Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen...

We have returned from a soggy Campbeltown. Roads clear. Pavements tricky.

ann I want to hug you right this minute. It would, I promise, be a tender hug. No need for words.
Swanny hasn't be in this kitchen to date. Swanny! Wherever you be...come back real soon.

Grampy A belated happy birthday wish to you. Nana The saga of the cake was chuckle rousing. I bet you didn't think so at the time. Never mid. It's the thought that counts.

Bella This too shall pass. The dreary grey days of winter are slowly but surely morphing into early spring. New beginnings. That's what we have to look forward to.

kitty and anno A friend was telling us just today that she squeezed into what is her store cupboard...long and narrow. When she reached the end of the shelving she discovered that her partner had "chucked" a big box of Xmas decorations on top of it and the box had fallen over the back and she couldn't access anything. When she gave him a wee telling off, he replied - So that was what the crash was as I closed the door! She needed a frozen leg of lamb, or something equally huge and heavy.

My friend will be picking me up later this afternoon. We're off to the cinema in Campbeltown.

I shall be back with you all again tomorrow. Must away to do a spot of cleaning. Have received a rather smart sofa throw. Need to remove all cushions and do a vac before I leave.

Take care.

annsixty I feel for you - even although I wa never in your shoes.
The last “holiday “ Paw and I had was 5 days in Ludlow just before DD had DGS2. He was six last November!
To be fair, I did have 3 days in Sweden (flew out Sunday, flew back Wednesday) last June but only because Sis in law came to look after paw . I was very reluctant to even do that but the girls demolished all my objections and although brief, it was a godsend.
I just stopped up my ears at all the talk of cruises/ Venice/ China/ Spain/ France, the lot. Not sour grapes, just affected deafness.
And in a funny way, once I had got the initial out of my system, I wasn’t all that bothered. Not even when I was on Granny duty when DD and SIL had their various “essential”breaks. Didn’t dare let myself.
Is there no way a DS/DGD could hold the fort for you for a long weekend somewhere nice?

Enjoy the film Soop and glad any future buggerations turned out to be a nonstarter IYSWIM!! Love the new painting.

Love grampy's T shirt N&G. Hope he enjoyed his mammogram - probably more than you did!!

Bertie seems to have had a good time with his father and his latest flame. His 'proper' party is this weekend. DD has made him a cake decorated in honour of his favourite football team - which is the one his lovely step father supports.

I'm sorry some of you are feeling down. Can't do anything but offer you sympathy and hugs Ann and Bella.

I visited the village flower shop this morning and found the assistant in tears. Earlier this week her 66 year old father had been diagnosed with mixed dementia. It really is a dreadful disease.

Hugs to Ann and Bella from me too.
Soop, I hope that you have enjoyed the film. Last time I went to the "pictures" it was in 1997, to see Titanic!
My lovely daughter number 3, who took me on my treat trips to London (twice) and Nottingham, rang last night to say that she`s booked another one to London, to the O2 arena, to see the Strictly tour, but I`m not sure if I should go or not. My disabled daughter who lives with me is upset at the idea, despite me having left her before. She can`t do much for herself, but I try to leave everything she`ll need out and handy for her, then worry all the time that I`m gone. My other daughters say I should have a life as well, but now I feel so guilty.

Evening all. Washing machine update. Another clean floor today , our local Mr Fixit is away for a couple of weeks, it’s very noisy and we don’t know how old it is so on Monday it’s off to be recycled and a new one arrives. Hopefully before our friends arrive to stay - need a crossed fingers emoticon.

Hugs to callgirl, annie, mawb and bella. Washing machines are nothing in comparison to your situations. I feel quite ashamed for stressing. Look after yourselves, it really is OK to think of your needs and yes, turn a deaf ear when you need to.

How was the film soop? I can’t recall the last time I went to the cinema, think I need to stir myself just a bit more. I also love your new fawn painting, I’m sure it will be cherished.

Oh n&g, your description of the flying cake had me laughing. A very happy belated birthday to grampy, shame there’s no cake left though.

Has charley gone missing again? I expect more gremlins but hope she’s ok.

I am determined to do all the filing and shredding tomorrow, not a piece of paper will be left. I’ll catch up when it’s done, assuming the shredder hasn’t eaten me .

DGCs have come for the weekend while their parents are off on a jolly.
Toby (6) has made cards - one for me saying thank you for having them and one for Grandpa to “put on his grave” ?
Gulp

Maw I think it is lovely that he wants to leave a card for his grandad. But I can fully understand your "gulp" reaction.

It will help Toby though, he will feel he is doing something nice to help him remember his grandad.

But I am wondering about the grave. Apart from the flowers it is still bare earth, not turfed over, and I wasn’t going to suggest going to it in case they found it frightening or had nightmares . The forecast for tomorrow is for heavy rain, which may provide a way out, DD has said I should “play it by ear” SIL3 is planning to come over and if it stops raining to take the boys for a “kick about” which may also be a way to minimise any impact.
A very sensitive boy!

Maw, what a lovely thought from your grandson.

He sounds like a lovely, thoughtful little boy.
My friend died almost a year ago, and her husband says he has to have planning permission for a headstone, and then for all the wording on it. Then when he dies, the family have to get planning permission all over again for extra words on the headstone. I must have led a sheltered life, it`s the first I`ve heard of anything like that.

Good morning all !!

Grampy is super excited this morning as he spotted some deer in the field behind our house ( how can you tell we're city people lol) but he then proceeded to scare them off trying to photograph them !!

I'm so sorry Ann & Maw about your lack of holidays. In your case ann its hard to know what to suggest. My Mum used to take staycations - where she ate her favourite food, binge watched her favourite TV etc. I'm not sure it would be much of a break for you unless your DH was away and that doesn't sound possible.

Will he still not accept any respite care ann?

ah how our children love to pile on the guilt callgirl ! Maybe , just maybe a little tough love is called for . Maybe it is not that you're going but that she isn't/can't. Maybe a little trip/treat just for her will calm troubled water?

Oh Maw how I love the little ones card and how it must tug on your heartstrings. How lovely that he made it with such love . Oh to be little eh? When we lost my MiL our youngest put a plastic tea set in the coffin so Nanny could have tea parties in heaven with the angels

Its a quiet day here I think, no builders for the weekend.

We just both received our diabetic eye screening letters for February and realised on that day ( its half term week) we will have all 3 little boys for the week. A first ( and maybe a last!!) .

I wonder how Norwich Hospital would enjoy their company for an hour LOL - reschedule I think !!

Have a lovely day all !!

A card made with love that's for sure maw, what a thoughtful and kind little lad who will have no idea about the very understandable gulp. I'm sorry, I've absolutely no idea for sure what I'd do. Having said that children are both resilient and accepting, you know them well, trust your instinct about it. The forecast rain may make tomorrow difficult if not impossible and if thats the case maybe Toby would be happy for you to take it for him another time.

I've taken a break from the flipping paper, back aching and there's a very grumpy Corner. Mr C has the sense to stay well away.

I'm sure the deer will be back n&g , expect they will be curious about these new humans over their fence.

OK, best do some more. Take care everyone.

maw Toby's precious card for Gramper, couldn't be lovelier. I would treasure it.

Last night's trip to the cinema, (I last went to see 'Silence of the Lambs) was a real treat. Gary Oldman's portrayal of Churchill was amazing. The cinema is small and newly refurbished. Just 52 comfortable seats. I would recommend 'Darkest Hour' to all who enjoy the very best of cinema entertainment.
We, the three ladies, had a super supper treat at a new Indian restaurant. The food was truly scrumptious and the service impeccable. It was a much appreciated treat.

I almost forgot to tell you, that the snowdrops are out in profusion. Naturally, I didn't have my camera with me. Never mind, I can photograph them tomorrow.

soop I really must wear my reading glasses. I just read your post and thought you said Churchill had been in Silence of the Lambs. I thought I don't remember that ...then I read your post again

maw what a lovely card from Toby. It made me gulp too.

I haven’t been in the kitchen since Thursday - how time flies! Soop I’m glad you enjoyed the film - heartily concur with your recommendation. However, Callgirl’s comments about Silence of the Lambs raised all kinds of images in my mind! “Ah, Miss Layton, take a letter. To that damned house painter Herr Hitler. I intend to eat your liver with fava beans and a bottle of good chianti”!
Maw that is a charming sentiment from Toby at such a tender age, bless him. To all who are feeling that life is a trial at the moment, my heart surely goes out to you.
My grandson has been with us overnight while his parents had a trip to the theatre. It was very enjoyable - he’s always very good except when you are trying to lever him out of bed in the morning! He announced this morning that his dad had suggested it might be nice if GS and I could make a birthday cake for mum (I swear my SiL thinks I can magic these things out of thin air!!). I suggested we buy one but that suggestion fell on stony ground, so we did our best and the result is a little ‘rustic’ with decorations scrabbled together from the depths of my baking cupboard, apart from some sugar roses that we bought. Then we had to hide it because they turned up early to pick him up. We will take it over tommorrow when we go to lunch. Her birthday is Monday. GS suggested that we buy candles that reflected her age. I told him that ladies did not appreciate being reminded of how old they were!

Hooray. The filing is filed, the shreding is shrededed and we've been out for a nice cuppa and an excelent gluten free cupcake. I'm a happy Corner .

Love that cake greyd, its an excellent offering, properly home made. Of course you can conjour things out of thin air - thats what grandmothers do. . Should there be any left chocolate just happens to be my favourite.

Havent seen any snowdrops here soop, will go on a hunt if it ever stops raining. The Ark is currently under construction. You seem to go to the cinema as frequently as I do, there's a new one opening within striking distance from here, may stir myself, Mr C would enjoy it I know.

Maw - Toby must be a very lovely grandson!

I shan't see any snowdrops in my little front garden this year. I've had it's randomness and neglect tamed and there is an anti weed membrane or flagstones all over. I'll miss seeing them peeping up, always a thrill to see that spring is on its way!

Must go and make blueberry muffins, my neighbour's favourite. There will be enough to share on here, a warm and welcoming place.

Elrel It's a pity that you won't be seeing snowdrops in your garden this year.
Any blueberry muffins going spare? If so...you know where to leave them. Lovely to have your company.

Greyduster That is a truly magnificent cake.

corner I bet that you are feel better for having completed a task that you found irksome.

Crafting Churchill had a better sense of humour than the chap in 'Silence of the Lambs'...he was a nasty individual.

Still no snow. We've been very fortunate. Although we did come across some nasty icy patches during this morning's walk.

Take good care of yourselves and enjoy a pleasant and peaceful evening.

N&G, Lynne won`t leave the house, so no use planning to take her anywhere. The family are all going out to a local restaurant tomorrow for a Sunday roast dinner, because it would have been David`s birthday, but she won`t come.
Greyduster, that cake looks scrumptious!
I`m going to London with Dawn after all, my granddaughter is going to stay with Lynne, fairly reluctantly though, because Lynne can be an unsociable beggar.
Soop, I`m so glad that you enjoyed the film , and the Indian meal. I`d love to go to an Indian restaurant, but only with someone who knows all the ins and outs of what to order.

Evening all! It’s been a touch parky here and dull with it but it brightened up a bit this afternoon so off we went for a walk. Couldn’t resist a shot of the rather ghostly Abbey in the afternoon light. Sadly we ruined any health benefits of the walk by having fish and chips for tea!
Some snow drops are just beginning to push through here too soop. It sounds like you enjoyed your night at the movies, by the sounds of it you’re an even less frequent cinema goer than I am.
Belated birthday good wishes to grampy, I loved that birthday cake story, it made me laugh out loud - sorry nana! And on the subject of cake, that looked like a very fine specimen greyduster and all the better for being made with love I’m sure.
Between filing and cake making everyone sounds very productive. I on the other hand am feeling distinctly idle and lacking in motivation so I’m off to watch a dvd, too lazy even to go to the cinema.
Hugs to all who are feeling the loss of someone special this evening x

Beautiful picture Grannyqueenie, what abbey is that please?

Thanks callgirl, it’s Bolton Abbey, I can never resist yet another snap!

Soop - Many thanks for your kind welcome! ?

Morning all!

Its bright and crispy here this morning !

Grampy is in the garden discussing the work with the roofer and I am considering getting out of my pjs ....or not... they are after all lounge wear!!!

The cinema trip sounds great soop I wanted to see that movie too but suspect i will have to wait until its available on DVD.

I have to say Grey the cake looks pretty good to me !

mmmm blueberry muffins Elrel , pass one over...well it is fruit so it must be good for you. Welcome to the kitchen , pull up a seat ....

Callgirl what a coincidence, my middle name is Lynne . Don't see many spelt like that. That is a shame that she doesn't go anywhere but kind that your granddaughter will come to sit with her.

Very haunting picture Grannie looks lovely.

Quiet day bow making here ! Hope everyone has something planned they love today .