Reducing contact because my heart just isn't in it.
Good Morning Friday 7th August 2026
Here we are again
Happy as can be (in the circumstances)
All GOOD friends and jolly GOOD company.
Welcome. The buffet is waiting. Our retreat is warm and cosy. There will always be a comforting virtual arm around the shoulder for those who need one. 
I've just had a bowl of porridge Muse but a slice of chocolate cake would have been so much nicer.
Oooh yummy chocolate fudge cake thank you muse
Hoping all had gone well with soop today
We’ve had another really lovely day continuing our walking of the coast path - it’s been beautiful sunny weather all day and we sat outside for lunch near the harbour at Brixham. I’ve never been there before and it was lovely
We’ve got a take away Indian curry for tonight that’s just warming up now so that’s us done for today
TOYA and take care everyone
Dogs it’s nice to have company on my decluttering mission! It is energising, I’m finding. I did more today. Two massive bookcases with a mix of books and old magazines all sorted out. Most will go to a charity second hand book sale but some have been set aside for family members who claimed them.
That’s been my day, really. Oh, just remembered, I also mended a broken cat flap. It’s been that way for a long time but Dh found the replacement door I’d bought for it so I fixed it at last. Not that the cat uses a cat flap but it looks better than the lid of a tub of Celebrations that was covering it up!
I caught up with Call The Midwife last night and think I’ll do the same with ‘Round the World’ this evening. Tomorrow brings the excitement of Dh getting two new tyres on his car - I can’t wait, haha! 
Peaceful dreams, all. Xxx
‘Evening All’.
A lovely afternoon here in Malaga. We’ve been out and abouting as you do. Late afternoon sunshine around 4pm was lovely and warm. This weather certainly breaks up winter.
Oh muse my most favourite cake! Thank you, just a large slice for me please.
Looking forward to hearing from soop tomorrow about her appointment today. I do hope it went well. x
Good evening - just popping in to see if there's any news from soop. Glad I did though and thank you for that yummy cake muse ?
Hello my darlin's.
Yesterday was hugely tiring and the long journey home in the dark was not at all pleasant for either of us.
The surgery is earmarked for the end of February. Mr McCourtney explained that it will be extremely testing and there could be several complications which would mean a longer stay in recovery. We have every confidence in his skill. There is no alternative. Therefore, both Mr Soop and I remain positive and look forward to a wee break in the Highlands at some time this summer.
Thank you for your continued support. Your kindness is priceless.
So pleased you have a date soop and confidence in your surgeon.
As you say there is no alternative and it will be a difficult time for you and Mr soop but hopefully the love and friendship of all your many friends in the kitchen will give you strength and encouragement.The summer break in the Highlands is something to focus on and look forward to?
Something to aim for Soop.
Afternoon dear kitcheners - just popping in to see how soop got on yesterday. So pleased you have some positive news ?. Awaiting DGS being brought over whilst his mummy takes the cat to the vet for her booster. Get boosted Bella ??. Then it's Tuesday so it's mother day....Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday
Sorry, I pressed too quickly. I've made a lovely big pot of minestrone soup and 20 chocolate chip cookies. I'll leave some in the kitchen. I'm feeling a bit better today, hence the cooking/baking. There might be lemon and blueberry muffins in a while too
Good to hear that you have a date in sight now Soop and can prepare both mentally and physically in the next 5 or so weeks.
My DH had this same operation in July 2020 so I know what is involved. I am sure you will be treated like the Duchess of Kintyre - as you should be. The colo-rectal sister at Mr Gaga's hospital told him he had equal treatment to the Duke of Edinburgh, who was unwell himself at the time. I am sure that the staff will be supportive, experienced and kind as well as very skilful so you will be in good hands. Onwards and upwards dear Soop - better days ahead! 
Dearest Soop I’m pleased that you have a timeframe and that everything has been explained so thoroughly. DropBot will soon be a thing of the past and you will be able to enjoy a more active life once again.
Grandmabatty glad you’re feeling much better, minestrone soup is most welcome on a chilly day like today.
soop that is great, it is around 6weeks away. Before you know it you will be packing your bags.
soop so pleased you have a date for your op, something to really look forward to ?
That chocolate fudge cake looks divine. Just a wafer thin slice wedge please, muse
Been hovering in the background to see when your surgery will be Soop.
So I'm so pleased to hear it will be fairly soon in late February. I send my very best wishes. Lovely idea to have your holiday to look forward to later. Keep going, you're nearly there!
Oh my goodness that chocolate cake looks delicious Muse
I am not going too far. Will make sure that our new kitchen is ready for you lovely lot to visit.
SueDonim Care to share some of your amazing energy with this little old lady? At this time last year, I breezed through a period of decluttering with energy to spare. Now, alas, I am dragging my feet and cannot seem to get into gear.
Thank you for your kind comment, Sweetpeasue. I love your classy name.
Thank you all for caring and sharing with me. No matter what happens once I'm ensconced in hospital, you lot will be with me in spirit. A huge plus. 
The weather outside the window, is several shades of misty grey.
Son number three has been chatting on the phone. At that moment, the sun appeared to shine. 
Mr Soop sends his regards to "his ladies". He is making me a
. Darling man.
I shall lock the door and open our newest cosiest kitchen. See you in a jiffy. 
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