Soop's Kindly Kitcheners

Hello everyone. I made it back from the wilds of Argyll this afternoon, and liberated the hudl and powered it up! I had a lovely afternoon with thatbags on Thursday, and am looking forward to being able to do it again. The DGC were very good for me when my DD and SiL went to a party. Journey home was uneventful and the dog very happy to see me when I got home.

loopyloo I do not understand Tara because she is around 11 years old and has been with me about 9 years and this is the first year since early spring that she has left the house early am and not returned until 9pm or later every day without fail. She is in now but it is very cold here and I think her stomach also decided she should pop in. Every other year she has been super glued to me and if she did go out she would either be outside to meet the car or I would see her face at the cat flap and she would stay indoors with me.

She has a male admirer who comes at least 3 times a week, tries to get in the cat flap but is so thick (in the head) he has not managed it yet. He has been trying for nearly a year but although handsome, he does not have a matching brain. She hates and is terrified of him. She is very much a loner when she does go out and she also would not visit another house. I am hoping that when snow and ice arrive she may stay indoors. She howls here if I do not let her out.

thatbags blackcurrant muffins sound just perfect- I could do with a cup of coffee.

No flapjack today, crafting, I'm afraid! Will blackcurrant muffins do? [plate of muffins]

Sorry about your sore neck. Have you tried using a hot water bottle like a pillow?

It does help Crafting but annoyingly cools down quickly so it isn't as good as I'd hoped.

GP doesn't have anything to suggest other than painkillers and/or rubbing in anti inflammatory gel, so I guess I'd better get used to it!

soop that cat looks so like Ginny, a farm cat of many years ago, it's an amazing likeness. You really are very talented.

Tara's pushing her luck isn't she? What is it about these independent felines that going out into the wind/rain/dark/cold is preferable to staying put and being thoroughly pampered? I reckon she's got a suitor somewhere, little hussy. Rory would sort her out and send her home with her tail between her legs ....unless soop makes her too comfortable....l

soop that cat's adventurous spirit is costing me money! A slice of date and walnut would be bliss- I agree, where have all the bakers gone?

Thank you, Crafting Do you have arthritis in your neck? It sounds very possible. You may need to refer yourself to your GP.
Yes indeed...who has scoffed the cake? I really fancy a handsome slice of date and walnut right now. I've a and that must do.
Have had my teeth scaled at the dentist. I cannot relax for a moment. I'm certain that I held my breath throughout the treatment. Anyway...I'm okay now for a further six months.

Charleygirl I like Tara's adventurous spirit. She's a wonder cat.

It's tiddling with cold rain. Huge puddles everywhere. I do hope that the village isn't going to have another flood. The residents have just about cleaned up after the last one.

soop I love all of your portraits and a honey coloured spaniel sounds good for the next.

It has been bitterly cold here all day but at least the sun was shining.

To stop Tara from getting out at night I have put a carton of 6 litres of milk against the door and the devil managed to move it but could not get under the door (?) although she tried very hard, and has almost removed the draught proofer which was integrated at the door base. There may be a taxi arriving any day soon with madam in it and Rory can sort her out!

Soop what a lovely portrait. It looks so like her. Does Rory get jealous when you paint other cats ...let alone dogs!

I've been really busy recently so not had time to pop in as often as I'd like and you haven't had much cake in the kitchen recently . Where have all the cake makers gone? Where are the flapjacks bags and what about your lemon drizzle Lona. I've raided all the cupboards and only found some crumbs. I shall lurk in the wings until some goodies arrive.

loopylou how have you got on with your hot pad? My neck is really bad too. Does it help?

Our granddaughter is very happy with the portrait that I did of her cat, Juno. I had just one photograph to work from.

I am working right now on a sweet, honey-coloured, young Spaniel.

dustyangel I would be happy to watch many more episodes of that programme. Children are brilliant entertainers. Far better than a good many comedians.
Warm, light layers are the key to keeping cosy.

I've been raiding my wardrobe. Taken out all summery garments. Lots to be given away, when the time is right.

number we shared the same weather conditions yesterday. Awoke to a very different scene. Grey, murky and definitely breezy.
Dentist for a check-up this afternoon. I cannot think how I shall cope with the excitement.

Sun today, hardly any wind, just a light whisper of a breeze, but really cold.

soop I watched the under fives programme with DD1 this afternoon, we were curled up with laughter at the chocolate cake incident. She says that there's definitely one more programme, maybe two.

How beautiful your view is in this cold clear weather. I'm still adjusting to the 15° to 20° difference in temperature. Good job I came prepared with warm layers.

Charleygirl Tara is far more adventurous than you know who. It would be good to have her tagged with a wee camera. Did you see the programme showing the antics of several cats in one neighbourhood? They had cameras attached to their collars. A few walked some distance...and visited other homes using the cat flap. Rory walked many a long mile...a very long time ago.

Have any of our Kitcheners been watching the secret life of five year olds? We love it. The children are wonderfully expressive. I did have a tear in my eye when one little boy was upset. The incident with the chocolate cake (that was forbidden until tea time) was hilarious. The girls looked, admired it, and walked away. The boys rallied in a wee group and egged each other on to sample wee tasters. When the teacher asked them to account for their actions, I could feel their discomfort. A brilliant programme. I hope that we have a few more to enjoy.

It will soon be time for the match. I hope that it isn't too short. The best match so far, I think, has been that between Spain's number one and two seeds. Truly gladiatorial!

Farewell until tomorrow. Enjoy a comfortable and cosy evening.

A very different day here today. Sunshine nearly all day, no high winds but it has been bitterly cold. I have had the heating on all day.

Tara has been out all day, popped in for a light lunch and then off again. I would love to attach a video camera to her to find out where she goes.

soop please do not upset or waken Rory when you are screaming at the TV- he does not like it- he needs his rest.

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number Bless you. Please fasten the buttons on your coat in future. Chilly winds can get into your bones and we wouldn't want that. As for having bought your Christmas cards...I'm afraid that I haven't given the matter any thought.

Charleygirl Our weather is glorious at the moment. Calm sea, blue sky and the peaks have next to no snow on them. We had a lovely walk this morning. We saw some of the damage wrought by the village flood. part of the roadway leading to the church gates has collapsed. A shed door has somehow managed to find itself in the burn.

Anyone looking forward to the Roger v Novak match? I shall be rooting for Roger.

Totally different type of weather today- very calm, not a breath of wind, the sun is shining but oh so cold. I have had the heating on all morning because it has been -1C here.

It`s been dry and sunny here, but oh so cold, and VERY windy. Went into town and the marketplace was deserted, the market had been cancelled because of the strong winds. I never fasten my coat up, except in extreme weather, but today the wind whipped my coat right offmy shoulders and halfway down my back, so I thought it advisable to button up, warmer too. Bought my Christmas cards today, soon be time to get writers cramp!

Enjoy that soop but please do not forget to cook Rory's Saturday chicken!

It is so cold here- thank goodness for central heating.

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loopylou the microwave wheat thingy may well give you some relief. If not, go to see your GP. And, yes, I shall make you a virtual and we'll share a virtual ...I'm trying so hard to cut back on unnecessary carbs.

Charleygirl The match between Rafa and Novak didn't thrill me. I was rooting for Rafa. He was outclassed.

Rory went for a very short stroll. He's so funny when he gets his paddy-paws wet. He looks somewhat peeved and shakes the water off with great gusto.

MacSporran has replaced our dear neighbour's Saltire. When the neighbour saw it, he smiled. Something he rarely does since his dementia kicked in after his wife's death. In fact, he shook MacS's hand. We hope that the sight of a new Saltire will lift help to his spirits.

I'm about to ride the exercise bike. Twenty minutes helps to get my heart pumping and puts roses in my cheeks..

i was out this morning having a cut and blow dry but I need not have paid for the latter- I was nearly blown away. Anyway, the outdoor chores are done- I had to rescue my garden furniture yet again before somebody thought that they had received a freebie. I have put my wheelie bin and my neighbour's out, I have switched on the central heating because I discovered it was 0C- no wonder I was feeling a bit cold.

Tara ran outside today in the driving rain, once she discovered that the weather was the same at the front and rear doors and I have not seen her since. As it is bitterly cold I am hopeful that she will come home early and enjoy the warmth here.

As Andy is out of the match I will not bother watching this afternoon.

Blooming cold here too, deceptively blue skies and sunshine (yippee!) but oh, so cold.
Went into town this morning and it was heaving, no pleasure in just browsing with so many people around. Bath seems to be a Mecca for the Welsh!

Anyway, didn't buy anything exciting just a heat in the microwave wheat thingy for my neck. Don't know what I've done to it but it's so painful; years ago I was told I had arthritic changes so I guess that's it

Feeling ancient today, any change of a cuppa?

By gum it's cold out there. Bought a fluffy ear-muff thingy from the village shop. The peaks of Jura and Islay are snow-capped. Time to light the log fire and remain cosy. Slippers are sheepskin with thick wool lining. It's lovely to have warm toes.

Coffee pot and tea all ready for this afternoon's tennis match.

Welcome back, Grannyknot it is always a pleasure to have your company.

Charleygirl We think that Rory may be somewhere around twelve. He could be a lot older. Juno is a girl kitten. She looks a lot like Rory's daughter - the one that still calls by for food (but remains a resident of the forest.)

Extremely fine tennis match between Spain's number one and two. Such energy. It's good to see Rafa back and looking in good shape.

Very cold, blowy and...some snow on the peaks. Hey ho! It is the time of year for such weather.

We've been out visiting our pal in the care home and doing the usual Friday shopping. Our village post office/shop/garage hasn't yet fully recovered from the flood. Post office is closed together with the pumps. Part of the bridge into the village has been damaged.

I'm wishing all our Granspals a cosy and peaceful evening. Until tomorrow

Hi everyone! I've only put my nose into the kitchen in recent months - because the "Gransnet mansion" is large and there are lots of places to visit and huddle sometimes it takes longer than anticipated, some rooms are draughty so we don't stay long, but as we know the kitchen is always warm!

A small group of us near Surrey had a great meetup yesterday at a wonderful place called "Gorgeous Gerties" and I thought I'd share the link here because it's always nice to have a gander at a gathering of Gransnetters:

www.gransnet.com/forums/meet_ups_where_are_you/1220478-Dorking-for-a-Surrey-meetup?pg=4

You may recognise a few of the names.

Have a wonderful day all and sorry for barging in and distracting from pets, pictures and petulant tennis players

soop I have just reread that Juno is not one of Rory's kittens but I still think that he looks a bit like him. Any idea how old Rory is?

Tara is over 11 years old now I think.