Today I've been...

harri you must be spitting tacks. I can feel your frustration. John Lewis may do something to compensate you for the mess-up. Chin up!

Thanks soop we have told them that if the kitchen is not completed by the first anniversary then we will be taking it further. I have to stay away from the fitter because I can not be civil to him and can not understand why JL keep giving him work.

During the construction of our home, we had more than our fair share of mess-ups to deal with. It was enough to make both Mr soop and me weep. Arm around your shoulder.

Here I am at having. Offer at Lea Delamere services on the M4; on the way back from a few lovely days with DS2 and his family in Pembrokeshire. Have built sandcastles, paddled and been on a boat trip to see dolphins and kittiwakes at New Quay. The weather has been glorious. DH now finished his drink and indication he's ready to go!

Ariadne I'm delighted to hear that you have had a happy trip. When you reach home, if you're anything like me, you'll relive all the highlights and savour the memories.

Mr soop and I have been searching high and low for a painting that I did for the local Red Cross auction. We're thinking that it may have been bundled up with magazines and such, and is on its way to the recycling unit. Have just sufficient time to create another. As Bags would say - hey ho!

Today I became a Granny for the 8th time. IT'S A GIRL. Harriet Eliza arrived just before 1 a.m. (27 July, Sydney time). What a privilege to be present at her arrival despite it being somewhat traumatic [ouch emoticon]. She is, of course, just beautiful and weighed in at 7.5 lbs. Granny has managed just under 3 hours sleep and is now at breakfast with the other GC's. Looking forward to 40 winks later in the day

I'm happy to be the first to congratulate you dear Gally, it's lovely news for you - and a big welcome to Harriet.

Congratulations gally a beautiful granddaughter!!!

How fantastic Gally. Congratulations and welcome to Harriet. How lucky you are to have been there to watch her birth

Such lovely news Gally. Enjoy.

Congratulations Gally,love her name. I knew there was a reason for staying up

Many congratulations Gally I have to say she has a lovely name, my GDs too

Thank you all! It's 3 pm and I am beginning to fade; wish it was bedtime! Just downloaded a photo of young Harriet although for the life of me cannot manage to put in the details - I am a complete technophobe. duh

Congratulations to all, gally! Hope you're asleep as I write this! xx

Congratulations all round Gally, wonderful news!

Congratulations, Gally. Hope you have had a good rest by now.

Ariadne - what news on the house sale front? Have I missed anything?

My family arrive from NZ to Heathrow on 2nd August - my grandson and his fiance really could not have chosen a more inconvenient time to get married! They will all be exhausted, but my SIL will have to drive to Kent. I hope they don't have to wait for hours for immigrtation.

Yay, Gally! xxx

After my post from M4 services, it, and then the M25, just about ground to a halt. Probably the worst I've experienced. Ugh! Hours crawling along in the heat wasn't fun.

Greatnan the house is sold again, and this time we have some cautious hopes. The buyer has had the survey done, solicitors instructed and so on, so fingers crossed. There is also another offer in, so we almost have a queue!

Would you believe it, it is now raining, and this is SE England, and not too far from London. I do hope it clears for the opening ceremony tonight!

You are very lucky Gally, and to be there as well is special. Hope mum ok. Congratulations.

I meant lucky to have 8 grandchildren - rare these days! I've got mine here for 3 days before they fly away. x

Just had 40 winks and feel refreshed - ready for tea time when it all starts again..... I am very blessed to have 8 grandchildren. I was an only child and never imagined I would have such a large family - I must say I find it quite overwhelming sometimes. As DD1 wrote this morning to her two sisters, 'lovely, but time to stop now girls!

What a bonny baby Harriet is, Gally. Enjoy the cuddles

With only two daughters, I was quite surprised to find myself with ten grandchildren and now four great-grandchildren! All most welcome, though, even if a couple of the older ones were unplanned!

gally she is beautiful

gally That's wonderful news. Welcome to the big wide world, Harriet Eliza.

Gally Congratulations, she is a beautiful girl with a delightful name