The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

grammaretto I can well understand how your studio can be a therapeutic place to be. A quiet place, working with your hands creating something must be calming. I have been watching Grayson Perry’s Art Club on TV. He has an enormous kiln in his studio. Glad your planters don’t look like verrucas, not sure they’d be very saleable.?
panache you may have your settings on to not send or receive messages. I had the same for a while by accident. Have a look at your setup.
Ah yes, no flats on the ground floor. I thought that would puzzle you. Levitating apartments maybe ?. A simple explanation. We live by a river that used to flood regularly up to about 15 years ago. The flats are older than that so we’re built on stilts as it were in case of flooding. Our lower level is the entrance and car parking.
cherry and dragonfly I echo what panache wrote about understanding if you don’t feel like posting every day. We are always pleased to see you here though.?
marydoll oh dear. Sorry your SIL is causing you upset again. Her son really should be more responsible it is not fair it falls to you to sort out.
I must admit to misunderstanding another post. The other day I thought the fox and cubs that grammaretto mentioned were real and didn’t realise they were plants. Today you mentioned doing gardening and having to tackle the blue badge. Ah ha I thought, another plant I have not hear of. Then the penny dropped ?
I would happily help out with any excess of beetroot or spinach but not sure about chard though ?. Yes I’m off to class soon Miss and I promise I’ll be good (fingers crossed behind back ?)
missedout the hot chocolate ingredient is a secret ? Glad you slept well. I’m glad I’m not the only one who misunderstands posts. I could do with a bit of face ironing too to get rid of a few wrinkles ? Glad your son is ok. We always worry no matter how old they are. Will he be moving back with you sometime? Sorry you aren’t having as much contact as you’d like with the other part of your family. Families are lovely but can be difficult at times.
I’m worn out already reading of your busy day and exercises. Take care and look out for that knee. ?
dragonfly do you wash your shopping when it comes? I do but I’m not sure it’s really necessary. I love rhubarb and gooseberries too but DH doesn’t like them so rarely have any. I may have to treat myself some time. Hope news on Dexter is ok.
Have a good day all.

crossed messages Marydoll can't wait....

Do you live in the same house where your parents lived Dragonfly ?

We also had chard last night with our fried egg. It was delicious.
We'll all be strong as Popeye!

We had to push the overflowing council bins out this morning as the man from the "hotel" hostel for homeless men has been up to his tricks again. He doesn't pay a commercial fee to have his own waste collected to sneaks it across the road and piles it skyhigh in the council bins which we have to pass each time we emerge from, or anyone visits, our house. Grrrr.

Still it is exercise I suppose for us and we washed our hands.

DH has had a text from Scottish Gov telling him they understand how he must feel and to listen to the FM's announcement today!

I had a message from Biobank asking me to take part in a National study to track the virus. Has anyone else had this? It involves taking your own blood sample each month for 6 months. Not all that simple but in a good cause.

As to pottery. I did a long training at art school and as an apprentice but nowadays when art is so intellectualised (is that a word?) most of the colleges have stopped teaching crafts and concentrate on computer based skills and like to be called universities now. I think it is very short sighted as working with our hands is so important and I don't mean tapping on a keyboard or face ironing - although I am sure that is a vital skill too. Can you get a degree in it?

I got a text from Sot Gov. Nicola Sturgeon is making an announcement at 12.30 today about shielding, Grammaretto.

Sitting waiting for my Ocado delivery.
I have a veggie box every week and we often get chard. I really like it. I used to grow runner beans when my parents were still in the bungalow as they loved them but now I only have rhubarb and gooseberries.

I tried to throw a pot once - it is incredibly difficult to centre it. It was good fun though. I would like to come to one of your classes Grammaretto.

I hope Cherry had a good night after her tiring day yesterday.

In the 'pottery' section of my post above, both DH and I threw our own pots. I can't work out how I managed to post that it was only DH that took the wheel!

Good morning. I had a really comfortable night's sleep. What do you put in the hot chocolate Doodle?

Dreamkeeper, I missread your post and found myself wondering about "face ironing". Is it a beauty treatment? Or a new way of messaging?

I'm sorry, I'm just being flippant. I will watch "Little Boy Blue" though.

We had a trip round Wedgwood a couple of years ago. It was fascinating. DH 'threw' a couple of pots as part of the experience. I take my hat off to Grammaretto, I appreciate the skill and costs that are involved in being a potter. One of the considerations that I hadn't been aware of was how much shrinkage of the item takes place as the clay dries and is fired. DH still have our 'his and her' pots

After posting last night I had another hour long phone call with my youngest son ( he moved out to protect me). He sounds OK and we will meet him again next weekend.

I still have another family 'set' that DH and I haven't spoken to. We're doing our best but can't get close. My DGD is an anxious child. We've written and sent comic drawings (believe me, I'm no artist). Our efforts have been acknowledged, but there has been no reaction. I have infrequent, long FaceTime sessions with them. It's been a while now. I'll keep trying but DH and I are aware that lockdown has halted any progress we made in the past. We'll just keep trying, but with caution.

Today, well same old, same old.....
I have Pilates via Zoom this evening. My knee is still out of commission. Bruises and scratches still clearly visible but movement is not impaired.

It's time for exercise while watching TV, followed by a shower. I've built up quite a list of things that need doing but the list seems to be getting longer.

Hello cell mates!
Are we all present and correct?

MaryDoll I'm afraid I read your plantar as a verruca. I promise my planters won't be like that!!

One of my class is coming out today to work in the studio. Executive decision taken! She's a single mum who works full time but has a day off today while her DS is at his dad's so she needs therapy. We will have distanced coffee.

There were no deaths in Scotland from covid-19 yesterday so that is awesome news.

Just checking in all. I hope you all managed a peaceful night, unlike myself.

I had an unsettling message from my sister in law late last night. She always sends these late at night and she always manages to upset me.
She is not the easiest of people to get on with, your best friend for weeks and then totally shuts you out.
I'm not going to go into details, but she is very needy, and no matter how unwell I am, she still expects us to sort out, the numerous problems she creates for herself.
She does have a son, but he is a totally selfish individual, so it always falls on us!!

Grammaretto, I would love to see a photo of one of your plantars.

My plan today is to potter about the garden, once I tackle my Blue Badge renewal, which I fear is going to be quite problematic! . I foolishly thought I had plenty of time to renew it!

Cherry, I hope you have a more peaceful and restful day to day, you always try to be upbeat, not matter what is going on.
Dragonfly, I hope you are feeling more upbeat today, poor Dexter is having a hard time, isn't he? .

Talking of Massimmo's spinchach, I had a profliferation of what I thought was beetroot, which started growing again from last year. I was so excited, then I thought it might be something else.
I put one of those identify a plant app on my phone. It came up with the plant was spinach. I was so excited, as it was growing like wildfire. On Saturday, I told DD to help herself, to encourage it to grow. She looked at it and asked if I was sure it was spinach. . She tasted it, took a photo, checked and .....it is chard!! .

Doodle I will see you in Maths class later, no nonsense, please.

I hope you all have a gentle and peaceful day.

Life is always full of ups and downs,none more so than now so please never feel you cannot share as we are here one for the other in both the good and bad times.
So Dragonfly and Cherry whilst loving your contributions we understand perfectly there are times when we may simply feel not in the mood to write.
Take good care and hopefully you will both feel very much better again soon.
Meanwhile some of us write enough to "fill any gaps!!"

Dear Doodle fret not about the missing PM. I have found that both I have sent the last few months (to different people) obviously have not got through.
I also have not had one sent me by Bradfordlass it seems.
A gremlin in the system!!
I have a much better picture of your set up there now,and interesting hearing although originally meant for Retirement it became a place for all ages.
You paint a lovely picture and I feel I know you better!
The one other thing we seem to have in common is the fact the flats themselves are of a good size,am intrigued by there being none on the ground floor, but of course that is good regarding safety.
Whilst being gated is another plus.
You gave me a real laugh by the way you imagine us all in the dining hall!!!
We both have always had a young spirit and growing old gracefully was not easy!!!
However I dreaded these places...... thinking they would be full of folk in twin sets and pearls!How wrong was I!!!!!
Yes there are a few that are very much of that ilk but in the main, fashion and nicely dressed ladies are the norm.
As are holidays and travelling!
Our next door neighbour is 90 soon,she does use a mobility scooter, but wears up to the minute clothes,fashionable trousers or nice full skirts every day!.......always different daily too.
Whilst I have mentioned the snazzy gent whom dashes around in shorts,shirts,sandals and a boater!!

You asked the very question of Grameretto I was about to ask.........about the making of planters!

You lead a very full and colourful life Missedout so I wonder if you managed to fit in a viewing of "Little Boy Blue"??

Our day has been an odd one,we seem to have caught up......eventually....on a few things that needed doing but have been neglected,otherways its been just quiet.
The warm sunshine appeared about 5pm and that meant our fair weather friends came out for a breath of air!

Must try to get my full quota of sleep as I face ironing in the morning,then I can happily face the world.
Not exactly a full life, but in our circumstances we cope and simply have to take each new day as it comes.

Thanks for my "shaken not stirred" nightcap Doodle,made to perfection again by your fair hands.
Have a good night all,pleasant dreams.

You are all so lovely. Got to sleep now. Hope you all have a good night.

I think your Sunday sounds a bit like mine Missedout several long phone calls and eating meals.
At least you cooked as well. I didn't even do that. I made the planters and yes I have a kiln Doodle I will see if I can manage to post a photo.
I had a nap and probably won't sleep tonight.

What I did was to watch a water colour portrait being painted of Clare Balding by artist Aine Divine.
I know Aine and love her work.

www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=583825005849285&ref=watch_permalink

You always sound so cheerful Cheery despite your seizures.

It could be time for our hot chocolate. I hope so.

Dear dragonfly sorry you are feeling down and if you are not up to posting that is absolutely fine but please don’t avoid posting for fear of lowering the mood. I am sure you aren’t the only one who has had the odd down time recently. We can understand and support each other. Life is not always a bed of roses. ? I bet Dexter would have been happy with 24 cans of dog food but not sure it would have been very useful to you in your meal planning ?
I have just read your second post and realise that poor Dexter is unwell again. It sounds as though a trip to the vet is in order. Hope he is ok poor chap.
grammaretto I am totally ignorant about pottery so please forgive silly questions. If you are making big planters, do you need a big kiln to put them in? Is that in your studio. Please could we have a photo. I am so intrigued. My dear brother was very artistic. He would do wood carving, painting, modelling drawing all sorts. Unfortunately, all the artistic talent in the family went to him ? I am still plodding away with my painting. I have been doing it for hours to day but seem to have achieved very little. I can’t wait to go back to quilting. At least there I feel I can actually come up with something acceptable ?
panache our block of flats is one of two in a gated development. Ours is the smaller block of the two. Ours was built as a retirement block but it’s usage was changed before the first flat was sold. It just happens that most of us are of the more mature variety ? my next door neighbour is a delightful young lady with a 3 year old son but apart from her we are all a bit older. There are 12 apartments in our block and 35 in the other. It is not a huge place and the communal gardens are smallish but the flats themselves are quite big. No one has their own terrace as there are no flats at ground level but we all have a balcony. We love it here.
Oh panache I am so sorry if you sent me a PM. I truly did not receive it. I would hate you to think I ignored it. I have received others so I know my PM is working if you see what I mean. Glad you enjoyed your afternoon. Following your comment about fashion, I have a lovely image in my mind of several elegant ladies and gents in your establishment making their way to dinner in full evening dress. The ladies with feathers in their hair, pearl necklaces and fans (my imagination goes a bit over the top at times ?)
cherry sorry you have been having seizures again today. You seem to deal with this in such a calm manner I can’t help but admire you acceptance of your condition and your ability (as far as it seems to me) to cope with things in such a matter of fact way. Hopefully, you will have a peaceful and uneventful night tonight.
missedout I hope you will gather from the posts on this thread that we are all interested in each other. Not in a prying or nosey way but just interested in others hobbies, way of life general things. I thought it was lovely how you could name all those birds. I am very ignorant of nature as such but I do love birdsong and I love watching them flying around. Your garden must be a lovely place to watch them and listen to them. How nice to have a chat with your son And be able to see the little ones. That’s more important than other things I would think.
Hope you all have a lovely uninterrupted sleep tonight. DH didn’t have a good night last night so I’m hoping tonight he will catch up on some sleep. Take care all.

I'm sorry I listed all the birds earlier, once I started I didn't like to leave any out! Our bird feeder is a replacement for an earlier one that the badger (can't think if any other garden animal strong enough) literally bent the steel rod to a right angle in order to get to the peanut feeder. Bits of the feeder were strewn all over the lawn. I don't put peanuts out any more.

I really don't know where today has gone. I had my Sunday marmalade on toast in bed, courtesy of my husband. A little later, coffee in the garden. Then I seemed to be straight into cooking roast dinner. (Why, oh why, do I still cook a Sunday dinner? I suppose I have no idea what to do instead.)

I didn’t have time for my pud, because DS FaceTimed us for at least an hour. It's 4 months since we were last with them. The little ones have grown especially DGS now 18 months.
Stacked the dishwasher and partly cleared up then phone call from cousin for another hour. 30 minutes on the bike and apart from a sweat, a hot phone and a tight waist-band, I appear to have spent the day not achieving anything!

I will try to do better tomorrow.

Sorry to hear you've been feeling down dragonfly, I understand that and not posting whilst you are feeling that way. I am glad you have posted now and hope you are feeling better, I was getting quite concerned.

With me, it's a case of here I go again ?, I've had 2 small seizures today (whilst awake) so have rested this afternoon and will rest again this evening. As long as I don't have another I should be fine tomorrow.

? I'll catch up with you all tomorrow, I wanted a good "natter" today but am going to get my PJs on and laze.

((hugs)).

Grammaretto you ask how Dexter is. Unfortunately we are once again worried about him. We have noticed for a little while that out walking he would suddenly sit down. He would look quite surprised. My DD tells me that it happens now when he poohs. She is going to give him some anti-arthritic medicine and see how it goes but then will take him to the vet. He really has been through the mill.

Dreamkeeper the tree situation has resolved only in that we have not seen our neighbour since and we are keeping out of his way. It is not so difficult as the road is divided into two by a small stream - they are on the other side of the stream with a big hedge in between (as well as trees). Other neighbours we have seen since, however, are very friendly so we are hoping it will die down and the roots from his tree will not cause us any problems. It is amazing how many people have tall trees next to their houses.

A late morning for me,though somewhat disturbed by a friend `phoning to ask for our grocery "wants" so of course that meant I had to be ready to collect when he arrived at our front door.
Certainly feeling better for having an ample supply of some nice fruit and fresh bread again.

The rains departed hurriedly after simply dampening the pathways only,the lawns are truly bronze and in desperate need of rain.

Thank you Doodle for filling me in nicely regarding your hanging baskets,which brings me to further questions if you do not mind my prying!!!
I am interested in hearing more about your block of flats as much of what you described is similar to this place.
The grounds are beautifully kept,then about half of the 54 flats have little private terraces with pergolas above,many of these plant up their troughs and have their own baskets.
Sadly,although we have a pleasant view we have no terrace and yes we miss it so much.
You mention neighbours over 90 years,much as we have here too,so that has me wondering if it is a Retirement block?
How many flats?
Sounds as if between you the place will truly be a colourful place very soon.It offers a lovely way to mingle although of course this could be a problem right now!!

I shall do my best to find a link to those blogs of mine Cherry as several are asking for the same thing! It was a good while ago though and great fun.
Interesting hearing that you have had some background in the Medical world.
Do tell me more.
I first started training locally in one of our Hospitals here,but felt I needed far more hence joining the Swansea Gen.I truly loved my work and would return tomorrow if I had some reasonable health (and younger!!)
A very rewarding occupation for sure.

I am afraid to add Bradfordlass that I have not recieved your PM.I sent one to our Doodle many weeks ago which seemingly did not arrive either.Very annoying indeed.
Am commiserating with you having so much rain,this really makes for lockdown miseries.

By the way Missedout "Little Boy Blue" is to be found on ITV`s Hub,based on a true story,one that we remembered gave us a very enjoyable afternoon,hopefully you too.
You would have been impressed by our last home, where we designed a delightful courtyard which became very much a jungle of our own making.
Lots of greenery on all walls and within were palms,and all manner of tropical planting.It soon became a bird sanctuary and latterly we were both able to sit in our adjoining Conservatory and watch their antics,truly a great past time.
We often found the smaller ones had come indoors through our open windows or doors!
Memories we now treasure.
I have a lovely picture of our daily visitor a Green woodpecker whom I caught early one morning when it thought it was on its ownsome! Such a handsome bird.

I really must get to Specsavers!!! When I first read of your Fox and cubs Grammeretto I was about to regale you with the fact we often caught 2 young foxes playing together in the middle of our lawn around mid afternoon............never heard of it as a flower.
So shall be googling after I complete this posting!!!
One is never too old to learn and I have learned a lot since being couped up in this penitentionary!!

Sorry hearing that you have not being feeling tip top Dragonfly, always understandable for then we do not quite feel like joining in.
You have done so very well for a long period of time,so you have well earned some resting periods.
Perhaps this Blood test will find the culprit that is holding you back,personally I suspect it maybe this darn Covid-19 situation halting your chemo and radiotherapy.
There will be many others feeling rather low because of all this.I sincerely hope it can be resolved for you.........sooner the better.
Has the tree problem been resolved?

Perhaps we all need some of Mammissimo`s Spinach!!!
A plant that has to picked and eaten as soon as to get all its goodness.............. so now we know why you keep on top of all your problems!!!
Also where you get all that energy from!!!

Seems we are all enjoying both our food and new clothes Marydoll,pleased you are happy with your new trousers.
I have 2 pairs in transit,lightweight and full of colour to make certain no one loses sight of me here!!
Actually it can often be quite a cat walk in our dining hall ........despite us being of ages up to almost 100 years!!
I have no intention of letting the years dim my eye for some nice styles but they must be comfy now!!
A firm no to "mutton dressed as lamb" too.

Certainly much reading today so the afternoon is racing by,we have enjoyed our stroll as usual when the weather is not sunny and warm,we had the place to ourselves!!
Time I went my way I guess.
So take care,thanks for being such great companions.
Keep Safe.

Hello Dragonfly sorry you've been feeling down but at least you don't have 24 tins of dog food. How is Dexter?

It is easy to get into a habit. I had to get petrol for the lawnmower and my mind was so alert to the new situation, having not been out or near a shop since early March. I paid at the pump, opened the car tank and was wondering if the pipe would reach over the car because I had forgotten which side of the car it was on and luckily remembered in time that I was only filling up a petrol can.

It was amazing to be offered that pony. When the woman told me, I just said "stay there while I fetch my boss" and I got the RDA chairman across to make the arrangements. I was so pleased with myself and the group were looking for a small pony but as he was quite old, the cost of feed and vet's insurance, shoeing and all the rest of it. The cost of the horse is minimal I discovered.

You must have all the birds there are in your garden Missedout
Apart from the ones I have which you didn't mention: magpies, jackdaws, pigeons, wood pigeons and every lunchtime the noisy seagulls.

We still have some small garden birds but they are quite secretive. If I put food out, and I only do that in the depths of winter, it's hard keeping the squirrels away.

I have just made a couple of quite big planters on the wheel so Marydoll I may have one for you when we next meet up!

I grew leeks for the community garden last year and they were fine. The secret is to poke a 6 inch deep hole with a dibber and make it wider than the plant. Drop the little seedling into the hole with just it's tip showing and fill the hole up with water. It eventually grows to fill the hole

Your spinach sounds wonderful Mamissimo
A painted front door and a spotless tiled kitchen. Wow!

With regard to supermarket deliveries. I alternate between Ocado and Sainsbury and have found both excellent. I did receive 24 tins of dog food the other day though as sometimes to secure a delivery I order the dog food to make it up to £40 and this time I had forgotten to take it off. Fortunately he took it away with him.

Good afternoon everybody.
I have been feeling a little down the last few days and didn't want to lower the tone.

How wonderful to be given a pony Grammaretto although if someone gave me one I wouldn't have known what to do with it. My DH's original boss's wife used to be a professional potter. Her pieces were wonderful. I would love to see some of yours.

So pleased the meds are working Mary and that you have a caring consultant.
I have an appointment with mine on 22nd although not sure if it will go ahead. He stopped my last chemo and all radiotherapy due to the Covid.
I have been having some aches and pains so the GP wants me to go for a blood test tomorrow to rule out anything sinister so fingers crossed. Personally I think it is the medication I am taking but we will see.

I hope everyone has a good day despite the rain. Surprising how it lowers the spirits.

Morning again.
bradfordlass I agree everything looks better in the sunshine. We had a real thunderstorm here yesterday and torrential rain which was good for the ground as it’s been so dry. It didn’t last long though.
I wrap my clothes up with bars of soap when I put them away too. I also put some in my overhead cupboards where I store towels and bedding.
We could certainly do with some shortbread here so make sure when you make it to leave samples in the kitchen for us ?. Hope your sunshine lasts.
grammaretto I have never heard of fox and cubs. Mind you not being much of a gardener that’s not surprising, they look very pretty and colourful if the picture is anything to go by.
How nice that two old ponies had a second lease of life being looked after and helping the children.
Your pottery sounds really interesting. Could we not have a picture of some of your planters?
Glad your quiz went well. It sounds like good fun.
missedout you have greater willpower than me. I would have had that new top out within seconds of it being delivered ?
We have a couple of foxes here. I have never seen a badger but have seen a couple of hedgehogs.
My DH is the opposite of yours. Hates shopping in real life but good at the online stuff.
mamissimo I like spinach too. Do you cook yours or eat it as it comes?
Painting the front door. That a big job. What colour have you chosen? Hope the weather stays dry for you.
Marydoll glad you enjoyed your walk across the fields. Good the steroids are helping at the moment. Do they take some of the pain away?
I think you are all out to tease me. All this talk of food that I like. Yesterday it was olives, and fish and chips and Hawaiian pizza and now today it’s Chelsea buns. I have never made them though I always buy mine. I have never thought of making them ?. Oh for goodness sake, now you’ve gone onto steak pie ?. I’m starving ?
Glad your trousers fit. Nice to have something new for the summer.
missedout I see you have had successes with your shopping too. Glad you like your new top. My goodness you know your birds don’t you. How wonderful to have so many around ?
cherry hi . I expect dragonfly will make her way back. If I spot her I will remind her there’s a comfy chair with her name on it here.
I am hoping to get another afternoon of painting done. I spent hours on it yesterday but don’t seem to have got very far. Easy dinner tonight. The other half of the lasagne I cooked the other day. No walk today as it’s busy here at weekends but we will venture out again tomorrow weather permitting.
Have a good day all. ?

I haven't read today's posts yet and am only quickly popping my head out to ask where dragonfly has got to? I know she has posted on the morning thread but I'm missing her here with us.

A quick update to say, "Good morning everyone".

I've tried my new top and am delighted with it.

Grammaretto, we don't have any unusual birds. We have Blue tits, Great tits, Coal tits and Long-tailed tits. A pair of Great tits nested in one of our bird boxes this year. We don't know how many fledged although recognised the female feeding a young one from the feeder (female had a distinctive wing flutter). We also have a Great Spotted woodpecker visiting the fatballs most days. We hear the Green woodpecker (Yaffle) too but only get occasional glimpses - they make holes in the lawn.

Then there are the finches, Chaffinches, Green finches and flocks of Goldfinches.

We have sparrows, Dunnocks, Robins and Wrens, a pair of Collared doves (always together), Woodpigeons and a pair of secretive Blackcaps.

I looked out one day to see a Sparrowhawk disposing of a baby Robin.

At night the owls are noisy. First thing in the morning, the Jackdaws get going. We have the Swifts, Martins and Swallows overhead in the evenings and the Blackbird has learned to imitate a car alarm!

Listing the birds like this makes me realise how lucky we are.

Good morning all, it has brightened up a bit, so I hope to get out later to transplant my straggly leeks. They are not doing too well.

Missedout, my husband also grumbles ,as I too say I'm coming to bed and then become distracted. ?

For the first time in a week, I have managed a sneaky walk over the field to get the papers, the steroid are starting to do their job, albeit a temp fix.
We never met a soul, as it was so early. It was a struggle to get ready, but worth it, just to get out for air.

Off now to start the Chelsea buns for DH, before online church.

Grammaretto, you did tell me about your pottery, but I didn't know you did commissions, that's really interesting.
I like the idea of the planters.

DD had order two pairs of cropped trousers for me and brought them up yesterday. As they were delivered last week, I was able to rip them open immediately.
I'm so pleased with them, that I may order some more and if I order in DH's name, As a new member, I will get 20 % off the sale with free delivery.

I made the filling overnight for DH's favourite, traditional Scottish steak pie in the slow cooker overnight, so only the pastry to roll and frozen veggies, will mean little prep. An easy day.

Have a good day everyone.

Good morning!
The day has come when my perpetual spinach is ready to start using so I will pick a bag of leaves tonight and eat it two minutes later with roast chicken. It’s a fabulous veg and as long as I pick every few days the plants will keep going for months. I will be as strong as Popeye in a few weeks.

I agree Badfordlass that wet lockdown isn’t so easy - I felt quite wintery yesterday and missed pootling around outside. Today looks a bit better and less windy so I’ll get some stuff done.

This week I plan to paint the front door and that’s it - a one job list for a change. Mind you, I will probably get distracted and clean the grout instead. I’m seriously thinking of saving the kitchen tiles for the last day of lockdown as a kind of valedictory ceremony before flinging open the door to all comers.