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

I do often think the best part of entertaining is when they have all gone!
Paw is tucked up in bed, absolutely shattered and Hattie and I are on the sofa with a glass of Prosecco, some smoked salmon and some beef and rocket sandwiches.
Then I am having a chocolate hedgehog cupcake and probably nodding off.
I loved the day and I hope paw did too, it just mattered so much to me to get him to this point!
If I may I would like to recommend Mr W. Rose entertaining food . Lovely sandwiches and delivered this morning by a very smart young man in a suit!
I will use them again (but maybe not QUITE as much as I ordered!! )

You will be eating the leftovers all weekend then.
So pleased it went off so well and that Paw enjoyed it. Makes it all worthwhile.
I hope you both asleep well tonight.

Wonderful, maw, sleep well.

A belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Paw.
Soop, I hope you and your Dutch visitors had a lovely day.
Kitty, a Happy Birthday to your son also.
In a few days time my youngest will be 46, how can I possibly be old enough, lol! My eldest is 53.

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Morning all,

Sounds like a wonderful time was had by all Maw , how pleased you must be . I'd willingly accept some of that delicious sounding cake ( delivered by a man in a suit no less lol) but I fell so far off the slimming wagon yesterday it ran me over!!

So today is a new day and I have 4 days to be really good before weigh in.

Grampy is now poorly, and although I don't feel so bad the coughing and sleepless nights are taking a toll !! Young Jackson popped in with everyone yesterday on their way to the fancy dress party. It was a lovely surprise for the boys because they were not originally going.

As you can we they went as various Str Wars characters. ( Although Jackson changed half way through into his racing driver outfit ...of course).

It's gotten chilly enough to put the heating on here - so that's summer over I guess.

Hope you had a wonderful time with your visitors soop

ann you sound truly revived. I'm so glad you had a lovely time.

Time for coffee for me I think. Happy Days all.

Delighted to hear that Paw had a good day and hopefully Mr. W. Rose took the pressure off the food supplying. If you want any help to scoff sandwiches I am available. I would think that Paw will be having a lie in today.

Hattie must think that she is in doggy heaven having been chosen by you and loving her abode.

I loved Jackson and Cooper's outfits- I did not recognise Cooper he was well covered up. That pair are having a wonderful childhood.

callgirl you were obviously another child bride - it sounds as though your son's birthday is close to mine next week- were you aware that he is dependable and perfect among other adjectives? It appears that there are quite a few of us on GN who are. Unfortunately I think I am gaining 10 years and not one.

I cooked myself a lovely curry last night and went to bed quite early for me so I did not need to switch the heating on but it is definitely getting colder, even in the mornings.

I am attached to the hip to my washing machine so it is working. Tara was determined I was not having a lie in today but I won although she disturbed me by lying almost on my head to gain attention and it worked.

callgirl1 The visitors spent the night prior to visiting us at Muasdale! They arrived fairly late in the evening. Couldn't park their camper van on the grass...apparently it was too large and heavy! They are leaving on the Campbeltown ferry this afternoon.

N&G Lovely photos.

kitty for you. x

Maw Delighted that Paw enjoyed his birthday treat. Now you can take a deep breath and relax...

soop thatvsounds like a lovely visit - I like the sound of visitors who bring their own sleeping arrangements too.
You looked very chic in the pics on the "other place" (no not MN) - get those pink shoes!! You do have amazing style
Paw slept from 8 last night until 5.30 this morning!!!
He did enjoy it and for me it had been a personal target ever since he was taken ill. Frankly there were moments in the first couple of weeks when we feared he would not even see his birthday and dark mutterings by (tactless) junior doctors about hospices etc
But only the good die young, and like Rory, Paw may have used up most of his 9 lives, But (to mix my metaphors) it ain't over till the fat lady has sung!
Oh but I am tired today even with the help of Mr WRose!!
Stress, tension, worry about whether he would make it, all of those.
Did I say Hattie behaved extremely well, loved trotting after Flynn to try her luck at whatever he had in his hand and even tolerated him curling up on her big soft furry bed, although she did look very perplexed.
DGD is scared of dogs so later proceedings were observed from behind a baby gate across the utility room /kitchen door but before they left Hattie allowed DGS1 to drape party napkins over her as "a blanket Granny" as she lay on the sofa .
Good fun and yes, we had bunting (from DD3's wedding) and balloons!

Maw of course Hattie behaved well- she must be used to Flynn by now and with luck some tasty morsels fell in her path.

I am very well aware that you did not think that "Paw" would see his birthday but I am so pleased that he enjoyed himself and that was some resting of his eyes, nearly 12 hours. Is he in competition with Hattie?

Can you have a mix and match supper with the remains of Mr. W Roses's offerings to save you cooking? Hopefully Paw has another decent night's sleep and you do also.

Maw

Had a busy few days on the run up to my holiday, so haven't loitered in the kitchen for a bit, maw I'm so glad to hear Paw is doing ok and you managed a party, quite an achievement all round, you must be exhilarated, exhausted and happy all at once. It so nearly didn't turn out that way, I'm so glad you have him for a bit longer.
soop Hope you and *MacS are well and Rory still enjoying life at his own leisurely pace.
Poor grampy does he take to his bed? I hope your cough eases soon n&g it's so wearing when it drags on as yours has
We're currently very relaxed in Crete, usually active people on holiday we have settled into a very lazy routine which involves doing nothing very much at all except enjoying the unremitting sunshine and sampling the local food, beer and cocktails! In fact it is just what we need, we were both grumpy and easily needled before we came away and I think needed a bit of space from every day responsibilities to regroup a bit. You'd think we'd have each other sussed after 48 years, but no!
charleygirl we were freezing before we came away I can't imagine that the heating will stay off when we get back home, after being used to warmth here!
kitty your account of your sons stuggle/success made me teary. A stroke is such a hard thing to recover from, it's says a lot about his character that's he's overcome so much.
Ann good for you, you wise woman, grabbing the moment, lippy in hand!
Well it's time to go as I'm waffling on here, anyone I've ignored it's not intended, I'm off to change into my glad rags to enjoy an evening of holiday eating.... just for a change!

granniequeenie Crete is a stunningly beautiful island. Enjoy relaxing and all manner of good things.

Rory remains about the same. Possibly sleeping longer. MacSporran would very much like to accompany me to visit the family. He will not ask the vet to call until he's certain that we've given him a good "innings" ...he added, I would never forgive myself if I asked the vet to do the deed for the sake of convenience...he's a good man. We understand each other.

soop it is a very difficult decision to make, especially when that young man is making the lost of life, enjoying the sunshine, food and rest. I am in agreement with MacSporran re the convenience route.

I hope that you enjoyed your time with your family- the day out sounded fabulous, not to mention the delicious food. The way to my heart is definitely through my stomach.

soop he is indeed a "good man", and they are hard to come by I feel. I think that quality is greatly underrated these days myself. It's something I often say about my old boy, he is a "good man", he can infuriate me (but that's as much to do with me as him I fear!) at times but yes a good man he certainly is!

Thank you dear Charleyg. Rory has enjoyed a tasty afternoon tea. His movement is worsening. He's stretched out on a Scottish tartan rug. MacSporran has put the heating on. Although the day has been bright and cheerful, it now feels a tad chilly.

I'm logging off for today. Good wishes to you all for a pleasant evening.

Thank you dear granniequeenie. Good men are priceless. I love my MacSporran VERY much.

Just popping in to see how everyone is.

We are in Morecambe and it has been a glorious day. We followed the good advice given us by juggernaut and others and had lunch in the hotel followed by a walk down the Stone Jetty. The hotel is fabulous - Art Deco but beautifully restored although the bedroom is a bit 'style over substance' - apparently a shelf for toiletries would spoil the lines and the wardrobe is accessed via a pull down thingy! We have a balcony with a sea view and the sun is just about to set. Then I suppose we'll have to have dinner. I've got my eye on a frozen knickerbocker glory cocktail!

Take care everyone - best wishes to everyone who is poorly and those who are looking after them.

Another here with an irritating cough. Normally I sleep exceptionally well even with a fractured shoulder, but this blasted cough insists on waking me up. I get crotchety if I miss out on my sleep! Just as well I am on my own this weekend. Last weekend DS1 came and spoilt me which was a great treat. I hope it won't be long before he (and/or his brother) come again to keep an eye on mum! I suspect they are having the 'what shall we do with mum' conversation!

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Hello the kitchen! I don't log on for a day and things have gone on apace!
Soop what a dilemma for you, but how totally unselfish is that man of yours - a diamond.
GQ I am so glad you are having enviable holiday weather in Crete. I love the Greek islands. When I complained to DS about the weather we have just had on our week away, he said "I have no sympathy - get your passports renewed and go abroad".
Maw I am glad Paw's party went well. I'm sure it exhausted you both, but it will provide good memories for a long time to come.
N&G I'm glad you are getting better but sorry to hear that Grampy has succumbed to the germies! The fancy dress photos were great, and very authentic! I am a big Star Wars fan. I have just spent part of my afternoon constructing a Lego Death Star. It has been on the go since last
Christmas, putting DD's dining table out of commission and there is still a good half of the instruction book to go - it is two inches thick! It is a wonderous piece of kit but will it ever be finished? Fortunately it is our turn to do
Christmas lunch this year so they won't need their table for a while!
kitty glad you are enjoying Morecambe - I must have been about ten when I went there last, but I remember the sea went out an awful long way!
We had an early start this morning for junior football. It was a good match but GS got knocked off his feet and landed heavily on the ground so he was out of action for a while. Then we went back to DDs for a birthday lunch and a little cake to mark the occasion. You have to have candles to blow out, and someone to help you eat it!
I had a nice surprise yesterday - an email from an old friend we have not seen for some time to say she would be in our neck of the woods in October and would like to look us up. I am greatly looking forward to it. She hails from your neck of the woods, Soop, having been born and brought up in Tarbert, but she now lives in Norfolk.

I love that table and those chairs, Greyduster.
I am a very young mind trapped in a very old body.
We have mahogany dining room furniture and light oak sitting room units and side tables.
I long for every thing modern, which includes knocking the dining room, kitchen and utility room into one large L-shaped family room , but it is all a pipe dream or wishful thinking.
I do know it would make our house far more saleable than at present. Not that we will ever move but for "after".

I smiled at the Death Star greyduster, our eldest has one, the building process seemed to be both stressful and oh so long. Looks like the cake was appreciated

Pleased you enjoyed your day soop, can well understand the dilemma with Rory, we've been there with two dogs and like yourselves re-arranged some plans for a while. It has to be the right time for them, not for us. Macs will hold the fort admirably and you will both have easy minds. I also married a man with a good heart and county myself lucky.

Seem to be lots of wretched coughs about, it's early for coughing season. Hope they pass soon.

Loved the fancy dress n&g, our Star Wars fanatic had a themed party a couple of years back, had to take his mask off as he discovered he couldn't eat or drink with it on .

Hotel sounds wonderful, kitty, as does that cocktail. You sharing?

Crete looks and sounds wonderful, grannyqueenie, envious, me? . Enjoy, you deserve it.

Hope you've had a chilled out day, maw, and paw has had a comfortable day, it's been a more than stressful time for you. Really pleased you were able to have the tea party you had hoped for.

We've had an unusual amount of sun today, encouraged me to sort out three sheds, chased a million spiders out and have a huge heap for the tip tomorrow. Gave me an appetite for a roast dinner and roasted peaches with almonds, lovely. Feet up time now, take care everyone, hope poorly people have a restful night and feel very much better soon.

Tara is in the cat house not coming home until well after 9.30pm. I was getting really worried then the minx arrived soaking wet. She had a good look at one of the chairs which did not have a cat cover on it but decided that it probably was not worth the hassle so she went to bed after her supper.

What a difference two hours of heating made this evening- it really was cold.

Hello fellow kitchen friends I have been away for a few days and it will take me another few days to catch up with you all but just wanted to wish Paw a belated happy birthday and say to N&G I'm sorry to hear the bug hasn't bu*g**ed off from your home yet! Will try to catch up with everyone's going's on, but send my love to you all in the meantime x

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Morning all from 'sick central' !!

Its like emergency ward 10 here ( now there's a blast from the past!!). I think I should probably go back to the GP but I wonder if its worth wasting his time . Its a cough . Its just exhausting.

Ah Charley Cooper was in heaven as a gun was involved. All this stuff about gender neutral toys palls when you realise despite never having seen a gun , not even on TV , every stick he picks up is his gun and he shoots things with it :-). How does he know that?

Sounds like Paw enjoyed his day Maw and a decent sleep- can't ask for more than that !!

Crete looks lovely Grannie I could do with a bit of that. Grampy does indeed take to his bed and that works for both of us. He is a lousy patient and I am a terrible nurse. Sam usually joins him just in case Grampy should be served with something he cant eat!! You're right , good men are hard to find and its an under rated value. I have one of those too !

I seemed to have managed to missed your post about your family visit soop I shall have to go back and reread. It sounds like you enjoyed yourself, I'm so pleased for you.

Sounds like a knickerbocker glory is just the thing Kitty.

I feel your pain anno , a stupid cough yet debilitating and I'm another one that needs my sleep . An hour here and there isn't cutting the mustard. Hope you feel better soon !

As a fellow aficionado Grey you are welcome to bring your Lego construction here ! It is young Stevie's 8th birthday today and he now has a whole load of Lego Technic to construct. It may take some time !!

Here is the young man at 7am this morning !! Where has the last 8 years gone ?? He also got his own CD player and then his Mum had to explain to him what a CD was !!

He is popping in on his way to Bowling tonight. As we're too poorly to party his Mummy has arranged bowling and pizza with his 'best cousins' Jackson and Cooper, which I'll be sorry to miss !! Do you remember when birthdays were this exciting?