The Lockdown Gang - not setting foot outside!

Just toddling in (unsteady - not through alcohol!) for my hot chocolate. I could just drink a Sheridan's right now but IRL it's not "allowed" ( interferes with my medication too much) so can I have a virtual one please?
Nice to here other inmates having a tipple or two on these lovely evenings we're having though ?

Goodnight inmates ?

I have also had several glasses of vino tonight. We had a zoom quiz with the family set by DS in NZ where it is Mother's Day. It was really hard (for me) so I came last but it was lovely to see them all.

DH has very sore feet and we don't know what to do. I think it's caused by the strong cancer drugs he is on. I have asked on the support group if anyone can advise. It is hard watching someone in pain and being unable to help.

Hot chocolate was perfect tonight. See you tomorrow. Sleep tight xx

Has anyone seen Dragonfly?

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202005/medium-518770-mdbouquet-2.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202005/medium-99327-cabbagblooms-mday2020.jpg

You're right Doodle she's been on my mind all day, not least because I received a colour video of her kicking her wee legs and doing all sorts of calisthentics. I love her already.

I have one grand-daughter, Hannah, the child of my elder son. She'll be 27 in a few days time. She has siblings who've always called me 'Grandma' . They're grown up and we have no contact.

The other grandson, is my younger boy's stepson. He's 10 and looking forward to a baby sister, although he wanted a brother.

Yes Rufus 'tyke' is an old Norse word, originally for a female dog or fox. However, common usage in Yorkshire made it an affectionate name for a child.
'Come 'ere an' let me wash thi mucky face, yer little tyke.'

I'd like to share my Mothers' Day bouquet (from my younger son and family), with you all, dear cellmates.

Does anyone know if you can eat ornamental cabbage?

Thank you BradfordLass for the gorgeous bouquet.

Our youngest son was 10 when he had a baby sister. He was lovely with her and they are still close as grown ups. Their DC are very fond of each other too.

We use the word tyke as in a scruffy child.

I sneaked out of my cell this morning really early . I wanted to see a building in the town which has had its ugly shop sign removed to reveal the old one beneath. I had been told this but needed to see it for myself and take a picture before it's covered up again. It was freezing cold outside and raining and the sign was disappointing with only one original letter visible.

I hope you all had a good night in Doodle's lock-up?

Am making an early appearance since it seems I got off rather well with a brief AWOL oeriod!
Sun shining still although the forecast had prepared us for this very cold snap,I think that may well be tomorrow when indeed I will feel less chirpy!!

Reading all your posts I realise why I am having these wobbles because in my case the vino is missing, a huge error, so I shall rectify that tonight in place of your delicious Hot chocolate Doodle,although the flasks you so kindly left in my cell will still be appreciated........ but just not at bed time!!

I now have very vivid visions of you appeareing as a ghostly spectre in the dark of the night,and like your dear man I bet I shall jump out of my skin!!

Where oh! where is Dragonfly and of course Dexter.Thinking of you and trusting all is better and there has been no further mishaps.Amazing what can happen even in Lockdown.

Thanks for the sharing of your Mother`s day bouquet Bradford lass,always a treat but if anything like me,especially so right now when these things we normally take for granted is no longer easily feasable.
Not being a mother myself of course no such bouquet comes my way at any time,but I do love flowers and think a home is only a home with as many bunches as one can fit in!
I haven`t had any in some 7 or 8 weeks now and I truly feel the need.
We did purchase a large Kentia Palm shortly before all this threat happened,it was actually shipped in from the Howe Island in the Pacific so is fondly known as Lord Howe!
It is not only thriving but starting to fill the corner it sits in within our flat,lovely having fresh greenery but if it romps away at this sort of pace we shall need another flat!
However it has helped being a touch of the natural indoors but I still miss those gorgous florals!!

Indeed Cherry we must both have been writing at the same time ......just a shame we were so many miles apart.

Time I entered the real world for a little stroll methinks but sending best wishes to one and all of our cell mates.
Stay happy and stay safe.

Glass of wine on the balcony and two with dinner
Doodle That makes three, I think! Is that your PB (personal best for all you non-athletes!) ?
Go for four and instead of being tipsy you might find yourself tipping over the balcony and that could be a sight to behold!
If you still have your presence of mind, take a few :"selfies" and please post them. Sorry, but we could all do with a good laugh!
Your question without notice re: our 3 stages (not Stooges!) requires time to consider;
a) it's my steak and kidney dinner time,
b) more in-depth announcements tomorrow.
With 6 States and 2 Territories all issuing their own lockdown rules, it gets confusing, to say the least.
Hopefully there may be some clarification to-morrow!
Take care! Stay locked down, don't fall down!
Good Health

Ah panache there is a plentiful supply of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages in the kitchen so choose whatever you fancy. I’m afraid DH and I have a glass or two every evening with our meal, more recently, sitting on our balcony. Not likely to be doing that tonight. It’s getting windier and darker outside by the minute. Can’t pop over with flowers for you panache but this is the best I can do. Don’t smell but the best the internet could provide ?

cherry sorry you can’t have a drink. If you are pleased others here can imbibe then I will have an extra one for you.
?. Hope last night was uneventful for you and no more bruises.

grammaretto glad you had a lovely contact with the family.
Sorry to hear about your husbands feet. I have not heard that before. Have you thought of creating a new GN thread about it. There are many cancer sufferers on GN and someone may have some advice for you. Not nice being in pain. Hope his symptoms are relieved soon.

Beautiful flowers Bradfordlass I love those ornamental cabbage ones. Such delicate colours. No idea if you can eat them though. I know what you mean about becoming attached to a baby from the moment you know it’s going to be. So nice to have something to look forward to ?

grammaretto what a disappointment about your sign. I have a vision of you creeping around town in dark coat with collar up, hiding in corners like a super sleuth ?️‍♀️ ?

rufus if I tip over the balcony here I will end up on a bed of thorny bushes so I think I’d better stick to 3 ? max at the moment ?. Sorry to deprive you of the entertainment.
Hope you enjoyed your dinner. We are waiting for news of lockdown changes tonight too. Won’t affect any of us in the lockdown gang as we are confined for 12 weeks minimum and probably longer. Its the younger people I hope get more freedom soon. Take care.

Just a very quick "popping of my head" outside my cell door. Strange expression that ? really, how does one "pop" ones head ?

Happy Mother's Day BradfordLass. Beautiful flowers, thanks for sharing them with us.
We used to have an ornamental cabbage in our garden. The little instruction card that came with it said "not for human consumption" ?. So we didn't eat it ?

Back later inmates, off to help my WP prep the casserole for dinner.

Loving the floral pictures and that together with a little tipple of whatever you suggest from your ready filled supply Doodle will make me a very happy and cossetted person!!!

Popping over is more than allowed Cherry but no tripping over or th like!!!

Keep well and safe cell mates all.

I have heard from Dragonfly and she is just taking a wee break.
Listening to a muddled story from the politicians. Clear as mud but whatever anyone else does, we aren't going anywhere.
Looking forward to a hot choccy tonight. I am strangely exhausted after a day of doing nothing much.

Dreamkeeper I was able to include flowers on my Sainsbury’s order this week so maybe Tesco do them too? I have lovely tulips - the first for weeks.

We listened intently and hopefully to Boris this evening but we felt he merely muddied everything. The situation hasn’t changed enough for big changes so he’s simply saying he hopes to do more in three weeks time and that if you can’t work from home you should go back if it’s safe to do so....thereby putting the responsibility on the individual.

Guess it will get fine tuned and more nuanced during the week.

I have been reading a fascinating book about the history of West Cork. It was written in 1829 and on page 13 I saw my family name! A real eureka moment as it confirmed a theory of mine that I’d been working on for years. DNA had confirmed it to be a worthwhile theory so I’ve been plugging away. Happiness is old will and a strange little book!

I’m glad of the news of Dragonfly - I don’t like it when people go “missing”.

Last week we took delivery of a new HotBin for making compost and we’ve become slightly obsessed by it. It gobbles most of our waste - even amazon boxes - and promises compost in less than 90 days. It gets up to 60c so it certainly works hard. Can’t wait to see the results!

A good day - I’ll have one of those nice martinis tonight please Doodle as I’ve underspent my alcohol allowance today!

Sleep tight

Tried to come back in earlier but got locked out of lockdown ?. Internet been down most of the day. Not tempting fate so I’ll just grab some delicious hit chocolate and bid you all good night. Take care inmates, sleep well ?

Morning all.
grammaretto thank you for letting us know about dragonfly. Hope she’s ok. All that worry with Dexter cannot help.
Hope you and MrP are ok panache. What have you planned for today? We have two delivery due. One of some pillows and a Sainsbury’s order late tonight. Other than that, today is my main cleaning day. I usually watch the services from Canterbury Cathedral every day. I’ve become quite fond of the Dean and his beautiful Deanery garden and his ever present cats.?
cherry I read your post on the GM thread. I’m not surprised your worn out with all your recent problems. Sorry your internet is playing up too. The last thing you need in lockdown. Hope you had an uneventful night. Take it slowly today.
mamissimo glad you have found something of a family connection in your book. How exciting. That should keep you busy for a bit ?

marydoll doubt if you will have time to pop in here today having read about your problems with your SIL on the GM thread. Hope you get it sorted. I do think her son should take over these worries from you. Take care of yourself you don’t need this extra stress.

New Zealand goes down to Level Two on Thursday but nothing much will change for me.

At the risk of being a very boring Grandma, my son sent me a list of names they're considering:

Mila (his partner has Croatian heritage); Eloise, Fern, Harper and Chloe.
Not too keen on the last two but love Mila.

I have a very sore heel, it's been getting worse for a week. Left a message for someone to send a nurse to dress it but so far, no response.

Had some Maori face masks delivered today. Very colourful.

Made a batch of bread and although the loaves are quite small, I ate almost half the first savoury onion loaf whilst it was still warm from the oven, with cream cheese and the last of the tomatoes.
I took digestive enzymes to prevent the usual problems when eating wheat and so far, so good.

Ate the last of the vegetables yesterday and no prospect of anyone coming to buy some for me until Friday afternoon. I can then binge on broc and cauli!

Hi bradfordlass like your masks. Eloise reminds me of that song by Barry Ryan. It was a long time ago ?. I like Mila too.
Names are always difficult. People have such different ideas. It’s always an exciting time when a new baby is coming. The planning, thinking of names, buying bits and pieces ?

I don't know what the biggest pain in the a..e was yesterday, feeling worn out or the bl..Dy internet! I can't wait for the so-called "engineer" to come out on the 18th.

Doodle, will your pillows arrive in time for your class sleep over tonight ? ?

Sorry to hear about your heel BradfordLass, I hope the nurse gets back to you before too long. Put your feet up and have a ☕. That bread you made sounds yummy. I hope you get your veg' on Friday. I love broccoli, my favourite veg'. I'll cross my fingers for you on the name of your soon to be granddaughter, I like the first three choices too, especially Eloise.

We must have, as you rightly say, crossed posts the day before yesterday Dreamkeeper. You made me laugh at your vision of Doodle as a "ghostly spectre" and now it's got me wondering ? ?. Btw, don't worry about me tripping over it's my walking during a seizure you should worry about as it would give Doodle's ghost a right runaround ? ?

Thanks for letting us know about dragonfly just taking a breather atm Grammaretto, I'd wondered where she'd got to.
Hope you're okay dragonfly ?

That's a turn up for the book, pardon the pun, Mamissimo, very interesting.

Off to my group quiz now, internet permitting I shall return.

We have a Mila in the wider family, BradfordLass (also Croatian heritage).

I like your Maori face masks.

Sorry to deprive you of the entertainment
Doodle I wouldn't say that! Depends whether you're wearing jeans or a skirt at the the time and which end of you is sticking up in the air! A rose between many thorns!
The paparazzi would pay well for any selfies!
Good Healthy Recovery!

A busy old day here. I think I've overdone it in the garden and will be aching.

Like you Bradfordlass our rations are running out but our delivery girl is due tomorrow.

I'm going to try to go out in the street in the morning for when the hearse is due to pass . It will be carrying a dear lady who was always cheerful despite losing her DH a few years ago. She didn't have any family but was a friend to all.

I love the maori masks . Ours are rather ordinary though I have been asked to make one for a friend.

Time to see if I can rustle up a meal.

Working in the garden.

Evening cell mates all.Howdy this sunny evening?

So glad hearing Dragonfly is merely taking a break which yes sometimes is very much needed.Understandably too after her "run in " with Dexter and all the worry that went with it.Plus she is altogether not that well.She is very much missed though.

Thanks for the tip off about flowers from your shopping order Mammissimo, we have a Tesco slot this thursday so I will give them a try.Trouble is even at the best of times one cannot rely on their freshness,when they are good they are very good, so I am happy to take a chance!A friend did order some a few weeks back and was told not at this moment,so obviously their policies change.
Such an uplift to the home........and I shall think of you!!

Not much happening in this establishment,although we had a pleasant surprise yesterday finding the sky a perfect blue and the sun warm.........despite all the forecasts giving warnings.......and we sat a little while in what has become our favourite spot........surrounded by ancient trees and the most glorious bird song.It did gave us both such an uplift.
Today we dared hope for a second performance and although another cloudless,azure blue sky, that chilly breeze was distinctly less than friendly, so it was a quick march back to our flat!!

Been hooked on Boris`s speech and his "jump in the car and go wherever you fancy" words.... certainly has not been well recieved here in Wales as of course we retain the Stay at Home slogan, and apart from allowing a little more daily exercise and opening Garden Centres (if they are able to maintain social distancing )...........and the last thing our resorts need are droves heading this way from areas where perhaps the virus is far more prevalent.
Mind you there is only so much you can listen to........and even less absorb!!!!!
Alas I am no politician!

In a rather somber mood it would seem by this post, so I think it time for my tipple .........am waiting for your gentle hand to deliver one Doodle

Have a peaceful evening all and Stay safe.

Well that was a day....and tomorrow will be another one ☝️

It was very windy so gardening was off....it was cold cuts and jacket potaoes and left over dessert so no cooking....the laundry’s up to date......

Apart from winning several levels of Can....d...crush I’ve done almost nothing except to book next weeks shopping slot. The day was therefore a triumph!

I actually spent the afternoon proof reading my sons MBA report on innovation and entrepreneurship in the grocery retail industry which is due in at 11.59pm tonight. He’s had months and even though he’s 27 he still leaves it to the last moment to “bring his thinking together”. If anyone has trouble sleeping I’ll be happy to email you a copy to read!?

I’ll probably be asleep before the drunks trolley so sleep tight everyone.