Soop's welcoming and supportive kitchen

greyduster I love banana and walnut loaf (well any cake really ). I don't care if it sinks in the middle, I'll eat it anyway ?
anno what a lovely treat to look forward to. ?
willow I may well join you in a cheers!

Good evening from the not so sunny seaside on our first night in the bungalow. It proved a challenge getting Daph & Alfie in their boxes but planing and patience finally paid off and once in the car they settled down quite well. They've spent the last few hours having a good look round and reacquainting themselves with the sofas from home. I'm sure Daph will be fine during the night but Alfie could prove to be a pest as he's used to coming and going as he pleases and will be shut in - hopefully we might get a few hours sleep!

Panache your ditty made me laugh - so very true too!

Ann I'm sure your ring will turn up when you're not looking for it but it's upsetting and frustrating thinking it's mislaid. I definitely agree with all Doodle says. You will have more quality time with your husband when you don't have the responsibility of caring for him and also more quality time to care for yourself! Ordering your new furniture is a tiny step in that direction so enjoy it.

Morethan enjoy your party - making more happy memories.

Forgive me missing some other posts I'm on my iPad instead of the pc which is not something I'm used to and I'm finding it difficult to see! Or could that be the glass of wine I wonder Have a good night.

I seem to be having a 'delayed day' today as I wasn't up until this afternoon! I was so tired that I had difficulty sleeping and the twitching limbs just abut drove me demented. Yesterday we went to the (hopefully) penultimate consultant visit in the big smoke. A good friend drove us in his car so that we didn't have to stay away overnight and we both slept much of both journeys which makes it seem odd that we are both so exhausted.
On the way Himself was so very quiet that I just knew he was dreading the whole thing but then he was so relieved that there was nothing painful involved this time, thank goodness for that. Just one more to go but the appointment hasn't come in yet.
Sorry not to be able to catch up with everyone at present but I am reading your posts, sending everyone good wishes. x

Well, guess what! The plumber didn’t come. His van was in for repair and he wouldn’t get it back in time. You could not make it up, could you? That’s twice he has let us down now. We have got to the ‘just shrug and get on with it’ stage now.
Ann I am sorry about your ring. I hate losing things. Like Soop, I prefer to think it is misplaced rather than lost - I hope so anyway. DH’s wedding ring went awol and we gave up on it, until I found it in the bottom of a box of waxing strips I was about to throw away! No, I don’t know either, so never say never! As for your ‘don’t really need it, I just like it’ table, aren’t they the best sort of purchases?
I liked your little ditty, Panache; it’s clever! I’ve got the tune as an earworm now, though, and I am not a big Elvis fan!?
Anno I hope you enjoy your grandson’s theatricals, and the attendant celebrations. DD and her menfolk should be back in time for my birthday too, Deo Volente, so I am greatly looking forward to that.
DS is coming down tommorrow for lunch and the football, and I can only hope he is in a better humour than he was on Tuesday evening, or he won’t even get over the threshold, never mind as far as the dining table!
I am cooking a banana and walnut loaf, so if it doesn’t sink like the last one did, I will leave some in the kitchen.

Yes! That is good news, anno . Enjoy every moment. Thank goodness the tea didn't freak out your computer.

ann Good on ya! The storage coffee table sounds like a very sensible purchase. May I please be so bold as to say...yes, that day will come. It's part of your new one-step-at-a-time journey. We are with you all the way.

I'm logging off. I've not achieved an awful lot today. However, the weather has improved dramatically. Bright sunshine. A stunning sea-scape with huge white-capped waves.

I shall try to catch up reading all your messages on the Kindle. We shall see.

love to you all.

Good news anno you will enjoy all those experiences.

I have just ordered a storage coffee table from M&S.
I don't really need it, I just like it.
I have 2 console tables in the same range, one each side ot the chimney breast and I love them.
I am really planning for the day when I downsize and can finally dispose of my mahogany furniture.
I actually think this will never happen, but...

I've had an old friend to stay for two nights and am all 'talked out'! We go back 50 years since we both arrived to work in a school in Kenya in the same week. Next year she and her husband have their golden wedding - I was one of the guests at the original wedding. Next year also sees 80th birthdays of that friend and another who only goes back 40 years!
My DiL has just rung to ask if I want to see DS(10) in his class's production of the Tempest. Of course I do! So, as I'm going to be with them for the weekend, I will stay on for another day and celebrate both my birthday and GS's appearance on stage - Bonfire night too!
The weather, which was dank and bleak this morning, has turned bright and much colder, I have sought out a thick sweater. I have had to change out of my cord trousers because I fell asleep with a tea mug in my hand when the inevitable happened. Unfortunately, the tea also reached the keyboard of my new laptop which is not now responding. Oh dear!

It's late in the day for a pop into the kitchen. It's been very busy and we've just returned home.

Do you lot realise that since we opened this extension about a week ago...there has been 216 visits? Glory be. How is a little old lady (me) supposed to keep up?

Welcome to EllanVannin That is such a beautiful name. I hope that you've been offered a comfy chair and even one of *Willow's cheese scones.

Panache Thanks indeed for making me with your clever ditty.

Dear ann, Naturally you feel sad at mislaying your engagement ring. I have a strong feeling that it will turn up. MacSporran thought that he had lost his wedding ring some time ago. After a couple of weeks, when washing out the salad compartment in the fridge, there it was. He was thrilled. As you will be when your ring is back on your finger.
I also happen to agree with Doodle's message. The sooner a plan is implemented that favours both you and your husband, the better.

morethan I'm wishing your granddaughter a specially happy birthday. Go with the flow. It's a party. Parties are supposed to be fun.

I know full well that I haven't thanked every one of you for your updates. If I get chance a little later, I may use the Kindle to play catch up.

ann please listen to Doodle's wise words. Sorry I cannot write much (thank God says everybody) because I have come from the eye clinic and my eyes are very blurred because of the drops inserted.

That ditty made me smile as well panache, you sound in good spirits today.

Don’t fret, morethan, no one is coming to inspect your home. I hope having family around will help lift some of the weight even if just for the weekend, and a very happy birthday to your granddaughter.

Oh ann, I’m so sorry about your ring, you didn’t need that worry. I won’t tell you to hunt for it as you’ll have looked in the obvious places, just hope it comes back to you from wherever it’s hiding. Doodle is right, the next step is to meet both your needs, your husband will benefit from the availability of constant care and you will be able to be a person again once the exhaustion has passed. Sending love.

Hope the cards are going well n&g, we’ve a (female) identikit of the creative card player, greyd, fun aren’t they? Well done to Bertie, kitty, and loved the photos. Just been told here that one of ours will need 2 hours to do her makeup before venturing out in Halloween .

The back is more mobile today so there’s a big smile here . We are being minded by a granddaughter who is probably the best nagger in the world so I’m not likely to do more harm. I did smile she she explained seriously that making chocolate brownies would be good for me as it would allow me to stretch .

That reminds me, how’s the shoulder now maw, has the injection helped?

Apologies to those I have missed, have read all the posts but lack the retention, I often think it’s a good job I don’t still work I’d be causing chaos.

morethan hope the party goes well. Don't wear yourself out I'm sure no one will be bothered with the state of your house just keen to see you and your family.

panache it's a blessing your hospital is so close. Hope you are able to cut the visits down soon. I see your sense of humour hasn't been affected. Love the poem ?

You are wrong ann. Your DH does need to go for his benefit as well as yours. If anything happened to you (which it can do when you are overtired and stressed) he would be going into a care home anyway and wouldn't have you to visit him or make sure he was well looked after. This is not your fault or your doing it is just very sad that dementia is an illness so difficult to cope with. You must not feel guilty. If the situation was reversed I'm sure your DH would have to make the same decision about you. You cannot continue like this and life will be better for you both when DH is in a care home and your visits with him can be a chat and a cup of tea not you pulling your hair out with worry. You have done so well to cope this far.
As for your engagement ring, I do hope you find it soon. It's probably somewhere safe just not in sight at the moment.

Thanks for the ditty Panache it brought a much needed smile.
I am just about as low as I can be today.
I have lost my engagement ring.
I hardly ever wear it but I was clearing a wardrobe out today, only from necessity, not choice, when I took the small safe I keep in there to put money away which I had taken out of the bank.
No ring box. I started searching , I had obviously put it somewhere safe, but then I found the empty box in a drawer.
I am very upset but trying not to dwell, it is an object after all and isn't the original I lost that 40 years ago, but just as special.
I had had a very bad night, I am not coping with my H ,but realise that it is me who needs him to go, not him who needs to go and that is compounding my guilt but I cannot carry on after C.......s,so I must start looking for another home if my first choice can't take him.
Then when I came to make a sandwich for lunch , the cutlery drawer is stuck with something behind it, I nearly took a hammer to it!!!

Love the ditty-------it made me laugh.

Morning all,

Uncharacteristically early start for me today. Funnily enough I do it willingly when we have small visitors - less so for a trip to the doctors lol !!

Lovely pictures Kitty ! How cute are they? AND Star of the School !!! Well done Bertie !!

A mid morning scone would be lovely , thanks Willow!!

Yes thanks Doodle all in good form thank goodness. Sometimes those times when all is well seem so fleeting so I'm enjoying it whilst I can :-)

Enjoy your trip NannyT ! I do like fresh bread so if you wouldn't mind dropping some in Id be grateful.

HaGrey I spluttered into my coffee at your description of your GS cheating at cards. Jackson is very into Pokémon cards and there is an associated game. He goes through the deck and chooses the best cards so his opponents can NEVER win !! Luckily, he usually chooses me as his partner in crime as Mummy and Daddy are hot on losing well and no cheating! ( I say its a dog eat dog world kiddo !!)

Loved the verse Panache - that's a cracker !!!

I am off to design birthday cards for the Queen of the Universe and young Jackson. ( and avoid the laundry!!!)

Happy day all !

Am beating myself up as it seems I missed out on your delicious cheese scones Willow............but just to show you I have had my batteries recharged what about a little ditty that might get us all having a Kitchen giggle???

Are you lonesome tonight,
is your bra-strap too tight,
are your corsets just drifting apart,
have you got a big chest
making holes in your vest,
does your spare tyre reach out into the night,
are your stockings all laddered,
are you wearing them thin,
do you hold up your knickers
with a big safety pin,
are your false teeth all worn,
do they drop when you yawn,
well it’s no wonder that you’re lonesome tonight!!!…

Whilst Doodle pleased to hear of yet another house "snooper!!"........and we are coping with the Hospital trips reasonably well thus far as the Hospital is fairly near,there is talk (and hope) of cutting back on them so I say Encore to that,bring it on!
Believe me I am grateful for the care and attention with no room for complaining.

Both you GreyD and Kitty have some family members whom are taking to school and their tests like a duck to water so we have great hopes for our future statesmen and women.......you both have every need to be proud.

The rain promised........which sent my man scuttling to complete our mowing (hopefully even perhaps for the last time!) yesterday...........but hey the sun is actually breaking through a sky of varying colours........so it looks as if the foul forecast has been postponed just yet...........cheers for that.

Love and blessings to each one of you and no pains and problems dare make themselves intrude this day.
We can but hope!!

Hello the kitchen! The sun is shining here. DH is planning to give the lawn its last cut. This is the last last cut, as opposed to the last last cut, which was supposed to be the last cut. IYSWIM!!

Willow well done to your GS! Let us hear it for budding cross country runners!?. Your scones look lovely. I’m still working on my rise!

Corner there is no-one better with whom I would like to share a warm corner. Make a little space for me, please. I hope your back starts to feel better soon. There are few things more debilitating.?

Kitty well done to Bertie! ‘Star of the School’ is some accolade. He obviously has his best foot forward and will keep it there, I have no doubt. No wonder you are a proud gran! I love the photos of the two very pretty witches too, and Wolfie!

I was having a little peek at GS’s science exercise book yesterday. He got a silver star. For Particle Physics !! Since when, I wondered, did eleven year olds do particle physics? It was all very basic stuff of course. They are probably just exploring all aspects of physics. But this gran was impressed beyond measure! You will know by now it doesn’t take a lot to impress me where my GS is concerned. I was not impressed, though, when he indulging in a little mild cheating at cards yesterday when we played after school, but I tell him off and he just smiles nicely and flutters his lovely long eyelashes at me and I am putty in his hands!
Well I had better get on. The plumber is supposed to be coming today. We still haven’t got our vanity unit, but he has other stuff to do for us. If he turns up!
I will look in later.

Enjoy your trip to see your daughter nannytopsey and morning to you tooDoodle sorry I missed you. All the scones seem to be gone I reckon somone sneaked into the kitchen in the middle of the night and ate them all. I’ve got lots of relatives coming down for my granddaughters birthday but really to see our poorly DiL.. Most will stay at hotels but obviously spend a lot of time here, and the builders haven’t finished. Their driving me mad. So here I am trying to make the house ...well almost presentable. Have a good Friday and weekend.

Good morning everyone! Awake very early today, while yesterday was a very different story!
Off to see DD and her new husband tomorrow so I am going to do some baking and get out the bread maker.
Best wishes to all with aches and pains, of the body and the soul.

Scone. Thanks willow, don't mind if I do. Delicious. I will need some energy to get through all these posts since I was last in the kitchen.
Firstly kitty many congratulations on the birth of young Wolfie. What a smasher. And the two beautiful witches. With Bertie doing well too it's certainly time for a proud granny moment ?
morethan glad your DILs hospital visit went better than you thought. I do so hope she continues to improve and gets the best possible treatment. I cannot imagine what you must be going through on a day to day basis but so glad your DGC have you to care for them. God give you strength to get through these times.
soop what a dire time you are going through with your problems. It must be so uncomfortable. You are certainly not boring us with your problems you know how much we all care about you. I do hope your consultant can help. You have been suffering with this for such a long time.
panache I too like Eescape to the Country. I love looking at other people's homes and what they've done with them. I hope you are managing to cope with your ongoing hospital trips. You and your DH must be worn out with all the travelling. Hope you enjoy your viewing schedule and get to relax a bit in front of the TV.
overthehills good to hear your DDs work problem has been resolved. That must be a relief.
callgirl I hope your bruises and sore bits are on the mend. A few years ago I was asleep in bed and I thought I heard the phone ringing. I jumped out of bed only to realise that I had cramp in one leg which gave way underneath me and I fell flat on my face with a bang. DH from downstairs called up to say you're making an awful racket up there I can't hear the tele
maw I hope your shoulder injection continues to work. I don't think Hattie is likely to give up her position on the sofa for you ?
ann I hope you can arrange a good care home for your DH. There are some good ones around, just make sure you get good advice with the financial side of things.
Hello N&G hope all the family ok and you had a good trip.
To all the new kitcheners, hello ?. You've found the best place on GN to visit.
A big (hug) for all those going through worrying times at the moment and a gentle (hug) for those who are not feeling too good.
Sleep well one and all.

Just popped in with the scones - minus the two Mr W devoured when he found them! I'll leave them in a box to have in the morning - unless anyone drops in for a midnight snack.

Kitty I have a picture similar to yours of my two GDs around the same age - some years ago now. They turned up at my mum's care home unexpectedly having travelled 2 hours - it was such a nice surprise.

Panache hope your batteries are up and running again in the morning

I shall return tomorrow, after care home visit. Wishing a peaceful evening to one and all.

Love,love those pictures of your ? daughter`s two looking well and truly "the part" for Halloween Kitty, whilst of course there are great pics of Wolfie which just tend to slightly overshhadow .Whilst a very well done to Bertie "The star of the week"
So good to have this encouragement when young.

So many of you wriggling with those aching backs and parts,so sorry friends, I can but wish each one of you much relief.......... and soon.It does seem to be catching here in The Kitchen Willow.......
By the way in the past my nose was firmly attached to any renovations,moving houses, even Grand Design programme had its slot!

Anyone of you interested in word programmes? what about joining a few of us in Acronyms on the Games section....a real brain teaser!

What I forgot to add when planning my winter afternoon viewing is that I shall have to work around my Hospital sessions... if they do not get reduced or stopped,a real bugbear yet of course needed.

Whilst glowing red from your kind words Soop my thoughts are for your much needed "repair work",these problems... which certainly are not at all trivial.

My batteries are fast running down..........see you when recharged again!........Have a peaceful .....plus dare I say....a painless evening?