Soop's very welcoming kitchen...

Sorry N&G - missed your post!
Your building looks as if it is coming on apace! We’ll leave off booking the charra until your garden has recovered!
They might at least have given Sam a bath before they let you have him back, but I bet he was really glad to see you.
I’ve definitely given up trying to make anything look like a work of art. Even my cake decorating is “rustic” these days!

Oh, Ann I am so sorry you are going through the mill. I so agree with you - our children don’t seem to recognise any diminishing of stamina in us as we get older. They are always saying things like “you’re still pretty fit for your age” as if it conveys some kind of talismanic effect on them and on us! We went shopping in town on Tuesday and I had a bit of a toddler meltdown in Debenhams when I was surrounded by clothes I hated in fabrics that looked as if someone had been sick on them, and I was absolutely tired out. We went for a coffee and then I couldn’t wait to get back on the tram and go home. I can stand for five hours and fish with hardly a break, but shopping? You can keep it!

Morning all !!

How did I miss the whole hash brownies thing? I have never tried anything like that but I am up for the challenge !!

Yes our builders are definitely keepers soop . Ive added a picture of the progress! There will be a gap though for Christmas etc before stage 2. The only downside is that the garden is now a bit of a muddy mess but hey ho !

I am so pleased that the mammoth building project is coming to a close for you Charley , I hope you can enjoy all that work and look forward to actually having a lovely 2018 without building trauma !

Shock horror callgirl your tree is a 'leftie' ??? LOL

Sounds like a successful day Grannoe , you sound very like us, visits are planned with military precision because whilst the little ones are 'doing' they aren't getting into mischief. I love the sound of the Christmas Trail.

Ah grey I once set out to wrap each gift beautifully and individually - never again. Now its sturdy paper, heaps of sellotape ( to slow down the little ones ripping process) and sod what it looks like - they only want the insides anyway ;-)

Oh Kitty how was the pedicure? I did the same yesterday with a twist. I drove all the way back to Essex to my lady their ( ONLY because I was supposed to be doing something else with DD2 - which she then cancelled as all 4 are poorly with sore throats etc) so Sam had a night in kennels, we drove for nearly 5 hours for a PEDICURE and red sparkly nails !! I wont even begin to tell you what Grampy said

Sam seemed fine with his first ever night in kennels but they give them very muddy walks so he's not a pretty sight today and I see a bath in his VERY near future.

Galen you will feel differently when you are sailing the high seas, surrounded by handsome men in uniform and sipping champagne . Now I'm slightly envious

Oh Ann I know what you mean about your children not actually seeing you have aged and understanding what that means. You are Mum and are the same as always. Sending you a totally useless hug, maybe a G &T or 2 and perhaps tell your DD to sort out the washer???

Back later to catch up!

My cup runneth over.
My D brought 3 bags full of washing with her as she was working up to coming and her tumble dryer had packed in.The washer and dryer were on all day yesterday and this morning my washer is leaking, the floor is very wet.
I am going to bed and hope to wake on Dec 28th.

Because, like me, you are getting older, Galen
I have had my D and GC aged 18 and 15 here and quite frankly I am k......d,, we went to Stockport yesterday and had to come home after a time because I felt ill.
I could not cope with the crowds and the shopping.
We ended up ordering a Chinese take away to be delivered as I could not cook.
I had a leg of lamb for tonight and put it in the oven to slow roast while my D took me to Aldi where I did a mammoth shop and then we all went to Wyevale garden centre for a snack.
It was heaving with children and babies, we waited 30 mins for food, by which time I was almost comatose, my legs and back were killing me.
I came home and cooked for 6 and had to lie on the bed with painkillers.
After a G& T I rallied slightly and a couple of glasses of red carried on the recovery process.
I was totally fed up with the day and felt sorry for myself, what a wimp I am.
They go home tomorrow and I will miss them and the grand dog and will feel guilty all Christmas for my negativity but I feel so very old.
Ones C just don't see it, we are invincible, we are their parent as we always have been.

A sure sign you really need a holiday? Good luck with the packing!

I’m fed up! Really don’t feel like holiday. Supposed to be packing on Friday if I get round to it.
Haven’t even thought of which pearls to take, it’s that bad!
Friends tell me it’s just because I’ve been working too hard but I’m not sure.

I used to be able to work 4-5 days a week, so why should 2-3 leave me feeling so exhausted and miserable?
Help

I`ve been told this morning that the tree looks nice, so the lean can go hang now, I don`t care!
Soop, how lovely of the schoolchildren, and I bet they enjoy doing it as well.
Maw, thank you for the advice, but the Daily Mirror would have to suffice if I was going to rectify matters, which I`m not now!
A new problem. Having C/H installed means that the airing cupboard has been removed from the living room, thereby creating a welcome corner. I thought, ideal for the Christmas tree on it`s little table, and it does look nice, but now I have a pouffe, of quite ample proportions, to find a place for till after the festive season is over. At the moment it`s tripping me up every time I turn round, I need to magic it away for a couple of weeks! Anybody need a temporary pouffe?

A think a seasonal slump is a very reasonable thing to have GD! I've done loads of wrapping this morning and and mostly embarrassed at how awful it looks. It's definitely not too early for medicinal .

I must look into an iphone if the young men as so nice! It's lovely when the DGC recall happy times, isn't it gq? Bertie and Persie lived with us for a while after DD's marriage broke up and it really pleases me when they talk about 'living at your house'! It makes the episode worthwhile - that and losing the Idiot - but that's a different matter.

Ann, I think about you at times like this and I hope you have good times with your family.

soop, sensible to avoid your friend if she is poorly. Is it the virus that keeps coming back to bite you on the bum just when you thought you were rid of it? DH and I have that - which is my excuse for the rubbish wrapping up that I have done.

I'm off to have a pedicure - something outrageous and sparkly is in order, I think.

Thank you corner. I expect it will pass, or someone will decide to give me a kick up the behind if it doesn't!

Not for medicinal purposes greyd. Andy time for medicinal purposes. You do sound as if you need some tlc and peace and quiet. Maybe at the very least tea and something sweet? Take care, Christmas eh?

That should be a seasonal slump!! Bloody iPhone!

Well, I have had a real reasonable slump today and it has got worse as the day has worn on, not helped by DH's vocal selections from The King and I with vacuum cleaner accompaniment. I had a complete and towering meltdown trying to put some bloody silly ribbon on a present for DD, and am now feeling drained! I knew this goodwill to all men thing was too good to last! And it's too early for alcohol ☹️.

One very contented granny here. On duty for 2 gds today, the 2 we see the most as they’re local. We went to do a Christmas trail this morning at a place we, and they, know and love. All the way there in the car they chatted about other times we’ve been there with them over the years, with lots of little stories being shared. My old boy, usually very unsentimental and very matter of fact by nature well he is an accountant after all whispered to me “we’ve made lots of memories with these girls”. And so we have, also with those who live a bit further away and even with our troubled teen gd (which hopefully she’ll be able to remember when she eventually gets through her current angst). This moment made us both feel proud and a bit teary at the same time, if that makes sense? The girls are now happily engaged with a big box of playmobil, one of the best eBay investments I ever made. Star biscuits are already for icing when this activity palls or ends in tears as sometimes happens! I’ve also got a Christmas craft activity up my sleeve in case it’s needed. I was never a scout but I do believe in always being prepared!
What a kind gesture from the village children soop, enjoy sampling your gift. Good plan to dodge those pre Christmas bugs.
Thats good advice for a crooked tree cg, I may have to push mine to one side just to test out how well it works
maw in my book it’s worth manufacturing having an iPad problem just to spend half an hour or so with one of those young men in the Apple Store, they’re all very patient and rather easy on the eye and good at sorting it out.
Ann hope you’re surviving family time with the tension as well as fun that sometimes ensues when your home is invaded. It must be hard when your dh doesn’t really understand what’s happening and why.
Lovely pics of those beautiful boys n&g looks like the visit was a fun filled success and I’m sure you can anticipate many more to come.
Well my time is up...I’m off to make some glacé icing, it might be needed in a hurry!
Wishing you all a pleasant afternoon whatever you’re up to

Well, we did a trip to Waitrose and found it really quiet with fully stacked shelves. . Result. Everything on the list purchased, nice cuppa and a bun. All very civilised and no need to go near a food shop until after ‘the day’. So, not eaten by a trolley and no stress at all. It really didn’t feel like Christmas .

I’ve been known to prop one side of a tree up with anything from a table mat to a book, depending on the lean callgirl. Alternativly a glass or two seems to sort it wonderfully. Ours is sort of unbalanced, it’s fine, well, it is ours .

If I’m honest I’m up and down about this Christmas. There will be fun and joy but also uncertainty and sadness, guess it’s much the same for many of us. The lights are lovely, there seem to be more each day, can’t think how that’s happening .

Good luck with the ironing soop, I quite enjoy it, set up in front of the tv and switch my head off. Best stress relief there is. soop is right. charley, semi clean is fine, Fafher Christmas won’t expect perfection .

Sounds a happy visit janed, sometimes good things do interrupt sleep in the same way as not such good things. As you say, excitement. That sounds a well balanced day anno, an achievement and a treat, hope the x-rays give you the outcome you want.

Well, I’m supposed to be doing admin now, Mr C has decided this is a good time to paint a door, don’t ask, so I’m off to hide until it’s over.

Stay warm and well everyone.

The seven pupils at the village school, bake a cake for every pensioner person, every Christmas. Here is ours. Experience tells us that it promises to be delicious.

Hello my darlin's. Happy Wednesday to one and all.

Yes, the weather is very much milder. Sort of misty and murky with not a sigh of a breeze.

callgirl1 A very welcome card from you was delivered a few days ago. Thank you. We drove by David's resting place and wished him a peaceful festive season.

Maw do you have the twisted ornament syndrome when you dress the tree. The front bit that should show twists around and ornaments finish up arse aboot face.

JaneD3 I'm excited for you. Have a lovely time.

anno Good for you. I've a very large basket of ironing (my pal's) which I collected from her home earlier today. She's unwell. Her husband's unwell and her elderly mother is unwell. I feel that it's safer to complete the task in our home. So many villagers have succumbed to a very nasty bug.
A visit to the manicurist AND X-rays on both knees. anno you certainly know how to enjoy yourself.

Charleyg A semi clean house is perfectly adequate. No point in driving yourself to distraction fretting over dust. In time, you will have triumphed over all adversities - and you will . I says so.

corner and ann I believe that the less one expects from times such as Christmas, the happier one is. It's barmy to have to try to enjoy all the hype. Keep things as simple and hassle-free as possible. I'm sending festive hugs to you both.

Oh callgirl - a tree with leanings to the left?
I know this thread is meant to be politics free, but this says it all!

You could prop it up with a copy of the Daily Telegraph I suppose....

Hello everyone! This should perhaps be a greeting to the insomniacs! We are staying with DD in London and made a quick trip to Calais yesterday. Lovely lunch and both a beautiful sunrise and glorious sunset, which made me feel all was well with the world! Now I lie here wishing I could get back to sleep . Perhaps it’s excitement as we are calling in to see our little ones tomorrow!

Well, the tree is UP, but it has a slight lean to the left, and I`m damned if I can get it to stand up straight, HELP!

Callgirl - never tried stollen? It's time to remedy that omission. I daren't have it in the house because I wouldn't be able to keep away from it. Self control does go out of the window at this time of year.
soop, whatever was wrong with me yesterday, it seems to have gone away now. I've succeeded in doing some much needed ironing and finally sorted out the tree lights. I thought I had them neatly stored round a cylinder, so that they wouldn't be tangled. I was wrong. Still have to ice that flipping Christmas cake. Tomorrow I have a date with a manicure and another with an X-ray of both knees. And DS2 and two GSs are arriving late in the evening. On Thursday I am treating them to the new Star Wars film. They're excited - so am I.

Galen

maw I spent hours last week trying to set up my new iPhone. It's a useless piece of equipment, no matter how much I shouted at it, punched its keyboard, or told it it was heading for the bin, I could not get the b*** thing to work properly. ? Go to the Apple Store and get one of those nice young lads to do the work for you.

Thank you for the stollen, very tasty

The last time I was in Waitrose I saw one person with two shopping trolleys- more money than sense went through my mind. I would imagine that a lot will be binned.

Tara is very confused because each evening she comes home her food and water dishes have moved. She is not impressed with kitchen dining again so she retired to bed instead this evening. I do remind her that there are many hungry cats who would not care where their bowls are placed.

It is lovely to see a semi clean house again.

Evening All. Any of those stollen bites left? Feeling chilly and in need of comfort food.

The little boys are a joy n&g, as are those builders by the sound of it. It’s good that all the mess is outside, you can ignore it.

Unlike your inside work charley, which has proved to be a right royal pain in the backside. Are they about finished now? I really, really hope so. There is time to think Christmas, lots of treats to go in the cupboards in your lovely kitchen.

mawb having braved our nearest Apple stores with the most basic, OK stupid, of questions I can attest to the patience and kindness of the staff, mostly looking as if they should still be at school. It truly would be the easier option, I find first thing in the morning is best, can often be found lurking waiting for the doors to open.

Yes, a lot of folk ready for a barney, blowed if I understand. It feels a bit like the aggressive drivers I came across yesterday. If someone could remove the magnet that’s in my car attracting them I would greatly appreciate it.

Keep away from those bugs soop, neither of you need them. Sorry you’re frazzled, hope there is calm soon.

The concert sounds wonderful, greyd, wish I had a voice, I do a good line in miming so as not to scare people.

I’m hoping you can enjoy at least some elements of this Christmas ann, you surely deserve to.

Grandparent duties are finished for this week so back to the mundane and a need for a food shop tomorrow. If I don’t return I will have been eaten by a shopping trolley.

Keep warm and well everyone.

Charleygirl never mind missing Christmas , I think you have missed 2017 with your jokes of builders. I do hope you have ensured that they have done all they were contracted and paid to do. What an ordeal you have had.
my family are here and while it is lovely to have them here, I will breathe a sigh of relief on Thursday when they go, My H is totally out of his comfort zone and his routine and that is unsettling for us all.
I think Christmas this year will be the last with any small degree of normality and there is not much but I am trying for my own sake.
It is milder here today and I hope it continues for all the people who will be travelling later this week to spend Christmas with family and loved ones.