Lovely to have you back with us in the kitchen, annsixty. I've missed you. Molly's portrait is now hanging in our kitchen pampered pets gallery. 
Susan Good news. That's what we all want to hear. 
I have good news for you lot. I've just seen film of the entire swan family - both parents and cygnet. I am thrilled that they survived the skirmish.
On that upbeat note, I wish you all a peaceful evening. I look forward to having a virtual blether with you sometime tomorrow.
Thinking of you all 
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Evening All - (Was that Dixon of Dock Green, perhaps?)
It's been a funny old day, so much going on and so many small irritations - not least of which a big bite on my arm. Didn't even go into the garden until after lunch, so that critter sneaked up on me before then whilst I was out. We are in the 'No Seeums' season. The whole of June there are swarms of. tiny midgey-types which you honestly can't see or feel - until they've gotcha !! They always go for my DH's head. You should hear the language - him not them!
Those limes, soop. Gorgeous. We had 3 big trees like that in our last garden and it took us a whole week in our first July to find out where the perfume was coming from. It made us feel almost drunk. We tracked it down eventually to the tiny little flowers in the tops of the trees and from where the noise of busy bees was quite deafening.
As far as the sunset photo is concerned.....well, I don't believe anyone could see such a picture from their home, so just stop being silly, soop. You are doing what my DH would call "flagrant off-showing"!! Hope you're well and not weary and enjoying some new found freedom. Actually if you are weary, along with Cherry, might I suggest a slightly less energetic display of dancing in the Argy. That thread would make a very good t.v. comedy - a sort of Dinner Ladies, with booze!
Doodle my Cumberland sausage treat is now past. The lady who makes them deals with all things pork and delivers them to various areas to order. We must get some more, they were delish. Now that you have explained that you're possibly not nimble enough for outdoor ablutions, I think you should still order some emergency supplies for the Argy Bargy. All your clientele there seem to be game for a laugh and I think it would be a good spectator sport as well as relieving you (no pun intended) of WC mopping duties when all the punters have gone home. For yourself, I think we need to seek out some sort of carriage which you and your nice chauffeur chap can take out on trips, one with all home comforts and including a decent loo. A bit like a conveyance the Queen might have - like the Royal train but just a single carriage with an engine one end and space for you to lounge about and view your surroundings in great comfort. It would also need a balcony for proper viewing, a Doodle Caboose to celebrate the end of lockdown? Maybe start a Go Fund Me page for this, what do you think?
Just thinking dragonfly that Dexter would be very put out at our current routine - in that there doesn't seem to be one. I blame the very long evenings. I was just in the middle of clearing away after a cake baking session; DH was (don't laugh) cleaning the shower floor WITH A JET WASHER, when he suddenly remarked that the dogs had no prepared vegetables to go with their dinner. Cue much sighing, eye rolling and looking at watches by 2 dogs. They glared at me sufficiently to order vegetable prep., immediately, but their meals are late today. Bad Mummy and Daddy. Dexter would be outraged, bless his little teddy bear paws!
Do hope you have had a truly lovely birthday. You certainly got the birthday wishes today - well deserved too.
Wishing everyone better health, warm sunshine and that every day must have at least one little treat.
Take care, lovely people, and keep smiling. French caramel rice pudding on the side, with a ladle for extra large helpings.
Bon appetit !
Beautiful pictures soop. I love pictures with paths and avenues. I always like to imagine where they will go.
Molly looks so settled. Good to hear from you Ann.
I had a lovely day yesterday. My 2 year old DGS sang Happy Birthday, which I have in video and my 5 year old DGD told me all about her first day at school while sitting in the bath. My house is now filled with flowers so have left a large bowl of peonies on the side.
Ha! Very funny comments issuing forth from our lovely lot. You have a knack for raising a smile or two.
I can smell those beautiful peonies, dragonfly. Heavenly!
Here is last night's golden sky. All I did was stand at the window, aim the camera and press the button. Mother Nature must take all the credit. I'm simply a means of sharing what I see with you.
Hi all.
Sorry for not being in the kitchen for a while but I have been through a tough time.
Long story - my best friend from school has been so ill and she is back in hospital. She has had MS since her early 30s and in a wheel chair. We are both mid 60s. She had a fall at the beginning of the year and broke her leg. It didnt heal properly with the MS so she has had a lot of time in hospital. Then she came home and her bed sores became infected. Now she is back in hospital with suspected gangrene. Honestly I have never cried so much.
On top of all of that her husband is her carer. He was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer just before christmas. In March he had a major operation and is now back home to get better. There daughter has been their carer along with some help. It has been tough on the daughter as she has a 12 year old still at home as well.
All this and the lockdown came along so no one is able to visit my friend in hospital or her husband at home. So sad. Other things going on as well in my life but this is the worst.
Hope you are all well. I’ve just dropped off a Bakewell tart and some lovely hot custard for all to share. I’ll be back later with the traditional hot toddies. 
Lots of lovex
Purplepixie What on earth can I say to comfort you? There really are no words. You are indeed a very good and caring friend. I'm sending you a loving, gentle virtual hug. 
I went into the garden for a short time and have only just this minute come inside. I've been viciously attacked by Heeland midges. I'm sweaty and feeling so sad for Purplepixie and her friends.
Before I say farewell for today, here is a photo of another wee family of swans taking an afternoon outing. I hope that it makes you smile.
So very sorry purplepixie. Through all those tears, try to remember just how valuable your friendship must be to your old friend and she's in hospital, so at least she will be getting the treatment she needs. Her DH has had his surgery and so for both of them, you really just need to look forward and hope and pray that they will recover and it all works out. Positive Purplepixie Planning is needed now. We'll all keep fingers crossed for you, always.
No chance of pushing you aside as Queen of the Sunsets, soop, but here's my kitchen door view last evening.
Don't want to spoil the fun here but it does occur to me (wearing my serious head) that there's probably been far too much raucous activity involving that rather seedy Bar which, surprisingly, young Doodle manages. I was amazed to spot not only soop but also dreamkeeper and even lins rolling out of there the other evening. How do you all get such a late pass from the boys indoors, I wonder? Are luxury hot chocolate deliveries now arranged early enough to get them settled for the night, so that the laydees can go off to play? It's a fiendish plan but does seem to be working. Do you girls EVER go home? And what with cricket teams and burly firemen, that should be enough high jinx to wake even the heaviest of sleepers. Presumably hot chocolate with a little extra sleepy dust is being used?
Now Doodle clearly needs comfort to go outing and abouting with Mr D. No mixing with the public, no dodgy cafés or grubby loos, so it seems sensible that a Comfy Caboose should fit the bill. The one illustrated comes complete with a lovely porcelain wc, all sanitary fittings, a very pretty chaise longue, fitted corner kitchen, heating and air conditioning and fitted carpets throughout. There would be an additional fee for potted flowers on the little verandah. All towing fittings for your own vehicle would be included in the cost. You could travel anywhere and not mix with the hoi polloi - or anyone with germs. What do you think? It could even serve as a little sanctuary if you parked it near the Argy some evenings. A place to go when it all kicks off and there are too many dancing soops, singing lemons and the risk of a Police raid.
A small illustration of the type of thing I suggest is attached. I'm sure you could make your own curtains or blinds. Let us know what you think. You could start a jolly new trend - just the thing for a post-lockdown cheer up for other road users!
Do hope those lights in the garden are now all ablaze, Dreamkeeper and your car transports you for your longed-for trip to the sea when that peculiar once-a-year-rain reverts to sunshine again.
Drive carefully and stay safe and have some fun!
3 baby blackbirds in my greenhouse. Vine can’t be pruned and cucumber can’t be planted
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