Today I have been mainly Vol. 6

Today I've been doing something I have never done before. Well that is not really true as I found out I could not do it at all. DH was asked to come along and be the drum-kit drummer for the DDs and 8 of their friends as they had a lesson in playing steel drums as part of DD2's hen day/night. I was persuaded to join them against my better judgement and was so hopeless that I had to just stand there miming and hoping no one would notice that I was not actually hitting the drum except for the last note. We had a two hour session, the others all picked it up really quickly and were able to play a reasonable version of 'The lion sleeps tonight' by the end. The final performance, with us all wearing jungle animal masks (appropriately I was an elephant) has been video recorded for posterity. I expect that they will find it hilarious when they get a chance to view after their dinner and clubbing in Glasgow tonight

I have done many strange things to keep my DDs and DGC happy and usually thoroughly enjoyed them but this is one shameful performance that I will not be repeating

Elegran - you echo my very thoughts.

Pity they did not send you a set that was a few pounds out - on the right side.

I took my senior GD to lunch and she had the biggest burger I've ever seen. Even she couldn't quite finish it! The postman brought my new bathroom scales packed in acres of bubble wrap that needed a carving knife to get through it. I'm glad to say that they seem to agree with my old scales - more or less!

Every good wish for a speedy recuperation soop from all your various indispositions.

Hope the furry one is cheering you with his purring and undoubted pleasure at seeing you home!

All the best Soop - it's a good thing you have Mr Soop to keep you in order. I just watched the last bit of The Secret Life of Cats - they didn't come off too well on the loyalty score!

Best wishes Soop xxx

soop Hope your botty bits start behaving themselves very soon!! And whilst they are getting better, I hope you have your feet up, planning a trip to see the wee man.
Take care. x

My friend went to the donkey sanctuary yesterday morning, and dug up six big bags of donkey poo to take home in her car for the garden. She said it smelled sweet and earthy!

Been pooh picking for my compost heaps most afternoon- what a refreshing change! (horse manure that is - oh and before somebody says something, the horses are not mine but a farmer friend of mine ).

soop sit still for once! - the sitting may not be so comfortable, but do take it a bit easier? Plonk Rory and a good book on your knee for an hour or two? xx

Soop I hope you have a few uneventful days whilst you recover.

Bags sent me a text to say take a look...lots of messages. All very much appreciated. I'm so lucky.
My backend is continuing to recover. The bleeding is almost finished. The discomfort is under control. Whereas the front end is stinging [UTI] and I feel a bit queasy and woolly-legged. Energy in short supply. Mr soop insists that I behave and leave jobs to him. Dear man!
The night before I went into hospital, I fell in the bathroom. Bags knows what I was up to at the time ...I fell backwards landing heavily on to the side on which the last hip op had taken place. Also hit my head. Small bruises at base of spine and much discomfort. Over the course of hospital stay, the thigh bruise has developed into something massive and very colourful. Doc saw it and commented...WOW...how you managed not to displace the prosthesis, I shall never know. Mr soop has just this minute given me a second good talking to. Rory continues to love me...or so he'd have me believe.

Such good news, Butty...well deserved.

Gracesmum...High five!

A friend and neighbour asked me to keep an eye on her house while they are in Switzerland - check there is no mail or newspapers sticking out of the letterbox, water the tomato plants if necessary and top up the peanuts in the bird feeder (- yes that friend, remember?)
Anyway I have popped over every couple of days, all has been well, but today I thought I would just check round the back, via a small courtyard garden behind their house. My heart lurched when I saw that not only was their back door unlocked - IT WAS OPEN!! Quaking ....I ventured in, had a quick look round downstairs and all seemed to be well so I rang her DIL who lives in MK and told her what I had found,but that I did not feel I should be the person checking in greater detail, e.g. upstairs. Although there were no signs of anybody having had a rummage round, my mind would be put at rest if she would come over and check either with me or on her own!!
All was OK, but it really gave me a nasty moment!!! My friend (or her DH) is going to have a very red face when they get back and hear how they left their house! Fortunately our village is very safe - but even so.....

Just arrived in from meal and show. Rocky Horror - more over the top than ever and very funny.

Your news is lovely, Butty. Something great to look forward to

Butty , I remember now youi have family over there, how great for you .

twice

Nonu - The garden state - N.J. As you probably know, it's no longer a state that really lives up it's name - but that's where the family are. .
It's also close to N.Y. which I love for it's busyness and diversity (in small doses)

ariadne, I used to love seeing my DDs with their grandpa, wrapping him round their proverbial little fingers, emptying his jacket pockets, scribbling in his business diary, and him loving it all

Butty

butty, great news!

Good for you Butty , what part are you going to ?

Home again, after a few days with our little boys. We had a great time, and Grandpa is exhausted; they think he is the bees knees and can do anything. He is melting with all the adoration, and it is lovely to see.

Now awaiting the arrival of DS2 with our two up younger DGDs. Taking the opportunity to have a little toes up!

I had a fine time having coffee and large) cake with another Gransnetter! We sat and blethered for ages in the sun in a lovely sun-trapped yard at the back of the coffee-shop. We will go again, we've decided!

The buttercups in my garden look particularly good among the very invasive pink geraniums.