The Lockdown Gang - not setting foot outside!

OMG!! I would be up in arms Dreamkeeper and Mr Dream.
That is truly awful and please can you complain to the site manager/warden/whoevermadethisdecision?
Surely the tradesmen knock off work early - 4pm? so there should still be time to take your walk. ie when they stop for the day.
If the benches can't be moved to where you can use them, can folding chairs be left somewhere?
I feel so sorry for you and angry.

After my incident at the weekend with the council bins, we found we had been locked in last night!! Truly somone has "bolted" the gate with jubilee clips so we cant get out and noone can call including the postman. DH has cut the clips but who did that?
I guess it wasn't any of you. Was it the man from the hotel? Or the council?
DD's poor dog is still sleeping and hasnt touched her food.
DH is on a zoom conference so I can't go in that room - still I do have the garden.

Well I don’t know where to start panache. How totally inconsiderate. The problem is, that now that this work has started I doubt you can stop it. I suggest you contact the management and tell them of the difficulties you have and ask if there is an area of the garden you can have access to while the work is being done. What a time to choose. Are other residents annoyed? I can understand why you want your dear man to have his pleasure walking in the garden and why you are so upset. Is there anywhere else you can get out?

grammaretto glad you found your culprit but how strange you have been locked in. I wonder who it could have been ?

Sorry your daughters dog is not perking up so quickly . Hopefully the medication will help and she will be feeling better soon.

mamissimo poor Fergal. Does he know today’s the day ? You certainly seem to keep yourself busy. Like grammaretto I could easily just sit and read or relax most of the day. I get occasional days when I feel full of energy when I dash round like a whirling dervish making the most of it before it wears off ?
grammaretto I cannot imagine what your ice cream tastes like. I have never heard of that before. Sorry your dress wasn’t as expected but you made your delivery lady happy with it so that’s something.
cherry I hope your neighbour hasn’t repeated her paparazzi actions. It is indeed very strange. Hope you are ok.
bradfordlass glad you are feeling better. I love the sound of your Cuddle on the Couch cocktail it will certainly be added to the bar list. The cocktail bar seems very popular with all our inmates ?

dragonfly how are you getting on without Dexter? Has he settled in back at home now?

Well DH and I are going OUT. ? The hospital rang yesterday to say they want DH to go and have a blood test before he has his telephone appointment with his consultant. We have been given an appointment at a private hospital where we are told they will be very careful with him. So our first trip out in 9 ½ weeks. It’s a bit scared. Going out to check the car today to make sure it’s still running.
Have a good day all. panache I hope you and MrP can get access outside somewhere nice.

Dreamkeeper, like Grammaretto says I'd be up in arms. You may have had a "warning" months ago that the electrics were going to be done but why do it now, is it urgent? I mean really? If it's been held off for so long then it can't be ! What on Earth are they playing at, it's bl...y summer and lockdown is still actually in effect!
It's positively inhumane. They must have known at least a week ago that the work was imminent and could (should) have consulted with the residents as to whether there was any objection to the planned schedule. I'd definitely complain, do you know if others have or are willing to do that - safety in numbers and all that. I'd emphasise in a complaint that it hinders your DH's ability to carry out medical advice but that's just me.

Please look after yourself and Mr Dream, Dreamkeeper, I wish there was something I could actually do to help ?

Apologies to all my fellow detainees that I haven't chatted to you all, I'd better sort out the ham I'm going to cook for dinner but I will return ?

Cocktails, hot chocolate and all you may ask for in the kitchen.
Off for an early night as we are going to the hospital tomorrow.
panache hope you have sorted out something that allows you access to the garden.
Hope you all sleep well. I’ll be back to check up on you all tomorrow. No rowdy parties in my absence...wait for me to come back ?

All the best for your day release Doodle
Thanks for sorting the drinks. I am trying to have a party but DH is zonked, fast asleep on the sofa.
It must have been an overdose of sun. He cooked the dinner tonight which was delish. We are eating our own lettuces already which is so nice. Another kind of ice-cream. Our young friend brought us some he had made with pistachios.
I can see a theme here of food.
Sleep well everyone

Dream Have I got it right? The only reason you can't get into the garden is because the workmen have put a bench across the gate? If I have, they are the people to speak to - ask them to move it so you can still use the garden. Watch for any holes they've dug - don't want you fallin in.

dragonfly46 Thanks for asking about Kathy. She seems to have recovered well and was due back in April but Covid-19 prevented that as she was immediately put into the 'vulnerable' category and banged up, like me.

My other regular lady is back on Mondays, she took me to stock up on fish, veg and wool so I'm knitting again.

I have a splendid girl comes Friday to collect and exchange my audio books and buy my veg.

Doodle Parole! I hope it's not too scary. Best of luck my dear xxx

Off to make Broc for Brekkie. It's so good to have regular fresh vegetables again.

Crikey - I turn my back and people are being locked in, spies are spotted and people are being dastardly to The Dreams...and Doodle is absconding!

Must be something in the air because I slid down the drainPipe this morning and we drove to a National Trust car park....and there were my twin DDs! We had a very decorous distanced picnic lunch and the DH smuggled me back in here.

Bless them all - no hugging but they looked well and it was such a surprise. They cooked it up with my DH - out in the car, step out in the fresh air, smile a lot and drive back to the penitentiary. They live in neighbouring counties and we hadn’t seen them since February.

Apart from hospital I’ve been in since before lockdown and today was the first step towards living carefully with the virus. I have no plans to mix with anyone else and as they are both teachers they will be back in contact with the outside world themselves in a couple of weeks so they and DH thought it was this week or wait till August. So glad we did it!

And Fergal the cat has been wormed. I’m my little world it’s been a good day... sleep tight!

Oh Mamissimo how wonderful was that!
I am so happy for you.
We are still plotting of a way to see DD at the weekend. She won't bring the wee one as she's too young to understand . She may bring 5 yr old but not the dog who is still alive but a big worry.
5 yr old showed me on the screen, what she'd been making and then invited me to come to see them "after the virus"

I must finish my knitting today so I can start something new what are you making Bradfordlass? baby clothes?

Grammaretto - it was surreal! ......as is all of life at the moment.....it’s all like a very weird dream....When I woke up this morning I couldn’t really believe that I saw them yesterday. I do hope you find a way to see your DD - it’s reassuring to see them in the flesh. They didn’t bring my GDs to keep it simple for everyone.

Well with Fergal safely wormed I can now concentrate on avoiding the grout! To the garden I think before it gets too hot!

My lovely inmates ,my salvation in a way!!!
Yes yesterday was a particularly bad day,the flat faces south west and the heat inside was unbearable.

We were blocked access to the garden by men in viz jackets trawling all over it,whilst they physically moved the bench to also block access to our large terrace area.

However of course after collecting our thoughts a letter was sent to the company in charge,all of whom are out of office working from home.
We have had no scheme manager since the first day of lockdown,she contacts each one of us for a brief phone conversation once a week............but is totally useless at all times!
The only thing the Company heeds is the cash in their hands!

On going down to the garden wearing my hat of determination yesterday I managed to have a short conversation with the Boss man,saying how imperitive the garden was to my husband`s continual rehability.
They then cordoned off a small portion that were not needing access too ........until today........so we had a shortened stroll.
Yes indeed they closed up at 4.30 pm so we had our second..............so perseverance and the right approach seemed to have paid off.
However another story this morning..............although perhaps after having his Chemo my dear man will need his day of rest.
Still no reply from the Company though.

Then to cap off my day last night I had a dream about my hair!!!!!My very straggly,long and unruly mane!!!
I was told I had an incurable and dangerous infection and the only way that I could have it shampooed was by a hose pipe spray.........which inevitably went everywhere!!
Just as well it was only a dream!

Back to you my lovely inmates and a big thank you for your advice and support,plus understanding which in itself helped a lot when I felt a real "downer"
I only hope I can now help anyone of you if and when you may feel the need.

Wowee Doodle what an event,simply breathing in fresh air OUTSIDE these thick walls! obviously well planned as far as safety is required and much needed to help with your man`s condition.I can assure you the escape will be weird,it will look as though nothing has changed apart from much red tape everywhere and yet it will look odd.At least those were my thoughts.
Looking forward to hearing how it all went.
My man is rather fortunate I suppose because not only did a Nurse come into our Flat to administer his monthly chemo this morning,but he too required bloods taken prior to meeting (eventually) with his Consultant.The Nurse again obliged.
Every area has these differences it would seem.
Hopefully it all goes well with no further mishaps to your dear multi coloured husband!

That was a very sweet and positive response from you Cherry but I have come to expect little else! As you will now note I was not prepared to take the matter "on the chin" for all the reasons you mentioned.

You are paving the way for us all in "escaping" Mammissimo although personally,being prone to falling I think I shall avoid the drainpipe method!
Whilst apologies to poor Fergal being a cat and not a dog!!

I shall try my best to avoid the pot holes too Bradfordlass.......those Electricians certainly left a few!
Baby clothes I hear,is there something going on I know nothing about?
Always slow on the uptake me!!!

Hope your plans reach fruition Grammeretto having been rescued from being locked in!You lead rather a colourful life!Thoughts of any get togethers with loved ones are now such a treat to look forward too.

We are being very optomistic.,thinking perhaps that drive to the beach with flask in hand maybe nearer each passing day!!

A scorcher here and yes those dreaded workmen are back........mainly sunbathing with little evidence of some real work being achieved as yet.

Looking forward to our Cocktail Hour as I feel the real need of an alcoholic "top up" with you lot,I shall drink and say cheers to each one of you for being so very kind.

Well DH and I have returned from the hospital. Everything was very well organised and he was in and out in no time. I ran up a mask for him on the sewing machine last night and he wore that and a pair of disposable gloves so hope we have avoided any virus lurking. Quite strange to be out after so long.
mamissimo what a lovely treat you had to meet up with your daughters. ? and for a picnic outside too. I bet that cheered you up no end. Hope Fergal enjoyed his day just as much ?
grammaretto that pistachio ice cream sounds lovely. I love pistachios. I am sorry the dog is still poorly. Hope she improves soon.
bradfordlass I’ve never heard of Broc. What is that?
Ah knitting. That will keep you busy. What are you doing at the moment?
panache hope you are ok.
Will catch up later. Time for some lunch I think ?

Crossed posts panache I will read yours now and see what’s happened.

Well I’m glad you managed two little walks yesterday panache. If they go at 4 ish are you able to get out and walk then? So glad your DH got his blood test done at home though we can’t complain as the speed with which my DH got his done this morning. I must say he looked very fetching in his grey mask made out of an old T shirt ?
Hope today is a more relaxing one for you and you get outside as much as possible. Take care
Back to join you all in the Lock up bar later ?

Doodle, I hope it all goes well today and your DH has good news from his blood tests. I'm sure that they will take extra care with him. I'm sure it won't turn out to be as scary as you think as I've noticed posts by others on GN have also been very nervous when they have had to go out, usually for hospital appointments, but have testified afterwards that it wasn't as scary as they feared, just quite surreal. Probably by the time you read this you'll be back and I hope you are able to relate that it all went well ?.

There's been no further odd behaviour from my neighbour, thank goodness ?. I still don't "get it" though. I don't think she's lonely, she lives with her husband or partner. It's a shame in some respects that she/they haven't been more friendly as we are similar in age, I don't think that I want to be friendly now.
BradfordLass, there is a lane between our house and the ones opposite us so they are not as far apart as when houses are on opposing sides of the road so she may very well have been able to photograph quite a bit of detail. From our house to those opposite it is quite easy to see individuals clearly. Nosey neighbours can really be quite nosey ?.

I didn't come back out of my cell yesterday as I felt a bit iffy (the sun had made me feel sick) but I'm avoiding it much more today. I've got my "interview" about my life "living with epilepsy" coming up in a few minutes so I d better go back in my cell and catch up with you all later.

cherry good luck with the interview. Let us know how you get on.

Good luck with the interview Cherry!
Shame about the neighbour.
Well done for being assertive Dreamkeeper with the workmen. I hope the message got through. It will be horrible if you're too hot. Do you have a fan?

I am very glad your jaunt in the open went well Doodle
I have heard that people's children are not thrilled about going back to school. Not all of them anyway. Some have got apprehensive and reluctant to venture out again. It will be like being an infant again.

Even before the floodgates are opened here in Scotland, cars, motorbikes and even walkers were at DD's secret valley today.

The dog is no better and sleeping most of the time. She's stopped eating and doesn't even want to drink.

I have been rescuing plants . I have a wonderful eau-de-cologne mint which used to be a big clump but I couldn't find it until I started attacking the shrub next to it which had grown enormous. There it was hiding underneath but recognisable by its beautiful scent. They are supposed to keep flies away.

We need rain we do really.
I'll be back in or is it out? later to catch up on all your doings.

Sooo glad to have you back with us Doodle and pleased all seemingly went well for your dear man.I bet he looked rather fetching in his grey mask probably matching his poor bruises.
With the workmen leaving at 4.30 it allowed us a good stroll,but with this heat the afternoon inside was unbearable.
Sadly although there has been a few slight changes in the lockdown situation.......in England and Scotland,our news should be released tomorrow.However those of us being "shielded" have again been categorically told to still stay put indoors.
With this "R" relatively near the surface I can well understand this .........but I so wanted my seaside venture!

Best of luck Cherry hope it goes your way.You too will be "all ears" tomorrow when our Drakeford gives us the news for Wales.

Whilst I totally agree about the need for rainfall Grammaretto,everything in the garden looks shrivelled and thoroughly parched.
Not so long ago much like yourself the garden care used to dictate my life.......well perhaps more years than I wish to admit!!
We have a big fan but part of my hubby`s condition leaves him very overheated on the coldest of days,so sadly even the fan did not do much to help.
Your poor dog,certainly worrying when they choose to stop eating and drinking.......the latter especially in this warm weather.

Time to settle for our evening together and soon there will be an echo of clapping with the boats in the Marina tooting loudly,I think this will be here to stay awhile although there is a call for it to end this evening.
Will be at roll call at what Cherry seems to have named as the Lockup Bar...........main thing is having my needy top up with you lot of happy cell mates!

Hello panache. Have you tried getting MrP to have a bowl of cold water next to him with a face cloth then wetting his face hands and arms with the cloth whilst having the fan on him. The fan blowing on the water cooled skin might help him keep cooler. So glad you managed to get out again today.
Actually, going back to MrP, if you have a freezer in your apartment you can freeze some of these ice packs that you put in cool bags to keep the food cool and then put them under his feet. They don’t melt when they defrost so they don’t make things wet. My mum used to suffer dreadfully with heat problems and used to sleep with the fan on her feet even in the middle of winter. Can you see the marina from your flat? Are you near the sea panache or is it some distance away?
grammaretto that is worrying news about your daughters dog. Is she very old? Perhaps this hot weather isn’t helping. Hope she improves soon.

Thanks for asking after DD's dog. She is 8 which is middle aged but not old. They have had her since she was a puppy and when they went on a big trip to NZ , to see her brother , I got to look after the dog. I took her to training classes and we have taken her when they go away so she is my favourite dog.
There's been no change.

I went on cutting back the big shrub this evening but found there's a nest right in the centre with eggs in it! I quickly stopped my pruning. (I know it's not the right time to prune but it was hiding the other thing) Oh dear. I hope the adults come back. It looks like a blackbird's nest - so perfect. I have seen plenty of blackbirds about and heard them.

I may have to have an early choccycocktail....
Keep cool everyone.

grammaretto that’s not old for a dog. Do they know what’s wrong. No wonder you are so attached to her too. I loved all of mine. There is a very special bond between people and their pets. A non judgmental relationship where they are always there for you. Hope she improves soon.