soop's kitchen for friendly folk and precious pets.

Its reassuring to see that sparrows are still about, just not in my garden. At least I,m keeping the woodpigeon and magpie population fed, and my little resident robin.
greydyster what a wicked suggestion - go on, wot, do it !! ?

I've got masses of sparrows in my garden! They come to feed at the birdseed holder at approx 3.30 pm and the noise is almost deafening!

Hello all! First time all day I have had time time pick up the iPad, and that only because I am so tired I have come to a complete standstill!. GS stayed over last night because his parents were running in the Lincoln 10k today, and we had an early start to get him to football. Good match but it went to extra time and then penalties and all the standing up took a toll on my legs. Then it was home to cook lunch for when the runners came back (covered in glory!) and I have just finished sorting out stuff for our trip to Wales tommorrow, so another very early start. I am contemplating whether to finish the bottle of red we opened but I think discretion is the better part of valour - it'll keep. I could be asleep before I get to the bottom of the glass! A consolation is that I won a box of lovely chocs in the football half time raffle ?.
wot I am sorry to hear about your dog; I hope the vet can give Sophie some positive help. And blokes can be such a pain can't they? I'd be tempted to let his tyres down!
Bellanonna we used to be overrun with sparrows but since we cut down our laurel hedge they have deserted us almost entirely. Fickle little b****rs!
soop my DH definitely didn't think our last cat was a good idea; she came to us on the back of a sob story like you never heard, and he was not at all keen. Added to which, she didn't like men, only women. But in time they became inseparable and she was always his cat and never mine!
Well, I am throwing in the towel now - I have to be up at five!!! He'll be lucky

soop I'm so jealous !

Bellanonna the cheeky sparrow is a great favourite of mine. First thing this morning we watched three goldfinch, two greenfinch, many chaffinch, a pair of siskin, a thrush, several great tits, a few blue tits and a wren...Rory sat on the doorstep and left them to enjoy pecking around under the feeders just a matter of strides away. He never disturbs them. Mind you, he's far too well fed to go hunting. Thank goodness. His trekking, stalking and hunting days are a dim and distant memory.

Charleyg Us lot hope that you've a bottle of bubbly chilling. After what you've been through you deserve a right royal celebration.

A lovely day. Sunshine and a light breeze. So, until tomorrow (((hugs))) for all,

wot don't worry about your partner. If he can ride his bike he's fine. Don't fuss over him. Best ignored. Take Sophie to the vet as planned and I hope she's ok. She's a big worry for you at the moment but her troubles can be down to many things. Try not to lose your own confidence, That's really important. You know the appointment is at 8. Set the alarm in plenty of time and plan your route now so thst you know exactly where you're going. It'll all work out. We just want Sophie to be ok.
Get back to us tomorrow.

soop Rory is one lucky little cat to have found you both.

cj you made me laugh about nooses but so understandable. Great news about the weather for this week. We drove a few miles to lunch today and were in awe of all the blossom. The gorse was prolific. I love spring. New beginnings and all that. Most magic of all I had a pair of sparrows in the garden today. I had said on another thread thst I hadn't had them for ages. They really lifted my spirits.

cornergran I agree with soop- you are so fortunate.

wot ignore "him indoors" and take Sophie to see the vet tomorrow. She is such a beautiful girl.

soop I am fast approaching the finishing line but in my case it will be a rope with the plumber's neck in it.

I believe that in London we are likely to see sunshine most days of next week so I will make the most of it as I have much to wash. There are times when I think that an industrial machine would have been more appropriate.

wot You are not having an easy time right now. I wish, for your sake, that your partner could be more supportive. Bella suggested that he may have a UTI. The symptoms sound familiar. There are residents in the care home that I visit who invariably "sound off" whenever they develop such an infection. Sophie needs to see the vet. Please do let us know the outcome. for you. And too.

ann When Rory first attempted to paddy paw his way into our home, MacS was adamant that it was not a good idea. The reason being...we have had our share of loving and losing precious pets. Now that Rory is most definitely one of the family, we shall remain devoted to him for the remainder of his days.

cornergran Family visits are the cherry on the cake. You sound VERY happy. We like that you do.

Charleyg Remain strong. You are fast approaching the finishing line.

Partner seems to have recovered and gone out on his bike. Not one word did he say to me!! Silly old fool! The vet appointment is tomorrow at 8am Sophie is very sluggish today. I seem to have trouble planning times and routes these days so get anxious as regards to appointments.....pathetic really....just loss of confidence. Will pull myself together. Thanks to everyone for their support ?

Ah well, one out 3 fellows turned up today. I have treated him to a lunch as I am grateful that anything gets done nowadays. The small claims court is looming for the electrician- I do not think he thinks that I am serious. I thought that he knew me by now.

At least the washing is drying and the builder is attacking the re-pointing so that we can remove the scaffolding asap. Never, ever again will I have any work done here. Two have been decent, the boss and the fellow next in line- there are only around 6 that I would never ever have here again. Sub contracting does not work.

What a saga charlie. Glad you slept. It's sheer exhaustion!

Any news from wot?

I have had 9 hours + sleep- I think that everything is now catching up with me.

My washing machine is on and I am about to get dressed, hoping that the fellows come at 9am as promised. The plumber, as far as I am concerned can find his own way home but I will not tell him that until the work has been finished to my satisfaction.

Thank you.

Poor you wot. Wonder if he's brewing a urinary tract infection. In older people symptoms can be confusion and irrational behaviour of the type you describe. As he won't let you near him you can't see whether he's shivering. If he's still unwell in the morning I'd call a duty doc or whatever applies in your area. Don't worry I'm sure he's still breathing, but he would need an antibiotic if it's a UTI. Try and shut your door and don't worry too much. You've got to be up early for Sophie and if the Other Half were really unwell I don't think he'd be saying leave me alone. Best of luck for the morning and get some sleep.

How ill is "very ill"?? Is he being sick, running a fever, could it be flu or do you suspect something worse?
You have got a basinful tonight, every sympathy.

And now...partner seems very ill. He will not allow me to call doctor. I phoned his daughter who is a paramedic and her response was " I can't help you, I have to get up early in the morning" I can't believe how selfish people are!As we have separate rooms all I can do is sneak in and see if he's breathing. If I ask him how he is he just shouts "leave me alone"

Quick catchup after a manic but lovely family day. Overwhelmed that extended family made such an effort to be with us. Lovely people

Yes, it's a huge responsibility wot, I feel for you and admire your determination to do the right thing. Love to you and Sophie dog.

mawb I know that feeling. Visits are precious and wonderful, set us up for ages. Smiled at the picture of Grace and the pigeon. No harm in hoping, Grace .

Oscar is very well mannered oldgoat, he sounds a seasoned traveller. Envious of your planned trip, sounds wonderful

We finally had sun today soop, after rain on our trip with the most wonderful rainbow. Beautiful. We're forecast a good day tomorrow, if so off to our favourite beach to do very little other than enjoy.

I don't quite know what to say about your situation charley, other than hang on in there and believe it will be done one day and will be wonderful. Not long now.

Oh wot , thinking of you. Our furfriends are so precious to us and such a responsibility .
Wishing you and Sophie ? all the very best.x

Very sincere well wishing to all of you with pets. Our only foray into pet owning in our marriage has been a cat who was bought for our teenage son and of course ended up being ours. We were absolutely devoted to her for her 13 years until she developed kidney and other problems and we took the awful decision.
We could not contemplate another pet.
Are all the years of love, devotion etc worth it?Of course they are, but we would leave them behind now and we cant face that.
We just wait to see our granddog in June.
H went to bed just after 8pm and I am there now !!

Yes, I'll let you know. All I know at present is I have to do what is best right and Bugger partners temper. Obviously, I wouldn't move forward until he was informed. She's such a sweet dog I am determined not to let her suffer. What fresh hell is this, coming up?

wot hopefully it's something that can be sorted by the vet. Do let us know x

Vet not get

I've been worried about Sophie dog ? for a while. However, it I've mentioned my concerns to my partner, he's dismissed it as my hysterical rubbish. Well, I received a card reminding me of her vaccination so I've made a really early double appointment for the get on Monday when I can take her without partner even knowing!! She's just not herself, not much appetite and most worrying, her stomach is huge. She's only about six years old. A lurcher. If she's in a bad way, I am prepared to release her. Maybe she is just overweight as she's such a fussy eater, I probably pander to her as regards to what she will eat. I need to be responsible and take her to get even if the old bugger is up and tried to stop me.(partner). He adores the dog and she is the only one he talks to but we have to face facts!

Grace is in her usual place having a well earned rest after the exhaustion of seeing 3 little humans in her space. She tolerates them and they are fond of her, but Pippa is a bit wary of such a BIG doggy. It was sad that I couldn't take her to the playground but it s too far for her now and she can't stand around. However I think she is happy alternating her bed/her rug/the mat inside the patio doors as lying down places especially when the sun is streaming in warming the old bones
Still there as long as we take things gently. Yesterday she forgot she was an old girl and saw off an impudent pigeon which was strutting around the garden. I had to stop her trying to chase it in case she hurt herself but it was a joy to see the "life in the old dog yet!"
Memo to self, Grace, pigeons can fly, greyhounds can't!!

MawB Not in the least bit pathetic. Totally understandable. You managed to fit a good deal of happiness into one visit. We have two months to wait and then we'll be enjoying our own wee slice of heaven. After which...another three months or so until the big, family gathering. I am happy to wait. All I ask is that the family remain healthy and in good spirits.

I would love to hear update on Grace.

The ferry is making a leisurely journey from Islay to Kennacraig. The sea looks beautiful in the afternoon sunshine.

I shall log off and do a few gentle tasks aboot the hoos. MacSporran will be changing the shin dressing shortly. Swelling has finally disappeared. On the mend and happy to be so.

Farewell dear Granspals. I wish you all a pleasant and peaceful evening.