Soop' s warm and welcoming kitchen.

What beautiful children in all your photos. You are indeed blessed.

Many thanks for the tips about the harness - I do have some liquid catnip somewhere Izabella so will have a look for it and give that a try. So far I haven't actually attempted to get him in it. He is spending all his time under the bed during the day and I don't want to stress him out so he runs off. He's such a wimpy boy really and spooks at the slightest thing!

Morethan what beautiful children. Hoping the appointment with the consultant goes as well as it can for your DIL this afternoon and he puts her mind at rest if that's possible.

I too get a bit choked up singing carols but also find that singing makes me yawn - literally. When I was in the WI a friend and I would both start the minute we opened out mouths during the annual carol singing - if we caught each other's eye we dissolve in fits of giggles. Maybe something to do with needing more oxygen rather than being tired!

I'm wondering when everyone ices their Christmas cakes? Coming from 'up north' my mum didn't cut into their cake until New Year's Eve so didn't ice it before Christmas. It's that long since I made one I can't remember what I did with mine. I've been feeding it with brandy for the last few weeks so wondered if next week would be too early to put the marzipan on it?

panache thank you so much for your kind words.
I realised from your posts that your health is a serious issue however you always say that others are worse off and write so many caring posts to others that I didn't realise how much you yourself had to cope with. So many of us these days rely on computers, iPads etc for our interests and to pass the time. I am sorry that you have so much pain in trying to get by day to day and it is now limiting your writing enjoyment. I hope you can find some way of continuing your games and writing. Always in my prayers x

morethan you DGC are lovely. What a smashing photo. I do hope your DIL's appointment goes ok. You were worried about her back pain the other day so it's good she has an appointment so quickly. Hope the news is good.

kitty another lovely photo. You too N&G. Love the matching jumpers.

Yet more caring and sharing posts. If only we could bottle some and distribute to people very much less fortunate than I am.

MacSporran has been looking at plans for a new wind farm hereabouts in Kintyre.
During his three hour absence, I set to and emptied and cleaned all the kitchen cupboards. Hated the doing of it. Loved the outcome.

Our friend is being kept in hospital for at least the rest of this week. She will be receiving the care she deserves.

I shall visit the care home tomorrow. As soon as I return home, I shall pop in to our kitchen. Any calorie-freecake would be gratefully received, shared and tasted. she says hopefully.

No sign of Tabitha last night. Her chalet is cosy and the food has been placed inside. We now look forward to the outside sensor light coming on. So easily pleased - we two.

I send kindest and ever hopeful vibes to your family morethan just looking at those beautiful children reduces me to tears.
Synonymous and doodle and I think also willow I hope things are going ok with your DH's, I am getting forgetful and sometimes don't scroll back far enough.
To Panache love and understanding and thanks for being there for everyone.

I am not coping very well, I have no motivation or incentive to get off my ba....de and do things, I am so tired and low.

When I go to see my H he knows me fine but has nothing at all to say, he can't remember anything that happenedmore than 2 minutes before.
Yesterday all he wanted to know was where his bedroom is, what number it is and he repeats it every 2 minutes. I cant stay more than an hour it is so depressing.

I have no interest in food, either preparing or eating it.

I have never lived on my own before and 81 doesn't seem a good age to start.
I have done nothing toward Christmas except buy cards.
I CBA to get a tree but dont want to be miserable for my D when she comes, she will be missing her C so doesn't want me being mopey around her.

I feel very guilty when many of you have lost your DH's and I haven't except the man I married.

Apolgies for my post, I needed to get it off my chest thank you for reading.

Anne you have been through so much, and your body is telling you to rest. It is not a case of CBA. It is self preservation. And I think you have lost your husband. It is just a different journey.

Why not cancel Christmas and do it another time? You have enough to contend with. Take one day at a time and remember, you have done over and above what most of us consider possible for your husband.

Oh Ann I am so sorry you are feeling the way you do. I know what it is like in the carehome. My Mum has no conversation either. I tend to go when I know other visitors are there and we can include her in a group conversation. I do hope it gets easier for you.

It is a very difficult time of year for all with problems as they seem to be magnified when everyone is being jolly.
I cannot name you all but I wish you all well.

I get the results of my scans on Thursday and I must say I am in panic mode. I am really tempted not to go. I will of course but a few sleepless nights first.

Annsixty I have PM’d you.

Thankyou both, I am just feeling sorry for myself.
dragonfly I know just how you are feeling, positive one minute, and then very apprehensive the next.
I was waiting for my surgery at this time of year 19 years ago, I had only 14 days from biopsy to surgery, not the lenth of time you have had to wotty.
I camee out of hospital on Dec 23rd and Christmas was very difficult that year.
The most positive thing I can say to you is that it is a fact that the older we are the better chance we have of a very successful outcome.
Hold onto that fact.

ann can I ask how often you go and see your DH? My SIL went every day for a long time. Although my brother was pleased to see her, he had no conversation and like your DH kept saying the same things over and over again. Whilst your DH is still with you, in many ways you are grieving. You are grieving for the man you loved, who although still alive is no longer with you. My SIL was eventually persuaded not to visit my brother every day but to go once or twice a week and try and engage in other things the rest of the week. You are not feeling sorry for yourself ann you are just sad at what you've lost. My SIL didn't fancy Christmas either and didn't bother too much what she did. My brother died on New Years Day this year and although it has been a sad year in many ways my SIL is now in a better place and is looking forward to Christmas this year. I hope you will be more gentle with yourself. There is no right or wrong as to what you do in such circumstances but I hope you get back some interest in your life and your spirits are lifted.

dragonfly no wonder you are anxious. I hope the results are fine.

morthan thinking of you x

What a thoughtful message Panache. You have so much to put up with. This is a photo of the granddog who has landed for Christmas while DD is on her honeymoon. Our cat is not impressed!

Good evening everyone. I just wanted to send my good wishes to Dragonfly and Morethan and Ann, you are all going through such sad times at the moment.
It's been a fairly stressful few days here. On Saturday my 3 year old DGD spent time in A&E, she was very poorly with a high temperature and Meningitis was suspected. She is better than She was but still poorly. Her 9 year old sister is having problems at school and my DD had to have a meeting with her teacher today. We are hoping the school will deal with the problem so that my DD does not have to take her complaints to a higher authority.
My OH had his second hip revision surgery today and I was fretting til I heard from the hospital that he was back on the ward. Hopefully all will be well and he will be home in a few days. Then it will be 6 weeks on either crutches or sticks. SAR 's taxi service will then kick in.
Panache and Soop, you both speak such wise words, thank you.

Sar you have enough to worry about in your own home without also worrying about your grandchildren. I do hope that all are on the mend and that your DD managed to sort out something at school.

Mr.Sar is extremely lucky he has his own personal taxi service- I hope it is appreciated.

sar I remember, I think, that your DGD was being bullied by exclusion (sorry if I've got that wrong). Whatever the problem is I hope the school get it sorted. Children need to feel safe and happy. Hope your little one is well on the mend soon.

Greetings and commiserations to all of you who are suffering from sadness and ailments. I don’t know you all very well yet to reply individually but am starting to work out the back stories. I have come into the kitchen after a hectic weekend fulfilling pre Christmas events. Time for a sit down and quiet. I have brought a lovely squishy pouffe that I have recovered in bright red festive fabric to park myself on with my book. In response to soop’s request for calorie free comfort I have put a tray of mini lemon meringue tarts. Help yourselves.

Good evening everyone, can I echo Feelingmyage’s thoughts, I’m just thinking of all of you who are suffering at this special time of year. I haven’t been in the kitchen very long, but I’m finding it a warm and friendly place. Especially, I think, for anyone who is unhappy or worried or unwell, the support here from everyone is wonderful.
Well yesterday’s lunch went well, but everyone wanted Mr M’s mince pies and brandy butter, even the baby, who couldn’t get enough of the mince pies. My crumble, requested by little granddaughter went totally uneaten, so I’ll pop it into the kitchen for you all to taste.
What a lot of lovely grandchildren you all have, the pictures are beautiful. And the children’s excitement and joy at this time is so special. My daughter sent me a bit of film of the four year old twins in their nativity, and that little bit of film is so special and absolutely priceless. They are little for such a short time.
Good night everyone, I hope you all manage a good nights sleep.

Morning All. Visitors have departed, coffee and (soft!) lunch with a GN friend today.

Your grandchildren are beautiful, morethan, thank you for sharing that photo, sending love to you all.

Hard to catch up, many apologies for omissions. I know many are struggling, it’s a time of year that can make us notice our individual sore places, so a hug to anyone who needs one. Please be gentle with yourself ann, do what you can when you can.

Panache I’m worried for you. What a difficult time. Voice recognition software has come such a long way, why not try? I never thought I could use it, in fact insisted I couldn’t, but found it invaluable when a very mature student on a tight deadline. The other thing that helps sometimes is sitting in comfy chair with a wireless keyboard resting on a pad on my lap. Is that possible for you? Your heart will be in your words no matter how they are formed. A plea to you also to be gentle with yourself.

What a difficult week dragonfly, I’ve been thinking of you and send love. Are there things that can distract you from thinking just a bit?

Apologies again for those I have missed. Must stir, a bed to change, tidying to do and furniture to put back in its usual place before I’m off out. Anyone seen Harry Potters Dobbie? If so please send him round otherwise I’ll have to co-opt Mr C

There’s a GF lemon and almond cake in a Christmas tin on the side. Please save me from myself . Take care everyone.

Morning all !!

My commute to the West Wing was a chilly one this morning as we had quite a frost here - looks lovely though.

So sorry to hear how you're feeling Ann but totally understandable . I hope you can take some time to just 'be' , don't worry about 'doing' and see how you feel in a few weeks.

Sorry to hear about the children Sar , its a worry when the little ones are poorly. I hope they sort out the school problem quickly too !! I hope you have stocked up on books etc for your enforced home stay ;-) , what a time to have to have it done , just before Christmas !!

I echo Corners advice *Panache- how about a lap cushion for your keyboard so you can sit fully supported in a chair rather than leaning forward ? I sometimes do that in my recliner and its a lot better than hours bent over. Hope you got some sleep last night, a rest can make a day bearable I always think.

Grampy and I are off to weigh in - having had some treats over the weekend I am not hopeful :-( . I must say I don't think Ive got the hang of this changing your lifestyle thing as Grampy and I discussed what we do after weigh in and both of us agreed we would go and buy ourselves a treat ( i.e cake) to celebrate any losses....there is NO hope for us I fear lol x

Hello the kitchen. Thought it was about time I poked my nose in again. No hope of catching up, but I do think of all of you who are troubled or poorly and feel your sorrows.
Loved the photos of grandchildren! If I ever manage to get mine to sit still long enough to snap him, I’ll post one too. We were kind of in the doghouse yesterday. We normally collect him from after-school cross country on Monday, but SiL texted to say that a good friend who was picking up his son had also offered to pick up GS. We said ok. No-one told GS. When he came through the door, he said “I thought you were collecting me, I was worried when you weren’t there - O’s dad brought me home.” Trouble was that O didn’t know about the arrangement either, so they didn’t wait for each other. I shall knock these nebulous arrangements on the head in future. I made him hot chocolate, we had a cuddle on the sofa and we were forgiven but I still feel awful about it.
I must just leave you with another bizarre example of my DH’s appalling hearing which he is totally in denial about. Yesterday, in the car, someone on the radio, in a silly discussion about present wrapping, said “you can’t use gaffer tape for Christmas presents”.
DH: “Why can’t you?”
Me: “Why can’t you what?”
DH: “Give Jaffa cakes as Christmas presents?”
I’m glad I wasn’t driving. I was laughing so much I would have had us off the road!
I will look in later.

Good luck with the weigh in, N&G!??

Anne, morethan, dragonfly, panache - I hope this new dawn brings a touch of solace. Thoughts to everyone else struggling at the moment too.

We have an inversion outside and the view is wonderful. Ethereal. The heron is preening by the pond (there were two actually 'grazing' on the grass recently) and I wondered if it was the beginnings of a winter romance Greyduster how do we tell which is male/female. I think you may know.

Lunch with a dear friend later but mainly a natter for me. Food still a little step too far at the moment as a little more settling time required.

I have been perusing the political threads of late hoping to glean some understanding of what is going on, but sadly most seem as confused as I. Maw suggested a duvet (heads under) and I have one spare for needy kitcheners if required.

Just on the off chance if anyone is making chicken soup tomorrow, please leave a dish for me next to the aga. Until then, be strong everyone.

Greyduster that did make me laugh. What is it with men and their denial about their hearing loss. At the hospital yesterday I almost had to translate what the nurse was asking OH as he kept giving 'the wrong answer'. He tells me I mumble !!!
N&G he decided to have it done now so as to minimise the amount of time away from work. Not great for me as I have to do all the driving over Christmas. Hopefully this will be the last hospital admission/visit for a very long time. We have been together for nearly 11 years and in that time he has had 2 hip revisions, cataract surgery plus extra laser treatment and Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Good job he has me to look after him !!!

Good Morning to you all,the storm has abated and the day dawns dry but grey.
I was particularly taken with the lovely scene you described outside this morning Izabella..........most uplifting,a good way to start the day.

Thoughts very much with you dear Ann and a PM has been sent to you.

Whilst Dragonfly not the best of days for you but thinking ............with fingers tightly crossed.......of your results this Thursday and simply wish you the best news.

Sar hopefully the problems surrounding your younger family members and your own man will be successfully sorted.

For the many of you facing all manner of upsetting issues,we aim to uplift you all and give you a peaceful kitchen setting to air and vent your feelings ............thanks to our Soop of course.

I am far more at home uplifting or trying to shore up those of you suffering such major difficulties and I get quite embarrassed when the spotlight falls on me.Simply I suppose over all these many years I have learnt to shoulder my own troubles all alone with the help of my dear man.
It is ever so hard to realise and take aboard that yes I am struggling and yes I need help.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the many that has responded of late,I have taken your suggestions on board Corner and N & G although quite honestly I have been stacked up with a pile of cushions when I compute for ages and yes I use a lap top.......whilst perhaps Voice recognition may be the way forward.
Whilst believe me I so appreciate your prayers Doodle and Synonymous.......and all your kind thoughts.
Indeed whomever once said "No man is an island" certainly spoke a truth!!

Leaving you all enjoying the warmth and ambience of our kitchen ............have yourselves a good day.