The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

Oh no Mamissimo that's hellish. What a dreadful shame. I hope the antiBs kicked in quickly and you are back with us and get the mane cut.
.
When DH had his cellulitis, it began at a committee meeting. He was sitting beside me and was quiet er than usual. Someone sitting opposite asked if he was OK as he looked unwell awful
Within half an hour the ambulance had arrived, he was being asked questions and giving incoherent replies, whilst shaking uncontrollably. As you say it comes on mighty quickly.
A reminder of why he is shielding as it was later that night that the A&E doctor told us the unhappy news that they had found a tumour.

I cannot understand all these people who want to get on an aeroplane and fly to a crowded beach. I thought everyone had written off 2020 so far as holidays go. I know I went away for a weekend.... can't really talk.

Fish and chips by the seaside Bradfordlass I think that will have been the best decision. The air and the company will have done you the world of good.

You have been a busy little pony Doodle A technical question: How do you sew the ends of round elastic?
This old carthorse is onto the last er 2nd sleeve of the school cardigan. Only the button bands and all the sewing up to do, hopefully by this weekend when DD is bringing the pair of them to spend the weekend with the other DGP she will get a fitting.

We have been invited to DH parents today if the rain stays off. We can probably go indoors now. I can't keep up with the changing information. August 1st was the original date but it could have moved. Anyway his DS and BiL are living with them and giving his brother a break.

It may be a chance to show off my hair see if anyone notices

I wonder how Marydoll's treatment went? Sending you all my best wishes for the day and for the week. I hope those with drips in toilets and sinks are now sorted.

No treatment for me yesterday.....we had to turn back because I started a cellulitis attack. I've just slept for 17 hrs and feel a bit thick but I'm sure I'll live to fight another day. The big question is whether I'll make it to my hair cut this afternoon. We have also planned to go to see my DD today for a couple of days.......☹️

I always keep a course of antibiotics in the cupboard because speed is essential with this - the drawback is that I can't have the big treatment while I'm on antibiotics.

I'm fed up!

Nfk you sound so much like me. My Dad used to call me 'butterfly brain' and 50 years later, a friend who ran the ADHD support group told me I was textbook. So over the years, I've tried to help myself and have small, spiral notebooks tied to places with a handy pen.

I no longer lose notes, with one exception.
The moment I make a shopping list and tear it from the book prior to leaving the house, you can bet your life it's on the table still whilst I'm in the shop .

Cherry I've sent a message to Doodle and she'll let us know if the new design for an adult CuddleUp will work.
If so, I'll send it on. It could even be made without sewing.
Unlike your hair-shirt

I've decided to leave my hair to its own devices. It's exceptionally fine but having it all tied up like a Japanese sensei at least keeps it neat.

Panache you've told us your dear husband is tall, he's certainly strong due to all he's stoically suffering; now you tell us he's going a distinguished grey! My goodness, Jeeves better look to his laurels.

I had a call early this morning: invitation to go out for the day with 5 friends from Waipareira.
The first question at 11am when I was picked up was, 'Where shall we eat?'

We left it to the driver who took us out to Piha, 26km away down a road like a corkscrew. We got there, took photos of the sea and discovered the cafe was closed.

26km back up the corkscrew we arrived at Swanson RSA for lunch. It was closed.
We ended up getting fish and chips at Maori-owned Toby's where you can get 2 fish & chips for just under £3. $5NZ

I ordered just a fish, I try to be low-carb. Whaea Jo, who had order the $5 option, felt sorry for me and piled chips onto my plate and I couldn't offend her by refusing.

It was a jolly day out which I enjoyed.

Now, as my shift comes to an end, I'm going to put out the fruit and muesli, refill the hoc-choc and milk jugs and sign off.

Doodle there is always a glorious sunrise over the garden and distant hills - it's just that you're not up in time to see it

Oh thank you cherry . I’d rather be a little pony I think.?
bradfordlass could start a cottage industry with her cuddle ups. Really sleepy tonight so off to bed soon.
Hope everyone is ok. Sleep well.

Well done Doodle, sounds like you've got the face mask thing all stitched up ? and a genuinely productive day. Can you make mine next ??
I remember you saying about your glasses being broken. Fortunately they are pair for my long-sightedness and not the pair for short-sightedness. My WP has actually repaired them now and he did a very good job, he used some very fine wire and a bit of ingenuity and hey presto ?.
I was thinking the same thing about the cuddle up. As long as it's not restrictive when I have a generalised seizure it might work but the ties would have to be quite strong I think.
I shouldn't have laughed about you falling out of bed on holiday Doodle but I did ?. Mostly I think because when I fall out of bed I never know where I am ?

Off to get some delicious hot chocolate I think, night all ?
A pony is young Doodle so you could never be an old nag ?

grammaretto I’ve just finished the first episode of A suitable boy and I thought it was good too.
Been making more face masks today having bought some round elastic from Amazon. I now think I’ve perfected my design and so have made 2 today. Need to make a couple more I think, then back to quilting.
Do you feel light headed now you’ve had your hair cut. I always do ?
cherry ooh you naughty girl ?. I bet the haircut will lift your spirits. Mine is so long now I am tying it back as it’s annoying me. I too have a pair of glasses with one arm. The other arm snapped off the first week of lockdown and I have been using them with one arm ever since. No chance of repair I will need some new ones. I only use them for the TV so not to much of a problem.
Ooh I love roast parsnips. I haven’t got any either. ? Now you’ve got me thinking of them.
I’ve been looking on line today for some soft warm fabric for my big girl’s cuddle up. I thought I would use cotton for the top layer and something cosy for the other side. I was thinking along the lines of something like a sleeping bag but one that ties together in the middle (front) rather than the side. Still pondering ?
Considering how many times you have fallen out of bed cherry I think you could do with an adult version of the cuddle up perhaps tied to the bed to stop you falling out. I have fallen out of bed twice. Once when trying to answer the phone and I caught my foot in the duvet and crash landed on my ankle and sprained it. The second time when on holiday in a different bed and in my sleep I turned the wrong way and fell between the bed and the wall. I was half asleep and had no idea where I was ?
No so much a mad professor at the moment more like my little pony. On second thoughts make that the old nag. ?

Evening ?

I've been very naughty ?, I've booked an appointment with my hairdresser before my shielding is officially over ?. I've got an appointment on the 13th August, well it is only a couple of days early ?. I've decided that I'm going to have it cut a bit shorter than my usual style, there'll be enough dead hair to make up underwear when the hairdresser has finished ?. I can't wait! I'll be counting down the days.
Grammaretto, the forecast is better for later in the week so you can flaunt your new haircut then ?. I on the other hand... well I'd best make sure I don't go near any horses ?

I'm struggling to type this today as the arm of my glasses fell off earlier and I haven't fixed, or rather my WP hasn't, it yet. I have the on and I can see but they only stay on if I tilt my head to one side ?. I'll have to type quickly or I'll end up with a crick in my neck ?

Had our supermarket delivery earlier, no substitutes but no parsnips either ?. I have a craving for roast parsnips; no I'm not pregnant ?.

I've had more than my fair share of problems with the NHS but I'm not going to disparage it Doodle. I'd hate to think what it would be like without it as was the situation when my mother was young.
Sorry to hear that Mr D has had to be given antibiotics, I'm pleased his wound is looking better though.

Mamissimo and Marydoll I hope your respective treatments went okay for you both today.

Ooh Tunnock's tea cakes BradfordLass, don't mind if I do ?. Just the one though as they are incredibly sweet.
I do think Doodle might be on to something with an adult cuddle up idea. I wonder if I'd be safe in one at night, less restrictive than a sleeping bag and safe for nighttime seizures... ??

It sounds like you're a bit like me Nflk, you write things down and file it..?? You know it's filed somewhere... It should be here/there but no it's ... Ah that's where it's filed. If you're not like me I apologise ?

Panache, no worries ... the ether evaporates what it evaporates ? ?.
Thanks for the outline of your experience at the hairdresser's I have a good idea what to expect when my turn comes.

Oh Doodle I always had you down as a mad professor by the way ?

I just noticed you had turned into Panache again!!
Hello!!
Mamissimo we also enjoyed a Suitable Boy. Gorgeous colours and well done.

I have had my haircut!
All beautiful but a Monday, in Lockdown, in the rain with nowhere to go. Boo Hoo.

I paid enough. It may have to last another 6 months. I took a photo of myself and sent it to DD but I had to add that it was "after" in case she teases me too much.

Sorry to hear Mr Doodle still has a very sore arm. Sending get well wishes.

Bradfordlass I am glad you can see the funny side of everything. It's a good place to be. I wish I was on a sun longer warming myself next to Jeeves.

mamissimo another one having treatment today. Hope it all goes well. Enjoy your sleep. I am sure all the pink and blue jobs will be sorted by your return ?
DH is back from his dressing change. Arm is looking good but the nurse thinks there could be a spot of infection in the wrist hence the discomfort so he had been prescribed some antibiotics to clear it up.
I noticed A suitable boy last night and meant to watch it but got distracted. I shall try it tonight. ?

Just looking down the main GN list of threads and there sitting next to the Lockdown Gang thread was the name Panache . Made me smile to see it again. Haircuts, lucky you.
DH and I still look like the absent minded professor and the wicked witch of the west (you can guess which is witch ?‍♀️ ?)
I like the sound of your lilac hair. Hope you can manage that and your new hairstyle well.
You take care of yourself and MrP too.?

I am waiting for a Sainsbury’s delivery and DH is snoozing quietly in the chair. He didn’t sleep well last night so he could do with a little nap before we start washing the groceries ?

A rather damp and blustery good morning gang from the west coast of Wales.
So good to be getting my feet slowly "under your table" Doodle!!
Please excuse me as I have to take time out,but yes delighted to be my self (Panache) again,it just feels right,indeed Cherry I do believe my message to you came from the Dream keeper name which seems now to have flown off into the ether!!

Going back a few days and in reply to a suggestion by NFK D which I appreciated at the time,yes indeed is my reply I was probably quite an early bird offering to participate in these vaccine trials,but fell flat on my face even before getting to my own health issues!!! I am too old!
I was quite upset as I really felt I could do my bit to help in the area we all badly need a break through.

My only other point of interest will be to say I have jumped the gun!!!with both of us having had hair cuts last saturday
!The big event took place at a small private hair salon down the road,the one owner had been Covid tested,her premises beautifully and scruplously cleaned,decorated with all manner of safety measures to meet quite strict guidelines.
After sanitizing our hands indoors we both had to fill in a questionaire agreeing to terms and conditions,whilst supplying our names,address and tel numbers,also stating we were free of a string of covid related questions.
After the "big event" we were both well sprayed around the shoulders by an anti bacterial spray!!!
My dear man now looks like a teenager,short,almost spikey hair, (despite his age and poor health he is only now slowly turning grey!)not exactly his style perhaps, but she is taking no chances and having it this short will tide him over for months............ should he not manage another visit for a good while.

I totally sympathise with your description of the before look Cherry,I have never even had shoulder length hairstyles always following more of a gamin/ pixie style,but my white locks were curling sweetly well below my shoulders adding substantially (in a bad way) to my already good age!!
Because of this new length I was very undecided which way to go because having .....through need......having this long hair I felt it a shame to be shorn again ,returning to my former pixie look.
So I simply left it to the stylist,only saying I did not want it shorn.
It has probably been left a tad longer than I can successfully manage well myself,however it has certainly enhanced my face(although I say it myself) now it is next up o me to add my lilac tinge!
The jury is out,because of course on our bad days healthways I just have no patience or time to fiddle with my hair.Yet I still have my pride and like looking the best I can..........hence of course a very short head of hair almost looks after itself
.I think it is simply a case of "Wait and see!!"

Having taken up my quota of strength, I will leave other news,questions and queries to another time,simply adding I have missed the jocularity and friendship here,please know you are rather a special bunch.................just stay as you are!

Most of all,stay safe and keep smiling!

Good morning! It's treatment day for me so I'm gearing up for a few hours of canulated confinement followed by a sleep. I will think of Marydoll and send hopeful vibes.

I'm worried that Jeeves won't get round to the blue jobs today...no bins taken out, no cars serviced, dishwashers emptied or cocktails shaken. You will however be able to pootle around at the pink jobs with no helpful advice ?

I enjoyed the first episode of A Suitable Boy last night. There hasn't been a good Sunday night series for some time. DH sat and grumbled his way through it because he had to concentrate....he will be fine next week now that the threads have been introduced.

Happy Monday

bradfordlass our morning dose of laughter again ?
Poor Mrs Shaw, hope she came out with all her bits intact.
Thank you for the breakfast but I’m not sure the sun will be seen much here today. It’s been raining most of the night and is overcast now. In fact it’s quite chilly.
I love seeing those first signs of spring after winter too. For us it’s the daffodils we look for. There are hundreds planted along our walk by the river in a real variety of sizes shapes and colours (they are probably all called different names but to me they are all daffs ?)
Poor Jeeves. I hope he doesn’t burn his bits. ?
nfk our helter skelter fits all and has big padded sides and soft pillows to slide down on. Jeeves forgot his pillow which is why he got splinters.
Another here with a bad memory. When I was at work I always used to write notes on everything I did. Like you said bradfordlass I used to take notes when I learnt something new and then type them up on the computer and ‘file’ them for future reference.
DH is going back to have his arm dressing changed today. He is still having quite a lot of discomfort from the wound so I am pleased he is having it checked by the nurse.
Thinking of Marydoll today and hope her treatment goes well.
Have a good day all.

(Love the thought of picking up a dissected Mrs Shaw!)

Stop with the talk of helter-skelters please... I had a bad experience on one when DGD2 was little. Took her on the one on Cromer sea front - and got stuck at the top! I had to push myself down with her on my lap as I fitted it rather too well!

I have an appalling memory Bradfordlass so I do write things down - and occasionally, generally when I'm looking for something else, I find where I've 'filed' my notes! I am a champion at being sidetracked and live life very serendipititously!

And welcome back Panache - nice to see you again!

Hot choc in the thermo-jug and the breakfast buffet in the warmers, all set up in the conservatory so we can watch the sun rise over the hills.

Tunnock's snowballs for those with a sweet tooth, plus home-made, Scottish shortbread to take away for morning tea-time.

Doodle what a jolly good idea to adapt the CuddleUp for adults. Hope you manage to get it done before the cool days of Autumn set in. I may PM you about it.

On the way back from my 6-monthly check by the doctor this morning, I notice all the blossom trees are just beginning to show a fine haze of pink or cream; not long before they burst into bloom.

NfkDumpling Write it all down as you do it. That's what I used to tell my computer students.

There are 2 very good reasons for this: you always have a reference, so don't need to rely on memory - and it prevents you having any negative self-talk, which is usually what happens when we forget something.

Marydoll I'm hoping that despite the delay about the wee girl being shielded, she's free from anying which might compromise her health?

As I came out of the Medical Centre, there was a huge truck parked, just a metre or so from the backs of parked cars, effectively blocking them in.
Both driver and off-sider were missing..... delivering something, I assume.
Cars were blocked for at least 10 minutes, to the fury of several drivers.
The name on the lorry was 'Move Logistics'. [grin[

There was only one lady and myself on the St John Shuttle this morning and the driver said, 'What time shall I pick you up Mrs Shaw?'
Mrs S: I don't really know, you see I'm seeing the specialist and he may decide to dissect me.'

I really hope the driver remembered to pick up all the parts.

Jeeves is lying face down on a sunbed, hoping the fresh air will soothe his botty.

What a busy afternoon on the Lockdown Gang.
panache I’m almost as chuffed as you with the name change. As you well know, it’s how I’ve always thought of you ? Welcome back as your real self.
marydoll hopefully now your DGD will have the attention she deserves.
mamissimo it seems you have the strike through working well now. I must remember to change my settings.
cherry sounds as though you slipped through the net too. Not joined up thinking as my DH is fond of saying about the NHS (don’t get me wrong. Neither of us have any complaints about the NHS. They’ve kept my DH going for a number of years but there have been a few odd episodes where things have gone awry)
Hope the match is a good one and you enjoy it. ?
missedout your boating arrangements sound well organised. Good idea to share the cost. Hope the sinking fund isn’t needed for its namesake ?
grammaretto have you been making any other items since your teapot commission? Unproductive as your day has been, you’ve done more than me. Really lazy day. Watched the church service on you tube and went for a long walk with DH, both of us wearing our sun hats to protect us from the sun. Half way through it poured with rain and we came home soaked ? so much for the weather forecast.
We used to do caravan holidays when the boys were young. A bit more organised than camping (I don’t like spiders ?) . We really enjoyed it. Now we’re older we like our creature comforts.
cherry back again. Oh well a draw is good too. I haven’t had my hair cut either and still don’t have an appointment. My hair is thick, frizzy, long (now) and uncontrollable. I have resorted to tying it back in a ponytail...going back to my youth ?
Back later to check up on you. You might have to get your own hot chocolate tonight. Jeeves is having the night off to rest his ...ahem nether regions. ?

BradfordLass, see it wasn't me whizzing down the helter skelter after all - it was Mamissimo all along ?

Those cherries look an absolute delight Mamissimo. I could just tuck into them right now ?, even though I am full after eating my sausage casserole.
What a fab' picture too, very evokative of family gatherings, I'm not surprised you feel the way you do about it and you're happy with it.
Would the commendation be for cooking or eating liver or both? Have you contributed to that "liver" thread by any chance? Do you normally avoid it then? I used to dislike liver, wouldn't touch it, but enjoy it now. Seems like you have not only been eating liver but have been doing something or other with tripe late at night too ?

Missedout, I think that's the best way to go with a boat, (unless you buy it outright) where we used to live a neighbour had a similar (if not the same) ownership set up as you.

I haven't been on a canal holiday either Grammaretto, just a canal trip but it was a very long time ago.
I'm ? you're having your haircut tomorrow. I have to wait another bloody two weeks ?. I'm sick of the ringlets ? and the length ? and the thickness ? and the weight ? and the frizz ? and the split ends .... grrr ?. I know it could be worse and hairdressers always seem to like working on thick hard but it's turned into some sort of ? tail ?. No, I will not post a picture as it's all too ?; hairy really.

Off to tidy up now and find something to watch on TV ?

Panache ? Have you sent me this message with this username or as Dreamkeeper?

My team drew, which is fine - not great but fine as it didn't make any real difference except for the fact I want them to win every game ?

Sorry to hear about DGD Marydoll ! That wasn't expected. Will it affect her starting school? I hope not.
Good to see others back on here too with all the intersting stories.
What fascinating lives you all lead.
Today mine was fairly unproductive. A spot of gardening. A bit of knitting. A chat with one of the potters.
I have a haircut booked for tomorrow.

I have never had a canal holiday. We once joined another couple for a weekend on theirs which was great fun. We really didn't have holidays which cost much with 4 DC and an irregular income, so a tent on top of the car exploring Scotland was the usual plan and later on, when the boys were nearly grown up and our DD was small, we went to France, again camping. We did a house exchange one year but I found tidying my house in preparation for the people coming was stressful. A tent you can shake out!
Our camping days are over now and last year we enjoyed staying at an hotel! How posh was that. We went to Ireland.
Rambling on again.
G&T time and a nice small supper tonight - leftovers from our rather large lunch.
Thanks for the darning tips. I may tackle it this week.

Mamissimo

Doodle, our boat share is not like a time share, the owners really own the boat. We all meet up twice a year, once for a social and once for our AGM. At the AGM we decide where we will moor it the following year (we base it at different marinas around the canal system), what work needs doing, if we need to change any practices, etc. We have all the usual officers, chairman, treasurer, secretary and bookings manager.

There is a rota for choosing holiday dates, two weeks in the summer and two in the winter. It is complicated to explain but very fair, everyone getting first choice in turn and owners are very accommodating if someone needs to swap weeks.

We pay monthly into the boat account (called a 'sinking fund' ) adjusted to what may need doing in terms of maintenance and refurbishment but 4 weeks holiday a year on the shared boat is cheaper than a week's hire on an equivalent boat at the height of the season.

DH and I are really looking forward to our next voyage.

Just popping in briefly before the last match of the season.

I think it was a case of buck passing Doodle, rather than anything else. I also suspect politics (small p) had something to do with my not being told and not being treated - two different NHS trusts ?. Left to the GP to do a consultant's work! To be fair to the GP he probably didn't know until he familiarised himself with recent notes before my telephone appointment. I rarely see my GP as most of my treatment is meant to be dealt with by consultant's. It's only if something else drops up outside of their remit do I see the GP.

It's understandable that you haven't been up to posting Marydoll. I've been reading the posts too, including the morning thread but only posts twice on there and twice (now thrice) on here recently.
You really do seem to struggle with side effects of treatment, sorry this is the case this time round too. It's beyond unpleasant, I know from experience. It is well known, and documented, that I'm both medication and dose intolerant of many medications and side effects are highly likely in my case. You seem to be the same. Have you ever filled out the yellow book? I hope your treatment goes well tomorrow and maybe they will have an answer to mitigate the side effects.
It's disgusting that your DGD was essentially missed off the shielding list, bit late for them to send her a letter to cover their arses now. It's positively shameful that a 4 year old child has been ignored missed.

I promise I'm not ignoring all of you (well I guess I sort of am at the moment ) but I'm off to get a cuppa and snacks sorted to settle down and follow the build-up to the kick off at 4pm.

Back laters ?

Missedout I think I love like you very much!

hello I am practising the method!

NFK, my granddaughter got the letter after a video call with asthma nurse last week. The letter came with no prior warning, so it was a shock. I think she slipped through the net.

Back again with just a few words for now but for those of you that once knew me as Panache Hey Presto I have my old name back and I am chuffed to bits!

Because my vision is worsening all the while my dear man has decided I would be better off using his large desk computor,whilst he will happily use my lap top.............and by having to re enter Gransnet I am back with my lovely former name tag!!

The day is getting better!

What a lovely bunch you really are,your posts are truly uplifting indeed.
I have longed for some juicy cherries though since noting all your chatting,my favourite fruit.

Having sent Cherry a short message explaining how exactly the same thing happened to me following aggressive Radiotherapy,hopefully it may help a little to ease her angst.

Lunch time calls,but I promise

It is lovely to hear how our missing gang members are getting on. I understand circumstances happen that stop people from feeling like posting when something happens or they are not well. It has happened to me in the past too. Please just know that we think of you all, whether you post or not, and wish all our gang members well.
Marydoll it is nice to hear from you. Understandably, with all you are going through health wise you are not up to posting so much.
Really sorry to hear firstly, that your DGD didn’t get the original shielding letter and secondly that it has obviously caused upset to her parents and family. Could her parents chat to the GP or consultant about the implications and perhaps be reassured. My DH had a telephone consultation with his consultant in the middle of lockdown and she seemed to give him some sensible guidelines for his condition.
Fingers crossed your second treatment doesn’t leave you so debilitated as the first lot and some signs of health benefit come soon. Take care x
missedout I didn’t ask about pink jobs because I thought perhaps it was only me that didn’t know.?
Thank you for the tip about turning off the smart punctuation (I didn’t even know there was such a thing) . I will give that a try because the strike through rigmarole annoys me intensely.
How often to you have your “share” of the narrowboat? Is it like a holiday home share where you get allocated so many weeks a year? Sounds like a good idea to share the costs.
nfk yes missedout’s idea is much better than mine. I am going to try that too.
Like all these gimmicks in life, sometimes they are more trouble than they’re worth.?
Have a good day all.