Soop's super supportive kitchen.

I seem to have missed a lot of posts yesterday. I had to set off for Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre before 6pm and didn't get home till nearly 11. Death of a Salesman is a long play, but well worth it.
N&G, when I had an intractable sinus blockage, my ENT consultant told me to get a sinus rinse kit. You fill the bottle with warm (NOT scalding) water and add a sachet of saline solution, then sniff it up each nostril. Ask your pharmacist. I know it sounds disgusting but it is effective.
Panache, it must be sad to have reached the stage when you can't read any longer. How about audio books? Local libraries usually have a stock of these and RNIB are probably able to supply them as well.
ann how I would love to get your GP and SW and bang their ignorant heads together! Sadly, this is not feasible, but if you're feeling murderous, please let me know! Alternatively, do you have an advocate? I thought that AgeUK should be able to help you out.

Just reporting that our 3rd grandson (9th grandchild) was born approx an hour ago. After keeping us all waiting, he arrived in quite a hurry and before the birthing pool was filled. He weighed 8lb 7oz - names to be finalised but I bet it won't be 'normal'!

ann I am so annoyed with your GP for prioritising her issues over your needs. Makes me so mad when they miss the point.

My DH went to have his flu jab today. Nurse asked numerous other question like did he smoke etc then asked how many units of alcohol he had a week. He answered about 20. Nurse said "Would you like any help with that?" DH's response was "No thanks I would prefer to drink it all myself". Not quite the reply she was expecting I'm sure ?

Panache nice to hear from you.
soop like the new hair do.
maw glad to hear your acupuncture seems to have helped.

Hello everyone else. So much happens in the kitchen. I do read it all. Hope all the poorly people improve soon.
kitty still waiting for baby news?

A warm welcome stree. Thank you for the Friars Balsam suggestion. I'm hoping that N&G has discovered something to help ease her discomfort.

I noted in my quick scan reading, mention of blocked nose and steam inhalation.
Childhood memories of Friars Balsam......but anyway, I have a plastic beaker specifically for this from the chemist, plus 2 small containers, one for eucalyptus and one for menthol, both in crystal flake form. A few sprinkles of either in near boiling water will clear your nostrils, make your ears pop and your eyes water.............
Seriously, a small I mean very small amount of both in this beaker really does help.
All available from a chemists.

Charleyg A very good sign. Your appetite is recovering. Gently does it.

Willow Just thinking about a prodding in the area of a troublesome tooth, is enough to put me into an induced coma. I've a bit of a problem, similar to yours. The days of putting off the inevitable are more or less over. Yet, I cannot convince myself that I need the tooth tapped with that wee metal hammer...followed by a lot of ouching. I may wait awhile.

Maw that's what I call a result. Mind over matter. I trust that you will continue to be less troubled by the awful, relentless pain.

A blustery good morning dear Kitcheners.

Panache I owe you a big apology. Why did I not remember that you have grave problems with your eyesight. Forgive me please. Suggesting you read a book was almost as barmy as what I am!.

Annsixty that is just too awful. As a health professional your GP took an oath to help others, not just those of her own belief system. I am appalled. So sorry for you.

for you

I was lying in my freshly made up bed last night, feeling a tad hungry and fancied a bacon roll. As I had neither bacon or roll that was out of the question so I waited until Tara woke me and had coffee and two slices of toast. I will see what happens. I may try something other than toast when watching Strictly and then to bed I think. Never again is this invading my space!

I hope your trees are ok this time Panache!

Thought I had best pop in and say although we are still in the midst of this horrendous battering with Storm callum doing its best to disrupt many areas of Wales.
The valleys, sadly, have been mostly hit with evacuations and power cuts, whilst our county and many others suffer from lack of power.
Furthermore our road is as quiet as a mouse with people heeding the warnings.

Sincerely hoping you are all safe and well without too many hardships making your daily life difficult.

So pleased to hear your message of such relief from your acapuncture cum counselling session Maw.
Such good news hearing it has already helped you in more ways than one.Long may this relief continue.

Hastily leaving you but with a distinct flavour of crisp fish and chips in the air..........if only!! Still enjoy them folks.

Do keep warm and safe.

Morning kitchen companions – we seem to have got off lightly with Callum here in South Yorkshire. It was pretty windy yesterday but very little rain and it all seems to have calmed down now although Alfie has stayed indoors for 2 days – he hates the wind going up his bottom – don’t we all Daph seems to like sitting by the back door just taking in the air but she’s so clumsy and uncat like she doesn’t stray too far.

Charley I hope today finds you a little better. I had some sort of ‘thing’ last year and didn’t eat for nearly a week but finally managed some mashed banana which is supposed to be really good as it’s full of potassium – it did help and when I wanted a fish finger sandwich I knew I was on the mend. It must be quite worrying to be on your own though – do you have a neighbour you could call on if needed?

Soop I grew up in a fish and chip shop and no one did them like my dad – good old fashioned dripping and fish straight from the docks in Hartlepool. I can see him now filleting it in the lean-to in our back yard 60 years ago. We do have an award winning shop round the corner where the fish are the size of whales – a bit too handy!

Panache I’m pleased the RNIB are sorting you out with reading equipment – I know MIL used to get magazines and the local newspaper as well as talking books. There were also other gadgets and gizmos such as coloured keys for her keyboard and red dot buttons for things like the microwave and one FIL stuck on her mobile phone for the emergency number. I don’t know if you use the landline but I got my dad a phone with very large buttons too.

Maw I’m glad the acupuncture is working – or more like the massage which hurts like anything while it’s being done but the relief after is brilliant!

GD it’s definitely a grandparent thing worrying about the children’s independence but also times are different now and the media much more intense – plus of course we’re in charge of the precious bundles. My little 5 year old grandson starts school on Monday in NZ – I know his parents are worried about him with his HFA but we’re hoping he’ll get support. I’ve seen him in his uniform which is a cross between a school and bush tucker wear – I’ll post a picture when his mum goes public

Well I went to the dentist yesterday and came away having had nothing done other than an X-ray of the offending area and some prodding and poking. As it’s under an old crown it’s difficult to diagnose if there’s a problem and as the pain has subsided considerably we both decided it would be best to leave it a week to see if it comes back before he goes through the awful task of removing it to see what lies below. I know at some point it will need doing but with all the other complications around it – implants at one side and a bridge at the other it’s not as straightforward it seems. Fairly happy with that outcome – he’s an excellent dentist so I trust his judgement. and I’m a coward

Synonymous I’m sure the thermal curtains do keep the heat in – they keep the heat out in summer too. Hope you managed a full night’s sleep last night. My head was full of the wedding for some reason and I found myself dreaming about it – very odd!

I’ve a pile of ironing to do but have now put it off for so long it’s too late to get started as himself will be getting up shortly for breakfast. I do like the weekend when he doesn’t have to get up at 5.30 and I have a couple of hours to faff about do important stuff on the pc.

Have a good day everyone – we are off to the seaside again for more painting and renovating – Alfie and Daph will no doubt be miffed at being left alone yet again

That sounds very positive maw

So pleased for you maw. Keep going while it helps - you’re worth it. . Sleep well.

It was very wet and windy today and we had a power cut. However, no trees down on our journey to see the DGC.

Stay safe everyone!

That sounds very interesting MawBroon - an acupressure massage.

annsixty I really have the urge to come up and sort things out for you (but would probably make things worse).
I could bring a mouse-catcher with me, though.

I hope everyone is keeping safe especially those in West country and Wales.Even here it is blustery and some of the garden furniture is not exactly where it should be.

I share the weakness for fish and chips! The chips must be fat and crispy and the batter likewise with succulent fish just falling to bits as soon as you cut into it.( A person can dream!)

My acupuncture session with an (unforgiving ) acupressure massage was perfect and I feel so much better already. The therapist is also an experienced counsellor (she was widowed herself while still only in her late 30’s 15 years ago) and the links she outlined between my pain and not “letting go” made a lot of sense. She has reassured me that it is muscular rather than arthritis and I can feel a difference after just one two hour session .
Going back next week for more but I do feel so much more positive.
Perhaps I will sleep tonight now

Thanks for worrying folks,I might have known you would be remembering the high winds we are known to have here come this time of year.
Someone has to pay for a sizzling summer!

So fear not GreyD and Corner although we have certainly been battered by those Irish winds (Callum) and there is rain as if no tomorrow, but we are safely tucked up back from Hospital thankfully.
Hopefully all those around us are safe, though we are in for yet more storms and severe rains.
A case of everyone looking out for another.

No overdoing it allowed Synonymous whilst Charley good news that you have attempted soup and it has stayed put,whilst I will again only repeat and nag about keeping hydrated.........essential.

Hope the worrying tooth can hold on until Thursday Corner......seems quite a time to wait but we shall cross our fingers!

My days of reading are long past Soop but all plans are on the way for the RNLB to get me kitted up with all I need............whilst determination between all this darn rest and Hospital keeps me going.

Batten down all......... and perhaps this gale might get the baby moving Kitty

N&G Sorry, Google didn't list the medication that worked for me. Our GP swears by steam inhalation. I personally find that a faf and a bore. Do hope that you feel a whole let better very soon.

Off to ride the exercise bike. I've had a few high calorie treats today. Time to pedal for all I'm worth. Trouble is, I get nowhere fast.

corner It's a very good thing that we haven't a fish & chip shop as close as is yours. Good grief! I would be well over weight. No matter what food is on the menu when we dine out, I always opt for fish, chips and mushy peas. Should there be an old fashioned pud to follow served with custard I am in heaven. Easily pleased...me .

Synonymous It's good that you feel cosier. Well done, Sis.

N&G There is just one tablet that can be bought from the chemist that works wonders for Sinusitis. For the life of me I cannot recall the name. I shall do a Google.

Hello the kitchen. It is blowing a gale here but the rain has stopped at least.
Ann I was incensed when I read about your medical appointment. I know that time is short in GP surgeries there is no excuse for what sounded like an unbelievable lack of empathy. You did not deserve that.

Gq I hope your ankle is improving or I shall have to come and see you with that time honoured Yorkshire remedy, the potted meat poultice! Never known to fail and you can eat it afterwards .

Panache I hope you are ok and all your hatches are battened down! I remember several bouts of severe weather when we lived in Pembrokeshire with seas so rough they moved boulders the size of small cars from one side of our little cove to the other!

Corner I am almost feeling the discomfort in that tooth as I read your post...... almost! Thursday sounds a long way off! Under the circumstances, I don’t suppose I can tempt you to one of the coconut tarts I made earlier? The plumber has already had three, so they are going fast!

Soop I hope the water has subsided by Wednesday when MacS goes to Oban. I seem to remember it was pretty horrible last time. I also listen to classical music to relieve stress, but not Classic FM which only makes me more stressed these days.

Charley I hope your system settles down soon. Look after yourself.

Kitty can we lure this grandbaby out with the promise of a bar of chocolate? He/she is really taking their time! Poor mummy must be totally fed up now!

We went over to do our after school GS minding duties yesterday and I got a text from him asking if he could go to buy some sweets on the way home from school with a couple of his friends who I know quite well. I asked him how long he would be and he told me so I said yes. Ten minutes later I got into a total panic about it and decided to call him to make sure he was okay. Twice he didn’t answer his phone (too busy choosing sweets!) and I got myself in such a state that DH had to sit me down and give me a severe talking to. He rang GS and everything was, of course, okay. Then, when he parted company with his friends, he phoned and told us exactly where he was, so we knew he wasn’t very far away. I am not handling this independence thing very well at all, despite all sorts of reassurances from DD that he is sensible and not about to fall into a bottomless pit! It’s actually me that is falling into the bottomless pit! I never remember getting into a lather about my own children in such situations. They were walking home from school at a younger age than GS. Is it a grandchild thing? An “on my watch” thing? What?
I am off to make another cup of tea for the plumber - I wish my bladder was as accommodating as his! Apologies to all I have missed - no intent.

Afternoon all,

Thank you for the lovely comments re my smiley family but you should know ...we were probably tipsy and there were moments when we were about to commit murder ( we just smiled so no one would suspect us lol !!)

Horrified by your GPs lack of empathy and understanding Ann - almost speechless in fact.

Sam is improving GQ thank goodness ( I am not sure which is worse, Sam feeling under the weather or Grampy fretting about his little shadow !!) . I know just what you mean about the annoying cough but this time it is a sinus infection that is annoying the heck out of me!! And I don't know anything that will help it :-(

Well I am off to continue knitting festive covers for Ferrero Roche - don't ask!

Have a great evening one and all x

Waved little 'sis' off this morning and she has driven through 'a lot of weather' but has arrived home safely! She has been such a help and hung curtains and new thermal linings for me which I would never have managed. It may be psychological (although I don't think so ) but it definitely feels warmer. Hopefully it will help keep the heating costs down!
Think I was over stimulated by having her here so haven't slept properly for days and am so very tired. I have read all the doings but my head won't co-operate with working out nessages individually so I send you all my best wishes and do please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Particularly Panache and Charleygirl, Willow, Corner, Maw and soop and MacS - and all of you really! xx

soop and corner thanks for your concern. I am trying to keep hydrated- there is nothing my GP could do at present. I know I am not drinking enough but what I am drinking I have kept down for a good few hours. I have enjoyed a packet of minestrone soup and may have another for supper.

It was sunny all day until a few minutes ago- it looks as though it may rain. It is also blustery so a good job I am going nowhere. I can normally sleep for Scotland but I would add England at the very least now. I missed the wedding because I was asleep.

Definitely nagging time again charley. I can recall my ma in law saying much the same thing when she was struck in a similar way, a real toughie she lamented having someone else in the house to at least bring a hot drink. As soop says please keep hydrated and it might be sensible to seek some advice now, its been far too long since you've had proper nourishment. Stay safe.

Hope the dentist went well willow, I must wait until next Thursday, fortunately I can be distracted from the the dull ache. Bit worried that I have a really sore gum the other side, hope its because I'm doing all the chewing there, truly don't want more buggerations in corner-land.

How did acupuncture go maw? I found it oh so helpful with the dodgy knee so held great hopes for you. Keep resting grannyq, I understand the frustration but no point making things worse. There's a place for ibuprofen, suspect short term use is OK.

Been reading about the dreadful condition in your part of the world panache, hope you've been able to keep warm and dry. Its oh so windy here and we have a coastal flood alert in place but so far so good. Our little river is coping well so we're safe enough.

Ooh, fish and chips. Wish you hadn't shared that soop, we had relatively healthy salmon and veg at lunch time, but it is proper fish and chip weather. There's a really good one five minutes walk away - far too close. It may get a visit tomorrow, best to keep the customer numbers up so it doesn't disappear. . In case I forget wishing MacS an uneventful haematologist appointment.

Oh yes, if you've the energy please do take anno's advice ann, an email should do it for initial contact.

As ever apologies to those I have missed, we have two on a sleepover tonight and I should remove all the very important things (junk) from the spare bed and hide the computer keyboard before they get here.

Keep safe everyone, it really isn't fun outside if you are in the very windy places.

What a major buggeration! I had to log in before posting today. Come on! That's like being slapped round the face with a wet fish. Not that I've any experience of such a think.

It be blowy in Kintyre. Hair sprang aboot a bit but came to rest in a fairly refined way. Before the trip to the hairdresser...it was a major-ish problem and I would need dozens of hair grips and slides etc.

Charleygirl5 whatever it was that has laid you low, you need to seek some professional advice. Food doesn't matter in such cases, but you need to remain hydrated.

Ann For your own sake, please follow anno's sound advice. She's right!

Willow500 In spite of all your buggerations right now, I must commend you on a beautifully written post.

Panache Rest yourself. Do you have a good book to keep you company? MacSporran always likes to listen to classical music when he's under the weather.

On Wednesday he has an appointment with the haematologist in Oban. We may treat ourselves to fish, chips and mushy peas.