Soop's welcoming and supportive kitchen

Welcome home, Overthehills it is good to have you back with us lot.

I've been sketching a cat portrait this afternoon. Guess what? When I had completed it and popped the mount over the top of it, the drawing was a fraction too large. Not grossly so. Just enough to cause me to return the original sketch which is far more comfortable in the mount that I shall eventually use. Hey ho! As Baggs would say. By tomorrow I shall be able to prepare for the initial wash. An exciting moment.

MacSporran has returned from seeing the nurse who changed his dressing on his forearm. About a week ago, as he walked passed the door, he caught his arm on the latch. The skin rolled back and bled like whatever. I dressed it. The dressing stuck fast to the wound. Taking off the dressing pulled even more skin from the wound. Went to see the practice nurse but the GP saw him instead. He did a thorough job of cleaning and re-dressing the injury. Back today to have another dressing put into place and a slight redness noticed that could signify slight infection. Glory be! He's being well cared for. No worries, as they say...

Right! That's it for today. My very best wishes to all of you needing some proper tender loving care. Ann are you there? If so, you are at the top of the list.

I've no energy left for exercise bike shenanigans. I wish to put my feet up and relax. Tomorrow, I shall do my very best to return and maybe do a whole lot of catching up.

Oh Ann I couldn’t be more sorry - have just read your heartbreaking post of yesterday. I just don’t know how you cope with this sort of thing and I have no advice or anything else to offer, except to send you hugs and and to say that you are thought about so often. Somehow I hope that helps ...

Galen, the over-65 vaccine is different this year and it's hoped that it will give greater protection. I've had no adverse effects whatsoever - not even a sore arm. I don't like the thought of your having flu, living on your own, as I do. So please think seriously about it.

I’m so sorry, we’ve just got back from Skye and I’ve only had a quick scoot through all your lovely (and not so lovely) posts. We had a great time with family and the drives to and from were spectacular. If any of you know Skye we had views of the Cuillins from the front of our cottage and Macleods Tables from the back - fantastic!
But now we’re home and all is peaceful and quiet - not that we didn’t love all the noise and bustle it you know what I mean!
It’s good to be back in the kitchen among friends, to whom I send hugs to those who need them. I’ll be back in the swing tomorrow!

Our experiences of the annual flu jag (as they say in Scotland) have always been positive. Last week's vaccine caused no nasty side-effects whatsoever. The vaccine will not result in giving one flu. It will give the immune system updated information on what the virus is capable of doing to the system.

Today our friends gave us MacSporran's birthday gift. It's very special. It is a Perspex replica of a soldier complete with a beautiful copy of a card that was sent home from Jim to Nell in October 1917. It is not known whether Jim returned from the war.

During the course of next week, the village is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first World War, with evening events during which villagers will recite their own poems, together with published favourites written in remembrance of those who fought in the war. I shall share my personal tribute with you next week.

At last I'm back in our cosy home. A morning's ironing duty doe and put away in the airing cupboard. Am ready for a lovely large mug of freshly made coffee ^and a sneaky half slice of home-baked bought lemon drizzle cake.

The photos are all extremely good. Young Flynn startled me. He will have great fun pretending to be goulish.

ann I haven't had a moments real peace since I read yesterday's post. I am well aware that your situation is none of my business. And yet, I so wanted to have a heart to heart conversation with the Social Services lady who needs to get things sorted not within the next few weeks, but *NOW

I had my flu jab a week ago, did not feel a thing, no red or sore arm, life goes on as usual. I have never had a reaction all the years I have been having the flu vaccine.

Panache are you getting sufficient rest? I do feel for your DH who has so much to contend with normally without the sit on mower needing attention.

ann I will be sitting indoors with the TV on but as little light as possible. I never know the teenagers who have knocked in the past.

I used to go guising as a child but my friends and I were known to all of the neighbours. We were invited in and had to work for anything given. I used to dance, in those days I could.

Corner that young man has the same attitude as me and I also say no. I do hope that you get the teeth xrayed fairly soon in case you have to go to the dental hospital in a hurry.

Maw that young fellow is not going to be parted from his scooter in a hurry! He is delightful. I agree he does look a trifle sad.

I am not going to put money on it because I would lose but soop I am certain that tabby will be visiting the outside house regularly before Christmas for supper and staying overnight. It will be too soon to venture indoors but that will be springtime when you can leave a door open. I will remind you of my prediction!

Please, all of you with colds, coughs and all sorts of lurgies, stay out of the kitchen but look after yourselves. I am fit and mostly healthy now and intend to stay that way.

ann H was happy in the home he went to for respite care- any chance of him returning there? Please get in touch with SW again, if you keep hassling her she may do something.

It is a beautiful day here clear, crisp and sunny.
The washing is on the line and should dry.
My storage coffee table has arrived, hats off to M&S , ,it was here in days instead of the " up to three weeks " I was quoted.
It is very beautiful?, much larger and impressive than I thought, 4 drawers and a glass shelf as well as the top.
I am chuffed to bits with it.
I had to laugh at Flynn, he looked very scary.
My doors will be firmly closed from teatime today, not a killjoy but H would not understand and I would suffer.
We are having our hair cut this afternoon, that is enough to cope with for one day.
We had no effects from our flu jabs at all, not even a sore arm, perhaps we were lucky.
I wish a pleasant afternoon to one and all and a fast return to good health to all suffering seasonal ills and toothache.
Just a last word, I am forever impressed by the photography on here, really professional standard.

Happy Halloween - if you celebrate that sort of thing or simply Happy Wednesday if you don't. I've prepared a basket of goodies for the little ones should they knock but have made sure it's acceptable for the two bigger kids (i.e. himself and I) should they not (which often happens here). Maw Flynn looked a bit like Hannibal Lecter from a distance until I opened the picture when he then looked very cute!

We had our flu jabs last week and apart from an itchy red area we've had no reactions - so far. I do have a very large bruise where blood was taken yesterday which may have accounted for the strange dream last night where I was injected with a huge horse sized needle twice - when I asked what it was for I was told it was for measles - whoever it was seemed put out when I told them I'd had measles

I've just taken delivery of a record case to hold LP's so am going to dig them all out of the cupboard, just them off and pack them up.

Hope all those feeling unwell are a bit better this morning. I will check in again later.

I'd never had any bad reaction up until last year after having had the jab for many years. Even the arm had never been a problem either. What I had could well have been a one off bug.

Just popped in and find you’re chatting about the flu vaccine. DH and I had ours this morning. Lots of dire warnings about side effects covering every eventuality. Himself is fine, no ill effects, but my arm is very stiff and a bit sore and I would say to anyone having it not to plan to drive long distance for a while afterwards. There’s no way I can change gear at the moment (the jab was in my left arm) and I’m not sure about sharp left turns either!

Maw, I’m definitely with you on the CANCER discussion. Good for you for being honest and not tiptoeing around it.

Big squishy (((((hugs))))) for all those in the kitchen who feel the need of one - but please don’t touch my left arm! Now off to dentist for a check up - luckily its in walking distance!

I have never had a reaction to the flu vaccine , In fact this year never even a red mark

Galen I'm another one hovering around whether to have the 'flu jab or not as last year for the first time admittedly I had the most ferocious diarrhoea 48 hours later. No pains no warning,I just thank the Lord that I was indoors at the time as it was a Saturday and I could well have been out. It fills me with horror when I think about it.
I have until next Thursday to make up my mind when I go for my regular INR.
The nurse did say that she hadn't heard of that one but I told her that my system was good at expelling foreign bodies. I still got 'flu and was ill over Christmas-----so I don't know what to do.

Only just had time to catch up. I’m very busy with tribunals and trying to get myself organised( some chance)
Maw CANCER should be talked about openly. IMO it is this ‘hushed ‘ attitude that causes too many people to not seek early treatment.
I’m dithering about the flu vaccine. I’ve had nasty reactions to previous ones, what’s everyone’s experience this year?

After another night that has passed with the usual to-ing and fro- ing, I thought perhaps I would give my body.....especially my poor eyes a little rest from the Kitchen today.

What with so many interesting posts and great pictures............topping the bill for me were the Owls from the Butterfly farm (thank you GQ) abd the lone sad little ghost.... that in real life is a very happy little boy Flynn (thanks Maw and I hope today comes as a brand new one in your heart)

Of course I have to read all........... that is now a must in my daily activities ......which amount to little after the Hospital visit takes up a few hours!!...........then on reading I hear your lovely heart warming comments.
Thank you all so much for your kindness, for believe me I do not have the gift of thinking much of myself!!!

So much humour too

So much going on,the extreme hard ship you are dealing with daily dear Ann,hopefully this can be rectified sooner than later because the situation does bring tears to our eyes.

Then there`s poor GreyD suffering sniffles and I thiink you too Kitty........whilst Corner I sincerely hope this wait to get that beastly nagging tooth removed.....will be remedied soon.

Whilst I am not forgetting our Soop and the painful position you must be in,again we can but hope this will be suitable addressed thus, allowing you to return with great gusto and humour.

I know that virtually every one not yet mentioned have their hardships, and rather take up a whole page I will simply wish each one of you a good day and restful night.......for starters.

The main Shopping this morning takes my man about an hour and half,then his ride on mower has developed a puncture in its wheel,so that has to be removed and taken to be renewed..........and as often is...... a long wait at the Chemist for our prescriptions.......I tell you its all go at Chez Panache!!!

Anyway I shall make a quickie retreat my friends, wishing you all improvements where there is that need,happiness and some peace of mind for us all would also always be welcomed!!!
Until the next time...........Chow.

I think there’s a grin buried under the grotesque stocking mask! DD has clearly been working on too many scary plays (Duchess of Malfi, Into the Woods)

I love the fact he has his scootering helmet on!

Maw, Flynn looks rather a sad little ghost! But I'm sure he enjoyed the activities at nursery. I don't think that in our day Halloween involved toddlers. It has grown into such an awful commercial opportunity it's hardly recognisable from the door-to-door 'guising' and home-improvised costumes of our youth.

Just to say I TOTALLY disapprove of all this Halloween malarkey but Flynn had to have a costume for nursery and I found this hard to resist.
Not the most convincing little ghost is he?

Great photos, Gq. I can only aspire!?

MeadowHELL and Lemsip....what a combination greyduster, may your God go with you! Good news on the plumbing though, well done mrgd

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Good morning! I did try to say good evening last night but after 2 failed attempts aka the mystery of the the disappearing posts. I gave up and went to bed!
I had to rush off yesterday afternoon to go with dd1 and co to the cinema to see Bohemian Rhapsody. Our daughter loved Queen music as a teenager so we too know it well! Freddie Mercury’s poignant life story was told well.

So today’s another day, 10 and 15 year old girls to organise with the various activities they have planned, so it may be demanding but it certainly won’t be dull. The sun is shining here and what I’d really like to do is get both them and us out of the city for a decent walk but I’m guessing that won’t be the most popular option! Hey ho, onwards and upwards. I’ll leave a couple of photos from the Butterfly Farm we prised them out of the house to visit went to earlier in the week. Enjoy your day whatever it brings for you x

I shall stand at the kitchen window and look in today as I am germ ridden??. I can’t remember the last time I had a cold but the minute I start using public transport again - Boom!
Corner I am with your Littleist! I am photophobic (and I know that is probably a genuine term for something else entirely but it will serve!). I shall try her strategy in future! I can just about get my arm up that far and I do a good line in icy glares! Sorry to hear you are still suffering with that tooth. Mine took some time to sort out, and I, too, ended up at the dental hospital.
As for the camera, we cried off Meadowhall yesterday but may have to go today, cold or no cold. I would love it to be just a case of being able to buy one on line, Willow, as you suggest, but unfortunately, it’s not that simple. What ever is ?? So I have to bite the bullet.
I am very annoyed about this cold, as I had intended this week to go and see my eldest niece and her husband. His cancer has taken a sudden and severe downturn recently and we are all worried about him. The last thing I want is to pass anything on to him or my niece. I’ll see how things are in a couple of days.
Things are looking up on the plumbing front! After three weeks of waiting for them to replace the damaged vanity unit, DH, having run out of patience, gave them an ultimatum yesterday that if he didn’t get a delivery date by lunchtime, he would email their head office and copy in our solicitor. By lunchtime we had a delivery date of one to two days. Result! Now all we have to do is get the plumber back!
Well I will drink my Lemsip and get on with the day. I’ll try and look in later.

Evening All. The kitchen is oh so busy but oh so warm and comfortable. Good to read everyone’s messages but not a hope of recalling them all.

Oh dear kitty, shared germs are definitely the worst. Hope himself is recovered sufficiently to look after you. Definitely no cooking until you are properly better.

A brave post panache, wishing you both a sound sleep and a bright day tomorrow.

Just maw, a sad day indeed for you.

I can’t add anything to the other messages ann other than please, please rest when you can and never feel you have done anything other than care for your husband to the best of your ability and with far more devotion than many others could show. ann hearing your experiences has made me realise I would need help at a much earlier stage should the same illness befall Mr C. You must never reproach yourself, you’ve done more than most.

No camera greyd? What a shame, I’m sorry you were disappointed. Another day ahead with children tomorrow, I realise how lucky I am to have the time that we do with them, particularly as their parents live apart. Our Littlest has developed a plan to deal with photography, an icy glare, an arm across thr face and a firm ‘no’, deters all but the most persistent photographer. No dispensation for me sadly.

It’s over anno, I’m delighted it was comfortable process.

The tooth saga continues. I must go to the surgery for x-rays before the referral can occur, it could all take a while I suspect . Patience will be needed.

I can often have six gloriously undisturbed hours of sleep, my bed is calling so please forgive my absence. Wishing you all well.

Anno I will forever be careful about turning my back on anyone with a needle in hand whilst coughing unless I am very sure about what they are delivering!

Hello all – what a lot of busy bees you’ve been today and I haven’t a hope of catching up this late at night.

Maw your post is still poignant even after all these years. It makes me sad to think we never acknowledge my SIL & BIL’s loss which will have been 47 years ago now – he was born asleep when I was 7 months pregnant with my son. Back then at 17 I don’t think we realised how traumatic that must have been for them.

Ann my thoughts echo everyone else’s – what you are going through is dreadful. It is so hard to remember in the midst of all this that the man you loved and married is still in there somewhere. When you have found a suitable place for him and you are no longer trying to cope with caring you will be able to have time to look after yourself and also spend better time with him.

GreyD sorry you didn’t find your camera. We’re only 20 mins away from Meadowhell so do go there but agree its too big wander round in. Do any of the shops do click and collect or even deliver which might be a better option?

Morethan your sister sounds lovely – sometimes it’s the quiet ones who just get on with things in the background we appreciate the most.

Tanith I’m sorry you’re not sleeping – the nights are so long and once you’re awake the mind won’t turn off. It’s in the middle of the night I try to plan things if I wake up – if it’s too bad and I can’t get back to sleep I read. I can recommend fleece bedding to keep warm too if the cold is waking you up. I used to knit when I was younger but it made me fall asleep so had to give up – are there any online crafting groups you could join to swap patterns etc if you can’t find a local group?

Panache your advise is invaluable to all – your honesty about all you and your dear man are going through shows how much you can empathise with all that is being shared in here. You both sound like you will stubbornly not give in to all your ills and suffering – the only way to get through I’m sure. People are often not good at knowing what to say at times. I met an acquaintance yesterday in a shop – I haven’t seen her since leaving the WI and since her husband died earlier this year. It was a case of do I not mention it or bring it up straight away – I’m pleased I did the latter now as she was able to say how she was coping and then at times not doing so well.

Kitty I hope you soon start to feel better – you are quite right to feel sorry for yourself especially not being able to see little Wofie. I hope your DH is looking after you well and feeling rather guilty for inflicting his germs on you!

Soop does this mean we will soon be seeing a lovely picture of a tabby appearing on the kitchen wall? I hope he/she enjoyed the salmon. It’s so cold that a warm refuse will surely be greatly appreciated. I bought a green plastic kennel a few years ago for a lovely old stray we used to have visit – he then ventured inside and liked nothing better than sleeping on the cat tree. Sadly he just disappeared one day never to be seen again but his kennel is still out there.

I need to call it a night now – I didn’t sleep beyond 4 this morning as I knew I had to take a sample in to the surgery this morning when I had my fasting blood test ( no breakfast was not a good way to start the day) and was worrying I’d forget! Isn’t it always the case – I had done the ironing, showered and dried my hair and still thought I had plenty of time when 30 minutes before I had to go my SIL rang up and the window cleaner arrived and blocked the drive with his van! I arrived just in time only to be told the nurse was running late, the chemist didn’t have half of my prescription and had to get it from another chemist in the town and the parcel I had waited in for all day hasn’t arrived! Oh well tomorrow’s another day