soop's kindly kitcheners and pampered pets...

Although it's rather late in the day (and I'm a teeny weeny bit squiffy, thanks to three glasses of Champagne) I needed to call in to see what's been going on since I last visited the kitchen.

GreydusterYou have painted the perfect picture in words. That is such a funny story. Wet pants! Your husband will have been embarrassed, but I doubt that anyone would have noticed. And yes, your grandson would have found the "accident" most amusing.

DaphneB anno mentioned teething troubles. I'm wondering the same thing. Bath time is fun time. Flynn thinks so. Whenever I bathed Torben, he would splash so energetically that whenever I returned home, I discovered that my watch had stopped.

Corner Rory has spent most of the day without our pampering. He's pleased to see us. First things first...a visit to the cat food cupboard and a game of..."which flavour of Gourmet food do you desire..." He us has going through a wee ritual. If he's not allowed to choose, then he walks away with his nose in the air. I blame MacSporran

NanaandGrampy I'm pleased to hear that you are feeling a little improved. I like the notice. Very clever. As for viewers...least said the better. I hope not to have to go through the charade for a very long time.

Greyduster the first thing I thought of was that people may think that he had had an accident! At least he did receive an apology- it is no fun being soaked in this very cold weather. It is raining here now, just lovely. My heating I think is working overtime. I have just changed my supplier so that should be interesting. The old supplier closed my on line account faster than greased lightening but quickly opened it again when they realised that I owed them money. Naturally no address was given but I was able to pay on line so everything is sorted.

* Charleygirl* he was cold but I think he was more embarrassed that people should notice his trousers were wet than anything else!! I shouldn't think anyone coming on behind us even noticed, but you know what men are. GS thought it was hilarious but he did apologise!

corner the same person who told me I should be doing so much more exercise was amazed I think that I could dress myself and tie my own shoe lases! She watched me doing both and could not believe how supple I was. I am 73 not 103. She also asked me if I have a carer- if anybody else asks me that question you will hear me scream. Does a carer come automatically with a state pension?

Greyduster not exactly the weather to have one's trousers soaked! Your DH must have been freezing by the time you arrived home.

I must go to M&S food store to pick up my new trousers and stock up with coffee. That is all I drink, theirs.

That made me smile, greyduster, we had a similar incident in the summer, at least it was a warm day for Mr C.

Know what you mean about house viewings. That's so frustrating n&g, I wonder sometimes if people lose their common sense when house viewing. We preferred the non commital approach when viewing ourselves if the vendors were home. Would always leave them with a smile and thanks for allowing us to see their home but were careful with comments, whether positive or negative. After all viewing a home is an intrusion and most of us have a strong attachment to our homes. Didn't want to offend or raise hopes. We also always tried to give accurate feedback when an Estate Agent asked for it, but kindly. There is always something positive to balance a negative. Had some seriously odd comments about our last home, from the decor was too bland (emulsion is easily changed), to there was too much car parking (obvious from the details). Hope you find your buyer soon, you must be getting tired of it all now.

It's interesting charley how people without physical impairment find it easy to tell those who do what they should be doing. Frustrates me. As a friend said regularly 'walk a mile in my shoes and feel the pinch'. You do what you can, no one can do more.

Hope you got some sleep daphne and Flynn is feeling better, he sounds to have been seriously poorly yesterday. At the risk of being alarmist my current bugs came from our Littlest who was over his in a few days. Kind of him to share. He finds my coughing hilarious . Hope the porridge was welcomed this morning, the bath looks to have been a hit at least.

Should be getting on with the paperwork but the computer apparently needs to update its software before it will cooperate. Very insistent it is too so I gave in, good an excuse an any I guess. .

N&G it would be nice if people who viewed houses were honest with the vendors instead of giving them a lot of time wasting flannel. We had a couple round who had a cursory look round the house, declared it just what they wanted and then proceeded to spend an hour in our garden, effusing about how wonderful it was and the trees and plants were all that they could have wished for blah de blah, only for the agent to ring up later and say they liked the house, but the garden wasn't big enough!!

corner we finished a lovely walk with warming hot chocolate all round at a cafe yesterday afternoon. We needed it too, as it was very cold. GS was with us, as, though he was well enough, he couldn't go back to school under the 48 hour rule that they have. On the way back, I gave him one of the two bottles of water I had put in a small rucksack that grandad was carrying, and when he had finished with it he said "I'll put it back, Grandad". Very helpful! A little while later, GS could feel the back of his legs getting wetter and wetter! GS had not put the top back on the bottle properly and it had come off in the bag, leaked - nay poured - through the bottom, over his jacket and onto his trousers! Grandkids! Don't you just love 'em!

Daphne, my heart goes out to you. Is Flynn cutting more teeth on top of his cold? They so often manage to combine these afflictions. I'm sure a granny-cuddle works wonders, though maybe takes it out of you. Hope he is feeling more cheerful today.

N&G it is beyond me why people waste your time viewing your house when they know before they arrive that the garden is not large enough for their 6 or 7 dogs. Which normal garden would be?

I love that sign for the fridge. I was told recently to exercise more- great but I can walk 100 yards before I need a rest. My exercise is going to Waitrose, using a small trolley which acts very well as a mobile Zimmer frame and I can fly around there, putting my weight on the trolley. I do not think that was what the person giving advice had in mind but when she reaches my age and decrepitude she may have better understanding.

Good luck with the potty training- my heart goes out to your daughter because she must not give up now- it is such a pity that she did not wait a few months when the weather was better and the garden would be a great help for accidents!

corner it sounds to me as though you may well be keeping that cafe in business. The hot chocolate sounds delicious. I get my free coffee whenever I visit Waitrose- I take a black coffee home, add a sweetener and a little milk, pop it in the microwave and then I have a delicious cup of coffee. My car has a small area specifically for a takeaway cup of tea or coffee. The only thing I like about the car.

soop it sounds as though Rory is almost back to normal- at his age he must conserve hos energy which he is doing very well. I wish that Tara would take a leaf out of his book.

It is very cold here, I must have some breakfast and by then with luck my car will have defrosted naturally.

Morning all !

Charley I would not describe you as 'harsh' at all !! Sometimes I wonder as we 'know' each other a little better here in the kitchen as we talk about our lives if the lack of that knowledge outside the kitchen does let others make snap decisions based on thin air ??

The viewing went as they all do, lots of nice words but they don't count for much. There was much discussion about whether the garden would be big enough for their '6 or 7' dogs ???!! Don't they know how many they have ...and are these St Bernard's or Yorkshire Terriers???

Belated Happy Birthday Kitty - I hope there was cake !

Sorry to hear young Flynn is not feeling himself Daphne I hope he feels a little better today.

I feel a little better so whatever it was didn't take hold. Potty training Cooper has not gone well and my daughter is at the end of her tether. We are taking the boys to the gym for an hour to give her a break. I shall be taking the potty and we will tuck away in a quiet corner in case. I refuse to be trapped indoors over something like this. I don't think Cooper will enjoy my determination but I have a pocket full of treats and shall be bribingencouraging him !

I made this sign for my craft room door....and it seems to me....it might be appropriate for the kitchen !!

Goodness , compared to how tired I am feeling, what an easy life I must have when it is just us! Put another way, I have not had a minute to look in on GN, up early on posting baby porridge duty and it has been non stop ever since. I am exhausted! Poor DD and Flynn have both got horrible colds and if anything seem to be worse today. He has been very grumpy and off his food today (well, grumpy for him, the rest of the time he is hilarious) and wouldn't even sit in his high chair at tea time, then completely refused his bedtime bottle.
Doesn't bode too well for tonight does it ?
I tried to take him for a buggy walk this morning (as I had done yesterday) to give DD 45 minutes to herself, all was fine until halfway round the village then tears and crying drive us home, feeling like a total failure as a Granny.
Bath time was more fun!! Babies always cheer up in the bath don't they?
Fingers crossed he is back to his cheerful little self tomorrow, it is hard on DD.

Sounds as if you have a busy day tomorrow, soop, that's a heck of a lot to do in a morning. Lovely to finish with a celebratory lunch. Rory sounds to be recovering, those cats certainly are well cared for. Pleased you are recovering and more comfortable, you well deserve that CDM.

Oh dear n&g, hope the tummy rumbles settled, horrid feeling. Viewings are best in a 'lived in' home, helps people visualise living in it themselves. Did it seem to go,well?

I'm imagining you out for a celebratory meal and having such a good time, kitty, from what I've picked up you have had a bit of a mixed day so hoping it is ending well with lots of spoiling. I'll gloss,over the car incident, Febreze is a wonderful thing .

Missed that accusatory thread charley, onwards eh?

Hope the porridge went well daphne with no regurgitations .

Fuzzy head didn't bode well for the paperwork but we achieved something, try again tomorrow. The beach in the sunshine called this afternoon, lovely walk but very chilly. Whisper this, it did involve another hot chocolate, I know I shouldn't but the little cafe does an excellent one. A really enjoyable afternoon The cough is subsiding a bit, just waiting for the head to clear and the energy to reappear. Easter is my guess .

soop I m moving in. Please tell MacSporran that I do not need to be hand fed, he has enough on his plate with his baby boy.

Bracken and Rory live the life of Riley- so does the lodger when she comes home- first trip her litter tray, fresh and clean, next my bed ditto.

I hope that you will not feel so tender in the nether regions tomorrow.

Many Happy Returns kitty Hope your visit to your mother went as well as possible - (((hugs))) in case you need them x

Time for an invigorating ride on my exercise bike. I lie! I'd sooner do anything other, but... needs must.

Care home visit in the morning. Followed by a coffee with a friend who is to introduce us to her granddaughter...the one that I painted in watercolour. Quick visit to Tesco. Home for midday, as our friend will be celebrating his birthday, and we're to have lunch in his honour.

When I return home, I shall pop into the kitchen for catch-up.

Charleyg Rory is no longer sneezing. His appetite has improved and he is taking more interest in the world outside the front door. That is to say...he ventures out for about five minutes, before wandering around to the back door and waiting to be let in.
Bracken is sitting on the utility room mat. She has her very own (enormous)feather cushion that is warmed (on the boiler) in readiness for her visit. Some cats, no names mentioned, have a very hard life.

Happy birthday Kitty, 29 again?!

soop pleased to hear that Rory was fine and that he greeted you both when you returned home. He is a lovely boy and it would appear that he is also much better.

I was thinking of getting another cat as the lodger is never here but if I do she may well stay out 24/7- difficult as I miss her company during the day.

Happy Birthday, kitty, ? and many happy returns. Cheers!

No longer intimidating.

Home again after ironing duty. In need of a coffee and a biscuit.

kitty HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. You are a lovely lady.
As for your remark to the GP... somehow the thought of someone shining a ruddy big torch up my privates, as two other looked on, is longer intimidating. The lady who held my hand was of great support.

corner My nether regions are recovering from yesterday's prodding. It was awful sore to take a widdle. I'm pleased that I kept the appointment. It's true that I had said no more...but two letters and a phone call changed-up my mind (as Torben would say.) The gyne lady will get "to the bottom" of the surgery undertaken in Truro. I shall need to continue managing with the botherations of drop-bot but am satisfied that I've done my best to seek the support I need.

NanaandGrampa Take things easy. You are unwell. Be kind to yourself. I'm willing to bet that your home is a whole lot more respectable than mine. The dust refuses to stay away. Two days worth is continuing to needle me. Daft, isn't it? What does it matter in the grand scheme of things...

Charleyg Rory was fine. He had slept on his favourite blanket, on my chair, throughout the day. He greeted us with tail-up and a purr and tucked into a dish of special food. No worries.

Greyduster After the prodding I said...I'd sooner give birth. The Gyne lady responded...it's your sons that you have to thank (or not) for your condition. Well, what do they care? Bless all three of them.

Swanny I shall accept CDM and bar graciously. I'm sure a bar of Cadbury's Nut and Fruit bar would go down a treat right now.

Just popped in for a quick catch up and as a delaying tactic to going to visit mum! With one thing and another, I haven't been for about 3 weeks and I could really get into the habit! Added to which, it's my birthday and she's my mother and it won't mean anything to her. Still, I've been spoilt rotten at home so that's all that counts really.

NandG, bet these visitors will want to buy you house - good luck with the viewing and the loo type business.

Soop you do deserve a medal for all the mucking around 'down below' that you have had. MacS might laugh at something I told my GP when he asked it I'd like a lady doctor to do a smear test for me. I told him after 6 pregnancies I could be examined at the Clock Tower and not worry!!

Daphne hope that all is well with all your family and the porridge! Yesterday we were asked to have Bertie and Persie for the day but, as I was out all morning it fell to DH to collect them at 8.30 and bring them to our house. Half way here, Bertie started coughing and Persie announced very loudly, 'Bertie, you shouldn't be sick all over Ma's car!' Luckily DH had sorted it out and sprayed Febreze everywhere in my car by the time I took them home. It's quite difficult driving into low sun whilst watching for warning signs from the back seat. Still, I'm a woman, I coped!!

Anyway, must gird the loins and go and see Mum! Love to everyone who is poorly, might be poorly, has a spouse who is poorly or just needs a hug!!

N&G that is typical when you are not feeling well and may need to rush to the loo at any moment. Hopefully Mr.G will be able to stuff items into cupboards, out of sight. This may be the people who prefer the "lived in" rather than the clinical look. Good luck.

soop can I nominate you for an award for all the operations you've had and subsequently your work in helping surgeons refine their skills? CDM and bar me thinks

(CDM = Cadbury's Dairy Milk for those who don't remember the ad )

Soop I hope you are feeling more comfortable today. I have been going through much the same pokings and proddings myself recently so you have my sympathy. Us ladies don't get away lightly do we?

It is bitterly cold here today. Once the frost has melted I must do some shopping. At least the sun is out so it looks warm but is perishingly cold. I kept moaning Minnie in for an extra couple of hours today but had to let her out as she was driving me crazy.

I think I may well remain in the kitchen because on another thread yesterday I was described as being or sounding harsh. I have many faults but I do not think that is one of them- ah well each to his or her own opinion.

soop at least you saw a number of surgeons yesterday- sorry to hear that the examination was painful. At least you did not have to troop backwards and forwards to be seen by each individually- somebody had the nous to get them all together to give an opinion.

Did Rory survive being neglected for so long? Do I have to inform the RSPCA? He will appreciate MacSporran's lap to purr on provided he is still talking to him!

Just a quick pop in.

Glad that you're investigating all avenues soop , fingers crossed that something can be done.

I feel like a fraud when so many have been poorly for so long here in the kitchen but I've caught a bug :-( not sure what really but my tummy is bubbly and fizzy and I'm nauseous and giddy .

So ..... of course we have a viewing today . Just when we let our guard down and got back to livedin messy !

So I am trying to just do the essentials and hope that will do !!