*Soop's kitcheners*

Right! Rosearered The Kitcheners virtual Collie dog can be Angus...are we all agreed? Rory the real feral-cat-that-was isn't too bothered. He knows that he's the boss. Crafting All things are possible in our kitchen. There is room for everyone and some to spare. The coffee, tea, cordial, and tasty nibbles just never seem to run out. Washing up is not necessary. It's always snug, clean and welcoming. How come? Because us lot say so...

Our phone is still causing probs. The nice man who has had my [one year old...I thought, two] laptop for several days has confirmed that it has "died". The laptop was recommended by the Which magazine. It ran out of warranty very recently. I'm going to write a very strong letter of complaint to both Which and the manufacturer. Any of my Granspals good at that sort of thing? I may need some help with expressing my disgust with gusto.

I have to ask. What does Rory think of Angus? I do understand Angus is a virtual dog but it might cause problems.

I am glad Mr Mc Sporran seems to be feeling better. It's a bit at a time but it is progress.

Angus. Good name! Is he a Border Collie? Lovely breed and very loyal. So far, I have had three Gnetters call me that. Just don't expect me to bark! .

RIP Soop's Lap Top

DH is brilliant at writing scathingly polite letters of complaint but that's no help to you, sorry.

Hope McSporran'feels a difference again today.

Hi everyone. I've only been away two days but you have all been so busy I can't catch up!

DH's chemo has been postponed until 1st July so am feeling very cross and dithery about it. You gear yourself up to it and then it's not happening. His birthday flight hasn't happened yet either. The weather is perfect so I have no idea what their excuse is now. Disappointing for DH and for DD3 who had bought it for him.

Anyway, glad the kitchen is still buzzing. Welcome Crafting and a long overdue thank you for the flowers.

To everyone else with problems, sorrows, illnesses and annoyances I send my best wishes and I've just made an apple cake to take with us this evening as we are invited to the parents of DS's very sweet girlfriend, but you can share a virtual piece

Soop no wonder you're mad about your laptop. All that expense you'd expect it to last much longer than that (have you tried the Basil Fawlty approach and given it a jolly good thrashing - I would

Just popping out to the shops so will pick up some dog biscuits for Angus while I'm there . It's DH's birthday so need to get some cakes and goodies for when all the family come tomorrow. Hope you all enjoy your weekend

Bellasnana, what a frustrating time for you and your husband. Do the medics know how much distress they cause by postponing expected treatment? Do they care? Let's hope that the flight happens in the next week. He deserves a treat. for you.

BTW, are we sure that we won't get Angus confused with Agus? Flapjack for the former, doggy treats for the latter?

I don't think Angus would mind such a mix up, anno, but poor Agus might! Just had a lovely reunion lunch with old (some now positively ancient) work colleagues. The food was plentiful, the weather glorious, the company amazing and the memories - well, we've all got something we did at work that we wish everyone would forget and stop dredging up, haven't we?!

Today would have been my hubby's birthday. Monday would have been my darling girl's 39th birthday, so am raising a quiet glass to them both and remembering the happy times we had together - many of them up near your home, soop, along the beautiful west coast. I'll leave you all with a glass of wine and some of the disgustingly fattening lovely strawberry trifle left from today's reunion lunch.

Dear Dragonfly1 and Bella...my love to you both. I am unable to share your pain. What I am able to do, is stop fussing over the defunct laptop and out of order phone because such irritations, compared with your sorrows, are not worth mentioning. The wine and strawberry trifle is such a treat. Thank you.

Angus and Rory appear to be dozing. Rory has one sleepy eye half open. Such a canny pussy cat.

(((hugs))) for dragonfly and Bellasnana

sorry about your laptop soop. i think you are right to send some strongly worded letters if only to make you feel better. Some time ago my hand held Vaccuum (very reputable make ) ceased to function and it too was out of warranty. The company refused to replace and I sent them a very heated letter. Two of the main replacement parts were sent out foc and it worked again. So it is worth a try.

I think Angus is an excellent name for the 'Kitcheners' Dog as long as Rory is completely happy.

I understand your frustration about the laptop. My washing machine just turned 13 months old, (warranty 12 months) when a part failed inside it. When I told very nice repair man what was wrong, he said he knew exactly which part had failed. He came and fitted a new part and said it would last the life of the machine. This all occurred about 19 years ago and the washer is still going strong. I have a very sneaky feeling that some companies build faults into their appliances just to make more money from us, needless to say I didn't use the company's repair service, I got an independent chap instead. None of this helps with the laptop though. Anyway soop enjoy the reat of your day and have a nice and a .

Hi everyone! Just popped in to give big hugs to Dragonfly and Bella AND to sneak in some of the chocolate cupcakes that DD3 has just made for her niece's (DGD4) 'Thanksgiving' tomorrow.

I could do with a hug as the Idiot had obviously been making DD3 cry again and she won't say what is going on! I hope he said it's all over because he will sooner or later and I'd would prefer it sooner for her sake and for the sake of the children!

Thanks for the hugs. Oh Kitty, I'm sure all this upset is making your heart ache. We never stop worrying about our kids, do we? Have a big (((hug))) from me. Bella, sending you as many hugs as you need. Soop, I can't cope with life when any of my technology plays up - sends me into panic mode. Good luck with your laptop letter - don't hold back! Hope MacSp is feeling a little better again.

I love just sitting quietly in a corner and reading listening to you lot.

to all, life's rich tapestry unfolds in Soop' s Kitchen.

(((Hugs)))) for you, too, Dragonfly. Two more sad anniversaries for you to remember.

Just back from afternoon tea party with my former neighbour and her tribe of labradors, plus relatives and friends. Lovely to sit out in garden with nice peaceful dogs and a cocker spaniel that thinks she's a lapdog. Now I need a cup of redbush. Anyone care to join me?

Hello kitcheners - some wild sweet peas for you all. Picked from our west hedge I might add - not nicked from the verges. @ halo

I spy Angus dozing in the sunlight. Mmmm - a well trained dog I hope who won't jump up and frighten the bejeezus out of me.

Does he chase these

Dragonfly, Bella and Kitty. A shed load of (((((hugs)))))

I am going to take you up on the strawberry trifle and glass of wine thanks Dragonfly. What a lovely treat!

I have a marrow bone for Angus. Just a settling in treat Soop, promise I won't spoil him.

Hello kitcheners, I'm just back from a lovely surprise picnic lunch, in the park, organised by dd and ds, with dil and all my grandchildren.

We had such fun watching the little one running around and playing on the swings with her two older cousins.
My dgd2, age 12, had made me a belated birthday carrot cake, shaped and iced to look realistic!

I've brought the rest of it to share with you all as it's delicious.

Dragonfly and Bella and ((hugs)) for you both. These delays are so unfair Bella

kitty As you know, I do so sympathise with you re the 'idiot'

I love all the fun you lot have in the kitchen but sometimes you make my heart ache. So may of you have so much to deal with I'm ashamed when I get frustrated with the insignificant things in life. You make me aware that I must treasure each moment I have. Dragonfly1 it's my DH's birthday today so when I raise a glass to him tonight I will be thinking of you too.

Bella what a hard time you are going through, hope your husband gets his flight soon. Oh Kittylester it hurts to watch your children suffer, lots of (((hugs))) and to all of you.

Agus I've already given Angus some dog biscuits. We mustn't over feed him. Well, I suppose a little treat won't do him any harm but if he's ill in the night you will have to get up and let him out .

There is a lot of grief and pain that I am hearing and yet you are still not defeated to all who are going through it. * DF, Bellasnana and Soop* in particular but also anybody facing a mountain right now.

Hello to my dear Kitcheners. I echo every word of Crafting's message. I'm keeping my silly niggles out of the conversation. As ever, my thoughts are with our Granspals who have real problems to confront.

Bella Dragonfly1 and kitty

kitty Although I'm a little late, I did find some chocolate cupcakes in the fridge. You're most thoughtful.

hildajennyJ...I'm still composing. You couldn't be more right. DebnCreme...The nice man who's been looking at the laptop tells me that to send it back and have the manufacturers repair it...it would cost between £150 - £200. Bugger that for a game of soldiers!

Grannyknot You, my dear, are always welcome. (hugs)

ffinnochio Wild sweet peas. How wonderful for you [and us lot]...they are in my top three most favourite flowers. I can smell them as I type.

Lona You must have worn a huge when your granddaughter gave you the specially baked cake. That was such a sweet thing for a twelve year old to do.

Agus and *anno Angus seems to have settled in nicely. Rory isn't too put-out...he knows that he's the boss in this house. Cannot think what put that idea in his head.

Soutra It's good to find you in the kitchen. What have you been up to lately? Anything exciting? Which reminds me, Wimbledon starts tomorrow. Come on ANDY. I managed to miss the men's final at Eastbourne. Cho ice still in the fridge.

Has anyone heard from AlieO lately? I'm hoping that all is well with her.

Hi everybody, just popped in for a minute with some leftovers from our family BBQ lunch [I always make too much]. So, a few well cooked sausages for Angus oho, you don't need to tell him twice! He was out of his basket and wolfing down the bangers, before I even got my coat off.Will somebody remember to brush him this evening?I will be out, so can't promise to.Also top up his water dish.Now, is this Rory a real or a virtual cat Soop? [ we will be buying a virtual parrot next!] Hmmmn, shall we?
I have to go now, got so much clearing up to do[how can a 2 year old at a family BBQ cause so much mess and havoc?]Got a bit of a headache as well, as this and this all got to me a bit.
Have fun kitcheners.

soop AlieO has been on the 'Good morning' thread, she has been visiting her new ggc!

Alie's also a regular contributor to the Limericks Thread - if in doubt, look there first!