The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

Hi nfk how lovely to have a visit from your son and family and especially that cuddle. Then more visitors and tea and cake. An exciting day for sure. ?

Today I got to squeeze a baby! DD brought our GDs over for a picnic lunch. They brought their own food even. Oh how they had grown - Esme was only 6 months old when we last saw them and she’s now 10 months and trying to walk! They both fell asleep after lunch so DH and I carried them out to the car....just to be helpful you understand. It was utter magic.

I’m attaching a picture of my veg garden because it’s something else that fills my heart with joy and feeds my soul.

I am very lucky and blessed and I will try to be done off cloud nine tomorrow.

Sleep well

Sadly inmates that was the worst part of my day,the firemen just came,checked two floors,found the culprit,and left.............I was all agog,ready and waiting!!
Then finding they had failed fix the reset button truly added to my......and our.....woes!!!!!

But hey tomorrow is another day and another week,hopefully the week when freedom comes to call.......guess what I shall be dreaming this night?

Sleep tight all.

Aww, NflkDumpling and Mamissimo, nothing like cuddles with the little ones need I say more ?. So pleased that you have both had such wonderful days.

Sorry to hear that your afternoon was spoilt by a dratted fire alarm Dreamkeeper but I'm pleased that you both managed to get an evening stroll. I really hope that your car gets serviced and sorted tomorrow and then soon you can soon get the trip out that you are dreaming of.

dragonfly, your DGD sounds very advanced with her cycling. I love receiving videos of the three boys and seeing what they are up to, not quite the same as seeing them in the flesh but I imagine that I am sitting nearby watching ?. I do hope you manage to make what you can of your birthday tomorrow and still have a pleasant day, mine is next month and I will still be shielding then too.

What a fantastic veg garden Mamissimo, can I place an order for some lovely fresh veggies please ?.

Doodle, I've never done a paint by numbers - perhaps I should give it a go. Your sewing projects sound interesting, I bet the wall hanging is lovely and I'm sure you will finish it as it sounds like you're almost there with it ?.

I didn't do much pottering in the garden in the end today, my WP was on a real tendering blitz and it was all too energetic for me to watch ?. In the end I just cooked a chicken dinner that proved to be too hot a meal for my WP to eat ? and got stuck into my jigsaw, which is coming on apace.

I'm ready for some delicious hot chocolate now and then it's off up the wooden stairs for me.
Night everyone ?

I'm just catching up with you all.
Sorry about your rotten day Dream
The weather was pretty bad here so we weren't even tempted out much.
How wonderful to have that family get together Nfk and Mamissimo lovely garden too.

We are plotting something similar for next weekend for DGS birthday.

I hope you enjoy your birthday tomorrow Dragonfly

Nice hot choccy tonight thanks, Sleep well everyone.

I have been lazy today. My DS came to lunch (at a distance). I prepared most of the food yesterday. We had heavy showers with hot sun in between so DS stayed in the conservatory and ate there while DH and I ate in the house with the connecting doors open, very carefully socially distanced. DS is struggling at work, and spends most of his time alone. We aren't a cuddly family but I wanted to give him a hug. It is not to be and tonight I'm a bit low.

After DS left we had a FaceTime session where we saw our DGD and her little brother. They change so fast and made us laugh. Their mum and dad are making plans for us to stay for a few days as soon as we are able.

I will have to do some housework tomorrow. My problem is not just that I am lacking the ‘housework’ gene, it is that I feel so guilty about not doing any. I spend hours putting it off then beat myself up for not having got round to it!

Cherry, I don't have an artistic bone in my body. I have some knitting on the needles, a big winter jumper. It will probably take only a few hours to finish. I have quite a few jigsaw puzzles, one of which is circular, all one colour and every single piece slightly different. It was a gift from DS. He thought it hilarious that it took DH and I 4 weeks to finish! I also like Marydoll’s puzzles, and play sudoku. I shouldn't do any of these though because I really need to get on and do some cleaning first.

Dreamkeeper, I'm sorry you didn't get to squeeze a fireman or am I muddling you up with Mamissimo who did?

Goodnight all. I hope Doodle’s concoctions work their magic.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202006/medium-706468-matariki.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202006/medium-95297-big-dresss.jpg

Mamissimo what a joyful, happy post, I loved it :-) Those legumes are doing well too.

Dream are you sure you didn't set that alarm just to see muscular firemen dashing to your rescue? I bet you pretended you needed artificial respiration, you minx!

A lovely surprise today: Rangi, a friend I haven't heard from since early lockdown told me seniors have free taxis until the end of June.

She's coming to pick me up on Thursday and we'll go to the Mall for morning tea and a bit of browsing.

I'm so looking forward to it, especially as our elders group is probably not reconvening until end of August at least.

That means we'll all miss the very important and happy Matariki Festival in July.

Matariki has been nicknamed 'Maori New Year' but it's not really. It was the time when the old ones saw the Pleiades rising and knew it was time to prepare the soil for planting. The beginning of an agricultural year.

In the past 10 years though, it's been worked up into a lovely winter celebration.

It begins with a (usually) very cold pre-Dawn ceremony atop Pukematekeo (105m) to view Matariki/Pleiades appearing in the Eastern sky over the Waitemata.

This is followed by a hearty cooked breakfast and a family day consisting of song, dance, bouncy castles, games and much more. It's a very jolly time.

Morning all, I have been AWOL, sorry! Please don't think I'm ignoring you all, I just can't summon up the energy or enthusiasm to post at the moment.
I need to give myself a big shake! ?

Most importantly, Happy birthday, Dragonfly, I hope you have the best day possible.

I'm suffering from extreme RA fatigue and now my course of steroids have finished, I'm back to square one!
I don't want to be a moaning pain in the neck, so I'm just happy to read your posts.
Also, I've turned into a right grumpy old woman, mainly I think, because my period of shielding has been extended, but I see others starting to get their life back!
I totally accept that this is for the best of reasons, but I'm getting pretty fed up with it all.

I shall look in later to see how you all are.
Take care!

Good morning all you early birds!
Happy Birthday Dragonfly
I hope you have a lovely day with

Marydoll ((hugs)) I find it hard sometimes not to be a bit envious of the. ones whose lives are almost normal. I am sorry you are in such pain and wish my magic wand worked in here.

DGD goes back to school today in England so we are all eyes on her. poor lass
Her football training begins this week too.
I only hope the scientists and politicians know what they're doing.

Thanks Bradfordlass for the lesson in the heavens. I do miss the Southern Cross. I daresay it has a Maori name.
I am sure you will enjoy your meetup.

I am happy to hear about your sociable Sunday Missedout
When DS#1 came over it was raining and I told him to just come inside so he did. He didn't sit down and refused a cup of tea and our rooms are big so it was kindof allowable.

Highlights of this week: hospital tomorrow for a DH scan. It will be like a military operation. I will let you know how it goes and I hope the car starts after all this rain. We may have to go for a test drive....

If we ever have to make a new thread it may have to renamed. It don't feel like parole for us Guv.

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Dragonfly I hope you are well and in best spirits.

If only I had been carried away in the arms of a burly fireman, believe you me I would be "over the moon" but it was not my lucky day.....................nor night either.
So hope you will excuse me as I am forced in taking this day off,many of my problems seem to have reared their heads at the same time,so I am bowing out of circulation,hopefully just for today!.........reluctantly may I add.

Have a good one my cell mates and I know you can,so have an extra bout of "whatsoevers" just for me!!

mamissimo a baby cuddle how lovely. ? 4 months is a long time in the life of a baby. They change so much.
Your veg garden looks very prolific. What are you growing?
panache so the firemen still left you stranded. Hope your lift is working now. Car collection day today. Fingers crossed.
cherry I think if you like doing jigsaws, painting by numbers could be enjoyable for you. I have found it relaxing just painting little shapes. The paint is very quick drying so you can just keep going without worrying about smearing. I have certainly found it something to do in lockdown and may get another for the winter months. Oh dear, sorry about your chicken dinner. Was it a bit too spicy for your WP?
grammaretto hope your DGD gets on well at school. Have you got face masks for your hospital trip? I made one out of an old T shirt for DH when he had to go for his bloodtest. Hope your DH gets on well with his scan and the results are good.
missedout it’s hard not to be able to hug and cuddle our children and grandchildren isn’t it. Sorry your son is having a difficult time that just adds to your worries. Does he normally work with others? Is he alone at home too? I know a few people in that situation and it is hard. Nice to be able to look forward to going to see your Grandchildren.
It is one of my housework days today too. I don’t enjoy it ?
bradfordlass A trip to the Mall with a friend. Sounds like life returning to normal for you. So pleased for you.
I love the sound of your festival. It sounds a joyous event. Will you be able to go even if your elders group does not?
Marydoll you do sound down but I’m not surprised. Your energy has been zapped by coming off the steroids (my DH got low after stopping his steroids too. He now takes longer to come off them and reduces very slowly) the extending lockdown doesn’t help even if you know it’s for the best. Have you had any news on your treatment yet.
You are always welcome here posting or just reading. Hope you feel better soon.
dragonfly happy birthday. Hope you have a lovely day.
Take care all of you.

panache have just read your latest post. Hope you are ok and feeling better soon. Thinking of you ?

I am so sorry you had a bad day yesterday Dreamkeeper but pleased you eventually got back in your flat.

That is a wonderful veggie garden Mamissimo. I used to grow runner beans for my parents when my dad was alive. He always grew his own fruit and veg - even some unusual ones like Kohrabi. All I have now are gooseberries and rhubarb.

How lovely it would be to hug the grandchildren. I fear it will be sometime before I see ours as they live 4 hours drive away but we Facetime regularly.

Gosh lovely to be going to the mall Bradfordlass. I am not sure I would dare yet even though the shops are opening. My DH has just told me they are full of spring stuff they cant get rid of!

Sorry to hear you are in pain Marydoll I do hope they get your appointment at the hospital sorted out soon.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes. I have had some lovely presents and cards and a video of my 2 year old GS singing Happy Birthday.

Just a very quick visit for now.

I want to wish you a big Happy * Birthday * dragonfly.
The video from your 2 year old GS sounds like my idea of a birthday present ?. Delightful.
Hope you are enjoying the rest of your day ❤️

Dreamkeeper, please take it easy and I for one hope you can be back with us all tomorrow ???

You take care of yourself too Marydoll ???

Back laters ...

I hope you have been having a lovely day Dragonfly I agree a video of the 2 yr old singing would be a perfect present.

DGD had a good day at school. There were only 10 in her class and she had her favourite teacher!

I had a commission from a gallery which is open for online sales.

My friend's child who had suspected covid-19, was tested today and had the results today Negative! Hooray.
He thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the back of the airport where the testing station is. All those sleeping planes and fire engines.

dragon I’ve wished you happy birthday on lots of threads today. Hope you’ve enjoyed your day., here is some ? and bubbles ? For you and some ? from the lockdown gang.
I bet that video from your DGS was an extra special treat ?
cherry hope you are doing ok.
grammaretto so glad your DGD enjoyed her day with her favourite teacher.
A commission from a gallery. Fantastic. Can you tell us what it’s for? Glad your friends child is ok.

marydoll and panache a special soft comfy place for you in the prison tonight for you to rest in and full room service.
Hope you are both feeling better soon.x
Take care everyone.

Happy Birthday Dragonfly I hope it had some lovely moments for you.

Coming off steroids is the pits Marydoll. One of my consultants said they were like sweeties and just as addictive. I always had to come down by 1mg a week or else I crash landed. My mood and humour used to decline too - keep telling yourself it’s the drugs and not you. I really hope you get your treatment soon.

Grammaretto a commission is a good feeling! I always feel pleased until I have to actually do the work. My mind goes blank at that stage ?

A busy day of doing absolutely nothing for me today. I’ve bought birthday presents, sorted the dog insurance, organised cards for friends....and blobbed. Tomorrow I will try harder!

Doodle I am growing lettuce, runner beans, carrots, rocket, spring onions, beetroot, garlic, shallots, perpetual spinach, french beans, bell peppers, chillies, rainbow peppers, cherry tomatoes and San Marzano tomatoes. The last are for my pizzas ? I’m my other raised beds I grow soft fruit and herbs.

I spent a whole chunk of money having my garden redone to meet my physical needs this winter so I can reach everything without kneeling. The beds are at sitting height and I can reach right across. Makes life much simpler and no deep digging.

Once we are free I need to go to Brogborough in Kent to collect my fruit trees - I ordered them in February! ? I also need to get all the bits for my automatic watering and a robot mower. I’ve had the wire put in but want to go see some before I buy.

Then the garden will look after itself for odd weeks while we take trips.......DH maintains that you take holidays when you are working but once life becomes a holiday you take trips!

Sleep tight everyone

It's strange how we go thought highs and lows isn't it? I do hope those who are being challenged even more by fatigue and pain, so find that eases.

Isn't it bad enough to be locked up?

It's at times like these I don't want to post anything bad in case it brings people down even further but I don't want to post anything good for the same reason.

So I'll just wish you all a lot of love and say to Grammaretto:

Ae, tera tika koe, ko Mahutonga te ingoa o te Southern Cross.
Of course it has different names according to different tribes.

You might find this article from 2013, amusing:

www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/8289567/US-scholar-claims-Southern-Cross

I do think he might have smartened himself up for the photo!

Mamissimo I have the Flymo robot mower and I love it. I got it half price in a Black Friday deal.

BradfordLass the Southern Cross is not his - it's mine!

Your garden sounds amazing Mamissimo please can I come for dinner after lockdown?
That must be fun watching a robot mow your lawn Dragonfly
The commission was for a teapot. A customer had seen it in the gallery window. Luckily I like making them.

The gallery is in a seaside town Dreamkeeper you would love it there.
So would I!
I hope you had a better day today.
Marydoll too.
We went for a short test drive (not Barny castle) and walked around a community woodland. DH feet are bad again so I don't think he liked it as much as I did.
Off to bed. Sleep well cellmates.

mamissimo wow you grow enough veg to supply a small town. Good you had the foresight to have your veg plots raised so you don’t have to bend to do your gardening. With all those plants and trees on order it must be a passion of yours. A robot mower sounds interesting. I can imagine you sitting there with a glass of wine watching it going round cutting the grass ?
Gosh you’ve got one already dragonfly. Hope you had a lovely day.?
grammaretto It must be nice to have a commission to work on. Do you get much work from the gallery? I think we’d all like a trip to the seaside. I know I would.
Sorry to hear your DHs feet are painful again. Is he back on his medication?
Marydoll, cherry and panache thinking of you and hoping you all have a good night.
Sleep well all

`Morning all my lovely cell mates.

Showing my face before anyone of you may think of rushing out to buy some flowers!

Can`t say I am firing on all cylinders,truth being like several of you,I never am,whilst the strains of this prolonged period in prison is taking its toll.

However I must say that after seeing the picture and reading your description of your veggies Mamissimo I felt somewhat revived,the wonders of nature indeed.
I will think of you and those Marzano tomatoes when I next tuck into my Pizza!

Whilst knowing your gallery is within a seaside town Grammeretto truly had me sitting up and almost getting ready for the off!!........whilst I too am partial to tea pots!

You will be pleased to hear progress has been made regarding our car,it was picked up early yesterday morning and returned in the evening,complete with new light box and service...............so no more excuses.........alas would you believe it,it is actually raining.It has not rained during daytime in the past 3 months plus!!!!!
Someone really does not like us!

Now why did we not think of a robot mower on our lawns Dragonfly...........perhaps because they extended to nearly threequarters of an acre I suppose?
Surely the height of luxury though?
Anything that takes th pain from mowing is indeed a huge bonus in my eyes.
Glad you had a lovely Birthday.hope today and every day will be a joy.

Deary me,have I picked up the fact NZ has a few new cases of this vile virus Bradfordlass........it really does not like letting go its grip.Please just keep safe.

You do get around threadways Doodle and perhaps being this is going to be another restful one,I shall wend my through and start counting how many times I come "face to face" with you"" Such a popular lady our Guv!!
My night cap sent me off to a lovely sleep, so an appreciative word of thanks from me!

Hurrah! guess what,the electricians are wiring in (finally) the garden lights and hopefully tonight our lighted curving pathways will again become a picture and a delight.
If they are paid by the hour,I am pleased I don`t have to pay their bill!!

A cheerful hug Cherry and Marydoll hope your days ahead will improve,though I guess we have well learnt to "take the rough with the smooth"........
Have a pleasant and safe day.

panache I am so pleased to see you posting again this morning. Hope you are feeling better.
Good news the car has been fixed and is now ready for action.
Good job the lighting will be fixed by tonight and you can enjoy your walks in peace again.

We went to visit one of our sons last night for a garden chat. The first time I have seen them all since the start of lockdown. Just as we arrived, the heavens opened and it poured with rain the whole time we were there. Fortunately, they have an awning over their patio doors so DH and I stood outside under the awning and they stayed nice and dry indoors ?. It was lovely to have a proper catchup and to see them again. Well worth it despite the rain. Today I cannot put off housework any longer so it’s bathrooms today.
Hope you had a restful night Marydoll & cherry.
Have a good day all.

I am late this morning but I have done an hour of yoga on my hard stone hall floor because I couldn't be in my usual place this morning. DH was on a very important conference call in the same room.

I am very pleased Dreamkeeper/Panache (which do you prefer?) to see you posting with much better news.

I am delighted to hear that Marydoll is getting her treatment started on Monday.

I believe the 2 new cases of covid in NZ are 2 British women who were flown in to see a dying parent and some numpty (like the ones Bradfordlass talks about) omitted to have them tested before their long drive south.

A sad situation but I get the feeling that there are people here in this country who, like horrid children at school, delight in another's misfortune. It's known as schadenfreude.
It's not as though the UK is doing well.

The day is here for the hospital scan so we will have to drive into Edinburgh and across the city. I hope we can park.

DH has been back on his meds, hence the painful feet but at least we know what's causing it now.

The baby I was knitting for - the couple who were in our granny annexe until Feb, has arrived. A tiny girl (2kg?) so I am having a re-think about sending her a second size jumper.
The gallery is in Dunbar
coastart.co.uk/ my teapots are on the front page.

I also hope the gang slept well. I kept waking up in the middle of strange dreams.