The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

Nfk glad you are pleased with your new floor. Sounds as though the men did a good job and stayed safe. ?
mamissimo why is it we come up with ridiculous ideas when we dream ? My dreams often involve trying to get somewhere quickly and no matter what I do I can’t seem to go faster than a slow crawl.
I’m sorry your video link to the funeral wasn’t comforting. I attended one and found it moving. I wonder if the difference is that the funeral we attended was for a person we didn’t know well and yours was for a loved one.
bradfordlass that is a lovely Maori belief. Being Christian I believe death is not the end. I hope you get to say your farewells to your friend without confrontation with someone who has obviously caused you trouble in the past. Hope it all goes as well as possible.
grammaretto sorry to keep you waiting ?. I had a lay in this morning. So tired last night.
I know how much you want to see how your DD so not surprised you’re disappointed not to be going. Hopefully, soon though.
What a lovely person your delivery girl is and how nice of her to bring you the geraniums. They should provide a lovely colourful display.

Not sure what I’ll be up to today. The weather looks very mixed. Sunny one minute and very black the next. I washed my very unruly hair yesterday and used too much conditioner so now it’s very flyaway and looks more like a birds nest than usual. I must try and tame it. Before or after our walk, that is the question ?
Have a good day all.

Good morning Grammaretto I just thought I would share the news that my lovely granddoggy is feeling a lot better and didn't fall down on any of his walks yesterday. I have attached the photo my DD sent me.

I'm an early bird today. Wake up you lot!!

I hope those of you who have been sleeping badly are rested now.
Has Micki's funeral happened yet Bradfordlass? How was it?

We had planned to escape today and visit DD but on reflection we are staying here. Only an idea but still the disappointment is strong.

Dreamkeeper I hope the garage don't forget you again!
Missedout what fun to go about in an open top vintage car! I don't think I have done that since I was a teenager.
I hope the new filling kit works.

I am sorely missing the Dentist even though I don't like going. the hairdresser although I had mine cut short even before lockdown.

Dragonfly what a brave young mum were you!

I was more like you Doodle. Although I worked by teaching pottery in the evenings, I was alone at home a lot when the DC were small. We had a network of coffee mornings, toddler groups, classes and so on whereas DD has none of those things especially with Lockdown but also because she's so rural.

Mamissimo your dream gave me a laugh! It always seems so reasonable in the dream!

I mentioned to my delivery girl/friend that I always plant a geranium on my DF birthday (just passed) and she brought me a tray of them. I cried. She is so kind.

See you all again soon.
,

Losing someone beloved is always a tragedy Lettice but to be denied the right to say goodbye in person, compounds it.

Stay strong Lettice, say your goodbyes in your heart. They are no less valid than if you were actually at the funeral.

Several of us here have lost friends and family during the C-19 crisis and it's heartbreaking.

Maori and many other cultures have a strong belief that the spirit lives on even when the body has gone and I've heard many stories from eminently reliable people of how that's been true for them.

Tomorrow I'm going to Micki's funeral and am dreading being in the same place as the vicious man who has tried his best to keep me away from her.

However, I'll be damned if I'll let him win.

Sleep well everyone especially Marydoll.

A quiet and reflective group tonight - suits my mood entirely. Shielding certainly acts like a searchlight on our frustrations. From bereavement, through family worries, health and pets - everything seems to bring heightened anxiety. I reckon that’s why so many are dreaming so vividly - and last night I had a corker!

I had invited my niece from Dubai and a nephew from Harrogate to lunch in my garden. I’d laid a card table with artificial grass and put 4 cushions on the grass 2 meters away from the table. I put a pile of cherry tomatoes on the table and gave everyone a straw so that they could blow them off the table and they’d be safe to eat. Mad! Utterly daft!

I ‘attended’ my dear BiL’ s funeral this morning on the video link. Have to say I didn’t feel part of it; it felt somewhat voyeauristic watching my family say goodbye to one of us on an IPad. Sad.

Grammaretto I was a sort of stay at home Mum - I was freelancing while the children were small and I managed throughout my various career changes to never work during school holidays. I still do some ‘stuff‘ if the offer is interesting but I’m basically retired.

I’m pooped so I may give Question Time a miss tonight - I usually enjoy myself enormously as I join in the arguments!

Sleep tight!

Oh, Lettuce, how awful for you and your poor SiL. Can you not do a Cummings and go and stay with her for a couple of nights?

Well, our floor is down and looks great and the blokes even put the heavy furniture back for us. They brought (and used) their own sanitiser and worked with the windows wide. They even seemed to be working as far away from each other as possible. I couldn't fault them. Their cups went in the dishwasher on 60 degrees!

Look after yourselves Cherry and Marydoll

Well I don’t know what’s been in the water today but I am very tired too. Marydoll I hope you sleep well tonight and have a good rest.
missedout your riding skills are obviously improving. You’ll soon be able to enter the Tour de France ?
I now realise what your DH’s hobby is. It gives him pleasure and must be quite fun for you to go along to the events.
I see you too are having an early night. DH has already gone to start getting ready for bed as he’s tired as well.
. I’m off for my hot chocolate. See you all tomorrow .
Sleep tight.

Lettice, I echo Doodle and Grammaretto, it is a truly sad time for you and all your family.

It's been a quiet day for me although I actually managed to cycle in a fairly small circle round a small part of my lawn. That would have been unthinkable a couple of weeks ago.

I also have the printer set up and working.

My new tooth filling kit arrived today but it is currently decontaminating on a table near our front door. I will use it tomorrow.

My husband has a couple of old cars, both from late 20s/early 30s (both sporty, no hoods). One, he bought for cheap transport to college in the 60s and the other acquired more recently as a bit of a wreck. During lockdown the ‘wreck’ has been coming together. It has been lovingly painted by hand (at least 7 coats) and the engine is back on although firing it up means a lot more 'fettling’. Yesterday's trip was to an upholsterer. At least I go out in the cars and enjoy the social events. They create a lot of interest. There is a very active club and DH spends hours on the phone and pouring over the club's photo library.
This keeps him very happy. Need I say more!

I'm determined to get an early night so will take my leave of you. Please, all sleep as well as you can and don't let the wetas disturb you (I understand they don't bite) if you are in NZ.

Lettice, I'm so sorry to hear of your tragic circumstances.
We are all very supportive here.

My dear friends I'm really weary tonight, steroid withdrawal, so I will love you and leave you all, without commenting.

My brain just isn't working tonight See you all tomorrow. ?

Panache what a trial for you. I have always maintained common sense is more important than brains. Pleased you got your delivery at last.

Doodle I had no choice in the end. Long story!

Cherry sending healing vibes to you. Hope you are okay.

You were brave to move to another country with a young baby dragonfly especially if you didn’t speak the language. Glad you made friends there and it worked well for you.
panache what a let down. You would think they’d be more organised. Hope they do turn up on Monday.
Strange response from Tesco but glad it came through eventually. That hot chocolate concoction sounds rather nice panache I think I might treat myself to one tonight ?

Hi from me again

So very sorry hearing of your several family losses Lettuce,all made worse by the fact of none of the usual funerals,and ability to comfort one another.
Some very thoughtful advice there Doodle At such times the mind does tend to go a little numb.

Interesting hearing about your family life all those years ago *Doodle and Dragonfly,times that probably get even more relived now during this time than at any other.

Sounds as though your shop has hit the headlines Grammeretto sounds as though it has been thoughtfully planned.

Talk about feeling rather peeved ........yes I am.
We have been waiting for hours for this garage man to collect our car,after phoning them much later we were told they had simply forgotten!!!!
What a lame excuse.
They certainly do not like work!
Having been closed for months they may as well close up again............the new date is monday........the question is, will they turn up then?

Tesco`s arrived early but rang through saying they could not deliver .......because we were a Sheltered Community.
I told the lady how we have had deliveries throughout,brought to our kitchen initially,and to our front door since the Virus malarkey.
She still said she would have to phone her manager if you please!
Coming back still negative.
I asked what I was supposed to do about what amounts to a large order,no answer,
But at least she then decided to pack up our order into bags and deliver to our door.
What is up with folk today I ask?
At least it was our order this time!!

Somehow I think an early to bed night much needed.
So yes please Doodle lots of sugar and a good topping of whisky I think ,then my hot chocolate will soothe me into a deep and dreamless sleep.....I hope.

Take care folks,have a peaceful evening and good sleep.

So sorry to hear your news Lettuce. How very sad and made worse by the situation. I do hope you can all get together soon.

I was a stay at home Mum Grammaretto. My DD was 4 months old when we moved to the Netherlands. I spent the first few months without a phone and knew nobody but one day I heard an English voice in the supermarket and from then on I made many friends, several of them with children the same age. My son was born over there and by the time they went to school I spoke fluent Dutch and had many friends.

So sorry to read your message Lettice A tragedy made even worse by being unable to attend their funerals.
I hope that later on you will be able to travel to a memorial service and meet your surviving family.
Sending hugs xxx

panache sorry you had such a troublesome night. You seem to have had a productive morning though. I hope your car returns from its trip in good condition for your seaside venture. The hanging baskets have indeed perked up with the loving care of our watering group. It is still early days as it is not a week yet since they arrived but they are looking a bit brighter. Hope they collect your car soon then you can relax.
grammaretto yes I was a stay at home mum. I didn’t go back to work till my younger son was 15. It can be lonely all day at home when the children are at school. I had a few friends but spent most of my day doing housework or reading. My family were too far away to visit except at weekends and DH worked in the city so away early in the morning and back late at night. I am sure once the lockdown has eased your daughter will get involved with school or nursery activities and meet up with other mums. It’s just a bad time for that at the moment. Hope she feels better soon.

lettuce I am so sorry for the loss of your niece and her father, your brother. That must be quite a shock to lose them both so close together. As you say, your SIL will certainly need support. Are there other children who will be able to help?

Will you be able to view your brother’s funeral online? Perhaps you could write some words that you would like to say and another person attending the funeral could read them on your behalf. Hopefully, when this lockdown is over you will be able to spend some time with your SIL and support her in the following months. I am not surprised you are so upset.
Take care

Much as I have enjoyed the 5* amenities of my lockdown "mansion" (flat), I am currently so, so wishing more than ever that lockdown was not now. Eighteen days ago my niece died (not CV) and I did not attend the funeral and everyone understood because of the distance. Three days ago my brother (her dad) died (not CV). My favourite sibling, suddenly and shockingly. To attend the funeral I would have to drive 300+ miles and same return on the same day. Because of lockdown I cannot stay overnight. The other members of the family are nearer and can attend. I know in England the rules are slightly different, but the other families are large and busy, and I live alone and am shielded. Not looking for advice, but just wanted to talk about it. I also wanted to hail my lovely sister-in-law. I just do not know how she is standing. Take care all, love and tears.

After our shop was on the radio, there have been several people interested in coming to see it. Thank goodness it was fitted with disabled access and has a ramp, a toilet and a lift.

Dreamkeeper you have been busy. Well done.

I am sure your card will be better than a bought one Doodle

Thanks for your concern about DD. I worry about her and wish I could help out. I think losing the dog plus problems over the school DGD will start in August is making her sad. The cold blustery weather doesn't help. and spending all day, every day with 2 little ones is overrated.
Were any of you stay-at-home-mums?

A rather subdued effort from me thanks to a painful sleepless night,however I must pop my head around to check if my parolees are all present and correct!!!

Whilst just hoping perhaps our Cherry might have recovered enough to pay a quick visit,although I think she is the wise one ........tasking time off to rest
Sending much love your way..

Whilst sorry hearing that you are joining in this toothache saga Grammeretto,hopefully it can be resolved although it certainly sounds as if you are teething!!!

Hoipe our bionic lady and all the rest of you are feeling in good spirits meeting whatever this day may bring.

Hurrah!! (I may very well live to regret saying that!!!) we have had a fair dollop of welcome rain,however dry with sun trying to make an appearance this morning,so it could go anyway.

Have already had a productive morning cleaning out the fridge in preperation for our Tesco order later,whilst at it I also managed to clean my pottery and wall plates on show in the kitchen,so despite not feeling energetic I am patting myself on the back!!
Awaiting these men from the garage to take our car away............we hate waiting!

Hoping all is well in Doodle land and those floral baskets are truly looking perkier every day,whilst better still if this also applies to your dear man!

Have a good one and stay safe.

bradfordlass. Do you have many house invasions by the local insect population? I’m not sure I’d be happy having a weta in bed with me. ?
missedout hope you have more success with your second filling kit.
Setting up new devices can be a problem. Al the printers I’ve encountered seem to have a mind of their own. Hope you managed to get it working in the end. What sort of hobby does your DH have it you don’t mind saying? I expect the trip out was worth it just to get out of the house. We went for a long walk in the drizzle yesterday. Prior to lockdown we would probably give the walk a miss, now we take every opportunity we can ?
grammaretto sorry you’ve got toothache. Seems to be a lot of it around at the moment. It does seem strange something is poking through your gum. There are people who have double sets of adult teeth so it is possible but I would think your dentist would have noticed it on x rays before now.
Sorry your daughter is still struggling in her new home. It is a shame. Hopefully, when the lockdown ends she will be able to get out more and make new friends.

Very overcast and cold here today. It’s DHs birthday soon and as I can’t get out to buy him a card I am going to try and make him one. I will have to try and do it when he’s not looking.
Now that we are going walking again I don’t have so much time for hobbies so I have started painting in the evening. It is quite relaxing. I am finding that a glass of wine either steadies my hand or makes me more relaxed about painting over the lines ?
cherry hope you are ok.
Have a good day all. Back later .

Good morning gang,
I hope your weta didn't have any friends Bradfordlass.
I woke with toothache - again.
I seem to have the oddest thing: a spiky tooth poking through the gum at the back where my wisdom tooth was extracted about 50 years ago.
Am I teething?

I watched 3 episodes of a house through time yesterday. I fell asleep at one point but it is nice to be able to watch programmes you missed the first time around.
We have decided not to escape after all though we have been tempted to get in the car and drive to DD's house just to see where they are so we can picture their lives.
She is not coping too well with her lot.
I wonder how you all are today?

A loving get well hug for our Cherry,thinking of you and trusting you will soon be your cheery self.Rest and recover so you can be back amongst us.

I'm afraid I wouldn’t put too much faith in temporary tooth filling kits. My most recent attempt lasted less than 24 hrs. I did say it was tricky or perhaps it is me being ‘cack-handed'. However, I have ordered a different kit (there wasn't much choice when I bought the original). The second one seems to come with an applicator, perhaps it will make the difference. I'll report back.

I'm pleased for MaryDoll, such good news although it will extend your lockdown but it's a small price to pay for improved health.

And Cherry, I don't know how you cope. I grew up with someone with epilepsy. I was taught to move everything away from her, to try to keep her from hurting herself and make sure her skirt didn't ride up! That was in the 50s.

My husband wanted to get some help for his hobby so drove a round trip of 70 miles to spend 10 minutes 'social distancing'. I went with him but stayed in the car. Although the countryside was beautiful, I thought there was a neglected air about the villages we went through. Now we are getting rain, it is washing off the dust. I realise I need to try and tidy up the front garden. I've a feeling we won't get our gardener back.

I've also spent several hours setting up a new printer. It's given me a dreadful headache. Paracetamol and bed beckon.

Thank you Doodle for providing hospitality and an opportunity to talk to other parolees.

Marydoll and all my Scottish friends. Specific information is, apparently, available by contacting people here:
ask.nhsinform.scot
You can also call 0800 028 2816 between 8am – 10pm every day for info on your specific area.

Grammaretto Grasshopper!!? If only.
It wasn't just in my bed but inside my nightie. It's one of the elements of living inches away from their natural habitat.

I'm so sorry to read the various woes, tensions and pain still milling around our little team.
Only this morning I was reminded of King Solomon's ring which, if you are happy, can make you sad and if you are sad, makes you happy.

The inscription inside reads: This too shall pass.

Let's hope it rings true for those currently suffering.