Soop's friendly KITCHENERS

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Charleyg I would do the same thing. I would need to have the house spotless for the first visit from the new cleaner. Thereafter...I may let things slide (a little)

Alea Very funny!

I've finished the marathon decorating jobs and, I am both knackered and well-pleased.

NananadGrampy The photo is lovely. And, it will be of little consolation to know that the wretched bug hangs about for a very long time. Sore throat will come and go...

Tizliz Rory has NEVER brought anything dead or dying into the house. He's far too well fed.

MacS took two lovely photos of Rory and Bracken as they sat together on their mat. Bracken will not come anywhere near us. The mat is as far as she wishes to go. I hope that you enjoy the pics.

I must wash and brush up. I stink of turps. I'm also in need of a refreshing G&T.

Love to you all. Bye for now x

NanaandGrampy* those are lovely photos of the 2 little ones and I notice that Sam does not like to be left out.

I am glad that Grampy did not give in- the little fellow must learn who is the boss.

soop I love the photos. It is only a matter of time before Bracken creeps into the house. A few months ago they would not be seen sharing the same mat.

Rory may well be well fed but I think that it is his age which has determined that he will not bother any more. I am sure this is why Tara has given up, thank goodness.

Lovely photos N&G and Soop.

Although many of us are "cat people" there are a couple with dogs- Sam belonging to NandG and Grace owned by Alea.

I have had yet another power cut, the 4th in as many weeks. I was stumbling around in total darkness to find my lamp but for my safety I gave up. At least it was only out for 10 minutes- last time it was over 3 hours but that was during the day. I was going to retire to bed which is where Tara went an hour or so ago.

On the occasions when we have had power cuts so late that we have given up and gone to bed, it has been strange to be woken up in the middle of the night when the power has come back and of course all the house lights are on.
We used to have a lot of cuts when we came to this village which was disconcerting because the cottage was all electric re cooking and I was still doing some freelance catering . We did have a huge inglenook fire though so never froze.
Fortunately those days are few and far between now (she says, touching wood and crossing fingers !)

I can at least make a cup of coffee if there is no electricity because my hob is gas but last night I had my last cup before the electricity went off.

I missed 10 minutes of Undercover- I recorded it but that is of no use now. I will catch up with BBC IPlayer.

I am meeting up with 2 GNs for coffee this morning- we have been meeting monthly for well over a year now.

Good morning all !

The sun is shining here ! Which always helps. I have tried to make a GPs appointment but nothing for non emergencies until the 28th so have done an online thing where the GP reads the symptoms then calls me. As I'm sure its tonsillitis ( after 50 years I think I've got it down pat lol) I thought this was a good compromise.

soop smashing pictures of your cats - Rory does look regal -surveying his domain !!

Charleygirl ahh Sam - otherwise known to the little one as 'DogDog' is an integral part of any games when the boys come. The 2 older grandchildren have 2 dogs so Sam is not so interesting but the little ones have no pets so anything to do with Sam is of intense interest.

We have to work hard on using gentle hands with him but we start as we mean to go on and they respect Sam's space ( mostly) . In return Sam is willing to play even dress up games with them. Later that morning he was police dog Sam with our little Police Officer Jackson !!

The power cuts do not sound helpful !! Are you in a remote part of the UK?

At 08:10 the decorators arrived and so for a week we will have no lounge or dining room. The colours have all been selected, new rugs purchased, and blinds ordered. I must admit to being a little nervous because we have been neutral for so very long but my daughters assure me a new contemporary look will be nice.

They are such nice chaps and like a comedy double act with their banter and singing. I have to pop out for biscuits this morning as they run on tea and biscuits and then I have to make cake as while they were delighted by the shop bought cake every afternoon , they snaffled all my warm banana bread last time .

I hope you are all getting over the winter bugs that have been so debilitating and that a little sunshine on you all will make you feel that summer IS coming . x

NanaandGrampy I was half listening to the radio and just caught the end of something. Must have been a decorator talking about a job where he said the cost was £12 and the customer said "as you did such a good job I will only deduct 5s for the tea and biscuits". Sounds like your lot will be in debt to you by the end of the job.

I have just been to GP for blood tests before I have a knee injection on Thursday. I asked if the x-Ray results were back and was staggered to be told they showed slight osteo arthritis! In that case why can't I walk more than 50 yards or stand for 10 mins without severe pain? Nurse also did my blood pressure which was high even though I take medication and then she said and on your way out book a Meds revue. I decided to be childish and didn't. I am tired of being old, I want to change my mind please.

(((hugs))) Ann. I'm getting very slight pains in various joints (primarily fingers ) so I can only imagine how difficult it is for you.

Sorry, I've not been in for a while - how did life get so busy?

I've just brought in the cake that I make for the weekend (which no-one wanted to eat) so please dig in. Chocolate with chocolate cream and mandarins - absolutely no calories whatsoever!! I obviously over catered again.

I'm off to catch up on all the news - see you later.

Today I was still lounging around in pjs when the window cleaner arrived to clean out my gutters. I had known he was coming - just forgot. At least this time I wasn't wrapped in a towel.

Tizliz not only that but Grampy insisted on M & S biscuits as he might join the 'boys' !! Darn cheek !! I'll be docking his pocket money I can tell you

Annsixty sorry to hear your news. That all sounds depressing . I often think X rays don't always tell the whole picture. If you're experiencing such pain , then x ray or not ...they're your knees !! I would have thought your blood pressure was raised because of the news not necessarily all the time unless your medication needs changing.

Can I tempt you to a slice ( or 3) of Kittylestersdelicious sounding cake ! Over catered or not - it sounds to good to miss !!

Annsixty (((Hugs)))

My GP is now well aware that I suffer from 'white coat syndrome' which pushes my BP up when I see him, so he takes three readings, and usually there is a considerable difference between first and last. BTW, I've never actually seen him in a white coat . ann60, is there a chance that your GP would refer you to a physio? They are far better informed on musculo-skeletal issues than doctors are. Our practice now runs a weekly musculo-skeletal triage service which has proved successful in its experimental phase and is now a permanent feature.

(((HUGS))) all round. This is a fleeting visit as I've much to do. However, I shall return later. Have been busy scrubbing the outside paintwork in readiness for a face-lift. Lots of worms emerged from the soapy soil and I needed to wash them in clean water before re-locating each and every one to uncontaminated ground. I even found myself apologising to one particular worm. Then, I thought, hang on a minute...

Ah, that's so nice Soop!

Good afternoon, kitcheners. Sorry your knee is causing trouble, annsixty . It must be miserable for you

Had a bit of an ordeal myself this morning, namely a trip to the dentist for a root canal. It was so painful but I am feeling a bit better now that the numbness is starting to subside. I had so much anaesthetic in the end that I felt like I'd had a stroke and had no control over my mouth at all. The performance is to be repeated in two weeks time, though I'm hoping there will be no root left to cause such agony.

Still waiting patiently for my new abode to be ready. Since soop and her paint kettle can't get here, I've to wait until next week for the decorator to start.

I've no goodies to share, so sorry, but I seem to have eaten everything sweet.

Sending and some Maltese instead

soop please sit down and rest, the men in white coats will be arriving shortly.

GandP believe it or not but I live in NW London and it is only a few houses which are affected each time. Mine, naturally is the only house in this mews and the other houses are in a street close by.

Sam does not want to be left out of the fun and it is good that the two little chaps are learning early to treat him gently and allow him his own space. Being a police dog would be fine but I do feel for the poor fellow getting dressed up!

annsixty if possible can you find out the grade of the osteoarthritis? It is graded 1-4- 1 being mild, 4 is like mine, bone rubbing on bone so is at the operable stage. If your knee gives way I would be thinking of a torn meniscus which is very treatable.

I spent a very pleasant time earlier with 2 GNs over coffee- a monthly event. We never stop talking.

annsixty I had a second x-ray on my bad knee which reportedly showed minor wear!( I gad been in agony for months!)
Back to Gp,who sent me for an MRI scan which showed that the cartilage was ripped to shreds and after an operation to tidy it up, the surgeon said I will need a knee replacement soon!
Go back to your doctor, x-rays don't show cartilage damage.

Well,two weeks after my house went on the market, I've had nine viewings so far, with another two on Wednesday to come. I feel exhausted. I can't relax at home as I'm waiting for the phone to ring with feedback/offer?/another viewing?
Tomorrow I've got my four year old granddaughter for the day, and it will be so nice to let the house get messy for a change!
Never thought I'd say that!! ?

What a pain keeping the house clean, must make the beds in the morning and do the washing up and drying up. Don't forget to dust I remember it well. Luckily we sold on third viewing, despite the estate agent wanting us to rip out half the walls to make three bedrooms into four.

Well we are told how stressful house moving is. Hope you soon have some success. I'm staying put until someone else moves me.

Ta dah! Good afternoon to all our lovely Kitcheners.

I've really enjoyed reading all your messages.

Hello Nelliem I like having you visit the kitchen. I hope that the sun is shining for you. We've had a pleasant April day. Lots of sun and a few light showers. The sea is a glorious shade of teal green.

anno Tyke!

Lona that has to be the right attitude. It is your home...enjoy having your granddaughter spend the day with you. Have yourselves a happy time.

annsixty I agree with both Charleyg and Lona...go back to your GP and tell him that you would like further investigation because your knee pain is dire. You will have to stand your ground. Your knee. Your pain You are not being unreasonable to want to get better. Pain can sap all the energy out of you. You are most definitely not making a fuss.

Bellasnana The very term 'root canal treatment' is enough to get me hyperventilating. I've been there and it isn't some place I want to be again. Each appointment was 90 mins long. I did tremble with the effort of keeping my mouth open for an age. Anaesthetics are a blessing. I send you calming vibes.

wot When out for a walk, if I come across a stranded worm, I always carry it to somewhere suitable. I did rescue a sloe worm from the gutter on one occasion, long ago. I had it in my pocket until I returned home. It was then set free in the pasture that was part of our garden in Cornwall. I though it might like it better than a busy road.

Charleyg I promise that I haven't been taking funny pills and do not require assistance getting to the 'funny farm'. I can't account for what has surprised me...a huge outburst of energy. My sap must be rising. I've had a really good day. Busy but not exhausting. The garden and our home are looking good. MacS has little energy. Fatigue is part of his condition. It's therefore up to me to allow him to take life easy. Give and take...it works best that way.

Tizliz The right side of my brain is dominant. Hence whenever we've been given access to a hay loft that had just the four crumbling walls, I can imagine the outcome. I can visualise how a store room may be transformed into a cosy home. Bring it on...is our slogan. It's a blessing of sorts.

NannaandGrampy Thank you for suggesting we enjoy kitty's scrumptious, sticky cake. A very large slice would go down a treat with the that I'm drinking from a stripey mug that Bags gave me.
You are right. Dogs do need space. Your grandsons will understand that Sam isn't a toy. A gentle approach will win Sam's affection. Sam is a special boy.

Tizliz I casually mentioned that I've saved MacS a hefty bill by doing the decorating myself. He smiled sweetly. He hugged me. No mention of a bonus. What's a girl to do?

number Are you settling back into the old routine after your cruise? I wonder how that Galen is. I wouldn't mind betting that she's forgotten all about us lot. Bless her.

Tomorrow is care home visiting day. Last Tuesday we were in Oban for MacS's appointment. I'm looking forward to seeing the ladies, having a cup of tea and being force-fed the banana and scone that they find too much for them. There will be crumbs everywhere.

I shall join you all in the early afternoon.

Enjoy your Monday evening and thank you for your company. x

So much been happening in the kitchen that I haven't caught up properly yet.

A stressful weekend for me as well. Having just posted and lost it, the short version is that when DH and I went out to lunch on Saturday he suddenly started shaking and went unconscious. Young man next to us supported him in his chair and then put him in the recovery position and someone phoned for an ambulance. It came within 5 or 10 minutes and after finding his blood pressure was very low, took him (and me) to Faro Hospital.
Six hours later, having monitored his heart and BP, they said that as they couldn't find anything wrong apart from the low blood pressure which was now normal, we could return home.

So, I planned an easy relaxing Sunday.....
We have been having an ongoing problem with ants. I'm normally fairly philosophical about the wildlife out here.(apart from centipedes). Any ants that come in the house are usually swept into a dustpan and deposited outside. This time it's seemed a real plague of them with maybe a nest in the wall and war has been waged and we thought we had got rid of them.
Sunday morning we saw a couple of flying ants in the living room and then within half an hour there were thousands. They seemed to start somewhere near 'my' chair and then head for the window or door to the light outside. As quickly as we killed them, ten more appeared and we couldn't work out where they were coming from. We were spraying and vaccuming all morning and ended up finishing the last can of spray and shutting the house up and going out for a couple of hours.

It looked like we had a grey carpet by the time we returned but we think that we have found the nest, in the old beams above where I usually sit, and we think that we have got rid of them.

Today DH is feeling fine and I feel exhausted. My sympathies are with you all in pain and under pressure.

I shall now go and read your posts properly. When I've got a G &T.
Bella, I feel like eating sweeties as well.