Soop's kindly kitcheners and pampered pets...

Lona re your car I once had a loud clunking in my car and eventually discovered a tin of cat food rolling back and forth under one of the seats.

We lived in Norfolk and Suffolk, oh about 42+ years ago. Loved Wroxham and so enjoyed Roy's, bit of this and that, some useful, some not. Returned for a holiday at Wroxham 25 years ago, it was still there, as it was a few years later when I (with medal for bravery) towed our caravan there as Mr C was unwell and couldn't do the driving. Pleased to know it is still thriving, if evolved. We have good friends living in Norfolk and hope to visit them next year, or maybe the year after, with luck will get to Roy's as well. These unexpected reminders of past happy times bring a big smile. .

Yes, it used to be a dump. Cheap and cheerful stuff. Then it became "normal" and was a really good place to shop....had everything there which is good as it serves a rural area...but has now had a makeover and gone " posh". Ruined it in my opinion . I remember first time we drove through Wroxham and saw all the Roy's shops! Thought, Crikey, a monopoly!

I remember Roys in Wroxham. We had a holiday home in Neatishead and did our weekly shop there. Must have been late 1950's. bet it has changed a bit since then!

ann what a lovely time you will have with your D and the GC for the few days before Christmas. Hopefully your husband will remember who they are for the odd few moments throughout the days. It is very difficult for you watching him deteriorate. and hugs from Tara and me.

Thank you all for the reassurance that the kitchen is a very special and safe place to be.
Charleygirl it will be just another day but with nice food and wine, our D and GC are coming for 3 days in the week leading up to Christmas, it will be the first time the GC will not see their Father at Christmas, and I think they just want it on their own to adjust to it, I am very sad for them all.
Just another of life's arrows to deal with.

ann (((hugs)))

How could you forget me nanAgrampy!? Have a nice, bracing break here, anyway! Might see you in Roy's!!

ann and Daphne it's their loss if they don't like our comfy, cosy kind kitchen.
I decided long ago never to join in with the heated discussions(?) on the threads. Life is too short! I have enough friends in real life to chat with.

I keep repeating that I don't understand the unkindness, because I don't! So sorry you had that experience, ann, no matter the intention you were hurt by the words. We talk about engaging our brains before opening our mouths and the same applies to comments on a thread. Opinions are just that, rarely are they fact. I can only imagine how difficult this year has been and this Christmas will be. Sending hugs, good wishes and a hope that you and your family will be able to contact some joy and peace. .

Lovely children kitty ready for the weather.

Ann a difficult Christmas for you- will you treat it as a special day or like me, another day with treats?

N&G I hope that Sam has settled in and you are all enjoying yourselves. Please keep warm.

DB and ann the pair of you should know by now not to stray too far from the kitchen. There is little point getting your heads bitten off if that is what happened on whatever thread (s) you put your party pieces. I like a quiet life so on the whole I stay here.

soop that is a beautiful picture above your bed. All that is missing from the bed are Rory and Bracken, they would enjoy the peace and comfort snuggled up together.

Yes I am wot ! I forgot you were here too .

Don't be upset Ann , I have decided to ignore the jibes about the kitchen . If others don't 'get it' that's their loss. There is a genuine empathy here which cannot be synthesised.

Hear, hear annsixty.
Try not to take today's harsh words to heart. You and I know they were not aimed at you, but like most people it is human nature to feel collective guilt when there is a collective accusation!!
TG for the Kitchen. There is nothing to disparage in mutually supportive people who will do what they can to bring you support, comfort and cheer. Those who do not understand that are the poorer.
This Christmas is a bittersweet prospect for you, but I hope it will bring you joy and memories to treasure in the future.

Are you in Norfolk nanagrampy!? You said you'd come round for tea next time you were here!! ?

I have decided for the foreseeable future I will stay in the kitchen and say Good morning to every one.
I was going to give GN a rest but why should I?
I felt accused of actions and hypocrisy I would never undertake but I am putting it behind me. I did have very rare tears but....
I am facing probably the last Christmas that my H understands, He is not in the least interested but he knows it is happening I cannot forsee what another year will bring. So... I will take the support I know we all find in the kitchen and be very thankful for it as I know we all are.

No you are not lona, much better for there to be nothing wrong than an expensive repair bill before Christmas. I once thought my car must be about to fall apart from the noise it was making, all(?)it was, was a little branch/overgrown twig I must have picked up on a wheel, rubbing against the wheel arch as the wheel went round. Relief!!
Beautiful wall hanging soop, a talented lady is bags.

Lovely children kitty I love to see and hear them laughing.
I'm feeling slightly foolish at the moment. My car was making clunky noises when I was reversing round out of my parking space, so I took it in to the garage this morning. They've had it out on the road and checked just about everything, but nothing is wrong. We'll see.
Just makes me look stupid and I'm not! Grrrr.
I need cake and wine ?

Goodnight all.

bags made this for me.

kitty Your grandchildren are lovely. Torben had a scooter. I have never seen anything move at such a pace. Wouldn't mind a motorised one for myself.

I shall include a pic of the lovely wall hanging that bags made me for me. It is a treasured possession and hangs above the headboard. If I can't locate the pic today, I shall take another tomorrow.

I must say farewell until tomorrow. Cats to feed and suchlike.

Proves there's no such thing as "bad weather" kittyL - just the wrong clothes and they look warmly wrapped up. Snug as bugs in rugs even.
Hope you got taken out to lunch after your fasting blood test?
It warrants at least a couple of surely.

Thought you might like to see a photo of DGS2 and DGD3 - I love it as they look so happy even though it's freezing!!

I love that last poem Daphne you definitely deserve to be the Kitchen Laureate ( hmmmmm think spell check is playing with me )!!

Enjoying our frosty break , Sam is having some lovely walks and we are really relaxing.

Tizliz I hope there might be pictures of the lovely quilt. It sounds wonderful.

I briefly ventured out but am disheartened with GNso if there's any cake going ...pass it over !!!

Yes, that quilt sounds amazing, tizliz. I'd love to see it too if that's at all possible.

Tizliz I would love to see a photo of your sister's amazing quilt. I cannot sew. I cannot bake a cake that would win a prize (except for making the greatest amount of mess in the smallest of spaces)...A slice of cake would go down well with my afternoon .

Charleyg You have the skill that it takes to care of Tara...a creature who demands high standards...a creature of good taste. I shall eat your slice of cake (she says, knowing damn well that the temptation is virtual) Ha!

Jalima Delia moves in different circles from we mere mortals. I've yet to see left over wine in this establishment.

Back to the ironing board.