The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

I hope we can still meet in here - locked in or not.
I am glad you are getting your op Mamissimo it must feel real now. Yay!!

Sorry your wonderful day didn't work out exactly as planned NfkD but at least you saw everyone and you have the dog.
I am not sure about an electric bike. I have a friend who loves hers. I wish I was inspired to ride my normal one or even to go for a walk. I am feeling very tired lazy these days.
I look forward to seeing the Cuddleup Bradfordlass
Selfishly, I hope the scarf I sent to NZ for DiL's birthday arrives before the end of your winter.
I think the problem for the young adults is not lack of space as there is a fabulous estate and a farm but a lack of staff to take them anywhere as they can't roam free, unfortunately. I used to work there myself and the place is wonderful but many of the staff have chosen not to come in.

When it comes to sewing or knitting dark colours Doodle I avoid if possible. Even threading the sewing machine, I have to put a piece of white paper behind the needle.
My DD used to be my needle threader when she lived at home!
See you later at lockup time.

Hello, I'm so pleased that there will be a halfway house. I enjoy the humour but the support from a likeminded group of people with similar health worries is priceless.

Today has been busy, our friends turned up and we started outside, it rained so we went into the conservatory, then the rain stopped so we went out again, then the sun shone so we moved into the shade of a tree.... then we did the hokey cokey.... But we spent the rest of the time eating, drinking (mainly tea and coffee) and catching up.

Daylight is visible through the walls of our shed and we are getting a replacement next week. Once our friends left, we put up our tent and DH has loaded it with the contents of the shed. The shed will come down tomorrow.

DH had an operation cancelled just one day before the hospitals stopped all elective surgery to prepare for Covid19 patients. Today, the hospital phoned to rearrange. This feels like progress!

BradfordLass, I laughed at your 'corny' comment. The sweetcorn ice pack is still in use, I must remember not to cook it!

Mamissimo, my hair appointment is next Thursday. I cut DH's hair in the garden again yesterday, I'm getting better at it. However, the lawn was covered with fluffy white hair clippings. A few minutes later I looked out of the window and DH was out there clearing it up with the little vacuum cleaner! I wonder if the neighbours saw him.

We're back on our shared narrowboat soon but on the canals, not the Broads. We have some 'fogging bombs' which we put in each end of the closed narrowboat and leave for a couple of hours. They are supposed to eliminate any Covid and will be used during handovers between boat owners

It's time for tea although we seem to have spent most of the day nibbling. I don't think I will need Jeeves' ministrations tonight but I will be hoping that the sickest of us are coping and that we hear from them again, and we all have a peaceful night.

Once again thank you Doodle for this forum.

Hiya Lockdown Gang ?.

I think I've been in solitary confinement long enough.
I missed you lot ?. I've tried to keep up to date by peering through a spy hole somebody made and lurking with a cup to the wall ? Not sure if I've gleaned much but I'm glad you've got a date for your operation Mamissimo.

I have been intrigued by discussions you've been having about stoning Cherry. I'm a bit anxious about the amount of plotting and planning going on for said stoning. Then there was something about stoning Cherry whilst you're all stoned on wine? What curious plans you have all concocted in my absence. Please don't stone me! ?

So your plumber had to come twice then Doodle. Snap. The first part he fitted was faulty and after flushing the toilet it sounded like a juggernaut. We made arrangements for him to come back but he didn't turn up as arranged but did come and do it a couple of days later. Ker-ching, the toilet is finally fixed ? On a slightly less positive note... the kitchen sink now has a small leak ? ? We're still using it as it's very slight and we have put a small pot under the leak - we just have to remember not to empty the pot down the sink ? We are hesitating about what to do about it at the moment, which is silly really, as we had plans for a new kitchen this year before lockdown. We have an open plan kitchen diner and are considering moving the kitchen to the dining end, swapping places of the two rooms essentially. The thing is, when will it actually be done is the question. We'll probably have to get the leak sorted ?.

I note that there's been an escapee who has been recaptured again, whilst I've been in solitary. Sounds like you had a very pleasant break in a cosy cottage Grammaretto ?

Sorry Nflk but I couldn't but chuckle as your trial on your friend's electric bike. It was the way you wrote it that did it - the bike was completely in control ?; and now we're all expected to be driven (or ride on) by autonomous vehicles!
Nflk, I read your excursion, including the "mishap" with interest as the places you mention were locations of my WP's childhood. He was born in London but grew up in Ingham.

Like Doodle I to am looking forward to seeing your finished cuddle up BradfordLass. Sounds like it's very close to complete ?

Aww Doodle that sounds like a young swan. They are magnificent birds. We had a very rare visitor late afternoon yesterday, a female buzzard. We stood (very still) watching it for ages. By the time it struck us to grab a camera (or any device with one) we had no time to zoom on to it before it flew off ?. We've got our ?that she comes back soon.
I hope Mr D is recovering Doodle, sounds like you both managed your walk today. Does he need anymore dressings now?
By the way - my team managed to dodge relegation ??. They have actually played very well since the return from lockdown but being an avid fan I was on tenterhooks until it was confirmed that they will stay in the Premier League next season ?

Missedout I hope you had a lovely day with your friends today and you managed a thorough catch up without outside interference from the car enthusiasts ?.
I also hope your knee is improving and that you'll be able to get back to your exercise routine soon ?

If you are going to continue this thread Doodle (and my shielding doesn't actually end until August 16th) and want to make a film perhaps it should be Carry On Regardless (of lifting shielding/lockdown) ?.

Yes we will continue as long as people are interested enough to pop in. ?
grammaretto how long does it normally take to send things to NZ? It seems a while ago now you sent the scarf. Funny to think of it being winter while I am sitting here with the fan on and the doors all open ? I am fortunate that my sewing machine threads itself. It was one of my requirements when I bought it as I knew I’d never be able to thread it on my own.
missedout glad you had a good time with your friends. If you’d put some music on you could have played musical chairs. Good to hear the hospitals are starting to get patients back in. Hope they can get your DH seen soon. I had never heard of fogging till on our last cruise in January. We had norovirus on board (arrived back home about a week before the coronavirus kicked off) . The housekeeper was telling us about their fogging machines which they used in the dining rooms after every meal. A trip on a narrow boat sounds relaxing. Which canals do you go on?
cherry it’s so lovely to have you back. We have all missed you and your sense of humour. Stone you, certainly not, you’re far too precious. ?
I hope your sink doesn’t leak much. That’s where we started.?. DH is fine thank you but yes two more dressings to go although the plasters have come off his knees now so he’s no longer my naughty school boy. ? Pleased to hear about your team, that will give you something to look forward to.
cherry do you remember back at the beginning of lockdown, it was you that encouraged me to start this thread. I think Carry on regardless would be the perfect name for the next one ?.
Hope all sleep well and our missing members are still coping and keeping safe.
Jeeves is well rested now and ready for bedtime orders. bradfordlass hope the night shift is uneventful.?

Hello gang,yes it is little ole me hobbling in to see how you all are!

Again its been a case of Hospital and then more Hospital,but having completed my new medication yesterday I hope that it may bode well.
My dear one is quite remarkable although having bloods and his chemo on the same morning did knock him for six.
He just is not the tall,strong guy he has been all these years.

Its been tough again,and our shielding goes on until 16th August.However the whole of our County are inundated with visitors like never before which makes any thoughts of spreading our wings out of the question.
We are both determined to keep up this lockdown until we,hopefully have a vaccine.Whilst there is some talk it may be around at the end of this year,personally I think it maybe nearer Easter time.

Taking very much a back seat for a while,but its good to know that most seem in good spirits and keeping well.
Thinking especially of Mamissimo (Good luck with your gall bladder `op) and cheery Cherry whom also seems to have been "missing" awhile.

Keep up the good work Doodle and please stay safe everyone.

Oh pannache my cup runneth over. You and cherry both back with us. We have all been thinking of you.
I thought perhaps you were back in hospital. I hope the new medication works well. Dear MrP I hope he is ok too. He must have been worried about you. I hope he was well looked after while you were in hospital.
I think you are wise to avoid contact as much as possible. DH and I have seen our sons and their families but we are keeping ourselves to ourselves and no shopping.
Can’t tell you how good it is to know you are ok. Please take care and good wishes to MrP too.
Sleep well all xxxxx

Panache! It's great to have you back and glad to hear you and DH are feeling a little better.
Stone me! it's Cherry too Welcome home both of you.
we just have to remember not to empty the pot down the sink
Which reminds me, we're to have a referendum in NZ on whether to make marijuana legal; euthanasia too.

I have no strong feelings about the pot but I shall definitely vote 'yes' to dignified death. There are extremely strict rules in place to make sure no one takes advantage.

Doodle we are in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges but that sounds beautifully rural and I'm afraid suburbia has crept up.
Look for Parrs Park on your map and I'm not too far away. In fact I once hoped to get a mobility scooter so I could get to the park again but my eyes are not as great as my optimism.

Threading a needle is a big problem for me too and as an ex-quilter (I did it all by hand) I had some lovely, no-fray cotton, fairly stiff which was wonderful. But only in white.

I shall wax the end of the navy polyester thread in the hope that works.
I was once told, 'don't thread the cotton through the needle, hold the thread and put the eye over it.'
It sounds crazy but it seems to work better - but I don't know why

Nfk see pic of you on runaway bike.

Hair clippings are much valued by birds for nesting I'm told. I also put short bits of wool out and they are quickly taken. I like to think of rainbow nests in the bush next to my house.

After being sure I'd plucked the last rose of Summer from the Nahema, I find she's produced another, perfect and highly fragrant bloom, bless her.

She's due to be transplanted, into a dustbin of all things, well perforated, so she can stand on the smaller, enclosed deck at the back where I can see and enjoy the scent.

I shall make sure she has banana skins and crushed egg shells in the mulch to give her a boost.

I may have lost the transplanted Jasmine though, which I've had for many years through 4 house moves.

That Jeeves! Last night I found him going down the helter-skelter with a giggling Cherry but was so glad to see her I pretended not to notice.

I'm about to tackle the CuddleUp, so more of that later.

Have a good day all.

The beautiful Nahema rose which has survived July's storms.
It is a joy to the senses, full of the rich, soft aroma which people try to duplicate in rose-water and perfumes but never capture.
I put my nose to the velvet petals in sheer bliss and tell it how beautiful it is and how much I appreciate its look and fragrance.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202007/medium-817324-bag-on-bed.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202007/medium-485972-bag-with-hood.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202007/medium-365601-sleeping-bag.jpg

The CuddleUp™ is a rectangle, slightly larger than a cot mattress. It has 4 sets of tapes: top, bottom and 2 points in between. It has cotton on one side and cosy fleece on the other, convenient for all weathers.

Depending on how you fold it and tie the CuddleUp can make a sleeping bag for a new baby; a bigger one for a toddler; a coverlet for the cot, tying to the bars so it can’t be kicked off but is not restrictive; a make-shift sheet under the baby if needed.

By tying it to a pushchair, it provides a cosy backing as well as folding up over the child’s legs and body to keep it snug. It rolls up neatly and ties as a roll which could be used as a
pillow.
I wondered if Velcro would be better than ties but it would need to be very robust as it would get a lot of action. Press studs were considered too but what I really need is a Mum to test run it and make suggestions for improvement.

I’m still working out how else it can be used by inventive tying and folding. Any ideas?

The one I made for my son over 40 years ago was used daily and, as he was a February baby in Yorkshire (and we had no car), the fleece was thicker than is necessary here.

Panache and Cherry it’s lovely to see you both back. A thought. Are you doing the daily Covid Zoe report? They’re also asking for people to be first testing the proper vaccine as it comes out into production. It’ll have done all the other tests and be ready to be rolled out so pretty safe.

I’ve always loved the thought of taking a narrowboat over that viaduct Missedout. You know the one with the drop and no barrier, but DH has no head for heights so refuses a narrowboat holiday in case he finds he’s been ‘misled‘ into going across it!

I went to school in Wroxham (Hoveton Sec Mod) and know Ingham quite well Cherry. We had a school trip to the cinema in Stalham to see Henry V at the cinema there. An exciting outing!

The pontcysllte viaduct ! ah no. I can still get palpitations having pushed a buggy across it. The people in the boats looked much less afraid than they should have maybe when you are in the boat you aren't so aware of the drop and the lack of a side.

Racing down a hill on a runaway bike is scary too but not NfkD unless there are hills in Norfolk I don't know about?

Lovely to see you back in the fold missing ones (autocorrect wanted me to write Musing ones), stoned or not stoned. You are forgiven everything in here.

Although I must grumble about the food Guv. It's far too good and I need to be put on a diet. Too much chocolate and alcohol for a start.

I love the cuddle-up. BL What a lovely thing to make. Not thought of a better idea than what you have for fastening.

I have been given a "merino" top to see if I could mend it. When asked I assumed it was a handknit to darn but it's a NZ made, sports top. Could it be darned? If so how? It has holes in both elbows.
The postal service into NZ is very slow at the moment due to your partly closed borders I think.. I have told the family to look out for a parcel which was probably unnecessary.

I think your leader is one of, if not the, best leader in the world Bradfordlass but apparently even she has enemies.

Yes Cherry I agree. You turn your back for a moment and this gang are up to all sorts. I am not surprised anymore. Glad that Panache is visible again and I guess Marydoll will be too busy with the wedding plans. Dragonfly? are you about?

bradfordlass you make me laugh, l love your humour.?
The cuddle up is beautiful. I love the colours. It looks so cosy and versatile too. How useful to have a gift that grows with the baby. I’m sure it will be much appreciated.
I was aghast at the thought of you throwing your lovely rose in the dustbin.....and then I finished reading. That will be a lovely addition to your deck plants. It is a beautiful rose such a lovely colour.
nfk I see bradfordlass found a picture of you speeding along ?. My DH has no head for heights either and has poor balance. Did you ever watch that in series with Timothy West and Prunella Scales taking narrow boats on the canals. I think they went over the viaduct you mentioned.
I am still happy having heard from panache and cherry again. It’s good to know they are ok. I catch up with Marydoll on the GM thread so feel we are all present and accounted for ?
I must have a word with Jeeves. He seems to have worn a hole in the back of his trousers. I wonder what he has been up to ?

dragonfly I have seen a post from you in the kitchen so know that things are not easy for you at the moment . Take care and know we are thinking of you.

Hello grammaretto. Crossed posts again. I take so long typing mine, someone usually creeps in behind me ?
Ah is that what the viaduct is called. Yes it looked scary to me too.
Difficult to know what to so with the top. Patches on the inside and darning over them maybe. Sorry not much help.
Anyone reading your post would think that we lockdown gang are high on drugs ?
Today is overcast here but very warm. It is catchup fun day today. We are not going for a walk as it is always busier outside at the weekend and also due to rain so today is dedicated to DH catching up on sorting his pictures out and me some cross stitch and quilting. No housework ?
We are being very naughty and having crumpets for lunch. Don’t know how they came to be in our last Sainsbury’s delivery but DH looked a bit guilty when I unpacked them ?
Back later.

Evening gang ?

I'm pleased you popped in to post Panache and let everyone know how you and dear Mr P are getting on. Good to know that there are positive signs from the medication you received, we all so want you to be in the best health. Mr P may not be, in your words the tall, strong guy he has been but he is clearly one determined gentleman and yes as you say remarkable.
Yes, until yesterday I hadn't posted for about a week or so. I was taken aback by what I thought was a routine follow up call from my GP after my asthma review with the nurse. It wasn't. I'm now on even more medication, which I should probably been put on in January, for a condition the medical profession knew I had but I didn't know I had. For seven months I could have received treatment but I didn't. On top of waiting (in vain) for a follow up appointment at the Breast Centre (still waiting) I was left feeling angry and betrayed because I'd been left in the dark. I needed "time out" as it were.
I hope you do continue to post Panache, if not regularly you do so from time to time. I care, each and every one of us here does.

Yes, I remember clearly Doodle ?. I remember you saying to me in the kitchen that we (shielders) ought to have a thread and I said that if you started it I'd smuggle myself in ?. I must say Doodle you are a great gov'nr and we have 5* treatment and facilities here. Between the spa, the helter skelter, the lady's maid, Jeeves and the best hot chocolate I've ever had and not forgetting the incredible fellow inmates and yourself it's like a luxury hotel; have I become institutionalised ? ?
Even though shielding has been lifted in England and is very soon in Scotland we in Wales carry on ... regardless ?. Thank you for taking on the idea for the title of the next thread. I think many shielders, besides us here, will proceed with a lot of caution and continue to shield to some extent regardless of guidance being lifted.
Sorry to hear that Mr D has to have a couple more dressings yet. Is he really not your naughty school boy anymore .... no more bike sheds ??

BradfordLass, you minx ?. If I ever decide to get hold of some pot you've just given me a good idea of where to hide it and if it is found I can always empty the pot down the sink ?
I agree with you on euthanasia. With appropriate safeguards I think a personal choice should be available. As you say a dignified death.
I love the rose BradfordLass but I love the cuddle up even more. I don't know how exactly it might be tied etc. but could it be used a bit like a papoose too? A great way of nursing I think. My mother nursed me "Welsh fashion" in a beautiful Welsh blanket and my SIL nursed my neice1 that way too. It's a shame it's not a method used much anymore. I think what you have created there BradfordLass is both practical and beautiful.

Nflk my WP has told me that he went to a school in Thetford before his family moved to Ingham and after he went to Bury St Edmonds upper school.
No is the answer to your question on doing the Covid Zoe report. To be honest I know extremely little about it other than reading one very short article about it.

No good asking me about darning repair Grammaretto, my last effort was a bit of a shambles I'm afraid. I'd go as far as to say I was swearing like a trooper telling myself off after and no I wasn't saying "darn it" ?

cherry I am sorry you had such a shock following your GP appointment. From what you said at the time we realised it was something that had knocked you back and it seems that is certainly the case. We should always be informed about our own healthcare. Did the GP forget to tell you or did they assume someone else had? Either way, 7 months without medication which you should have had is very bad. We need to have trust in our doctors and to feel part of our treatment. You have been badly let down I think.
I think our little gang has become a little group looking out for each other and it will be good to continue.
I have been trying to make some face masks today. We are not likely to go near any shops for a while but I thought it would be a good idea to get ready. I am on my third prototype now and it fits pretty well.
Torrential rain here today. So haven’t been outside.
Take care all. Back later

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202007/medium-578480-b8735b80-6c90-4011-87e0-3fdfbddf28d8.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202007/medium-166282-5159afd2-42fa-469c-b62d-c27bf1606c2e.jpeg

Evening all.....last nights post went somewhere in the ether and I couldn’t manage to do it again...but how lovely to have enough people here for a soirée. (I find it frustrating that the strike through doesn’t work on an iPad! Soirée is far too posh for the glorious event I was thinking of)

Jeeves tried to come down the helter skelter backwards last night and I think he got a friction burn....I removed a couple of nasty splinters and kissed it better. ?

I have stoned my last cherry, made spiced syrup, Briefly simmered the cherries in the syrup, merged a bottle of brandy with the lot and bottled them. 2 kilos of bitter cherries, 1 kg golden sugar and a whole bottle of brandy. Five jars of loveliness for the winter and a bottle of dangerous liquid for sauces.

....but I can’t get the juice out from under my nails! I look very scruffy.

My lovely picture came back from the framers today and I’m thrilled with it. For me it encapsulates my adult family and what we do best.

Grammaretto I didn’t think people darned any more! My newest seeing machine has copious instructions For darning but I refuse to master it. I’m sure darning would be a pink job and I’m not taking on any more.

Tonight I cooked liver - and ate it with my DH as it’s his favourite dish with young runner beans. Can I have a good behaviour commendation please?

Sleep tight everyone

You saucy minx mamissimo. I thought Jeeves was looking a bit perky tonight ?
Strike through does work on an iPad but it’s a bit of a faff.
You have to type a - then type the word then a space then another - then you go back and put another - in front of the first one and insert another - in front of the last one leaving no spaces between. Don’t ask me why it works like this now.

Those cherries look delicious. So glad you are pleased with your picture. Where are you going to hang it?
Hmm I’m not sure your antics with Jeeves count for a good behaviour commendation. ?. We shall have to wait and see. ?
Sleep well all ?

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202007/medium-494983-hongi.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202007/medium-787870-heater.jpg

Doodle my apologies. You asked a while ago what a hongi was. It's a deeply spirtual greeting which I cannot see Maori giving up, even for Covid.
It signifies the mingling of 'the breath of life' and to do this you gently touch forehead and noses togeher with the visitors (manuhiri).
This 'breath' comes from the gods (or God) so hongi is not to be taken lightly.
If anyone has a cold or flu, they will, from respect, decline to hongi and shake hands instead.

Yes, Grammaretto she's a good lass is our Jacinda, and 40 today. The more popular one becomes in politics, the more one makes enemies.
Actually, that's true in other spheres too.

I've just taken a YouTube trip across the Pontcysllte Viaduct in a narrow boat - scary stuff.

I wish I could darn that merino for you, I love darning and Mum always used to leave all Dad's works socks for me.

Cherry the papoose idea for the CuddleUp is a good one - I'll experiment.
I love your picture too. When you first mentioned the artist, I Googled her and it's very much the sort of thing I like.

Did I ention I've bought a new heater? Didn't want to be left totally without heat now I only have one gas tank, so invested £38. ($75)
Although brand new, it's an old-fashioned style but I can choose from 800KW (ideal for my little study) to 2400kw with or without a fan option to boost the flow if I have it in the living room.

And the usual silliness from me:
^
Tonight I cooked liver - and ate it with my DH

I usually eat mine with onions, turnip and mashed potatoes.

Bradfordlass ? that’s the danger of late night tryping! Today I will roast a chicken and eat it with my resident family - nom!

I have to shorten two pairs of trousers today. I seem to have begun to shrink in the wrong direction. I’m a little worried that middle age spread is the redistribution of the height we loose. I really don’t need squashing!

Having read the daily drivel I am beginning to hope that the Queen has written her autobiography whilst in lockdown. God help us if someone from Hello decides to ghost write one for her.

Have good days everyone

Thank you bradfordlass. Of course I have seen this before but not realised it was called a hongi nor realised the significance.
That’s a neat little fire. Glad you’ve got it to hand. Don’t like the idea of you being cold.
I was thinking about your cuddle up yesterday and thought I might adapt the idea for myself. I get cold in winter and where I sit in our living room I can get a cold draught from the window.
A lap quilt can slide off or be difficult to wrap round. A sleeping bag type, too difficult to get out of. Hmm I will ponder some more ? I love your silliness
mamissimo what an interesting thought. That could explain the extra pounds. I have shrunk about 2 inches since my teens. I didn’t realise for years until I got measured by someone and was most put out. ? I think in my case it’s definitely being round shouldered and not walking or sitting properly. I can remember my mum (who was the same) constantly telling me to pull my shoulders back. Should have listened to her ?
Going for a walk later as it’s a bit brighter today. Had torrential rain yesterday.
Have a good day all

The return of several absentees seems to have added vigour to our little gang. I'm sorry that Cherry's healthcare is not what it should have been but glad to see her pottering about. Also Panache, with news of improving health although understand that the worry about our loved ones never goes away.

I'm intrigued by Mamissimo's aversion to pink jobs. Is this a girlie thing or is there another meaning? In the past, I always wore tights for work. They were shaping tights, they gave me a smooth outline (that's what I told myself when I was 3 stones heavier than now) but were expensive and I was always putting my toe through them so I darned the toes (of the tights). My DILs couldn't believe I did it. But I had to darn the childrens' clothes frequently, we couldn't afford to do anything else in those days so was a good 'darner'.

For those here like me on iPads, the strikethrough works fine if you turn off the iPad's Smart Punctuation whatever that is. It's hidden in Settings ->General->Keyboard, then toggle off Smart Punctuation.

I have frequently driven over the Pontcysyllte aquaduct in various narrowboats (we used to hire boats before buying a share). It's like driving in the sky but I don't really suffer from any fear of heights. The views are magnificent and the mooring in Llangollen, very pleasant. The trouble is, that like most tourist spots, it has become so busy that it's not really a pleasure. Moorings are difficult to come by and there are lift bridges and a lot of single track places that require goodwill and the ability to see ½ a mile ahead through rock faces!

I have to go now, DH's stomach calls and as he has worked hard this morning pulling down a shed, I'll do the wifely thing and feed him.

Sorry gang, I have been AWOL, I read all your posts, but just don't feel up to posting just now.

Lots of family problems, my four year old DGD received a shielding letter last week, she should have had one at the beginning of lockdown. My son and DIL have taken it very badly, they are understandably very angry at the delay and upset about the implications. It's all very difficult.

The side effects of my medication are still brutal and I'm due another treatment tomorrow in hospital. I had such high hopes. ☹️

I'm so glad to see you back posting, Cherry and sorry to hear how you have missed important treatment.

Keep safe everyone.

My goodness Marydoll did your DGD’s letter get lost in the post? There’s not much use in having it now! I’m really sorry that you’re still suffering from side effects, is that from the first treatment? It does make you wonder whether the cure is worse than the complaint.

Thanks for the instructions on how to turn off the Smart Punctuation Missedout. I have no idea what Smart Punctuation is or does - I never knew I had it! Does it also stop the iPad putting in a capital letter when you insert a word? I’d forgotten how to do the method Doodle suggests and will probably forget it again next time. Now off to turn off Smart Punctuation. I may be back to ask how to turn it back on again when I discover all it can do, I’m bound to forget how I got there!