soop's friendly kitchen for like-minded folk and pampered pets.

Born end of January 2016 so that makes her 19 (?) months.
You should see "zoomies" round the garden!!

Juliette Harry wasn't just a dog - he was a much loved member of your family. He was special.

Thank you for all your kind comments. We've been sitting in the sunshine. Rory, the cat that loves nothing better than to join us, no matter what we do, hasn't ventured from his cat cave.

ann Please don't overdo things. Your body needs to relax. Take things at a more leisurely pace.

Maw Hattie has been such a dear companion during some recent troubling times. She arrived on the scene at the right time. She is beautiful.

The sun has shone throughout the day. The trees are beginning to wear their autumn colours. It's a lovely time of the year.

It will soon be time for a delicious G&T. The bewitching hour (six o'clock sharp) is tempting me away from the computer until tomorrow morning.
Wishing you all a pleasant and peaceful evening.

It's lovely to see a re-homed animal come into their own in a good environment. The second cat we ever had we got from the RSPCA. It was DD's idea (she was about fourteen at the time) and we walked round looking at all these nice moggies who had obviously seen it all before and didn't take much interest in visitors. Then we came to a small, thin, scraggy looking tabby - not much more than a kitten really -wet through from his own urine seemingly. A sorry specimen, but he came up to the glass and DD said "I want this one!" My heart sank, but he came home with us. She was not going to leave without him. Our vet was not impressed with his condition, thought he might have some brain damage, and was rather critical of the RSPCA for letting him out of their care. However, after a few weeks at home he thrived, albeit with recurring long standing health difficulties associated with his mouth, which often meant he found it difficult to eat. And he didn't seem to be able to move in a straight line; he sort of skipped sideways (hence we named him Skipper!). He was a very loving little chap, but he didn't live long unfortunately; at least he had some joy in his short life.

NanaandGrampy, your Bugatti tee shirt reminds me that my 12-year-old GS had the opportunity to drive a Lamborghini as a special birthday treat - just a week ago today. I didn't have the chance to watch him as I was keeping an eye on young brother (9) who decided to have a 'duvet' day! ?B was given a lovely video of his drive; granny was envious.

I`m so sorry Soop to read of Rory`s slight backward slide, but he`s surprised you before, maybe, hopefully, again?
Maw, more lovely pics of the beautiful Hattie. How is Paw today?
I`ve advised my daughter to have the locks changed at the Spanish house, as soon as possible. She`s been informed by her contact that the lads have now left the house. It sounds as if the people that she trusted with the spare key might have been making money from renting out her house. Her stepsons are going out there, but unfortunately they aren`t both able to go until the 14th or 15th, wonder if there`ll be anyone there when they arrive?

Isn't it sad when people you trusted let you down callgirl
I would feel very disappointed

Maw I was aware that dogs like Hattie had a short racing life but I was not aware it was so short. Hopefully she has forgotten all about it having settled into her new life so beautifully.

Quiet five minutes before sleep.

Oh dear, callgirl, that doesn't sound a good report from Spain. I guess your daughter will be looking for someone different to hold her key.

Was wondering about paw, how is he doing maw?

I wonder if you would benefit from the advice of a physio, ann? I recently went with a very cynical expectation for an NHS physio assessment and came away with a considerable amount of sensible advice and practical strategies. Also ongoing monitoring. Worth a try?

Pleasant day out today. Had planned to do some serious post grandchildren catching up but figured it could wait. Back on duty on Monday so may try again tomorrow, or may just take it easy. Suspect the second option will win

Take care everyone.

Flipping computer has just lost my unfinished post.

Hattie never raced charleygirl having shown no aptitude for it as a puppy they gave up on her. Now you and I might think that shows a degree of laziness common sense, even intelligence, but it is probably also why she is so biddable and sweet natured! (Not if you are a hedgehog though) )

Morning all !!

Although it is only 8:30 I have already had my first picture from Jackson's Exciting Day out !! I have attached it ...I suspect it will only get more exciting as the day goes on !

Sorry to hear Rory was struggling a bit yesterday Soop hopefully, he regains that lost ground today but he certainly sounds content on his cushion in the sunshine - there's a lot to be said for that.

Yes I ordered the largest one too Charlie , I am really looking forward to it arriving.

Sorry to hear of your sciatica ann I had a lot of success at the osteopath when I had it a few years back.

I loved the difference in the 2 pictures maw , Hattie has definitely settled in and now looks very regal. Just shows what a little love will do.

Oh my goodness Anno our little chap would be ecstatic to do as your GS did !! Sadly 5 is too small but we really hope the kind Bugatti Chiron owner will at least allow him to have his picture taken by his dream car today. He has drawn a picture of it and is hoping to --bribe- give it to the owner.

I'm sorry to hear that Callgirl but it is quite common We used three different management companies in the end for our place because as soon as they got complacent and they knew we would only visit 2/3 times a year they knew we were out of sight and out of mind. Its one of the reasons we sold up in the end. It just was ridiculous.

Well, time for breakfast so I shall bid you all good day and hope the sun shines on you all !

Thank goodness pussy cats can jump 5' fences and this greyhound can't!
I would not have let Hattie out into the garden just now if I had seen that very pretty tabby strolling through the border ? Squirrels, on the other hand are fair game as they always make it up a tree.
Had possibly my last lie in today as, all going well Paw should be coming home tomorrow.
That is if the requested blood test is done this morning as promised and sadly, despite some lovely dedicated individuals on the nursing staff, his ward is the doziest, slackest, worst organised I have ever seen - and I have seen a few over the years.
I hesitate to use the word "lazy" but last night I approached 2 male nurses having a chat at the desk to say Paw needed the commode and was directed to an agency nurse (dealing with another patient ) saying " she is nursing room 2 today" I think there is clearly some resentment of agency nurses earning so much more and perhaps they wanted to make a point or make her "earn her money". I know they are understaffed. Not a good attitude though.
Last weekend's incident with the supper, hot drink and evening meds left on Paws table while he slept was another instance.
So, ironing, check fridge for things we will need and keep fingers crossed.
Lovely sunny morning - wishing you all a pleasant day and especially for Rory, some relief for those back legs. Actually also for any grans with aches and pains!

N&G mine arrived yesterday and it is so simple to use and exceptionally quiet. So far so good, nice to buy a British made model for once, my second in two weeks, my lest being a kettle.

Maw so pleased to hear that Hattie used her brains many months ago. I now realise why she is so biddable and trainable as they obviously did not bother with her once her owners realised that she was not a money making machine.

soop I hope that Rory had a good night and was given a hike up on to the bed to enjoy early morning cup of tea with the pair of you. He is a fighter as we know and will not give up too easily.

callgirl I find that despicable- what would happen if there was a party and the house was wrecked? The key holders would have some explaining to do.

It was supposed to be a day of rain here today- no sign so the washing machine is on, washing for the county.

I feel I should say about the soup maker, I find I need a couple of small potatoes ,for thickening , in most of the soups I make. I do not like thin watery soup and it doesn't taste at all of mashed potato, it just gives it some body.
I also use the little stock gels, not cubes, I use Bisto Chicken or Knorr veg.
Lots of recipes use sweet potato but I do not like them even though I think they are low carb.

N&G sounds like those boys are in for a fantastic day, happy smiling faces all round

Maw try to relax today as you won't know which way is up or back to front for a bit when Paw gets home At least you won't have the journey to visit the hospital and it will be great to have him home again, assuming the 'dire rear' has 'passed'?

Ouch! to all with aches and pains at the moment. Physio can help a lot but it all depends on the practitioner. I saw 3 over a period of 6 months last year (as they rotated between clinics) before the last one gave me a different set of exercises that sorted that particular problem straight away!

soop (((hugs))) to you, MacS and dear Rory. He is obviously happy with his life as he is certainly fighting to hang onto it.

Back to school for most of our GC this week so we grannies can have a bit of a rest. Before we know it, it'll be half-term, Hallowe'en and then the winter school holidays. (Notice how I avoided the 'C' word ) I'm not wishing my life away but the year is flying past at a rate of knots.

Hope you all have as good a day as possible

AND this made the three hours in the car totally worth it.

One little boy and his dream car !!

Maw I hope the bloods get done, the lab reports back and they find a doctor to agree or otherwise to Paw's discharge. Weekends in hospital are just not the best.
Dozy, slack and badly organised pretty much sum up our recent experience at the hospital the ambulance took us to - not our usual one. So depressing.
Your DH will feel much happier in his own surroundings and that will help his recovery, but I'm a bit worried about you - can you get some extra help in? Going up and down stairs is wearing together with the emotional strain. Or hopefully he can sit downstairs for long periods. Hattie will have to learn to share you with this new 'intruder' in her life.
Tightly crossed fingers for you and Paw and hope everything settles down quickly.

soop Rory is such a lucky little cat to have found you both. If it were not for you I'm sure he wouldn't still be here. He's been, and still us, such a big part of the Kitchen, bless him.

Ann I always add three or four small potatoes just for thickening and it works well. We used it last night for celery soup, with a leak, and with Stilton crumbled on top. Delicious. I discovered soupmakers on a thread on GN about a year ago. I'd never heard of them before that. I see I typed "we". Of course it was I who prepared and made it. "We" just ate it!

Anno was that an early birthday present for your GS? I know you have one GS who shares my birthday at the end of this month. (77. Help!)

Hello you lovely lot,
First things first, Maw I share your frustrations regarding Paw's hospital stay. You must feel dangerously close to losing the plot. Please keep us updated.

callgirl1 I'm shocked to hear that the key holder may have been responsible for the unwanted visitors. You must be extremely angry. How on earth did the key holder think that they could get away with such a thing? Any damage done is down to their incompetence and, quite frankly, greed.

N&G Unbridled joy is written all over the faces of the boys. What a wonderful memory they'll be taking home with them.

...the rain is falling, as are my tears.
Rory's condition is very much worse. Yesterday, had MacSporran not helped him out of the cat cave at bedtime, he would have remained there throughout the night. His appetite is not what it was at this time last week. He shows little interest in the contents of his cupboard.
MacSporran checks on Rory regularly. He kneels on a mat and gets as close as he's able to Rory. The decision has been made. Tomorrow we call the vet and arrange for a home visit. It's going to be a very sad day in our home.

soop I am so so sorry to hear that the decision has almost been made unless there is a major miracle within the next 24 hours. He has been a brave strong boy and maybe he is telling you that enough is enough. I am typing with tears running down my face because I know just what it is like.

NG* one little boy called Jackson has had his year made for him. The photos of himself and Cooper are so lovely- they are two young chaps who enjoy most things in life even if one has slightly more expensive tastes than the rest of us.

Oh, soop ? Tears here too x