Hello

I'm laughing at "credentials" !

Maurice is a thorough washer, usually has an extra diligent one on the hearth rug in the evening. I just wish that is wasn't such a full on display, he often seems to (ahem) "leave the lid off his lip liner". We've never seen Digby do this, does make me wonder if Maurice was completely relieved of his credentials!

There is a test you can do (apparently) but can't say I would be in any rush to attempt it!

phoenix You are kind I shall look out for the books you mention. Perhaps the library has one or two. I can assure you that Rory has all his credentials. As I type this message, he is cleaning himself yet again. Such a fussy pussy cat.

Hello my lovely! Good to "see" you, and to hear your updates on your cats. I don't know if you have ever read any Deric Longden books, if not I do recommend them. He tells a lovely tale of one of his sort of "part time" visiting cats called Little Chap, who he decided to get get neutered. After much trouble to get him into the cat basket and to the vet, it was discovered that he already been "done"

Mock ye not!

But I`d like to be a fly on the wall whilst it`s happening!

I don't envy you that job in the new year, soop!

might !

I'm glad you haven't told him yet, soop it mught have spoiled his Christmas

I love your Rory updates, soop. I don't know if I have that kind of patience. It's nice to see you back on GN

Butty Your memory serves you well. Containing the pretty mother cat and both her female kits, was a nerve-wracking incident. Bags was treated to a blow-by-blow account. Once spayed, the three females were returned to the wild. They visit at dusk, and have supper, which is left under cover, outside the house. Rory refused to enter the trap. He took to climbing on to the highest shelf in the utility room and remaineded there until we gave in. It appears that he met a willing female on his excursions into the wild wood during the spring. The ginger kitten [last spotted eating a small rabbit] is the result. We cannot allow him to father more feral cats. It isn't fair. However, try telling Rory that!

I remember you trying to capture contain Rory last year, soop. Better luck this time.

Be sure to buy some gauntlets in the sales

Rory [you know who] is asleep at my feet. He uses his litter tray in the utility room, and makes a huge fuss over trying to make a decent job of "covering up". We both tell him that he's such a good boy. He then spends ages grooming himself. Considering that he has possibly never lived in a house, he is doing remarkably well. He still sleeps in the outdoor apartment. Last night, his wifelet and daughter [both spayed] joined him on the terrace. The wee ginger cat; possibly his latest offspring, also passed by. Rory is to be neutered in the new year. We have not told him so. Guess it's going to be a manic few hours between trapping him and taking him to the vet a 24 mile drive away. Although he's very happy to wind round our legs, he doesn't welcome being stroked. To attempt to pick him up, would be a very bad idea. You could say, we understand each other.

Ella His mummy took him to Kew Gardens Christmas fair. It was suggested that he might like to have his face painted. Would he like to be a lion. tiger or panda? He replied...a strawberry!

Lovely soop

Wee Man's imaginitive, psychedelic card - image of a Christmas tree, handmade at play school, arrived today. I grinned from ear to ear, and gave it [the card] a wee x

Welcome back soop.

Glad you are back*soop*. The black dog is hard work particularly at this time of year. So pleased you have sent him on his way in time for you enjoy the festivities.

Welcome home soop x

Depression is so shitty and the guilt that goes with it is an extra burden. I have been down there and the "I should be happy because I am lucky" voice just runs on a loop. I am glad you are seeing a blink of light, Soop. and I am sure all these wonderful people on Gransnet, including all those supported by you, will see you through.

I read a wonderful book called Sunbathing in the Rain by Gwyneth Lewis about her depression. It is worth a read because she describes the black dog so very well - when you feel up to reading .

Its so nice to see your name in lights again dearest soop I have been thinking about you every day and it's hard not to as your fab painting of poppy greets me when I go into DDs house,your boy will find it very entertaining at Camp Bastion the guys there are switched on it is unbelievable considering the work they are involved with,I sent 6 parcels earlier in the month as there are so many boys who don't get parcels from home DS2 said it keeps up their moral no end when they are received.
The pic of wee man is magical he is a stunner isn't he a heart breaker in the making I think,I understand how you are feeling and am so glad to hear that the fog is lifting we all missed you fab input and lets hope that xmas being upon us can clear the last of that dammed mist. Love to you glamma xx

Hi soop. Don't feel guilty!

You lovely lot have made my day. Bless you for so many PMs and good wishes. I'm certain that, if I lived closer to you all, I would not allow the black dog to drag me into the pit. Perhaps I'm lonely. Well, I'm certain that I am, because as I write, the tears are falling...that's a good thing, isn't it? for almost a week, I've been sorry to find myself still alive on waking from a deep sleep. What a dreadful thing to think and have to confess to. Depression is irrational. I'm very much aware of how fortunate I am. When I consider the suffering of others, I feel horribly guilty. All that I can say is THANK YOU. You are amazing people.

Dear soop ((hugs)) and ((hugs)) and I am so glad you are back with us.

soop I looked for you daily. So glad to find your name among us again. xx

I told them about the mystery parcel