Soop's very welcoming kitchen...

Glad you got there, I developed a bit of an interest in William Morris when we lived in South London. He had a connection with Colliers Wood which wasn’t far from where we were.
But now I guess you just want to sit down with paw and tell him all about it. Thinking of you and sending a hug x

maw for you. No idea how you are getting through each day without your man. What are you doing over the Christmas period? Will you see Flynn? ((huggs))

Just back from London and a visit to the May Morris exhibition at the William Morris house in Walthamstow with DD

www.wmgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions-43/may-morris/

But feeling so bleak, miss Paw SO much

CG can you juggle and walk a tightrope at the same time while doing a fireswallowing act? Because that’s how I feel when family visit!

I always feel as you describe before a holiday galen, so far we’ve managed to get there with underwear as required and enjoyed it, well I have after a day or two to chill out. It will be fine and do you the power of good.

There seems to be a bit of a theme today. I’m another one who can’t quite manage what I did 10 years ago. Do the family still think I can? Yes! Do I still think I can? Yes! Until I try and find I can’t. . Then I get seriously ratty. It’s all about the head being younger than the body I think.

I suspect charley will never want to see a builder again. A very large medal is due.

Seriously envious of sparkly nails. I’ve never dared take my feet for a pedicure. Too embarrassed, not a pretty sight,

Exhaustion doesn’t help when practical things go wrong ann, hope tomorrow is less exhausting.

Your builders are stars n&g. It will be done before you know it.

Feet up time now. We’re still recovering from two days of childcare. Enjoyed every minute but it sure reminds me of my age. Juggling our needs and the needs of the family sometimes feels like auditioning for a circus. Maybe my next career?

Keep warm and well everyone.


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Different destination but a Long Island Iced Tea for me please.

Mai Thai for me! Or a planters punch.

Drunken cake, you are supposed to feed it with more rum but I didn't as I had run out.

Have a pina colada or strawberry daiquiri!

That’s sounds like a demanding day galen I hope a more relaxed evening ? will make for a better day tomorrow.
I won’t offer you any of my failed chocolate cake, it’s going to need a lot an industrial quantity of ganache to disguise the sink hole in the middle!

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201712/medium-908145-a71f854c-d5bc-42f4-a209-6414adb74fc8.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201712/medium-435516-577454bf-6bb7-4e10-82a8-74545c2a8030.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201712/medium-776175-fbbb90cc-4a1c-4b4a-9666-f2a25657d5da.jpeg

I love Virgin Island chicken with rum and pineapple. In fact I love most Caribbean food. Wish I could cruise back there, but I can’t face the flight and USA customs.

Sounds yummy!

Oh dear Galen, hope you enjoy the tipple and that it relaxes you.

I don't pop in very often but I do think of you all and I'd just like to wish everyone in the kitchen a lovely Christmas, and here's a Jamaican black cake that I made (it turned out quite well, though I say it myself as I have never made one before). Soaked in lots of rum - have a large piece Galen, although the alcohol may have been driven off in the baking.

Horrible day today, all difficult psychiatric cases. I’ve come home feeling as though I need a psychiatrist now!
Definitely not packing tonight. Will have to wait until tomorrow.
I’m in tears, I’m so tired. Just poured a stiff drink. Perhaps that’ll do the trick
Must remember to pack knickers

The builders left late Tuesday evening and I am 300% certain that he labourer knew he had blocked the outside drain. I did a washing yesterday and ended up clearing the suds off my newly tiled floor. The boss unblocked the drain and then I discovered that the entire sink and draining boards were blocked. Done also.

Looked on my computer to discover that 30+ apps had been ordered- most were free but about a fiver was taken from my account for the others. The apps were from children's to porn and everything in between. In the time it took for me to contact them another 15 arrived.

Naturally it had zilch to do with them- it had to be one of the children living here. As it is only myself and Tara, a tad difficult. Begrudgingly they are refunding my money of around a fiver but it will take 10 working days. Hopefully that is sorted.

The builders lost my blind brackets so I am having to get more tomorrow. Heaven knows when they will be fitted.

I thought that I would have an easy supper last night and attempted to pop fish and chips in the oven to discover my oven had died. It was in its teens but I had paid to have it cleaned professionally a few weeks ago.

I went out this am to choose another- very difficult as black is the new white and I did not want black in a white kitchen. I have ordered a new white one but it will not be arriving until at least the 8th of January. A good job I was not having a roast or a turkey-at this rate it will be an omelette and I really do not care. This has been the perfect year for me, what else can go wrong or am I inviting fate?

My nephew wants to pop in this evening and I could see him from here to hell- I want the house to myself as there is a lot of cleaning yet to be done. I am such a happy bunny.

Good night dear peoples. I'm logging off until tomorrow afternoon.

grannyqueenie I have a confession. A packet of Thorntons chocs was left in our post box by a kindly friend. I begged MacS to hide them until the 25th. He hid them and I then cajoled him to join me in a wee taster. Over three days, because we have the backbone of a flip flop, there is no longer anything to hide.

Hmm for “tearing” read “gearing” although it may well in in tears!

Just nipping to say hello after shopping at A**i, which was not in any way an uplifting experience but was a very cheap shop. I then went to S*******y’s which was very quiet and much more civilised but the few items I bough there cost almost as much as the trolley full at the other one. I darent go near W******e! I’m now tearing myself up to bake, but am not keen I must admit.
I intended to have sparkly nails for Christmas but somehow never got round to booking it....like number of other things I never got around to doing I fear! Including today’s cooking which I’m putting off and off and off.......
Hoping all who feel frazzled have a chance to recover equilibrium soon. Discovered this little note in our study/spare bedroom where our two gds decamped yesterday with dolls and teddies in their “game”. I’m not sure if it was written for themselves or their granny!

N&G Haven't your builders been busy? It seems next to no time since you were preparing to move. Time flies when you're having fun.

kitty Wow! I have never ever had sparkly toe or finger nails. Mine are trimmed short (and they are clean) that's my lot.
I can well imagine your face when you heard the cheery greeting from your daughter and the excited younger members of the family.
I'm bang up to date with my ironing. I delivered my pal's basketful off at her home earlier today.

I've got red sparkly toe nails too, N&G Liking the look of your extension - well at least it's happening.

Ann, you are allowed to swear you know!!!

I had the nicest surprise this morning while doing my Sainsbury's shop. All of a sudden there was a shout of 'Hello Ma' and the sound of hurtling children. DD3 had come to our bigger store to do her shopping and told the children to look out for me. They then came home for lunch. They have gone now so it's on with the ironing!!!

Back later.

Galen Get packing!!! You will enjoy your boat trip. I says so.

Dear ann I know how it feels to get into a total tiz-woz when suddenly caught up in a seeming whirlwind of manic activity. Like you, I too was extremely fit and able for a good many years. Recently, the journey to Edinburgh to meet the grans, almost reduced me to tears. At one stage, I told MacSporran that I wanted to return home. I felt out of my depth on so many levels.
You have coped remarkably well with the ongoing difficulties of your husband's ill health but you are not invincible. There is only so much stress that one can take. It is you who needs the helping hand. anno's advice is sound. The invasion is behind you. You did your best to be accommodating. I doubt that I could have managed as well as you have. and (hugs)

CJ: “I didn’t get where I am today by having red sparkly toenails!”
R.Perrin: “Yes CJ!”

Oh dear, Ann. What a difficult time you've had. Is the washing machine OK? When my lot arrived last night, at least they didn't bring their washing but desperately needed a bath or shower because their house extension work is causing a lot of dust. When I was giving the 12-year-old a hug, I suddenly realised that his eyes were on the same level as mine. In the three months since I last saw him, he must have grown about three inches! His younger brother isn't far behind. Star Wars later on - can't wait! Now then, Ann, put the invasion behind you and get your feet up, try to have a restful Christmas, though I know that might be a big ask. Hope your hip isn't causing you pain.