The Soop Kitchen

Hugely relieved that DD's 20 week scan which was today was absolutely fine. The alternative would have been unimaginable with her wedding in 3days time and was adding to the 4.30 a.m. stress levels! Grace has a new, even bigger Buster collar which she will have to wear in kennels to stop her worrying her poorly tail. I was up for ages last night trying to calm her down and leave it alone. Not a good night. DH is a bit worried as his blood count has dipped a bit, nothing catastrophic, but a move in the wrong direction, but we are only going to be in London at the w/e and he will have another blood test on Tuesday which would just give him time for a blood transfusion before we go away for Christmas .
Right, I am off to hem my blue velvet trousers and then I am (nearly) done!!
Have a wonderful cruise Galen!!

I've been ironing for my pal. Home again to enjoy a tasty lunch and coffee that MacSporran has prepared for me.

It is very much milder. I would sooner that it was crisp and dry. Hey ho! Mother Nature determines what the weather chooses to do.

Parcels arriving. Each is shaken, gently, and placed where the tree will be when I dress it at the weekend.

How are you, Nellie. You are never far from my thoughts.

Galen dear, bon voyage. Try not to get into too much mischief.

Interesting about Nativity plays. My childrens first primary school did not do Nativity plays but each class did a mini concert instead.

Luckygirl quite apart from your difficulties with the glasses, I think it's quite unacceptable that a clinical facility like an ophthalmic optician does not provide toilet facilities for patients.
Opticians are regulated by the CQC (for what that's worth) - perhaps you could just mention it to them? After you've got your money back maybe ;)

Thank you dear kitty I shall nibble on a shortbread as I drink my tea.

It is a very grey day here in bonnie Kintyre. There is no sign of the islands as they are shrouded in a low mist.

Talking about Major Tim...one of the care home ladies was very concerned when she saw the lift off. She was anxious that they wouldn't be able "to put the fire out". At that very moment, the doors closed and the fire alarm was tested.

It's a thought, Luckygirl. The local optician is competent but so very expensive - I'm sure I could have had two pairs of glasses for the price I paid him for one. Never asked about his loo!

I have bought online before with no problems - they come with 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Gagagran delighted to hear it. I would never go elsewhere because my optician is a one man band but I would have no qualms with Specsavers and others.

Our Sainsbury's had a children's choir last time I was in there soop and it was absolutely lovely.

I have to say I'm a bit fed up with Major Tim in his rocket as we've seen it loads of times before.

I'm feeling a bit fed up with the greyness of it all today so I've brought in some Christmas tree shaped shortbread - bought, I'm afraid - but tasty nevertheless. Enjoy, everyone.

Tesco was playing...

Good afternoon to all our lovely Kitcheners.

Luckygirl Your optician must have an exceedingly cold heart. I cannot believe that the toilet is out of bounds. That is so mean.

anno To have a real choir singing anywhere is such a treat. Tesco were playing the same irritating festive season songs over and over and over. 'Don't They Know It's Christmas'...a delightful song, but please, not repeated every few minutes for up to two weeks.

granjura They (the Paps) are acting coy...they are veiled in a low mist today. Enjoy your Christmas break. We look forward to having you back with us in the new year.

The ladies watched the launch of the space rocket with varied degrees of awestruck-ness. M couldn't quite grasp the fact that all "the fire coming from the rocket" was normal. When film was shown of the astronauts inside the capsule, she thought that a bottle that was suspended close to the crew, contained whisky. W murmured..."We didn't do things like that in my day..."

I agree Charleygirl but you don't have to buy your glasses from the optician who tests your eyes. You can have the prescription dispensed anywhere. Which is what I did!

Gagagran I fully understand why you order on line but you really need to have your eyes examined regularly- that is how I discovered that I have macular degeneration. They were last examined a few weeks ago and I now have cataracts but they are not "ripe" enough for surgery. His words, not mine.

Luckygirl I had problems with the last lot of varifocals I got from Specsavers and always had to take them off to read as the bottom bit of the lens (for reading supposedly) was hopeless. They were the best part of £400 too with the various coatings and expensive frame.

The last lot I got using the prescription were from an on-line supplier my DH uses.(Selectspecs) The frames were £10 and have been much admired and the lenses are excellent - no problem at all reading with these. I shall use them again without a doubt. I think Specsavers have got a bit complacent and also pricey.

"not let you use the toilet" - sorry; all thumbs this morning.

My optician is a one man band and fabulous- fortunately I am a lot older than he is, but I suppose that he will have to retire one day- hopefully after my time because I could not go to Specsavers and the others.

Morning all. Off to opticians this morning for a third attempt get my glasses right. I have reverted to the original old pair as I can see through those. I have been back and forth with the new ones (which cost an arm and a leg) as I cannot see properly through them and certainly would not risk driving at night with them. Fingers crossed. I hate going there as I have IBS and they will to let you use their toilets, so I have to limp with my stick a very long way uphill to find a public loo - thank you Specsavers!

Have a good day all.

Soop how dare you - put pictures of my snowy paps on GN

Have a wonderful Christmas all, be it with the family or chilling at home, or traveling round the globe. Elderly folk for lunch tomorrow, packing on Wednesday then the off till the 5th of Jan.

Nice surprise in Waitrose today, not 'canned muzak', but an enthusiastic choir from a local primary school singing Christmas songs in the 'coffee corner' of the store. Such a pleasant change.

I shall be visiting the care home tomorrow. When I return I hope to hear that our Galen is packed and ready for her latest adventure.

Love to our Kitcheners especially those who need comforting.

Luckygirl I bet that you can't wait for the DVD to arrive. I would be thrilled if something similar came in the post. You will be transfixed. You may well need the Kleenex.

loopylou I'm shocked! Get that complaint off ASAP.

Galen Not packed! You will need to get cracking very soon. We've bought Torben the Montrose train. I would have loved to have been able to afford the Flying Scotsman. Exceedingly expensive!

A man in the village has a huge collection of Hornby trains, rolling stock buildings, trees and figures. I did email to ask if he has any to sell. Not that long ago he had some of his collection on sale in order to raise funds for the new village hall. MacSporran and I were sorely tempted.

Mine too Galen ?
Bon voyage in anticipation of you settling sail ?, have a fabulous trip.

My poor mum is really upset because the lady behind the counter at the Post Office told her it was 'pointless sending cards abroad because they'll never get there because they get nicked'. I'm furious because my 89 year old mum's very upset and the PO were still happy enough to take her money for the postage.
A complaint definitely going their way!

I really feel all my get up and go has gone.
I'm usually more organised than this for cruises. I MUST get sorted tomorrow so that I can pack on Wednesday

or even "doing."