Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen...

Hello everyone. I’ve been up since dawn’s crack and am now ready to find a cozy corner in the kitchen where I can doze while listening to your doings.

I’ve been having tummy issues for a while so yesterday decided I had better see my GP before my next trip away. She was very keen to get things done quickly so this morning I went to her house (where she has a clinic) to have blood taken. She had a few other people there for the same purpose, then she takes the samples to hospital herself.

I also had an ultrasound of my abdomen at 10.30 today. Nothing to indicate why I’m having discomfort, but told I have a mild case of fatty liver. No more booze for me, I fear. Haven’t had any since the cruise with Galen, and don’t miss it.

Two weeks to wait for blood results, hope I won’t need any more invasive tests. Fingers crossed.

Anyone got any cake? ?

Oldgoat no prob - as long as I get to see the finished painting! ?. The long dark smudge on the far right is Stanage Edge. On the walk back there were some lovely views of Chatsworth but the sun was full in our faces and photos would have been a non starter.
Glad your sisters are coming this weekend, Maw; that should be fun and keep you all busy. I miss mine tremendously - we never seemed to stop laughing when we were all together. We all used to go and visit our elderly aunt and she would say “Now you’re not to make me laugh! I can’t get to the lavatory very quickly these days!” But we never managed not to make her laugh, and she loved every minute.

Bellasnana I hope your tests all show nothing amiss. I have had similar investigations over the years and they have all been a storm in a teacup. You are very lucky with your GP - she sounds as keen as mustard, so you’re obviously in good hands!

Greyduster* Your recent photographs are superb. Lovely one of you too.

annsixty and granniequeenie Time spent with good friends, is worth its weight in gold. Companionship is priceless. So much more effective than pills and potions.

Maw an enjoyable weekend in store for you and Paw's sisters. Old family photos are fascinating. This new generation will have countless on their smart phones but there is nothing to match handling a "real photo", the older, the better.

oldgoat Yes! That particular landscape would be ideal. I'm returning to my owl portrait after lunch. It's fiddly but addictive. The feathers are a real challenge. I shall share a photo when it's finished to my satisfaction.

Galen So that's where you've imprisoned Gary. Do you have him under lock and key, or is he a "trusty" and allowed out for recreational purposes?

Charleyg Measurements taken as per hospital's request. I shall enquire after our friend's progress (so far, so good) and pass the info' on to whomsoever requires it.

Bellasnana It's good to know that your tests are already under way. Please take good care of yourself and keep us lot informed.

Bella I've left you a buttery, oaty raisin flapjack.

Teenagers are arriving. I've left out nibbles for them. Later there'll be a make-your-own pizza session. I shopped at the local Coop this morning and mentioned to the checkout guy that I was feeding six teenagers today. He surveyed my purchases and said: "Not enough chocolate" ?

I said, "Well, I think they live on chocolate the rest of the time so it's make-your-own pizza today."

"That", he conceded, "will be fun".

I saw this sign in the pub we were lunching in yesterday and simply had to photograph it to send to my son, as it made me laugh out loud. He said he was going to send it to their boys, but I suspect he will not as it is very ‘close to home’!

Baggs ...after which, the teens wash the dishes!

Greyduster Ditto

I would love it. I know that Hattie would be doing it for her own convenience and not for the love of me but that is what Tara does. Tara prefers a double bed and one which has been made up. She does not like fresh bed linen but neither does she like her own which I have not washed for around 4 weeks. She is moulting a lot now.

Greyduster I loved that notice you saw in the pub. I think that applies to a family a few doors away with 3 sons. These houses are not large so two will be sharing a bedroom- that cannot be easy in their twenties. They have 3 bedrooms and fine for Tara and myself. She bagged a bedroom and a double is free. It does not have a bed in it which is why she has not moved in there.

We've given the ward sister all the necessary furniture measurements. Our pal is not quite as bright today. She has raised blood pressure. Thankfully she's in good hands.

Away to prepare for a cosy evening in front of the fire. There is a keen wind blowing outside and the waves are white-capped.

Until tomorrow. Stay safe.

Dear Soop
Just popping in to say, as promised, I raised a toast to you at the Burns lunch in Edinburgh. You were sorely missed.
As you can see, I am holding two glasses. One was for you, but I was forced to drink it in your absence.

And that wasn't the only glass she drank. She is right, Soop, you were sorely missed, and mentioned in despatches.

"A gran's a gran for a' that" (with apologies to the Bard)

Elengran

I did have a good time, living up to my name.

A good time had by all and that is what it is all about.
I love the friendship and fellowship formed by GN.
It is to the benefit of us all.

Evening all. Creeping in for a quiet sit before sleep. Our friends go home tomorrow and I’m frankly shattered, keyed up too, been having last straw internet hassles, so a quiet sit to unwind will do me good.

I’ll be back tomorrow with all the uneaten cake. Did I really think we were feeding 50?

Apologies, can’t recall all the posts in the last couple of days. I so agree ann, there are good friends to be had here. I’m sorry you weren’t feeling so resilient.

Pleased Edinburgh was a success. You’ve been busy soop, was hoping your car would be returned by now, really pleased you have an alternative and are not grounded.

New neighbours are always anxiety making I think charley, good that you and the owner are in contact. I’m a great one for ‘just in case’,

Think I miss those teenage get together baggs, I’m sure the DIY pizza went down well, also kept them occupied for a bit .

Love the idea of the photo session maw, if Hattie wants another shoulder to lean in she has one here.

Hope you feel better soon belllasnana, cake coming tomorrow.

Beautiful images as ever greyd, Striking scenery, envy your ability to walk distances.

Cars certainly can be a drain on the budget, I think they’re a bit like computers and washing machines a necessary if expensive item prone to emergencies. That’s me being negative about our computer system with the flipping wifi playing up.

Apologies to anyone I’ve missed, really tired now so must end. See you soon..

corner after your friends leave today, you and Mr. C can sit down with a lovely cup of coffee and breathe a sigh of relief. It is definitely "feet up" time until you get your breathe back. No more meal planning, you can eat what you like and when you like.

The mountain of washing will take its time to reduce to zilch as you cannot hang it outside. I do not have a tumble dryer, that is deliberate but I seem to manage.

I am meeting a friend for lunch and I am looking forward to that. We also always exchange books we have read so that will increase my library here.

Good morning all.
After a few very grumpy days I am trying to get back my normally good spirits.
Rest up corner like you I now get very tired in prolonged visits when I have to be talking all the time, actually I can talk for England in short bursts, it is the day after day thing tires me.
Bellasnana I wish you a speedy diagnosis of your tummy troubles.
The waiting for results is so hard and when they can't find any reason, it is so disheartening . We all need one magic pill to cure all our ills.
Charlrygirl I wish for you good neighbours, our are so invisible since H's diagnosis and downward spiral that I think they feel he is infections ☹
soop I am sorry your prolapses are with you now forever, you make such light of it but I am sure we all know just how debilitating it must be.
My H is now obsessing about the " small stuff", today it is the paper bill.
The newsagent sends an invoice every 3 weeks, it is delivery only as we have the Telegragh subscription where we pay twice yearly.
The bill has come this morning, it is £7:44pence, he thinks the bailiffs will be in if it isn't paid today, he has carried out about since 8am mentioning it every 30 seconds.
I have a lovely price of brisket in the slow cooker so I will go and prep my veg and whip up some Yorkshire pudding batter.
Have as good a day as you can everyone.
Just remembered, N&G I hope the visit "back home" has gone well and enjoyed by all.

Awwww! Marydoll and all those who managed to gather in Edinburgh, I'm so chuffed that you had a marvellous time. I would have joined you if I had a decent Tardis. Thank you for thinking of me. Much appreciated.

Afternoon all !

Wow you have all been busy!! Time to catch up.

I was actually quite glad for Grampy's company, we had such a busy day and late night i was shattered for the drive back on Saturday so it was nice to have someone to share the driving with.

Ouch Maw that's a hefty garage bill !! Our garage now sends us a video of the man as he checks the car and shows you wear and tear etc...its supposed to make you feel less like you're being ripped off.

Love the pond ( although I did chuckle at the first picture) Galen

Enjoy your holiday Arty Send us lot a postcard

I love Miller Carter Ann , we had 2 near our old home and the steaks are the best I've ever tasted, so I am very jealous . Glad you enjoyed it .

Hope the tests help pinpoint the issueBella then it can be fixed .

Love the sign Grey !!

Are they gone Corner , ??? feet up, cup of tea , slice of cake...breathe !!!!

Thanks Ann , it was lovely. Best moment by far --- Grampy went to pick Jackson up from school but didn't tell him I was waiting for him at his house, so when he came in , the smile was a million mega watt one as he flew across the room and launched himself at me. Good job there's not much of him because i might have missed catching him !!!

It was lovely seeing half the family , caught up on the important stuff, Jackson is now a 'purple' reader and passed his '2 times' test and is now on 3 times !! Coop can do a complete roly poly and now makes it to the toile 9 times out 10 . Mummy and Daddy are fine too.

Next visit is half term where madly, we have Miss Laura from Saturday to Wednesday then dropping her home and collecting all 3 boys from weds to Saturday . Don't ask why we agreed to that....no idea !!

Happy Sunday all !

ann Your bright and cheery mood is catching. I'm always so much happier whenever any one of you lot experience an uplift in spirits.

corner I agree wholeheartedly with Charleyg...after your friends depart, it's time to unwind and enjoy the memories of the visit, and know for certain that you did your best. You have my respect...as teens like to say.

anno You're a poet and dinnae know it! Is that the correct spelling, Elegran?

Just a little postscript to Miller and Carter, the steak was delicious as was the wine but what can justify a bottle of red, supermarket price £9:77. costing £23 in a steak restaurant.

soop I’m sure your spirits are sky high with the news that Roger Federer has won the Australian Open. I’m chuffed for him. He’s a legend in his own lifetime I think.

Thank you for the flapjack, delicious! It didn’t give me heartburn either! Now where is corner with the cake