Soop's welcoming kitchen...

Evening All. Family stayed over last night which was a lovely treat. Off volunteering this morning then a garden centre where I really, really didn’t plan to buy anything Christmas related . Oh well, it cheered me up, as many of you have said maws sad loss has had its impact, been a bit subdued.

Pleased the recent trip was trouble free and there is progress with the car soop. It’s all so complex, isn’t it? When I was growing up I often helped my Dad fix his car. In fact it wasn’t unknown for there to be an engine in the kitchen much to my Mums disgust. Those were the days. I hope your son is enjoying his birthday.

Love the photo grannyq, you were so lucky with the sunshine, it’s rained here most of the day. I can understand the emotion tegan, I hope you can get there one day.

Time to have both eyes on Strictly, one isn’t doing it justice.

Hope you can sleep tonight maw. My loving kindness meditation later will be directed to you and all who are sad, no matter the reason.

Lovely photo gq.

Soop Your son might bump into DD2 and her DH as they gave gone out for a meal in Leicester to celebrate their wedding anniversary! If there's gin to be had DD will sniff it out!

That leaves dh and I watching strictly with 2 girly granddaughters!

DH is going on a gin making 'experience' next week. There is a lot of gin about!

Still thinking of Maw who I'm sure feels there will never be fun to be had in the world again.

So sorry to hear the sad news about Paw and can only say that it must give you a tiny bit of comfort to have had your family with you at the end. He and you had both put up with so much over the last month's. Sympathy and hugs to you and yours.

You know I found an old book about a dog called Lad that I'd been searching for for many years recently. Well, last night I found out that, although the house where he lived is no more, his grave and the graves of the other dogs in the books are still there and that, once a year in August there is a great collie gathering and people from all over America [and the world] meet up to show their dogs but also to talk about Lad, his owner and the books. It's also in New Jersey [what's not to like!]. So, it's something I may aim to do in the future but, failing that I have asked that someone would put a flower on Lad's grave for me one year. Was SO emotional about it last night when I found out about it all.

Not exactly an empty kitchen but certainly a very subdued one with so many of us just aching for maw at this sad time. It’s been a beautiful day here and with dd4 popping across for a quick visit we 3 enjoyed a walk with stunning autumn colours and lovely blue skies. I’ve attached a photo which speaks to me of the light and shadows that we experience as life goes along. If this make no sense to anyone else just ignore me, I won’t be offended! Wishing you all a peaceful evening and refreshing sleep. x

Lovely words, Swanny

anno My voice is a trifle strained. The match was very exciting. Well done, Scotland!

kitty It's my middle son's 54th birthday. He gone to the Ginfest in Leicester. He doesn't like gin. He prefers beer or a single malt. Ah well, if anyone knows how to enjoy their birthday with bells and whistles...Tim does.

It's dark and chilly outside our cosy wee hoos. Time to light the log fire and enjoy a relaxing evening.

A big (((group hug))) to all our Granspals. I shall be back with you after the gathering at the village war memorial tomorrow.

O Maw, I'm so sorry; I came into the kitchen in the hope of hearing how things were, but didn't expect this. Hugs for you and yours xxx

Thanks for your comforting words soop. I think we were all knocked for six at the news of Paw's demise. When he was in hospital a little while back I remember Maw saying (something along the lines of) she could soon be choosing hymns. He rallied that time and we all cheered, despite being concerned for Maw's stress and sleepless nights in caring for him 24/7. I was hoping he could rally again this time, but 'twas not to be.

Maw you have nothing to reproach yourself for and in time will smile again at the memories of all your time together. x

Thanks for the update about you and MacS, soop.

My lot have gone to the Annual Street Fair which is on for 3 days in our local town. I didn't have the heart for it really so I've stayed home and done lots of tidying up just so they can come back and untidy for me!! Youngest granddaughter has a really bad cough and was sick in bed - twice - and on the carpet once - Bless her!

I was going to leave some chocolate cake in here but that's a bit of a dry disaster - I think it has caught the mood.

Take care everyone. Maw we are thinking of you!!

Also watching rugby on TV. Half time and good score so far. Keep it up, Scotland!

Hello to all our lovely Granspals. Yesterday's news from Maw knocked me for six. Although many of us lot had never met Paw we felt that he was one of us. Maw's regular updates kept him in our thoughts. It was a shock to realise that he had died and we could no longer send him get-well vibes and hugs. From hereon, Maw will be the recipient of our virtual support. Her family will be of great comfort. Please pop into the kitchen whenever you need to "offload". We do care for you, Maw. x

The journey to Oban was as good as it gets. The weather was kind. That is a huge bonus. The borrowed KA was a pleasure for MacS to drive and for me to loll in for the four hour round trip. MacS will hear the results of the scan when they are passed on to the consultant.

On our way back home, we called in to visit the lady who kindly allowed us to use her car. She's in a posh care home for just one week. She is a character and made us laugh out loud. Many of the other residents continued to sleep throughout her lengthy story-telling.

The Campbeltown garage need a part for our car that has taken leave of its senses. The part isn't available in Scotland. Don't ask!" It will arrive mid week and when it does our car's computer will hopefully be reset. Technology!

We had a hail shower yesterday. Today is cold and the sun is doing its best to peer from behind towering grey clouds. There is Rugby on the television. I shall way to do my ironing whilst watching the game. Back again a little later.

So sorry maw, take care and hope that gnetters support will help in some small way.

Not really an empty kitchen. I think we are all popping in to do what N&G have done. Leave our love and huggs behind for all who need them. Can't stop thinking about you maw. May God give you strength to get through this sad time x

Popped in to leave love and best wishes, an empty kitchen is a sad place.

Hope you are feeling the love coming your way Maw. You know we are here when you want a but, in the meantime, take care of yourself.

I'm so sorry to hear about Paw, and I'm sending you my best wishes and prayers x

Morning all !

Just popped in to say good morning but it's a sad place , this kitchen , so will just leave a plateful of love and a mug of hugs for all xx

Just looking into the kitchen to say to Maw how very sorry I was to read your sad news. You and Paw have been through so much. I hope you and your family can take some comfort from knowing he is now at peace and can look back on happy memories.

I know Paw has been ill but I’m still really shocked by this sad news.

Been thinking about you most of the day maw. Hope you have family with you tonight. x

Dearest Maw. Will PM you x

Not been tempted to post here for some time, but had to say I have been following your trials Maw and wanted to give you my sympathy.

Maw, I am so, so sorry to hear your sad news. It hardly seems adequate, but please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences.

Maw please accept my sincere condolences too. I am so, so sorry for your loss, and strangely shocked too.
I'm sure you have your loving family around you and hope this helps and comforts you.

Tippy22 I'm lost for words.