Soop’s kitchen, filled with kindness, understanding and some damn fine cake ! Come on in.

Ann, that’s good to hear.

maw have never watched Montalbano. Never had the curiosity. Will have another think as it seems to be so popular. No skin off if I don't like it

Glad you enjoyed your meal out Ann, were you able to eat outside after all? By all means go to Spain, you enjoyed Ibiza, didn`t you?
It turns out that Dawn has 2 bad fractures of her heel, requiring an operation, but not until the swelling goes down, she is in plaster at the moment from her thigh to her foot, just toes showing, and every movement is a killer for her, but she`s reasonably cheerful.
Soop, lovely pic of Mila. I agree, where did that little baby go to?
N&G, I love the photo of Cooper the chicken cuddler, but alas there`s not a lot of money in the job.

TOYA

Good morning all! Lovely to hear some good news and good deeds but what a shame about that plaster Callgirl. We are in London with our friends and both families and went to a wonderful circus ? in Chiswick yesterday, followed by a fabulous picnic in the park. Once the littlies were all in bed, we ate and drank all evening and talked of course!
As a result I’m still in bed!
TOYA and good days to all.

Morning all !

Welcome back sunshine----and toothache !!

As if my current dental issues weren't enough I now have a really horrid toothache ! I can see trying to get an emergency apt on Monday in my future. buggerations.

NannyT that sounds like my kind of day. I used to work in Chiswick, and I really liked the area, it had a kind of village vibe going on.

You could be right callgirl but I somehow don't think Cooper will mind lol

Sounds like a lovely evening Ann , its the simple things like friends and family that give us such pleasure isn't it?

Id never heard of Montalbano Maw , will have to give it a look .

Mila is growing far too fast soop , she looks like a lady going places.

I must scoot as its boiled eggs and soldiers for breakfast courtesy of Grampy ( my resident chef lol) .

Back later !

Hello kitcheners, thought I would stick my nose in to see what everyone is up to.

Like Maw, I spent a lot of time on the sofa yesterday watching the tennis. I was, however, very p****d off when I realised the Nadal/Tsonga match was on the ‘red button’ which is not an option here in Malta. There were some very choice words emanating from Casa Bella, I can tell you.

I did enjoy seeing Jo Konta’s match and Federer, plus the Murray/Williams mixed doubles.

I can’t get into Montalbano, although my brother in law is a huge fan so we took him to Sicily and toured the places where it is filmed. It is not very far from Malta. 90 mins on the catamaran and we took the car.

I’m also astonished at how quickly little Mila has grown! The time really does fly.

I also do not have a red button so I was not a happy bunny either. I did enjoy watching Andy and Serena and they played very well but knowing his orthopaedic surgeon she will be sitting with her hands covering her face.

A whole day without tennis- I suppose I could do some major tidying up here because I have another week of tennis ahead.
TOYA

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Hello the kitchen!
N&G sorry to hear about your dental dilemma. There are few things worse than toothache. Hope the dentist can fit you in tout suite! Love the picture of Cooper with the chicken - I wish we could have got GS within feet of small animals at that age! He’s not that keen now!
Soop Mila is a picture of determination and ‘move aside, I’m comin’ through’ness! There will be no holding her now she has wheels!
Gq Pity about the nuthatches, but squirrels are great scene stealers aren’t they? We had them coming up for feeding opportunities at Hardwick. They are partial to sausage rolls!
Callgirl I’m sorry to hear about your DD’s accident. We take our limbs very much for granted until we can’t use them. I hope she’s comfortable.
I’m not a tennis fan at all, I’m afraid. All the grunting and vocals put me off a while ago. For those who do like it, it’s good to have a year that hasn’t been a washout!
I have a problem with my leg today. It feels cramped and painful from my hip to my ankle and I have a feeling it is due to having to heave myself over stiles yesterday when we were walking. Some fool has moved a footpath on one of our local walks and has put in three new stiles quite close to each other. They are quite high as stiles go, and I really struggled to get my right leg, which is the one with the dodgy hip, over them. If DH had not been there, I would probably have been stuck on the top of any one of them. Much comedic potential there! I hope I haven’t trapped a nerve. However, I was pleased to see that crops are benefitting from all the sunshine we are having, and in the hedgerows I haven’t seen so many hazelnuts for years - every tree is laden. Likewise blackberries. I would normally say this is a sign of a bad winter, but if I do, DH will throw something at me!? We are having a quiet day today, with roast chicken for a late dinner.

A bright and beautiful Sunday greeting to you lovely lot.

I sense that, apart from N&G's troublesome toothache, and dragonfly's fatigue which is understandable, and callgirl1's dear daughter's badly injured heel and painful leg, we do have better news to celebrate.

Ann Hearing you sound really happy is a tonic for us all.

Greyduster I am envious of the squirrel photograph. It's a winner.
You were climbing over styles! I would need a sturdy young man to lift me over one. Today, my muscles ache. I blame the tennis.

Bellasnana NO red button! That is a traversty of something or other. Even so, I confess to finding the flipping over from one channel to another tiresome. It will be less so next week. My favourite match thus far...Andy and Serena playing mixed doubles. Their opponents appeared to have as much fun as the crowd. In fact, I "warmed" to Serena because thanks to her good natured contribution.

Montalbano is a gorgeous man. I enjoy the scenery and the never ending sunshine. Some episodes are better than others. I cannot claim to be "hooked". Worth a looksie, gransal.

Nannytopsy Your weekend sounds nigh on perfect.

gransal Charleyg et al...Brodie the tyke hasn't visited for about a week. His chalet is serviced daily. His food bowl is cleaned and topped up together with fresh water. He has gone awol. It happens with male feral felines. That's okay. We're here when he decides he's had sufficient wanderings and such. I shall keep you updated.

N&G I do hope you manage to get a dental appointment tomorrow because I cannot think of anything worse than a toothache. If you fancy some whisky or brandy- please feel free to help yourself.

I really must move my body or it will be bedtime and I will have done zilch.
TOYA

Just trying to catch up - was incommunicada yesterday owing to over-consumption of very creamy pavlova at a garden party on Friday night. I will draw a veil over the consequences. callgirl, what a shame about your daughter's accident. I do hope this doesn't affect your trip to London. Step ladders must be avoided.
Here's a picture of diminutive (16-year-old) GD in prom dress with latest BF. I'm probably not supposed to post it, so don't tell anyone! She may be small, but has a big personality and is now awaiting GCSE results.
ann, I'm sorry to hear that you are so tired. Maybe a visit to the GP for a MOT check-up? Anyway, a week in Spain sounds very therapeutic, so think very hard about it.
I must have missed out a lot of you, but just noticed that I haven't had lunch, so, for the moment, TOYA xx

anno Your granddaughter is beautiful. Her dress is most unusual and suits her perfectly. Her escort looks totally proud and dashing with it.

The monster was found putting a slug in his sisters cereal this am, stating that ‘ it was hungry as well’

GD didn't have to spend a fortune on a hairdo. Her big sister, GD1, did a beautiful 'do' for her. Here it is.

galen, when you referred to your GS as 'the monster' I thought you were exaggerating. Your 'slug' anecdote tells me you were not! ?

slugs and snails and puppydogs' tails
That's what little boys are made of

galen . Bet his sister was happy!

Lovely photo anno. Amazing how quickly they grow up isn’t it.?

anno her hair is lovely.

Your GD looks happy and the fellow very proud. I promise not to say a word.

Hello from our new abode.
We are still living in the land of boxes and taking things at an easier pace.A case of having to since my accident with a drawer falling on my lower leg,it has certainly put a stop to anything else,pushing the wheelchair is not in the least bit easy.
However the weather remains kind to us and yes we are slowly finding room for all our far too many things! There will be another "set too" soon, getting rid of quite a lot.
Must say living here is akin to living in a posh hotel or as others have said...........on a permanent cruise!!

The whole set up is less than 9 years old and is an Extra Care Home as opposed to sheltered housing.There are 44 one or two bed apartments with 5 on the top floor for severe disablement,complete with carers,hoists etc.
The entran ce,dining hall and sitting room, all beautifully colour co ordinated and comfortable, are in a conservatory type building with glass roofs and a wealth of fren ch doors opening out onto patios and the wrap around grounds.There are 4 floors in all,we are on the first.

There are residents from all parts of the country and disablement,illness are the subjects never in discussion!

Next week there is a summer fayre followed by a strawberry &cream high tea.
There are all manner of activities ranging from advancing PC studies to a knitting club and some bingo!Lots of celebrating various events.
We have a special computor room as well as a seperate TV one.
The highlight surely is meeting for the 3 course lunch in the dining room daily.There are extensive menu`s to choose from,and all diets catered for,tea and coffee follows whilst as today was a residents birthday, there was red or white wine to celebrate.

We are more than happy with the way our new home is shaping up,although our 2 recliners are not delivered until thursday and the rest of the sitting room furniture (ivory french shabby chic style) will follow later this month.

All our previous furniture leaves on wednesday to one big auction house as we decided it was timefor a change........... our golden dawn "Ercol" very many pieces were far too heavy in colour and style, plus has already served us well.

My dear man seems to be finding great delight in both choosing new things and making this a pleasure for me,knowing full well, sadly,he will not be aroun d very long to enjoy it himself.
This is is the big sadness but we are both trying so much not to dwell on the gloomy side just yet.Mind you it does encroach on my sleeping hours.

We have viewers both today and tomorrow in our former home,,and if only this would achieve a sale it would be a massive weight off my shoulders.

This PC c ontinues to be very tetchy and is the bane of my life though I am refusing to let it upset me too much!

Sending lots of loving uplifting hugs to you all,may all your days be blessed with good health and happiness.

Panache, it's so lovely to hear from you.

anno The perfect hairdo for a beautiful young lady.

Panache Your latest post has lifted my spirits. The description of your new home and the facilities confirm that you have done the right thing. Yes, your previous home needs new owners. You are in residence. All your stresses regarding the move, are behind you. In time, you will have found a place for all your treasures. I am sending MrPanache a well deserved gentle hug.

We are watching the women's final between USA and the Netherlands. It's an entertaining game. I wish that I had a smidgeon of the energy of those players. We are rooting for the Dutch.

Log-off time for me. I shall return in the morning. TOYA

Last gasp now, soop and it would take a miracle to save the Dutch now .
Women's football is good fun to watch and mostly reasonable clean. I haven't spotted any 'diving'.

panache so lovely to hear from you.Your new abode sounds just the ticket. Kind regards to your dear man.

You have definitely made the correct move Panache and it sounds as though you do not have to worry about buying and cooking food. That is a big weight off your shoulders if it is milk bread and butter top of the list.

Empty a box a day- who is bothered?!
TOYA

Evening All. We've been racing round a bit but this week, looks like the coming week will be no different. Time to go down a gear or two I think, will try

So, any chance of catching up properly? Nope but I'll try

Your post has me grinning panache, with relief and pleasure on your behalf. Try not to fret, all will work out with your previous home. Your new one sounds a relaxing, happy place to be. I'm delighted for you both.

Your granddaughter looks so happy anno, her hairdo just perfect and suits her so well.

Sorry galen your slug post made me laugh. Do you remember, many moons ago, there was an advert with a little boy gazing at a slug and saying 'I want to be a slug'? Can't recall now what the advert was for. I was fond of repeating it when stressed and was presented with two highly polished wooden slugs. Still have one, at least it doesn't eat cereal .

Love the squirrel greyd. We had many in our previous garden, I miss them, vandals that they are. It sounds as if you have been high jumping over those stiles. Hope the hip settles, maybe a rest is called for? I'm not sure I dare mention the doctor.

Please don't delay that dental appointment n&g, better to have it sorted, toothache is foul. Cooper is such a happy soul, chicken cuddler seems just right for him. Personally I don't 'do' chickens. We kept many in my childhood and the flipping things used to attack me when I was sent in search of eggs. Traumatised to this day.

Mila looks a determined but happy young lady soop, good to see her. Brodie seems to be stretching his legs at the moment, he'll be back when he needs some tlc and a good rest.

Your daughter must be more than fed up callgirl, hope she can rest comfortably with the plaster and will be sensible, at least for a while.

Sorry you're so tired dragonfly, rest for a bit? Spain sounds a good thing ann, have you decided yet? Kidnapped anyone else grannyq? Seriously good for you both, it was a great kindness to rescue the Americans. We have been planning a holiday with friends where buses will be central to our plans and have wondered how on earth we will know where to catch one and even more important when to get off. One of life's challenges.

Apologies to those I will have inevitably missed. Time for a glass of chilled while and serious feet elevation. I'm also not a huge tennis fan but I did enjoy the Murray/Williams doubles yesterday, as much as anything for the good humour displayed by all those taking part.

We're on childminding detail fo the next two days. If I don't return its because I couldn't cope with the required early mornings. Will someone remind me why I agreed to do it?

TOYA, be good everyone. I've attached yet another picture of the roses, the climber is blooming its heart out.