Soop' s warm and welcoming kitchen.

Synonymous a very difficult subject for your DH to get his head around but he is tackling it the correct way. I agree, warmer weather would be better for what is ahead and you will find that prosthetic replacements are so much lighter now. He may not be like Jonnie Peacock ending up on Strictly but if he can be totally independent with or without a stick he I am sure will be happy. Delighted to hear that your car is back where it belongs.

morethan I do hope that your son and DiL will be able to have time to themselves this Christmas- they need it.

Panache hopefully help will be on its way soon.

Ellan at least the teacher is aware of what the children have gone through recently.

Nanny many men have THRs

Very unfortunate because he still has a dodgy knee. Still, he must be up and about for his golden wedding anniversary.

Marydoll my head hangs in shame because I did not explain the "birds and the bees" to you in the cafe. I have to take some share of the blame. Santa was no help- has he no morals?

My apologies if I have left anybody out- so many this week.

I have written one Christmas card- I should be finished in time for next year. When I see one name at the bottom of a card, I assume that the partner has died- difficult if nobody tells me.

Hello kitcheners x

Just popping my head through the window on the way back from GS Pre-school concert, he was Joseph and was such a good little thing, sung and performed all the actions with much gusto.

So many troubles abound with our dear kitchen friends, have left a nice Chocolate Cake on the window sill for you.

?????

GG you must be so proud of the little soul.

Charleygirl, just a word that may cheer you, I was only 9 months old when I lost almost all the sight in my left eye. I have lived my whole life with my only good sight in my right eye. I have managed very well, in fact as far as I’m concerned the loss of sight in one eye has had very little impact. I’m aware of course that should anything happen to the right eye, then my life would be very different. There would be a huge loss in that case, reading, watching tv, theatre visits, driving, shopping, make up, and a lot more would suddenly disappear from my life. And for you too Charleygirl, but we are lucky that we have sight in one eye. A normal life is perfectly possible with sight in one eye only. I have a few difficulties with three D vision, but not enough to make me ineligible to drive. So do your best to take care of the good eye, not that we can always control that, and like me, just get on with your life.

Today I was woken up (I was sleeping in as not very well yesterday) at 9 o clock by my daughter and adorable 14 month old grandson. Despite the rain, it put a smile on my face.

Have a good day everyone.

Thanks maddyone but the problem is my right eye is deteriorating because I have Macular Degeneration as well as Fuchs corneal dystrophy so it is just a matter of time but I try not to think about it and get on with my life.

I can still drive but those days are numbered. I am lucky there is a good bus service here and TFL is building 4 lifts at my local tube station because the stairs are beyond me.

Oh Charleygirl, I’m so sorry to hear that. It is one of the things I fear, due to having the sight in only one eye. I’m not at all sure I can offer any advice in that case, only sympathy. Perhaps look into talking books etc and contact the RNIB in advance of further deterioration for any advice they can offer. Sending for you.

Dearest You Lot, Back home after the care home visit, Tesco shop, long wait in the post office queue to send parcels to grandchildren and great grandchildren. The grown ups have been advised that we have all that we need. Therefore, please spend money on themselves. Seems sensible.

It is beyond windy. The waves are crashing on the shore. All very dramatic.

Ann Your post made me x

GrannyGravy You will have so enjoyed watching your grandson perform in the nativity play. I'm willing to bet that you had an enormous lump in your throat and maybe an emotional tear or two.

Synonymous I also agree with Charleyg...your husband is taking a positive approach to the shocking news. I send him all good wishes. I also send a virtual (hug) - even though such gestures are considered a no go area. Daft as brush, some folk. The world is going barmy.

I heard just this morning that the Royal Mail is considering changing it's name because the term "Mail" could be construed as being sexist.

I have a portrait to deal with. By gum, I shall be mighty pleased when it's ready to be backed and mounted. It has been a difficult subject. The photos haven't helped. Hey ho...

Marydoll Behave!

Quick dash in, weekend visitors on the horizon and I suppose I should be tidying

Your husband showed huge courage talking about his leg with the group synonymous, bodes well for the future I'm sure. Things take time to settle with anyone, you must also be processing, wishing you both a calm and peaceful weekend.

Well done to your grandson grannyg, thank you for the cake, a slice will help energise here.

As you say ellan it never rains and all that. Pleased the power is being fixed, I'm muttering here because it is so dark and yes, its raining . Wishing the young ones well, I do understand about the counselling waiting time, its so sad that CAMHS is struggling throughout the country, early intervention can really help.

That sounds like a great evening out ann, I'm delighted you are able to have some enjoyment.

Right, off I go to whizz round and then I'll be the food fairy for the next three days. Anyone else lose their appetite when they need to cater for extra folk? I never want to eat the outcome although I'm assured it is more than good enough. I'm an odd bod .

Take care everyone, its likely to be next week before I'm back.

Almost forgot...thank you Grannyg your cake sounds very tempting.

corner I empathise with you. Had I to cater for a host of visitors I would be so nervous I would need to take to my bed and plead insanity. Daft! Me, that is. Not you.

Ellan If I was going through the problems that you're dealing with, I would also share my concerns with someone who is sympathetic. To keep such misgivings to oneself benefits no one. Remember to look after yourself.

I've finished the portrait. Tomorrow, all being well, I shall photograph the result and share with you.

The wind is wild. I need to prepare Tabitha's supper. Her rug is airing on top of the boiler. All being well, I shall return to play catch-up again in the morning.

Afternoon!

Firstly, I must apologise for missing your news, charley. I was just too busy cheering your choice of MacD's rather than kale. I know you will treat this with your usual stoicism but we are here if you need to rant- we can take it.

Synonymous, what a relief that your husband is showing some accept a certain. It must be a scary prospect for both of you.

Ellan, you have such a lot on your plate and you morethan - you are superwoman. Please off load here.

ann, I am so thrilled you are, at last, having some pleasure in your life. Your husband is well looked after and happy - I hope you are feeling more relaxed.

Topsy, both DH and one of his brother's have had hip replacements. His brother is a runner but Dh's was an o occupational injury. Lots of dentists have their left hips replaced unless, of course, they are left handed. In that case they have the right one done.

I'm slightly shocked tonight as it seems there is a good chance that DH has prostate cancer. We went to his appointment thinking it was the gp being over cautious. So, we now have biopsies, MRI scan etc booked. The hardest part will be telling the children, I think.

Kitty I am so sorry to hear your news. I dreaded telling the children but I was amazed at how supportive they were. In fact I would say it has brought us closer if that were possible.
Sending you hugs xx

Sorry to hear about MrKitty Kitty, hopefully it is caught early x

For a while I have been very busy and got out of the habit of looking at gransnet . So this afternoon I got to read everyone’s post for the last few weeks . I have smiled laughed nodded in agreement and cried at everyone’s news . I have missed you all and for those who have troubles or worries at the moment I send my love and lots of virtual hugs . You are a lovely lot .

Kitty I’m really sorry you have this worry, specially now.

kitty worrying news for you.
I hope you get a good outcome from all the tests, the family will all be behind you, as will all of us.
We are with everyone with uncertain times ahead, it is what we do best.

kitty thank you but I am very practical and take everything in my stride. For ages I have been preparing my house- the only problem is I do not understand that 4 letter word "file".

I am so sorry to hear that ca prostate is a possibility. Hopefully it has been discovered in time. It is a worry you can well do without but I agree, please share with your children.

Sorry to hear your news Kitty. I hope he gets better news after the scans etc.

Sorry you have these worries, Kitty. Prostate cancer is very common as you get older. Hope if it is prostate cancer it has been caught early and can be treated. Try not to worry x

kitty I have pm’d you
xx

Just read your news kitty and I am so sorry that you have this to worry about on top of all your other concerns. Let us hope that it can be treated. Chin up kitty! You know we are all here for you, if you need us.

My elder brother has prostate cancer, as did my Dad and Father-in-Law The consultant told my brother "Lots of men die with prostate cancer but not of it". He has held onto that as his motto.

Big hugs(()).

kitty what a shock for you and just before Christmas too. My DH was diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age and had his prostate removed 14 years ago. He is doing fine. Treatment has come on a pace since then so here's hoping your DH gets his tests done soon and is dealt with quickly.
synony glad your DH has a more positive approach today. That makes things easier to deal with. Hope the outcome makes life better for you both.
granygravy lovely to watch the little ones in their Christmas plays. Always beings a lump to my throat.
Warm wishes to all the kitchen visitors.

So sorry to hear about Mr.KLester, hopefully it`s soon enough to be treated successfully.
Morethan, you are an amazing person, and you have done so much for your lovely family, I just hope that they can rally enough to get through Christmas.
Synonymous, so sorry to hear about your husband`s distressing news, but pleased that he seems a little more able to discuss things and hopefully the outcome will be a happy one.
I`m so sorry, my memory has completely gone to pot lately, apologies to all the people I`ve missed out, my very best wishes to all who are poorly or sad, and I hope things start to look better soon. You may have gathered that I`m not very good with words, but you`re all in my thoughts xx

Popped in and was saddened to read your news kitty, worrying for you all. Look after yourselves, you know we’re all here for you any time you need us. Love and hugs.

Thank you all for your kindness. I didn't sleep well last night but it is not as big a problem as lots of you have and we are working on the premise of believing the reassurances and that everyone is just being careful!

kitty I’m sad to read about your worries, no wonder you didnt sleep well. No matter how much you try to stay positive, the wee small hours are a challenge indeed when there are big things buzzing round in your mind. Thinking of you both as you wait and wonder.x