The Lockdown Gang - not setting foot outside!

My ‘trip ‘ out was the first time we stepped out of the house since the Letter, didn’t see a soul, very strange feeling, as I said in last post I felt almost guilty, I know several supposed to be shielded who have been for local walks, nowhere to walk here but at least little garden, it must be awful in a flat .

And yet Megs36 if they want to see you, say at the doctor or the hospital you can go out so you really should not feel guilty.
I do know what you mean though. We crept out last night to see the exhibition in a shop window which DH had created and we were spotted by a neighbour down the street!
I just waved.

As you say it must be hard in a small flat. Then again harder still in a small flat with small children,
Then again in a small flat, with small children and a partner you no longer like.

I remember early on in the lockdown a phone in and someone asked if they could take the car to a place where they could have a proper walk away from crowds as they were old and shielded. The answer was it was fine as long as the car drive was less than the distance for the walk, So a 10 minute drive for a 20 minute walk.

Hi gang?

My machine has been "frozen" all day and I am awaiting my hoit man to defrost it!!

So I have not escaped though feeling decidedly on the low side hearing us that are shielded must stay put..........although in my hearts of hearts I know this to be the best thing.......that "R" is far too high for my liking.

See you all later.

Well fish and chips will be delivered to all who ask. Plus a pudding of your choice ?
We went for a walk today. DH decided if the hospital could ask him to go there for a blood test he could go for a walk. He hasn’t set for outside for 10 ½ weeks and as we don’t have a garden, he has been indoors all that time. We went a quiet route for about ½ hour and came across 5 other people that we avoided by some distance. We were both quite worn out after and had to sit with a glass of wine on the balcony to recover ?. It was strange. I found myself walking in front of DH looking left and right, forward and behind to see if anyone was coming close to us. On a couple of occasions I whisked him into someone’s driveway to avoid coming too close to others. We will certainly not be going out at the weekend but I think it did him some good. Like many, the thought of being kept in till a vaccine is found is distressing. We will take some walks but with great care.

grammaretto it seems I escaped detention today. I haven’t checked yet but I think I did well in class today. ? Who is locking your gate? Is your house really 200 years old. How fascinating. Is it a family home or one you bought?
dragonfly I am the opposite of you. I am struggling to find clothes I can get into having put on quite a few pounds over the lockdown period. A diet definitely beckons.?
megs it’s very disappointing when special celebrations long in the planning have had to be cancelled due to this virus. I think Marydoll knows that only too well from her own daughters cancelled plans. Ours were not nearly so important being our 50th wedding anniversary which (hopefully) will happen anyway but with only me and DH to celebrate it.?
cherry it is upsetting but I suppose if people like you and my DH are at serious risk then until a vaccine or some solution is found there is not much that can be done. I have hopes for a vaccine coming soon and try not to think about how long it will be. Wow cherry you will be famous or, as you say, infamous. ?
panache I think this lockdown is harder for some than others. I know you are really concerned that your DH has as much enjoyment out of life as he can and this lockdown is detracting from your ability to go out to the places you long to see again. I hope you can get to the coast soon. Is there anyone who can drive you (I have no idea how far away that is). What’s a hoit man? Ah do you mean hot man. That’s a bit saucy my friend. So MrP your hot man. How lovely ?
Cocktails of your choice tonight all plus room service meals and puddings. All courtesy of the management ?

Doodle and all , thanks for comments, with us it’s my husband too that’s shielded but I’m dependent on him driving and everything
. Sorry about your Golden Doodle, as well as the weddingsImentioned It will be our DiamondinAugust, we’ll all have to celebrate another year ?‍❤️‍?

Oh Megs, that's a fair few celebrations put on hold. Frustrating and sad all round but having said that they will happen, just not yet.

When it comes to anniversaries, whilst it is lovely to celebrate "big" ones like your Golden Doddle or your Diamond Megs I also think it's romantic thing to do to celebrate it with just you and your beloved. My way of looking at it is that it's each other you said your vows to, the anniversary belongs to the two of you. One aunt said to me once that others just muscle in to anniversaries and she did this - ?

Why or why has someone locked you in using jubilee clips Grammaretto? Who's business is that? What right do they have? You and you alone have the right, anybody else doing it and it's actually false imprisonment. The council has no right whatsoever to do it. Council records should show exactly what properties are "occupied", persons named "in resident". As for them getting back to you, someone should have done so immediately! I hope they have responded now and have done something to rectify it or you have cut the clips. I'd be getting my complaint head on regardless.

I'm going back into my cell early tonight as I, I don't know why, have terrible heartburn.
Nighty night night inmates ? ?

Cherry ?

It is certainly not advisable to go missing from this place as what a surprise to find such a plethora of postings after just a brief lapse, whilst a warm welcome back to Meg and Missdout

The service is forever improving and it looks as if already I may have missed you on a few treats,it will be double helping of all on offer tonight please Guv.
I will never be forgiven for missing out on fish and chips!!
Detention for me I guess!

Thank you all for your differing ideas of ways to cool down my poor man,many have been tried and tested,others will be tried next........but somehow apart from our large fan and his hand held one he copes ......but it does wear him out.
Not a good weekend as he always has up to 7 bad days following his chemo,yet he never flinches.
But yes Doodle he is very much a hot man!!!

I could not agree more Doodle about this very special bond between owner and pets,even more so I rather think when you have no children.Our two were absolutely treated like babes,where we went,they went,if they were not able to come to we stayed put!
It is surprising how many do not understand this shielding,we find that even here,and it is very difficult getting some to keep their distance.I think we are getting ourselves a bad name!!
By the way we are surrounded by beaches,about a mile and a half from the Marina...........but alas cannot see them!

Delighted hearing you and your man went a little walk about today,although extremely tiring I bet it will have done you both a whole lot of good.I think the key element to testing these small "outs" is keep very vigilant,and surely one will feel like a young spring lamb again!
Great for the mental state for sure.

Totally with you Mammissimo about the great difficulty in being shielded and the need to simply see the world outside,in my case desperation to see the sea and hear those sounds...........we have thought of perhaps being able to just get there,flask in hand,and just sit inside a car with windows down! Obviously these are desperate thoughts!
Like you though, I have had a lifetime of health issues ,

Grammeretto you do seem to be in constant lockdown with all those jubilee clips keeping your gate closed!!
As for relying on anyone to phone you back these days,you really do need to ignore that!
Soehow they always manage not to..........so frustrating.
We too get trouble with Hermes as couriers as there is such strict security here, the drivers cannot be bothered!
Rather interested in hearing more about your house,love anything to do with houses.

Your interview seems most impressive Cherry and certainly helped keep you out of your neighbours prying eyes!!
Totally agree this business is getting a tad too much,on hearing us shielded folk have to still stay put was not the best news.However I am pleased that here in Wales we are being more cautious,for I dread the time when the floodgates are open to holiday makers... knowing how the Hospital in Weston Super Mare suddenly had to close its doors after their beach got flooded after the English freedom to drive was given.

Wowee Bradfordlass some fine knitting there,you have me feeling very envious.Do you attempt some each and every day......or when the whim arises?

Nice to have you back with us Dragonfly and although it is usually nice losing weight it can also be an expensive business where clothes are concerned!!!
Something I know only too well myself!

Good having you pop by too Marydoll and I suspect someone will be very fortunate when eventually you make it to the Charity Shop with your numerous black bags!!

Another glorious day and yes we have had our two periods outside,in fact I was just in time to again speak to one of our electricians as he was about to leave,I asked very sweetly could they return the bench seat they had removed days earlier......... and forgotten to return it,must be the way I asked!!! It was returned with a smile and I felt very pleased!
Then we were extremely naughty as we found our favourite peaceful spot with just a hedgerow of trees and bird song as companions,so we spent some time there drinking in the setting,well over our usual allotted time.
It felt good not following the routine for a change!

My PC is still not right,I was writing a letter and suddenly it froze and I have not been able to print or copy it,a downright nuisance.
Anyway glad I hav managed to work around the problem,thats my headache for tomorrow!!!

Up the wooden stairs............except I am in a flat and by bedroom is right next door!! I think I am going more than slightly stir crazy!
Take care and Keep Safe,Ye indeed Guv I will have a double helping of ALL that is on offer plus a very large drink.
Am parched by now!!

megs I sinmcerely hope you will manage to truly celebrate your Anniversary when it comes around,these Dates are so special.
Life surely should be a little more "normal"by then.

Very sadly My husband was in Hospital on our Golden Anniversary,then again extremely ill on my 80th the following few months,and the same on his own 80th the following year.
We felt a little cheated but was so deeply pleased that first and foremost.........we were still together.
It did put everything into perspective.

Grammaretto, you asked about my user name. It is quite simple. I had been ‘lurking’ on several threads for sometime and decided I definitely had something to say, so I joined GN in a bit of a hurry. But, as I was trying to think of a user name, I checked the posts and saw that someone actually said what I was thinking and moved the conversation on. I thought that was pretty typical for me and that I'd missed out yet again!

I'm not sure if I have said 'upthread’, but a vaccine will not help me directly because I don't make or retain antibodies. The only protection I will get is from being surrounded by people who are themselves protected. I suppose this is why I'm so gloomy at the moment. I can't/won't stay in lockdown until this happens. I have a telephone consultation with my immunologist soon. Perhaps she can give me some hope for release.

I hope we all enjoy a few noggins in the Lockdown Bar, sleep (with sweet dreams) in freshly laundered sheets, watched over by our favourite towel arrangements (I favour a peacock if anyone has the time)! Good night all.

panache I remember recently you said you do not want your DH to drive as you didn’t feel he was well enough but I wonder if you drive and do you have a car? Is it possible for you to get to the beach even for a short while I feel it would lift your spirits so much. As the beach is not far away it could be quite a quick trip.
So glad you got to enjoy your garden again today. And your seat too,?. Drinks available for all.?

cherry hope your heartburn has gone now (hope it’s not my cooking ?)
missedout I hope your immunologist can come up with some helpful information or some hope of treatment for you. That is indeed a worry. Is this a recent thing or something you have had for a while? Hope help is at hand soon.
A peacock you say. Well I will have to have a word with bradfordlass who is head of towel folding housekeeping here in lockdown. I think it might be a bit beyond her scope we can but ask. ? Sleep well all

Bear in mind that I'm in NZ, so not au fait with things in the UK and I do not want to offend - but....

The whole idea of shielding is to stop you becoming infected, right?
The guidelines for distancing evolved so no one breathing out germs, infects someone else.

Okay then. If any one of my beautiful friends here, wanted to drive to the beach, forest, park and sit well away from others with windows open - how would that break ANY rule at all?
You could wear gloves if you wanted to get out and needed to touch a handrail for support, for instance.
Or take a cloth and disinfectant to wipe things down.

If your emotional health is at stake and it seems that for so many it is, then as long as YOU are not at risk and you're not putting others at risk - why can't it happen?

Grammaretto I believe the clips on your gate are actually illegal, which means you could inform the police.

If you stop access to any emergency vehicle here in NZ, you can get a (friendly) warning and the Fire and Ambulances Services check.

My homecare girl, half-way through a degree course in gerentology, was tearful yesterday. She's pregnant and neither of us are convinced the boyfriend will be much support. They live with his Mum and she now wants them out. It's a strange repetition of my own history.

I too came off The Pill for medical reasons and was a year away from qualifying (3 years study behind me).
My DH wouldn't take precautions eithe and abstinence was out of the question
I became pregnant very quickly and although, in our case we wanted another child, it was too soon. I wanted to qualify and work first.

My second son has been the most wonderful gift I could ever have wished for and not one nanosecond of regret do I have about him.

I don't think my homecare lassie's story will be quite so happy.

Hello cellmates. I have managed to properly read through this recent thread and thankyou for all the support for us all. ...though I also had heartburn it was the fish supper

Anniversaries: my mum, who was widowed with 3 small children, liked to remember their wedding anniversary and when my inlaws had their 50th I remember her saying it was just good luck as if only her beloved had been spared they would have made it to 60th!

We celebrated our 50th last year by going back to Cornwall where we had spent our honeymoon. I didn't want a big party partly due to the time of year and DH illness.
Infact I changed the date for my 70th bd to have a party in June. It was an excellent decision.

I am so pleased Dreamkeeper that your usual stroll outside has been reestablished. Being quietly, kindly assertive is hard sometimes. I go into shrieking harriden mode too easily.
I once nearly got a blackeye for telling a man to stop smoking on the top of a bus!

Our house is tucked behind the town hall and not everyone knows it's here so I think it was the bin men who thought they were acting responsibly by blocking off the gates to prevent flytipping in our shared access. We unclipped ourselves and will just see what happens. The council buildings may open again soon as will the recycling centre aka the dump.

We live in a very interesting house Doodle I could talk for hours about it but unless you need a bedtime story....
it was built for and by Napoleonic prisoners, like Dartmoor prison.
So you see I really do live in a prison.

Good morning everyone, I hope you slept well. I had tummy ache in the night ( sure it wasn’t the fish and chips). I also heaved some heavy pots around so a bit achey. Will be spending the afternoon on the sun lounger under the tree.

So pleased you got your bench back Dreamkeeper and hope your DH doesn’t suffer too much this weekend.
Your house does indeed sound fascinating Grammaretto. Do you have a picture? It is very hard to imagine.

Sorry to hear you had tummy ache Dragonfly but I do like the sound of the lounger under the tree. Same here I hope.

I wish I had a picture to show you. The house has been much altered over the years but I actually had a shiver today when I realised it's true, we are living in a house which was originally part of a prison.

The history of prisoners of war in Britain is not one to be proud of.
www.gutenberg.org/files/60321/60321-h/60321-h.htm

Anything you see and read about POWs escaping or being tortured in modern times, is not new. Some of the men here were French miners who knew how to dig and I like to think that some escaped. Most were released in 1815 and got home.

That is indeed fascinating Grammaretto

Good luck everyone, and thanks for all your different stories and wishes, I think some of us are stronger emotionally and physically, therefore more supportive. Again thanks and good luck to everyone,???

grammaretto that is very interesting indeed about your home. Does it still have features inside from when it was built? Is it a stone house? I’m sure it’s much more like a lovely home than prison these days ?
Your explanation about being behind the town hall may well explain why you get locked in. Hope you are free now.
Sorry about your heartburn and your tummy ache dragonfly . I’m sure it wasn’t my fish and chips. Hope you are both feeling better now. Enjoy lounging dragonfly sounds lovely.
bradfordlass your homecare girl is in a bit of a predicament if her boyfriends mum wants them out. Does she have family of her own to go to? Shame if she missed finishing her degree.
megs hope you are feeling a bit better.

I feel for your homecare girl Bradfordlass and it sometimes surprises me how there are still "accidents" when birth control is easily available.........however there is often more to these things than meets the eye. Pity about the bf mum though...
Does she have a mum of her own?

Yes our house is stone built and should really be a listed building but I don't think the inspectors could find it
We have lived here 40 years and it has always been a happy house and if there are ghosts, they are benign. After it stopped being a prison (or prison hospital) it was lived in by the paper making family for 100 years and later became laboratories for the paper mill, which replaced the prisoner of war camp.

Arriving at a decent hour for once!
Afternoon/evenin g cellmates all.
As usual such great sharing and my word so many questions jump to mind.

You really have tantalised me now Grammeretto,I have such a passion for anything and everything to do with houses,be it architec ture,design,decoration, the whole thing
I find totally fascinating,so knowing a few titbits already you have set yourself up for a full discussion!!
Obviously quite an age and naturally listed,so you must have had a difficult time in any changes you have made in those happy 40 years of living there.
We had intended changing our Anniversary cum 80th birthdays too but illness has always blighted the idea,however we decided it mattered not really,as long as we are together!
Very much like Cherry mentioned,we too are romantics and we do tend to be happy and fully content in our company,so we do not need these celebrations.So did not feel we missed out.

Also a very interesting post from our NZ cell mate Bradfordlass,it seems you had little choice when having your children, and yet obviously in hindsight what a fortunate ending to the tale, when you have no regrets but much joy following the birth of your second son.
You can certainly be a great "Shoulder" to your Homecare girl whom seems to be having some difficulties with a non supportive partner,surely the one thing you need the most.

By the way you are spot on with your advice... taking every precaution,the benefits surely outweigh any possable issues......as long as one is ultra careful naturally.
We are girding our loins as I write!!!!!

Tummy ache is never a pleasant companion Dragonfly and hopefully all behind you.We tend to overdo things and then sadly, pay too high a price later.

I too was rather fascinated by your choice of user name Missedout, but the explanation says it all!! Good thinking I`d say!!This peacock will be quite a challenge but I bet it will be met!

Too right Megs we are all made differently and its just as well,usually if your friends are a mixed bunch, each one then compliments the other.

As you may imagine in an establishment such as this anyone who breaks rules for instances...be it by error or deliberate .......gets talked about,discussed and even given the cold shoulder sometimes..before finding out the truths!!!

The latest was how we two "broke the rules" when the electricians tried to take over the whole garden,using our bench as a barrier to what they thought the one access point.
Having us both appear .....as if from nowhere (actually a side entrance!!) truly had them scratching their heads!!
Resulting in saying we broke the rules,no less.
yet there were no barriers,no signs.
Following this event, they quickly taped off areas where they worked and put up a clear suitable sign..............no further mishaps.
It has since come to light there were several whom "did it their way"
However forgetting our one bench was another mistake on their part, and I was not going to take that "on the chin" so in my kindest ultra feminine voice I requested it to be returned and it was ............end of the sad story.
However it has allowed people a tale to mull over and elaborate something dreadful!!

However yes Doodle we again escaped to our quiet green corner under the ancient trees,resting to the delightful bird song today,having almost 2 hours ,carefully with our back to what was a truly burning sun.

We ordered 2 nice outdoor relaxing chairs last week,paying for them with the order.Looking forward to the rest of ....hopefully....a sunny summer.On looking up their date of arrival we were very peeved learning it was the 30th of July if you please.............ridiculous........so they have been cancelled.
We shall try somewhere else perhaps.
The annoying thing is we almost gave away 2 such chairs with lovely padded cushions during the move,thinking we would never have such a need!
This is not the first time we have been caught out this similar way!

To answer your question Doodle yes we do have a car sitting idly in our car park.Due to various medication I have long been unable to drive,but although my husband has not been able to either for most of last year,he could manage a short drive we believe.
So with that in mind, a dear friend has taken the car for a run in readiness this very day,as well as having a new bulb fitted where needed
So it is on the cards and yes of course,we would be absolutely adamant that no harm came to us.......or us to others.
In a sparsely populated county like ours we should find a few beaches within a very short drive, and I feel sure it would make such a difference to our mental state.
The Marina for obvious reasons would be very much "out of bounds"

Again obviously not this week as my dear man is suffering quite badly following his chemo......but still stoic and repeatedly adding "I`m fine"!!!!

Here`s hoping you my gang are also fine,and your only worries are the delivery of our supper and even more so.........our drinks!
After such time in the sun I am parched.........so I shall need a few top ups I guess!!

Top o` the evening to you all.

Evening everybody.

I hope your tummy ache has gone as the day has worn on dragonfly
Grammaretto, similarly I hope you no longer have heartburn.
My heartburn kept me awake until 4:45 at which point I just fell asleep due to sheer tiredness. I woke up at 9am and still had it, it niggled away till mid-afternoon but now it's gone! Woohoo ?
It did make me quite grumpy though and this was compounded by the fact that the cistern for upstairs toilet won't fill. Grrr! Now the only way it will work of course is to fill a bucket up with water each time we use the bl...y toilet ?. The shower had better not pack up because it's a much easier way of filling a bucket than using the sink.
Anyone know a good plumber who works in the Gower or surrounding area who at the moment isn't charging the earth to come and fix a toilet? ? ?. No? Didn't think so.

So gov'nr Doodle you and MrD had a mini break out ?. I did laugh at the vision of you pulling him into driveways, sorry if it's inappropriate but I do sometimes have a subversive mind ?. Your description demonstrates the nervousness you had but it sounds as if it was perfectly safe. I hardly see anyone walking up or down the lane so now I'm beginning to wonder ?. Dare we? My WP thinks we may be able to do it ...
If, and I mean if, you, Dreamkeeper and Mr Dream think there is a way, that he is up to driving, to visit the coast and sit in the car I don't see why not. Obviously he can't until the I'll effects of the lastest round of chemo has subsided.
You have all given me something to think about ... we can see the sea from our house, a bit far to walk (especially back) but it would be soooo good to breathe in that salty air. Only a couple of minutes in the car ... Oooh my eyes are lighting up as I type ?.

It doesn't sound like a take that ends well for your homecare girl BradfordLass. I hope I'm wrong and her boyfriend surprises you all yet. I'm glad your own experience worked out with your second son.

Interesting, very interesting about your house Grammaretto, tantalising information you have given us ?. My mother was brought up in a house that was purposely built for copper workers. Initially they were only allowed to rent them but if they "proved" to be responsible tenants they had two options to choose from if they wished. One was to continue to rent until they had effectively paid for the property or pay a bond to transfer ownership.
It's an interesting area of social history isn't it.

Stating the obvious but it has been a very hot day. Iced drinks tonight I think.
Sorry you had such a bad night cherry mine was merely hot and sweaty. Let's hope tonight is a good one.
DH has not been feeling great today and threw up his delicious meal tonight. I couldn't help feeling sorry for myself! seeing as I cooked it with loving care.
A friend came with goodies and sat in our garden, suitably distanced, for an hour or so but she has just sent me a photo of her very burned feet! This is Scotland for goodness sake.

DD told me her little beauty spot was busy with cars, bikes , dogs off leads, and walkers today. It may just be the first day of "freedom" or signs of things to come.

I can't believe you and Mr Dream were the subject of tittle-tattle Dreamkeeper how unfair!. How cruel.
I am sorry about the chairs too. I would try somewhere else and check they are in stock. I found the chairs I tried to buy from IKEA were imported from China surprise, surprise so were out of stock.

Bradfordlass Maybe the homegirl's DP will come round when he's over the shock. Who knows.

I hope there's a happy ending.

I am hosting the family quiz tonight on zoom so I hope I can manage it and DH recovers to help me.

I don't know if DD will make it tomorrow. She isn't keen on motorway driving and the dog is still not 100%.

Ah well. C'est la vie!

Hello Gang, I thought I'd report in early. I woke up this morning with such a stiff back, I could hardly walk! I can't think why, I haven't practised cycling round the garden for a couple of days or used my exercise bike. Perhaps that's the trouble, although I am loathe to admit it. Perhaps my body needs me to exercise although my disposition is slothful. Oh I hope not.

I've spent hours today trying to work out why all the photos from my printer are pink. I've narrowed it down to the fact that the yellow ink is not printing. Having decided to use the “Are you really sure that you want to use the deep clean function - it uses a lot of ink?” button, I watched as around £30 worth of inks disappeared from the capacity gauge. Then the printer still printed pink photos. I think I will have to buy a new printer.

Doodle, I have a chronic condition that has progressed very slowly over the last 20 years, progression in this case meaning a gradual destruction of my immune system.

Dreamkeeper, I realise a peacock is a big ask, perhaps a little peahen or even an egg?

Well, I'm off to cook dinner for two, I may have a very small G&T to help the process. I'm really, really fed up with producing meals, I've been cooking for 40+ years. My husband is lovely and tries to please, he's quite good with breakfast, but he really can't cook and I value my remaining teeth, tastebuds and digestive processes. Signing out for today, I hope you all have a peaceful evening, and sweet dreams.