Soop's Extended Extension.

Dropping in for a quick nightcap, whatever's on offer. A is fine, thanks. Don't know why I feel so tired - just been to book group discussing Barbara Kingsolver's Flight Behaviour, a gripping and thought-provoking read. Today's good news: GD1 has passed her driving test with flying colours - only one minor fault and high praise from examiner. Good girl! Clearly doesn't take after Granny.

Everyone is asleep today.

It's a joy to pop in to find that many of my Granspals have found some peace and quiet [as well as fun] here in the kitchen.

This is a very quick visit. Have been out all day. I drove the car through a tremendous hail storm along the windiest road to Oban. That many Z bends, it was like being on a switchback ride at the fair. Anyone familiar with that road?

Xray and appointment went well at Oban hospital. The consultant was able to show me the Xray taken when I was admitted to hospital. A third of my left lung had collapsed! Now I understand why it was so painful to cough [without doubling over]...the pneumonia is no more. The comparison between that Xray and todays was apparent. There is a slight "residue" of mucky stuff but that will disappear in time. She added that I had been very poorly...and that it will take a little longer to get back to tip-top health.

Now for some more good news. At one o'clock this morning, the outside light was activated. I leapt from my bed...Tortoiseshell was sitting on the kennel roof. I had to tip toe through to the kitchen and prepare a dish of food as quietly as is humanly possible. I went outside in my Sloggis and a T shirt, [no shoes] and was delighted when I heard the faintest meow from under the hydrangea bush. Further more, she was waiting when we returned home a short time ago.

I'm about to enjoy a lovely pot of tea. Tomorrow, I shall read through your previous messages.

Lona (hugs)

Rory will also settle down as will yourself soop now that little minx has decided to reappear, having frightened so many of us for a while now.

I will not be popping in for a coffee later this evening as I am full of cold and I do not want to pass it on to anybody. An early night for me I think.

So glad you have your cat back - and your lung, soop
Have a good quiet evening.....

How about music tomorrow, I would like to sing 'Those were the days', very nostalgic.

When I was a child, our small village chippie used to put a board outside saying "Frying Tonight". I've now persuaded DH to make me a virtual "Playing Tonight" board. (He still thinks we're mad!)

However, I'm sorry my friends but I am having a night off and will next be available to accompany a singalong on Saturday evening, if soop and MacSporran will permit of course. So get your requests in and I'll see what I can do.

Good news about the little Tortie soop - you must be thrilled.

Good news about your heath soop, and good news about young Tortoise too.
Years ago when our young black cat (Beauty) was spayed, she disappeared about 3 weeks after the operation. No sign of her anywhere, 4 months or so later, when we were undressed just going to bed one night, there was a very faint mew outside.
DH was impressed. He said he didn't know that I could clear the stairs in one leap like that.

What a good news day all round. Many congratulations to your GD anno It is great to hear there is another good, confident female driver on the roads. And soop, what a relief to hear you are so far along the road to rude health. You had us all really worried, you know. MacSporran can vouch for that, and goodness knows how he felt. You take care please: now is it sensible, I ask you, to traipse off outside in your undies, poor little kitty puss notwithstanding?
Charleygirl Hope your cold is short lived. A hot whiskey toddy will maybe help it on its way?
(Btw soop Gagagran has done us proud while you were gone - my head is full of wonderful music just from reading the posts!)

Sorry soop, I really didn't mean to call your cat a tortoise.
And I did mean to say take care of yourself as well.

Good news all round then soop, I'm pleased you are almost A1, BUT.... what are you doing out in the middle of the night in just your Sloggis and a t shirt?

Honestly!

Good news your tests were clear although, remember the consultant did say you have been very unwell, so, take it easy.

Now Mrs!, I don't want to hear anymore tales about you running out in your knickers in the middle of winter. . Pleased to hear though that Torto turned up. Sounds like she is setting a pattern of coming 'home' for meals.

Thrilled to hear that the Tortoiseshell princess is back safe and sound, but are you trying to get pneumonia again, running around in next to nowt at night?
Pleased to hear that your lung has more or less recovered. Yes, we know that windy road up to Oban, hubby doesn`t care for it at all, but it`s a rather pretty, scenic route in places though.

Great news on both counts soop. very pleased to read you are improving so well but smacked wrists for going out without shoes, you must look after yourself . also very relieved that Rory's daughter has returned - any kittens around?

soop you would be in a fine state if you tripped outside with just your knickers and a T shirt on. You are recovering from a nasty lung infection, you are not helping yourself. Nag over.

Well, I've been chastised by you lovely lot and MacSporran agrees with you. In future, I'm to wear a pair of slippers should I need to dash outside in the early hours...

It has taken ages to catch up with what you lot have been up to in my absence. The sing along must have been such a treat. Gagagran you are now officially our resident music maker. I must add that I like all the choices that have been mentioned. Ella! Well, I did go to one of her concerts [possibly in Birmingham] 45-ish years ago? I loved Sarah Vaughn and Billie Exstine [spelling?] singing 'Passing Strangers'...used to make me go all soppy.

Elegran, I agree with you, the young man who accompanied the lassie on the 'The road to Dundee' was a true gent. It's one of the reasons why I'm so fond of that particular song.

anno Well done to your granddaughter. Passing the driving test forst time is worthy of celebration.

Icy did you make the lime marmalade. I remember buying some long ago. The jar was most attractive.

dustyangel I'm going to Google 'The Four Marys' - not heard of it until now.

Nellie I'm impressed. Two choirs, aye? No one would ever come within whispering distance of my tone deaf voice. I'm allowed to mouth the words...unless I'm alone in the house.

Agus Your message to our bags made me smile. Very well said.

I meant to add that I am truly blest to have you lot as my Granspals. Each and every one of you is special. Just saying...

soop here's Joan singing 'The Four Marys'
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Gx7EwN3VY

Thank you, AlieOxon I shall listen to it right this minute.

Haunting! Joan's voice does justice to this ballad.

I love her voice, so sweet and so strong at the same time.

I've called in with some fresh scones with lashings of butter, and I'm putting the kettle on now.
I'm feeling quite chirpy today, as I went out last evening for a curry (it was very good) and I was invited to go on holiday at Easter to Spain
My friend has a large house on the hill above a picturesque bay,(I've been before) so it's something good to look forward to.

Lona, good news.

Lona The perfect tonic for you and well deserved. I shall help you to eat a scone or two, and as you say... with plenty of butter. The tea is freshly brewed.

Rory is restless. Why? You ask. He's restless because MacSporran is out of sight. He's pushing stuff around in the loft. Rory can hear him but cannot climb the ladder to join him. He is parked at the bottom of the ladder and will wait until his mate returns...which he has...just this minute. Rory now HAPPY. If cats could grin and high-five, he surely would.

I found Billie Eckstein and Sarah Vaughn singing 'Passing Strangers' on You Tube. Don't know how to blue it and share. I'm a very slow learner.

I have it on a CD soop. I love it. So envious of you seeing Ella Fitzgerald in the flesh

I know all this type of music mainly due to an uncle who is a jazz saxophonist and introduced me to so much of that genre. Parties at their house were fabulous with jazz musicians and singers.

Agus Lucky you. Do you know how to blue it and include it on this thread, please?