The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

Yawn, stretch, morning grammaretto.?
Sunday lazy breakfast for me then online church service from Canterbury Cathedral.
Glad you got your plants in as it looks like rain today too.
Sorry you’ve had to postpone your family gathering. It’s looking very black here too. Four generations is quite an achievement. I too lost my only grandparent at 11 and DH his at 5.
Glad your DH can lower his chemo. Hopefully that will make his feet better. My DH is on tablet chemo too.
bradfordlass I love reading about your days. You do such interesting things and mention things I haven’t heard of before.
Now I think you’ve mentioned kumerahou before. Is that the plant you gather in the bush and use to make some restorative potion. (Sorry my memory isn’t too good and I can’t remember what you used it for )
The market you describe sounds quite a big one with lots of stalls. I gather it’s a combination of food and other stuff. I love a good rummage round the market stalls.
Hope Marydoll and the panaches slept well.
Hope you all have a good day.

Nobody up yet? cooee!! wakey! wakey!

Maybe I had better tiptoe in here so as not to wake the sleeping babes.
Maybe there was an accident on the helter skelter.
I hope not.
I am glad your market trip was good BL. I have never tried buckwheat tea. or coconut in my hot chocolate.
What do you do with kumerahou? Is it another herbal tea?

We are having a cold day today so the visit to our garden by DC, DGC and the parents will need to be postponed.
I do marvel that we still have 4 generations , (I nearly said going strong, but it's more hanging on by a thread)

I lost my only grandparent when I was 11. Most of our DGC still have 2 Gt grandparents and both sets of DGP..

DH is to go on a lower dose of his chemo, so that is hopefully good news. It is tablets and not infusions so perhaps not as invasive as poor Mr Dream.

Sending hugs to you all.

I like my hot choc with a spoonful of coconut powder, or coconut cream but at the moment I seem to be addicted to Buckwheat Tea.
It's absolutely yummy.

My free taxi took me to the only place left who has any in stock and I bought 2 packets.

The market was good too, although the cheese and pate man wasn't there.
I'm quite capable of making my own pate but his was delicious.

The market's grown huge since I was last there.
Many 'posh tat' stalls outside and in; clothing, wood and leatherwork, jewellry and much else. But fairly expensive.

Reading about poor Mr.P, I have to wonder if such distress is worth it. My friend Kathy (you will remember I posted how her chemo made her so very ill) says she'll never say 'yes' to it again.

I'm hoping for a dry day tomorrow or Tuesday so I can get some kumerahou, which won't be in flower as the picture suggests.

Grammarettto I was impressed by your one-night flower and seem to remember seeing that once on a botany DVD. Beautiful.

Head first down the Helter Skelter! What was that butler thinking of?

You must be very brave Missedout to cut your own hair!

I saw mine on the family zoom quiz tonight and didn't like the look at all. It's not long enough to tie back but such a mop.
I was wondering if perhaps you had had the virus and lost your sense of smell or was that another reason?

My niece set the quiz tonight and it was so hard. All 3 of us oldies came equal last.

I managed to plant the seedlings out before the torrential rain but I am tired now.

Hot choccie was excellent with a drop of vanilla?

missedout do you think you had the virus last December? They say loss of taste and smell is one of the symptoms.
Glad your are getting the senses back again.
Cutting your own hair is more difficult than you would think isn’t it.
I’m sure the butler could ring for the lockdown masseuse to visit you. Did I forget to mention I’d employed one?
Nice scented bath and a quick rub over and you’ll be fine.?
Sleep well all.

By the the end of last year, I had completely lost my sense of smell and could only taste sweet, sour, salt etc. At some time in January, my sense of taste and smell gradually returned. Grammaretto's jungle flower sounds exotic but I can't stop myself from going round the garden and smelling the common scented plants with such pleasure. I thought I'd lost the ability to tell the difference between the scent of lavender and rosemary. The smell of orange peel and lemons, cinnamon and nutmeg were lost to me at Christmas. Now, the scents of a country garden are a source of such pleasure, especially after the rain.

I cut my hair again yesterday, it took ages. Today my shoulders ache after holding my arms above my head. I should have waited for my butler to provide his special services. Will he provide a massage do you think?

I'm afraid my DH hasn't taken to my butler. He can't think why I would need one. Cherry, my butler asked DH where the pantry is. My DH told him that he (DH) wasn't a caveman, he keeps his pants in a drawer like any other civilised man.

I hope all sleep well and tomorrow brings improvement in the health of those who are struggling.

mamissimo I love all of you for your sense of humour and joining in. Head first down the helter skelter indeed. I must check my insurance ?
panache you and your DH are on all our minds. Thank you for popping in to let us know you are ok. So sorry this chemo treatment seems to have such a bad effect on dear Mr P. Wish there was something we could do to help. We are all thinking of you. Take care.
grammaretto glad your DH has received some books to keep him happy. Lovely little bunnies.

How many more sessions of chemo is DH due to have Panache ? I feel for you.
DH isn't too bad today; actually he is rather happy as his cousin in America has sent some books for his birthday and they have already arrived.

Here's a lovely drawing of the flopsy bunnies sleeping beside the lettuce.

A brief call to show you all I am keeping a beady eye upon your activities,though please forgive me for not staying,comfy though it all is.
My dear man is very unwell following his latest chemo session,each one now has a worsening reaction...........so I am very much needed.
I only wish I had a little more strength and get up and go which seems to have taken leave since my latest long Hospital stay.

Take care and continue with your various "trials" and these testing times......and do keep safe.

A late start to the day for me.....Jeeves recommended a few goes on the Helter Skelter last night to relax me before bed but his suggestion of going down head first rather alarmed me! Are you sure he’s experienced with older women Cherry?

I think I will send Jeeves to Pembrokeshire today to check on Panache - she’s on my mind and a first hand report would be reassuring!

There are 2 pairs of trousers waiting to be shortened but I have the kind of ennui that would rather watch Wheeler Dealers on Dave whilst DH snoozes. If I change the channel he’ll wake up so I’m keeping quiet ?

cherry thank you for your sterling work in auditioning interviewing the butlers. bradfordlass seems very happy with her choice and I’m not surprised ?
Your right, we do seem to have a lovely caring bunch in our lockdown gang.
bradfordlass hope you’re not overworking your butler ?
I do hope something can be done for your friend Rangi. It’s not nice for her to be so cold in winter.
Having read some of your lockdown blog, I can well see how your retirement plan would have been a lovely thing to do. You are obviously so interested in the countryside and it’s history. It’s such a shame your sight has stopped you being able to do that and has affected your ability to enjoy it as much.
maw I bet that was interesting catering in the cottage. Cliveden is such a beautiful place.
grammaretto I was intrigued at your suggestion that I might put lettuce in the cocoa until I read your lovely explanation. I loved Beatrix Potter and all her rabbit stories.
That quote from Nancy and Winston really made me laugh.?
That is a lovely flower. So delicate. What a shame it doesn’t last longer.
Sorry your garden plans for the weekend might not now go ahead. Hope you can all meet up soon.
panache hope you and Mr P slept well. Are you feeling any better today?
Back later ?

I am glad you have approached the powers that be about Rangi's situation BradfordLass She should not be so cold.

A rather satisfactory outcome after a beauty spot was despoiled near here. Amongst the litter found by the Ranger the next day was a mobile phone and the owner has been traced. I don't really believe it but let's hope.

There has been a lot of rain here and the forecast is for more so it doesn't look like I can host my in-laws and DC and DGC this weekend in the garden which was a possible plan.

G'day lockdowners.
I hope you slept well. I had a proper sleep. Butler admitted to popping some lettuce in my night time drink. Is that the secret ingredient, Guv? (remember the flopsie bunnies who slept so soundly after gorging on Mr MacGregor's bolted lettuces on his compost heap)

Cliveden. Ah there was a recent TV programme about it. It seems to do well on its notoriety but the programme was emphasising Nancy Astor who was of course the first woman MP. who famously had "words" with Churchill.

“Nancy Astor: "Sir, if you were my husband, I'd poison your tea."
Winston Churchill: "Madame, if you were my wife, I'd drink it!"

I hope you have written your memoirs Maw

Our jungle flower ( a cutting from a Burmese cousin) flowered last night. It only flowers at midnight, once a year and has a wonderful heady perfume. By this morning it has flopped.

Our NT visit is booked at Cliveden. The Astor’s place. Have you heard of it?
Ah yes indeed, it used to have a notoriety of its own after the Profumo affair, Christine Keeler, Mandy Rice Davies and the swimming pool.
Many years ago I catered a wedding reception at that cottage* on the Thames (Spring Cottage?) but looked in vain for any two way mirrors!

Ooh Cherry I'm very pleased with my butler. He tells me he used to be a bodyguard and as if that's not enough he can cook!

Rangi has asked repeatedly for insulation for her home and had no response. I have written to the Housing Department (not mentioning Rangi) asking for their policy on this. I hesitated to poke my nose in but I just can't stand by and do nothing.

Talk of camper vans gave me a bit of a pang. That was my retirement plan, to travel round New Zealand and write about the journey. Of course AMD put paid to all that.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms today. I went out briefly to see that my Banksia rose and the Jasmine are both thriving after their replanting. That's great news.

Those people who flock to the outdoor leisure places are a little bit selfish maybe but mostly just desperate, especially if they've been confineed with children and/or had to sacrifice a holiday. I can understand their craving for sun and sand.

I used to live in Bournemouth

Panache, Doodle's right we have all been thinking of you, very much. There is a good comeradery amongst this lockdown gang, you are very much part of that. Take very good tender care of yourself and your DH ❤️

Grammaretto, Bracelet is thought to sprung from two words: broad and slade, the latter meaning coastal dell. There are a few places dotted around the Gower.

Yes Doodle I have heard of Cliveden ?

Thought I'd just pop in to say goodnight. Chilled chocolate drink awaits.
Sleep well all ?

I am having a new gadget delivered tomorrow. Quite excited actually. It’s a Shark hand held vacuum cleaner. Not cheap but I find my Dyson cordless a bit heavy for small jobs. This new one is small and dainty for getting in corners and as I’m a messy cook it will be used often in the kitchen picking up all the crumbs and bits I drop. Amazing what you look forward to in lockdown isn’t it. ?

Another warm night here. Hope everyone is settling in well with the new butlers. After lemon’s night at the Argy Bargy they will probably have to carry her up to bed. ?
Sleep well all. panache hope you and your dear DH sleep better tonight.

Hello all, hot enough for you? There are chilled glasses of sangria for you lined up on the bar in The Argy.....Doodle has gone there already.
There are also hot firemen and cool barmen.It’s Spanish Nite there so wear your best mantilla and bring a lacy fan.?

panache thank you so much for posting, I think we have all been worried about you. Sorry you are feeling poorly at the moment and your DHs treatment causes him trouble. Hope you both have a peaceful night tonight and things improve for you both. Thinking of you. ?
grammaretto as a dab hand at making lanterns with pumpkins with my DGC I cannot imagine doing so with a turnip. Aren’t they too hard, however do you scrape out the middle?
I had no idea things had to be hollow in the middle. Do things often explode in the kiln?
Love the Private Eye quote ?
cherry well you did spend some time taking down their particulars but there’s nothing wrong with being meticulous ?
Quite a selection you’ve come up with. Everyone should be able to get what they want.
Our NT visit is booked at Cliveden. The Astor’s place. Have you heard of it?
I hope you all have a well serviced night with your butlers. Sleep well all. ?

Thanks Cherry. I meant to say the name Bracelet Bay sounds so evocative. I hope there is a nice reason for its name?

Like Ruby Bay in Fife. We went there to celebrate our Ruby wedding and gathered rubies from the beach. In fact they are garnets but sparkly and pretty.
www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/elie-woodhaven-ruby-bay-p315561
The fish supper was great and we sat outside as the rain had stopped.

Not on freeview Grammaretto, except for Gardeners World which we enjoy. As far as I'm concerned tv has been pretty pants during this lockdown.

Apologies Cherry you were true to your word. My chosen butler has been dispatched to the fish restaurant chippie to bring our supper.
Not before a G&T was served.
I could get used to this. I have had to get used to this.
It must be painful not being able to see the family Dragonfly
We wish we could see DD and her DC because they are so isolated.

I must stop watching the news. It is depressing! Anything worth watching?

Thinking of you all and sending my very best

Having to take a back seat,feeling rotten and desperately trying to avoid yet further Hospital.
As usual by not "giving in" earlier I am in deeper trouble.
My dear man survives yet more chemo but each one is costing him too much aggro,but of course we press on,ever onwards.

Take great care, keep well,keep smiling and keep safe.

Are you casting aspersions on my recruitment and interview skills Grammaretto or insinuating that I'm one of life's procrastinator's ? ? Or are you implying that I may have a tendency for going AWOL; the latter is unthinkable surely ?

The recruitment is done! There are a dozen butlers to choose from; there was a baker's dozen but I've already chosen mine ?. There is one teeny weeny problem, there are two named Jeeves ? They are ready, willing and available for your personal selection. Tall, strong and handsome or elegantly efficient if you prefer.

Sorry to hear you had a difficult sleeping night Grammaretto. Was it the heat, pain or one of those things? Hope it wasn't pain. I had a difficult night but that was definitely because of the heat. There was an almighty thunderstorm yesterday evening that rumbled on for hours and it rained mice and men but it had zero effect on the heat ?.
The Private Eye caption is spot on ? The very essence in fact.

Oh yes, BradfordLass your cottage is just makeoutable (excuse the word coinage). It's such a shame the swallows don't come back, another case of mankind's thoughtlessness for habitat and the environment. It must be hard for your friend Rangi living in an uninsulated home, is there nothing that can be done to make it more hospitable?

Mamissimo it sounds like what was needed yesterday was some wind in the.... It was indeed a very hot day yesterday. Sorry to hear that your trip was abandoned. I don't know about the forecast for next week where you live but here it's meant to be cooler. Better conditions for another attempt ?
I don't even want to think of other people's stupidity though it's hard not to! I want to have faith in all mankind but I don't. Maybe I'm a cynic? Maybe I'm a realist?

Nflk, good to know that you had a lovely trip to Minsmere on Tuesday. I've never been there, it sounds just up my street ?.

dragonfly, I understand that you don't have to go back and have a check up with your consultant for a year now. I'm very pleased for you, I really am ?
It is getting increasingly difficult not seeing loved ones, I know. It feels like a bit of a punishment on times, especially now things are opening up for most people. The one thing that keeps me strong in that respect is knowing that they care enough not to try to circumvent the conditions that are in place to protect us.

As well as Doodle asking about de Quervain's Marydoll I asked how you manage to type your posts and do other prediction tasks as I thought you might have some tips for me. I see though that I have my answer : you do what I do and type with one finger ?
It's already to tell you not to do too much I see, not that I think you'd heed the instruction ?. Sorry to hear that everything is such an effort at the moment, that's probably the low before the positive effects of your treatment starts "kicking in". I hope so. Meanwhile may I at least suggest that you listen to your own body and don't force things too much .

Oh Doodle that sounds lovely, a slot with your local NT. May I ask what NT place that is? Or is that too nosey.

I'm thinking of you Panache, hope both you and your DH are doing alright after yesterday ??