SOOP's kindly Kitcheners

Happy birthday Bella, it sounds as though you've had a much needed good time!
How lovely of your dds to take you on holiday. I'm sure you will miss DD and dgd but it will give you time to catch up on things.
Count your blessings and cry some tears xx

Just googled that cake Bella a large slice for me please. So pleased your family are so supportive and loving, you deserve it. Thank you for your kind thoughts to me, much treasured.

Happy Birthday, Bella. I hope you've been able to enjoy the day with your family around you, despite the inevitable sadness. Your cake sounds very interesting. I must try it - thanks

I have just managed to delete a post I was writing. What a lovely birthday present, Bella. Then having all your DC together. That was just the icing on the cake, speaking of which, I would love a slice of virtual birthday cake - it sounds delicious - as I am sworn off anything containing refined sugar. Enjoy the rest of your birthday which you share with my DGS (11)!

Happy birthday, Bella- I do realise what a sad time that it is for you but I am delighted that you have had such a lovely holiday. You must count your blessings now.

My word, I've been gone for a few days and I return to find you've moved into another extension

So sorry to hear of annsixty's eye problems. Very worrying especially with her DH having Alzheimer's . Why do bad things happen to good people, I wonder

Today is my birthday, the first one without DH, but I have had such a lovely time this past week. My DD's 1 and 3 organized and paid for a trip to Italy for my birthday present. We flew to Bergamo, DD1 had hired a car and drove us to Cinque Terre, Lake Como and Milan. Absolutely beautiful scenery, food, accommodation, everything. I'm very lucky.

We returned yesterday, my goddaughter from England also arrived so we had a lovely meal out at a jazz night. The band was from the U.S. Air Force and the ambassador was also there.
Best bit for me was having all four of our children together, a rare occurrence, plus fiancée and goddaughter, so I felt very privileged.

Tomorrow DD1 returns to the States after five weeks. I shall miss her so much. She is also delivering Dgd to her father for the summer, and my sister should have been turning 63 tomorrow but has been gone nine years, so it will be a tearful day, I'm sure.

Trying hard to be positive and grateful for all the good things in my life and not dwell on the sadness.

If any of you like cassatella Siciliana please have a share of my birthday cake. It's delicious but there is a lot of it left. Wish I could really share it with you instead of virtually.

Sorry for the long post. You are all in my thoughts even if I don't get in to post too often.

Enjoy the tennis all fans.

She did a great job today!

Well done Heather!!!

Tried on three skirts in my wardrobe yesterday and promptly joined Weightwatchers online. So choc-ices of any kind are off the menu.

Soutra and anno, I looked at all those yummy ices yesterday, but when I read the number of calories in them I chickened out and bought Waitrose essential choc ices again!
Why aren't I thin?

ann I hope you hear from Specsavers quickly, you must be so worried

Hi hilda Specsavers were very good on Sunday when I just walked in and saw me straightaway.i was referred to a clinic and told it was urgent. Well their urgent and mine differ but then it is my sight. I have now, after chasing again been told I will be seen by a Consultant in less than two weeks. So with that I will have to be patient. The waiting lists are very long.

Soutra Tyke!

annsixty I sympathise with you. I'm hoping that the call you're waiting for comes very soon. Keep us updated please.

Judthepud2 Has baby arrived yet? Please don't forget to give us lot all the latest news.

I've been doing my pal's ironing. Now Knackered and in need of a lovely pot of tea.

hildajenniJ with macular degeneration the peripheral vision is unaffected.

Soutra Whose a greedy Grannie then?

What's up ann? Are you seeing flashes and spider's webs in your peripheral vision? Or is it something else? Specsavers were very good with me when I had worries about my vision. I had an appointment in three days, and all my fears were allayed.

My satisfaction with Specsavers has slightly evaporated as I still don't have an appt and two chase up calls today have led to the frustration of waiting for a call back. Tomorrow I will get an urgent appt at GP's and see what happens then. In the meantime my anxiety has grown tenfold.

Ahem...!

Right own up!!
Who told me about Waitrose salted caramel chocolate ices?
I bought a box of 3 yesterday and scoffed the lot but they were good!!

Mishap I do provided I do not have to lift a finger!

I missed Federer whilst discharging grandma duties. Nothing very interesting now as all the best matches are over today. I love this heat!

I am pleased that Roger finds this heat just perfect. It was 40C at one time on centre court- I was relaxing in my armchair with a glass of orange juice, doors open and exhausted watching them. Andy did give me a fright.

Ditto, anno. Andy's match was excellent - a very good opponent and some amazing shots. Listened to Federer on the radio saying the blistering heat at Wimbledon, with the grass courts which don't reflect dry heat like concrete, was 'just perfect!'

anno Wow! Andy never fails to have me teetering on the edge of my chair. How do players perform like that in such high temperatures. It is exhausting to watch let alone play.
Federer has the grace of a dancer. He appears to float. Such a cool dude. As for Rafa...I love that man. I've yet to catch up with Heather's match.

The black espresso Magnum was delicious. I waited until 4 o'clock. 'Twasn't an easy thing to do.

Andy is making me nervous! Federer glided through his match. He always seems much lighter on his feet than anyone else. And I'm so pleased that Nadal got through. As for Heather Watson - what a determined performance!

Phew! It's a roller coaster from time to time. Eek! Come on Andy!