Soop's comfortable, cosy, friendly kitchen...

There used to be the most wonderful ice cream parlour in Tenby, called Fecci’s. It used to be my way of bribing the children to be good when we were shopping - one of the amazing creations from their menu! It is still there, I think.

Our GS came back on Thursday from his school trip to Paris, and we caught up with him yesterday over a barbecue at their house. He was full of tales of his travels, and had presents for us! Grandad got a tee shirt with Paris (what else?) on it, a miniature Eiffel Tower and a bag of rather dodgy looking liquorice allsorts. I got two models of the Eiffel Tower (one of which lights up - he was very eager to present me with that one), a string of tiny yellow beads, a handbag mirror with the Mona Lisa on the front, and a bar of chocolate. I was touched beyond belief. Of course I shall display the towers, wear the beads and the mirror will have pride of place in my new handbag. My son and DiL came to lunch today and DS was, in a jokey way, being rather disparaging about my light-up treasure and suggested I smuggle it into the dustbin. I told him I had kept everything he had made or given me when he was a child, and showed him the glass elephant that came from a glass factory he visited in Kings Lynn, and a little porcelain dish he bought from a flea market with his meagre pocket money for Mother’s Day when he was about the same age as GS. Also the rather ‘rustic’ watch stand he made in a woodwork class at school, and a horrible plate he painted. If he wants to see the rest he will have to go into the loft, but it’s all there. He was then quite chastened! It was good to see them both, and we had a nice roast dinner, a bottle of Rioja, good conversation, and lazed about in the garden. We were supposed to have had rain this afternoon but it has not materialised. Have a pleasant evening, Kitcheners all.

We were also promised rain today but I knew it would not happen.
One of my "friends" I have mentioned her and her boasting many times, rang me on Friday to say one of her son's was having an early 50th party today as at his actual birthday, far more important and impressive things would be happening.
It is to be a barbecue etc in the garden with40/50 guests, and as nothing ever happens to rain on their parade I just knew it would be fine.
Jealous/cynical? Moi? Of course not.

ann my DB frequently asked my SIL where his wife was in the years before he died (not knowing it was her even if she told him). However, 3 months before he died he always stroked her hair and held her hand in a loving manner that he had not shown some years before. No sure if that helps but I am convinced he loved her to the end even if he did t know her name or the meaning of the word wife.

People are kind charley if we let them be, I’m pleased you are allowing it.

Oh those treasures, greyd: I was eyeing one such a week or so back and concluding it was no longer fit for display. Throw it out, says Mr C. Well I did, sort of, I threw it into the loft Your grandson sounds delightful.

After a suitcase your lovely new home will feel far from compact ffinochio. Soon be there.

I’m sorry you need to ask for immediate respite ann but oh so pleased you will be asking. You not only need it you deserve it. Please get some sleep when you can, you’ve carried a weight for so long.

Evening meal over, Mr C has cleared away and sorted the dishwasher, I’ll be joining you in a glass very soon ann. Take care everyone.

Ann, there will always be an emergency social worker available - ring them!

Bank holidays seem to bring on emergencies. Social workers are used to it. Phone first thing tomorrow, Ann and get some help.

Just a relative quickie I think after taking up so much space yesterday, but with so many of my new kitchen friends having problems of varying degrees I just have to make a visit.

Good Morning to you all,weather looking good but with a big ? .......as it is certainly very unstable.
At this moment the sun is gracing us beautifully........

My husband is a Scotsman Soop and although he has introduced me many times to his beautiful highlands, I would love,love,love to visit the “Mull of Kintyre” ........ where I presume you live?
Your picture has whetted my appetite..........and those sunsets are to die for.

Charleygirl.....it seems you are struggling more than a tad and yes it does make a difference to our lives......and `ops recovery.......when we are 5 years older,whilst to be honest, the weather is playing havoc with us all.......no sooner hot than its cool.
Thank goodness for a loving Tara eh?
Sending my best wishes,it will get better ........hopefully soon.

Annsixty......words fail me on reading your letters and if someone is in REAL need of respite, then it has to be you.
So heartbreaking this illness that has, in essence, taken the husband you have known and loved all those many years into someone who does not even recognise you.
Deeply hurtful and my heart hurts for you.
You need that help and you need it NOW.
That first call for help is the hardest, but it is the only way...........It is there for you, but you have to do the first step,and ask.

I have got through my worst nightmares in the past by counting my blessings, when I see so many youngsters..... whom will never have the joy of a good full life.........true enough,however bad your own situation,there are always others so much worse off.

ffinochio & Fennel......the ladies on the move!!! I can but wish you both happy and settled “landings “ as life of a travelling romany and /or suitcases can have its moments, but in the end we need our Home sweet home with solid walls I suppose.
Good Luck to you both.

Indeed Greyduster pleased to add Fecci`s and their creative icecreams and parlour has survived in Tenby, one cannot visit without partaking for sure......just as one has not lived without tasting that so fresh watercress from the beds in Caldey Island.

Cornergran........ so pleased you were well taken care of during your recent visit to Wales ,you know “We always keep a welcome” and even happier reading you often visit the West here and especially our beautiful Tenby, which gives you that inner peace we all sometimes need.

That was why we opted for that Apartment............

Grannyqueenie........great pictures of my homeland,I am rather impressed to say the least!

MawB .....I rather think your chosen settee colours are beautiful, plus it fits in with so many other colours in a sitting room
.I see your point with Hattie being black.........but throws are a great answer these days,whilst look equally stylish.Whilst comfort has to come first.

I remember once asking for Corgi coloured carpet........to the smiles of the salesmen!
We actually ended up with a lovat shade peppered with heather tones,it did the trick and it lasted and lasted.............as did our corgi!!

As you all know by now I shall be away for............well how long is a piece of string??!........but may I please say thank you,I have been deeply touched.....and honoured....... by the many caring kind words from just about everybody visiting the kitchen,such a warm,caring crowd..................... especially since I am a relatively newcomer to your kitchen home.

Wishing each one of you a better, brighter and fitter day and week,and may all your varying problems get suitably dealt with.

Hope to be with you again very soon.

Wishing you all the very best Panache, as I may have said I think Paw had an ERCP (or maybe an MRCP, or is that the Mounties?) some years ago (no gall bladder) after his liver transplant and something called (wait for it!) a .hepaticojejunostomy
(Me neither!)
Main thing is to get to the bottom of your unexplained weight loss and get you back to full health

annsixty, I can see that now you have gone beyond the end of your tether and enough is more than enough. I can't understand why your H hasn't been prescribed a sedative which would at least give you a better night's sleep.

Panache All positive vibes are winging their way from here to you. You will be in our thoughts and we'll be rooting for you. Shoulders back...head high...bloody big on you face. Upwards and onwards.

Ann PLEASE (yes, I'm shouting at the top of my voice) get on the phone to the emergency helpline. We are all in agreement. YOU need HELP...not at some time in the future...NOW!

Charleyg I agree that there are many good folk prepared to help without any fuss or whatever. Your neighbour is kind. She's a treasure.

Maw Your suite is perfect. Our sofa is the same shade of natural and we have a variety of colourful throws and cushions to enhance it. Most were purchased with Rory in mind. He was a well behaved feline and did not a scrap of damage to any part of our his home.

Greyduster I smiled as I read about your grandson's trip to Paris, and the thoughtful gifts that he had chosen for you and your husband. Like you, I have kept all the treasures that my sons have given me over the years. They may have cost next to nothing...to me they are priceless.

There isn't a cloud in the sky. It is hot and the midges are beginning to make a nuisance of themselves.

I'm about to return to my easel. Looking forward to spending time with the paint box.

OOps, Just peeping out of GNHQ’s naughty corner for quoting a silly little pome about a “Spelling Chequer” <sigh>
I do sometimes wonder if this is grown up GN or MN
Turned out hot and sunny again, my sympathy to the poor souls who may be stuck in homeward bound traffic later this afternoon.
There is a lot to be said for staying at home.
I have just ventured out for petrol and <whisper> a double raspberry Magnum
It’ll be three Hail Mary Berry’s for me!

Maw Snap! We've also sat in the sun and enjoyed a Magnum. It's far too hot to remain outdoors. This has be our hottest day this year. I've returned to the easel.

Date with the audiologist tomorrow morning. Another date on Thursday with the optician. I know how to have a good time.

MacSporran has a date with the garage...or, should I say the car has a date. There appears to be a knocking sound that has thus far escaped my attention.

Our friend is poorly with severe stomach cramps. She hasn't eaten since Friday night. I'm wondering whether or not there is a bug doing the rounds.

I'm away for today. I am thinking of those of you who need a huge dollop of TLC. You know who you are. I shall catch up with you lot after lunch tomorrow.

I once had a knocking noise in my car which was investigated by the lovely one-man garage in our village. When I went to collect it, he asked if I had a car Radio, and when I answered Yes, he said Well I’d just turn it up a bit louder if I were you!
No charge of course!

I have just had a visit from our StepGS and his girlfriend who asked if they could call in on the way home to London. And their tortoise, who munched his way through a considerable number of pansies out of my garden! He prefers the yellow ones apparently but I didn’t have any! Can’t stand fussy dinner guests! ?

ann your problems are certainly NOT insignificant. Other people just have different ones. Please get that respite care before you crack up. So sorry if that sounds blunt.
Panache I did enjoy your lovely post about Wales. I’ve spent meant memorable holidays there, both as a child and with my own children. We spent three lovely holidays on the Lleyn Peninsula, others at Newgale and Tenby.
I know tomorrow is The Day and I wish you all the best and look forward to more news when you feel like it. Thinking of you.

All the best for tomorrow Panache.

Whizzing in to wish panache well for tomorrow

What have you been up to maw? Missed that one.

Take care everyone.

Maw how many times have I told you not to stray from soop's kitchen. It really is not worth the effort.

Panache all the very very best for whatever lies ahead. Hopefully you will be on your feet fairly soon.

Ann I do hope that you get the respite care that you so desperately need, preferably before you collapse in a heap on the floor. That will not do your knees any good.

Tara is asleep beside me- she will have to wait at least 2 more hours before I will be considering an early night.

My cleaner came a day early today for which I was grateful so I have a clean house and bedding. A shower later and I will be so happy.

Sending all good wishes to panache for tomorrow and for ann.

Hope all goes well tomorrow Panache. (Gets back into the lurking corner)

Get out of that corner and join in grannynise

But the lemon drizzle cake is in the corner ...

Dear Panache thinking of you while you prepare for
tomorrow also to say that I enjoy your writings.+
Dear Ann I don't want you to collapse because either,
because of your situation.+