The Lockdown Gang - not setting foot outside!

* Elthelbags1* I am on the shielded list and don’t go outside my property at all except for one hospital appointment every 6 weeks to receive my treatment for the condition which requires my shielding.

If you’re not on the list you can go out to get food, attend medical appointments and to take exercise once a day. It is perfectly ok to deliver food to your mum but not to go in.

Your neighbours sound as if they’re not following the guidance at all - maybe the police need to know as they could be increasing the risk of the virus spreading as they don’t live there. It is difficult though when you live next door!

I hope that helps a little - stay safe and enjoy your small trips out.

I'm really confused if you are on the shielded list can you not go out at all. How can you be shielded if you live alone. I was told I couldn't be on the list but I have ashsma so I stay in but I go out to visit my mother who had copd but I don't go in. She is struggling to go housework on her own but No one has been shielding her. Should I not be going out. I'm so confused, my neighbour with terminal cancer goes shopping. My other neighbour with copd is 80 and has granchil to visit. I counted 10 children in a group playing outside. The parents were all in deckchairs drinking from cans. This goes on all day. I want to go out too but if I go I feel bad, if I don't I feel I'm missing something. Btw the industry is working in the north east, the road outside my house thunders with heavy lorries, taxis and all sorts of lical businesses. It's like no lockdown exists

You certainly do the rounds Mammissimo but a big welcome back,nothing quite like home sweet home.
Indeed I found to my horror how dangerous wearing a mask and specs can be..........there should be a warning!

I am smiling at the picture of the stick insect because only a few days ago I made a remark about now looking like one..........which seems to have started up a discussion and now a picture of one!!! Far better looking than were I to present one of myself!!!

With you every step of the way Doodle regarding thinking we maybe locked in for some 18 months,finding a vaccine is of great urgency for sure.Best really to try not think and count the days ahead,although I am the first to admit......easier said than done.
Already my hair has reached that impossable stage!!

Time I put my sleepy head on the pillow I guess so I will hop along with Hot chocolate mug in my hand,but not before saying Keep Safe my cell mates.I shall be back!!!

Glad you got back safely mamissimo . Hope everything went well. ?

Mea culpa - wearing !

I’m back in the land of the living again but a bit like a Disney dwarf with a trailing dressing gown. Our trip to the hospital was uneventful and the drugs knocked me for six as usual.....so just a plain cocoa for me please Doodle.

Interesting thing from yesterday.....breathing out when we raring a face mask makes your glasses fog up. ? I therefore consider face masks slightly dangerous for chemically altered ladies......

Sleep tight everyone

Unruly children Marydoll surely not. Who could you mean ?. Keeps us all out of trouble.

Hi all, I've been reading some of the blog too.

bradfordlass, I've racked my brains to find some clues of the one I had years ago, but it was so long ago, I can't remember anything! . It's annoying me now.

I have spent most of the day dealing with unruly children (Pantglas) in the maths class and I'm exhausted.
At least it keeps me out of mischief!

Sleep well!

bradfordlass being reading your blog. Thank you very enjoyable. ?

Hi gramaretto hot chocolate ready. It’s really cold here too. Such a change from yesterday.
fatgran that’s huge ......and scary ?

fatgran57 where did you find that one? It is seriously huge.
Can I have hot chocolate now please doodle?
It is freezing cold here. Either that or a hot bath.
I have to keep out of DH way while he's on a conference call (in the only warm room) I find myself in the kitchen where the chocolate is....

BradfordLass73 how's this for a stick insect!!! Thank goodness it wasn't a spider

Hello you two. Yes it is difficult to keep spirits up sometimes isn’t it. This lockdown is affecting many people in different ways. DH isn’t happy at the thought of being indoors for 18 months and neither am I for that matter. I’d love to go for a nice long walk. Despite that I still worry for all those NHS staff and other workers who are putting themselves at risk for others.
Thank you too Marydoll for doing a fine job of entertaining us with the daily maths quiz. You’re right. I need to get some sleep otherwise him indoors will have to help me with my sums again ?

Guess whom is first in the queue Doodle??
No one makes Hot Chocolate as well as you do!
Believe me my sense of humour often vanishes these days but I do try.I know that so many have such burdens and so where possible it is good to remain upbeat..........but no longer can I promise it all the while.

Poor Dragonfly what a dilemna you face indeed.Obviously you feel very responsable for Dexter and so I can understand how the situation is even worse than were he your very own dog.
You really cannot let this upset you too deeply,these things very sadly do happen and sometimes there just are no great answers.
Sincerely hoping there is some light at the end of this bleak tunnel you find yourself in.

With those few words I shall simply wish you all Sweet dreams.

Doodle, shouldn't you be in bed? You have a busy schoolday tomorrow.
Trying to stay positive, but it's hard.
Dragonfly, please look after yourself.

Night all, take care.

Chocolate in the kitchen for anyone who needs it. Sleep well all

Oh dragonfly that must be so difficult for you. Is there really no way your DD and SIL can come and collect poor Dexter. You have done your best to look after him. I know you feel responsible but it really isn’t your fault. What does your DD think should be done?
grannysomerset this lockdown is causing so much stress to many. Do you have family or friends you can chat to or perhaps Silverline if no one else.

Oh dear dragonfly I really think it is time for the poor dog to go home to his owners. I know it's your DD and SiL but this is not fair on you. Is there somebody who could be a go-between? Are there perhaps animal charities who could help with the transport?

A few years ago I offered to feed 2 cats (as a last resort because the person who was doing it suddenly couldn't) The owners were away for 2 months on safari in Africa. One of the cats became ill and I took her to the vet. She had to be put to sleep and I was the one to sign! on the advice of the vet but then I couldn't contact the people. I felt really bad especially when they finally came into contact and were angry/upset! The cat was 15 years old. I am never looking after anyone's animals again.
The vet kept the body (in the freezer) so that she could have a proper burial.

GrannySomerset I am sorry for you too. Can you make a list of nice things to look forward to each day. Food, a phone call, a tv programme, a good book.

Poor dragonfly, it’s so much worse that the dog isn’t yours. You really don’t need this additional anxiety and I am not surprised you are downhearted. Me too, with nothing like your excuse. I think it’s the “no end in sight” factor that makes it tough. Life with DH is hard work with little to compensate and I so need something to look forward to other than endless clearing up, cleaning, laundry and meals. Somebody to have a proper conversation with, for a start! Tomorrow may be better.

Well it is going from from bad to worse. The vet had to sedate the dog again and the ulcer is really bad. So bad she is referring him to an eye specialist but she is not sure they can do anything for him. I am very worried and feel so responsible as he is not my dog!

grammaretto how sad for your Fil. That doesn’t sound like much of a life.
dragonfly I too hope things are a bit better today.
mamissimo hope all goes well with your trip.
bradfordlass how nice you got to chat with your son. We have seen ours once each since lockdown. Just stood below our window to chat to us.
Have a good day all

BradfordLass73 DGS in NZ had pet stick insects. They lived for ages.
That must. have been tantalising for you, having your DS so close yet so far. I am glad that his DP isn't so sick. The middle part of pregnancy is the best bit ..... if I remember.
My friend, also over 70, was telling me how her niece phoned to ask her advice about breast feeding. She felt flattered but somewhat surprised.

One of DDs friends has the virus. He is a policeman and only 26. Very fit so not in any of the usual demographics. His gf had it first but she has recovered. He is still very poorly.

I hope dragonfly is feeling a little better today.and the vet visit goes OK.

DFiL had a bad day yesterday. He says he just wants to die. He can't see or hear and doesn't enjoy anything anymore.

Enjoy your trip to the seaside, I mean hospital, today Mamissimo Fingers crossed.

Oh dragonfly I DO hope you feel better soon. What's making you feel so down, is it emotional ennui or are you feeling ill? Either way, I hope it passes soon.

Dreamkeeper I like Stick Insects, they are wonderfully elegant and calm. Sadly they are predated by wasps and possums.

Grammaretto I'm quite enjoying lockdown as it's given me time to write again. I had neglected my writing in the mad social whirl of the elders' group, pre-Covid

My son visited today with a bag of essentials. He put things in the garage and I went for them after he left.

We sat and talked for half an hour, he on the porch and I in the living room with the metal mesh security door between us. How tempted I was to go hug him.
All is well with the pregnancy; his wife is not as nauseaous and they've nicknamed the tiny wee soul 'Mudge'.

dragonfly you sound so sad. Are you feeling poorly or are you worried about taking Dexter to the vets. Sorry you feel so low. Whatever it is, I do hope tomorrow is a better day.x
grammaretto glad you had a good time in your garden. Been a really warm day here.
mammissimo hope all goes well at the hospital. Safe journey
panache still got the same sense of humour I see ?
It’s so annoying when you lose a post isn’t it. Nice to have you with us. Enjoy your cocoa and a good night’s sleep. x
Sleep well all night night ? ?

dragonfly46 sending ((hugs)) chocolate. Pain relievers if I had any.
The vet tomorrow. Things may look up.
Sleep well.
xx