Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for the sharing of...

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Evening all! I’m way beyond even attempting to catch up here, so it will be a feeble attempt indeed. I’ve seen some beautiful photos of sunsets, lovely generous hearted children, tasty pies and stunning mountains. corner those welsh photos reminded me of happy holidays spent in North Wales.
You're a good friend indeed , sorry you’ve had the runaround trying to support your friend.

Yes n&g that ark was certainly needed here today, the rain never let up all day long. Hope you enjoyed your “rogue” meal! Why is it always the things we like best that are on the naughty list? greyduster a puppy will be lovely for your niece, a bundle of fluffy warmth to fill her arms and capture her heart. Your poor lad, I can empathise with his longings for a dog. I was just the same as a child, there was a puppy very briefly but that’s a story for another day. But I made up for it as an adult when I could make my own choices about pets, he may do the same.

Well the old friends came and went at the weekend and although ageing with very different attitudes to us, we did have a good time together. We got out and about on Saturday to enjoy what felt like the last burst of summer, Sunday was a different story altogether. To help a friend out we have another guest for a few days, she had promised to accommodate a mutual acquaintance but then found she couldn’t do it, so I offered to help. He’s a pleasant chap and as he’s out and about all day and some evenings too it’s no bother having him here. The hardest bit is ensuring my old boy doesn’t bore the pants off this chap by regaling him with all his old stories. Sound familiar anyone?

Well it’s time for bed for me, wishing you all a good nights sleep. I will leave you with a couple of photos to remind you that summer was here only a day or two ago. Sleep well!

Still breakfasting here but just had to pop in to say how much I hope we all fully appreciate what a beautiful country we live in.
All your photographs are an absolute joy.
I do ,of course, include the whole of the British Isles in that.
Just sorry kitty is in pouring rain in Cornwall as I would have loved to see some photos.
R and I spent our honeymoon in Cornwall 61 years ago and revisited many times.
So many wonderful memories.

Hello everyone,another flying visit from me.I have read all the posts I have missed over the last couple of days and send you all my best wishes and am TOYA.
Cornergran ?for you.
Carillon,I hope your husbands pain can be managed effectively??
Panache,I am glad your dear husband is having a better time of it.I am trying to take on your mantra of one day at a time.
Well,my eldest daughter is still being monitored by the midwife,my youngest daughter is having a flare up of her EDS so we are doing as much as we can to help,out.In the midst of it all my lovely husband is trying to get house and garden organised ready for his surgery next month when he has a two month recovery so won’t be able to do much.
My mother has now decided we are neglecting her,we aren’t,I have phoned her neighbour,friend and my brother who all say she is absolutely fine and being taken out every day but according to her she hasn’t seen a soul for weeks,she was here for the weekend.Finding it hard to deal with at the moment,it is 120 mile round trip so can’t just pop over.
Sorry for the moany post when so many of you all have so much more to bear,I promise to cheer up soon but in the meantime,I will take dear Panache’s advice,one day at a time.
TOYA and will return in a more cheerful mindset,I promise.

Photos are so much appreciated, thank you GQ and everybody else.

We arrived home yesterday afternoon to find a message on the answer phone giving us an appointment for yesterday morning, they had taken the mobile number down wrongly so they couldn't contact us . We were staying just a few miles away and could easily have made it for the appointment so I could weep with frustration! We will have to go back in two weeks as that is the next available appointment. We found another appointment for Himself at the local hospital for late this morning. The other appointment went well enough and there will be several other appointments following on from that. I could howl at being on what seems like a never ending staircase just like the "Penrose stairs". I am just having a whinge somewhere safe so that Himself doesn't hear it all. Poor man is just trudging on very stoically. I am also tired of hearing how wonderful the prosthetics are nowadays and how easy it all is for people now! Am I allowed to say that is not at all easy and relies on a good deal of hard work and often pain? I really take my hat off to all those athletes using prothetics! My poor man will never be an athlete but truly deserves a medal for how he is marching on. Now I am going to have a good cry in the shower on my own in the water! Apologise for using you so!
TOYA

Meant apologies not apologise - bloomin' auto correct! More apologies!

That age old saying "No man is an island" which surely must also stand for us females! springs to mind Synonymous,you too Corner and of course in the harsh reality of life as it is today,nothing,absolutely nothing resembles those rose tinted pictures shown of other people doing the impossable tasks and having a font of knowledge at their finger tips.
Extremely frustrating and in your cases very heart breaking..........seeing others in distress but unable to help in the way you know they need,and you are desperate to give is so upsetting...........so thinking of you both and trusting answers will be found and soon.

Also your dear man Carillion he obviously needs full attention, and heres to trusting it is on its way.Sadly many of us have learnt the hard way...........waiting is the most frustrating part when under the NHS. and/or any form of Medical care.

Indeed Susan I sincerely hope my mantra does bring you some much needed calmness and relief,whilst sadly while your Mum demands extra attention and you know full well she is actually fine,then a firm blind eye is called for!!
It is said we get rather demanding as we grow older.............but of course I would not know anything about that!!!!!

Hearing that many are in need of an arc truly amazes me for although at long last we are having rain,yet more of the minimal kind....................sorry for those having a hard time especially if on holiday,that is totally uncalled for!

Our delivery from the unmentionables have arrived so making sure we will not be without grub for a while.............after all the establishment only provide us with a hot meal once a day................poor us!!!!!

Have a good one folks TOYAXX

Carillion Thank you for your fullsome post. I'm also hoping that your husband's new meds prove more effective and that the future cosultation proves to be positive.

N&G Slainte!

GrannyGravy My late father was a Freddie. Our nephew is also a Freddie. A good, strong, meaningful name.

corner Do try to take things easy. You are need of some tender loving care. (hugs)

grannyqueenie...yet more stunning photos. You have a good eye for photography.

Susan You have more than enough to cope with at the moment. I would so love a quiet word in your dear mother's ear. You have absolutely no reason to feel guilty. Mum, on the other hand...

Synonymous There are times when one needs to offload and weep copious tears. You have every right to do both. Keep talking to us lot. We are here for each other come rain or shine.

Panache You are a dear lady. Always kind and considerate. And, may I say, wise with it.

Home from ironing. Will now relax and consider what next to do to improve the cat portrait.

I have been popping in and out to keep an eye on you all but not been posting.

I am, however, in need of somewhere to off load. My brother's cottage here in Cornwall is very small but lovely. The rain has eventually stopped but apparently our hall ceiling at home could collapse at any time due to a roof leak. Do we come back or not?

TOYA especially all the new babies, people feeling poorly and ann and her ever growing household.

kittylester that really is a buggeration!!!!!

I am not up to date on kitchen news, sorry folks.

Still no news on when Mummy and Freddie shall be home, but DIL is improving !

TOYA

My feeling is, Kitty, that if it is that bad, it’s going to have to come down, whether under it’s own steam or not. Question is, what is in your hall that may be damaged by it falling down, and would you get home in time to avert it? Cornwall is a long way from Leicestershire! Is there anyone who could take any precious items out of the hall, covers floors, etc? I’m so sorry that you find yourself in this position again. We were in a similar position a couple of years ago. It took two builders (one gave up) and several exploratory visits before the problem was sorted out, but I still keep a nervous eye on it when the weather is bad.
We are spared from child minding today, so have had a walk and lunch out. I am now reduced to what I call ‘soppy’ walks; ie level walking or benign gradients, no stiles or rough ground. Ah, me! At least there is no cooking for me today, and as DH is off to a football match this evening, I will be catching up with some tele! If I can find out how to work it!?. TOYA.

We have had this once before. The problem is that we have a flat roof hall between the front and back of the house. The hall carpet was going to be replaced imminently and the hall redecorated but we have an antique desk and chair not far from the crack. One problem we have is that the roof is slate not tile and tilers are as rare as hen's teeth.

But, it's only 'stuff' when all is said and done.

Gg I hope your dil and Freddie get home soon.

kitty A flat roof is never good news. My ex architect husband says so. I think that Greyduster's suggestion is sound. A friend with access could remove any precious items just in case.

I am about to log off and rest awhile.

TOYA

No-one told the Victirian builders about flat roofs. Actually, it is led lines so we think the water is tracking from somewhere else.

The lovely lady who feeds the cats while we are away will ring us if it's getting dangerous and DS2 only lives a couple of miles away. And, he has 2 strapping sons for furniture moving.

But, it is only stuff. Other people have much worse problems! I've got it off my chest now.

'Stuff' can be precious kitty so why not ask your son to oversee the removals so you can relax? Just a thought.

I'm being a major wimp with a truly unpleasant cold so am off to bed, may not emerge until it is gone. Think Rudolp and cover your ears against the coughing.

TOYA.

Thank you for your supportive messages soop and Panache.I have taken today as it comes and am in a much better frame of my mind now.As you say,I know my mum is absolutely fine so mustn’t give in to her demands.
Kitty,I have to say I agree with corner and others,maybe get your son to clear the hall to put your mind at rest.
TOYA

Carillion I hope your husband gets his operation soon. I have always assumed treatment in France was better than here but it seems to be the same everywhere.

I am sorry to hear you are struggling Synonymous. You seemed to be getting on so well. I hope your DH’s progression picks up again soon. It is dreadful watching someone you love suffer.

Pleased to hear your day got better Susan it is hard juggling three generations. I hope your DD’s feel better soon.

Kitty I have a fear of water especially in the house. I came downstairs last year to see water pouring through the ceiling. Ours came from a leaking tank and made quite an art form on the ceiling.

Oh dear, not what you want to hear when you are on holiday kitty.
We had the flat roof, over our lounge window, changed to a pitched roof because it was difficult to keep water tight.
We have had both bathrooms leak through kitchen ceiling and our bedroom radiator leaked through into the music room. I could keep a painter and decorator fully employed.

Goodmorning kitcheners, our new GS and his mummy are home.

I shall be busy on "Granny duties" so might not post but will try to keep up.

TOYA

You’ll be so relieved GrannyGravy, that’s lovely news to hear - I needed cheering up! For no particular reason, other than being overtired, I barely slept a wink last night. As a result I am feeling rather fragile this morning, which is not good since I have loads I should be doing today. So that’s why I’m lurking in a corner in this comfy kitchen! Hey ho, onwards and upwards but I do think there might have to be a wee nap this afternoon. toya x

I feel very bad about the meltdown yesterday, I am so tired and let it all get on top of me. Himself's mobile phone number was taken down wrongly and so we missed out on the most needed appointment when we were within minutes of that particular hospital.
Dragonfly Himself is indeed getting on very well and absolutely needs his new leg since the current one is becoming increasingly difficult to keep in place but for all the best of reasons which is because the healing is happening really fast. I think that the main issue is that there are currently five 'strings' of appointments running and we don't seem to be able to coordinate any of them to avoid the seemingly endless long journeys. Never mind, the much anticipated appointment has been remade for a fortnights time.

kitty I hope you get everything moved for you, water is relentless. At least that way you have a better chance of relaxing and getting the most out of your time away.

soop your MacSporran is right about a flat roof never being a good idea which is why I can't understand why the architect has decided on one for part of the link extension we are planning. I am hoping to persuade him to put at least a good slope on all of it to ensure a good water run off.

corner I hope you had a good sleep last night. At the first sign of a threatening infection I take mega doses of vitamin c until my body says stop. If I miss the signs and I get hit by infection I do the same thing. And when I say mega doses I really do mean MEGA! Hope you feel better soon!

GG such good news!

Top o` the morning dear kitchen friends.

Good news to greet another morning GG and here`s hoping all goes to plan from now onwards with you being always ready to do your grannie duties of course!!

Quite a dilemna Kitty and certainly this holiday is not turning out to be the relaxing one you had hoped for.Yes indeed, flat roofs never have the best "shelf life", but to spoil your holiday is just unthinkable.
The suggestion to recover the valuable pieces and let nature do the rest....... whilst you stay put in Cornwall ......is surely the best advice?Do not let these things ruin your special time.

Lack of sleep is never good Synonymous (and *G Q*)but very understandable given the amount some of you have to deal with on a daily basis.I know all about it and how ragged it makes you feel.Hopefully though short lived and progress will again be forthcoming.

Good advice there from Syn our Corner, but it is THAT time of year when snuffles abound.I fear this place having these "episodes"..... when one gets a cold,the flu or such like .......with each one of us falling by the wayside in turn!

You are far too generous dear Soop but thank you anyway.

We had a fairly substantial rainfall overnight so it seems we are catching up the rest of the country.

Today we have a meeting and talk about Mobility Scooters followed by the plans afoot to upgrade/add or whatever to this establishment,it could be interesting and the coffee and cakes certainly are enticing!!!
Tomorrow we hold our Mcmillen Coffee Morning in our Woodland Restaurant,open to all and sundry of course.So hopefully we shall have a good turn out.

Sending every good wish and TOYA XX

Dear Synonymous never apologise to us lot for meltdowns. Life isn't all happy-clappy days without end. In fact, the buggerations come and go in equal measure. We understand.

GrannyGravy We celebrate the homecoming of the new babe and his mummy with joy. You are going to be one busy Granny. Enjoy every moment and cuddle the little one for the rest of us.

granniequeenie My sleep was erratic. I understand how you are feeling right now. Join me in the quiet corner for a and anything that may be lurking in the cake tin.

I have just received delivery of a rather smart picture frame. Today...ta dah...I finish middle son's beloved cats (Dylan and Archie) portrait. I'm also about to back and mount the other cat portrait for a dear lady in the village. May be gone for some time. But...back again before the close of the day.

Gq move over a smidge. I need a bit of cheering up too today. For the second day running, we are spared the school run, but no-one bothered to mention it until just before lunch and even then we weren’t sure. By the time DD came back and confirmed, it was too late to do anything useful with the day and all the good weather has now departed. She could have told us last night, but she forgot . Added to that, I was chatting to DH’s brother on the phone and he happened to say that my sister in law who has dementia has now passed the crown of Devil Incarnate from her sister onto DH and I. Now, every fibre of my rational being tells me that this is her condition and I should not be upset by it, but, strangely, I was. It will pass, I know; it just wasn’t really the right time to receive that particular nugget of information. At least it diverts the venality away from my other sister in law, her carer, for a while, and that can only be a good thing! Hey ho!
As we weren’t required to dance attendance upon the Little Prince, we went down the lane to pick some sloes, so there will be a new batch of sloe gin for Christmas ???!
TOYA!