Soop' s warm and welcoming kitchen.

I don't know either galen!

Morning baggs.

I've had high bp, now crontrolled, and and have terrible white coat syndrome so I take mine for a fortnight before my gp appt.

Just popped to say I'm thinking of dragonfly.

Back after Christmas shopping!

But before I go - Wolfie, wearing the wolf hat bought by one of his aunts. He looks suitably combative!

Aaah! He is adorable!

Isn’t he just!!

The cutest little wolf cub!

What a beauty Kitty! In the USA chicken is washed in bleach as they don’t have the higher standards of husbandry and hygiene that the EU has. It is a name which also raises the issue of food production standards. There are lots of other things they do, such as routine feeding with antibiotics, hormones, steroids which are banned here. And Trump hasn’t got around to reducing the standards they do have yet.

A poignant day in Chez Panache.

Remembering our darling little wire haired Dachshund Barnaby on this the Anniversary of his passing.

Without family or children of our own this little fellow filled our lives with love and laughter

A little bit of ourselves went with him on that sad day
December 2nd.

R.I.P our little Barney,lost and lonely without you.XX

It won't be neat bleach but a very dilute solution. As galen says, some of our drinking water is chlorinated but we can still drink it straight from the tap.

Morning all !!

Eventful day yesterday as we went down to Jackson's 7th birthday party . The evening before he trod on a toy screwdriver on the floor and it spectacularly shot him into space with him crashing down on his wrist ! He was one handed all day yesterday as they are unsure exactly how much damage had been done( at best a nasty sprain at worst a fracture) . Luckily , Cooper was delighted to be his 'helping hand' . They are at A & E now getting it checked out as he cant move it today and he has pain in his arm as well.

As you can see from the picture it didn't stop him smiling .

Sorry to hear of your sad loss Panache they do take up a big chuck of our hearts these pets don't they?

Loving the picture Kitty !!

I'm another one who takes my blood pressure daily. I have to do my glucose anyway so it only takes seconds. I record it and fire a spreadsheet off to the diabetic nurse monthly with the average and that's how we track mine. Its more efficient than a one off when I'm poorly.

Ann I am so sorry to hear of the current buggerations. I had no idea you would be expected to go to the hospital in the middle of the night. I just assumed you would be informed and they would deal with it - as he is in the homes care. Just shows what I know !!

How are you doing soop ? My eyes watered when I read of your procedure !

Your cruise sounds just the ticket Galen - who is accompanying you this time?

I am off to do the laundry mountain !! God knows where it all comes from .

Beautiful pics of children and also thoughts of Panache's lovely pal Barnaby. It's heartbreaking when you lose your pet. x

Wolfie is just superb kitty as is Jackson n&g, both images had me smiling.

A sad day for you and your husband panache, be kind to yourselves.

Hope you had a proper nights sleep ann. I'm another surprised one, neighbours in your situation are always told if their partner needs to attend hospital no matter the time of day or night but there is no expectation they hurry along in the night. Areas differ I guess.

I've been writing Christmas cards, the keyboard is a whole lot easier that's for sure. You've reminded me n&g, didn't check BP this morning, oops.

Take care everyone, apologies for not responding to you all, need to sort the meal for when the rabble descend, they won't have a lot of time so guess who will be unpopular if the food isn't ready.

A cheery good Sunday afternoon to our dear Kitcheners.

We went for a stroll and finished up being invited into our pal's home for a belated St Andrew's Day wee dram. All very civilised.

kitty That is a brilliant photo of Wolfie. We unaminously agree that he is a wee charmer. His name suits him. I like it. The hat is a show-stopper.

N&G I've yet to see a photo of Jackson or Cooper, or indeed any member of your clan without a smile to warm the cockles of the heart. I meant to say that your granddaughter is very like you. The wedding photo was beautiful. It was then that I saw a strong resemblance between the two of you.

Panache Your Barnaby was a much-loved, handsome boy. We never forget animals who have shared their lives with us. Their presence can still be felt around the home.

Hello, Baggs me old fruit...I hope that you enjoyed a right royal birthday.

My back passage feels less bruised than it did a day ago. I've been told that I can expect some continued blood loss. Nothing dramatic. I can barely believe that a month ago I saw the surgeon who carried out the procedure for the first time. I have, for months on end, dealt with the protrusion that blighted my life. Now, it's being supported from within. It's a wonderfully liberating feeling not to have the discomfort and messiness to think about. It may prolapse again between now and my next appointment. In which case, the same surgeon will deal with it. I feel so much better and cannot thank the surgeon and his team enough.

I hope you don’t mind me venturing back into the warm kitchen. Decided not too overthink my family problem! Doesn’t help me or anyone so what will be will be ?there are so many others with much more to deal with x so have been busy making little Christmas decorations for each of you coming into the kitchen to put on your Christmas tree. You will find them in the Christmas box in the corner by the comfy chair(sorry no cake this time)?⛄️Have a good day everyone.

Hi everyone. Thank you so much for all your best wishes. I have just got back for a lovely weekend with all the family at Centreparcs. Had to come back early for a scan but the time we had there was memorable. Another scan tomorrow and then the dreaded wait until 13th for the results. I am trying to be upbeat as I realise that if I haven'
t got much time left I don't want to spend it making me and everyone else miserable.

Some of you may remember that about 18 months ago we had problems in the family. My DiL lost her baby at 20 weeks pregnancy at the same time as my DD got married. DiL thought we should have cancelled the wedding. There were family tensions for a while afterwards but after a lot of hard work on our part we are all a happy family again with a second healthy DGS. We all now get on well and my DiL is as concerned about me as the rest of the family.

Panache I feel for you - losing a pet is devastating [flowers} Pleased things might be looking up for you.

Soop medical science is brilliant now isn't it?

Cookieeees! Dooby-dooby-dum-dum (à la Goodies on TV long ago). Help yourselves. Soft and chewy with white choc chips and a dried cranberry or two if you're lucky.

Thank you, soop, I had a quiet but lovely birthday. Post included a lovely letter from Minibaggs ?. I'm very glad to hear that your down-under is feeling more comfortable. Long may it last!! I'm keeping fingers and toes crossed for you.

Panache - still not got the hang of this.

Yay! Baggs your baking looks totally scrumptious. Hang on while I make a pot of the finest tea.
I bet the letter from miniB made your day. Nothing quite like the pleasure of receiving a letter from your offspring.

dragonfly your message amazed me. In spite of the enormous shock that you are dealing with, you remain positive. I am delighted that your family are all rallying around you. You deserve all the comfort and support that they can offer. You are in my thoughts throughout the day.

Ormond whenever you need to share your feelings, please do. Us lot are good listeners. Thank you for making decorations for the kitchen. Such a kind thought. Sit yourself down and help yourself to a Baggs biscuit or two. They are virtually calorie free.

Just back from the initial foray into the franzy that is Christmas shopping. Seemed to spend a lot and not come home with very much!

soop, I hope your undercarriage continues to be in the raised position! Your life must be so much easier like that. I presume it's vital to keep things moving to prevent straining (DH was told his eye problem could have been the result of straining!!) so here's a big bunch of grapes in crushed form

N&G, what a brilliant photo of Jackson. Let us know the outcome of today's trip to A&E.

Panache, your little dog looks so cute, it must have broken your heart to loose him.

Baggs, sorry I missed your birthday - hope it was a good one. And, thank you for the cookies - GF in the virtual world I presume.

It's good to not over think family problems Ormond, that way madness lies.

Nice to see you dragonfly and glad the family are getting on well. I think I told you at the time that DD2 had a baby just as DD3 suffered her 2nd miscarriage - difficult to deal with - having to be chuffed about the new baby but not over sensitive about the miscarriage. DD3 was a star though, she turned u and cooed over the new baby and then cried all the way home.

Darkness is closing in. I feel that I've done the best that I can with the Labrador portrait. I've had to work with a few poor quality photos. Have photographed the painting and the lady assures me that it is a good likeness. I shall share with you tomorrow.

Time to prepare Tabitha's supper. It has started to rain. The wee chalet keeps the mat and food dry. She doesn't hesitate to walk straight in and doesn't leave a scrap. Such a good girl.

Farewell for now. I fully intend visiting the kitchen tomorrow. X

Evening all,

Poor old Jackson is not very happy !

This picture is a 1st soop .

It seems he has broken a growth plate and will need a plaster cast . He has to go back on Thursday but was not in the least bit mollified by being told he could choose the colour !!!

His Mummy asked him to smile for the picture and he told he couldn't because he was too sad. NO football for 3 months , a few more trips to the fracture clinic to monitor the break and something he doesn't even know yet - for his birthday on Wednesday …….. he's getting a new bike !!! Which he also can't ride for 3 months !!

Being 7 sucks !! Its official :-)

Nana I am so sorry for Jackson. Does breaking the growth plate mean the his arm wont grow? Being 7 does suck when you have to wait a whole 3 months for things. Perhaps a quick change of birthday present is in order!
Bless him.

Being 72 at the moment sucks as well though.

Poor Jackson! Almost exactly a year ago DGS (then age 8) broke his leg and I had a bike for him for Christmas. It was May before he could ride it. He still wanted the bike because Grandad had promised him it.
It is 40 years ago today that DH and I married. The DDs and associated family have been here for the weekend which has been lovely. All quiet now and I am sitting and reflecting on what was and what might have been.
Hugs and to all who need them tonight.

Many congratulations on your anniversary Alygran

Happy Anniversary Alygran and Mr. A.
Belated birthday greetings to Baggs, those cookies look good.
Kitty, Wolfie is a most adorable little wolf cub.
Poor Jackson, I hope he`s soon smiling again.
Dragonfly, I`ve been thinking about you, and how positive you are being, despite how difficult it must be for you.
Soop, I`m happy that your down belowies are responding to treatment, hopefully all will continue to be well. All my love to Tabitha as well, lovely little lady that she is. Are you sure that she is a lady, by the way?
I`ve been thinking about writing my Christmas cards, but that`s as far as I`ve got up to now!

Poor Jackson No football is a terrible fate for a young boy. Belated birthday felicitations Baggs and may I say the kitchen is looking lovely thanks to Ormond and her decorations. Also thank goodness the floorboards are still in place Soop and pleased a sojourn at centerparks was on the cards for you Dragonfly

Had a lovely day today. Christmas markets including a very naughty and not allowed hot pork sandwich Home for mincepies and coffee and then watched the firework grand finale. Lovely.

Now a quiet evening with phone calls etc to friends who are unwell or struggling. Good night everyone and sleep well.