Soop' s warm and welcoming kitchen.

Before leaving home for a Sunday morning stroll, I typed a wee message on the Kindle wishing you lot a pleasant day.
Back to visit our kitchen and...... said message seems not to have been added. Spitting tacks...

Ann What a buggeration of a night for both you and your dear husband. You will be feeling shattered. It's comforting to know that your husband received prompt and fitting treatment. Thank goodness for our NHS. Please update us once you've taken a much needed nap.

Panache Oh dear! I'm lost for words. All that I can do is continue to remind you that this lot really do care that you are having a really rotten time. Whenever you feel up to sharing your feelings, PLEASE remember that we worry whenever you are absent from the kitchen.

kitty Wolfie is gorgeous. That smile warms the heart on a chilly day.

Hello again, Marydoll and harrigran...lovely to have your company.

anno The extra large, thoroughly luxurious sofa was tailor-made. It's virtually stain-proof. I should know...I managed to spill some red wine on it and, at one time, the amount of cake crumbs covering it was a tad shameful. However, I simply looked at it from a distance and...ta da...it was spotless.
Tell us more about you thoughts on 'A Child's Dream'.

Izabella I have not been able to get my arty farty mood into the proper gear. All I can say is...so far, I haven't managed to ruin the painting. Time will tell.

dragonfly Snap! I choose to keep the Festive Greeting simple and sincere. No letter. Certainly no 'round robin'.

Charleygirl Tara is a sweetie. granniequeenie "Our" Tabitha called in the early hours. She licked her dish whistle clean. Not a crumb remained.

N&G The mere mention of a ladder makes me break out in a cold sweat.
I also chuckled at the 'Police Nana' sign.

Nannytopsy Two eldest sons live in Leicestershre. Well, one lives in nearby Rutland. The nearest thing to them both having a heavenly experience was when Leicester became top of the football league. I can still see their ear-to-ear grins.

Willow Doing a U turn at the traffic lights must have been a tricky manoeuvre. A camera may well have recorded it. It's the sort of thing that would give me nightmares.

My good friend phoned today. She attended the funeral of her friend last week. The friend was a highly intelligent and a well-travelled lady. Yet, within the space of three weeks, she was diagnosed with and died from CJD.

Another stunning new kitchen. Warm and cozy and just the place for those with problems and worries to come for a quiet sit and some companionship.
Dear panache do you have anyone who can take over this house move organisation for you? Why do these things always come up at the wrong times. You and Mr P take care

kitty that gorgeous young man is growing so quickly.
ann never any peace is there? Hope DH's problem is sorted soon.

Hello the kitchen. The best laid plans of mice and Greyduster have been thrown into disarray by DH going back on his word not to carry on with the kitchen painting this afternoon, so that I could get on with some baking to put in the freezer. “Well, you can do it tomorrow can’t you?” Er, no actually, I have other things to do in the morning and it is school run in the afternoon. I will just have to order the services of the baking Rumplestiltskin - for that is who he seems to think does all this stuff at the drop of a hat - for another day! So, sadly, I have nothing to offer the splendid new kitchen at the mo!

Ann I am sorry to hear your DH is poorly, and I hope for both your sakes that it will be a short lived complaint. He must be very uncomfortable and you tired out again {{hug}}.

Glad to hear from you, Panache but sorry that you and your DH are still both struggling with health issues. A breakthrough with the house offer, but the timing could be better it seems! Sod’s Law, that!

Kitty what a lovely picture of Wolfie, and hasn’t he changed! I met my young neighbour’s father last week taking his first grandchild out in the pram (first solo run for Grandad - he looked nervous!). I haven’t seen the baby since he was born and can’t believe the change in him, too. He is the image of his mother now.

Izabella the last time we were at Chatsworth, a few weeks ago, they were improving the drainage at the site where the overspill car park usually is, so I expect someone is having to pay the price for that, but ten quid is a little steep! He knows how to line the coffers, this Duke; prices have soared across the board since he took charge. It must put a lot of people off. I know the upkeep of a place like that is astronomical. And no, I had not heard about vandalism at the Ashopton site - sadly, though, I am not surprised. I only heard about some chump getting himself seriously stuck in the mud trying to visit the ruins. The sooner it is all covered with water again the better.

N&G Christmas decorations?? Now??? Per-leeese!! But as it is for the little chaps, I will not begrudge a touch of magic ?. Hope there’ll be photos! We want some magic too!

Well, we braved the elements for the football this morning. There was mud, there was horrible coffee, there was drama, there were bobble hats.......yes, even mine, folks! You can’t beat it!

For all I have missed out, please forgive me. Look after yourselves, one and all! I am off to do “you’ve missed a bit.....!”?

Ann I hope you have managed to have an afternoon nap to make up for your list sleep. Sorry to hear that Mr Ann is poorly.

You are in mine and all our thoughts Panache and Mr P.

The new kitchen is as cosy and friendly as expected, when are the Christmas decorations going up?

Had a marvellous meal last night at Roast, Borough Market 15 of us including 4 GC aged 1-10. We were celebrating my Mums Birthday, she died 20 months ago, but my sister, myself and children have decided that she will have a birthday party every year ??? She was such a special lady and is missed so much by us all.

GrannyGravy13 How special it is for the family to celebrate Mum's birthday ad infinitum. A brilliant and uplifting idea. Carry on celebrating.

Greyduster I admire your sense of humour with reference to your husband's off the cuff remark. Had you been in the process of mixing the ingredients...he may have finished up wearing the pudding bowl and it's contents. Not a pretty sight.

Doodle I have treated us lot to new, cuddly cushions. I'm delighted that you all approve of the decor. It's classy without being too clinical. Soft lighting to enhance our complexions and gentle background music. For those who pop in for a zizz...please do. The rest of us will amuse ourselves with talk of grandchildren, pets, outings, staying at home, ups and downs of everyday life - together with the usual hopes and fears and happy resolutions.

Tomorrow we need to attend a hospital in Paisley. I have an appointment with an ENT consultant. GP wanted me to be given the once over. Nothing serious, I'm sure. Anyway, it's a long way to travel. We may not be home until late afternoon. In the event of us making an early start, I just wanted to say that I shall pop into our kitchen if at all possible. If not, I'll be with you after care home visit on Tuesday.

I am away to prepare Tabitha's supper. It's very cold outside. I shall swap the chalet carpet over. I've a rug warming in readiness on top of the boiler. Don't laff!

All good wishes to every one of you.

Oh dear, guess what?
My GD walked in a couple of hours ago with a 12 week old kitten.
I reallydont know how to feel, the whole family think he will be good for me and a companion.
He is so sweet and pretty but I don't know whether I want the
resposibility and the tying down.
The owner of the mother who still has the other 3 kittens will take him back if I dont think I can cope or dont want him.
I am torn.

Ann and Panache ?????

don’t laff! Oh Soop, who on earth would! You and MacS are the kindest couple on earth to afford so many niceties to a stray animal. I do hope Tabitha repays your kindness by returning to take full advantage of the comforts on offer. Hope your medical appointment goes well and the travelling is not too taxing ?.

All the best for tomorrow Soop xx
Ann, think it over very seriously before you send the kitten back, it could be a lovely little companion for you, I talk to Mia a lot, she`s a good listener.

What a lovely idea GrannyGravy!
I like Roast at Borough Markket and BM is such a vibrant buzzing sort of place!
A kitten sounds lovely,Ann and fairly low-labour I would hope, at least compared to a puppy!
I am sorry you have had such a fraught few days but hope your OH’s life in the care home settles down soo into a pattern which suits you both.
DD and SIL went to see The Nutcracker last night and said it was out of this world!
Hugs to all xx

I have just done something incredibly stupid and looked up my symptoms on the internet. I am now incredibly scared and expecting the worst.
The worst thing is that I knew before it did it that it was a mistake.
On the upside just had Facetime with my beautiful 3 year old DG who showed me around her new home.

It is a glorious day in bonnie Kintyre. About to take our daily walk. Wishing you all a peaceful and pleasant day.
Almost forgot to add that Tabitha called in the early hours. She left her dish squeaky clean. Yay!

Hmm...this message was on Kindle and, guess what, I hadn't pressed "send". Apologies.

ann my heart urges you to adopt the wee kitten. We have stood in the dark of the kitchen to watch Tabitha visit the chalet and eat every scrap of supper. It was a real joy. She is strictly feral. In good condition and wouldn't be right for us to attempt to domesticate her. If we could, we would. Animals have a magical way of bringing joy into the lives of those that enjoy caring for them. Go on...say yes please.

dragonfly, I am guilty of doing the same thing. It's human nature to seek for answers. Perhaps best to wait for an expert opinion and proceed from thereon.

I am logging off. Honest! Stuff to do etcetera. Goodnight and sleep tight. X

Phew, manic motorway day but back home safe and sound. Think we’ll all need a quiet one tomorrow.

Tabitha will keep coming soop, I just know it. Wishing you well for tomorrow, safe journey.

I’m so sorry your husband is ill again ann, I don’t know what to say about the kitten other than go with your heart, if it’s too much and the kitten can go back whence he came then no harm done.

We’re all thinking about you both panache, I hope some might help although I do understand an extra pair of hands would be more useful.

n&g is not alone, there will be the installation of decorations here this week, more visitors due next week and it would be good to greet them with a festive home. Sorry greyd, it has to happen . I do admire your restraint, more than words would have been flying here at non negotiated postponement of baking.

That’s a smile to lift the heart kitty, what a lovely day you will all have had.

Supper time, take care everyone.

I spent the last 2 days looking after DS's very elderly lab. Undemanding and quiet but still a responsibility.
Convinced me that I really don't have room in my home or my heart for a pet, which I know well.
I'd be horrified to be presented with one and would resent being told it would be 'good for me'.
Only you can make up your own mind and you shouldn't accept the gift (kind and well-meaning though it is) because kindly people encourage you to do so.
Perhaps it's too soon. You don't have to take on this responsibility if you aren't (yet) ready.
I may well be criticised but do urge you to think it through very carefully. I sincerely hope that the decision you reach is the right one for you.

Oh, ann! A kitten. I wonder how you have decided. I know I would have been very tempted as I'm a cat person. I hope you have got over your disturbed night and that H is improving. Cystoscopies aren't much fun.
Have a good night xx

Ann how frustrating your poor husband has another UTI - you must be shattered today with so little sleep. On the plus side they did get him treatment quickly and awful as it sounds they now also have the responsibility of the day to day care so you can get some rest. It may have been the change of his surroundings which has set it off again so once the meds kick in hopefully he will settle and it will clear up. It's very early days yet. A kitten to me would be wonderful company but there is quite a big responsibility attached to taking on a pet so, lovely as the thought was, I too would make sure it's what you want for the right reasons. If you've already bonded with him/her then enjoy the fun the fluff ball will bring.

Panache it's good to hear from you but not that things are still so difficult - the added problem of a buyer must be more worrying than a relief at the moment - are they in a position to want to move quickly and will therefore pressure you too or are they willing to wait until you both feel strong enough to deal with it all?

Kitty Wolfie is so cute - those first smiles are priceless.

N&G the winter orangery themed decorations sound lovely - I'm raring to go over to the bungalow and start putting ours up but am restraining myself until next weekend. My old primary school is having an open day on Saturday before they pull it down as they've built a new one. My friend who I've known since we were there at 8 years old is going to take me as she currently works there so no doubt that will be a nostalgia trip and a half.

Dragonfly googling symptoms is the worst thing ever. Many years ago during some issues with my eyes I made the same mistake and got into a right state with myself. Sometimes it's better not to know all the possibilities which might not happen.

We had a FaceTime call with Son2 & DIL this morning - as it was night time with them and as the boys were asleep in bed (he took the iPad in to the bedroom so we could see them which was very sweet) we were able to talk for quite a while. Both boys have had Scarlet Fever! I thought that was an illness from the past. They are now fine and DIL has finished filming so will now be able to spend more time at home which is a relief to them both.

We went to Meadowhell this morning - or rather we went to the retail park nearby and got into the queue but then abandoned the idea and went to our local town instead where I managed to buy most of the Christmas presents. Walking through the mall and passing a vaping stall I joked to Mr W I might take up vaping when I retire - he replied I'd like to do that too!! Shocked I looked round at him and asked what he meant - he thought I'd said baking!! And I thought his hearing has improved Mind him taking up baking might be just as shocking!!

Soop good luck for your appointment tomorrow - I hope the car doesn't let you down this time. Pleased Tabitha has made a return visit - she obviously knows a good hotel room when she sees it.

I wish you all a good night - hot chocolate with marshmallows is available on the side for those able to partake.

soop. All the best for tomorrow. It sounds like a long journey. Not on the usual fish-and-chips route I imagine?
kitty that little smile from Wolfie is gorgeous.

willow thank you I know but I am in a really bad place at the moment. I could be accused of wallowing but I am so trying not to, if that makes sense. I have always been the one in control and that is now turned on its head!

I love that photo of Wolfie, what a gorgeous smile, but he looks to have a mischievous side to him already!
Pleased to read that Tabitha has been back, she knows she`s onto a good thing.
Panache, lovely to hear from you, but sad that you and Mr P are still struggling. After all the other times, what a time now for someone to make an offer on your house! Are you still having to get by without any help?
Ann, so sorry that your hubby is poorly again, but they sound to be on top of things, so hopefully it will soon be sorted out.
Soop, are you going to have a recce for fish and chip shops in Paisley?
Re early Christmas decorations, one of our neighbours used to put theirs up every year on October 31st! They`ve moved now, so others will be gasping in amazement instead. Mine, such as they are, will go up somewhere around Dec 15th.
My eldest son, child number 4, went into Peterborough hospital last Tuesday for an operation on his back. He came home on Wednesday, but has to stay in bed, with a little walkabout every 2 hours, until Dec 4th, when the district nurse comes to take out the stitches. He has to have 10 weeks off work. I rang him earlier, he says he`s bored stiff.

dragonfly take a deep breath and hold on. My DH has had more operations up and down his body than you would think possible. We have attended every hospital department I think (except gynaecology and I haven't ruled that one out yet). He has now been diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder. I have sat in waiting rooms with my stomach churning and my heart pounding wondering what was going to be the outcome. All we have is hope and prayer so I will include you in mine tonight and wish that all is well for you.
ann a kitten could be good company for you (knowing how much your DGD loves you I am sure she meant well). Do you have neighbours or family close by who could feed it if you were away for a bit? Cats are very independent and with a cat flap can let themselves in and out. Not as demanding as a puppy.

Doodle thank you for your reply. I know it was stupid but the weekends are the worst along with middle of the night panic. Hopefully I will find out the results soon xx