The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

So sorry to hear about your friend Bradford. She looks a happy lady.

I am so happy to see it has rained this morning. The garden is soaking it up. I love a variety in weather.

I filled 4 bags with shredding yesterday so feeling quite virtuous. Not much planned today.

I hope Cherry is okay we have not heard from her since she said she had pains in her chest.

Good morning cell mates. Rise and Shine I have let you sleep in. I had better get the porridge on to cook.
How much will we need?
Is anyone out on parole today?

How did you resolve your neighbour problem Dragonfly?

MaryDoll you need to report in or are you too busy untangling Matt Hancock's covid-19 figures? It gets more confusing by the day.

I hope you others had an ok night too.
Missedout you are in detention today gated not going out on that bike.

How did I do Guv?

Good Morning, can I join the lock down gang please? It seems a jolly spot for those of us who are classed as "clinically vulnerable" and had that rather scary 3 page letter. It reminded me of Monopoly we played as children, except rather than do not pass go, it was do not leave the house, even to put the bins out.

My letter arrived six weeks after I went into voluntary isolation. The only way Id breached the guidance, was I continued to go out with my dogs for a long walk. I'd go earlier than usual and try to avoid places that were becoming more busy than they ever had in the 50 years I've lived in this area. I'm still doing that but like most here, I don't want to risk much more.

Sorry to read about your friend Bradford. This is a strange time in our lives, when life and death seems heightened.

Right - off to walk those dogs, late this morning. It's raining here and already the lawns are looking happier. I think the house may get a bit of a tidy and polish today, the gorgeous weather means Ive rarely been out of the garden.

Grammaretto the tree problem is not solved. We will just keep out of each other’s way. I only hope that he listened when I mentioned the roots are under our patio and he would be liable for any damage. He had stormed off by then though.
Hopefully they will keep taking its top off.

Hello and welcome to Lockdown #2 Iam64 and all the other vulnerable folk.

Some of us are shielding with our partners, some are alone.

I was nearly committed murder yesterday when I found my best dressmaking scissors had been left by persons unknown in the garden getting wet, which goes to show how tense it can get in the cells. I just ranted and raved....

Oh dear Dragonfly I am sorry. Last year our neighbours were anxious about our mutual wall which was being broken by ivy growing on our side. It was a genuine grievance but the way we heard about it was alarming. We had a lawyer's letter!
No one came and knocked on the door.
It emerged later that their contract gardener had reported the situation to the manager of the establishment (it's a residential home for people with learning disabilities) who reported it to the owner (in London) who reported it to their lawyer (in Glasgow).
Anyway it was all very amicable in the end and the wall has been repaired and we have had the ivy taken down.

Grammaretto, I'm here, just a little weary today. Did too much yesterday and angina playing up, not a surprise, given the last few days.
However, I'm back to my cheery self again, so no need to worry!

I too am confused by that car crash Matt Hancock's
figures. DH is in his element, watching it all unfold. He loves a conspiracy theory and is quite proficient in generating his own. ?

Bradfordlass, so sorry to hear about your dear friend. ?

Welcome, Iam64, we are a supportive lot here.
I read that part about not putting the bins out on another thread.
It really intrigues me, as my letter, never mentioned anything about that. I have been actively encouraged to get out in the garden and walk about. It's all so confusing.
I'm in Scotland and wondered if NHS England had put that on the letters, it certainly wasn't on the NHS Scotland shielding letters. . Mixed messages don't help!

Anyway, I have been up since seven to receive my shopping from DD and I'm still not dressed. GN is sucha distraction and my meds await. I'm becoming quite lax in thatt area, no routine! .

Have a good day, everyone.

Are we all present and correct?

Rising and shining was a little easier today as it was not stifling hot first thing,we have had a teaspoonful of rain (thus far) and the day still looks promising,clearing more and more as I sit here.

Top o`the morning gang and a warm welcome Iam64 you have certainly introduced yourself well by just your user name!!!

I do wonder that although my spirit remains ever young am I the matriarch of this group and perhaps as so a little redundant?

Bradfordlass my sincere condolences on the death of your very lovely friend,a great loss I imagine because she looks as if the jolly sort.
At least you had the pleasure of knowing her,plus you also know she was well prepared for her final journey.

I can well understand your fears on your riverside walk with your man Doodle Sadly only some people observe the regulations,and of course if the path is narrow it naturally gives concern when having to pass.I rather think we have been looking out for our loved ones for so long,like mother hens,we shall be wearing these protective aprons for quite a while.

Please don`t get me started on the Government especially Matt Hancock Marydoll,we are of the opinion he has spun so many mixed figures he has totally lost the plot!!!
Sorry hearing you are so weary plus your angina playing up.I rather think the heat has brought about many extra issues in our health matters.Perhaps we shall all feel more perky now it is cooling back down.

You will gety yourself locked up full time if you commit murder Grammeretto but I know what you mean on finding those certain scissors getting wet......I mention no names!!
The porridge was not quite up to the standard of my hubby`s, although of course you too are a fellow scots!

We seem to have a fair contingency from both Scotland and Wales,a good mix of personalities,plus NZ of course,never leaving you out Bradfordlass

Oh! dear Dragonfly these neighbours can get in a huff over their precious boundaries,it will all die a natural death I bet.You have to protect your own property for sure.

Does anyone keep bees? Now we here there is another predator,an Asian Hornet which has arrived and could decimate our dwindling bee population.It is so sad seeing and hearing how different species are being hounded....including humans now of course.

Our long awaited parcel has arrived locally so perhaps we shall both be suitably togged to greet the next batch of scorching weather!No dungarees though!!

I may very well catch on my many letters today as I rather think,other than our usual strolls it will be a restful day.
A friend is taking our car to the Garage for some new bulbs etc so that it will be ready for our big "Get away".......still not sure which way to head out into but the thought and planning is truly fun.

The drinks and well turned bed sheets set me off to a good sleep last night Doodle so do take a bow!!
However our whole flat was "invaded" by a nearby bungalow`s rather pungent barbecue aroma...........with our windows opened wide it truly reeked inside.In fact we have had to use sprays this morning so fear not,we are now sweet smelling!!!

Dashing off so I say a hasty cheers and I`ll be seeing you all later.Take care and enjoy your day!

Morning all. Well you have all been busy this morning. I have a lot to catch up on.?
missedout so you are getting through your to do list (autocorrect just put in toilet instead of to do. Not sure I want to discuss your toilet habits ?) How nice for you that DIL obviously likes your cooking. Oh no! Not another accident. I hope you are ok although the bushes seem to have suffered a bit. Hope you didn’t hurt yourself too much and are feeling ok today.
bradfordlass I am sorry about the loss of your friend. She looks a lovely happy lady in your photo. Hopefully she had a peaceful passing. Strange how these coincidences happen. Will the story of Spirits Bay be in your blog?
dragonfly it is overcast here but no rain so far. The ground is so dry. I have plenty of shredding to do but mine is the paper variety. Was yours in the garden? I too am worried about cherry I do hope we hear from her soon.
grammaretto thank you for the porridge and sorting everything out this morning. Are there any croissants left? I have a very good pair of cutting scissors and I would be livid if they’d been left out in the rain too.....why were they outside?
iam welcome to our penitentiary. You will find five star service here. Nice for you to have a garden to spend time in. The weather has been so nice recently. What sort of dogs do you have ?
Marydoll nice to hear you are feeling a bit better today. There was nothing in DHs letter to say anything about bins either however I have taken over the job since he got his letter.
Best get back to the classroom quickly before the norty gurls riot ?
panache good morning to you too. Yes most of us have made an appearance. Not seen Megs and a bit worried about cherry . You may well be the matriarch of this group panache but most certainly not redundant in any way. A most wanted companion.?. (I am not sure but I don’t think Iam is 64. I believe I have seen Iam on GN for quite a while now so I think she is perhaps a little bit older maybe. Is that true Iam? ?) glad your clothing has arrived. Hope it all fits and you like it. We are waiting delivery of a new washing up bowl. One that fits in the sink and is easier to lift out than the one we are currently using. I am so excited ?
Do let us know when you go to the beach and which one you choose. Sorry about the smells from your neighbours BBQ. It’s amazing how those smells travel.
Hope everyone has a good day. Back later for cocktails. Do you enjoy a cocktail Iam. We have non alcoholic ones too for Marydoll and anyone who wants one.?

Lovely walk up on the moorland with the dogs, back home to what pre lockdown was a Sunday morning only treat, The Big Breakfast. It could be called lunch or possibly Brunch as we sat down to the feast at 11.45. One of my slight worries is that lock down has been rather like every day is Boxing Day. That is, a long walk, a big breakfast/early (big) lunch, a bit of a domestic flurry, then sit-down with a book, fall asleep, wake up in urgent need of another cup of tea with a slice of banana bread/fruit cake/any other cake I made.

Doodle has it right I have to confess Dreamkeeper, that I'm 7 years on now from the age I was when I joined Gransnet. Then of course, being 64 seemed ancient and almost beyond belief. Now, well I was so much younger then.....(as Mr Dylan might have sung)

Gramarretto - goodness, the legal letter must have been a shock. Neighbours and trees/ivy can be a trial the patience front.

Marydoll, how are you? We've spoken on threads about RA and other auto immune conditions. My GP phoned to do my annual RA review and wanted reassurance that I was following the guidance in the letter totally. He was initially unhappy about my daily dog walks but, concluded by saying I obviously understand how dangerous this virus is to people like me and yes, I'm right to say that if I stop walking my joints/muscles will quickly deteriorate plus I won't be as positive about life.

Gramarretto - its a good job you didn't use those best sewing scissors in anger. I keep all such important things hidden, initially from "the children" who haven't lived at home for about 10 years now but, also from himself. He'd certainly use my best fabric scissors for cutting paper, any old bit of wire he needed.

Yes Doodle, I do enjoy a cocktail. Its a rare treat, the last time I indulged was when I was in Greece with a couple of friends last year. We said we'd just have one margarita on the first evening of our holiday...... I used to be in Marydoll's camp as one of the meds I took for inflammatory arthritis could affect the liver. I moved onto a more effective treatment that has all kinds of possible side effects but so far so very good, plus, it doesn't affect the liver so, what time is cocktail hour?

Sorry to hear you have had some bad days Marydoll. Lovely to have DD to deliver to you and to keep an eye on you.

I daresay Mr Dream makes the best porridge but I am learning. I married my Scots DH 51 years ago and he is only recently letting me loose with the spirtle and pinhead oatmeal.

Iam64 you are right about everyday is Boxing Day. I can't believe I have achieved so little since being here.
As for the lawyer's letter. I wasn't going to reply. How ridiculous when we are next door so I phoned his office and was told he was away. Minutes later he phoned me, saying he was at home looking after his sick child. I warmed to him immediately. If you ever need a Glasgow lawyer? It was he who explained the whole mix-up and later on he appeared here to look at the damage along with a rep of the the owner (a branch of the Catholic church) who was Sister so and so. She was very polite and apologetic.

The Aveeno cream has arrived Doodle We look forward to using it.
The Amazon delivery guy told me that he has an app which shows exactly where to come and sometimes he has as many as 175 drop offs to do. He didn't have much good to say about Hermes (he works for Pegasus!!)

About the near homicide. DH was supposed to be cutting string to hitch up a grapevine in the greenhouse and came into the house searching for scissors. I found 3 pairs outside including a left handed scissors which I bought when our DC turned out to be lefthanded - Kerry-fisted as they say around these parts.. If you don't know the story of the Kerrs and their castles I could bore you anytime.

iam I thought you were perhaps a little older. Sorry I didn’t mean to out you ? I think you are right about the walking. DH who hasn’t been out for 10 ½ weeks until last Friday has certainly noticed the difference. Not only in his (and mine) expanding waistline but also in his legs. He has claudication in his legs which he works on by walking. Since we have started walking again he has noticed the pain coming back so we need to keep going and exercise more. Cocktails are served in our special bar the Lock Up any time it suits you. We also serve cocktails by the pool and the hot tub but not on the helter skelter in case of accidents. It would be such a shame to spill the drinks ?.
grammaretto I though your DH might be the culprit of the scissors in the garden. By all means do tell us the tale of the Kerrs and their castles. We like a good story here.
Hope you like the Aveeno cream. I find it soothing. Let me know what you think.
Back later all. Going for a walk somewhere quieter today ?

Doodle I was shredding paper. It had been left for years!

I have an app which reminds me to take my meds Mary. It can get quite annoying as my phone rattles!

Where is Cherry?

I wondered about Cherry too. She hasn't been posting.

I hope Cherry turns up before bedtime or we will have to send out a search party.

What happens to the shredded paper Dragonfly? I have a shredder but I hardly ever use it because our recycling facility refuses to take it with paper waste.
from our LA website:
Unfortunately, paper shreds cannot be placed in the recycle bin. If you put shredded paper in your recycling bin, it will almost certainly end up in a landfill.

I PMd cherry earlier today to say we were worried about her and hoped she was ok. Not heard back yet. Hope she’s not had to go to hospital again.
We put our shredding in the ordinary bin grammaretto We also use it to soak up fat if we cook anything greasy so that we don’t pour fat down the sink.
We went for our quiet isolating walk today only to be cut off by 3 fire engines and two police cars. The fireman said the road was closed and we had to go back the way we came because an one building was on fire and they thought it might contain asbestos. We then had to dodge our way between all the people who had come out to see what all the noise was. Not such a quiet walk after all,
Hope you’ve all had a nice cocktail of your choice.
I shall be back later to tuck you in and check on your behaviour ?

Old building not one building

We all suffer when one of the gang is not around and yes I think we certainly need to start a search party for our Cherry,at least you have started the ball rolling Doodle very nicely,but
if she is Hospital bound or very ill,I well know the difficulties in communication.

Your turn to run into firemen the I note! but how disappointing for you both having to be turned back on your stroll,sadly these are the issues we are all bound to meet when wandering away from our prison.
Better luck for tomorrow.
These walks certainly help strengthen our legs.

Our run has been postponed because when our car was taken to the garage by our friend,whom found it was not just a case of a bulb needed but the entire box had corroded,so a new unit has been ordered.We were also reminded it was overdue for a service,they kindly will collect the car when the unit arrives,doing both jobs at once,along with the Service.
So we are being delayed but at least our car will be in good order,it has been lying unused for the best part of a year.....and a complete year before that.

Did your washing up bowl make an appearance?

Interesting hearing about this app of yours Dragonfly,with the amount of medication we both use it would be in constant demand,very worthwhile though and leaves your mind free to get on with other things. Something to think about for sure.

By the way Grammeretto I did use Aveeno cream for years and it was the Hospital Pharmacy that changed me to try out Epaderm,which I find equally good,then my husband uses Doublebase Gel,prescribed by the lymphoedema .......clinic.Quite frankly we find them useful.It often is simply the one that best suits your problem.

So it seems you too married a Scotsman,I did too and we have been together some 54 years,married just over 51 years........so probably the porridge making is very similar!!
My man swears by it!

Our Hermes delivery arrived too.......must be our lucky day!

You are only as old as you feel Iam64 but of course by using that figure as a user name,it would not be prudent to keep changing it year on year!!!
Very often you see the address "New House" or "White House" yet the former is almost in ruins and latter now a lovely shade of pink!!

That time of night when my eyes are giving me gyp,so painful, and I am only too pleased to rest them.When watching TV I have a habit of resting them during the adverts......... and the next thing I have fallen asleep!!

Cocktail time,or in my case a well endowed nightcap I think! I don`t mind if you add sufficient spirits,it would slip down a treat!

Saying my farewells,have an enjoyable evening,thinking of you Cherry......and hope you all enjoy pleasant dreams.

I had a restorative glass of wine about 6pm so will save the cocktail for another evening.
We also had a fire engine change the route of our walk. We're on the edge of moorland and though yesterday's fires are currently under control, there are fire crews waiting just in case.
I'm sad to report that the amount of rubbish left piled up around the council car park bins was shocking. I had to take a deep calming breath to prevent a rant. Luckily the friendly man from United Utilities who looks after various local beauty spots was piling the bags into his truck.
Camomile tea time , goodnight everyone.

panache I can’t tell you how excited I was to get my new washing up bowl. It’s a perfect fit and has handles to make it easier to lift. The things that give us pleasure these days. If your eyes get tired have you thought of audio books. I find them just as useful as the TV for getting to sleep ? sorry your car needs a bit of TLC but just as well to have it fixed before your outing. Hope you sleep well and the cocktail is to your liking ?
I do hope we hear from cherry soon.

I'm almost up to date now with my 'to do’ (please note Doodle not toilet) list. I’ve sent off my last 'masculine' style birthday card - I only have 'girly' ones left. The next two birthday cards are both for men as well. I may well send them what I have left - I'm sure they’ll understand.

The wet weather has prevented my further exploits in cycling today. Trying to ride for the first time at my age has taught me two important lessons:- firstly, I still have the ability to balance and, secondly and much more importantly, falling over has not lead to broken bones or disastrous injuries. I'm bruised and scratched but healing OK. Most of my time on the bike has been dominated by fear of falling off it. However, I promise I won't get cocky now!

One of my DILs has asked me to buy a couple of identical story books, one to read to 4 year old DGD using FaceTime and the other to go to the same DGD so that she can follow the story. Do any of you do this? Can anyone recommend any books?

dragonfly, I use shredded paper with kindling to get the log burner going. The trouble is, I keep meaning to shred all sorts of paperwork and put it on top of the shredder. Now I can't see the shredder, let alone use it.

Apart from sorting out the next online shopping order, I have achieved very little today. I've thought about doing some housework but, on balance, decided that thinking about it was almost as tiring as doing it and gave up.

I am sad for BradfordLass too, hope Cherry is OK and am grateful to all of you for sharing your lockdown lives with me. I know so very few people who have similar experiences.

I have reacted to my injection this evening and feel very cold and shivery. It happens sometimes and doesn't last long but I need a hot chocolate and a warm bed. Good night to you all.

missedout sorry you’re not on top form tonight. Hot chocolate and a warm bed await you straight away. Perhaps you need a bedtime story too. ?
My DGC are older now and I can’t really remember what they were reading at 4. I remember we had a book called Wide Awake Jake about a boy who couldn’t sleep at night. That got read quite a lot. please take care on your bike. We don’t need any more accidents. ?
bradfordlass I have just been reading your blog. How nice to be able to dedicate it to your friend. You included some beautiful photos.

Good news everyone, I have heard from cherry and she’s fine. Her pain is gone but she’s a bit tired and has been having a rest for a few days. She sends warm wishes to you all. ?

Evening all! A quiet day in the shires and I must say that I’m looking forward to a cooler night.

Grammaretto if he abuses you shears again can I suggest that you borrow his best chisel to lever the top off an old syrup tin? I innocently did that once and DH has never quite got over it ?

I’m sorry for the loss of your friend Bradfordlass - you described her warmly and her photo shone with gentle good humour. She looks as if she was interested in things. I don’t think we ever get used to loosing our people.

Well we’ve got to catch Fergal again tonight - it’s flea treatment day. He’s a tiny and very fast black cat....with 27 toes! He looks a bit Egyptian but apparently all the cats with extra toes are descended from a cat in Wales - or so the vet says. Anyway, his feet are enormous and he has many claws.

We also have an elderly rescue beagle crossed with a dustbin! I have recently commissioned a pen and ink drawing of her with her side cut away to reveal all the things she’s stolen and eaten since we got her. When it arrives I will let you see it.

Could I please see the breakfast menu because porridge is simply beyond the pale! I was starving by lunchtime today and as Doodle doesn’t provide full board I was reduced to trawling through the dregs in the fridge because someone fed the ham to the dog on her birthday.

I’m happy enough in lockdown but I do hope we get the opportunity to be spontaneous and just pop to a shop one day. Getting food delivered once a week has removed crusty fresh bread from my life...and introduced some soggy lettuce and tomatoes.

If I read it right governor Doodle is offering a prize to the inmate who can come down the healer skelter without spilling a drop...? I’m off to practise

Doodle good to hear Cherry is okay.

I put my shredding in a recycling green bag and put it next to the recycling bin. They always take it. I don’t know why it can’t be recycled with the normal paper.

I will let you win the prize Mamissimo I am feeling too creaky for helter skelters!

I am glad that Cherry is still here just quietly keeping in her cell.
I am sorry the porridge is not to your liking Mamissimo
Nobody else complains... beyond the pale indeed

DDs doggie died tonight. Very very sad but nothing to be done.

Sleepytime tea and then to bed. Is it really that time!