Soop's pleasant (if boring) kitchen for friendly folk and precious pets.

If Rory is on steroids it will increase his appetite [not sure if he is, though]. Alas, if Hattie does get a new zest for life she still won't be able to walk far because of her corns. She's ok in fields or on the beach, though.

soop I do not want to give you a fright but I am a bit concerned about Rory's increase in appetite so I wondered if he could have worms? That is the way my last cat behaved and he also was not well.

That is sad that he still misses Bracken, he probably expects her to pop through the hole in the fence at any moment.

Jalima you were very unfortunate when you visited. At least being retired I can work my way around the weather if it is only going to be the odd shower. It is only a few weeks ago we had letters from the water company reminding us that drought was on the horizon and soon after we had a mini monsoon.

My grass is a lush green having had a lot of sunshine and some rain. I prefer it to rain during the night and somebody has been taking note.

N&G I think when Jackson and Cooper see the baby they may be nagging their mother for one also, not quite realising the amount of time and work that goes into looking after the little darling. That put me off and the fact that I would have to keep it for longer than a week.

We will be on the move again soon I think. We have not stayed long in this kitchen, I must not lose my way to the new one because I think we will be settled by Wednesday.

Good afternoon lovely peoples. It's not a bad weather day in Kintyre. However, the forecast isn't promising.

Nana&G The new baby is very sweet. Almost like a Rosebud doll that I loved as a child. We're all looking forward to learning what it is that Jackson chooses for Finley. I imagine that both boys will be enchanted with the wee one.

Tegan My pal introduced a much younger dog to her family of two senior dogs. The most elderly appeared to be grateful that it no longer was expected to play rough and tumble. The second dog, being fitter, loves the companionship of the puppy. In fact, the middle dog appears to have shed a few dog years. He has a new zest for life.

Rory's appetite knows no bounds. Not so long ago we thought that we were losing him. He's so much brighter and hungrier and we hardly dare open his cupboard door because, no matter where he is, he'll take it as a sign that another meal is on the agenda.

We think that Rory continues to miss Bracken. He will often stand beside the gap in the fence through which she'd enter his garden.

Charleygirl it would be no use me moving because even when I moved to the 'dry south-east' it rained solidly for three weeks.
They had "not seen rain like it".

Another younger dog can give an older dog a new lease of life!
And when "that" day comes? Well a dog is a dog and we must not attribute human emotions. Cross that bridge when you come to it.
Greyhounds are so big I could not fit a second one in but many friends have a greyhound or a whippet and a lurcher, a Labrador and a Jack Russell .
Hattie would still be "top dog"!

I've met up [by accident] with a group of 'whippet walkers'; joined one of their walks yesterday. Downside is that Hattie can't really walk far these days; well, not on any hard ground that is. May have to see if we can join the walks without the dog or bite the bullet and get a puppy/younger dog. Concern about that is, if the young dog is then used to having a companion will she suffer from separation anxiety when the inevitable happens with Hattie? The S.O. and I don't have many mutual friends down 'ere so it's lovely to meet some like minded people [we know a lot more people oop north]. Separation anxiety is something I'd never heard of till recently, never having had a dog suffer from it. My pooches tend to be like me, ie liking their own company a lot of the time. Maybe dogs DO take after their owners ...

N&G it is the time wasted when I forget to switch the darn thing on that upsets me. I do not know if it is the start of dementia or I am just getting old.

Poor Sam, he will not understand that you and Grampy will not be sitting on the floor so that he can rest on the sofa for 5 days or so.

I slept like a baby last night and Tara could not complain .because when I surfaced before 7am she was lying outside my open door, on a rug of course.

It is very dull here- I think it rained during the night as it should. I only need bread- I have to become familiar with a 4 letter word called save.

Maybe Jackson has a fighting chance of buying a present more suitable than one which Cooper may choose. That will be interesting.

Morning all !

Far too early a start for me but I am taking youngest daughter and Jackson and Cooper to see the new baby Finley and Jackson has yet to choose his gift, so we must do that before popping in.

I wait with bated breath to see what he thinks is suitable

I didn't know that about powder either Corner , you live and learn eh? The whole photos online thing is a bit of tricky debate isn't it. My family are far flung and recognise the benefit over the pitfalls. So I am lucky.

Sorry Charlie I did chuckle about your charging challenge ! That's happened to me more than once.

They say you need to be tough to age Baggs I hope you are soon back to normal ( now that sounds wrong on so many levels LOL).

2 parts of our three piece suite are on their travels this morning. My sofa and Grampy's chair have developed saggy bottoms ( no doubt due to the large bottoms that spend far too much time sitting on them !!) so are off to be re-padded. For 5 days we shall be squished cosily sharing a 2 seater sofa. I have yet to break it to Sam that it is doubtful he will be able to squish in too !!

Here's hoping for more improvement from Paw today and that everyone gets a little bit of sunshine to raise spirits sagging like my sofa

It's a bit wet and miserable out tonight again.
Luckily we made it back without getting soaked this time.
But it is so AUTUMNAL!

Jalima as I have said to many others here, especially corner that they should move. Wherever corner lives it does zilch else but rain.

It has not been the warmest but very pleasant with sufficient breeze to dry my washing. I really only care about the simple things in life. It has been warm enough here for me to scoff two ice creams on sticks. I will leave you lot to your alcoholic beverages.

Have you ever had the feeling that you are meant to be going somewhere tomorrow but it is not in the diary? Ah well.

I may join Tara in bed shortly having had my annual shower.

I shall sit and imagine it soop because we seem to have the tail end of Hurricane Gertie here!

It is the most beautiful end of afternoons. The sun is warm and the sea is calm. The view towards the islands is watercolour soft and tranquil.
The cat is lolling on the terrace. A posh word for a small paved area.
We recorded Alan Bennett last night. I find his monologues entertaining and humorous.
My thoughts remain with all of you who are having stress of some sort to deal with. Every time I come into our kitchen, I'm hoping for better news.
MacSporran has another trip to Oban hospital this coming week. The following week he has to return to see a different consultant. All that I hope for on his behalf, is that his condition remains stable. In spirit, he remains constantly upbeat and optimistic.
I believe that a G&T is being prepared. I heard the chink of ice cubes. Hey ho...time to say farewell for another day. Wishing 'you lot' a peaceful and pleasant evening.

Well, soop, if you say so it must be true! I will tell my hand and wrist accordingly to buck the blank up!

Baggs You've bags of youthfulness in reserve. I says so.

Thank you, corner, too. The cast has been off for three weeks but my wrist and hand are still a bit swollen. I think that's the result of the traction treatment I had rather than the broken bone. Plus having even a half limb immobilised for six weeks doesn't half show you how quickly ligaments lose their stretch! I've got a sheet of physio exercises to do and I'll be seeing someone in early September. Seems it's a long haul when you're beginning (ha!) to lose one's youth!

Greyduster I find it very frustrating when I have such interesting ramblings that you are all agog to hear!

A beautiful sunny day here with a light breeze- perfect for my washing.

I do envy Sam and Hattie being able to relax at the drop of a hat but I would not choose a rug, the firemen would have to come to get me up.

I have discovered today that to re-charge something one has to switch on the power! Why could one of you lot not have told me this?

I loved the photo of Findley (sp) but if I am really honest I prefer dogs and cats so your GC are safe but not necessarily your lovely pets but it would be temporary.

The builder was here yesterday. When Tara came home later she ran around downstairs sniffing and eventually lay where he had placed his work bag. She loves him but she is rarely at home during the day now.

Sorry you are feeling down, corner. I have had such days lately. The weather doesn't help. I didn't know that about Johnson's. I still have a "tin" (don't know what else to call it!) in the bathroom cupboard. It has been there since DD told me I mustn't use it on GS - he wasn't even walking then! He's ten now! Anyone know how long it keeps?? Should be good enough for sand though!
Charley I'm glad I'm not the only one that happens to!

Okay - you win! I've read through the updates and, as always, I'm in awe of your on-going busyness.

oldgoat There was a time when I'd have volunteered to Go Ape. Now that I'm a bit creaky, I opt to sit and watch others do stuff like tree climbing and swinging from ropes attached to branches. Somewhere in my stash of photos, I have one of MacSporran doing a bad impression of Tarzan. What's up with Mr oldgoat's eye?

corner I also have such days when I cannot be arsed get myself motivated. Yesterday was one such day. And then, up I sprang and pedalled on the exercise bike for a gruelling twenty minutes. After which, I turned out the wardrobe again and made a wee pile of the "mindings" (wee gifts) we're taking to the family reunion. The bag containing the wee mindings is extremely bulky and heavy. MacS will not be amused when we set off on our travels.

callgirl1 A senior moment. Those slippers must have resembled boats. Size 9 is a good bit roomier than a dainty 6. As corner said, size 6 is a 39. The Reiker shoes are a 38. I'm usually a 37.5 but there were no half sizes when I ordered them. I should have opted for a 37 because they are generous, especially across the instep.

Nana&G You are a wonder woman. Whenever the family needs rescuing you are on the case without delay. Big hugs for you.

Maw Brilliant! Your ode to the passing of summer is very clever. I can relate to it in many ways.

Baggs I'm pleased to hear that your fractured arm is on the mend. It's been a long time since you sustained the injury. Please don't overdo the gardening jobs. I am banned from doing jobs in our garden. The area on which I had spent so much time and energy (and damaged my shin) is totally overgrown and impassable. If I could afford to I would employ a strong, able-bodied man to do all the heavy work that MacS cannot cope with.

Marvellous, I have just written and sent a reply and heaven knows where it has arrived.

Pleased your arm is improving baggs but don't overdo things, easy when it seems better.

I'm very torn with the photos, I love seeing them here, the animals encourage me to nag for one (no luck so far), the latest baby is just edible and Flyn is very special but I always feel guilty as our family are adamant that no photos of the children are posted. Of course I have to respect their wishes and I think I can understand their fears but what a sad world we are in.

Horrid, grey day here. I'm very flat, blaming the weather, did manage a potter in the garden which usually lifts my spirits, not today. Think I just need to wait for it to pass, hopefully quickly as I'm seriously fed up with being fed up!

Our primary use for Johnsons is to get sand from damp small feet quickly and painlessly. They love it, do it themselves wihtout a complaint. Never knew it worked so well until our daughter in law told me, just a quick sprinkle with powder and off comes the sand. How did I get to be this old and not know?

Camping without a fridge isn't fun, really pleased you could rescue the family n&g. In that position I would have wanted one for an early gift as well. Back in the day, pre electric pitches, we had one that worked by condensation, put water in the top and somehow it chilled the very small fridge. It worked, no idea how but it did.

Love the poem maw and Hattie's skill at relaxation is to be envied. Maybe that't what I need to do, lie on the floor and rest my feet on the glass

Right, I'm off to be miserable elsewhere before I depress you all, take care everyone.

Will you need physio when your cast is removed Baggs? It will be a relief to be free I'm sure.

Thank you for asking about my arm, n&g. It's getting better though still a bit achey and stiff. I notice a small improvement most days so I think all's as well as can be expected.

Isn't it lovely how pets wrap themselves round your heart 'Baggs* ? How is your arm by the way?

I still 'poof' the boys with Johnsons the after swimming Grey, according to Jackson it's essential because after all, and I quote ," no one likes itchy skittles Nana" !

Their camping is very high tech complete with inflatable tech. But I did feel for them, their clutch went 36 miles from the campsite, then the fridge blew up, my poor daughter actually cried when calling us.

Isn't it always the way that they save all year for 2 weeks holiday and then get a big unexpected expense. We had planned on some treats for our daughter for her birthday and like all Mums the world over she asked for the fridge instead !!

Mums are always bottom of the list aren't they?

Sorry to hear DHs eye is bad again Grey , hopethey can sort it out for him .

Good morning kitcheners! Just been out for a wee walk by the river before settling in for the day. N&G pictures of babies always make me feel just the tiniest bit broody, and Finley is lovely - I can almost smell the Johnson's! (Yes I know it is a no-no to use it these days, but for me it is the smell of babies!). I met my neighbour last week with his lovely boys - nearly three, and five - and just felt like scooping them both up for a hug! They are so chatty now, even the little one. Both parents are teachers - G teaches year six which my GS will be in next year. He said you always see a huge change in boys in year six; that they seem to suddenly grow up. My heart sank a little, I have to say. They grow up so fast.
Quick thinking on your part saved the fridge problem from spoiling your DD's holiday - as usual, Nana has proved to be a diamond! I hope they enjoy the rest of their holiday. Camping is very high tech these days judging from a brochure I got through the post recently - no more sleeping on the damp ground cooking on a primus stove! (I know; it is a long time since I went camping, and is likely to be a long time again, high tech comfort and inflatable mattresses or not!).
DH has the recurring problem with his eye back again this weekend. It is not responding to the drops so it looks like another visit to the walk in eye clinic at the hospital tomorrow. Quicker than a doctor's appointment and she didn't know what to do with it last time, so we would end up in the same place anyway. Hey ho.

Baggs I've gone all misty-eyed.