The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

Hi everyone, just thought I'd pop in for a short (well I am) and sweet (I have no idea what I taste like) visit ?.

Aww, aren't you all lovely understanding, caring people, to wish me well and say you are missing me. I am truly touched. As for my cheery yarns Dreamkeeper, I do have a sewing box full of assorted colours but I don't sew much these days ?.

Lovely to have you drop in Maw and Charleygirl ?.

Lettice, I haven't caught up with you but I understand you have had a double tragedy in your family. Such a difficult thing to go through in the best of times but this dratted virus is making everything, especially loss of loved ones so much harder. It must be a difficult knowing that going to the funeral of a loved one is not a viability but a "physical" farewell is not as necessary as a goodbye from your heart. There is the physical in the world but then there is love, love never leaves. I am pleased to know that you pulled yourself together a bit yesterday but be kind and gentle with yourself, we are here to listen and it's okay to let your feelings out ?

I hope the rest of you lovely lot are muddling (or better than that) through.

Like I said, short visit. I will return (at some point). Off to attempt to make a casserole, I should manage with help and a lot of ?. Don't feel like doing anything but I love to eat ?.

I am a fairweather Royalist so will join in any celebration whether it's tea with scones (cream and jam) and cucumber sandwiches at 4pm sharp or a later sit-down affair with Ham &Haddie, bread & butter and lashings of tea.
I could also down a prosecco.

I was very lucky to go to her garden party at Holyrood House a few years ago and the spread was very nice, mostly bite sized canapes and pastries. Strictly no alcohol.

Doodle please, please may I be first? I also have allowed standards to slip and I definitely need help here in my 3 bedroom house. I could wash for London but vacuuming and dusting do not interest me- I was destined for better things- deputy head as Doodle well knows to her cost.

bradfordlass glad the worry of the funeral is over and you were able to say goodbye to your friend without coming into contact with that person.
I like Philip Madoc too but never got in to Brother Cadfael.
Hopefully, you’ll have a more restful day today now that the funeral is over.
iam you are always welcome to join us here whenever you have time. We have lovely sunshine here this morning I will send some your way ?
grammaretto Difficult to be asked to write something about a neighbour you didn’t know much about. Sounds as though he kept himself to himself. Hope your DGD gets on well at school. My friends DGD has been put in a bubble with 4 boys she doesn’t know whilst her friends are in different groups. She is only allowed to play in the playground in her bubble. Not sure who thought putting one girl in a bubble with 4 boys was a good idea but her mum and dad have decided she’s not going to go anyway because her grandmother (who lives in the same house) is very vulnerable.
Now look here charleygirl you maybe deputy teacher in Marydoll’s school but in here you are just one of the gang and I certainly had my order in for panache to clean my flat first ?. Yes high tea was about 5 in our house too. When I think about how much we all used to eat, I’m amazed we got through it all.
mamissimo oh that happens to me too. Spend ages writing something for it all to disappear into the ether. The banana soufflé sounds delicious. Please explain.
How lovely your daughter will be coming to see you. Our flat is certainly not ready to receive visitors. Knowing we are in lockdown, as you say standards have slipped. Seems like we all need panache to come and give us a good tidy.
cherry if you’re reading. We miss you. Take care.
Have a good day all

Good morning all - we have just been out to a local beauty spot. Everyone was out in the courtyard drinking coffee from a van and I daren't. I felt quite unsafe seeing all those people. I came home feeling quite depressed.

Darn.....I’ve been hit by the magic disappearing post!

I was extolling the joys of the easy banana soufflé to Doodle as a way of escaping from the omnipresent banana bread and thanking Missedout for the mill tip.

I’ve never ridden a bike because my slightly strange parents wouldn’t let me. They told me that all forms of exercise were for people who didn’t read much and that the car was invented so that we didn’t need bikes or walking anymore! I think they were trying to keep me safe and close because my health issues were apparent in childhood but doctors certainly looked at me askance when I repeated the mantra to them!

I encouraged all my children to ride bikes, swim and exercise...And they can all read books ?

Bradfordlass I’m glad the funeral passed as it should - I hate confrontation of any kind and the collywobbles that precede it.

My DD is coming for a garden visit tomorrow for the first time - as she will walk through the house I’d better tidy up a bit - standards may have crashed Somewhat during lockdown. I wish I’d done the grout now!

Happy Saturday!

I agree with MawB high tea to me has always been a knife and fork meal but when I was growing up it was served early around 5pm.

Panache please please be so careful re allowing DH to drive. I agree, he has not driven for so long and if he is having problems getting out of a chair-driving may well be a step too far.

You appear to have so much energy managing to clean your flat- would it be possible for you to clean my 3 bedroom house? Even if you only did downstairs it would be a tremendous help.

MawB you are so lucky you did not break a bone when you fell when taking Hattie for a walk. Getting up is difficult especially when you have had a shock.

ps. I am enjoying (sorry) your bicycle stories Missedout, your soufflé tales Doodle and the discussions about High Tea. Keep em coming!

Hello again. All present and correct?
Sorry about the military overtones especially as we are not guilty of any crime yet still locked up for the forseeable.

I am glad that the funeral is over but also pleased that it was able to happen. Bradfordlass
I was asked by a celebrant to write a few words about a neighbour whom she knew nothing about. I managed a few words but he was actually very reclusive, even before lockdown, and was estranged from his family. I didn't mention that!

One of our DGD is going to school on Monday down in England. She is very excited and knows who will be in her bubble of 15. including a couple of her friends and a new teacher who is "nice" It will be just her year 6 plus the infants.

I have to live vicariously now as my life is on perpetual hold. Does it feel like that to you?

I've had a peculiar lockdown week, have rush read posts on here every day and been so impressed by the humour, the kindness and the busy lives.
I've never cooked a soufflé and I'm inspired by reading about that. I shall find a recipe. By the way, I'm with MawB on what constitutes high tea. Afternoon tea is a different kind of treat, with tiny sandwiches, multiple cakes and lots of tea.

It's another grey rather damp feeling morning here. I woke as I often do, with a kind of slightly flat feeling, quickly reconnected with that being linked to Groundhog Day and cheered myself up with a cup of tea.

Bradford -good to hear the service went well x

keep safe everyone

Not as bad as I feared - but then nothing ever is
A beautiful service, Requiem Mass. It's certainly changed since the 1970's when I last attended such a funeral. Very modern.

No contact with the 'bad bloke' but his very nice wife came over to talk to me later and was kind.
Glad it's over.

Doodle what a faff just to beat some eggs.
It gave us a laugh anyway when you were more deflated than the glorious souffle.

Grammaretto So sad for you to have your much anticipated plans delayed. It must be awful for you all.

Micki's funeral is just 2 hours away and I am fighting a very unwelcome trepidation about facing this horrible man.
On the surface he's all sweetness and light and has conned everyone but me.

I shan't speak to him but I'm cross that I still have butterflies in my tummy. I'm determined not^ to let him intimidate me. I'm there for Micki only.
She's to be buried next to her beloved Sam.

Like yours Doodle our weather is very mixed; rain then sun then rain again.

Just listened to a podcast of Brother Cadfael; Philip Madoc had the most beautiful voice in the world.

Ideal casting for the ex-soldier turned monk. Far better than Jacobi.

thanks dragonfly . I used to have a small electric mixer. I gave it away when I got my big one ?
grammaretto I wish I’d taken a picture of my soufflé to show you. Even though I say it myself it was quite magnificent. I am not one of nature’s cooks so at least when I make the effort it’s nice it turned out ok. One Christmas, I put our shop bought large Christmas pudding in the microwave to warm up. I misread the cooking time (by a considerable amount) what came out was the size of a small pebble and just as hard. The memory can still reduce my daughter in law to tears of laughter every time Christmas comes around
panache it sounds as though your tea time was exciting in more ways than one. I’m glad you had a nice tea even if the guardsmen didn’t serve it ?. I’m glad to hear the lady in the chair wasn’t hurt but I can imagine how the incident created an interesting and entertaining topic among all her neighbours.
You can certainly have some soufflé with your hot chocolate tonight panache... hold on while I get the Kenwood out
maw nice to hear from you. I’m so sorry you’ve had a fall. It’s such a shock to the system and you always want to get up quickly in case anyone sees you. I hope there’s no lasting damage. I have great difficulty in getting up from the floor these days. I cannot crouch down so tend to either kneel or sit on the floor if I need to. Getting up again involves something of the approach of a giraffe. Hands on the floor and legs wide apart until I can gradually work my way up to standing. Not a very elegant way of doing things at all ?.
I’m not sure about High tea maw. You could well be right.
Finger sandwiches, scones, jam and cream and cakes with tea or coffee would be what I would think of for Afternoon tea (or in these days sometimes a glass of Prosecco). When I was a child we used to visit an elderly aunt who would provide something more substantial, very similar to what you mentioned but with the addition of an enormous trifle. We used to refer to that as high tea. We used to go there every Sunday afternoon after a full roast dinner at lunchtime. Wherever did we put it all.
mamissimo glad you DH has his pride and joy back. I too would love an overhaul . I have a delivery tomorrow as well. As you say, I wonder what will be missing.
grammaretto you tease me with your fish suppers every week. Our local fish shop has just re-opened after refurbishment. Reports are not good. Fish with soggy bottoms from what I gather.
Missedout glad you have found out you can get treatment from the dentist if you really need it.
Don’t talk to me about printers. Ours is in a bad mood at the moment.
Not that bike again. You have been doing so well recently. Hope you’re not badly hurt.
cherry if you are reading, hope you are ok.
Sleep well all and may all your dreams be nice ones, including burly, handsome firemen for maw

Hello, I'm reporting in again. I rang the dentist once more this morning. The recorded message had changed so I left my name and number and a real person rang me back! I was told that they were dealing with emergencies only but they would contact me as soon as they started routine work and repairs. In the meantime, they would see me quickly if I was in pain. It was a reassuring call.

Since then, I have tried a new, temporary tooth filling repair kit (definitely not available 10 weeks ago). It is so much easier to use. So far, so good. I‘ll let you know how long it lasts.

Otherwise it has been a quiet day. I have a battery of IT devices, including a Windows 10 laptop. I have wasted hours today, trying to get the Windows device to print to my new printer. I really, really loathe Windows. I'm glad Microsoft are moving out of operating system production and not before time! An acquaintance wants to borrow my Windows laptop so I needed to update it. Windows is forever updating. I wanted to be sure I could talk through setting up a wireless printer if needed - Microsoft should be ashamed. Sorry, rant over!

There is not much else to tell, family WhatsApp groups have gone quiet. I feel forgotten. My son will make a socially distant visit again on Sunday. If it is very wet, he can sit in the conservatory with the doors open and we can stay in the house and chat through the connecting doors. He can legitimately visit with my DH but we will keep our distance. When he leaves we can close off the conservatory for a couple of days.

Mamissimo, I emailed the mill where they produce my favourite flour and was taken aback when they rang me up and asked me what I needed. It was couriered to me two days later!

I also took a gentle tumble from my bike a few days ago. Why do I always land on the same knee? It makes Pilates classes uncomfortable.

I'm off to bed early again although I don't know why I bother because I have very broken nights. I love to hear peoples mad dreams though. Sleep well.

Hello Maw nice to see you!
High tea is definitely a proper meal in my book though you should get tea and cake as well.
MiL ran a hotel in Fife for many years and her High Tea was famous across Scotland. (or at least people came from across the country)
In the days before the internet how did they hear about it?-
We had a fish supper and beer tonight with pouring rain outside. What happened to Summer?

Sorry you had a fall. Not too bruised I hope?

Panach I swear you lead a busier life than I do! I do hope you get to see the sea soon.

We collected DH’s toy from the garage this afternoon and the bill was much lower than I expected - a service, roof treatment, new suspension and an MOT for under £600 - wonder if they could do the same for me?

My DGd asked me if I’d like to borrow a hair slide earlier this week- I don’t think I’d look too daft with a pink spotty bow perched in the middle of my forehead. I have an appointment booked at the hairdressers for the 28th July (I travel in hope) but I may have bunches by then!

It’s delivery day again tomorrow so I will be on the edge of my seat to what is out of stock this week- I’ve given up ordering bread flour and 00 flour now but would really like some a Marmite!

I’ll pass on the cocoa tonight Doodle - I think the magic compound makes me dream and gives me the munchies!

Sleep tight

Not intruding at all Maw all are welcome here.
So sorry to hear about your fall. Pleased to hear it was just your dignity which suffered.

Pardon my intrusion and perhaps things are different in Wales, for me “High Tea” is a knife and fork meal, sometimes a roast beef salad or even a pie, accompanied by bread and butter, followed by cake and the lot washed down with tea.
What you are describing Dreamkeeper sounds more like “Afternoon Tea”. Any contrary opinions?
Or is it like the Devon/Cornish scone dispute regarding the order of the cream and jam. Now there’s a thought ?
Apart from the absence of Guardsmen, I hope it lived up to expectations anyway.
What a miserable day it is today - wet, windy, not cold but not the weather to tempt anyone outside. . I bought some plants at our local nursery at lunchtime as the black clouds were gathering and had hoped to get them in before the rain, but didn’t make it.
I am sorry to hear Mr Panache’s legs are giving him so much trouble, the muscle tone is quick to go and slow to return isn’t it?
Presumably the trip out in the car will now be put on hold for a bit longer? I would counsel caution there as I am assuming he will not have driven for some time (if at all since his stroke last winter? )
Better safe than sorry.
Did another nose dive when I was out with Hattie earlier in the week, bruised and swollen knees but no facial damage - and fortunately nobody to see my indignity! It’s just so hard to get up unaided - no nice burly ambulance men or firefighters alas. But a girl can dream..... ?‍?

Dear Lettuce I know exactly what you mean by people whom you have never actually met yet are so ready to reach out in real sympathy,I have myself been on the recieving end more than once and felt both so deeply humbled and blessed.
A jolly good idea delving into a big "Cook up" and some clothes up cycling,it will help fill your mind with something other than sadness.......if only for a while.

It seems this baking malarkey spoke to your heart too Doodle as indeed you really seem to be going for it big time.!!! Truly showing me up let me say as I have no gold stars in baking!!
Dragonfly comes to your aid,bless her!

Someone has to clean this place as our cleaner stopped on the day lockdown was announced,but it is certainly preferred to baking!

Yes indeed the establishment did us proud with a very welcome High Tea..........but sadly they let us down as there were none of your Guardsmen serving neither any silver platters!
It did make a pleasant change,especially as we have failed even taking a gentle stroll this day,my poor other half fiunding his legs just too weak to walk,even rising from a chair with great difficulty.
I dread the thought of wheelchair time again.

Whilst there was certainly some drama just outside our premises.One of our senior,extra large lady whom uses a powerful chair and is the most aggressive driver,always nipping someone`s leg or ankle.
Today she took a tumble outside on the kerb and was only restored to her beloved chair by the Ambulance and 2 hefty men...........she is not sriously hurt but badly bruised,and her pride has taken quite a bashing!
Very sad that this provided some entertainment..........we really need to get out more!!

Missing you Cherry but pleased thinking you are carefully resting,there will always be a welcome both in the hill sides and in the Penitentionary when you feel "up for it"!!

Our lovely sunny day with blue skies and a breeze looks rather cloudy so perhaps the heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast may come to visit later.

I wonder if I could request a small portion of your lovely cheese souffle' Doodle along with my usual bedtime Hot chocolate sprinkled generously with some scots whisky?????

Till yon morning my parolees...............keep well,keep safe.
Maybe later if I cannot sleep.

That description was brilliant Doodle.
If I think about doing a big cooking session there is so much pre clearing and washing up, getting out from back of cupboard/drawer accompanied by shouting and cursing that the wind has usually gone from my sails.
I have frozen seville oranges which I keep meaning to make into marmalade as we keep getting tangerine from the shop when we order marmalade. and we daren't grumble but oh the effort!!

I am veryimpressed by all of you - gang!
Soufflé indeed!

Doodle they sell very cheap electric lightweight whisks on Amazon

dragonfly sorry I didn’t see your post. Must have arrived when I was typing mine. So please to see that gorgeous hunk Dexter is feeling better. ?
grammaretto some people just can’t understand what shielding is. We seem to hear of many older people who simply refuse to accept that they need to follow the rules. I think your DH needs to put his foot down with his dad and not put you at risk. If his brother is willing to go that should be accepted.
panache wow you are full of go today. Wish my flat was cleaned all over. Oh I say a Trooping of the Colour tea. How lovely. Will it be served by guardsmen on a silver platter? ?
lettice glad you are feeling a bit better today. A big cook in day sounds as though there will be lots of washing up.?
I have made 2 cheese soufflés recently. The first I tried to whisk the egg whites using a hand whisk and couldn’t get much more than a froth before my wrist gave out. Even so, the results were quite good. This time I decided to use the electric whisk (Kenwood Chef big and heavy) . Firstly I had to take the slow cooker out of the hall cupboard and put it in the kitchen, then I got the mixer out, dusted it off, whisked the egg whites to a mountain of foam. Then I washed everything up, packed it all back together and carried the mixer and the slow cooker back and put them away again in the hall cupboard. Have made all this extra effort to make the soufflé correctly I was both pleased and slightly disgruntled to find it rose magnificently and was delicious....... and looked and tasted just like the last one that I hadn’t gone to all that bother with ?
Hope cherry is ok.

Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts. I was very down when I posted and have pulled myself together a bit now. The kindness of (relative) strangers is of gold standard. Again, thank you. The family will meet later and mourn and celebrate together. In the meantime, I am having a BIG cook-in today, so I don't have to think about it for about a week. I have dug out my box of dressmaking patterns and will look through neglected clothes for a bit of up-cycling. The sun is shining, the world lives on. xx

At last making a hasty visit, though much like your good self Grammeretto I was up bright and early to a gorgeous morning with sun shining brightly and the birds singing a beautiful song!!

I slept well following the very odd happenings yesterday,have been energetic in that I have cleaned the flat (ALL of it!!!)
Had another laugh when one of the establishment`s cleaner passed by,on asking how she was.....as you do.......she hung her head and said "I`m sooooo fed up"........this is her usual retort so I should`nt have asked but it does grate a little when she is in her mid 30,is fit and well out in the big wide world.......how on earth will she cope when our age group and perhaps in the state we all are in!!!!

On the flip side of the coin though we have been told there will be a special "Afternoon tea"delivered to our flats to celebrate The Trooping of the colour,so our day gets better...........all we need now is for the garage man to remember!!!!

I fully understand and feel your disappointment Gtammeretto........we had planned a sunday visit out with the car fully serviced etc............but now we live in hope.

Thinking very much about you Lettuce and sincerely hoping things do work out for the best in these very tragic circumstances all happening so closely together.

A shame hearing your funeral link was not that good Mammissimo something I have had no experience of as yet.

Thinking of you Cherry and missing your cheery yarns,but just take care.You too Marydoll.

If Missedout enters The Tour de France Doodle I bet my man will be there hot on the trail!!!

I hear you too have been feeling tired, so yes, by all means do test and try my edition of Hot chocolate, for as I said I slept and dreamt an awful lot.........but cannot remember a thing!!!

Have a good day parolees and do try to be positive and ever hopeful.......I try but fall flat on my face more times than I would care to admit!!

Oh dragonfly46 Look at him! what a character he is. So glad he is better.

I have been out! I really had to post a parcel which was too big for the postbox despite paying online and printing off the postage label.

I went to the PO where there was no queue and proper distance markers so no need to touch a thing. But I had underestimated the postage so had to pay again. Small price to pay for a silly mistake.

DH's dad is being awkward. He wants to DH or me to drive him to the chiropodist. DH brother has offered but he wants us to do it.
He really does not understand at all that we are shielded and cannot go out or mix with his household.