Soop' s warm and welcoming kitchen.

Tomorrow's visit to the care home, is to be followed by a consultation with the audiologist. This means that I shall be otherwise engaged until early afternoon.

I am therefore hoping that you lot* won't make life too difficult for me. A ^few messages would be ideal. And pigs might fly

Pitch black outside. Still no sign of Tabitha. I shall however put a well-aired mat and fresh food inside the chalet. If she visits, she won't be disappointed.

Brilliant Soop - quite an achievement.

I named this piece "Pigs might fly"

dragonfly

Some years ago, I gave MacSporran a Christmas decoration made from wood. Every year, without fail, it comes apart and is a buggeration to fix. I happened across Loctite glue. It is a devil to work with. I'm determined to glue the decoration and not myself to it. I shall try to take a photo. Ignore the time on the clock face. It, the clock, is terribly temperamental.

Yes Nanny, I always used to smile when people put up photos of their relatives once they had died but I have done exactly the same. And yes what a lovely idea to put flowers beside it.

As long as I can make my mum comfortable and make sure she is cared for I feel I have done what I can. I know she doesn't always know who I am but I know she likes me and that is important.

Also they are so caring up there they are now taking me under their wing and emotionally are looking after me.

Back a little later. Stay still if at all doable.

dragonfly Your Mum is going to be toasty warm. The very fact that her face "lights up" when you walk in the room is massively important. She loves to have your company. Marvellous!
Us lot are rooting for you.

Poor Kitty could do without the buggeration of having a next to useless broadband connection. Not to be able to keep in touch depresses me no end.

Panache I agree that Christmas must be terribly sad for some. I have always wanted a wee miracle. Well, a massive miracle, that cures all ills and wars and sorrows. It cannot happen. Doesn't stop me wishing.
I always enjoy reading your post.

aggie You are not alone in not being able to keep up. I've been trying my best to catch up since day one of the opening of our kitchen. Methinks this lot runs on a magic formula. There is never a day when I can truthfully claim to be "in the know"

Belated anniversary congratulations to those of you who have super special reasons to celebrate.

grannyqueenie Thank you. Our neighbour couldn't have guessed that she would be spending Christmas in hospital. I shall be on edge tomorrow. A triple heart bypass isn't a routine few stitches in a gash caused by a wee tumble.

Maw I also love your fireplace. Art deco-ish. Very tasteful.

callgirl We said hello to David as we motored to the surgery. Burn has a neat special dressing on it. Need to return on Xmas Eve. Aren't we lucky to have a tip-top practice close by.

Dragonfly it is hard when your Mum no longer knows you, nor eventually doesn’t know you are there. Last year was hard, because I felt guilty for not spending the day sitting by a recumbent figure but now she has gone I think it might be easier in many ways this year. A time for good memories of all four of our parents. A florist suggested it was a good idea to have a favourite photograph in the house with some flowers put there, rather than putting them in a graveyard where they quickly die in this cold weather. I think I will start it as a tradition here.

dragonfly I know exactly how your mother feels- my duvet is a 15 tog - that with a hot water bottle and I love my bed! Your mother will notice the difference.

Morning all - just popped in on my way to see my mum again. Went up yesterday and as I was putting her cards up in her room I noticed her duvet was very thin. She is a tiny soul and really feels the cold so a quick trip to Dunelm this morning was in order. Now going to take a named 15tog duvet up to her with a fleecy throw. I also found two jumpers unnamed but size 18 in her wardrobe. I accept they were green her favourite colour but size 18 would swamp her.
Anyway it is a good excuse to go and see her again even though she just regards me as a very good 'friend'. At least her face lights up as I walk in.

Looks like Kitty hasnt got her broadband sorted out yet. That is the one thing that would really get me down - even worse than the car not starting.

Soop sorry you have burnt your hand. I knew there was a good reason why I dont iron.

A very brief hello...off to see the nurse to get a burn on my hand looked at. I am forever touching my thumb knuckle with a hot iron. Don't ask! I cannot get the latest wound to heal. So, once I have it dressed, I shall return to play serious catch-up with you lovely lot. Don't go too far. tchwink]

Morning all!!! and yes it seems more than one of us chose THE longest night for our Wedding Day!!!!
I wonder had we planned it that way?
Answers on a post card please!!

Poor old you Corner to hear you are still in pain is not good news, and I sincerely hope there is much pampering so that you will be able to face Christmas with a big smile and no face ache!!!
As for fireplace envy Corner why not think of adding one,a nice stove with a hufge oak beam as mantlepiece would easily transform a room and make that pleasant focal point.
Like you I do like a fireplace!

You certainly how to live the life GQ with all those medical checks, but there is certainly a big motto in there somewhere!!!
You ...........and indeed Maw for obvious reasons ...are not alone in not wishing to "Christmasing the house" as you call it,I was just NOT in the mood at all, but thanks to a persuasive husband who knows me too well,he set about with gusto...........very tasty and understated,all our many favourite momentos,and plenty of fresh flowering plants and candles which I just love..............bearing in mind also we have a viewer on the 28th, so we have to go very steady in keeping it from looking garish..............ugh!

Whilst Charley may I ask if you prefer putting christmas........and such things as decorations on the back burner..........and just carry on with normal everyday tasks or again as you mentioned,repainting your bedroom?
As long as you are happy that is all that matters.

Whilst indeed a very emotional time almost all around,were I not literally pushed I would happily desolve into hibernation!!
Anyway thankfully the rain,sleet,and storms have given way to a nice fairly bright dry monday..........and that helps.

Loving hearing how each of you prepare for this festive season and some lovely scenes on show, and I like your own interpretation Soop .......very similar to some of my own artistic touches over the years.
It does us good to ring the changes every now and then.

I shall run along ........be it at a snail`s pace! .......thinking of you all and wishing you a very productive day.

21st of December was a busy day 50 years ago - although my brother’s party was yesterday, the anniversary is also on Friday. DGC have gone home today but DS and DDiL are off on a pre Christmas holiday tonight. We take over the babysitting on Tuesday until Thursday night. With two older siblings, two toddlers and a young strong dog, I shall need Christmas to recover. And plenty of wine! Sleep well everyone x

Thank you all for your kindness. Alcohol is allowed from tomorrow. I will feel much better .

maw I’m seriously envious of your fireplace. I mourn the one we left when we downsized, especially this time of year, no space for one here which was my big compromise to live where we do. Isn’t life full of compromises?

Did almost nothing today other than marzipan the cake, where does time go?

dragonfly hope the biopsy goes well. Many congratulations to you and Mr Dragon on your 50th too. I will be slightly tipsy on Friday after I've drunk a toast to you and your DH and panache and Mr P. ??

I am no good at keeping track here , but wish to sympathise with Corner and the tooth saga , hope it is soothed with coffee and cake tomorrow ,
Maw I love your decorations and agree that the painting is beautiful.
Panache I hope you have some help , I am amazed at your writings
Ann I hope you are ok and that OH is settled in his new abode
This is weeks worth of typing to me , but I love the peace and help in the Kitchen

Good to know you’re now toothless corner... well in a manner of speaking that is! Hope it heals nicely and the horrible taste a dental extraction seems to leave fades quickly. Hope all goes well for your neighbour soop. It’s always a shock whenever life seems to change dramatically, either for ourselves or others, in what seems like a split second. panache I hope you’re able to let your troubles take 2nd place and find the quiet space for peace and reflection that you long for. Those times are precious and can sustain us through all sorts of trials.

Routine mammogram was clear, BP seems to be settling.. .routine bowel screening due this week... I certainly know how to live it up!

For completely different reasons to yours maw I’ve delayed on what I call Christmassing the house. I’ve felt anxious and distinctly unseasonal for most of this week, but found a new lease of life this evening and put out a few bits and pieces. Hopefully a tree will follow tomorrow, it’s amazing the difference a little upturn in some family troubles can evoke... invoke? Well, result in - either way that’ll do it! Hope your spirits life a wee bit too maw
Congratulations for those with special Anniversaries this week, apologies as always to any I’ve mussed and warm wishes to those with sore hearts on the run up to Christmas.
Sleep well kitchen folk x

PS, Maw, I LOVE your painting!

Dragonfly all the best for Thursday, then in advance because I`m sometimes late in the day getting on here, a Happy Anniversary to you and Mr Dragonfly,also to the Panaches.
Soop, your little arrangement in lieu of a tree looks gorgeous. I bought a new tree online under the title of fibre optic, but when it went up yesterday it turns out to just have built in lights and looks a little bare, so I ordered some tree ornaments from Amazon, only to quickly cancel when the follow up email gave a delivery date between 8th and 15th of January! I`ve also discovered that due to unexpectedly having to put batteries in with toy presents, I`m short for what I need for my Christmas stuff, so will have to wait for my Tesco delivery on Wednesday.
Corner, I do so hope that the face ache has gone very soon, it aint no joke.

Evening All from a sore faced Corner. Nothing I didn’t expect, so not downhearted. I am supposed to do a salt water rinse every 2-3 hours. Anyone know how to accomplish that without nausea?

Yes, charley feet have been up. Mr C understands me well so doesn’t fuss, just hands me the tv control and retires to a safe distance . Sadly I wasn’t allowed to bring the tooth home so no visit from the tooth fairy, I suspect coffee and cake (cake is soft and therefore permitted) at my favourite cafe will be needed tomorrow in recompense.

It’s a funny old time of year, seems to me to be a mix of highs and lows, bit of an emotional roller coaster at times.

Wow, two Golden anniversaries on Friday. Knowing how I can’t trust my memory may I offer congratulations in advance, just in case. It was certainly a good day for a wedding. I’m sorry about the bad timing dragonfly, I’m , it will at least be over before your celebratory day.

Your description of your home sounds very cozy panache, with orwithout electricity. We also have our decorations, although much pared down, lots of soft lights and things that are precious to us. I was reluctant this year, very pleased now I allowed Mr C to encourage me.

Wishing your neighbour well soop, she will be in the best hands.

Very little planned here this week, we’re both weary and plan a quiet time. Take care everyone.

Indeed rotten timing Dragonfly and yet so needful this biopsy........hopefully thoughts of 50 years before will bring a few smiles to your face.

Continually being jolly is just not overly healthy anyway.
Yes by all means we all,in our various ways and with our various issues,tend to put on the best face we can muster as it is not only good for those whom we meet........but so great for our very own soul.

I am finding this "Festive Season" particularly difficult as there are far too many problems haunting us in the back ground,I am not overly fond of a full on Merry Christmas either but I do like one, where in the flickering candle light and the log fire burning brightly,you can sit in peace and truly take time out to think............. and hope.
That renewal of the soul.

However it would seem we all are fortunate enough to have many blessings,we have a roof over our heads,warmth within,food on the table ........and for those of you surrounded by loving family, please cherish them........such a precious part of life.

I will be raising a glass ......or an Ensure to you Dragonfly and indeed all the lovely caring friends I have made here in Soop`s Kitchen on Friday...................and again on Christmas Day, because hopefully I shall be in an uplifting mood!

Oh dear dragonfly not the best of timing for the biopsy.

There is little point putting up the decorations in my view but there again the 25th to me is another day and I have been considering painting my bedroom. It was done last year badly.

Panache we were married on the same day 50 years ago as we too celebrate our Golden Wedding on Friday. But first I have a biopsy on Thursday.

Maw it must be difficult being continually jolly.
I too am finding it hard this year. As we are going away for Christmas to my sons the decorations are still in the loft and shall remain there. I cannot face all the work getting them out only to put them away again when we get back.

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Children went after a walk up to the park and playground this morning and after lunch I went back to bed , sleeping for nearly two hours!
Although they are not babies I still slept with one ear open when I am responsible for them and I need my sleep
Finished putting up a few more decs but they are not lifting my spirits. Still, it all looks lovely .
My mood will pick up again but do others find it hard alternating between loving having them but finding it exhausting and enjoying one’s space but feeling empty?
Bit of a conundrum.

MacSporran has baked one of his wonderful loaves of crusty bread. I can smell the richness of it as I type.

Finished a wrapping session. Everything is tickety boo. The wind has abated. The rain has ceased. I shall pay my regular visit to Tabitha's chalet. She didn't visit last night. I'm willing to bet that her territory is vast. She will return. When she feels so inclined.

Wishing you all a cosy evening. I may call in a little later on the Kindle thingy. I've not had much success posting on it. I think that I've posted only to discover the following day that I haven't.