SOOP's kindly Kitcheners

janerowena you and your family are in my thoughts.

Welcome downtoearth to the kitchen. We only have one strict rule...no nastiness in any way, shape or form. I shall make room for you on our ever expanding sofa. all for you to enjoy.

janer Yes, you certainly have quite enough to cope with at the moment. I am wishing you well and trust that you are getting enough support throughout this testing time.

Hi, sorry I've not been in much lately but it's been busy here.

Janer, I'm sorry you are going through a tough time. Doesn't everything seem to come at once. You must be on tenterhooks waiting for your daughter's results but pleased that your son and DH are feeling a bit better but without the mental energy to worry about your Mum. Lucky you to have sisters.

How are you doing now Charleygirl? Where is Galen? Have I missed something? And, (thank you Ariadne - I always mentally say that now when I start a sentence with 'and') Michael hasn't started the weather thread for the last two days.

Anyway, I need a sit down! DD3 and the children have moved out but we are still coping with the Idiot acting true to form. DD1 is hoping to move house and they have sold their own but cannot find one they both like so they are going to 'compromise'! Should I say that the compromise if just not right or should I say nothing and deal with the fall out further down the line? And, DD2's Fil is in an induced coma in hospital having had a heart attack. DS1 & 2 seem ok - for now!

Can I just stay here until it's all over, please!

kitty I think that you are in need of some Kitcheners tender loving care. I'm afraid that the choices facing your family have to be just that...their own. If you are asked for advice...give it wisely and gently. You cope admirably.

As for Galen...she's been in orbit and should be landing any time soon. I'm looking forward to having her back. The kitchen has been far too quiet in her absence.

I've added a new photo of our granddaughter with her proud father on her wedding day.

Bellasnana, it was good to see your name. How are you?
Kitty and Jane

Bellasnana For you...

and for janer and kitty and any one else who is being worn down with family concerns. Just when things start to improve, fate steps in and gets you again!
I've spent the morning at the eye hospital with my DS ( thinking about ann60, hope it goes well for her later) He's had an injection in each eye, but things are still improving so we're happy!

That's good to hear Lona. Eyesight really is precious and yet, until something happens that needs treatment, it is taken for granted.

Thank you Lona I am all ready with lots of time to go but full of anticipation of the unpleasant kind.

downtoearth, come and join us. You're safe here! We don't want you disappearing again. Have a and a

Everyone with family troubles and problems is in my thoughts, I hope that things start to get better for all.
Bellasnana, nice to see you.

Hi all thanks for the welcome soop and anno I will just squidge in the corner and catch up with all who pop in sitting quietly until I know enough to join in with what is happening..tea and cakes greatly appreciated more so because they are virtual and my expanding waistline....or coastline as DGD calls it dosent need any more help.

Well I am just back and the anticipation was much worse than the event . I did not expect to go into a type of theatre and I had 4 lovely nurses to look after me. One held my hand like she would never let it go. Perhaps old age has some consolations. I do hope your son's treatment continues to give him help Lona he is too young for that.

Galen I'll just put a big bean bag down on the kitchen floor for you to land on when you drop out of orbit. No more talk of tennis, it's safe to come back now. Welcome downtoearth. You're not Galen under another name are you !

Now that the tennis is over I will venture back in the kitchen with some goodies I've been saving. Chocolate fudge cake, marshmallows with chocolate topping and .......a chocolate fountain with fruit!

((Special huggs)) for all who need them.

No * crafting* am not galen .....used to be Nellie often found propping up Lils bar

Annsixty I'm glad you did not find that too uncomfortable and I hope it works. When I had a gastroscopy last year, (not painful but unpleasant,) I found that having a nurse holding me so I didn't move too much and just being very reassuring really helped. Just someone holding your hand in a stressful situation can work wonders.

I am so pleased ann60 that it was not too unpleasant. Hopefully you will sleep well tonight.

Annsixty, I`m glad it wasn`t too unpleasant, and that things start to get better.

I took a deep breath today and realised that if the worst comes to the worst, I can go down to my mother next weekend via DD. Stop off to give DD a big hug after her results come back, whichever way it goes she will need one, then carry on and stay in a B&B for a week or so. Which is another problem - it's very hard to care for parents when they have downsized. We are not well off and have no spare money this year, as we are having to pay for the entire immediate family to attend a big family wedding, over a long weekend. A week in a B&B to give my stepfather a break from nursing my mother hadn't come into our financial calculations.

janerowena you are carrying a lot on your shoulders and I wish we could help as well as providing supportive shoulders and virtual . Everything crossed that your DD's results are good, it is hard being one of the "sandwich" generation, pulled both ways by children and ageing parents.
Lona, * Annsixty* Bellasnana and ALL who are weary and burdened, I wish you and

downtoearth It is a real treat to have you back with us. Please do not drift away again.

janer Alea has eloquently put into words the feelings of us lot.

annsixty lots of loving vibes.

I have been a bit selfish recently and thinking mostly of myself so to all with problems, and there are many I send my very best wishes
. After not sleeping well last night because it felt as if I had a log in my eye
I feel absolutely fine today, and no more worries about going again. I am even managing the drops well as DH couldn't cope .

All who are weary and burdened sums it up so well, so I'll second that. Or even third it.
and from me too.

ann60 I'm glad you feel fine today, I think the anticipation is almost as bad as the injections! Do you have to have any more or was it a one off?

janer These situations are always more stressful when money is tight. I hope your dd's results are good.