Soop's friendly and welcoming kitchen.

I love the paintings as always. What a little cracker Teddy is- a beatific smile!

Love the paintings soop, can understand why they brought a tear chaos.

Oh that lovely Mum and her little one. Maw is right, they do bring a lump to the throat, something just right about them.

Energy seems to be returning, thank you for asking soop, so the day is progressing reasonably. I'm at the admin stage now and so of course procrastinating. Oh well, cleaning and ironing done and unreasonably delighted to have received a call to say our wheel will be back tomorrow so we will be mobile for the weekend. Big smiles and a fair bit of relief here.

Right, admin it is, honestly I will do it

That was indeed a kind and thoughtful post Maw and I am very grateful.
H has gone to day care today and I was very touched when a nurse who is doing things on my behalf ,rang this morning to say that she had visited the care home he goes to and she saw him ,seeming very settled and chatting to a carer.
I thought it was so kind of her to do that.

The urine sample taken yesterday has blood in it so the continence assessment can't go ahead until it is sorted, yet more delay.
It has been sent to the lab and my GP will be in touch.

The paintings are superb soop all the recipients must be so thrilled, they will take pride of place I am sure.

I have just made a pot of tea so the cake is very welcome Doodle but only a small slice please, I don't want to bulge in my bikini when I go on my hols??

As a plus size I really would be a sight to behold, I think I will spare the other holidaymakers of that treat.

Anne your sense of humour, the midst of what you’re up against, is truly an inspiration. But I’m sure when you get to the beach you’ll come across many who haven’t considering sparing other holiday makers anything at all ! maw you too inspire with your pragmatic way of coping with life on your own when it’s clear you miss your dear man hugely every day. I honestly don’t know how I’d be in either of your shoes but I’d like to hope I’ll be able to demonstrate some of the qualities we all see in you both and others too.

Pip the pup is basking in the wake of all the admiration. Sadly it’s not reflected in her behaviour, the old boy took her out this morning and thought he’d give her the benefit of doubt and let her have a run off the lead. Apparently he then had a devil of a job getting her to come back, he was not a happy chappie - methinks she’s had her last chance with him. Having seen the sad faces and weeping of the little girls when Pip went awol last week, we just couldn’t face that responsibility on our watch.

Beautiful babes, artistic pictures, folk coping with the big stuff of life and still managing to smile - not to mention calorie free cake, what’s not to like in this kitchen today?

The man has been to do a gas service today and not unexpectedly has condemned our living flame gas fire. As well as looking quite nice it’s very useful on these autumn/ spring evenings when we don’t really need to heat the whole house. Apparently the said gas man is researching a suitable replacement, hopefully one that fits the current aperture without hacking away at the fire surround. I was out always dangerous when all this took place and feel slightly anxious about what exactly the old boy may have him asked to look for.
Hey ho I may well find myself in compromise territory once again!
Right then, I must be off as being here is blatant diversionary activity, I’ve loads to do. x

Love the doggie pics, wonderful as always Soop! And what a gorgeous mum and baby photo as well.
Ann, don`t worry about what other beach users are thinking, I was like that, but sawv many much larger than me, and they weren`t a bit bothered. Of course, you could always bypass the bikini and go topless?
I gave a boxful of books away to my Polish neighbour yesterday, there are many more in the garage, so any readers needing more supplies please form an orderly queue at the garage door.
N&G, looking forward to seeing your new hairdo.

Smashing pictures soop , they make a lovely set for the wall. Sam's portrait will be moving home with me into the West Wing in due course so I can enjoy it daily.

GrannieQueenie I know what you mean. I was inadvertently snoozing when the tree surgeon came yesterday to talk about chopping down 3 shrubby looking trees in the corner where the West Wing will be situated. Grampy liked the man and as they chatted the man commented on the reasonably small monkey puzzle tree in the front garden.

Next thing I know , the tree surgeon , full of doom and gloom has persuaded Grampy the tree must go ( over my dead body I said!!).

Apparently they grow very big ( I don't care!!) , and it wont fit in his mulcher if we leave it any longer ( I still don't care!!) .

Men !!!

My new hairdresser was lovely and did a great job for a very reasonable price. My only concern is that I came out with a hair cut just like hers which might not have been what I thought I asked for. :-)

Still , she did a good job, we had a lovely chat and I am sure my hair will grow on me !!

I have added a picture for you all.

An absolute visual treat .....first a very happy Mom with her eber smiling and huggable Teddy.......just the sort that makes me give one long sigh!!!!

And then those three masterpieces........I am sureyou are highly delighted Choas and I have just had to show them to my other half..........and he is as complimentary
as I am............you are Soooooooooooo talented Soop
I shall look forward to having Barney`s hanging up when I dig out enough photos to sent you.
Something I shall really look forward too.

Nana You look beautiful. That's what I call...a good hairstyle. It suits you. Also love your

I'm logging off. A huge parcel arrived today. In it was a remarkable Roman helmet. ( A repro). My son had ordered it for his son. Only trouble is...he forgot to change the name and address to whom he wanted it posted. Now, we'll have the job of repacking it. It's a beauty. MacS says that he can do without it.

Care home visit in the morning plus the usual Friday treat and routine. I shall be with you all again early afternoon. Wishing you a pleasant and peaceful evening. By the way, I would very much enjoy a large wedge of the triple choc cake.

An absolute visual treat .....first a very happy Mom with her ever smiling and huggable Teddy.......just the sort that makes me give one long sigh!!!!

And then those three masterpieces........I am sure you are highly delighted Choas and I have just had to show them to my other half..........and he is as complimentary
as I am............you are Soooooooooooo talented Soop
I shall look forward to having Barney`s lovely face hanging up when I dig out enough photos to send you.
Something I shall really look forward too.

And then in you come Doodle with an edible masterpiece that truly has tempted my very dicky tum.....what a treat

Another pretty picture and yes the new hair style looks rther becoming N & G..........of course I had not seen your before shot!!!
Beware of these tree surgeons! they make their fortune by trimming and felling!

As for Ann and her sense of humour I heartily endorse that,she really is a great inspiration and it leaves me feeling helpless and unable to reach out and really give some hands on help.

I rather think half my post posted before I was able to correct it..........sorry but I am half asleep this afternoon........I could do with that recling chair!

Loving the gorgeous baby pictures but, as with others, they are making me very broody!

nq ... as with n&g , I also mistook Pip for a Schnauzer. She looks a mischievous bundle of fun, and very cute.

panache ...fingers, toes, and other flexible bits, are crossed for you. Hoping the second viewing happens promptly or I may never untwist

ann .... I hope you enjoy your day of peace and quiet. Please be good to yourself.... not diligent with chores!

Maw ....

A part of me envies those of you with marriages still strong after all these years. I did a 30 year stretch, and genuinely don't think I could marry again, but always think it is wonderful to see couples who have managed to weather their storms.

Please keep that chair for me n&g. A Norfolk sanctuary is just what I need. We debated long and hard about a larger conservatory vs a garden hideaway, the conservatory won, I do sometimes regret it, Mr C doesn’t. Well, I think the hair cut suits you, if you get on well with it then it’s definitely worth persevering with that hairdresser, see if you can train her .

I think and hope that the fibromyalgia flare up is retreating. Good to feel almost human again.

Have a good evening everyone.

Good evening all. We have just had a very large salad. I hate salad, and now I have a hankering for a rare steak, or special fried rice, or fish and chips, or all three!! It all came about because I said to DH “there is a pack of roast beef in the fridge that has to be eaten today. Would you like a sandwich?” “No, why don’t we have a salad this evening and eat it then? Perhaps we could have some hard boiled eggs as well.” Heart sinking emoticon required. And whoever invented lettuce ought to be tied to a steak (oops! I’m the one who wants to be tied to a steak ?) stake, and shot! I ate it on the grounds that it is Good for You. But enjoy it? Never!

Soop your paintings of the dogs are a triumph as usual. No wonder Chaos is delighted! And the photo of Teddy and his mummy is definitely one to treasure!

N&G I like your haircut. I’m glad you’re pleased with it as braving a new hairdresser is a step too far for some - me among them! But you could be dragged through a hedge backwards and surely the only thing people would notice is that smile! I am not often seen smiling - you have to make an appointment; in writing! And then, to paraphrase a sign I used to keep on my desk “I can only smile for one person at a time. Today is not your day. Tommorrow is not good either!”

Ann I hope you had a relaxing and peaceful day. It must give you peace of mind to know that your DH is settled when he spends time away from you.?

Glad to hear you are feeling more yourself, Corner. Keep the momentum going! Don’t go at the admin too hard - it’ll keep!

Gq don’t talk to me about gas fires. Ours is five years old and a relative nightmare. Despite having it serviced and tested every year, we can’t put it on because it gives off an odd fumey smell that makes us feel ill! It has been dismantled, cleaned, put back together again regularly to no avail. So now we just use it as a (very expensive) focal point!

We have an early start tomorrow to get over to DD’s and be with GS until it is time for him to go to his last Summer School session. Both parents’ schedules have been knocked into a cocked hat and they are both working, so he needs a minder. Do we mind? Not a bit of it! Would we walk over broken glass to be with him? No question!
To anyone I have missed, please accept my apologies.

ann to still be able to crack a joke with all you are going through is wonderful. I really hope you have a good holiday and the bikini is a bobby dazzler ?

Love the new hairstyle N&G, does Grampy like it? You hang on to that monkey puzzle tree, there aren`t that many about nowadays.
Corner, good to hear that you are feeling a bit better, maybe "turning a corner"?
I`ve just ordered a new charger for my old laptop, so that my grandson can use it when he`s here, stop him monopolizing my new one. It cost £14.98, free postage on orders of £20 or more, so as my bookshelf is getting a bit low on stock, I added a couple of books to the order.

Skips in with huge plastered on face.

A special thank you to ChaosInc for a heartfelt message and beautiful flowers. I said that I would show her a photo. here it is.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201808/medium-123753-p1010713.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201808/medium-214308-p1010714.jpg

Away to complete a portrait of a very pretty girl dog. I shall be back with you lot before the end of the afternoon. Here is last night's sunset. I think that it is magical.

the flowers and sunset are beautiful- the portrait was perfect though. What a pity the dogs cannot see themselves.

Ann I hope that you put your feet up yesterday and did zilch. That was a kind gesture of the nurse to put your mind at rest re H. No doubt you are slogging away today having totally forgotten about yesterday.

Greyduster You've made me chuckle. Thanks for that.

Thank you also for many kind comments re the pet portraits. I am happiest when faced with the challenge to do justice to a much-loved pet member of the family.

The sun is shining brightly. I'm enjoying a brew. Alas, no ...I've been told that such treats should be resisted if one wishes to get into one's jeans without having to lie flat on the bed in order to pull the zip up.

What I will do, is get on the exercise bike and pedal for twenty minutes and not leave the room. Such a waste of energy.

Tomorrow is a new day. I look forward to joining my pals in the kitchen. You are very good for me. Every one of you.

Pleased the flowers arrived safely.

callgirl ... I keep my bookshelves alive with those top up purchases ☺
...although it used to be £10, so I was a bit miffed when they raised the bar.

greyd ....may I relieve your salad angst with a large slice of strawberry gateau. And the advice that salad is infinitely improved by placing it in a sandwich. With some fries on the side

corner ... so good that your flare is settling. I hope admin stress is relieved by ample cake!

n&g ....sorry I missed the photo yesterday. I also think the cut suits you.

I have just heard that the Proms last night is on Sept 8th. Which means I need to go shopping for real cake ingredients, as I traditionally make the C****** cakes on that weekend.
Where has this year gone!!
I am not ready for it to be autumn.

Just managing to squeeze in by the skin of my teeth!!!

I cast all feelings of uchy self aside as I had booked to have my hair trimmed etc, and that is always a treat as Tracey and I go back over 20 years so the gossip and coffee are equally as important as the hair do!!!
Then a nice lunch out for my dear man... whilst I pecked!

We were visiting a Retirement Complex where we had almost bought an Apartment at Christmas before our deal fell through.......these were again 2 bed/2 baths in a different setting...........one certainly was crossed off,the other is a clear maybe........at least it gives us something to think, of just on the off chance we are fortunate with our viewer..............All ifs and buts.............

However the traffic was horrendous.We have never ever witnessed such nose to tail traffic....... heading everywhere here in our county............it is most unpleasant.
Many of you are very used to it and probably live it most days.
I think we need to grow thicker skin!
So yes, a very difficult afternoon.............. and I am feeling immensly weary.

What a lovely bouquet of flowers "from a very grateful customer" Soop......(A lovely thought Chaos)..............and both of us are like two school kiddies awaiting to go to the prom for the first time......whilst, in reality, we are looking forward to a portrait of our darling Barney ........passed he maybe but he lives very much in both our hearts.
My man is sorting out some snaps for you........so don`t go off the boil!!!!

Corner I sincerely hope you are recovering daily as these
conditions certainly put a dampner on life on each attack..........very draining too.

I share your feelings about "rabbit food".......salad....... GreyD.....although because of this summer being so hot I am beginning to look like one..........in fact I think a hutch might be more my style than an apartment!

Keep stocking up on your reading material Callgirl....... with there already signs and a feel of Autumn creeping in, you will have plenty of reading material on those long darker nights!

Ann worry not about anyone, but you go and dazzle those on the beach in Ibiza........this is your break,a much needed one,a well deserved one...........so go on gal........give `em an eyefull!

Super sunset Soop........ a quick hello Charley.......

Must pack in before I make another slip with this PC like later yesterday,these days I cannot be trusted!
Hi to all are yet to pop in.

Hope the weeend looks kind for each one of you.......

When I made C cakes and puddings, I always made them in half term, that is many years ago, I am quite sad to say.

My H, was not very happy when I collected him from day care yesterday and had been agitated for an hour beforehand.

We had been home for about half an hour when, just like a conjuror out of a hat ,he produced "his" reading glasses.
As he wears bifocals, I knew we had a problem.
The case said Dennis on it, I rang the home to stop them hunting for them and then had to send them back by taxi!!

Shortly after this he fell, it took me 30mins to get him up, he had banged his knee which is grazed and we were both shattered.
I got him into bed, it was before 7pm and I went myself soon after.

He had not been well today and had slept a lot, also doubly incontinent, I have been on the go all day today.

Looking forward to a quiet and restful weekend.
I wish the same to you all.

Sending a huge {{hug}} Ann
I wonder if you can get any help tomorrow?
Wishing you well. xx

Ann............if its of remote consolation ......thinking about you and sending a very large and meaningful virtual hug.

Thank you both.
I will cope, truly, I just don't always want to.

Ann I am aware that it is BH weekend but on Tuesday you must get in touch with SS and tell them your buggerations of which there are many. I hope that you both sleep well tonight.