Soop's Kitcheners

Grrrrr! All over the place at archery today! Trying to use a sight!
Dd wants to spend xmas at her own house with kids and oh! I'm invited to come, but I can't manage her house!
Sounds like a lonely xmas. But that's decided me!
Next year I'm cruising again!

I loved Soop's story about her 4 year old grandson's 'languid, laid back manner" when he responded to the question about where he was born "Africa". Love it love it, one of the real joys of young children is that they help us all regain a sense of wonderment and fun

What an anti-climax Roger's withdrawal from the final was, soop. I'm sure you needed an extra wee dram to drown your disappointment. I'd been out all afternoon and was ready to put my feet up and watch. Huh!

I love Roger and was sad he had to retire hurt but he can't be blamed for that. Back spasms are so painful - I suffer from them too and he needs to protect his body as much as he can. It was disappoionting for everyone who had paid to see the final though - did they get a refund I wonder?

Galen would it not be possible just to go for the day to DD? Better than being alone and sad.

Galen, gagagran's idea seems a good one - would it work?

Soutra sounds like a lovely day - just what you all needed.

Soop, DS2 told everyone that he was born in Papua New Guinea because it was a nice word!

I'd like a quiet sit down please. I've got a rotten cold and feel awful and then we got a phone call this morning to say that DN died last night.

The whole family had been with him all afternoon and there was no indication his death was imminent so they all went for a cup of tea before his sister and her family left. He died with no one there. He had a very difficult life and I think nowadays he would have been diagnosed as being on the Autistic Spectrum. He was very bright but prone to outbursts and was asked to leave his public school. He never recovered and fell out with his parents and siblings before going to work in Spain and France, teaching English. He came home periodically but couldn't cope with the family. Thankfully, they were all reconciled when he was first ill and his brother, particularly, was brilliant at the end. It is so, so sad. Although James was 47, he was one of a 'clump' of cousins/siblings all born within about 5 years and it makes one realise how fragile life is.

Sorry to bring you down.

Could do, but they want to be on their own. I don't mind really now I've got used to the idea.

Oh sorry Galen I misunderstood. I thought you said that you had been invited.

So sorry to hear that Kitty even when expected death of a loved one comes as shock. How lovely that he had people who loved him around him all afternoon.

soop good luck for McSporran when you make that long trip to your "local" hospital tomorrow. At last something is being done but they have been so slow.

That will put Rory's nose out of joint being left for so long and waitress service not available to serve his food on time.

Soutra Your family gathering sounds just perfect. I love your response to Toby's question. Giving to those we cherish is an enormous treat.

Dear kitty Such sad news for your family. Thank goodness, as Dusty said, that he had companionship during the last afternoon and that bridges had been mended. It would have been horrible if there had been a rift existing when there was no going back. Please take good care of yourself.

Galen Would it not be possible for you to spend part of Christmas in a super special hotel close to the family? You could choose to pop in for a mince pie and glass of Port...and, when you're ready you go back to the hotel, be waited on hand and foot. That's what I would do

Iam64 You are so right. Little children really do open one's eyes and heart to all possibilities. We were out walking with Torben on a hot day. The ground was parched. He knelt down and inspected a large crack in what would have been a muddy puddle. He then went on to tell us that he thought it was the site of an earthquake... "just little one..."

anno and Gagamy heart sank when Roger explained that he could not play the final match. However...did you see the exhibition match between Andy and Novak? After which, we were treated to a doubles match - Andy and MacEnroe v Pat Cash and Tim Henman. It was the perfect consolation prize and great entertainment. We were laughing out loud at the antics of the "sporting" contestants.

Thank you, Charleygirl we have a very early start tomorrow. Rory will be treated to a chicken brunch. Naturally, that alone will not compensate him for the fact that his normal routine will be disrupted. We expect the "cold shoulder" and that certain aloof expression on our return.

I shall attend to a few jobs around the house. I wish you all farewell until I return to update you regarding MacSporran's long awaited consultation. I honestly believe that all will be WELL.

Wishing you the very very best for tomorrow soop and macsporran - safe journey and maybe a nice wee lunch?

Sorry soop, I forgot to add my good wishes for you tomorrow! Let us know what happens!

I too hope all goes well for MacS tomorrow and that the journey to Oban and back will be easy.

And from me!

Wishing you a good night's sleep and positive news tomorrow.

There are no good hotels local. And I don't want to drive that far in winter anyway.
No, I'm reconciled to being on my own. It won't be the first or last time in the last 12 years.
CBA to do anything special anyway. Dd seems to live on pasta which she always undercooks by my standards and then I get terrific indigestion.
If she's coming here on Boxing Day, I'll have to cook something vegetarian that doesn't include salmon or prawns or dairy products.
One peculiar meal will be enough thanks.
Probably cook myself something like escalope de veau, or osso bucco for xmas day, unless I can find a readymade Turkey meal for one!

Condolences, kitty. Sad news and more so when your DN had such a short life

soop and MacS you will be on my mind tomorrow and positive vibes will be winging their way across the space between us.

Have had DGD staying with us since Friday so joy in our household! Nana is worn out but no matter. It is so special to have her to ourselves. Have put a photo on but can only put one at a time, so frustrating

Goodnight for now

As Bella says, Sad news Kitty, bad enough when we lose someone of our own generation.
You probably won't see my good wishes Soop .... tucked up for the night.... But here they come anyway.
Galen My sister, husband and dog are coming for Christmas, hope the dog can manage our house

That's a lovely photo * Bella* if that's you with her, I don't think I'll meet you in Malta after all. You're far too glamorous for mez!

Galen Glamorous? Moi? Perhaps you need a trip to Specsavers before you sail

You do look very glamorous Bella and so young. That is why you will find no photographs on my profile page. I would look like your old mother

Bella really can't wait to meet you!
Will you have local info as to our docking time!?
The last time I was supposed to visit, we couldn't get in due to adverse winds!
Keeping my fingers crossed!

I`m a bit late on here today, hope I`m not too late to wish all the best to MacSporran for tomorrow, and Godspeed to both of you.

Bella, what a lovely photo, wish I`d looked as young and glamorous at your age!

Good news, we sold our caravan today, through Ebay, had to go to the storage site to meet the buyer, but it was so wet, muddy and boggy that he got stuck in the mud towing it away, took him ages to get going, and we couldn`t leave because we were behind him! At one point I was up to my ankles in muddy water, (I was wearing sandals!) my feet were freezing when we got home.

Soop and McSporran I will be thinking about you both tomorrow. I hope all goes well.