Soop's kitchen for friendly folk and precious pets...

You tried, wot, thats the important thing. Next evening outing will be easier, you need practice. Wishing you well.

Back home by ten thirty!! I got bored and felt awkward too. Have become a hermit, perhaps.

Save threat of spitwash for another time then corner!

You got it, poshgran. Loves getting wet. Swims for what seems forever under water. It was a shan't because I won't evening. Got there in the end. Fast asleep now and appropriately clean. Phew .

Probably too late now but, corner, is it a total don't like getting wet, or don't like getting face wet.... or is it "I shan't because I won't"?

My 8 year old today GS has just rung me to thank me for my present and to say he has had the "perfect birthday".
That has lifted my mood so much.

I have a walk-in shower and DGS (age 7) loves playing hide and seek behind the curtains but the suggestion of turning the water on sends him screaming to go home

They're usually all right in the shower if they're wearing a full wet suit, goggles and snorkel set!

Have fun, wot. You deserve that night out. Galen I suspect you two will liven up the ship .

Any hints and tips on getting a reluctant eight year old into the shower gratefully received. Have won the battle of 'the reading' but it seems there are just so many reasons not to get wet. Trouble is I really don't feel like humouring a stroppy eight year old today. Oh dear. Best go back to Grandma school . Onwards .

Galen please do not put the poor woman off!!!

downsizes
You're not fortunate to come with me!
You're off your blooming rocker!

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A couple of pics from our visit to Gigha, many moons ago. One is the approach to Gigha on the ferry, the other is the little beach near the Boathouse.

Wot, ENJOY!
Oldgoat, so glad the weather has come good for you. That little semi circular beach near the Boathouse is so pretty, isn`t it? You`re lucky having otters to watch, we never saw any when we were there, but seals a-plenty. We did see dolphins though, on our first visit, they swam past the site in the morning, then in the afternoon, they were swimming alongside the ferry when we were going to Gigha. Never ever saw them again, but were told it was a rare occurrence.
Downsized, I hope you`re feeling a bit more chipper today.
CharleyG, Mia didn`t even show herself today until mid afternoon, has still only had a nibble of food, and has now gone out. She behaved very oddly in the heat last year as well. I don`t envy her her fur coat in this heat.

I am going out tonight for the first time since I've been with this so called partner for twenty years!feel nervous. Even when I went on holiday on my own I didn't go out in the evenings. Oooooeeerrrr!!!!

MacS tells me that it's too hot to sit outside. He's been edging the lawn. Rory is under a hydrangea bush. I'm about to check which shoes would be the most practical for wearing at the wedding. I've a pretty pair of wedge style shoes in subtle shades of pewter/cream. Rather than wear a heel, I may give them a second outing. Last time they were worn, was when Matt graduated in Edinburgh (yonks ago.)

We'll be care home visiting in the morning. If the oldgoats haven't left the camp site when we reach Muasdale, we'll stop by to wish them happy and safe travels to Oban.

Continue to enjoy the amazing weather. Bye for now.

downsized Hello Snowy welcome to the precious pets corner.

Yes, it was a lovely idea but I forgot to mention we were also asked to donate pet food or cash to support the local animal sanctuaries.

Bella's bunny is called Snowy. You've guessed it, she's white

Charleyg The dreaded internet lurgy strikes again. We've missed you. To be truthful - I'm not surprised that the building saga continues. Had you said otherwise, I would have lapsed into a coma.
Poor Tara. The heat may have upset her. As long as she's improving there's nowt to worry about.

Posh! What a palaver. You will have spent almost a lifetime creating that Aran sweater. Who will be the lucky recipient? Had to laugh when I read your instructions for the laundering of. The bit that tickled me was...enlist the aid of handsome passing stranger (fireman?)

downsized You were often in my thoughts throughout yesterday.
Love the notion of an Animal Awareness day. Bella would have enjoyed having her bunny take part. Does bunny have a name?

corner it's baking hot in Kintyre. I did the ironing out of doors.

Have some cake in readiness just in case the Oldgoats happen to pass. Their visit to Gigha will have been perfect. Her Majesty used to picnic on one of the more private beaches, together with family members. It was at the time when the Royal yacht was used for voyages around the Hebridean Islands.

Galen You and downsized make a first class team. Ship ahoy!

I have returned to the land of the living. For some strange reason I have been without internet connection since Monday and amazingly it happened after my newish cleaner went home for the day!

It appears to be okay now- thankfully my every day TV is working but my bedroom TV still has no signal. I felt as though I was on another planet looking in as I the best I could do was to send the very odd email. Somehow with my lack of skills I appear to be back in business.

Those of you who are aware of my building saga will be amazed to hear that it is still going on. I am less likely to be electrocuted as that was fixed on Monday. There is enough work here for two men over 2 days, but my length of day, not 3 hours. Spring has passed me by, I do not want to waken up one day to discover that autumn is here.

Tara has not been feeling very well this week. On Monday she spent the entire day in bed asleep and although sleeping a lot the other days, she is more lively today, waking me at 6am wanting to go out. The very hot weather and blazing sunshine has not helped. Thank you those who noticed my absence.

Good Lord, Posh! Now I know why I never learned to knit Aran!

Greetings one & all...here's an exercise in using your "inner eye", hope it makes you smile.

Take 1 large, freshly hand-washed Aran sweater.
Gently place this heirloom piece on a bath towel laid on large patio table (which has small regular holes in it)in sunshine.
Thoughtfully reposition said table when sun inconsiderately moves (drag it 4 times).
Enlist the aid of a handsome passing stranger (fireman?) (or OH if other not available) to strategically place said table inside rearranged (shove all the stuff on one side) conservatory.
Lovingly bake the creation at temperatures of up to 32 degrees for 2 days in said conservatory, checking periodically that kitchen roll carefully positioned to catch any further drips is not soaked or about to burst into flames depending on ambient temperature.
And on the third day...take two pairs of tights & tie together one leg from each just below the gusset. Dextrously take each free leg in turn & thread it through left or right sleeve.....fling wide the gates doors & release the sweater into the wild garden.
Tether tight-ends (one believes they are called feet), left & right to the outstretched arms of a waiting rotary dryer.
Persuade initially tied tight legs up through the neck opening & tie them around washing line for added security.
Stand back & admire the sunlit gentle sway of fabric & remember the many hours of pleasure you had knitting it......until you notice the hole in the sleeve!

Glad you are feeling a little better today annsixty, even though you have another sadness regarding your GS and his mum. Some people really do have more than their fair share of burdens to bear.

I've cheered up as well. Don't know why I feel so blue on DH's anniversary, it's just one more day without him, but I felt quite miserable even so. Still, only allowed myself one day to wallow. Today began bright and early as our little Bella's school were having Animal Awareness/bring your pet to school day.

As DD works, she said she couldn't manage it as the pets had to be taken home straight after assembly. Poor little GD was heartbroken so I volunteered to go instead.

It was rather lovely! So many different animals and all very well behaved. There was a short address by the headmaster, then a blessing of the animals by the archpriest of the village, after which the school day began and I carried Bella's bunny home. It's only a fifteen minute walk but felt longer clutching a carrier to my bosom, plus the sun was already very strong, but worth it to see DGD happy. All her classmates loved seeing the bunny too, such a lot of happy little faces.

I'm also so excited about the cruise with Galen. I feel very fortunate.

Yes, a very warm day here, too. I love it, Mr C on the other hand does not. It does mean whatever the weather one of us is happy . Did a bit of garden pottering then had a sit, I'm very proud I stayed awake. Clouds bubbling up now, still warm enough to sit so I'm happy.

It's a hard time, morethan, it must be so draining for you all. Penny Brohn is definitely an excellent source of advice and support, agree with mawb worth a look if you weren't aware of them already. Our local one offers everything from nutritional advice to complementary therapies.

It never rains, eh, ann. Hope your afternoon out will distract you with some fun.

Loved the photo, oldgoat, take care of that back. That looks a wonderful beach.

PoshGran The closing good wishes that were part of yesterday's post were spot on. That is exactly what I wanted to say...only you did so first.

It's been a very strange day. I haven't yet caught up with myself disappearing in the opposite direction. No jobs tackled. Plenty ready and all lined up. Too much fiddle faddling. Hair needs attention. I look as if I've been plugged into the mains. It's a blessing to have you lot as pals.

About to enjoy a cup of tea and a Ryvita pumpkin seeded biscuit, topped with a little Mull of Kintyre cheese and a light garnish of Marmite. Followed by a crunchy apple. After which - I really do have to fix my hair. Rory did a double take!

Back later.