The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

I'm just checking in for a hot chocolate. It's been another 'Groundhog' day here. Like the film, I'm making daily progress but in my case by cycling round the garden (very sunny day here). I've added variety by cleaning my oven (pressed 'pyrolytic clean' button). The evening meal was a microwaved, reheated frozen one - I don't want to get the oven dirty.

I enjoy all your posts, I like the idea of a little finger cushion for Cherry, but am sorry for the need for it. I'm also a leftie. It was only recently I realised that I've spent some time helping someone to use an iPad left-handed when they are right-handed. Should I tell them I wonder!

Doodle, I live in the West Country. Towing a vintage car to our favourite Norfolk camping site takes 7 hours, then we have to put up the tent.

NfkDumpling, I would guess that Blickling Hall management encourage any visiting car clubs to line up in front of the house. Whenever we spend a weekend camping, most places we visit make room for a lineup of up to 20 vintage cars. We are always made so welcome.

I've just managed to complete an inordinately expensive online food shop order for delivery on Thursday. This shop will have to stretch to 2 weeks.

I slept badly last night so am almost nodding off at the moment. Goodnight all.

Yes I have been wondering about dragonfly too. Hope she is ok.
cherry hope your poor typing finger is ok. You should have a little soft cushion to rest it on after it’s worked so hard. How is your hand today. Is it feeling any easier?
Hot chocolate in the kitchen for all who wanted it plus iced drinks for those having a heatwave (hot flush or hot weather ?)

Just another quick visit.

Has anyone heard from dragonfly? Hope you are alright dragonfly ?️

BradfordLass, hope you have been resting your footsies today young lady ?

If you are reading Marydoll, glad you are home safe and sond. I hope you are not feeling yucky like you were earlier in the day. ???

In answer to your question Grammaretto, yes it is. I've had it a couple of years now, the only options left are the injection my GP is unwilling to give or surgery ?.
Sounds very interesting to have the bat people in, mind they don't bite ?. In seriousness it is interesting, there were bats living in a block of flats near my mother's house.

Panache you sound a bit down. I guess that's understandable, thinking that things are opening up for others and not for you and your DH. It's not opening up for me and my WP yet and to be honest our time together is more important than any holiday. ? for you.

Typing finger typed out for today, catch up with you all tomorrow ?

Don’t know what’s going on in Bucks/Berks. Just seen 2 ambulances, 2 fire engines and 12 other emergency vehicles flashing past in the last 15 minutes and police motorcycles. They just keep coming. Have no idea what’s going on.

Glad you got your sit in the sunshine panache hope you enjoy a peaceful night.
grammaretto sorry you’ve had a wet day we have had plenty of sun. Oh I do hope you get Batman and Robin in the batmobile. That would be fun.

Just had another emergency vehicle go past towing a rescue boat. Whatever is going on. Just praying whoever it’s all for is ok.
Now another 2 Incident Rescue Ambulances have just gone past. It is quite distressing. We are used to ambulances going past but nothing on this scale.

It has rained off and on all day here. We are another country! It is humid though.
Tonight at dusk a couple of Bat experts are coming to listen for bats in our garden. I wonder if it will be bat man or bat woman or both. They have asked permission and I said as long as there weren't too many it was fine. (people not bats!)

It looks like Scottish schools will go back full time without social distancing in 7 weeks.

The trip to the hospital was uneventful. More traffic each time we go but more protected cycle lanes.

Ready for a G&T I think. See you all later.

The sun came out to play after that grey start so yes Doodle we had an enjoyable break in our favourite spot.
Someone loves having a snooze out there in the fresh air!
It is lovely seeing him have some peace.

Coming back up to the flat then to follow "The Bidding Room" and of course what seems to be the final daily virus brief with the Big man himself,surrounded by his 2 chiefs.
We had already picked up on all the changes earlier,of course they are for England,but never the less will surely follow here soon.
The way they are trying to work around the 2 metre distance between people,now depends on the work place...........with mitigations........however none were actually mentioned,I think it means the economy,dire as it is,has taken precedence over our health.
Of course it truly is a tough call.
With the way the country stands at this point I fear it is far too lenient and much too soon.
I rest my case m`lord!

At least you both seem to be singing very much the same tune Doodle regarding our more immediate future.......in this instance I think he who waits might be the winner!

Our only communication was when a resident`s daughter called to kindly collect 2 parcels to post them for us,and of course that was still at long distance!

Hoping for some sunshine again tomorrow,feeling so very low and rather than spread my mood I am calling it a day......and night.

I will thank you for my night time drink now because I may very well be in dream land..........if lucky!!

Sleep well,keep safe inmates.

Hello panache.
Really annoying when you lose a post isn’t it.
We, like you, will be staying at home for a while. No holiday plans here. We will take this release from lockdown very slowly. Whilst I love the thought of meals out and hairdressers I will wait till we see how things go 8n a few weeks time. As DH says, he has not spent 12 weeks or more in lockdown just to go mad now.
Been quite hot here today so we are going for our walk later this evening when it’s cooler and hopefully not so many out.
Hope you had a nice relaxing time in the garden.
grammareto how lovely to do your own shopping. Bet you enjoyed that. Yes trips to the hospital seem to be going ahead whatever the lockdown rules are. Hope everything goes well today.

Frustrating for you Cherry. Hope your hand recovers after a rest. Is it like tenosynovitis? I swear when I had that it was worse than a fracture and took months to heal. I was trying to teach pottery at the time which wasn't easy.

I love your tales BradfordLass though I too am sorry for your poor feet.
We all have days like that but you seem to have more than your share. Send that bad fairy away. Bribe him - anything!

I ventured out to the shop across the street to do my own shopping. I hope our delivery girl doesn't mind but it's getting to me now that we are allowed some things but not others and we are old enough to decide our own risks.

I shall be taking DH back to the hospital to collect his drugs today. That's another thing, the hospital is much more cavalier than the government.

I am so happy to hear that MaryDoll is back home and all is going well.

Hi there my inmates...........is there someone trying to tell me something?
The second time this week when my almost completed post has vanished..........and yes I am not a happy bunny!

Whilst the weather is playing odd games here on the west coast,although much talk of very high temperatures,and the areas depicted in a deep red shade,yesterday`s grey day eventually ended in drizzle.
Today...........another grey one.
Surely we are not going to miss out the blazing sunshine completely??

We have had our morning stroll,mine longer than that of my dear man`s as his legs feel very weak today,so we take it day by day,rather than take chances.

Great news Doodle hearing of our Marydoll`s safe and welcome return.Of course these visits do take some getting over but being home is the magic key always!

Thanks for the info Bradfordlass I shall get around to reading one of these days.Although I really have next of nothing planned,it is surprising how the time goes and I still haven`t managed so and so!

With all the talk now already turning to holidays,Mammissimo off to Devon in October with all members of her family,then Grammeretto heading to a fisherman`s cottage in the north of her Scotland..........and others probably thinking along similar lines,I feel I am well and truly being left behind.
Quite frankly I am not in that happy position of planning to leave home,anyway I have to admit that I am very much in fear of this Virus.
Seeing,hearing what is happening in other countries,those that seemingly had almost "escaped"........and this Government opening up far too much too soon...........I think home is best for us.

Feeling for your poor dog Mammissimo,these animals cannot tell us of their woes but at least,in this instance you could see the problem.Probably well forgotten now after a few treats!

"That`s the way to do it" Cherry and hopefully your nosy parker will keep her nose out in the future.

Whilst walking under the enormous umbrella that trees often give is a lovely way to enjoy your walk Doodle but remain safe as well.If only these trees could speak?!

Already afternoon and I am pleased to add the sun has decided to shine brightly,one happy customer here!!
We are about to wander down to our green oases to sit and soak!!!
Will probably try to be back indoors for "The Bidding Room" it has truly captured our hearts,mind you these days it does not take much!

Have a lovely day and simply keep safe!

cherry poor you. Sorry you have such pain and are having to wear a splint and rest your hand.
I would offer to come and assist you with your.......ablutions but I think that’s taking lockdown friendship a bit too far ?. Seriously though, hope the rest brings on quick improvement. Take care.

Hi gang, I'm typing very little today as my Dr Quervain syndrome is playing up big time. I've been told by the GP not to use my hand at all! I don't see how that's possible though, it's my left hand and I'm left handed. How the hell am I meant to wipe my ?

I have to put my splint on and rest my hand as much as possible. Hope I can catch up with you all later ?

Just read on the GM thread that Marydoll is back home safely but is feeling a bit groggy. If you read this Marydoll glad you’re home take it easy and hope you feel better soon.

bradfordlass you are always welcome to post as much as you like. As is everyone on this thread.

You are a wonderful story teller and even though your said you were moaning you still, manage to inject humour into your frustrating day. ?.

Oh your poor feet. All that effort and only half your shopping. It was certainly one of those days for you.
That hotel was lovely. What a shame it was closed and how annoying after you’d checked it was open. No wonder you were too tired and stressed to eat when you finally got somewhere.
The only consolation, apart from the weather and your comfy T-shirt, was the fact you had your friend Rangi with you and when time has passed you will be able to look back and laugh at the day the wicked fairy came shopping with you.

I had a similar type of day with my sister-in-law once. It was often a source of humour when we talked about it later. Hope your trip on Thursday is better. ?

Very long - feel free to skip my moans.

Mamisimo how wonderful your family holiday sounds. I bet it's heaps of fun with everyone there.

Cherry I'm cheering for you, faking defenistration and poking tongues! Brilliant
And the tale of naked babies on the bed was just lovely, bless their wee hearts.

Dream I wrote the blog for 62 days and this link will take you to the last one but if you want to read it chronologically, look at the side bar for April. I'm still editing it because Google have just changed the whole format which has put the kibosh on some posts.
the-lockdown-diary.blogspot.com/

OK, I'll commence moaning:

I have walked about 1,000 miles today, or that's what me feets is telling me. The supermarket where Rangi shops is vast and they have scooters but I decide to combine exercise with frustration shopping.

As you know, I can't read packets or tins on the shelves, unless I'm about 2 inches away, so when Rangi offered to come help me shop, I should have accepted - but I didn't. She had her own weekly shop to do and I felt a bit mean to have her doing mine too.

So I wandered around peering into the mist and occasionally finding something I needed until I was seriously tempted to climb into the darned trolley and ask security to push me into a nice quiet, dark corner...and chop me feets off.

I had about 15 things on my list but found only half - in an hour!
Then, the same wicked fairy who dogged me yesterday rushed to my side and my Eftpos card didn't work at the checkout.

People in the queue behind were so sweet as I fumed and the assistant fumed.
Finally, after 5 swipes and 5 failures, I was taken away (and I should have been too!) where Customer Services calmly asked me to try again in their office - and the card worked perfectly.

Rangi was already waiting in the taxi by this time and off we went (my idea) to a place which does posh morning teas because I wanted to treat her as she is so sweet. (see pictureof Falls Hotel)

Karan our driver dropped us and said he'd be back in an hour. We walked round to the entrance - and it was closed. I had checked on line to make sure it was open.

Neither of us had a phone but I paid a very kind passer by $2 to ring for a taxi which came quickly and the driver even contacted Karan to tell him our change of venue before dropping us at the Mall where we stumbled to a cafe gasping for coffee & tea as if we'd just crossed The Empty Quarter.

It was 12:30 by this time and neither of us had had breakfast so I ordered a date scone (Rangi had a smoked salmon sandwich) but even though they do great scones, I couldn't eat it and brought it home. Stress always steals my appetite.

We're going out again on Thursday and if that b***dy fairy comes with us I swear I'll rip off his essentials and deep fry them.

The good thing was the gorgeous weather, lovely and warm and I was comfy in a t-shirt.

Mind you, it won't be long before that Antarctic wind (you know the one Grammaretto) kicks in and it'll be cold enough to freeze the willie off a whelk, so I'm making hay whilst the sun shines.

Though what I'll do with all this hay I really don't know.

mamissimo oh your poor dog. I bet that hurt. Extra treats always help ?
Yes I think we will be taking the relaxing of the lockdown rules very carefully . What a lovely time you will have in October in Devon. Sounds fun.
grammaretto your cottage by the sea in Scotland sounds lovely too. You are all giving me itchy feet.
Oh my goodness I forgot to put the chocolate on. ?. I will make some now
Hope you all get to sleep well. ?

What a lovely thing to do Mamissimo I meant the house for everyone in Devon.

We on the other hand are going to a tiny fisherman's cottage in the far north of Scotland by the sea! Only if it's available.
Your poor dog! Very painful.
How clever to be able to read old wills.
I traced the Norfolk family to about 1790. They were farmers. One brother was transported to Van Diemans land for the crime of stealing a coat from a sailor in Yarmouth. I found a cousin in Australia descended from him.

I loved your story of Cley Mill Bradfordlass
I hope you enjoy your days out with Rangi.

I wish the virus would retreat. There do seem to be new cases popping up.

Sleepytime tea for me Guv. I couldn't find any chocolate.
Night night.

Hello! I lost track of which Blurday it was and missed roll call yesterday. I was engrossed in transcribing some very old and very muddled Irish records for a very distant relative. ? My scholarly parents insisted that I took Latin at A level because they wanted me to be a lawyer.....At least it comes in handy for reading old wills!

Our poor old dog was stung by a bee this morning - she let out such a yelp and was charging around with the bee glued to her rump. We managed to get everything sorted and after several extra treats she seems fine.

I’m not sure about the end of shielding....I like the lack of appointments in my calendar and the freedom to do nothing if I choose. I think I will take it very slowly!

We have a holiday booked for October in Devon so it looks likely that it will happen - we’ve booked a big house by the sea and all my children and grandchildren and their dogs are joining us for a week of family time. We try to do it every year and we were a bit anxious.

My brain is addled so I’m off to bed......sleep tight

cherry a couple of very creaky old lags. No chance of us two climbing in through a window to make off with any loot. ?
Sleep well.

Love your story about Cley Mill BradfordLass, we often go up that way to the bird reserve. It's a bit posh up that way, its known as Chelsea-on-Sea.

BradfordLass, I have to say I just knew as soon as I saw the photo guy in the coracle that he would have to come a cropper ?. You need a bit of experience with those things and I know people shouldn't be judged by their experience but he looks like a nerd.
I hope you have a nice lunch with your friend Rangi and being chauffeured around in style "girls just wanna have fun" ?

Grammaretto, it does sound kind of spooky - your love of Loddon and then subsequently finding out that there are ancestral links. How far back have you been able to go with your family tree?

It sounds like, despite at first missing a call, that it has all worked out in the wash in the end (no pun intended ?). When you said that the green light had been given and after all the discussion here about hair colours I thought you were planning to have your hair dyed green ?.

That is bad sportsmanship from your DH Doodle. Methinks he labours too much over the burdensome task of the wine. I think you should take some of that burden off him ?. Perhaps suggesting that the next story to tell is one where it was such a wonderful bottle you have no idea when it was drank ?

I haven't done that quiz yet, thanks for the link, I think I'll have a go - I'll probably score nil but hey ho.

Heading back into my cell gang, see yous all, night night .

A couple of old lags Doodle? ? Well you are the gov'nr of the infamous Lockdown Gang!
Glad you found a shady street to carry out your shady goings on walk ?.

Well done cherry that’ll make her think ?

My DH is another record keeper. Good for you that you were able to prove they were trying to con you.

panache Wales is a lovely place. DH and I are keen to venture there again when it is deemed safe for all.
DH and I went for a walk this afternoon but it was really too hot. We managed to find a shady road or two to walk on so we did a couple of circuits under the trees. Hope the house owners didn’t think we were criminals searching out the neighbourhood (very old criminals mind) ?
Special hot chocolate will be available as usual. ?

Well, least said about the cupboards the better I think! Missedout, avalanche - more like apocalypse ☢️⚠️ ?.
That was just one of them!!
The trouble is I keep some paperwork for 6 years - until statute barring is in effect. Two companies, many years ago, but a couple of years apart, sent me threatening mail in the form of pay up or else kind of thing. I knew I had no outstanding debt or payment required and could prove it. One company tried to take money out of my account despite the fact I had proved I owed zilch. My bank contacted me about their attempted actions. The bank backed me up beside the proof I had already provided. I was advised by the bank to keep "evidence" for all companies until statute barring prohibited them from trying to pull a fast one. I still follow this advice but it can be a nightmare ?

My neighbour was up to her tricks again yesterday evening but she didn't have a ?. This time I went right up close to my window, opened it and pretended that I was going to climb out of it, all the time keeping my head up and tongue out ?. She couldn't move away from her window and turn off the light quick enough. I think I might give myself a ?, at least for now ?

It's true that the washing would probably have dried event u a l l y BradfordLass ?. We still had to rescue it at least once when the line broke though ?. We've got a new one ordered now ?.

I helped out with our DGS last week Missedout, but it was only for a couple of hours in the morning and we went for a walk in the woods behind their house. I have no idea if I should have done it or not!

It will be short and sweet from me this late afternoon I think,but always need to check in to make sure all my inmates are alive and kicking!!!!..........and happy.

Missedout you and me both,patience is very hard to come by when at least in our case days are numbered and we had hoped for some freedom to do more pleasureable things whilst still together.
So I certainly understand.
This has been something we have never been used to so naturally our nerves are getting more than a little frayed!
Whilst there are days.....and nights.......when I have been in tears with the whole way this virus threat has well and truly caused such stress and mayhem in our lives.

There has been a lot of news for Shielders from England on todays daily briefing.Of course it does not involve us over the Welsh border,but even so quite frankly I think it far too risky to let shielders out into the wide world at this highly difficult time.
I suppose we shall have similar "freedoms" from August 15th but we shall certainly be keeping very near to the rules and regulations we have adhered to over the past some 4 months.
Safety,and safety again rules for us.

I rather think you might very well enjoy what we have to offer in our little corner of Wales then Doodle.
All those that have come on holiday going back many,many years have generally not only stayed because this county proves a great backdrop for their Artistry,their music making,their story writing they have chosen to stay year upon year because of the peaceful nature of our county,the lack of serious crime and of course since a lot of the atrocities in the South East region over latter years there has been a real queue of folk heading here to make this their home.
Obviously no hope of wine from your source then!
I must make a mental note of looking up Bradfordlass`s Blog because she certainly has some extremely interesting stories to tell.My newer problem is I can never remember!

I haven`t touched our cupboards either,a deep large cloaks one and another of equal size with shelves as an airing cupboard.Both choc a bloc!!

Looks as if I am actually nearing getting my hair appointment!

Supper soon and a spot of TV together as we wind down........hopefully having a good long sleep.
But only if you continue making our delicious Hot Chocolate (with additions!!)

Night all,hope you are all full of tales for reading come the morning!!
Keep Safe.