Soop's Kitcheners...

A warm welcome from me too nightowl. It's lovely to have you in the kitchen

As you say soop, the weather here today is yucky but as GDs stayed with us last night we are being well entertained with the usual cartwheels, handstands etc. The girls love doing arts and crafts so DH has been supplying them with some of his paints and pastels. The results are fabulous but then, I am biased.

Rightly so, Agus I know that you are having a fab time. There is nothing quite like time spent with our grandchildren. What I love so much about them, is their unbridled energy. Everything is done with the utmost gusto. Yay!

Nellie No one who ever encountered Rory [when wild] would have attempted to approach him...let alone "get to know" him...or, indeed, invite him into the house to become one of the family. The fact that he's now snoring away curled up on MacS's lap is beyond our comprehension. It took an absolute age to become close to him. I well remember the moment when MacS lightly touched Rory's tail. We both gasped out loud with delight. I recall wearing wellies before going outside to place a bowl of food beside his chalet/smart wheelie bin apartment/up-market kennel. Why? Because he would swipe my legs and draw blood. Tortoiseshell kitten, when very young, was captured by means of a cat trap, together with her mother and sister. We managed to have all three spayed. After which, they were released back into the wild. Mother still appears from time to time. Sister cat hasn't called for some months. Tortoiseshell waits until the back door closes and then she appears from under a bush and triggers the security light. I peer through the window, she disappears under the bush, I place her bowl on a slab [whisper a few words of encouragement] and return to the house. As I close the door, she appears and polishes her plate clean. As I say, she used to call only in the evening. Now we see her waiting at breakfast time too. She's in very good condition and appears to have a den somewhere in the forest.

Soutra . I know exactly what you are going through. It is so so sad but keep strong. You will need strength to be there for your daughter regardless of what the results are or indeed what she decides to do. It is such a shame.
Galen Great news - enjoy the shopping and the celebrations and something nice to look forward to.
to everyone else suffering at the moment. Such sadness for many but wonderful support from Gransnetters

I'm late back to the kitchen, I have had a very lazy day despite promising myself that I would get lots of overdue jobs done today. I have a week off childminding duties (half term) and a lot of things planned. I also have to go to work. I can already see the week slipping through my fingers if I don't get a grip! So I will allow myself an evening of Strictly results show, Downton Abbey, knitting, but then tomorrow I will spring into action (well I tell myself that......)

Lovely to feel so welcome here. Thank you for the Agus, I guess it's a bit cold now so I'll just pop it in the microwave (story of my life). And how good to meet Rory at last! What a handsome fellow he is

Thank you mrshat and everyone who has been so kind. I thought hsving the little boys here would keep me so busy I wouldn't have time to think but it didn't work out quite like that.. They were enchanting though(when they weren't trying to kill each other- what is it with boys?)
However had to laugh- Toby who is a chunky little redhead 2 11/12 and afraid of NOTHING announced this morning " When I gwow up I'm going to be a pwincess"! And why not indeed?

Soutra I'm sure we are all thinking of you, and your family, and I'm sending good wishes and positive thoughts too. I can't begin to imagine how you must all be feeling.

Soutra darling girl, Toby's comment made me chuckle. How lovely that you are able to be supportive and "hands on". Yes, we are all thinking of you and hoping that your daughter's mind is able to be put at rest...whatever the result of the latest tests. Do take good care of yourself.

nightowl Bless you...how busy you are. I'm late clocking in today. I have no excuse for my tardiness...it's just that every job I tackle seems to take an awful lot of effort. The cortisone injection has helped to ease the shoulder pain. Thank goodness! I was in tears just a few days ago. Movement in the arm remains restricted. However, easing up on the pain killers is a bonus. GP rang on Saturday to check that I was not suffering an adverse reaction. I thought that was such a kind gesture.

Still no word in the post regarding MacS's next appointment. Our mail went AWOL on Saturday...I'm hoping that our lovely postie has sorted matters by now. He's such a dear man but may have had stuff on his mind when delivering our neighbour's post to our address and the neighbour's post to folk a mile or so along the road.

It remains breezy and damp. It was that dark as we had our early morning brew that Rory took himself off to bed [again] and has remained rooted to his blanket ever since. It's a hard life.

Soutra DGD2 who is the same age as Toby is someone different every time she comes - if we don't call her by the correct name she gets quite cross and won't answer!
At the moment Heidi is the favourite - anyone else who happens to be around gets roped in as Peter, Grandfather (DH of course) or Clara!

Just popping in to see how everyone is. I'm feeling down for no real reason and should flipping well stop it!!

Anyone got anything sticky, creamy and really bad for you - GF of course! Now that has made me feel worse!

rose DGS1 lived his life as Fireman Sam for quite a while and, when a kindly man asked what his tiny, delicate, pink clad sister was called, got a shock to be told 'Elvis'

Take care everyone - hope all goes well for your daughter Soutra.

soop pleased to hear the injection has had the desired effect so far. Shouldn't be long before you no longer need painkillers.

Talking of posties, our two are no longer wearing their shorts. Roll on next spring

Thinking of you Soutra. Sometimes we have to be so strong for our DC and that alone can be exhausting. Take care of yourself too

I have brought some drinkies both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety along with some nibbles for any of our Granspals popping into,the kitchen this evening. Slainte

Just putting my head in to say something along the lines of "it's my turn!"

Daughter and brand new husband and their much doted on cat have moved in to our spare room, because their planned move to a new city didn't work out with the ease and everything (jobs, place to live etc) all falling into place as planned. We have retreated to the smaller spare room to give them space because my SIL works from home. So it's all a bit "eek" here at the moment - someone said on another thread that retirement is a bit like being a student but without the assignments. At the moment I feel like a student with housemates in a tiny house with one bathroom.

Not that I'm retired much ... too busy "working two days a week" + all the other stuff going on in life's rich tapestry .

to all but if I'm quiet - see above!

Were you not tempted to run away grannyknot and just leave them to it?
Not looking forward to the next24/48 hours. DD is being very brave and holding up quite well at least some of the time. DD3 came back from 12 day work trip to China yesterday and booked today off as she has worked through the last 12 days non stop so she and her sister were able to take Basil for a walk who obligingly rolled in some poo so then they had to bath him before they could go out and have some tea! DD2 had gone into the theatre where she is working for a costume fitting in the morning and as nobody even knows she is pregnant there were no awkward questions. It all helps o maintain a semblance of normality doesn''t it?
What word of mcsporran's treatment soop? Or have I missed that along the way?

soutra yes definitely "business as usual" works for me. I am extremely tempted to book into a nearby B&B for a month

Hello to my lovely Granspals I'm hoping that you are enjoying some sunshine, as are we. MacS and Rory are clearing leaves. I love watching Rory as he shadows MacS.

Soutra You and your family remain very much in our thoughts. This must be such a harrowing time. I'm pleased that your daughter is home again. Having family close at hand is super comforting at times like this.

MacS is still waiting for the next appointment with the haematologist. We hope that something will come through the post later this week.

Grannyknot You are such a star. Thank goodness that you are kind hearted and, more importantly, have a sense of humour. This too shall pass...

Agus the pain is well under control. I needed just four tablets throughout yesterday. It really seems like a miracle that I'm also able to raise my arm a good deal higher than at this time last week.

kitty We all get "iffy days"...I believe that a lack of sunlight has a detrimental effect on one's sense of well being. If I had a sticky cake [in my dreams] I would share it with you.

rosequartz when I was a wee girl I wanted to be called Heidi. Then it was Belinda and at one time I asked my mother why had she not named me Sharon! She was horrified and muttered something under her breath. Apparently, I was almost named Leslie.

Just to say DD has had the results of her amniocentesis and it is Downs with a high probability of serious disability. They were prepared for this news and are being very calm although I suspect this is a fragile facade for our benefit. We are heartbroken for them as they were so happy with their "little secret". If you are the sort to say a prayer to him upstairs please remember them as they face a hard decision- either way will demand great courage from them and could really test their relatipnship.

Hi all, I feel much better today. I met teetime and had a hot chocolate with marshmallows and had a piece of GF carrot cake which was suitably sticky!!

Any news Soutra?

Glad your pain is better soop and hope MacS gets an appointment soon.

Grannyknot - I don't like to worry you but DD2 and family moved in for a fortnight and stayed 14 weeks in similar house moving circumstances. Is it a nice B & B? If so I might join you!!

Hope everyone else is ok - I'm off to clear what used to be a dining room and has now become a playroom!

Soutra What a distressing time for you all. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it will be to make a decision or what the fallout might be. My thoughts and prayers are with you all

Pleased to hear the pain is lessening soop. Yes, it is miraculous how we can go from excruciating pain to none due to these injections. I try not to wait until,it is too unbearable thus allowing me to drive to my GP for 'the magic jag'

Heidi was my first and always favourite book along with Little Women and I alternately wanted to be called Heidi or Jo.

Sad news for your DD Soutra I wish her bon courage whichever decision she decides.

Can't begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear this, Soutra .

Soutra I'm so very sorry to hear the news. My heart goes out to your family.

Soutra I really feel for you all. I pray that they will be given guidance on which path to take and have the courage to follow it through whatever it is.

Sad news, Soutra, I do know what you are all going through and feel for you all.

I'm so very sorry to hear this Soutra. While you are being strong for your DD don't forget to look after yourself, and to come and offload on to all of us if it helps

soutra oh my dear I am so sorry and I don't have the right words to say except I'm thinking about you and saying a few words 'upstairs' bless you xxx

Lovely coffee and cake with kitty today wish you all could have been there- we are fantastic company and now we are related too!!!