive by our standards. We shared a tasting plate of starters then DH had pasta and I had pizza before both having tiny but very delicious desserts and wonderful coffee. Oh and a bottle of wine as well. At €70 it cost about €50 more than we usually pay but it was thoroughly enjoyable. Phoned for an Uber and the manager came outside and round the corner to make sure that the car found us on the main road.

We found little dog waiting for us on the doorstep!
For Ladyleftfieldlover I think he sleeps on the table because a) he can look through the kitchen window and b) where else would you sleep when you want to be sheltered from the weather and not have to worry about other dogs seeing him on the ground. The table although old is still very strong compared to more recent ones and always gets scrubbed and bleached in the spring.

This afternoon I put the pot of pansies that my friend brought round on the table and found a label on it from her church. She’d obviously been given it at the service she’d been to earlier.

Sorry that you didn’t get better news Brook and I hope Urms and Blossoming’s menfolk get prompt attention.
It’s silly o’clock, so I’m going back to sleep!

Brook I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get good news. 💐
And 💐 for Urmston step father and Blossoming husband. Belated anniversary wishes to Dustyangel
Hopefully I'll still be awake to post later. Have a good day all

Lots to catch up on here,apologies if I miss anyone but sending kind thoughts to all.
Blossoming and Urms hope you get some treatment sorted soon.
Sorry to hear your still poorly Grandmabatty, not easy when looking after little ones.
DH is coughing less👍but typical, I’m very stiff and sore again probably all that sitting in A&E.Never mind could be worse..The filming starts here next week.It will start on Monday and 2 days filming on Wednesday Thursday.Larry Lamb and Anita Dobson are 2 of the actors not sure of anyone else yet.
Healing thoughts to The Soops.

Have a good day Kitcheners.

I’m just popping into the Kitchen before you all forget I ever existed, it’s been so long! I’ll just catch up as best I can.

Dusty that wee pup is adorable. I’d be wanting to keep her. 🐶 I laughed at the recycled pot of pansies! 😂
I’m so sorry about your DD’s cat, Brook. It’s very hard for children. I’m also sorry your eye op didn’t work out as intended.
Urms and Blossoming I hope the health worries prove to be unfounded. Look after yourselves, too. Xx
I think I’ve missed something, Yia, what’s the filming that’s going on?

MD passed pleasantly, with cards and wishes from the DC. The card from dd1 made me chuckle. Her friend’s 4yo dd insisted on signing it too, so it also had a wax crayon message inside. Dd1 came over with the GC in the afternoon and we had coffee and cakes together.

We celebrated ds2’s birthday last Friday, long distance. She had a good day, it seems. She’s 28, it only seems yesterday that she arrived! She still likes to be the baby of the family when it suits her.

Yesterday was a bit of a washout as I had a migraine. I did manage to get out for some bits of shopping and to drop off my car for its first MOT today. Yet another insurance person came to survey the house prior to the flood repairs it needs. I received a phone call shortly after to say a joiner was today to also have a look. There’s been a lot of looking but not much action.

The aforementioned joiner arrived at 8am today and, much to our surprise, said he was here to drill holes in the walls to check for any residual damp! That was a scutter as we were unprepared and we have the kittens to manage. We managed by moving them from room to room as he did his work but now they have all these exciting ‘wormholes’ to investigate plus the kick boards from the kitchen units have been taken away so they’ve been exploring under there, emerging all covered in plaster dust. The girl kitten is going to the vet this afternoon for a check up, as she’s still not eating much. I’ll need to brush her first.

I hope I’ll be able to collect my car later on and go to buy some more cat food, the one item she does eat. Tomorrow the boy cat has his ‘operation’ so that means no food after 8pm for him.

The weather here has been so dull, damp and cold, we really need some cheerfulness right now. Hope everyone else hears better weather! TOYA. Xxx

The family reunion is not for a few weeks. Sorry for not coming into our kitchen for a few days. More distressing news has dampened my spirits. The last thing that I wish to do is depress my favourite Granspals.

dusty I have fallen in love with your canine lodger. If I had unlimited funds and plenty of space I would enjoy taking care of stray animals.

Scapal You must have had a wee lump in your throat as you watched your dear granddaughter's performance.

Thank you for the treats, Nannytopsy

Urms and Blossoming Gentle hugs for both of you.

Brook I am sorry that you didn't receive more positive news.

Grandnabatty Wishing you wellness. You deserve it.

Yia Remember to take the best possible care of yourself. I am pleased to hear that Mr Yia is improving.

SueD Thank you for your most interesting post.

Indeed, thank you all for continuing to bring friendship and support into our kitchen.

Good to see you Soop!
Just to brighten up a damp and grey day, here is my over the top downstairs loo adorned with my stained glass lantern!

As usual I am behind with all your news, I have no idea how you all manage to keep up to date 🤷‍♀️

I am about to take The Imp and 9 yr old to their swimming lessons, I find this really stressful. Dressing undressing, drying etc. etc., but hey h they love it and it’s a necessary life skill…

Good afternoon to all kitchen pals, lots to catch up on today
Sorry to hear you’ve had some more bad news, soop take care and thinking of you 💐
Hoping your little lady kitten finds her appetite soon Sue and hope the little boy is ok tomorrow , best not tell him beforehand 🤣
Please keep us updated with the filming Yia - sounds really interesting

Thank you for your kind wishes after my visit to the eye clinic, I’ve had problems for quite a while but I’m trying not to worry too much unless I have to!
I was at the gym first thing today, unfortunately it’s closing on the 7th April so there lots of talk and discussion about what to do next. There are other gyms, but most of them don’t have a nice warm pool which I really enjoy. Rumour has it that it’s closing because Hollywood bowl are moving in. So unless I take up temping bowling it’s unlikely I’ll be going there much more

Hope the swimming is going ok GG13 I agree about the stress especially with 2 to manage ..