The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

Grammaretto as your veg are ready, they are cheap in the shops
Ah yes, but how much fresher and satisfying to just go to your garden for your harvest.

Doodle The pool water doesn't really affect my skin too much, a bit drying maybe. The doctor gives me Daivonex
Dreamkeeper do you use that?
It's the discomfort of others at the sight of me I want to avoid; I don't want to spoil their enjoyment.

It used to be my size which (slightly) inhibted me, as people would insult me but I got over that decades ago and most folk now know being fat is not due to daily pie eating in front of the telly - well, not in my case anyway.

Rangi and I had a wonderful time, she's such a delightful chatterer. We're meeting uo again on Tuesday.
What did I buy? Two pairs of knickers

I didn't get wet until putting things into the pataka, then an extra-hard downpour soaked me to the skin.

Taxi is taking me to do my first hospital walk this morning, although I had a good dry run yesterday at the Mall. That taught me magnesium cream and water is essential to avoid cramp.

Glad to read that some of your restrictions are being lifted - along with your spirits.

Don't lose hope Dreamkeeper or any of you. If the wartime generation could withstand 6 years of restrictions, dodgy politicians, bombardment and danger, so can we!

It's been heaving it down all day today and I've been out! We didn't intend to but it was a mercy mission that we could not ignore. Around 12.15pm I had a very distressing call from a friend. Her father had, she said "scratched" his arm but it was more than that. He had actually cut an artery. Paramedics were called and off they both went to A&E. Cut a long story short, she was "stranded", needed to get stuff for him as he was admitted, didn't have her phone or money or anything. They have both been shielding, her because of his needs, so we thought "sod it" and didn't hesitate. Someone had to help her. Her dad is her only family in the UK at the moment, her son, his wife and her granddaughter are living in Canada.
We didn't go into the hospital, we wouldn't have been allowed to see her dad anyway. We collected her from the "drop off/pick up area outside A&E. There wasn't a soul about apart from us three. I must say, when I saw her she looked dreadful, still in shock. I wanted to hug her and she me but neither of us felt able to. We took her back to her dad's house, she's been living there with him since lockdown, and put the kettle on. We probably shouldn't have gone inside the house but only the two of them have been in there the entire lockdown. We made her take a little time to gather herself together, let alone stuff for her dad, and persuaded her to have some food. She wouldn't have been in any fit state to go back to the hospital otherwise. We left when we knew she was ready to go back to the hospital safety.
She's back at her dad's for the night now. He will be assessed in the morning to see if he can go home.

I'm happy we helped, feel guilty in a way that we did and especially that we went inside the house. Such weird feelings.

Sorry, please excuse me for not responding to you all. I did notice however that psoriasis has been a discussion here today. My WP has psoriasis and the most effective treatment he has ever had was light treatment in hospital several years ago. It cleared it up completely. It has come back since, but very mild and the topical cream he uses (can't remember what it's called) keeps it largely at bay. He'd recommend the light treatment to anyone with psoriasis who hasn't tried it.

Catch up with you all tomorrow ??. I think I need a double choc hot chocolate tonight, night all ?

Doodle, please can I have a 'special' cocoa tonight (only hold the cocoa - I'll just have the 'special' bit if you don't mind).

The rain has been torrential here today and I am also totally fed up with the current situation because, like all of you, I'm in no position to make decisions about the next few weeks although I need to.

I had a telephone appointment with my immunologist this morning. In some ways she made me feel better about my options for longer term solutions but, in the short term, she confirmed that I really am in the most vulnerable group and that any risk assessments I make must bear that in mind. Considering how fit and well I feel, it's making things more difficult.

We (DH and I) heard today that a camping event we look forward to so much every year is to go ahead in 3 weeks but the campsite need a decision by Saturday. At the same time, my DIL (with 2 young children) has to take 2 week's leave but my son can't. So they are hoping we can help them. Both events overlap but do they also overlap with continued lockdown?

The government say they are writing to every one of us shielders to tell us what they propose to do with us. Yeah, right! I can't wait and by that I mean I really can't wait any longer. I don't think the politicians have a clue, they just make things up as they go along. I can't remember who on here said they thought they would invoke the Cummings Clause but it seems like a good idea. But then - dare I? I'm putting myself and DH at risk.

I'm pleased you went out and bought 2 pairs of knickers with Rangi BradfordLass, but it's the going out not the knicker purchasing that seems like normal life returning.

Tomorrow's another day. We have a farm shop food delivery and I have done housework upstairs and downstairs so needn't feel guilty about it again for a month or two!

I know we are all in the same boat (but not all on the broads - that sounds so peaceful) and I keep having a whinge - I'm sorry. I'll park the decisions and see what the weather brings tomorrow.

Sleep well all.

I have been smiling at the thought of your lilac hair Panache but I'm sure if you hold your dhead high and be true to your name, it will be wonderful.
I once wore a purple wig (as fancy dress) and a charming man who had never spoken to me before, chatted to me and bought me a drink! It did wonders for my self esteem not sure what MrG thought but ...

My hair is a grey mop. Not long enough to put in a pony tail yet.
Thanks for the offer of lockdown classes Doodle .
I was sent this guide.
Looking forward to my hot chocolate and my bed.
Tomorrow is another day....
Sleep well all of you.

bradfordlass that’s such a shame you avoid the pool for that reason. Why do people feel they have the right to criticise others for their looks or weight or other reasons. It’s so wrong.
Pleased you enjoyed your trip to the Mall and have another trip planned for next week. You can never have too many pairs of knickers ?
Pataka, what’s that please?
cherry your poor friend. Lucky she had you to call on. Emergency hospital trips can leave us all in a panic and she must have been quite distressed. If she and her father have both been shielding I would think the house is quite safe.
What a day you’ve had. Double hot chocolate for your certainly. Hope you sleep well.
missedout a no cocoa special coming your way.
We’ve had rain here all day too.
Sorry, I’m a bit confused about your son and DIL. If she can take 2 weeks leave, why do they need your help?
The camping trip sounds like something you both really enjoy. Difficult to know what to do. Would you be close to others or have to share cooking or toilet facilities?
grammaretto. It’s only a little pony tail, more of a pigtail really. ?. Yes I said I’d host the class but not give it. ? I have no idea what’s going on. Seems confusing to me so keeping my own judgment at the moment.
Hope you all sleep well.

Just back from my hospital walk and managed a paltry 45 minutes but WILL improve! Going again Monday.

A pataka is a community pantry, I'm sure you have them up and down the UK. Don't you?

I know this is from 1994 Doodle but if you listen for a few seconds, from 2:32, you'll hear what I and most fat people are faced with, even today - and this is Radio 4!
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_four_extra

Cherry what a terrible thing to happen but you were angels to go to her rescue.

Yes, Missedout you're right, it was the going out which was special and Rangi is such a delightful person to be with.
I'm not fond of shopping or the Mall but it was a good day.

Talk about colourful hair has just reminded me I need to renew my green. It's called 'Electric Lizard' by ManicPanic.

I feel some of you poor souls might be nearing manic-panic with the utter chaos over there.

I'm going to have a go on the Helter-Skelter, splashing straight into the hot tub and then I'd love a Doodle Special too.

Sorry, I've just realised that the "Live" link I posted taks you to the next programme.
Try this:
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b008wff3

Good morning all.
I couldn't sleep again. This time it was toothache.
I tried and failed to hear a programme about fat shaming BL I can still remember going swimming whilst pregnant and having to endure a lot of young girls staring at my belly. An education I suppose. There are various pools for hydrotherapy at hotels (spas) around the country but I suspect they aren't cheap.
There are community fridges here which are probably a similar thing to the pataka and ofcourse our foodbanks. There are three in our town alone..

Sorry to hear of the camping dilemma Missedout I hope it works out for you all. I wouldn't think you would be at any great risk of covd infection camping but maybe pneumonia.
I have so many memories of disastrous camping holidays in Britain, I could write a book. (tents flying away/eaten alive by midges/duck boards in the tent/giving up and going home)
DS has gone ahead and booked a holiday in Scotland just for the DC to have something to look forward to.

How awful for your friend and her dad Cherry but how good that you were able to help out.

I must write letters today and post a couple of parcels. I will brave the post office rather than download postage and print labels.

I hope you get sunshine today!
Off to make the porridge.

Morning Everyone

A busy day for me today, DGD3 has on-line reading practice and then I’m off to take DGS out on his bike so his mum can concentrate on an important Zoom meeting. I probably shouldn’t be in charge of a small boy but I just have to hope he doesn’t come a cropper and I need to actually physically pick him up! Otherwise we can maintain correct distance. He knows the rules well.

Since both you and your friend have been shielding Cherry there can have been no harm in your using the Cumming’s Clause and driving to her rescue. It must have been very scary for her.

Missedout - what sort of camping are you intending? As long as you have your own loo you should be completely self-contained and able to socially distance ok. I believe all the main camp sites are making sure they have a good distance between pitches.

Oh, and if my sitting in our little boat in the middle of a sunny broad sound idyllic, it is - but last week I had to pay the fee for the boatyard and the repairs to said (rather elderly now) little boat! It’s the reason why we don’t ordinarily eat out much!

Hello, a quick note of explanation. Camping for us is a community event with our car club. We use the same camp site every year. They have very good toilet/shower facilities, I hadn't considered taking a porta potti and toilet tent. There are usually 10-15 tents in the group (this year limited to 8) plus camper vans. We have a super tent, cooking facilities and make ourselves comfortable. Having open cars means we are used to getting cold and wet! It is social and fun and even a socially distanced event has huge attractions after so many weeks of just DH and I.

At the same time, my DIL is saying, if we are allowed to spend time with our DGC, sometime during the two weeks of her leave would be lovely as we could spend time with the DGC and DIL. (They live 200 miles away.) They could perhaps come to us.

These are such temptations being dangled in front of us when we don't know if we can do any of it unless lockdown conditions are eased.

NfkDumpling, I know how expensive boats are - we have a share in a narrow boat! We've lost 2 weeks on it and are not on again until October.

Cherry, I don't think anyone could blame you for helping as you did.

It's Fathers' day this weekend. Is anyone doing anything special?

Thank you all for being so kind and understanding re. our rescue mission for my friend. She has just texted me to say that the Dr, on his rounds, has said her father can be discharged and she is now back at the hospital to take him home ?.

BradfordLass, I'm glad that you had a lovely day with your friend. It's true that the knickers are not important ? it's the company of a true friend that is ?.
Fat shaming, even the terminology, is neither necessary or helpful, regardless of the reason why someone has an overweight BMI. My weight fluctuates considerably, between a bang "in the middle" so-called BMI and one that creeps toward the "overweight" margin. Whilst there is constant reference to an "obesity epidemic" and risks of heart disease and diabetes I remember seeing a programme on a scientific study that proves that it's not always the case. In the study there were people of all shapes and sizes. They measured more than just weight. They weighs body fat content. There was one lady who was "overweight" but she had a healthy body fat range and a lady who was "healthy weight" who had an unhealthy body fat range. Body fat can be unseen but is much more dangerous than being overweight. It's about time that was made clear!

Missedout, the medical profession will always, even in "normal" times stress the risks of things and of course are doing so more than ever at the moment. I think that plenty of caution but a common sense approach is a reasonable way to proceed. I think that as long as the people you may see, obviously not strangers in the street etc, are doing the same the risk should be minimal. In England, anyway, hospital appointments, scans, tests and elective surgery are now going ahead. There is even risk there, that's why they were stopped in the first place after all. If they are now an "acceptable" risk then so is non contact meet ups, like camping - surely?

Your DGS sounds like a sensible boy Nflk, I'm sure you'll be fine. Enjoy your time together ?.

Off to cocoon myself in my non artistic artwork now gang. Catch up with you laters ?

Well I suppose I have to say good afternoon all. I’m late today. Neither DH nor I had a good night. Nothing wrong, he had irritable legs and I was just awake. Just been creaming his legs and feet as he has some eczema type patches on the back of his calves and feet.

bradfordlass ah yes I suppose your pataka is like our food banks.
I have listened to your link and see what you mean. This sort of humour (If you call it that) mocks people and is unpleasant .
Have you really got green hair? Wow how fantastic. I looked up the colour you mentioned and it’s vibrant.
I think a 45 minute walk is quite good to start with. Was it easy enough to get around in the hospital? Sounds as though you enjoyed your time with Rangi. Does she live near you ?
Doodle special by the hot tub waiting for you. I could do with getting in the hot tub myself. It’s damp and overcast here.
grammaretto another non sleeper. Sorry about your toothache. I think a holiday in this country is a good idea for your son. As you say something nice for the children. We would love a day trip to the coast but can’t go until we are sure of finding clean open toilets to use.
Lots of birthdays in the family at the moment so we have been sending moon pig cards so we don’t have to go out and buy them or post them. They have a range of coronavirus cards available. Amazing how people catch on to an opportunity so quickly.
nfk hope the reading goes well. Nice for your DGS to spend some time with you. Hope the bike ride goes without mishap.
We used to own a boat years ago and remember only to well the mooring fees and the repair bills. It’s certainly not cheap. Neither is having a static caravan. Site fees for ours were quite steep and we gave it up in the end as we weren’t able to get there often enough for it to be worth it. Would be lovely if we still had it now though as it was on the cliffs overlooking the sea. ?
missedout ah thank you for the explanation. Isn’t it always the way that two good things you want to do come at the same time. Your camping sounds great fun, I’m not surprised you want to go. I have no idea of the distances involved but could your DIL and the children come down for a week, if allowed, and then you could go camping for the other week?
Father’s Day, yes we are going to see our older son for a garden visit and cake as it’s DHs birthday this weekend too. We saw other son earlier this week. Cards and pressies were left in my care (sorely tempted to eat the chocolate ?)
cherry and panache hope you are ok.
See you all later. ?

cherry crossed posts again ?
Glad your friends father is ok and able to come home. She must be so grateful for your help. You probably need a rest today after all the excitement. Your non artistic artwork sounds just the thing..........what is it, if you don’t mind me asking? ?

Not altogether happy having just lost my first message!

Now it is more like Afternoon cell mates all,after yet more drizzle,there is more than a glimmer of hope that the afternoon may brighten up and a stroll is imminent.

Phew!!!! That was me wiping the sweat off my brow,following a quick flick of the duster etc,my idea of a weekly clean!

I too had a sleepless night,my mind was like an over worked computor!!
Sorry hearing that you too were awake Grammeretto,worse still suffering from that darn toothache.Do you think you can get it sorted rather than having it nag at you?

Showing the Dunkirk spirit for sure Cherry,Well done,,quite simply what else could you have done in those circumstances,hopefully there will be no repercussions.
You lead a colourful life!!

Great news for Wales......shops opening this monday and a few other bits and bobs,the following week all children will return to school prior to the holidays and then the first week in July,dread of dreads,the tourist industry are given the green light so that means we only have 2 weeks to truly enjoy "our patch" before the tourists invade,and believe me,they truly do in their droves.

Sadly "The Cummings Clause" has left people take chances,do their own thing sooner than it is safe,now there are quite nasty outbreaks here and there,just what we do not wish to hear.
Making it more unsafe for anyone of us to take holidays and feel reasonably safe.

Interesting hearing of your "Electric Lizard" by Manic Panic Bradfordlass...wowee!, obviously your own love for coloured hair.Over my life time I can say I have been there,done that and got quite a few t shirts...........but for the latter years I have grown very fond of my light purple locks..........hopefully with everythinbg starting to open up,I may even fit in a hair cut!!
Hairdressers open only by appointment...my guess is the queue will be endless!

Whilst liking the sounds of a boat out on the water,we have
never been camping and quite frankly it has never appealed to me, to us.
We have been great Caravan enthusiasts,loving our first, just a match box on wheels!! A sight to behold when towed by our 2 seater sports car!
We then graduated to one of those "all singing,all dancing" kind and would you believe it was never quite the same fun as our first one!!
Bigger is NOT always better!
Indeed holidays are back in the news and in our thoughts.

Having the joy of opening 2 parcels,goodies in the form of cotton tops,there are capri trousers on order and due any day.......the delivery is very stop/start.

Well then you happy troopers I think it time we went for that stroll,the skies are again blue and the sun shining.
Perhaps even a little drive might happen!!

Enjoy your day,keep safe.

Dear Doodle must add this to my post having only just caught up with yours,I too suffer badly with these restless legs syndrome,fine all day,yet the minute I climb into bed they start hopping and burning,a real pain and one that certainly puts paid to sleep.
I have every sympathy for you both,your poor man suffring along all his other problems,whilst I am sure it must be disturbing for you.
What creams do you use?
Personally I use Epaderm and have done for years,however sinbce the problem seems to worsen,plus this dry skin with dermatitis I am now trying Doublebase..............it does sink into the skin much better..............though nothing really helps Could be worse were we not to use creams at all!.
I am sure you treathim with the utmost tender care.How are his bruises now,have they vanished yet?

I too am late.......must be something in the air!!

panache more housework ? Your home must be spotless and shiny ?. It’s starting to dry up here and the sun is out so hopefully it is coming your way soon. Another one who didn’t sleep well. I must have forgotten to put the magic ingredient in the cocoa. Sounds as though things are opening up in Wales too. Hope you can find some quiet coves away from the crowds for your beach and sea fix.
I would love to have my hair cut. It is like an unruly mop at the moment going every which way other than where I want it to. Hope your tops are nice and good fit. Have a good day.
Thanks for your enquiry about DH. Yes his bruises are now faded to a pale yellow and no more problems thank goodness. He was lucky. We use Aveeno cream just to keep his legs soft. His eczema is mild and can usually be dealt with by applying the cream daily for a week. I think the creams you mention are very good but he finds them too sticky and as he has to wear compression socks he finds it more difficult to get them on.
Hope you have a good day in the sunshine. Back later.

It's always nice to catch up with the posts.
I ventured out to the Post Office, wearing my mask. I have already discovered a problem! The mask I made is fine because it is tied but I have been given a few others which have elastic over the ears and they just fall off. My head is too big or my ears are too small. I will have to think of a better design.

Only a few people were wearing masks though it is now essential on buses.
The High St wasn't busy though I managed to bump into (not literally) a few I know. They were in the queue for the chemist.

Thanks for the link to MoonPig cards Doodle. I had forgotten that.
I bought a very pink card in the PO and sent the very pink cardi and matching bow and teddy to the new baby.

Plus a few things for our wee GDs It felt good to be independent. .
Now I am exhausted!!!

Last year we went to Ireland and stayed in a hotel overlooking the sea in the village which is one of my ancestral homes. The more genealogy you do, the more interesting places to visit. My sister and her husband joined us but they had spent 3 weeks touring Ireland with their tent and bikes on the car. We are always impressed by their intrepid spirit. They managed to feed us all for Sunday lunch from the tiny tent.
They stayed at the campsite but joined us each day and evening at the different restaurants and pubs.
I am so glad we went. We visited a couple of my mum's cousins and heard more about the lives of our grandparents. Our son joined us too for a few days.

When our own family was growing up we always camped. Force 10 tent, sleeping mats, cold water for everything. It could be fantastic but is very weather dependent and makes you appreciate the home comforts when you get back.,

grammaretto I don’t know what they are called but you can make a gadget that holds the elastic of your mask tight against the back of your head. It’s like two buttons sewn on a strip of fabric and you clip the elastic to the buttons rather than just round your ears. ? not sure how else to describe them.
Never really been too keen on camping myself . I like my creature comforts too much. But the idea of a meal round a campfire does appeal to me. Your trip to Ireland sounds lovely. Nice to have a holiday with your sister and her husband. We had a lovely holiday with my dear brother and his wife just at the point his dementia was becoming more obvious. We had a really good time and have some fond memories. ?

Thanks for the elastic suggestion Doodle .
I am so glad you managed a holiday with your brother..
As soon as we can I want to visit my brother again . He lives in Denmark.

Thundery weather here so we have been incredibly tired. Is that a thing?
I was just trying to watch Monty Don when there was a huge commotion in the fireplace and a young jackdaw landed amid a pile of soot and started flapping about the room.

I threw up the sash window but the poor frantic creature got itself stuck between the panes so I had to prod it with a stick and we had far more contact than either of us wanted. It has at last flown free.
Enough excitement for one day.

I thought there was a bird proof cowl on the chimney but clearly there isn't.
I hope it doesn't have siblings. I keep hearing birds but it may be from the television.

Remembering holidays is a joyous thing to do. We would have been in France now if we hadn't had to cancel.

Grammaretto I would have died! I am totally terrified of birds in the house. I can do spiders and mice but if we get a bird in the house I have to leave.

On the night of the ‘hurricane’ in the 1980’s we were getting ready to host a dinner for friends. I showered, dressed and turned on my hairdryer....and the room was full of swifts. They were all flying round and round......some went out of the door and into my babies’ room, some into the hall....my husband was covered in soap in the shower....the babies were crying....I passed out.

My husband wrapped a towel round himself and ran to a neighbour up the Lane who liked budgies....he came and as I came to he was picking the birds off the picture rails and popping them out of the window. There were more than 40!

Next morning one flew out from under the bed.....

I haven’t coped with birds since.

I’m lucky with my hair - it’s a sparkly bluey white like my Mums but I’ve recently hankered after a teal flash at the front. I’ve never ever dyed my hair - and to be honest I don’t think it will ever happen. I felt a pang when I read about Bradford’s green and Mrs P’s lilac...

DD is coming for a distanced lunch tomorrow so we are going to fire up the pizza oven in the garden. Nom.! Our weather forecast says it’s going to be hot next week so it will be back to living outdoors again. At least we will eat several of the lettuces which are all coming to fruition at once ?

Sleep tight

I've had a nice relaxing day, just cooking with my WP, listening to music and doing some of my non-artistic artwork.

You asked what my non-art entailed Doodle. I've always liked drawing but have never had any skill. Eons ago I got a book, essentially "learn to draw". I didn't get very far with it and it got lost. I put any "artistic" endeavour aside. When the craze for "adult" colouring books came out I bought one and it inspired me again. Now what I do is take some basic impressions of plants, flowers and insects in the garden. Often in close up. I sketch my impression and use blending or watercolour pencils (I have both types) to do the colourations. I don't always stick to colour rule ?. I'm very unskilled but I enjoy it all the same.

How's your toothache Grammaretto? I hope it's gone or at least is an intermittent affair. Earlier in lockdown one of my teeth felt a bit wobbly and at one point I thought I was developing an abscess but after using teething gel it settled. It is a bit sensitive, a little bit wobbly but as long as I'm cautious it doesn't cause me grief. It's miserable having toothache, my partner has it to at the moment.

Like many of the gang, it seems, I am really getting fed up with my hair! I do have thick hair, it's very heavy and now it's getting so long it is forming ringlets that I can put in heavy bunches. When I was young I had it very long and wanted it cut into a bob. The hairdresser was amazed. So amazed she made me an offer and I sold it. Oh how I'd love to do that now, only I'd offer to pay to have them take it away ?. Guess that means I'm willing to pay to have,my hair cut ? ?. It also seems that we have colourful adventurous members in our midsts, BradfordLass and Panache. I'm more traditional, except for the fact that it is dyed ?

BradfordLass, 45 minutes isnt that bad by any means, don't be hard on yourself young lady ?

Panache, I have done a little bit of camping in my time, some at festivals, but never enjoyed it really. My WP and me have had camper vans, in the past, and that made for a much more enjoyable experience. Our camper van days are gone now though ?.
At least the First Minister still emphasised the "stay local" Regulations Panache and I'm sure that he said it will be a couple of weeks at least before that is reviewed, even though he indicated a bit more opening up is in the pipeline - notably caravan parks and campsites. We're not there yet though thank goodness, the Gower attracts quite a number of tourists - just maybe fewer than the Pembroke coastline.

I hope you enjoy your visit to see your older son this weekend Doodle. Surely you can resist the temptation of the chocolate ... but I guess you could always say you accidentally left it behind, as long as you take something as a gift ?. The biggest gift however is yourselves ?

Despite Doodle's magic ingredients in the hot chocolate it seems not many of the gang are sleeping well at the moment. I hope all those affected sleep well tonight.
Night night ?

I chuckle when I hear the expression 4 Nations. And I get very confused by the rules.
I think our rules in Scotland if shielded are now:

18 June anyone who was shielding, unless they live in a nursing or residential care home, will be able to go outdoors for exercise and take part in non-contact outdoor activities such as golf and hiking

From 19 June individuals in the shielding group will also be able to meet outside with one other household in a group of up to 8 people outside. Those shielding should however still only work from home and avoid shops, pharmacies and other situations where it would be difficult to stay 2 metres apart from other people

So probably I should not have gone to the Post Office but I did and I will go again if I need to.

Oh My Mamissimo those 40 swifts would have freaked me out.
I can be brave if I have to be but I can't deal with rats (or the thought of them)
I found a stunned sparrowhawk in the hallway once and I put a coat over it before setting it free.

Cherry your artwork sounds very relaxing. I liked to play scrabble on line to wind down at night but alas it has all but disappeared and been replaced by something pink and fluffy with bells, whistles and silly cartoon characters. To add insult to injury I can only see it on my phone which is very small.

I hope all of you who will see your families this weekend have a magical time.

Delicious chocolate tonight again. Thanks.

grammaretto how funny, your brother lives in Denmark and my SIL that we went on holiday with came from Denmark. ?
Well that was a bit of excitement with the jackdaw. I haven’t lived in a house with a chimney for many years. I’d forgotten that things sometimes come down the chimney (and I don’t mean Santa) .
mamissimo what a strange experience you had with the swifts. I’ve not heard of anything like that happening before. Where did they come from, do you know? Not surprised it shook you up. Sorry but I couldn’t help a chuckle at the thought of your DH running down the road in a hurricane with a towel wrapped round him to get the neighbour ?. A sort of cross between Alfred Hitchcock and Laurel and Hardy.
You are lucky to have that sparkly white hair. You could have gone mad during lockdown and tried different coloured flashes on it to see which you liked best. That green of bradfordlass is amazing.
Have a lovely visit with your DD. Hope the weather is good.
Wish we could join you, I love freshly baked pizza ?
cherry that’s a clever idea with your non artistic art. I don’t have an artistic bone in my body but I love playing around making things. I would love to paint watercolours but I am hopeless. One look at my painting by numbers would convince you of that ?. I think it’s great you’ve found something you enjoy and get pleasure out of.
Sorry your WP has toothache too. It seems to be a side effect of lockdown.
Ah but cherry the chocolate is not a gift for my older son it was included in the presents my younger son left in my charge for his dad this weekend. So it’s been hiding in my wardrobe since Monday tempting me every time I open the door. 1 day to go and then DH will have to share ?

Well I will top up the hot chocolate with extra special ingredients tonight in the hope you all get to sleep better.
Sleep well all. ?

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Have you really got green hair? Wow how fantastic. I looked up the colour you mentioned and it’s vibrant

It should be but never has been on me.
In fact some people peer at my head and ask, ‘Is that green in your hair?’
I say, ‘Yes, it’s because I had a craving for salad and sprouts.’

The hospital was wonderful, a really safe place for walkers with poor vision.
I even managed a set of stairs. Mind you, I had to lie down on the top step to catch my breath and a few people tripped over me.
I can’t imagine what the security people on the CCTV thought about my hobbling up and down.

Rangi lives about 8-10 mins drive away.

It occurs to me that you need one of those portable lady-loos for your trip to the sea.
They are quite cheap and I even saw one advertising ‘free delivery’ which made me laugh because of a sign I once photographed.

Mine was absolute bliss (the trip to the sea, not the lady-loo).
When I got out of the car at French Bay, I was so overcome with gratitude and joy to be there that I cried.

You can imagine how I’d longed for a sight of the sea. It’s only 12 km away from my home but might as well be on the moon as I can’t get to it.

I spent a lot of time breathing deeply and appreciating the good fortune of a free taxi and having a good walk along the sea shore.

How wonderful that seaside walk must have been Bradfordlass
I would love it there. It looks deserted too. Why is it called French Bay?
I guess it is your midwinter.
I must hurry to finish the scarf I'm knitting for my NZ dil.

At last the sun has come out and after all that rain and thunder last night.
5 jackdaws were on the grass. OMG. I guess chimneys are rare now so they squeeze into ours. I will need to call a sweep who are probably rare too and have the nest removed before we light the fire again.
I woke in the night with a horrible tooth/gum/face ache and took paracetamol. I don't know where the pain is coming from. My whole right side of the face hurts.

Still it is nothing besides what some of you have to deal with.

I am sorry that DS and his family are not coming this weekend and DD has gone quiet. I hope that's good
We will see them all at the zoom Quiz tonight which should be fun.