Soop's very welcoming kitchen...

Thank you for caring- you have all had a rest for a good few days so now I am back.

I had visions of buying a new tower but it was something simple I believe, but beyond me. I did not realise I could have so many emails sent- it will take me a while to catch up.

I was beginning to suffer from withdrawal symptoms and managed to get a load of other work done.

Hurray, she’s back!
Also Galen and Bellasnana - full house

Good to see you back Charleygirl, I thought that Tara had spirited you away.

The lodger made such a fuss of the computer man this evening. She is very fond of him and he had problems working on the computer as she wanted to lie on the keyboard to have her tum rubbed.

He has a cat also so that would have been part of the attraction.

Welcome back charleygirl, I’m glad all is well.

Not the best of cruises! Weather wasn’t brilliant and extremely rude and obnoxious people at our first table. Not much better at the second!
Cunard has obviously gone down market.
Unfortunately I developed severe asthma in the second week and had to be nebulised 4x daily and put on steroids which upset my stomach.
Still very breathless at home even walking room to room .
Going to try at work tomorrow. See how I do.

Quite honestly I don’t know what I’d have done without Bella, I think I’d have been admitted to the infirmary or disembarked and sent to a local hospital

Blimey galen, when you do a less than good cruise you do it properly. So sorry you were unwell on your cruise. Sounds as if bella saved the day. The infirmary would have been bad enough but being sent ashore so much worse. Bad luck with the table companions, I’ve never understood what makes people unpleasant when they are on holiday. Why use the energy? Is work a good idea? Look after yourself, work would survive without you.

Computer gremlins are a pain in the whatsit charley, good to have you back.

I smiled at your tv fest mawb, have just told our eldest granddaughter she really should read her set book and not watch a tv adaptation. Fortunately she wouldn’t come near GN to be led astray. Phew. Hope you stayed awake until the end.

Clean conservatory windows, now I’m grannyq. Will add it to the ‘one day when I feel like it’ list

Hope the bugs leave you quickly jalima and greyd, horrid things.

You’re an absolute star morethan, I’m sure they both appreciate and love you dearly.

I’m trying not to see your wonderful Norfolk photos n&g. We’ve lived in many counties and Norfolk is the one I always wanted to return to. We won’t, too far from family although we have good friends there, but your photos do remind me of what I loved. I did mention it quietly the other day, Mr C was not his usual amenable self. . Best keep quiet now.

I’m a bit twitchy tonight, our neighbours funeral first thing tomorrow, collywobbles are beginning. I’ll just go and check my clothes - again - then settle down to sleep.

Keep warm and well everyone.

An exhuasting day I went to look after DGS 2 and later collect DGS1 from school. It was thick fog on the hills and I missed my turning. I did not have a clue where we were at one point. I hadn't put the satnav on as we "know the way so well" I won't do that again. It took me a huge detour to get back to the correct road and SIL had to get into work.

DGS2 (3 in April) was being very funny and very silly (and really adorable) it was very hard not to laugh at him. (He doesn't need much encouragement.)
I refused to serve him Hula Hoop sandwiches for lunch. and after some negotiation he had to agree to spaghetti hoops.
He seems to have changed in the last two weeks .

The final thing was when we had collected DG1 from school. I told him about how foggy it had been and how it made us late.
His response was to pat me on the shoulder and say, "it's all right Nanan." Patronised by my five yr old grandson.
One of those days when you really realise how much you love your grandchildren.

Morning all, off to see DiL consultant today, fingers crossed for ‘steady as you go’ news. To nervous to chat about everyday stuff. Hope your day is good

Praying and "rooting" for positive news morethan
Someone once told me, God never gives you more to cope with than you are able.
Could only answer, I wish he didn't overestimate me so much.
That must go for you and your whole family.

Will be thinking of you all today, morethan. Everything crossed.

Morning everyone! So much going on with babies, funerals, coughs and colds and a dodgy cruise. I am deep into the inertia stage of the virus everyone has had. I really must go and do my homework - French this afternoon!
Keep warm and well and be kind to yourselves

Wishing you well today morethan.

He didnt overestimate you Ann - you cope well and with good humour!

Back later, I've just changed the bed and need a lie down!

A very good point Annsixty (about what we can cope with) and I so agree with what you say.
There have been times often in the wee small hours when one’s ability to cope seems stretched to the limit and I admit to a few (?) moments like these. You look back and think how did I get through that?
Sometimes an “angel” arrives in whatever disguise, friend, neighbour, even carer.TBH sometimes I found just putting one foot in front of the other was the only option and sometimes it was a Waitrose iced Belgian bun with a with a friend.
But I also think that like any moment of heightened emotion, you look back afterwards and wonder how you got through it all.
Your situation and morethan’s I think requires quite a few “angels” and I hope they surround you.

Morning all !!

Yesterdays photo was taken over my back fence Morethan, it makes me happy just to say that. Its true beautiful things are good for the soul ! I'm glad your son and dil are communicating and how lucky are they to have you as a sounding board.

Ha Grey I can see me now bogged down on my trusty scooter in the middle of a marsh on the phone to the AA for recovery!!! The thing I like best about living here is you come across pictures in the most unexpected places. I was waiting in the car for Grampy yesterday and took this picture - I think Ill call it 'Bottoms up' !!

2 babies means 2 times the champagne * soop* !!

I ahdn't heard of that Grannie I shall away to google it. I just feel really lucky to be here . Do pop in if you do persuade the old boy... you can sit in our orangery ( I still feel posh saying that LOL) and we can eat cake and put the world to rights !!

Maw !!!!! Shame on you lol Hope you enjoy the class.

We have the builders starting tomorrow so we are off to stock up on biscuits and sandwich makings.

Back later x

Good morning

Just checking, when I tried to post earlier it wouldn’t let me.

Jumping in because it did say “very welcoming”

Welcome indeed pinto. Are you new to GN or just new to the kitchen? Whatever, you'll find good company here (especially if you bring us some cake )

maw almost everyone I have spoken to recently has been struggling with loss or worry with regard to loved ones. Sorry seems such an inadequate word when faced with loss such as yours. I think for lots of people they just don't know what to say but there will always be the insensitive ones. Come into the kitchen where you can always be assured of a (hug) x

pinto [this lot] eat so much cake that we need a resident dietician and dentist. I have never baked a cake in my life because I would end up eating at least part of it. Welcome if this is your first time here.

New to the kitchen

morethan hope your DIL has good news. You have a lot to cope with too.

Galen so sorry you were poorly on your cruise. Thank goodness for nurse Bella. When DH and I cruise we opt for free seating so we sit with different people most evenings. Sometimes it's good and sometimes not.

N&G. Love your photo it's a sight we see often too.

corner hope the funeral goes as well as possible. We are busy making arrangements for my DB's funeral at the moment. So much to do.

pinto I am sure there is a rule somewhere if there isn't I'll just make it up that newcomers to the kitchen have to bring cake.

I am currently eating praline left over from making a Christmas dessert.

May I offer you some?