SOOP's kindly Kitcheners

The Photobook I compiled to take with me when I meet possible new half brother (PNHB) later this week arrived at the weekend. It is a small landscape size hardback and I have included pictures of my father as a tot, a boy and young man, as well as getting his MBE at The palace and in later life, but also pictures of HIS father, grandfather and even great-grandfather. Honestly, in PNHB's place I would be thrilled and very touched to have a book like this. Hope he is!!
( Beginning to feel nervous - am I expecting too much?)

From the Indy today



A shy ginger cat has been left with a US animal shelter, along with a heart-warming note from her deceased owner.

The two-page letter, addressed to "the adopter of Susie", movingly depicts a four-and-a-half year relationship between the former owner and her "friend".

In the letter Susie, who is thought to be about five years old, is described as "afraid of everyone and everything".

The letter says: "I have tried for a long time to get her [Susie] to go outside. She won't do it unless I go with her.

"Perhaps if I could go for walks with her she would get used to going outside but I am too unstable to leave my front porch. She will go on the porch as long as I go with her. The best she will do is walk along the garden next to the front porch."

Susie was dropped off at the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Centre in May by the son of her former owner.

His mother, Susie's owner, had died and he was unable to look after the cat because of restrictions on pets in his home, according to The Huffington Post.

Staff at the centre plan to give the letter to Susie's next owner.

The text of the letter in full:

Dear friend

Thank you for adopting my friend, Susie.

She was one of three cats in a litter.

November 15, 2010, is her approximate birthday.

She moved in with me on December 1, 2010.

Until I felt sure she knew where her home was, I kept her in the house.

After she was left out, she disappeared for four days. I thought I would never see her again.

On the fourth night we had an unusually loud thunderstorm. There was no rain, just noise.

That morning when I went out to call her, I did not expect to see her, but she came a running. She came in the house with me and has not been willing to go out again unless I go with her.

She became an indoor cat.

Susie is afraid of everyone and everything. It took her six to eight months to realise I am her friend.

I have tried for a long time to get her to go outside. She won’t do it unless I go with her.

Perhaps if I could go for walks with her she would get used to going outside but I am too unstable to leave my front porch. She will go on the porch as long as I go with her. The best she will do is walk along the garden next to the front porch.

I believe she would follow me if I could go for a walk.

It would be nice if she would make friends with our dog. They get along together but Susie keeps some distance from the dog. I never worry about them when I leave them in the house together.

Susie is unusual but I enjoy her company. She is a good snuggler but she likes to be the boss. She enjoys being petted. She spends much of her time on my bed but always seems to know where I am.

I hope you enjoy Susie as much as I have.

Gaga was it Irving Berlin whose music featured in 'Peter's Friends'? I particularly liked 'The way you look tonight'...it always brings a soppy tear to my eye.

annsixty I echo Lona's message. All those years shared. The good memories will be worth celebrating because you and your husband have both created something very special. I am going to raise a G&T to both of you. If I could hug you, I certainly would.

Gaga What a marvellous experience for you all. Yesterday must have been a joyful family occasion.

kitty We took today's Sunday newspapers into our good pal who lives next door. At Christmas, he was fine. In the spring, he blacked out whilst driving his car. Tests then confirmed dementia. He doesn't recognise his close relatives, us, or any of the crowd of friends with whom he has shared so much fun and laughter.
You've been very busy. Well done. I raise my hat to you for being a first rate grandmother. One little one under five is a challenge. Four under five is a tremendous achievement. And now...a chatty six year old. Oh, but it's so worth it. I'm sure that you'll agree (when at last your home is yours alone.)

(((Hugs))) Ann.

A friend came round today for pointers and advice as her father has just been diagnosed with dementia. I'm not sure that she knows what is ahead of her, She is an only one, divorced, 2 sons and a mum who is very frail. An awful illness as anno said.

I've not been in for a good while as the takeover of the library has been very time consuming and we still have DD2 staying. Last night we had 4 DGC under 5 over night and today a very chatty 6 year old overnight. I'm exhausted!

Thank you all so much, I am not actually sad, just resigned to the reality, we have had a long time together. anno I would like to come sometime but my DD and GC are coming on Wed for a few days and actually I don't leave him long on his own,2 hours is my limit at present unless someone is here.

So sorry about your disappointment, ann60. It's such a distressing illness when things disappear from memory. Any chance you can come to the NW meet-up on Wednesday? Transport no problem.

Oh ann60 - my reference to the song seems rather sad now - so sorry your DH forgot your anniversary. Congratulations and here is a very large bouquet of roses for you and a of whatever you fancy plus to warm your sadness. ((())) Hugs! And cake too!

ann60 Congratulations and here is a large bouquet of a big ((((hug)))) and a glass or two of your favourite tipple
Remember all the happy times you've spent together and don't be sad xxx

I'm still humming "I won't send roses" - the lovely song from Mack and Mabel which I saw yesterday afternoon with DD and DGD at Chichester Festival theatre. Michael Ball played Mack Sennett and was brilliant - there was a standing ovation at the end and it was well deserved. DGD loved it all - she is having singing lessons and goes to a drama group so it was right up her street. Do catch it if you can - it is a wonderful show and I believe is going on tour when it closes in Chichester.

We went out for Mr Gaga's birthday dinner afterwards with the rest of the family and that was a resounding success if a somewhat noisy affair as a large crowd turned up at the restaurant from the final day of Glorious Goodwood races! I think they had won a few bob! All in all a lovely day out.

I do love a good musical! Maybe I'll sit and play a few show tunes on soop's piano for a while.

Please may I have a large slice of something, a large glass of something and some TLC? Today is our 57th Wedding Anniversary ( we married as children you understand) and DH says he remembered but he didn't and has now forgotten again. This illness is a b****r.

I need to do some ironing. I shall return as soon as possible.

dustyangel Aww! If you ever find yourself this far on the west coast, I would love to meet you. Shall we have a and and maybe a and make believe? ((hugs))

annsixty when DD2 was about 7years old , she kept lugging home all the neighbour's cats and I can remember looking at her one afternoon when she wasn't very well. Shehad fallen asleep on the sofa with across the road's ginger tom asleep on top of her and I thought we might as well have our own. For some reason I thought that two kittens might equal the dog they all wanted (they didn't!)
DH and I only remembered the mature cats of our youth and we were taken by surprise when they started chasing each other up the curtains and all the other fun things two kittens can have together. They settled down eventually and we got the dog as well in the end.

soop I don't often remember my dreams but last night I dreamt that a women's group I go to here was having one of their lunches. I was really, really looking forward to it because it was going to be in Scotland.
At your house. And, I was going to meet you!
I was so disappointed when I woke up.

I found it...so here is the wee man with places to go...things to see...and all the time in the world in which to do it.

Goodness me! It is already Sunday afternoon and I've only just this minute wandered into our kitchen.

A funny sort of day, weather-wise. The clouds are hanging low over the islands. The peaks appear to be wearing fluffy white bonnets.

MacSporran has made some tasty, nutty bread rolls with smoked salmon. I've also a bonny Pink Lady apple. Crisp and sweet.

Today I shall be sharing one of my many favourite memories of the wee man. We were off to the park...I just loved his wee pushchair and the monkey on his back. He would march through the gates with such a purposeful stride. I feel a hug coming over me. I'm away to locate the photo.

Welcome themoll. I've only been around since April though it feels like forever. People in the kitchen are lovely and our hostess always somehow says the right things. I feel I'd like to sit in her kitchen in reality. If there's any carrot cake left, I wouldn't mind a slice. Thanks ! No I don't bake these days as I've grown a bit lazy and besides there are only the two of us.. Like you I always make for the cake stall at fairs. Hope you have enjoyed the peaceful virtual views today

Ooooo Nelliemoser Walnut bread sounds heavenly, not had it for ages. Save me a slice pretty please.

I am going out now for a wee drink or two but I am looking froward to joining you all again soon.

Sadly I don't know how!! I am a total technophobe.

annsixty The kittens are at the harum-scarum stage. They will quieten down (when they're good and ready). Great fun! If possible, try to share the photo of them with us lot

soop I realise that I have never updated you on my DD's kittens. They are the "apples" of all the family's eye. They are about 5 months old and terrors. She sent me a photo this morning of one of them balancing on top of the bedroom door. They run up curtains and tightrope walk along the bannister rail. DD has been told they will quieten down at about 9 months old.
Is that just wishful thinking?

annsixty

themoll I was born in the boot and shoe town of Northampton. It is bright and sunny here in Kintyre. The waves are white-crested. Our garden is looking lush. I used to be the chief gardener but can no longer cope with it. I do miss the uplift that time spent busy in the garden affords.

Hello Nellie The aroma of freshly baked walnut bread is wafting right under my nose. Wonderful!
MacSporran tires easily but continues to be bright and cheerful in spirit. Rory remains devoted to MacS. They are always together...and when not, Rory waits beside the door until he returns.

I will have walnut bread please. I will have it with lots of butter,mature cheddar cheese ( the best cheese ever ) and crisp young celery with flaky sea salt. Absolutely gorgeous and non fattening.

Soop It's because your kitchen is such a lovely place to be. We will be going through a new room every two months at this rate. How are Rory and McSporran doing?

Welcome Themoll Stop stalking now and join in.

I don't have any cake but I am making a loaf of walnut bread when I get off my butt. You can share that for your butties.