The Lockdown Gang - not setting foot outside!

missedout I do quilting which I like a lot but I have started, during lockdown, a painting by numbers. It’s hilarious. My hand shakes so much I can’t control the paintbrush, my eyesight isn’t good enough for me to read the numbers let alone paint within the lines. I can’t open the paint pots without splashing paint everywhere but apart from that I am enjoying it immensely ?.

Doodle, I'm one of those who has found the default position of .... well idle! I'm doing my best, really. I even did some housework yesterday, a friend said she does her housework 'little and often' and I said 'just little' in my case.

I cook well but now reluctantly, having cooked for family and still for a husband of 40+ years who can eat for England and not put on a ounce in weight. I'm not much of a gardener either although I like to see it tidy.

I knit and crochet and have started to improve my fitness with an exercise bike and am trying to learn to ride a bike for the first time by pedalling round the lawn (and into the flower beds) on a borrowed bike. We're supposed to be on a shared narrowboat at the moment - I love that.

When I can get out again, I will visit people in their homes and help them to get and stay connected. I help them with any IT problems. Unfortunately, as a hobby, it tends to be a bit of a conversation stopper! I'm hardly anyone’s idea of a typical IT geek.

People's hobbies are interesting, aren't they (except mine)? What hobbies do others have?

grammaretto hope you enjoy your quiz tonight. Sounds like fun. Be back in time for bedtime drinks and extras ?
missedout how lovely to have had a trip out. Sorry it has left you a bit tearful. It’s an emotional time for many. I must admit I wonder how our car is doing. It is absolutely filthy and covered in pollen from the trees. I must go and start it up again soon just to keep the battery going. You say your husband has a hobby. How about you? Is there anything you enjoy that you’ve been doing in lockdown to keep you occupied ?

Than many not then many....should have previewed ?

panache so sorry to hear about your friend’s friend. That must be a terrible shock. To hear such news by phone and not to be able to talk to the consultant face to face must be so difficult. They have probably far more questions they want to ask now. I do hope they get some support. Hope they have good friends as there is no family to help out.
I’m glad Mr P is feeling a bit better today. My DH is ok but as time passes more sore bits seem to develop as is the way with falls I think. He is creaking round the place but does not complain much.
Yes I am dyslexic not too badly though and much better off then many. My my son and grandson too are dyslexic. I have managed most of my life by being taught in the old fashion way and having a love of reading to get by. I can not spell at all so auto correct is a big help. I often misread words and put a totally different interpretation on them, sometimes to hilarious effect but I have managed ok so far. I now resort to asking our Alexa to spell words for me, taking the place of DH who has been helping me with my spelling for many years without complaint ?.
I cannot learn how to spell as I cannot remember what I learn. I can use some tricks to prompt me how to spell certain things but even the simplest word can cause me problems. Funnily enough, because I was taught so well at school I can cope fine with all the different there their and they’re and the of and off, and effect and affect. Goodness sorry I’ve been rambling on sorry. anyway, back to business. Yes indeed, clean sheets weekly from now on and croissants and coffee in the kitchen for breakfast. (I had to look that one up. I would have spelt it quassonts. ?)

`Afternoon gang.

I did wonder at the morning upheaval in our cell but yes,I do appreciate the change of bed linen as the old stuff were beginning to reek quite a lot!!!
Smelt a bit like a stale brewery!!!!
Thanks for the tip off Mammissimo

On a far more serious note indeed yes,your family will have much planning to do,not helped by this lockdown position either.I hope everything does fall into position and there are no added difficulties.Not a good period at all.

With being caught up with my man`s agonies and the following issues, I obviously missed reading of your dear Mr D`s fall Doodle, so please accept my sincere apologies and I do hope he is feeling much less fragile today.In fact well on the way to being better.
Whilst all this time I have had the immense pleasure of knowing you,I had not realised you are actually dyslexic.
Mind you I too had a little chuckle when reading that same sentence.........perhaps we think alike?!
Do you find something really nice and sweet, such as a gooey Victoria sponge, helps when suffering a case of ye olde wobbles?
Very interesting too hearing of this online Funeral Service and the fact it actually felt moving was exceptionally good.

I cannot add JOSH these days Grammaretto I think Lockdown is well and truly getting me down.I am just eager to live life a little, sadly knowing we have not much time together.
Every week is special.
Strangely enough although his face and gums were not playing up for my man yesterday, he too felt bruised and battered in his body.After dozing for most of the day followed by a good sleep,he is much improved today,although still rather "fragile".

Dear Cherry you will soon get to know how I either play down,or overplay these various "turns" we all get .You have my every sympathy please believe me, although I have a feeling that you are rather like me........stout welsh woman and all that!!.........you tend most usually to play such circumstances down....and just get on with life!

Here`s hoping you enjoy a visit from the Fire Service complete with their appliances Bradfordlass, as indeed although we maybe of the older generation many of "our" ladies`s eyes light up when these strong and sturdy young men appear on one of our many false call outs!!
I sometimes think they set the alarms off on purpose!!!

Our friend that willingly came along to take us on the dental journey had indeed recieved most upsetting news that very morning.Dear pals of theirs,another childless couple had been awaiting a video conference call with their Oncologist.
Earlier in the week they had had similar with another Hospital about the possability of an operation.The gent was advised this was out of the question because of the site of his tumour.So much rested on this second call.
He was not even offered Chemo or radio therapy,in fact given just 5 months to live.
They are in their 60`s and he had only first presented himself to the GP just prior to lockdown.
Totally devastating news and the fact,just like ourselves,they have no family whatsoever and so it has truly hit home with us.........although actually they are not personally known to us.
One could say this is another tragedy caught up in this virus pandemic.So tragic.
The couple.......and ourselves.......are so very fortunate in having this pair of staunch caring,and willing friends.,always helpful,nothing is too much trouble.

Seems I shall soon be in need of a nap myself after this long posting.So not missing much by staying indoors,as overnight we had a few showers and some strong wind,which continues to persist although the sky is cloudless and the warm sun is shining.

My dear celllmates all it has been a pleasure sharing with you all,do keep safe and I hope there will be an abundance of additions to this evening`s alloted Hot Chocolate,and if Nortat does not mind,could we both have some of those Almond Croissants too....... if you please dear Doodle????
YOU are a star Guv!!

I escaped for a little while today. My car has been sitting on the drive since mid March (the clock was still on GMT). I took it out for a drive with my husband. I had to clear the cobwebs before getting in. The car started straight away but the brakes were binding to start with and I drove cautiously. Despite living in a holiday area, the roads were quiet and the scenery wonderful and it felt so good to be in control, just for a short while. We didn't even stop to get out at beauty spots, I didn't feel I should somehow. Now I'm back at home contemplating my shrunken world again.

At least I know that my car is fit for use should I need it in an emergency (that's my excuse for going AWOL today).

I shouldn't have gone out really as I'm feeling tearful now. Our family WhatsApp group has gone quiet as well.

I will use the exercise bike then try to complete a few circuits of my garden on the borrowed bike. Even my bruises have bruises!

The weather is lovely here although breezy. We had a few drops of rain earlier but not enough to help the garden which looks sad.

My husband is back in the garage again, he has a hobby which he loves. We are well but I admire my fellow lockdownees who are coping with ill health on top of everything else and are still able to post cheerful messages.

It's afternoon already so hello cellmates. The weather couldn't be worse if it tried. I am so glad we had all that sunshine at the start of lockdown.

I can't even watch the carrots grow. I haven't sown any this year. In previous years the seeds have floated away and anyway I am not keen on carrots. DF forced me to eat them when I was a small child and I was sick.

I am very tired today as is DH. I was awake half the night listening to the world service. It was far too interesting.

I may just go for a nap. Apparently in NZ there is a new acronym JOSH which stands for Joy Of Staying Home.

Family quiz on zoom tonight.

grammaretto suffering from dyslexia as I do, I often read things a bit too literally. When you said you had a couple of teeth on a plate I thought for a minute you meant the teeth were on a plate on your bedside table and I was wondering how you fix them in each day
Sorry your DD is so upset. Moving so far away can be difficult until you start to get to know people. Hopefully, when this lockdown is over, having two young children she will start to meet other young families and get to know more people.
cherry you are one of my nocturnal inmates. I’ll be sure to leave a light on for you. Thank you for asking after DH. Like you, after one of your falls, he is a bit battered and bruised. Yesterday it was quite painful for him but more I. The way of aches. He slept well last night and says that the sitting down bit is easier but his back is playing up now. Lots of TLC for him for a few days I think.
A slice of Victoria sandwich wouldn’t go amiss here. We have no cake in the house at all. Hope you manage some gardening today. Weather here is very odd at the moment. Very strong winds with heavy showers followed five minutes later with no wind and strong sunshine.
bradfordlass I see you have an eye for the lovely firemen. ?
I like Radio4e too. I often listen when I’m doing the ironing as if I watch the TV I become too distracted and stop ironing.?
Have a good day all.

Good gracious mamissimo how remiss. Clean fresh bedding for all today.?. Your night attire sounds very fetching. ?
I’m glad your BILs wife (not sure who’s sister she is sorry) has got one of her sons home with her for a while.
It will be a difficult time for all of you. We attended an online funeral recently due to lockdown restrictions. Only 6 of the family were allowed to attend in person the rest of us watched via web link of some kind. I had thought it would be a bit lacking in feeling, watching it online but actually it was very moving and lovely. DH and I sat together in silence and watched the service and really felt as though we were there. It was for someone we were friendly with locally so we were not part of the family. I would imagine it would be upsetting for close family members not to be there to comfort each other..

Mamissimo as if you didn't have enough to contend with maybe stealthy midnight visits are in order?

Grammaretto We're not actually supposed to be 'back to normal' in NZ.
However, I can't blame people desperate for money to pay rents and mortgage, for going back to work the instant they can. Social distance and other hygiene rules apply in all shops and businesses but I'm told there's some flouting of the rules due to the fact we've and "only" one death in 3 days.

It's been a very quiet day for me (it's 3pm) and I'm unusually tired so plan to go back to bed for an hour.

I'm finding Radio 4 Extra a wonderful resource, as are the many podcasts available.

I sent for a new electric blanket yesterday as the old one is about 5 years and not worth what it would cost to have an electrician test and service it.

The Fire Service used to do this free - but no more.

Pity, I was looking forward to seeing the lovely men who check the fire alarms.

They arrive on their appliance (no, not surgical) and scatter down the street, checking everyone's smoke alarms. Very cheerful and friendly they are.

Perhaps in another life I was a nocturnal creature as I seem to pop my head of of my cell door at night these days ?

BradfordLass, looks like you had a lovely time with the troubadours' performance ?. What better way than to end any entertainment than with a singalong, as long as it doesn't include my strangled cat voice as I can't sing for toffee ?

I'm getting rather concerned about you Marydoll, your RA flare ups and your frequent angina attacks. Please look after yourself. Your selfish actions of your neighbour (and your son's MiL to boot) is obviously not helping matters. I know it's none of my business but can't your son have a gentle word with her (on the phone) or will it make matters worse or fall on deaf ears. It's so hard in this type of scenario. So wrong of her. Concentrate on your own welfare Marydoll, you are the better person.

Nothing is normal to me Grammaretto, new or old ?. In fact I'm not normal. Why? I have a Frankensteins' "monster" brain ? ?

Dreamkeeper, I read about your DH's denttal visit and tooth extraction . Whether or not he has the other tooth taken out in a week's time I hope it doesn't give him the same grief, even though it's clearly an issue.
I agree that us Welsh lot are a sturdy breed, well most of us. ?. You do make me laugh and you've done it again, my "another turn" - in the throes of a bad convulsive seizure it's not just "another" but many ?.

Sorry to hear your DH has been in pain today Doodle, I hope things are better for him tomorrow.

Love it Mamissimo, your watching in the garden has taken on a whole new meaning ?.
I did actually do some gardening yesterday. I tackled a small area of crocosmia which was starting to get too invasive and ripped up pruned back some ivy we have on one fence.
Today was too blustery for gardening so I made flat breads and a Victoria sandwich instead ?

Well inmates it's gone witching hour and I don't want to face a dunking so I think a lovely hot chocolate will fine and dandy now.
Night inmates ?

It's dark so it is probably hot choccy time in the jailhouse.
Thank you Dreamkeeper for your most excellent description of your outing to the dentist. Sorry to hear that your kind neighbour is suffering but very glad that the offending tooth has been removed. Old age doesn't come easy. I have a couple of teeth on a plate which is so uncomfortable I haven't been wearing it while in lockdown so now it no longer fits. Maybe I should change my name to gummy.

It's been a strange sort of day with a howling gale blowing so I've not been able to enjoy the fruits of my labours ie the garden.

I have been trying to reassure DD who is not herself at all. She is tearful and depressed, struggling with the 2 wee ones and still unable to make any helpful contacts locally. She moved house, and to another county nearly 3 months ago.

I hope that life without Dexter will be fine for you both Dragonfly . Everything is a mixed blessing.

I hope MrDoodle is feeling better today.

You are looking good tonight Mamissimo in your new night garb.
Night night cellmates

Thank you all for your kind sympathy - my BiL’s death throws up some enormous challenges for the family but one unmarried son has been able to move in with his mum temporarily. He had to break lockdown but we couldn’t leave her to cope alone. So difficult!

More gardening today - I sat and watched the carrots grow. DH washed the cars himself for the first time in about 20 years. They’re certainly quicker at the supermarket car wash!

Im a bit concerned that several inmates appear to be sharing cells with men who drink thinners! What’s wrong with gin? Did they find these men in the Argy?

I’ve got a new hairnet tonight to match my purple rollers so I’ll slip into the red Wincyette and wait for the chocolate. Does anyone know when housekeeping will be round to change the sheets? I’ve been in here for almost 60 nights and they could benefit from a change. No nylon ones though please!

Sleep tight

Your wish is my command Nortsat. Just one croissant ?? ? sleep well.

As last night, just popping in to wish everyone a peaceful night.

I needed extra meds today, so am tired now. I won’t bother with hot chocolate tonight but a cappuccino and an almond croissant in the morning, would be just the ticket ☕️?

Sleep well all. ?⭐️

Glad to hear you and Mr Dreamboat are safely back in your cosy nest. Your journey obviously wasn’t uneventful but your friend obviously didn’t want to let you down. My DH is on blood thinners too so I know it can make even the smallest procedures difficult. Hopefully, you will both have a more comfortable night tonight. Sleep well.
Hot chocolate and additions will be delivered to your room ?

Hi folks yes indeed Doodle I am on my way to give you the news!!!!!!
The Kitchen came up first on entering GN hence I bring THE news second handed as it were!!
I do like his new name.......Mr Dream!!!
Romantic eh?............perhaps not in the midst of raging toothache,but yes I will say yes to that in other times!!

He spoke with his own dentist yesterday morning,informing her of his painful predicament and that we were shielded etc....... she advised him to come along later ensuring him that she would make sure everything would be safe.
However the first problem arose when our planned travel plans went completely awry,a long and personal tragedy involved for our dear friend,yet he went out of his way to arrive here and take us both to the Surgery inside the allotted time.
The Practise,Dentist and her Nurse were scrupilous in their approach,wearing full PPE and we both felt safe.
The procedure itself went a little dicey as of course my man is on blood thinning medication(which he had not taken that morning)
However the deed has been done and he walked out beaming,clutching a prescription for anti biotics.........and then came another episode of the home journey before we were safely deposited back within these prison walls!
She will contact him in a week to acertain whether he is fit enough to have the second offending tooth removed,this one is not nearly as painful........yet.
How weird it all was,the outside world looks exactly the same as ever it did, and yet everything looked decidedly odd.I suppose it was our perception of it all.
Anyway thanks all for your kind advice and thoughts which certainly helped keep me sane!
Whilst Mr Dream is actually dreaming away today!!!

So sorry hearing about your dear BIL Mammissimo such sadness for your family.Hopefully you are all able to be there for one another, though it is very difficult in these times we are now living through,all adding to the stress

Very envious hearing of your gardening Grammeretto although it was a different story when I was faced with looking after the lovely garden we had created,everything seemed to need trimmed,pruned,mowed or strimmed every other day!!!
I now look on with envy and joy!!
But yes perhaps Alan Titmarsh had it right when saying every weed is a plant!
Enjoyed tit bits from previous Chelsea Flower Shows too.
I hope the fresh air on your husband`s foot continues the healing process,nature very often proves the valuable ingredient.Bandaging can make the wound overheat and infection follows so readily.

Utterly enraged on your behalf Marydoll and those utterly thoughtless inconsiderate neighbours of yours,sadly there are far too many whom simply cannot obey rules that are there to TRY save lives.I get so incensed.

I can imagine life without Dexter will take some getting used to Dragonfly,but at least you know you helped to bring him back to better health,and surely there will be visits to look forward to?

I have heard our cheery Cherry has again had "another turn" but fret not lass, I am made of granite and do not offend easily!
We welsh are built of the sturdy stuff!

Sounds as though you thoroughly enjoyed the performance Bradfordlass and there is nothing quite like ending with a great singalong.Just what we need to uplift us at these difficult times.

Just a squall and very little rainfall overnight so our ground is just as parched as ever.
Today there is certainly a strong breeze though the sunshine is altogether great,no strolling ......as yet.....today.But I was rather busy giving the place a bit of a flick with duster this morning,thought I had best show willing though I find that enforced trip out to semi civilisation has certainly made me feel unusually disorientated.

I shall probably be back to my old self after partaking of your lovely Hot Chocolate, complete with additions dear Doodle

Wishing you a pleasant Whitsun lockdown gang!

Afternoon all. I am late today.
DH is moving around slowly with a rueful pained expression. Hopefully some paracetamol will sort him out.
Marydoll your neighbour is such a nuisance especially as she’s preventing you from seeing your granddaughter too. I think your DIL should tell her but with it being family it’s a bit difficult. Sorry you are having such a bad time with your RA. Take it easy in the garden.
dragonfly you will miss Dexter. And in some ways so will we. Give him a hug from all of us who’ve followed his trials and tribulations over the last few weeks. ?
panache I read on soop’s kitchen that dear MrP has had his tooth out but not without some difficulty I gather. Glad it’s done. Hope you’re both back home and recuperating from the stress.
grammaretto hope your DHs foot is better today. Sounds as though the sunshine and rest did it some good.
bradfordlass your evening entertainment sounds as though it was well received and enjoyable. I think your mailbox deserves an Oscar for best supporting actor.?

Marydoll i am sorry about your RA.
I'm sure it isnt new to you but my "aunt" who suffered dreadfully with deformed hands, pain etc discovered a special diet in later life which transformed her. The condition stabilised and she was able to enjoy her life again. She lived well into her 90s - a formidable lady.
I disobeyed the nurses' advice and pulled off DH bandages yesterday. The sunshine and air seemed to make a big improvement

As for your neighbour I don't get it. Her other friends must be conniving with her. Selfish besom.

I can picture your theatre performance Bradfordlass in other years we have enjoyed intimate theatre too.
But you are almost back to normal in NZ anyway I hear. DGS is loving being back at school. I wish i could share the photo of 3 smiling boys - back with his friends.

Here i am quite used to my new normal.
But Hark! How goes MrDream?
MrDoodle and our own Cheery?

Massimo, so sorry to hear of your BIL and not being able to say your goodbyes in these terrible times. ?

When my dear BIL died suddenly last year during his dialysis treatment, we were devastated. The hospital phoned to come immediately, but he was dead by the time DH got there. What made it worse was that I was having a severe angina attack at the time of the call, but just told DH I was feeling a bit rough. They were so close and he needed to say his goodbyes and I didn't want to hold him back.

Bradfordlass, it looks as if you had a very pleasant and enjoyable day.

I haven't done much at all this week. My RA has flared up big time, but if I increase my pain relief, I won't be able to function, a catch 22 situation. On top of that, I have had bad angina attacks.

My neighbour, my son's MIL has totally flouted all the regulations during lockdown. Yesterday she had her other daughter, ( not my DIL) in the house all day, with her grandchildren.
Then her niece arrived to complete the party. All of the neighbours, who are rigourously, following the rules and asking family not to come, are raging.
I am beyond that! ?
It means my DIL cannot come with essentials for us, as her mother will insist on hugging DIL and my wee granddaughter, putting them at great risk.
She tried to hug other neighbours the other day!?
It is causing me great anxiety and I must deal with it, before it makes me unwell.

Hopefully I will get an hour in the garden later, when my joints unloosen. I have transplanting to do, but have run out of pots. DD is going to try and get grow bags for me tomorrow.
She left me her dying tomato plant to rescue, it's now growing at an alarming rate, I will need to move it, as it's running out of room.
The same thing has happened with her strawberry plants! I've never had success with strawberries before. I may have eaten them, if shielding doesn't end soon!

Take care, all! Here's to all the Lockdown Gang, especially those who are peering in from outside, but wary of posting.
Auto correct changed peering to peeing, there will be none of that here!?

Hoping that Mr P has got dental help and that Mr Grammaretto'.s feet are improving.

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Oh dear, so sad for your family Mamissimo

I made a quiche and some shortbread this morning, in case the theatre troupe and spectators wanted a snack after the show.

It was a wonderful perfomance: 3 very talented troubadours who sang, did comedy sketches and one, very poignant one.

The girl took a photo of her grandparents from a case then in a man's jacket and holding an old-fashioned dress, tenderly mimed how he would have danced with his wife.

The show ended with a singalong (they all had lovely voices) and although only one resident came in for a snack, all three actors enjoyed the quiche, fruit and shortbread.

They've done 137 shows this week and more booking are coming in all the time...and it's all free.

My mailbox obviously thinks it deserves a starring role.

Good evening all of you still up.
I had almost a whole bar of chocolate and feel a bit sick.

So sad about DBiL Mamissimo
I am very fond of both my BiL and it's unimaginable to think that they are mortal.

It was another day in the garden for me while DH read his book in the lounger chair . I told him his feet need sunshine.
I dug up more neglected corners and planted out some perennials I bought from our nearest garden centre which delivers.
I'm creating a meadow on part of the lawn not mowing that bit and seeing what comes up. There are already orchids there.

8yr old DGS in NZ set us a quiz tonight. These DC grow so quickly. DS and his DW have been married 15 yrs today . They had lockdown meal cooked by their DD.

That'll be strange Dragonfly not having Dexter but enjoy the changeover!

Sleep well all of you.

Good evening - another warm night!

So sorry to hear about your BiL Mamissimo.

Dreamkeeper I hope Mr Dream has sorted his teeth out.

That sounds a very happy occasion BradfordLass I think it will be a while before we visit a restaurant so no danger of getting my dinner in my lap.

My DD and SiL are coming to pick up Dexter on Saturday. It will be a quick turnaround despite living at the other end of the M1. We are going to miss him as he has given some structure to our day. My DD was looking at dog rescue sites. I can’t wait to see how reacts though when they arrive.

Sleep well everyone especially Cherry.

Doodle, I shouldn't laugh at your DH's mishap but Your description of the incident was so graphically drawn I couldn't help but giggle ? ?. I hope he'll recover quickly. Night night , grabbing some lovely hot chocolate ?