Soop's comfortable and friendly kitchen...

Ann ??. While H is away, you will have the time and space to evaluate the situation realistically and I am glad you have accepted, for the sake of your health and well being, that things can’t carry on as they are. As you say, that it should come to this, after so many years of happiness, is sad indeed. I am very glad to hear that your GD is better. She is a diamond.

Gq lovely photographs. We love Bamburgh and it’s dunes and castle. My DS and missus were up there recently for the first time and he similarly fell in love with Northumberland, though his wife is a Geordie lass and was already in love with it!

We have been summoned by GS to an exhibition of the Year 6 Viking Museum exhibition at school this afternoon. Mum and Dad are working so we are ‘it’. It has been their year 6 project and I am greatly looking forward to it as he and I talked a lot about it this term. I am wondering, though, whether he will be able to stay awake, as they were down in London this weekend, burning the candle at both ends at Wimbledon and the World Athletics Championships, and got up at some god awful hour this morning to travel back as DD had to be at work for nine! Her employers originally allowed her book a morning’s leave today - and two weeks ago, they changed their minds even though there will be plenty of cover. She usually works from 0730 on Monday, but they generously allowed her to come in at nine! I can’t tell you how incensed I have been about this, and other things related to this new job she has. It seems to be a very one sided working relationship. Her employers don’t deserve her. I said I would rather she got in late and got the sack than risk their necks haring up the motorway. Anyway, I have got that off my chest! They are here; they are safe.
It looks very much as if we will have some rain this afternoon. Much needed; I am not complaining. It was so hot last night, and I had to shut the window at half past three because for a while now, there has, during the hours of darkness, been a strange humming sound pervading our estate and if you happen to be awake, it is maddening. You can’t hear it during the day at all and in order not to hear it at night, you have to close the windows. We can only think that it is either something to do with the street lighting, or it is the sound of a generator of some kind down on the new building site at the bottom end. It has only really been noticeable since they got going. So maybe GS will not be the only one sleeping through the Viking invasion!
Sorry for the bit of a rant. I will look in later.

Good morning all.
I am taking a break from the questions, questions, questions, all the same ones by escaping upstairs to pack H's case.
I have come to the conclusion now that it is when, not if.
I have been exhausted mentally and physically this weekend and I am not exaggerating at all.
I cannot carry on at my age.
My GD came yesterday and did my ironing for me so everything is ready.
We are going about 2pm.
Congratulations Jane on your anniversary, have a lovely lunch.
It is our 60th in just over 2 weeks, such a huge contrast to our 50th when things were good.
We rented a lovely big villa in Nerja and took all one family and our GD , no-one else wanted to go, and had a wonderful 2 weeks. What a blessing it is that we don't know what the future holds.

Congratulations on your Ruby Anniversary, Jane. And a wedding to look forward to also - splendid! Have a good holiday.

Good evening all! Hugs to those in need. Today we went to hear our daughter’s banns read then went for a lovely lunch to celebrate our Ruby wedding anniversary. Busy tomorrow then a quick dash to France for a few days on Tuesday. C’est la vie!

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Hello all, I’m positive I popped in yesterday with comments about various kitchen goings on, but apparently not. That’ll be another post consigned to that mysterious place where lost musings go
Ann my heart goes out to you in the midst of having to make hard decisions. I hope spending time with your daughter will ease the pain a bit and provide perspective for you as you try to find a way thought it all.
N&G those boys always make me laugh out loud! Like you greyduster I remember those squabbly days well, they were harder to cope with any amount of washing/ironing/ cooking/cleaning ever was!
maw, I hope that your feeling more up than down today, despite the disappointing tennis.
corner I’m glad the sea has worked its magic for you and in the nick of time by the sounds of it as you prepare for some energetic grannying!
Well we’ve had a good day and a half in Northumberland, bathed in sunshine and surrounded by blue skies. Mind you I’m slightly achy after walking around 9 miles in the course of today, all fitted in around football and tennis of course! But it was worth every moment, especially as they say it might be showery tomorrow. I’ll leave you with some photos of brilliant blues and gorgeous greens.

soop I can NEVER eat a Magnum without a sneaky bit of chocolate escaping to somewhere on my anatomy/clothes other than my mouth! Ergo, can never sneak one without DH noticing . Take care everyone, particularly those who are 'low' for whatever reason.

I agree with what has been said re the men's finals.

If I could run I would willingly offer my services as a referee because the decisions made today may mean that Croatia may lose and that would be most unfair. They are the better team by far.

Tara is still asleep upstairs- a lovely life.

Maw Ditto! I have not been yelling at the top of my voice. That's a very bad sign [for me]. Lack-lustre, pretty much sums the match up, although, to be fair, Kevin had been sorely tested after that marathon fifth set. Is it any wonder his arm muscle was complaining.

Greyduster Have a leisurely shower and cool off. We both like the dark choc Magnum. I managed to drop a flake of chocolate down the inside of my blouse. Mucky mare, me.

I am logging off until tomorrow. We're looking forward to watching the mixed double final. Come on, Jamie and partner. Show us what you're made of.

Good evening to all our Granspals. A tender hug for Maw and Ann together with anyone else who needs one.

Oh dear, today’s Men’s Final is proving disappointing, like shooting fish in a barrel. The Djokovic-Nadal match was the true final for me.

Good afternoon, all. We have just returned from a very hot and sweaty walk - in spite of trying to keep to as much shade as possible, it was still HOT!! DH got two lovely bites (no, not from me, though we have had a rather fractious weekend), and I got nettled! The hip held up quite well with the assistance of a couple of paracetamols half way round. I now need another shower, as everything I am wearing is wringing.
Ann I am sorry that you are now faced with the ultimate dilemma, which must be heartbreaking for you. I hope that having your daughter with you will help you with whatever difficult decisions you come to.
N&G my two had bad siblings days, too frequently. I would willingly have given them both to the tigers to look after and mummy would not have missed them one bit! They are not much better now, to be honest! Glad the boys are having a good time with you though! You are more than a match for them both! I would like to come and see the Queen’s horses too!
Soop tell MacS that I like the double chocolate magnums if they have any where he is shopping, and yes, they are horrendously expensive, I agree! DH sometimes buys the ersatz ones but they are not the same. GS eats them whatever they are.
Sorry you are feeling grumpy corner. No wonder if you are not getting enough sleep. Unusually, DH and I have been like a couple of spitting cats with each other this weekend. It must be the heat. I hope it’s the heat! Being with the little one tommorrow should cheer you up!
Well, I am off to freshen up. I will look in later. Apologies to those I have missed.

Good afternoon to you lovely lot. It's overcast and slightly muggy. The islands are hiding behind a veil of mist.

I enjoy the sayings of Cooper and Jackson. They never fail to raise a smile.

MacSporran returned from the village shop with a couple of eye-wateringly costly Magnums. They will be enjoyed during the final match. I shall be rooting for Anderson.

Until a little later, I shall leave you all with kindly thoughts. Especially Maw and Ann who continue to need our support.

I'm a very grumpy corner today but still here.

The right person will come. panache, its the same here, people see the summer weekend and bank holiday traffic and panic but actually it's not a major issue, 90% of the time traffic is very light. Hang on in there.

Cooler here today, been pottering a bit, catching up with some paper work and even the ironing. Now onwards to lunch.

I know those bad brother or indeed bad sister days n&g, and yes, children do say the funniest things. Hopefully brotherly love has resumed today.

We're minding Littlest tomorrow, polishing my running shoes as I type, so no chance of me popping in. Stay cool everyone, enjoy that cake charley back later in the week.

Charley having already dominated this page I shall send you my reply via PM..... as with such a complicated history it would take too much room to explain here.......plus be so boring for others!!

You certainly understand N & G........a big thank you for your kindunderstanding words.............it all helps!!!

It is boiling hot here- I have had enough. I do not envy Kevin and Novak playing tennis in this awful heat, especially after what they have both endured. I do hope that the rules are changed for next year because playing for over 6 hours is ridiculous.

The tennis and football overlap- what am I going to do? The Magnums are ready and the house should be fairly cool- I am looking forward to it.

I am getting excited- I am going out for coffee at Waitrose tomorrow- my first outing for weeks except to the physio which I do not count as an outing more an ordeal. I do hope that they have fresh carrot cake which I can partake with my coffee. Yum.

N&G I thought that was a hilarious remark made by Jackson! I know that they do love each other really.

Corner that is horrid if you cannot sleep- and you are not even at the tossing and turning stage if you are writing to us lot.

Panache if you had the surgery soon would you not be in a better state to move later on?

Just a quick pop in , I feel your pain Panache about the road . Our previous house was by a railway line . We lived there for 20+ years and it was quieter than living on a main road but we could not persuade prospective buyers if that ! Luckily , in the end we sold to a man who works on the railways ! So that perfect buyer will come along . Soon I hope !!

A grand day at the zoo yesterday where I had this conversation with Jackson -

Grampy offeredto pop Cooper in the tigers enclosure and he declined saying his mummy would miss him.

There was a moments silence before Jackson said quietly ‘ not for long!’

They had been having a bad brothers day !!

Time to head out for another fun filled days visiting the Queens horses who are here on holiday x

`Morning all ...........and yes I fear rain has well and truly passed us by.......another scorcher seems in store.

Commiserations Corner I know this nightly tossing and turning with mind working like a mini computor all too well,sleep is simply the last thing likely to happen!
However since both you and Charley have mentioned our move and offending road,perhaps at this early hour I can explain.
This by road is normally just that,busier at morning and evening for the villagers getting to/from the town for work/school.Other times almost as quiet as the graveyard apart from rumbling farmyard traffic...........but busier during the summer naturally, due to the close proximity to such a plethora of beaches,coastal path etc.

Our would be purchaser last year never even mentioned the road!!!
They had 2 miniature. dachshunds.
We had a dachshund ourselves for the best part of time we have lived here.
The very interested parties that came recently both had big dogs and loved the large garden areas we offered,all very safe and secure.

I agree Charley about owning a cat near to such a road although these properties are scattered all along this length of road, and surely a few might have cats..........but each to their own!
However it was at the start of this heatwave when our viewers came.......the saturday and sunday............when quite frankly, we too were taken aback by the traffic,it seemed as if half the nation headed for our beaches,bringing every paraphenalia possible,caravans,boats,bicycles.
In all our 14+ years here we had never witnessed such traffic.
We have not had such heat either!!!

Of course it was very off putting to our cash rich viewers and yes, it cost us a sale,or possible even two!!
Nothing we can do but sit and wait..... but immensley frustrating with time running out and my Consultant nagging me yet again about having this major surgery............life can sometimes be a giant pain in the back side!!!!

I promise not to go on at length about THAT road again,it does not warrant it!

Hopefully some sea air in my lungs might give me fresh inspiration!!

Fingers crossed for getting your car back on the road Charley.......you`ll need some cheering up after all these exciting matches come to an end!But they certainly entertained you nicely whilst house bound........good timing.

Hope you eventually had some "Shut eye Corner or you will be a wet blanket this day........and we can`t be having that!!!

Time I stirred or there will be no sea air worth enjoying!!

Wishing all my kitchen friends a very pleasant day.

Well, I should be asleep but it’s eluding me.

Equilibrium is more or less re established, water watching helps me enormously. Mr C just needs some time.

Your walk sounds wonderful panache, I’m so pleased your legs are cooperating, fingers crossed here that the improvement continues.

I was thinking about your road, There will be people out there who can accept it. Living here is a bit the same, during a summer weekend and around any Bank Holiday road travel is well, foolish. People do understand there are down sides to living in an area that is attractive to holidaymakers.

Fingers crossed for your car charley, see what happens. Mr C has been without a car on two occasions for medical reasons and we found that car running costs paid for many taxi trips. It is a big step to part with a car though.

Oh ann, you’ve come to a hard realisation but I hope you won’t be offended by me saying that I am relieved. Your health is important too and you must care for yourself.

Guess I should practice what I preach and try for some sleep which still seems elusive. Just one of those nights with lots on my mind.

Take care everyone.

soop I agree, I also have hardly moved from my umpire's chair but re the football I appeared to be refereeing different matches. When England played Columbia and Panama I would have sent off so may of their players that England would have sailed through as they would only have had around 3 opponents on the field.

What am I going to do next week?

Panache if you live in an area reliant on holiday makers, maybe advertise your house for sale early autumn when fewer are around. I do not think that I would like to live near a busy road- not with a cat who enjoys the outdoor life.

The winner of the Wimbledon ladies trophy was my first choice. Now for tomorrow's chaps' final . How on earth do the players keep going? I am totally worn out. No excuse as I haven't shifted far from my umpires chair. Have supped so many cups of tea. Now need an urgent wee.

Wishing every one of you a pleasant and restful evening.

soop I was rooting for Novack and then the German girl. England lost so two out of three cannot be too bad.

Pleased to hear that you discovered before the trip to the supermarket- it would have been so embarrassing.

I have just renewed my driving licence on line and cut up my paper licence as it has to be returned to the DVLA. It is now in the lap of the Gods whether in two weeks I will be driving to Waitrose or selling my car! I have been very truthful about my medical problems in the past, I only hope that it does not come back to bite me.

I think I can snatch a quickie in and how pleased I am to have reminded you about those magnums Soop......you obviously have another good `un there with MacS,my DH is expert at shopping these days!!
Has now had plenty of experience bless him.

You may well have a good point Charley......in fact it was the very hot days that brought down the holiday makers which then made our by road hectic...... the very same 2 days we had CASH buyers viewing............I feel those tears as I write...........that road I feel sure sent them running.
Enjoy your "Feast".......lovely having you back in action btw!

With slightly more able legs we had a delightful wander through our local ancient woods,amazing to see their lake with water levels high, both ducks and swans were enjoying a swim.Kiddies delight in looking for the "fairy dells" hidden throughout.

Am bagging some sea air tomorrow,as well as hoping the weather stays a comfortable 22%...........that I can just manage.........

Have yourselves a restful evening and some pleasant dreams later.

Charleyg Rafa lost. I feel sad on his behalf. I was rooting for him throughout the match.
MacSporran made the second journey to Tesco and did a full week's shop. We realised before we reached the shop that the card was not with us. Oh dear...how awful it must be to reach the till and then discover such a thing.

soop I had one for breakfast, that has done wonders for weight loss.

Birdbrain has been moaning that the printer had taken a long rest- I ma not surprised because today the pea brain managed to work out that Ii have to press the word print and voila, just what I wanted.

corner I would have a light lunch sitting by the seaside.

soop not too many Magnums, they are fattening I believe.

Ann and Maw life is very difficult but Maw you have had some lovely outings recently. Hattie will help you.

Ann it sounds as though you have made that momentous decision re H. The career has obviously helped because she is looking at him through fresher eyes.

Panache maybe it is too hot for people to bother about viewing houses? It is too hot for me to think about doing much.

soop I hope that MacS is not stacking shelves to help pay for his groceries having left the card at home.

I am looking forward to a feast of tennis and football this afternoon, I must seen the outcome of Raffa and Novack ' match having watched it to the bitter end at 11pm last night.

Panache Thank you for reminding me. Add Magnums to the shopping list. I knew that a vital something had slipped my mind. Enjoy your day.

May I please join in and say, hopefully today and this weekend will prove uplifting for both you Ann and Maw.......sometimes those tears shed are needed, but there also comes that time to smile again.......something you both seem rather good at,even though it maybe outwardly...... to you both [flowers ]

Indeed pleased that I can just see where ankles should be Corner,G.Q and GreyD..........now I would like a cooler week......IF rain has decided to give us a miss yet again!
I am obviously no longer coping well with piping hot sunshine.

I have discarded my normal handbag collection and starting up a collecting of cross body bags,great for safety, but also for leaving hands free when walking with a cane.

Not too peeved about not liking said house because we are still awaiting our own reluctant purchaser..........where on earth are they I ask???

Missed my shopping trip it seems but perhaps later there maybe something on offer?!
Right then ladies I think I might take a tip from a rather spent Corner........and head for a spot of sea air.

Have a great day and don`t snatch all the magnums!