Soop's Kitcheners...

Right, you lot MacSporran has read all his messages (several times) and has the biggest ever on his face. He really does imagine that he's the Kitcheners pin-up boy You really are lovely to send such delightful greetings. He says BIG THANK YOU to each and every one of "his ladies"

We had a delicious lunch, and after a brief trip to Tesco, we returned home to light the fire and cosy down with Rory. It has rained for most of the day. We shall raise a glass of MacS's super special malt to all of you as soon as the clock strikes six.

My thoughts are with Bella Soutra and Lona and any one who needs a special comforting hug.

I'm away to spend time with the birthday boy. He's in the best of spirits.

Until tomorrow...much love and a very good night.

Hello all.
Love and to everyone with upsets and problems.

I don't know if I will sleep tonight. My DD is in hospital in Oxford, on a drip overnight and due to have her labour induced in the morning!
I've been catching up with overdue answers to emails and needed house work and thinking what I need to take tomorrow.....

Her partner will be there but not overnight....I have spoken to her (mobiles now allowed thank goodness) and she just sounds very bored.
But I am on tenterhooks! It is 13 years since she last did this.

Happy birthday, MacS, hope you had a lovely evening and a wee dram with your dear OH!

Whoops I missed something! Happy birthday MacSporran!

Sorry MacS been a busy day here and only just managed to get in the kitchen now. Hope I'm not too late to say Many Happy Returns to the birthday boy. Here's a wee dram for you . Hope you had a lovely day.

AlieO how exciting. Let us know your news as soon as you can.

How exciting, AlieOxon! Can imagine how you must be feeling but hope all goes smoothly for your DD and that you will let us know when the new baby arrives.

AlieOxon Keep us posted on her progress. I hope all goes well.

Been busy GS minding today due to INSET, so have only just got into the kitchen. Happy birthday to McSporran, somewhat belated. Does that make him a Scorpio too Soop? Not that I really believe in star signs, but years ago DH did an MBA and 75% of those on the course turned out to be Scorpios!
AllieOxon what an exciting and nerve wracking time for you. Good luck to you all.

A rather broken night!
Woke to a text from J saying seeing doctors and being moved down - I have spoken to her and they are to break her waters soon. I must get up!!

Update - her waters were broken with some difficulty and she says she is now on a hormone drip.

Sometime today probably then

The baby may well arrive before you take to your bed tonight. Not very much longer to wait, AlieO...please keep us updated. You know how nosy we all are.

MacSporran had six more birthday cards in today's delivery. Still no hospital appointment. The GP says that he should hear "any day soon..." Seems likely that we'll be travelling the road to Oban yet again. Never mind, we'll both be relieved that he's getting that much closer to receiving the best treatment for his condition.

Have been to the dentist. Nothing needs attention. Next appointment in May.

I'm about to enjoy my coffee and a wee bite of lunch. Thinking of you and sending good vibes to those Granspals who need them. I shall return.

May I come in and sit awhile? I'm feeling somewhat gloomy today. DD2 (who is over here from the US with our DGD) has moved out of our home and into a friend's flat. Part of me understands how she would want to be near her pals who have children for DGD to play with, but the other part of me feels rather hurt

Today also marks the eighth anniversary of my dearest sister's death. It's just another day without her but somehow old memories come flooding back.

Have had a talk on Skype with my other sister. We are both missing each other.

My thoughts are with your DD, AlieO. I hope she will soon be holding her precious bundle of joy in her arms.

Bella That's a shame, I would feel hurt too. Is there a time limit or is dd staying at her friend's place until she returns home?

Some days the sadness can overtake when you feel a bit low, and missing both your sisters must be hard.
Sending (((hugs))) and , we all think of you often, so don't feel too alone.

AlieO Hope it all goes well for your dd

I want to stay a while as well, hide and sleep. I am thoroughly fed up, miserable and Christmas is coming. The sun has gone in. I am cold, in a huff with OH or vice versa. p****d off etc.

Group hug called for methinks! For everyone who needs it. Bella does your DD think she and DGD are a bit much for you and your DH? Will you still see lots of them? I can see the benefits of having them at a distance (said with feeling!!)

Alie could DD get a bit of a move on please.

I've just had a bit of a run in with my alcoholic, ex SiL who was trying to manipulate me in a situation involving her DD (our niece) and DH's brother (who is, admittedly, daft!) I caught her out and then spent 30 minutes listening to her rambling excuses for. Is there room for me with you Nellie? Cos I'm exceptionally p****d off too! My Dh is in his study - I think he is hiding too!!

Bella I'm so sorry. Presumably you'll still spend time together though?

kitty I wish she had! Latest is that she has had an epidural, is sounding quite bleary.
Now I don't know what to do as if I leave now I will get snarled in the traffic in Oxford!
I am ringing in an hour.

soop, all yours and macS's Granspals will be relieved when our birthday boy starts receiving the appropriate treatment. It's almost 'that time' so, Slainte to you both.

Bella' I too would be hurt under the circumstances but it could well be the case that your DD feels that you and her Dad need some peace and quiet for a while.

A group hug indeed kitty especially for our Granspals that are peed off for whatever reason. for all.

Allie. We are all on tenterhooks! All the best to your DD for a safe and hurry up for your Mum's sake, delivery.

Going to Oxford - no idea when I'll be back....

Thank you dear kitty for your wise suggestion. Yes indeed, we shall have an enormous, all-encompassing, group hug.

Bella darling girl, of course you feel sad, and my goodness, you have every reason to wish that your daughter and granddaughter could stay with you for as long as possible. Will she be far away? I hope that you will be able to meet each other without too much hassle. Although I realise that your husband needs your company at this difficult time. Phew! I'm lost for the right words to comfort you.

Allie...the waiting for news is almost more trying than labour...especially for a grandmother-in-waiting. Please let there be a wonderful addition to your family ASAP.

I shall check the state of affairs tomorrow morning. For now it's goodnight to all our very special kitcheners x

bellla I was thinking the same as kitty, that perhaps your DD thought DGD might be too much for your DH at the moment. It is always difficult trying to keep a lively child quiet if someone may need a rest. I hope you can see plenty of them whilst they are over with you. Don't feel as perhaps she is just being thoughtful.

Alie hope you have some news soon, when it is yourself you just get on with it, but when it is your child you feel helpless and want to do it for them (well, perhaps not quite in this instance, but you know what I mean!)

kitty I have poured you a glass of and will attempt to do some deep breathing and yoga exercises with you. Well, perhaps not, just have another glass.
And another for anyone who is troubled or just feels like a glass or two - or a for those who prefer something non-alcoholic.

AlieOxon- any news? Surely the least we could all do is help her to "Push!" ? Nerve racking isn't it?
Bella my first thought is that your DD was thinking of you and DH and giving you some peace and soace. The best guests ( and I know this does not include family) though are those who come, then give you a break and come back again. I am sure you will find that you will see them but also have a quieter house- you need to look after yourself too you know.
Kitty you have my sympathy and full permission to shout or scream or have a whole plate of Why is it they say you can choose your friends but not your family I wonder?
Group hug to all but now off to bed!

Update - sorry no smartphone....
I arrived at 7 to find J already looking extremely shattered, as her cervix took a long while to open.....baby actually born just before 10pm. He's fine. She was exhausted.
But we had a bit of a crisis just after he arrived, as J's temperature shot up. she felt shivery and awful and we were all rather worried for a while.

I have just spoken to her and although she is very tired and on antibiotics she sounds ok...they have put baby on antibiotics too as a precaution.
She says worst ever labour! She is to stay in for a day or two.
I got back just before 1am, but slept from 2!

Thanks for all the good wishes, I have passed them on.