Soops cosy kitchen for kind peoples and precious pets !

MawB, what a rotten time your OH is having and, by association, you too. Glad your DD and SiL have overcome the trauma of the race to get the passport sorted out and managed a house move successfully.
grannyqueenie, I saw Lion last week and was almost weepy too though I have no tears owing to an annoying 'syndrome'. It was such an emotional roller coaster of a film. Definitely worth seeing.

That's a fab view mawb, definitely something good.

I'm in early today as it's raining and I can't be bothered to get myself up, busy and even dressed I've got a busy day ahead.
annsixty that's good news about your lesions. I had a couple removed from my back the other week and had the same result. Are they going to remove yours completely at some point?
Greyduster we had triffids appear when we did a massive clear-out to prepare for a new fence. I put one in a pot and nurtured it, just out of interest, and it turned out to be a huge teasel. Quite impressive, but I was advised to dump it as they self-seed all over the place.
MawB It's tough staying strong and so tiring. You must take care of yourself though. A quick question - your dad's saying "KBO" - what's that? (Assuming it's publishable here, of course!)
GrannyQ We keep meaning to see Lion, but it's disappearing from our local cinemas now. I've just advance ordered it from Amazon - only £9.99, which is a bit of a bargain considering the price of going to the cinema nowadays. A bit more restful at RetroTowers than our local multiplexes too with all those lights, music and flippin' kids young people milling around. Intolerant moi? Never. Anyway, by the time it comes, my one-sided deafness should be sorted out, so I won't need the subtitles. There's a bit of crackling and echoing going on at the moment so something must be happening. Resisting the urge to have a poke around, but it's driving me bonkers.
Sending hugs and to everyone, especially those having a tough time. xx

KBO = Keep Buggering On retrolady!!

MawB Oh yeah, of course it is. Little innocent me! .

Have just done a long post to all of you commiserating on your problems but it vanished!

Special thoughts go to you MawB. It must be very worrying for you that DH continues to feel awful. Is there nothing further the medical people can do for him barring blood transfusions? There must be a reason for his symptoms. Is he on anticoagulants?

soop any sign of Bracken returning? Cats are sometimes prone to finding guest houses, as you know. Perhaps someone is feeding him. We had one who convinced the locals that he was a stray but he was huge and fat (eating at several houses and also at ours). The neighbours all lived on the other side of the road, and the inevitable happened.

Retro sympathies with the blocked ear. It is what soop calls a buggeration. I liken it to being under the sea. Happens to me a lot and that wonderful feeling when the wax comes away after syringing! Could hear a pin drop. I hope you are able to get relief soon.

Good news about your lesions Ann. One less thing to be stressed about. You have enough to deal with.

Georgie is in fine form today. On her feet a lot more. We are giving her several sessions around the garden a day and she is starting to walk a little bit better. She stomps around with her hind legs like she is marching. Then they get tangled and she collapses. She was at physio on Wednesday evening and stomped walked in. The staff were delighted. But she moaned incessantly during her hydrotherapy. Just prefers to gad about. Still incontinent!

We are going to Scotland for 4 days to BiL's 70th party, and I'm hoping to meet up with some of the Scottish GNetters. Looking forward to that. As we are staying in a dog friendly hotel, I'll leave tackling the incontinence until we come home. Nappies will stay on.

Miserable day here. I'd better leave the warmth of the Kitchen and get on with some housework.

Good morning, kitcheners. Glad to hear Georgie's progress continues apace, jud. Must have heartening for you and vet staff alike.
I am sitting here in the conservatory surrounded by paper as we are sorting all our documents into a new filing system. Where on earth does it all come from?? DH has sloped off to watch tv "for five minutes" . At least it takes my mind off not letting myself go to sleep last night because I was afraid I might not wake up again!! I have had this before but not for a long time. Don't know what triggers it. Of course I dropped off eventually and guess what?? I'm still here!
It was nice to see my two former employers yesterday before they retire next week. We had quite a chat about the old days and some old, memorable cases, but as usually happens when I see them, we ended up talking about fishing.
Retro we have lots of teasels growing on a nature reserve near us, but my triffids are a breed apart. Some of the climbing stems are as thick as my wrist and covered in bristly hairs. I spent some time last night searching the internet but can't find anything remotely like them. We can't locate any foliage at the moment, so it must be either growing into or out of next door's garden. It is a rental property and is empty at the moment - maybe the previous residents have been eaten!! When it stops raining I will take a picture in the hope that someone may be able to identify it.

Good for you, *Greyduster and OH. I have stalled on sorting out the various drawers where I have stashed documents because I have managed to kill yet another shredder (my third) by over-feeding it. . What an idiot!

Greyduster I would be interested to see the pic of your triffids (maybe the RHS would too!)

Oh the guilt, grreyduster, I should sort out, I should, I should. .

The crackles may lead to more helpful noises, Retrolady, I have resisted the urge to mention Rice Krispies - oh well, I nearly resisted. . Hope it all clears soon, it is very frustrating thats for sure. If you watch Lion can you let me know if you think its suitable for an 11 and 8 year old? Also missed it at the cinema and wondered if it would be one to let the grandchildren watch if we get desperate on a sleepover.

Good for you and Georgie, Jud, sounds as if she is getting frustrated and just wants to do what she wants to do. Has to be a good sign.

Good news about the lesions ann, about time there was some for you.

Wondering how your husband is faring, mawb, hope the new infusion will boost him.

Well, I am supposed to be doing some paperwork, have sorted out travel insurance and paid a holiday balance but there is so much else waiting. Mr C has completed all his allocated tasks and is very smug. I guess if my tendency to procrastination could be conquered I would finish mine as well, but for today I am seriously lagging behind. Oh well, onwards.

I knew darn well that if I popped in for a wee catch-up, I would need to stay a lot longer than a few minutes. You lot...what are you? Amazing!

Before I get too involved, I'm away for an hour or so. It's a fine day. I need to finish a stretch of garden that has, since autumn, become a veritable jungle. MacSporran needs this computer. We've therefore agreed to leave each other to get on with our pressing tasks.

when I return, providing MacS has vacated my seat, I shall draw breath and read the latest news.

I was envious!?

It does take ages to catch up when you haven't been in here for a few days
MawB I want to give your dh a big hug, poor thing, no wonder you're both cheesed off!
That view from your dd''s new house is the sort you could look at for hours.

ann good news about your facial lesions. I hate all these horrible skin tags and lumps and bumps that appear on my elderly, wrinkly skin! I wonder if they spell my name in braille

NandG Enjoy your family break next week, I'm sure there will be lots of jollity and booze! I feel very

soop I'm sorry that Bracken hasn't returned yet, I'm sure that MacSporran must be really worried. Fingers crossed for her safe return.
jud Georgie will no doubt enjoy her holiday in Scotland, hope you do too

It's been a weepy week here, my dc are on the verge of estrangement from each other, it's a straw too far for me, I can't be in the middle again.
Not feeling too good today either, plus it's been raining all day, so I'm off for a cuppa!
Love to you all and don't eat all the cake! Xx

Lona don't keep it bottled up!!

I'm back. Feeling as if I've been dragged through a hedge backwards. Such a hard afternoon's slog in our garden. In fact, don't tell MacS just yet (because I may "change up my mind") I'm considering putting the cash I earn doing my pal's ironing, in a kitty with which to employ a gardener. If we could afford a strong chap to do the heavy digging/muscle-aching jobs - maybe just once each month, I'm prepared to give up a few treats.

Retro Your lovely message made me smile. It's a pleasure to have your company. You have what us lot call...a quirky sense of the absurd. The more the merrier, is our motto.

Greyduster I've been crawling through the undergrowth and tearing up trillions of soggy, dead Montbretia leaves. At one point, something snapped back into my face. It caught my eye. No real damage done. MacSporran suggested that I took a cushion into the undergrowth...to save my knees. Quite frankly I can't be arsed with such niceties. In fact, I'm wondering where I left said cushion. I've taken a look at my knees...they are dirty and bruised. Hey ho!

MawB I wish that these were the real thing. Your daughter and son-in-law certainly have a beautiful, tranquil view.

ann Thank goodness that the dermatologist has put your mind at rest. One worry less.

Mildred You are wise to keep a close watch on skin lesions. I've a large mole under my breast. It doesn't itch or bleed. Should I suspect that it's changing, I would refer myself to the GP immediately.

granniequeenie My granddaughter and her husband have seen Lion. They shed a few tears between them.

Jud That darling Georgie is one of the most spirited lady dogs that I've ever heard of. Mind you, a whole lot of loving from you and expertise and dedication from the vet and therapists have also played a vital role in her steady but sure recovery.

There has been no sign of Bracken. She was always ready and waiting for her breakfast. She often returned mid afternoon to socialise with Rory. She had become a regular visitor at six-ish, enjoying her main meal and relaxing on her ginormous cushion in the utility room, where she stayed until we turned in for the night. Rory remembers her scent. He loiters beside the chalet and looks longingly into the woodland. I'm beginning to suspect that she met with a fox or mink. It's sad. She had become a member of the family...and once that happens...you understand how difficult it is to not know what has befallen her.

anno MacSporran keeps saying (since we moved from Cornwall to Scotland 13 years ago)...I must get a shredder. He's lovely with it.

Dear Lona You sound sad. I wish that I could listen and help you with your worries. Family life can been awfully tricky at times. Sometimes the best you can do is allow matters to take their course. If asked for advice, give it. If not, keep a low profile. That's the hardest part of being a Mum. Our children often need to work through their own problems. and a warm (hug) x

I must away to clean my knees and scrub my hands - my fingernails are not at all ladylike. I do wear gloves in the garden. The finger tips have worn away. Not a whole lot of good but better that nowt.

My very best wishes to all you who have more than your fair share of buggerations to deal with. Once again, thank you for your company.

That sounds painful, soop - hope your eye is okay. Dangerous business this gardening, but I would sooner have joined you in your jungle than stumble around in the maze of paperwork that was my task this afternoon. The mountain of pension stuff was the worst - most of it DH's. We got all smug and self satisfied, thinking we had finished, and then we found another filing box and had to start again. We lost the will to live about four o'clock and closed the door on it. I did find some of DS's old school reports, which provided a bit of light relief! Reading them, I'm amazed he's done so well for himself!
Lona I am so sorry that your children are causing you heartache. Mine are not bosom buddies at the best of times, but in recent years they seem to be trying a bit harder. They are often not comfortable together though, and don't seek each other out.

Oh dear, soop, do we need to have first aiders standing by when you are gardening? sounds as if it could be necessary. . Can totally understand the urge to get someone to do the heavy work, be safer thats for sure. Sorry Bracken hasn't found her way home, I imagine you and macs are watching and hoping with Rory. Hard not to know either way.

I'm feeling very smug. Three things from the paperwork list completed. I'm quietly forgetting the five I added to the list afterwards. Why spoil the achievement.

Sorry you are down lona, so hard to be a Mum when there are issues with our children no matter their age. Sending and a big hug. I always think life was easier when ours were small children.

Tea time now, keep warm and well everyone.

Thank you all for your kind remarks,(and the hug) there comes a time when you can't do any more, and I've reached it.
Greyduster and corner I'm very good at chucking stuff out, including paperwork! Let me know if I can help

Oh lona you do sound sad and however much we feel for you , it is your family and that hurts.
Soop whatever have you done to yourself? Some people should NOT be let out. I share your sadness about Bracken, she may be fine and just have moved in with new staff, but the hardest thing is not knowing. I suspect that is whyI am temperamentally unsuited to having a cat
Delighted to see and hear that Georgie is making such a wonderful, can I say miraculous, recovery.
DD and SIL have indeed acquired a house with a stunning garden in a lovely setting for a city, but I suspect with their jobs, hectic lifestyle and 3 active children under 7 it won't look as stunning in a year's time. There will be a football pitch, cricket pitch, dens galore and probably a trampoline ere long. Having the park behind them (with a gate ) does mean that they have space to take them to let off serious steam without the hassle of walking/ driving them a mile to the nearest playground. I understand they are still unpacking boxes today but, hooray, have found the wine glasses!!
DH is now sleeping off his transfusion today. Hoping it will make a difference, but the problem remains.
all

Lona big hug from me too. I hope things work out ok but as you say, there is only so much you can do.

So sorry to hear that Bracken is still missing. Today I took Mia to the vet`s for her booster jab and a worming tablet. A fter weighing her he said she was a little over weight. She weighs 4.37 kilos, and should be 4.27, but that`s not too bad, is it? He advised me to cut her down from 3 pouches a day to 2. Since we`ve been home, she`s slept all day and not eaten, maybe the booster or the wormer upset her?
Delighted to hear about Georgie.
MawB, I hope that things are alright with your husband tonight.
Soop, TAKE CARE! The last thing you need is a damaged eye.

DH has had a very good night, sleeping from 8.30 through till 7.30 apart from the inevitable loo visits on auto pilot. (Is that why they are called the "wee small hours"?)
I on the other hand feel like a limp rag. Can't blame Grace for disturbing me, as she too slept through! Good dog ?!

My "secret Santa" present (from my lovely SIL) was a bouquet of flowers from Bloom &Wild every month for 6 months .
March's arrived this morning. Roses, freesias, Lisianthuscand some wispy delicate white stuff.
What a gem he is.