Soop's super supportive kitchen.

morethan Your dil sounds an amazingly strong woman, her heart must be breaking though when she looks at her children. How you and her poor husband are coping I just don't know. It is so sad, I can only wish for a miracle to happen for you all.

soop how dreadfully uncomfortable for you, I didn't realise it was so bad. I hope there is something that can be done to help you.
kitty beautiful photos of your grandbrood and well done to your dd for getting her job
ann I can only hope that something happens soon to help you, it doesn't bode well for any of us in the near future.

Portrait of a cat left the room to get something to raise the frame to paint it and found this 3D picture had emerged in my absence!

So glad Smokie is back!

Oh kitty those are truly heart melting photos. Of course you’re not gloating, just because of us are having not so nice times at the moment doesn’t negate the happy fact that your family has lots to celebrate just now. Especially as you’ve had your share of those “not so nice times” in the past yourself.
morethan there are no words to make it all easier to bear, just the promise that we’re here if you need us.
Ann I’m cautiously optimistic on your behalf.
greyduster that lovely specimen has gone off to Beavers with the little lad who lives next door. Well the conservatory, since you ask, is starting to show it’s age. We’ve no idea how old it is, we’ve been here 10, there’s no paperwork for it. But I’m guessing it’s 15 years and some. It’s a polycarbonate roof which has always leaked on and off. Anyway the nice man today says we can upgrade roof to tinted glass and reglaze it all, retaining the walls. The other option is a more solid roof with velux windows in it. This would provide better insulation but we’d lose some of the light we depend on to lighten our through lounge which is on the dark side at its other end. Either way none of this can be done till after next doors demolition/reconstruction work is complete. We’ve another company coming later in the week so we’ll see! Either option would be an improvement, it’s south facing, baking hot and very bright in summer and freezing cold in winter. 10 years on the trials of a through lounge in retirement are clearer! The thing that keeps us sane and happy is that dh voluntary work as a church treasurer requires endless hours upstairs in the office! So that’s the story, you’ll be glad you asked!!

Oh Soop I’m so sorry. You’re so supportive of so many in the kitchen and always so upbeat, I had no idea things were so difficult for you.
Morethan my heart is breaking for your family - you are all so amazingly strong for each other.
Ann I hope something will be sorted out soon. I totally understand that you want to spare your family but I’m sure when they know the extent of the problems they’ll want to do all they can to help.
Kitty, lovely photos.

Goodness, a busy kitchen day. I’m going to forget something, I know I am so apologies in advance.

Those photos are superb kitty, wonderful time ahead. If the dentist you sleep with could have a word with mine I would appreciate it. Just to make sure he is far enough up the OK scale

Good luck with the builders grannyq, in my experience ear defenders help . Good news about your granddaughter. Hope you feel a little easier now. The conservatory upgrade would be worth it I think. We have the modern glass and it is excellent, we’re comfortable enough with radiators running from the central heating. We do have two virtually solid walls though plus the bungalow wall, so just one with a lot of glass. Having said that given the choice I think I’d go for the more solid roof, it would help temperature regulation. With large velux windows I don’t think you’d lose too much more light as the polycarbonate blocks out quite a lot. Probably more expensive though. Good luck with the decision making. I wonder if the companies quoting would be able to put you in contact with similar completed projects so you could go and have a look. Might help.

That sounds quite a project willow, you’ve certainly been busy. That’s a very smart young man, doesn’t he look proud?

Your daughter in law is a very special person, morethan, as are you. Love to you all.

Oh soop, thank you for explaining, you cope so well but that really isn’t fun. I’m very disappointed with the medical professionals who have failed to resolve this for you and can only hope for better attention for you.

That’s a result greyd and a relief for you synonymous. Good news is, well, good.

That sounds slightly more hopeful ann, please don’t minimise your needs for support. It would be difficult to exaggerate I think but do if you can. The impulse to protect our families doesn’t decrease with time, does it? We’ve been firmly told off by ours at times for not sharing stuff with them, perhaps a gentle warning about your husband’s deterioration would be kind rather than a pressure.

After a grumpy start much to my surprise I’ve had a good day. It’s been wet so we went off for a stroll around a shopping mall with a roof then managed an unplanned flying visit to our daughter in law and Littlest. It was worth the detour and cheered me immensely.

ann, I was so excited about my news that I missed your post about the social worker. I'm sorry!! That is a step forward and I really hope she is helpful. And. You could still cry!

Thankyou kitty and everyone.
He is up and making a noise to try to get me to get up and go downstairs.
I have told him " no way".
He is fine sitting in his chair. He is fully dressed, a feat he can't do if I am there, he can't put his slippers on if I am in the vicinity, they get very devious I'm sad to say.
It is a feature so hard to understand.

Morning all !!

Another grey , wet day here . I am so glad I tired not to complain in the heatwave because I miss it already!

Sending you a heartfelt hug morethan , I am so sad for you and so impressed by your DiL. What a woman.

Oh soop the things you have to put up with. I do hope there is something they can do to help however minor.

Good luck with the conservatory revamp GQ !! We're pleased with out new orangery and we have a lantern ceiling which allows downlighters round the edge which is nice. It also has special stuff on the glass to block out some of the heat in summer and all the UV rays. We're like you and rely on the light from there to brighten the lounge.

Love the pictures Kitty , how exciting for you all ! I do love a new baby. We are going down to Bournemouth to see 'our' new baby next week. I cant wait for my cuddles.

Today is all about wrapping presents and storing them in the loft so our small visitor next week cant spot them . Then some serious crafting !! Jackson has decided he would like a Pokémon party this year ( which is lucky as Pokémon is what I'm getting him for his birthday lol) so lots of decorations to make .

Hope there's at least a ray of sunshine in your days today x

Good Morning my lovely kitchen friends.......just,best get my skates on.....

Just as well I have a respite day from hospital because I am virtually losing the plot here with you dear people, now that I am often unable to make contact daily since I try to spread myself around replying in part to all at some time or other.

However by writing a few paragraphs at a time it is surprising what you can accomplish........the only problem is you all write reams and I cannot possably keep abreast of all you say.......so a huge apology for any thing or any one I may have inadvertently left out.

So much hardship is my first heart breaking thought,with so many of you facing such difficult times,troubles and illness within families, some with very troubling outcomes and my heart simply reaches out to you Morethan,may you be given the extra strength as a family to cope and make the most of every day together.
As for your DIL being reluctant to talk about herself,that I well understand,I am another far happier joining in and chatting about all of you!!
So I hope you just are able to keep the chat free and flowing .......at least when you are together.

You too dear Ann,am I reading slightly hopeful new signs of help coming your way?Certainly much needed, and may that herald far more help.... and sooner rather than later.
I am certainly more optimistic than I have been for you......fingers well crossed to say the least.

Good helpful suggestions there Synonymous which are always a boon to those in need, but may not know of what is available out there.

So sorry to hear of the sheer discomfort that you are obviously living with soopand the wish there is to get this nasty issue attended too, as quickly and as problem free as is possible.

Then there are those of you recovering, like our Charley ....hope the progress continues,a little at a time.

Dentists,yes many hold universal fears so understanding those of you struggling with your dental issues...........perhaps we should all book in with the Lesters dentist!!!

What a ray of sunshine it was Kitty seeing your family new born`s picture and hearing the pleasure he has obviously brought,the first in a lifetime hopefully.
Then your daughter obtaining what sounds a very worthwhile and interesting job,Congrats young lady and may this be the foothold to much greater things.
I think you are allowed just a glimmer of semi gloating Kitty, and remember we do not often have good news in more than just the one at a time!!

Then there are the sagas of these builders and projects not exactly going to plan!!
Somehow I have been there too often in the course of time !! However hoping things do right themselves Grey D and GQ
Good news re the latest plumbing I gather GreyD.

Interesting hearing about your forthcoming plans to upgrade our conservatory GQ by the way.
Always wanting one and eventually having had ours,all glass on a brick base for the past 14 years ...... reaching over an unpleasant 90% in summer(With blinds) we have said that if ever we had another, we would opt for a solid roof but with the provision of many velux windows or a roof lantern.
I shall watch progress with care,do keep us posted!

Sounds as though you know what you are talking about Corner and you seem satisfied with yours,it is a room that you want to be both able to use comfortable in summer and winter for sure.

Super school uniform for your NZ G.Son Willow so very smart.The 3D portrait of a cat is not bad either!!!
Loved hearing about your renovations too,it is the sort of area that grabs my attention always........hope it progresses well.
Would have been an architect cum designer in another life!Wishful thinking of course!

Am still "chewing over" the very "of the moment" post you wrote,so right for many of us outside the kitchen Maw......it is an area that has caused me much heartache trying to work out over the last 4/5 years.......so must read in depth a few times I think.

Talking about vanishing posts ......I sincerely hope that does not happen to my long winded effort!!!

Not much going on in our life, hence much more fun talking about yours!
I am in Hospital most days for a few hours but fortunate to be able to go straight to this one ward where my favourite Registrar does all the necessaries,quite frankly one look from his gorgous brown eyes and superb smile I feel a million dollars!
Perhaps treatment such as this should be on offer through the NHS!
Amazes me the different nations that keep our Hospital ticking over,every day I can guarantee to see yet another new face representing yet another nation.

The debris left by storm callum is almost cleared by one diligent husband.....and all is again nice and calm.....she says in a whisper!
.
Sending each and every one of you every blessing and a good heart to meet whatever this day and week has in store.
Even when I am not here please know you are very much in my thoughts......whilst probably reading anyway.

A quick hello N & G..........crept in whilst my nose was pinned to the keyboard.......

Lovely to see you here Panache , I smiled at your description of your charming registrar, my renal consultant , despite being only 12 yrs old :-) is the same !!

Hope you continue to feel a little better- any news of the house sale?

Wow! Thank you, dear Panache, you've said all that I wished to say...only a whole let better.

It's a dreich day. Piddling with rain. I'm very happy to be back in our cosy home. The care home visit was pure magic. A certain lady resident, gifted with a beautiful singing voice, started off a group sing-song. The Londonderry Air, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Eriskay Love Lilt to name a few, were sung with gusto and raised a few broad smiles and warm applause.

I`m back in the kitchen after taking from Sunday until now to catch up on missed TV programmes and various forums whilst I was away on Friday and Saturday. Oh my, how "you lot" have been conversing!
Soop, apologies for not realising just how much discomfort you have been putting up with, I do hope that someone can find a way to alleviate things for you. And all the best to MacSporran for tomorrow.
Morethan, I really do feel for you and your family, and do so wish that I could help in some way. I admire your DIL immensely, how she and her family carry on with their life is so incredibly brave.
Willow, love the cat picture. I`m fighting the old battle again with Mia, that of possession of the stairlift, trying to persuade her, in the middle of the night, that my need is greater than hers, lol!
Kitty, lovely photos of beautiful children.
Without going back again, I can`t remember who`s grandson in NZ has just started school, but he looks just brilliant in his uniform!
CharleyG, I hope that your appetite is continuing to improve, and that Tara is giving you encouragement.
Panache, wonderful to read one of your long tomes again, I`ve missed them. Hoping it`s going to be onwards and upwards for you from now on.
I`m so sorry, I`ve read every post from Friday to now, but my memory can be likened to a sieve, so apologies to all who I have missed out, and hoping all poorly people are getting better, and sad people are feeling comforted.
My reason for being absent for 2 days is that daughter 3 took me off to London again as she`d booked seats to see The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty`s theatre. It was fantastic! Afterwards she announced a surprise, she`d only booked for us to see Mama Mia at the Novello theatre on Saturday afternoon! It was brilliant! The only drawback to the Novello was that I don`t really do steps, my limit is 2 or 3 when absolutely necessary, and we discovered, to my horror, that there were 65 steps up to where we were sitting, then when I finally, and at last, made it up there, there were a dozen more, VERY steep steps down to our seats. My legs and feet still haven't recovered, I can hardly walk, even after 3 days!
Sorry about the essay, I`ll shut up now!!
PS, the Novello did have 2 seats left downstairs, but as it would have cost £52.50 EACH, on top of what Dawn had already paid, we declined.

What a busy kitchen! Best wishes to all of you with problems and worries. This is the view from our balcony of the sun setting over Majorca. Makes such a change from the red brick of home.

What busy bees you all are.
That sounds like a packed weekend callgirl but lots of fun.
I would love to be in Majorca Nanny T, in fact I would love to be anywhere else.
I hope you have a lovely time.
I have seen no evidence of the mouse today, I opened the poison trap and the poison block has been nibbled, so hopefully I have seen the last of it.
It left lots of little presents around which horrified me.
I am really hoping the SW has some good ideas for me tomorrow.
Best wishes for MacS for tomorrow .

Nannytopsy That is a splendid photograph.

As you know, we'll be in Oban tomorrow for MacS's check up with the haematologist. I shall try to pop into the kitchen before we leave.

I still haven't caught up with you lot. Not because I don't care. It's been one of those days. We all have them.

Please take good care of yourselves. You are very special Granspals.

Just a quick peep in to the kitchen as we have one of my cousins staying to look after Smokie while I take Himself to see yet another Consultant in the big smoke tomorrow. We will be staying overnight as I can't manage both ways without a good rest in between.
Although Smokie returned after his trip out yesterday he was limping again this morning so he is grounded until we see how things are again on Friday morning. My poor coz will probably receive an ear battering from him shouting to get out!

Lovely to see Panache posting.
Love to all x

Good wishes and safe travels for the hospital appointment tomorrow synonymous I hope it’s a useful one and your kitty behaves in your absence! Thinking also of soop and her lovely man traveling to an appointment tomorrow too. Hope the weather is kind to you both x

Wishing macs well for tomorrow, soop. Fish and chips to follow?

Please don’t minimise your stuation to the SW ann, I’m hoping for a miracle for you.

Sounds a wonderful weekend callgirl, I know you’re in pain now but good for you for managing all those stairs, it does sound so worth it.

Hello again panache, lovely to hear from you.

Hope all is safely hidden n&g, you surely do start early. Having said that I’ll whisper that we have already delivered two gifts for the (adult) recipients to keep for ‘the day’ and have another to deliver next week. My excuse is that a fair distance is involved - and I’m sticking to it .

Forgot to congratulate your daughter on her complicated sounding new role kitty, I don’t profess to understand it but it sounds exciting.

Time to wind down now. I had a good coffee and lunch natter with a GN friend and refurned home to find Mr C had completed some decorating tasks that had been waiting, err, shall we say a while. Spirits are beginning to lift. Take care everyone, wishing you all a restful night.

kitty lovely photos - beautiful children. Are they all as angelic as they look ?
soop I have the start (in a very minor way) of both your problems. I do hope you get something done soon. I can only imagine how uncomfortable you are.
ann hope the SW comes with good news.
synonymous I bet you were so relieved when Smokie came back from her first trip outside. Hopefully, she has learnt not to venture too far.
Panache nice to hear from you. You must be exhausted by all these hospital trips. At least a handsome Registrar is some compensation ?
morethan may God give you the strength to be the rock your family needs right now. It sounds as though you have a wonderful relationship with your DIL which must be a comfort to her.

Lovely to read your post Panache you’re a tonic!
Good luck with appointments tomorrow MacS and Himself - safe journeys.
You were all lovely to me a while ago when DD was going through a difficult time (I remember Ann especially was so kind, in the midst of all she has to cope with - hope all goes well with the SW tomorrow). DD told me today that the problem seems to have been resolved and she’s very relieved. She’s a single parent with no help from ex - on the contrary, he’s as difficult as he can be - and has so much to contend with that I’m delighted (and surprised) when things go well for her! Thank you all.

Last week a 61 year old woman was sexually assaulted on the street where my youngest son lives, and the police appealed for information. They have CCTV like I have, and my DIL looked back at the footage from that night, saw the attack, and handed the footage over to the police. Today a man was arrested and charged with attempted rape. Result! Good on yer Tanya!

I've never posted on here before, though just occasionally looked in. What a heart warming thread, everyone so supportive of each other.

Welcome Maddy. Do please keep posting. Everyone on here is lovely and I’m sure our hostess, Soop, will be along soon.

Good grief callgirl that is a result but what a disgusting attack.
Good luck today to all with a hill to climb, important medical matters or home issues, thinking especially of soop, Annsixty, panache and anybody I have missed ?

Making what hopefully will be a short morning visit to again add my best wishes for your McS`s results Soop and hopefully not to an uncomfortable journey for yourself.

Much the same wished you and your man Synonymous ........it sounds a mammoth task so here`s wishing you both that extra strength as required.

Overthehills you made me laugh saying my writing is a tonic,please don`t encourage me with my long tomes........sadly my poor vision has seen to that......except when I can I shall break the mould!!!

Callgirl what a worthwhile result,and hopefully that puts someone in the frame for a despicable crime.

Hello Maddy believe me a friendlier warm hearted bunch of people would be hard to find.......a warm welcome.

Indeed Doodle greeted by the team I am under makes my Hospital visits much less fraught,and those eyes misses nothing!

After reading,re reading and reading your very thought provoking post yesterday Maw I declined writing because my life has been so very complicated by the time I had written what was in my heart it looked so like I was crying out for sympathy...........something alien to me.......so I decided it best to leave my thoughts unsaid.......but believe me, you touched on some very raw areas in my own life,as with so many others,so a big thank you.

Hello Bella (missing you!!) and Nannatopsy.....a view to warm our hearts.

Sounds as if you are on the "up" Ann........hopefully both the SW and mouse saga are coming to a fruitful end.

Fancy remembering our house saga N & G........but although the last thing on our mind right now we actually have two "interested" parties .......one is away on a cruise contemplating!!! They are cash buyers.The others a delightful younger couple,she a Solicitor started practise in our town next month......but has a house to sell.
We just sit back and let it wash over us at this time in our lives.

I came in really to impart a little bit of local news to those whom I know to be visitors of Pembrokeshire and Tenby.........*Cornergran*, Grey.D, Bellanonna, and I seem to recall you too G Q.............anyway sad news for those that enjoyed the specialities in Fecci`s Icecream Parlour..........It will be no more.It has been purchased and is being changed into a bar and restaraunt............sadly adding to the already far too many of similar.
Fecci`s was a one off and that certain treat and an integral part of our Tenby.

Oh! dear I might have known it,my fingers have run away with me and I am rabbiting on when I should be getting ready for my "Trip" .......followed by a hot scone tea in M & S I have been told!!!

Dear friends wishing you all well,may the day be kind and results even kinder.