Soop’s kitchen, filled with kindness, understanding and some damn fine cake ! Come on in.

corner I am amazed that Mr. C did not think that a bathroom cleaned itself. You have trained him well.

The new phone I bought on Sunday is to be returned because the crackling is horrendous and I cannot make outside calls because of it.

I also have to buy a new microwave- it is never ending here- I should just stand at the front door handing out money- that is what it feels like. Still, one young madam is fed and watered.

The weather here is glorious.
TOYA

Nearly forgot - savoury scones and cheese biscuits on the side.

Hot and sunny here in SE Essex.

Three beds changed, washed and hanging on the line yippee!!!

Off to hairdressers for "the works" sitting in a chair, by the window in full sun for 3 + hours, Oh dear bad planning.

Mr.Gravy wants to BBQ tonight which in practical terms means I will spend at least an hour in the kitchen, marinading, making salads and crusty bread. He will stand in front of BBQ for maximum 10 minutes and think he has made dinner?????

TOYA ????

Not bbqing weather here in Stockport.
It has alternatively mizzled and rained all morning.
Still warm though.
I will have a chicken skewer, a good plump top of the range sausage and some lovely salad please.
Does your bbq include a glass of something red and fruity?
If so ,one of those please Grannygravy and then I will tell you how very special your hair looks.
( It will of course)

Good afternoon darling Granspals. Welcome back, and a belated happy birthday to dear Swanny.

Greyduster & granniequeenie
beautiful photos, as always. Grey What is the name of your plant? It's stunning. I'd love something like in our garden.

Feelingmyage Kind of you to ask. I'm back on Letrozole for the next ten years. The meds have side effects. BUT...it is the most appropriate therapy to keep the cancer from returning. Therefore, I am mightily grateful.

Ann Our granddaughter had a senior post with QCC prior to having her baby. I wish you a just outcome with your dealings concerning the final invoice.

The care home visit, went as well as such things go. T - the lady I visit who can barely speak, was waiting for staff to get her out of bed. Do any of you lovely lot have any tips on how to hold a one-sided conversation? T always smiles and holds my hand but I am unable to make head or tail of the occasional words she exchanges with me.

Grannygravy Your post made me chuckle. How do you wear your hair? Any photos for us lot to scrutinise?

Charleyg Weather here is wonderful. As you'll be standing at your door, handing out money, I'll join the disorderly queue.

Feelingmyage Thank you also for the savoury scones and cheese biscuits. I don't mind if I do.

If it’s the one under my last post Soop they are common or garden houseleeks. Very unprepossessing until they put up their weird flower spikes. But they spread like mad so are useful gap fillers on my rockery wall. I like things that look after themselves! As for one sided conversations, I am getting to be an expert with both DH and GS!! With both it appears to be an age thing ?.

Ann I sincerely hope you win your battle with the care home. They charge so much anyway but to charge when no care actually took place having decided to expel your DH is unforgivable.

Soop I have the same problem when I visit my mum. If I do get an answer to my questions it is something completely random. She cannot see very well and cannot hear but is remarkably cheerful.

Saw my surgeon today and a date has been booked for full mastectomy - 2nd September. She doesn't think she will be able to get it all out but she reckons the rest can be mopped up with radiotherapy. Now to get my head round things but neither tumour has grown in 6 months. Also need to convince my oncologist next week that this is the right thing to do. Still feeling remarkably positive.

Thank you, Greyduster. It's a most unusual flower. I love it.

Tomorrow we'll be heading for Oban hospital. MacSporran has his regular appointment with the haematologist. As we're saving for our next few days away, we'll forego the fish 'n' chip treat. The hospital cafe serve decent coffee and sandwiches. An excellent compromise.

dragonfly I've just this minute seen your latest update.
Well done, you. Remaining positive is a huge bonus. I am with you in thought and, whenever you wish to share your feelings with us, we're here to listen and wish you well.
I do not miss the breast that was removed. The scar is testament to the first class treatment I received throughout the business of ridding the cancer from it's initial site. Are both tumours in one breast? The sooner the treatment, the better.

Yes fortunately they are in the same breast. Just have to hope the CT scan doesn't throw up any more.

dragonfly Warm, gentle (((hugs)))

Dragonfly sending you hugs???

Soop I have returned from hairdressers, I have had 3" cut off and changed the colour, I have gone lighter so that the grey is less obvious- Mr.Gravy has not noticed ????.

Will endeavour to take a photo and put it up in your kitchen

GG13 my DH usually notices about 4 days later!!

GG13 would he notice if you walked around naked?!

Oh, GrannyGravy13 That made me laugh. Yes please...a photo would be much appreciated. Bet you look spiffin'.

I am logging off for today. A fullsome day ahead tomorrow. Much travel along a seemingly never ending bendy road to Oban. Would help if the weather remains fairly decent. Today has been glorious.

I may not have too much time to spare when we return home. We're doing some Lidl shopping for a good friend and will need to drop purchases off en route.

Thursday is ironing duty day. Which means that I may appear to be missing for a wee while. I shall be TOYA and will return after duty performed. That's my intention.

Love to everyone.

THANK you for your company.

Charleygirl honestly probably not????

dragonfly sending you very special thoughts.
I had Breast cancer 19 years ago, all straight forward, found early, surgery in a week, radiotherapy and apart from a couple of infections which led to more surgery, I was so lucky yet I know just how I felt, how scared I was, so I know just how you feel.
Best wishes go to you.
TO everyone else.
A bad day for me with family problems, I just want to run away.
Sorry.

Dragonfly I am pleased to hear that something has been resolved for you and also good news that nothing was growing. Good luck for September. X
I feel we have turned a corner with the packing today and I have finished potting bits of plants to take when we move. If only the solicitors would get off their collective behinds, we might get somewhere. Today’s a**e kicking didn’t seem to achieve anything at all!

When everyone else has coughs and colds, I seem to sail through unscathed. However - I now have a persistent cough which must make my neighbours think I am harbouring a very grumpy dog. Saw the doc today and at least there's no infection on chest or lungs. I seem to have an asthmatic reaction to the virus and whatever pollens are floating around. Was hoping to see Yesterday at the cinema tomorrow but I would almost certainly get thrown out! It will come again!

dragonfly, you've had lots of uncertainty lately, hope things feel more settled now you are more clear on the plan. Thinking of you, one of the amazing things about this kitchen is that, no matter what our trials are, there’s always someone around to encourage and support us all...and often folk who’ve walked a similar path. ?

Ann whatever's making you feel heart sore this evening I hope it can be resolved. You've had enough of a buffeting recently, hang on in there, families can indeed be peculiar beasts at times. x

On a lighter note, just a wee reminder to any kitcheners tempted to buy one plant too many!

annsixty I have a comfy chair with a "blankie" here ready for you, we are still in the garden ??????? - ?????

My goodness the kitchen is buzzing at the moment (lots of people being bitten and itching ?)
swanny nice to have you back. Many happy returns for yesterday.
Hope all goes well at the hospital tomorrow soop
dragonfly wishing you well ?
ann hope your spirits lift soon. Sorry you’re having a bad day. Come and hide in the kitchen.
TOYA with ?

I`m SURE I posted in here last night, but I can`t find it, so is the site up the creek, or am I going daft?
Anyway, it`s too much like hard work to remember what I wrote, or what I`ve read since, so can I just make a mention or two, then say TOYA?
I'm glad things are moving for you Dragonfly, all the best for September.
I`m probably way too late, but all the very best to MacSporran for tomorrow, and take care along the long and winding road. Go on, have your fish and chip treat, it won`t eat too much into your holiday fund!
Welcome back Swanny!
I went to the hospital tonight to see my daughter. They`re putting a lighter plaster cast on tomorrow, she`s walked a few yards today with a walker, and may be able to go home before the weekend.
Another patient was brought onto the ward tonight just before we left. She was creating hell because they wouldn`t take her outside for a cigarette. The staff tried explaining that she`s numb from the waist down after major surgery this morning, so can`t leave her bed yet, but she`s been ringing friends and family up to come and take her home, saying she`s supposed to be in hospital, not prison. Then she whipped her canular out! Dawn`s hoping she`s quiet tonight, or the rest of the ward won`t get much sleep.
TOYA xx