Soop's kindly kitcheners and pampered pets...

I knew that poor animal should not be staying with you long term!!!!

It is lovely to see a dog welcomed and Sam will appreciate that. He is always welcome here.

A few years ago I went with a friend to Cornwall and was impressed to see so many bowls of water left for dogs outside shops. Such a difference from here where only RNIB dogs are welcome and even then some establishments make every excuse not to allow them entry.

I expect Sam will be wanting to be rehomed after such neglect. Grace had to be togged up in her fleecy lined waterproof coat to go out in the pouring rain, she had "performed" before we got to the end of the drive (and no, it isn't long or sweeping!) promptly turned her nose back to the house and had to be dragged round the block for the usual bedtime walkie. Rather like DH some people I know, she is getting more stubborn with age.
Looking forward to seeing the Birmingham tiddlers on Saturday as it is Toby's FIFTH birthday and I am sneezing.( Where did I put the Lemsip?)
"Mind over matter " was my late mum's mantra , if you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
I hope if we have all recovered from the political traumas of yesterday? Life goes on and IMHO a nice and a can go a long way in addressing some of the preoccupations of the world.

Good morning Lovely Kitcheners !

Just catching up with you all.

WB that sounds very positive and you sound more relaxed about it now. Has the pain dimmed a little ? When I first had my knee problems I staved off a lot of pain by exercising and improving the quads and ligaments supporting the knee and whilst not a total solution definitely helped so hope you get that benefit too. Sorry to hear Mrs P is unwell too !

Soop how is Dexter's portrait coming along? I have been glittering elf doors( as you do) and you know you have over glittered when you get undressed and find glitter in your knickers !!

Anno have discovered The Crown also - what a fabulous series. Was watching the pea souper episode and realised it happened a mere 6 weeks before Grampy was born. It makes history come alive .

Charley on our new smart TV Netflix is an option already on it , you just have to subscribe or take a free trial. Ask your lovely cleaner...she will know

My god ! Macs you have the bread making gift!!

Charley Sam played the whole situation to his advantage and I believe he was --bribed- placated with a doggy sausage roll. Grampy must have been feeling bad because he bought Sam a doggy advent calendar yesterday ( whatever next eh?) . Grampy excused himself by saying it had been marked down to a £1 so was a bargain !!

We're just waiting to find out if Jackson is well enough for swimming. Yesterday he came home in tears . He is one of the shepherds in the reception class nativity - he even has a line to say . His Mummy asked him what was wrong and he replied' I don't want to wear a dress I want to be a drummer !!'

Drummers I should add are all the little ones who aren't aiming to be thespians . Everyone , obviously must have a part.

For Jackson plainly, having a line to say holds no candle to bashing a tin drum for 20 minutes !!

"if"??? Where do these random words spring from?

Our posts must have crossed over Daphne because I could not have missed out on commenting on that cheeky little chappy!!

5 is such a great age - Jackson will be 5 in December but only if he can't be 7 I am assured !

It's good to have you back with us lot NanaandGrampy I was wondering what you were up to. I can hardly keep pace with all your busy activities. Wow! A lovely treat for you both (not forgetting Sam) to look forward to.

DaphneB That is a marvellous photograph. I would have it enlarged and framed. It's a winner.

N&G Jackson's comment put a grin on my face. Priceless!

Dexter's portrait is ready to mount. It isn't 100% to my liking but I have done my best. I've promised to post it to our niece tomorrow. When Dexter's older, I shall try again. An all black creature is tricky to paint.

My hospital appointment has had to be cancelled. It's therefore back to the "waiting game". It was a year ago tomorrow that I had the initial appointment.

soop

I'm away to re-sketch Dexter's portrait. Not happy enough to post the previous attempt. It will help to divert my attention...

I hope that you are coping as well as can be expected, ann

Oh soop I can't believe this dreadful saga!

Lona I have reached the conclusion that, in the big scheme of things, my problem is insignificant. I have coped for a very long time. I shall remain hopeful that one day, before too long, I shall feel a lot more optimistic.

I've cleaned the paint box and brushes...so, here I go...(again) [wink

Oh soop don't know what to say. What is happening to the Nhs?

N&G thanks for that. My cleaner did tell me that I should sit down and read the instructions but I am not very good at taking instructions either verbal or written.(She was a maths teacher in Romania, her husband an accountant, he is working in the building trade here).

I really must because the handset is gobbleydegook to me. All I can do at present is switch the set on and find whatever programme I want. Did I need to go to the hassle of getting a SMART TV, no. I do love it although Tara is not quite so enamoured.

N&G I would be inclined to give Grampy less pocket money because I doubt if Sam can read in spite of Grampy's best efforts. At least it was a so called bargain.

Daphne I think I will be adding Grace to my list of dogs not properly cared for. I cannot say, like Sam, she is neglected, just forced to do some things she does not want to do. I can see her being dragged along, her head hanging and feet dragging her to a halt.

That photo was superb. They are lovely at that age.

Soop, I'm hoping and wishing for you! Xxxxxxx

Tizliz There's not enough staff/beds/money to deal with far too many patients.

soop you have the patience of a Saint. With your permission I will spit feathers on your behalf

"What can't be cured must be endured " they used to teach me, but screaming and shouting occasionally is quite good too.

Charley my TV remote has Netflix written in red, ready to select. Also, APPS, does yours have anything like that to select? If so, if will take you straight to your options.

Dear Soop, I have a confession to make. That "wrong number" call you received this morning? It was me, so sorry, didn`t realise till I looked at the screen as I was ringing off! I was ringing for a taxi to go home from the doctor`s, and must have pressed the wrong number. So sorry for getting you up to answer the phone to an idiot!

How honest !

DaphneB I used to attend Zen classes in Cornwall. After much hand-wringing, I have finally accepted that it isn't yet my time to be sorted in the nether regions. Hey ho! As bags would say.

I'm wishing all our Granspals and pampered pets a pleasant and peaceful evening.

Back with you after care home visit.

[moom]

callgirl1 I thought that it was going to be one of those nuisance calls. I wish that I known that it was you. If I sounded curt, it was because we're pestered several times a day. You are most certainly not a pest.

What an extreme buggeration for you soop! You are being really stoic and brave. I wouldn't have the patience to attend Zen classes!

I am a great supporter of the NHS but when you hear the numbers of things cancelled it doesn't seem real until it's someone you know, then you realise that it's real people. My brother in law has had a back op (due next Tuesday) cancelled because of an emergency. I'm slightly baffled as to how they know there is an emergency next Tuesday! He is in absolute agony with arthritis and it is impacting on his whole family.

Ann, (((hugs))) as always - not much help I know but the best I can offer - well, apart from

lovely photo DB - keep taking the medicine!

Must go and cook tea/dinner/supper dependent on your locality, upbringing and whether your Mother was Mrs Bucket or not.

If I`d realised in time who I`d connected with, we could have had a natter!