SOOP's kindly Kitcheners

I have had a neighbour knock on my door earlier asking me if I am okay and coping in this heat because he had not seen me around. I was a bit gobsmacked- he is in his early 30's and he probably thinks that I have one foot in my grave. I suppose that I should be pleased that somebody cares.

I have deliberately stayed indoors with the windows and doors open and did an on line delivery so that I did not have to drive in the heat and traipse around my local store. I am trying my best- icecream is definitely helping!

Hello all! Have spent a lot of this hot day sleeping off the rigours of last night. New baby DGD arrived at 02:18 this morning after an all night labour. DD1 was a total hero! Not a moan or groan out of her and the only pain killer was gas and air! It was a water birth and I managed to travel from my home in NI to Surrey to be with her through much of full labour and birth. SIL and I are a very experienced team

She weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs 3oz but has no name as yet. 4 hours later DD was sent home, still exhausted and weak, to 2 other children. When I had my babies it was routine to spend 5 days or more in hospital recovering and bonding with the new little one!

So ..... Lift a little glass to my new DGC. I'm on my 3rd!

Oh yes, and happy birthday Bella ! What an amazing birthday present! I imagine your birthday must have been hard for you though. One of those difficult first year milestones to pass.

Congratulations, Judthepud2. That is very happy news and do let us know her name when she has one. She shares my birthday, albeit 59 years apart
Well done to your DD and congrats all round

Happy Birthday Bella, and many more of `em!

[flower] to both bellasnana and judthepud's DD and SIL. It is always good to hear of a safe arrival!
Bellasnana I am so glad they made a fuss of you for your birthday and that it was a happy time for you.

-eyes not quite open yet!

Good morning all. Sorry to have missed your birthday Bella but glad you have been treated so well. A bittersweet time for you!

How is your DH, number?

How are things with you Ann?

And *MacSporran's head?

I've put the kettle and will be back later for a catch up.

Good Morning
JudthePud Congratulations on the new baby.
MyDD had a water birth with her recent little one and found it a much better experience and much less uncomfortable than with no1.

Charleygirl I think you should just be pleased someone cares but I can imagine that it could feel a bit patronising.

Jud Congratulations well done to your dd!
Charleygirl I think that was really kind of your neighbour, much better than nobody bothering, although it would have made me laugh/feel miffed!

Well...I seem to have missed a great deal of happenings. I blame Wimbledon!

Belated HAPPY birthday greetings to our dear Bella. I am thrilled to hear that your family helped to make it super special. The cassatella cake is I believe one that you kindly treated us to at Easter. If so...wow! It didn't last long. We did try to ration it but it was far too tempting and "just another wee portion" kept beckoning. You are never far from my thoughts. I wish you in the core of your being.

Judthepud Wonderful uplifting news.
Welcome into the world to your darling granddaughter. Please tell us her name when she's been given one. She was a bonny size. How lovely that you shared the birthing experience. [flower]

Charleygirl I also congratulate your kind neighbour for taking the time to check that all is well with you. His concern is to be commended.

kitty Thank you for getting the refreshments underway. MacSporran's head looks grisly. He says it isn't uncomfortable. He's also looking forward to it healing and not being an embarrassment (to him). I confess that I think he's dandy no matter what.

Soutra I would so love Heather to get the better of Serena. Aren't I a right meany. As for Maria...she (her constant yelling) gives me the proverbial pip.

As it's an Any match this afternoon, we've treated ourselves to a Magnum. However, now that we know the price we are limiting our ration to just one each week. We usually buy a few other items from the local shop and MacSporran imagined that the ices still cost £1.25. We are apparently so last century.

That was meant to be, an Andy match.

I agree, I would love Heather to win but she is going to have to up her game by several notches. At least the crowd will be behind her, Serena has never played her before but she has studied her recent matches and her style of play. Heather has nothing to lose so maybe more relaxed whereas Serena desperately wants to win the title yet again. One year when it was Serena versus Venus, I switched the TV off.

I do hope that Andy does not make my heart stop as he did 2 days ago.

Liam Broady is playing in the doubles but I do not know who his partner is.

Charleygirl Andy did himself proud. I've gobbled the Magnum. Wish that I had been more lady-like and made it last a little longer.

What a good tennis afternoon. I'm sitting here ready with cup of tea and a bowl of strawberries, ready for Roger Federer to start.

Federer is having a tough contest. It looks as if Querry believes he can win. Andy looked invincible. Let's hope it lasts. [how long ago did we ask for a 'fingers crossed' emoticon?]

The tennis today is fabulous. Andy was fortunate to have such a short match- he can relax after his warm down etc. He is back on Saturday.

I was lucky today, Andy finished his match before my washing machine- that has never happened before. Let's hope that his possible opponents have to play 5 sets to wear them out.

anno Roger has other thoughts. He certainly is a marvellous player.

Charleygirl and when...almost time for Rafa to delight us with his charm. Aren't we lucky to have Wimbledon to keep us away from the more mundane aspects of housework? I'm so enjoying the tournament. A bowl of strawberries and cream and a glass of Pimms would put an even bigger on my face.

I have consumed half a bowl of cherries and two icecreams. There is plenty of liquid in both- the only reason I eat either of them- I must not become dehydrated!!!!

Roger is definitely my number one hero! What a match!
I've been good and only had one choc ice so far

I'm going to miss most of Rafa's match as I'm babysitting, so hope you all enjoy it!

It's getting better. Rafa Nadal looked quite unsettled with Dustin Brown when they started. It looks like it's going to be an exciting match.

What can you say about Roger Federer that hasn't already been said? He's my all-time favourute. Just magical!

Nadal has a very lively opponent! I love players who come to the net. And he's won the first set. Poor Rafa has just clouted himself hard on the leg. Sounded painful.

I am pleased all you tennis fans are getting your fix, it has never interested me but each to his own.
I have had no internet all day but now I have just to say I finally have an appt,well 3 during the morning actually,on Tues. Such a relief to get things underway.

Bella belated birthday greetings to you from me as well.