Soop those leaves are gi-normous - or else I’m looking at a scene from the movie “ Honey I shrunk the Kids”!
Good Morning Wednesday 13th May 2026
Being asked for an honest opinion
To be really irritated by chefs over praising their own food?
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Here we are again...all good pals and jolly good company.
WELCOME. Enjoy the treats on offer. All food virtually calorie-free. No washing of dishes permitted. Please relax and we'll raise a glass of cheer to each other.
Cheers!
Soop those leaves are gi-normous - or else I’m looking at a scene from the movie “ Honey I shrunk the Kids”!
Gunnera - didn't seem to work last time I tried to upload.
Just a wee photo of the enormous gunnera growing in our so-called wet garden.
Bye for now. Until we meet again, please continue to take great care of yourselves.

Dreamkeeper We would love to hear that your wee trip to Broad Haven was accomplished. Such events make a huge difference to our sense of well being.
We did walk through our village again earlier today. Waved hello, from a distance, to four pals with whom we've had no contact since lockdown. It is a tiny village. We didn't pass a soul. Walked to the old manor house, turned around and returned to the car. Forty minutes of "freedom" as we know it at this time. It's enough for now. Take great care of yourself and Mr Dreamkeeper
Dear Susan Is it any wonder that your daughter has been reduced to tears. Little Henry has hardly had a few "normal" days free from one problem after another for such a long time. Through no fault of his own, or indeed the family who treasure him, his dietry needs have become a nightmare of mismanagement.
Please let us know what happens next. 
Charley,my daughter had a phone call from a nurse at the GP’s surgery earlier today.As Henry had been awake most of the night my daughter was exhausted and as the nurse was so caring it brought my daughter to tears and the whole saga of neglect and mistakes came out.The result was that the nurse was going to phone the hospital.Also the dr asked to see Henry again today as he is still unwell and so he has had another thorough check up.I am still waiting to hear the results of the nurses phone call,she was on the phone to the dietician while my daughter was at the surgery.
We have not been able to attend the private clinic as they are still not open due to corona virus but as soon as they are open again we have been assured that Henry will be seen.
It is all so exhausting especially for my daughter and son in law who have the sleepless nights as well as the worry and upset.
Thank you all again for your good wishes,they really help us all.
Thinking of you all.
Such a worrying time for you with young grandchildren,and whilst the fears of Covid-19 abound it pays to be absolute certain by having medical advice.
Obviously such a time for young Henry (and Mum)your GD Nannytopsy and Flynn whom seems to be growing at an alarming rate!!!
Of course not forgetting 4 year old Dexter, as an animal lover,he has grown very dear,a part of this kitchen!!
Whilst I was not quite sure whether to sort of sympathise or have a good belly laugh at your understair predicament Nannytopsy......but although funny to look back on perhaps,it would have been a real rush and hands on experience at the time.I bet lessons have been learnt!
I doubt the wellies will not be needed until autumn!!
Hope the trek to the village shop was a pleasant change for you Soop.Such a shame about your family gathering ,but there will be a right time,just not now.
Whilst yes, this extra time for us shielded has caused quite a lot of heartache.
We are both in that category,here in Wales the next update is august 15th,so summer is soon slipping away.
We hope to "escape" by taking a short car ride to view the sea,possibly a favourite of Susan`s family.....Broad Haven.Of course it might mean walks will not be permitted,but just a change of scenery,a spot of fresh sea air and the sounds of the waves will suffice.......... for we re -alise this shielding business is,after all,for our own benefit.
Hopefully no wheelchairs needed,that alone is a big bonus right now.
Having enjoyed a little morning garden stroll,we had hoped for a little sit in the sun after lunch,but it was not to be as the darn clouds covered the sun!!
However the 2 pairs of summer trousers and short sleeved cotton shirts I sent for to aid my dear man`s expanding waistline (he is on steroids and from a former bag of bones his waistline is rapidly changing)
I have cotton trousers and some blouses on order too,having panicked when the weather turned so hot! but it looks as though summer may have gone before they arrive!
Anyway I shall love and leave you,hoping today will turn out pleasant and you have lots of uplifting moments,whilst those not feeling so well,may you soon feel better again.
Keep safe.
Our little one and her mum were thought to have had Covid right at the beginning so I am hoping she is just having a dramatic reaction to another virus, but no idea where from!
Dexter Get well soon - PLEASE.
It certainly is very concerning to hear that the wee grandchildren are having to deal with similar worrying symptoms at what is already a most stressful time for their families. We are rooting for you - Henry Flynn and Nannytopsy's granddaughter. Vitual hugs from us lot.
MawB are you sure Flynn is 4 years old? He was around 2 the last time I saw a photo and says before that he was a gorgeous young fellow just a few months old. You must be getting the dates wrong.
I do hope all these youngsters with mysterious but worrying symptoms are on the mend- especially Henry. That child has not had an easy early childhood thanks to the NHS care or lack of. Has his mother had words with the private dietician yet? His previous one should be job hunting.
Poor Dexter in the wars yet again. I do hope the vet can sort him out non surgically- he has had enough treatment.
TOYA
Glad action has been taken Nannytopsy Hope it is a false alarm.
My (sort of) cousin’s great niece was in the papers recently after making a recovery from an acute case of this Kawasaki-type syndrome . It absolutely must not be ignored. So I am wishing your DGD well and keeping my fingers crossed that whatever it is, is mild. Fortunately we know more and are more aware of worrying symptoms.
Flynn (now 4) had a “mystery virus”- fever, aching limbs, general misery and was incredibly bad tempered- when they came back from Minneapolis in February - nobody was looking for Covid at that time but with hindsight.... No suggestion then of quarantine either I went down to look after him one day as did youngest DD with an 11 month old baby. (??)
Also we suspect DGS2 (8) had Covid back in the first week of lockdown and the family quarantined for their 14 days. No tests back then for children and fortunately he was better in a couple of days.
So fingers crossed for the little one and for Henry - best to be sure isn’t it?
They sent DGD home and now they wait for the results. If it’s positive, I suppose they must quarantine themselves.
Nannytopsy,I hope your DGD is alright and soon home again.
Thank you all again for your good wishes for Henry,it means a lot.x
Keeping everything crossed for you, Susan and for Nannytopsy - anxious Grans don't need any more troubles.
Big hugs x
Nannytopsy what a shock for you, I hope your DGD recovers soon, she is in the best place.
Susan sorry to hear about Henry being unwell, glad he was seen by the GP, that is reassuring for your daughter. Hope the little chap is up and about soon, he's suffered enough. Best wishes to you all.
An anxious kitchen tonight. TOYA ?
Worrying times with some of the little ones. I hope Henry is truly on the mend susan and your granddaughter recovers quickly nannyt.
TOYA
susan poor little Henry not more troubles. Glad he’s been checked over by a GP though. That must be reassuring. I do hope he’s better soon.
nannytopsy I do hope your DGD is alright. That is a worry but hopefully they will take good care of her at the hospital. Do hope she’s home again soon,
Hope everyone else who’s poorly is on the mend soon
TOYA?
?for Henry. Our DGD has just been taken to hospital to be swabbed with a very high temperature and sleepiness.
Nannytopsy,That has made me laugh?I can imagine the panic but can also imagine DH grabbing the wellies!
Glad you had an outing to the village soop,sounds like it did you both good.Hearing about everyone going out and about I am thinking we may have to make the effort soon.I am very nervous about going out but maybe a walk into our little town will do us good.Will have a think?
Sending good wishes to Dexter?poor boy,sorry he is suffering,hope the vet can find the right treatment to help him.
Really hoping you get your trip to the coast at the weekend panache??
More of the same here.We had the weekend off gardening but as the weather was lovely it was nice to sit in the garden and admire all our hard work,well I say our,really DH’s.
Henry has had a virus since the end of last week but has hopefully turned a corner today??He actually saw the GP.My daughter had phoned for advice and the GP said they are meant to send any sick baby to the Covid hub but he would like to see Henry.He gave him a thorough check up which put all our minds at rest.Just hope and pray he is better soon??
Thinking of you all.
Ooooh! Our messages coincided, Grandmafrench. Thank you for your recent kind words. They were much appreciated.
I also forgot to metion our very own darling Dexter. I was under the impression that he was well on the road to recovery. I have obviously missed an update. I shall look through recent messages to try to find out what is amiss.
Well we have just had a very exciting half hour! Our large fridge freezer has a water and ice dispenser. In the under the stairs cupboard, there is the water supply with a filter cartridge which the delivery men fitted. With me so far? This afternoon the fridge informed us it was time to change the cartridge so I turned the tap in the pipe as far as it would go and DH took out the filter. Water gushing everywhere - clearly I had turned the supply ON fully instead of off. By the time I got a bucket he had filled all the wellies ( stored in the cupboard!) with water. It’s a good job DGC won’t be here needing wellies for a while!
Well we will know next time.
Hope your afternoons have been a bit calmer than ours!
It is always a pleasure to read your messages, Dreamkeeper. You are right, we all need a break, no matter how brief, from the daily routine of trying to pass the time without blowing a gasket when it all becomes too samey.
We had to forego our annual family gtahering - and the next time we meet, it will be possibly next spring.
However, providing we all stay safe and well, it will be a mega celebration. Worth waiting for. 
Walking through the village this morning, was a delightful experience. MacSporran is shielded and, I've just heard Nicola S saying that this should remain the case until July 31st. When MacS exits from his man cave in the loft, I shall need to repeat her message.
In fact, I've just reported the fact to him. He's all agog. 
Time to say Hello from our west coast,still without any significant rain, and today offers a grey but calm sort of day.
Certainly no wind so the temperatures are pleasant.
We have had our morning stroll taking in the air and planning our adventure at the weekend!
Hopefully our first escape ......just a car ride where we can drink in the scenery,rugged cliff tops and glorious seascapes.
It will be such a reviver of spirits.
It is time we refreshed our inner selves!
Thank you for your lovely sentiment GrandmafrenchThis month has an unpleasant significance to it and added to the lockdown and us both being shielded we truly need that break and change of scenery,we are getting stale!! Plus far too much idle time on our hands at the worst possible time.
What a shame for poor Dexter to be undergoing these traumas and only 4 years of age,it is all very distressing and I am sure it is taking its toll on you Dragonfly
An animal lover tends to go to pieces when their pets suffer,after all they cannot speak up for themselves.
As for the tree saga,simply put it on the back burner,let it die a natural death,do not fret any more.
At least your dear man is having the best treatment from your goodself Doodle but it is true these bruises seem to go through every shade of the rainbow before full healing.
You have the right idea Nannytopsy a wine quiz,it matters not whom wins s long as the wine flows freely!
Loving your sunset view as well as that of your younger son and Torben Soop,easy to see where they get their looks from,you must be very proud.
Whey! the sun is breaking through so time to plan another stroll perhaps.Life surely gets fuller than all this!!
Hope you all enjoy a peaceful and productive day,keep safe.
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