The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

How very disappointing for those whose house arrest has been extended.

There's a link at the bottom of this post which gives, firstly, details of Wales and then lower down, the option to put in your own area. You might like to evaluate the risk s

Well my dears, a bad day then a good one for me. Yesterday, the home support agency sent a stranger, Jackie, She arrived at 3pm.

At 1pm it had been annouced that from midnight, NZ would be pretty much back to normal.

Jackie said she wasn't allowed to take me to buy vegetables or to the library to pick up audio books.

I said, 'So how do I get food for the week?'
'I'll ask' she said and rang the agency.
Three people later, all of whom said, quite wrongly, that people over 70 were "not allowed out" (Jackie, incidentally is 75 and going from house to house, cleaning)
I said, 'OK, what do I do about food?'
'Jackie will go shopping for you.'
'How will she pay?'
'You can give her cash.' said the Oracle.
'So she can take me to an ATM but not to buy veg?'
'Oh no, she can't take you to an ATM, you're not allowed out.'
'Are you saying I have to starve?'
'Hold on, I'll ask.'

It was then I realised they were passing round the shared brain cell which clearly needed recharging.... and closed the phone.
Jackie was furious with them and said all her clients (some in the 80s 90s and with dementia, were also being treated like this.

She suggested veg from the foodbank and very reluctanty, I agreed. So thanks to a lovely lady from Lambeth, I got my veg.

Today was much better - my son came for breakfast, lunch and catch-up. It was wonderful to hug him.
His moustache is going grey !

I told him about the fiasco.
He said, 'Oh Mum, why didn't you ring me, I'd have come over and taken you out.'
I said, 'That's exactly why I didn't ring you.'

Mums will understand.
It's not me being willfully awkard but he's already working extra hard and I simply will not ask him to stop everything for 3-4 hours because I need carrots and a bunch of spinach.

I did the garlicky silver beet and corn dish I LOVE, for breakfast and he added a poached egg and grilled bacon to his, with home-made bread.

Lunch was roast chicken and salad.

We talked about the economy, Greek myths; computer programming and security; racism and stupidity; the CuddleUp (he loves the idea) and family dynamics; words, phrases and why spelling matters - and all points in between. Lubbly jubbly.

Here's your map link - I hope it can help.
www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-51888681

Gosh Mary I can hear the pain and frustration you are feeling. I do hope they come up with a solution for you. No deaths from Corona in Scotland for the past few days so maybe the corner has been turned.

I really hope you het your operation soon Mamissimo. Gall stone pain is horrendous. My son was very ill with it a few years ago.

Bradford what a day you had. We are under the impression here that New Zealand is back to normal.

I had to go to the hospital yesterday for a blood test. It was not a pleasant experience especially as I went to the wrong place. Now I anxiously await the results.

Oh, Cherry, thanks for your supportive post and thinking of others, when life is difficult for you.
You are correct about dealing fine with the problems on a daily basis, it's the extra stuff, that is being piled on us on a daily basis.

Bradfordlass, it sounds as if you had a lovely time with your family.
That was kind of you to find the link for the Welsh contingent.
I'm finding it really difficult to get précise information for Scotland and my area in particular.

It's a new day, with new challenges, which as usual, we will meet head on and not give in to.
Hoping you have a seizure free day, Cherry,
Stay safe everyone, keep your chin up, for we are the Lockdown Gang.

Dragonfly, crossed posts. You have come this far, hang on in there. ?

Yes - everyone, hang on in there.
BradfordLass, my eyes got leaky when I read you and your son hugged. We are a physically demonstrative huggy family, same in our close friendship group - I have to remind myself I can hug Mr I and my dogs. But, I so long to hug my children and grandchildren, its hard not to hug a friend who calls to chat from the distance.
Ah well - this too will change some time. Meanwhile, thank goodness my maverick streak led me to continue walking even when the message was to stay in. I know Im lucky to be able to do this, to have access to fairly quiet spots away from people and feel for folks who have stayed in. One of my loved ones hasn't left the house since mid March x

Oh Bradfordlass you couldn't make it up!
It goes to show that even in the midst of paradise there is crass stupidity. You have to be on your guard and take nothing at face value.
However the wonderful reunion with your DS has more than made up for the bad day.

Our NZ family are happy to be living in such a sensible country and can hardly believe that most things are back to normal and DGS can hug his friends.

Dragonfly you were brave. It's done, hooray, and now there is the wait which I hope doesn't hang over you.

Marydoll
I hope today you get some news about your treatment. I want to hear how the conference went about your case or has it not happened yet?

Our delivery girl is due today after yoga on zoom. I am writing a list.

Our community shop was on Radio Scotland about 14 mins into the programme. Very proud. We are the older people they mention! DH started the shop with others about 4 years ago and it has really come into its own with the lockdown.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000jpq0

Hope today goes well for all the shielders and is uneventful - in a good way!.

How lovely Grammaretto to get a mention on the radio. The shop sounds wonderful.

What a lovely supportive bunch you are. cherry I think you said it all. I hope you did get to sleep last night eventually.
missedout are you using a tooth filling kit to fix the problem? DH is holding on till he gets to the barber rather than let me have a go at his hair ?
bradfordlass you couldn’t make it up could you. Glad you got your veg in the end. Yes I understand exactly why you didn’t phone your son. I would have done the same.
Your visit with your son sounds lovely and to have hugs again, such happiness. Glad you had a good catchup and a lovely breakfast by the sound of it.
dragonfly sorry your blood test visit didn’t go as well as it should. Hope the results are what you hope for and you get them back soon.
iam yes I miss hugging my family too. Haven’t seen much of them since March. Being out walking again has made such a difference to DH he was finding it hard to stay in all the time.
grammaretto your mention of your delivery girl doing yoga on zoom made me imagine some speeded up version of yoga done very fast. Quite the opposite of what it’s supposed to be I imagine. ?. Hope you get all your shopping done. Your community shop sounds interesting I will listen to the link.
Hope you all have a peaceful day. ?

`Morning all,and no it is not the best of mornings when all around us friends that have suffered long and great are literally falling apart.......and yes we are talking of those that have been amongst the staunchest over the years.

Life is normally very much ups and downs,yet since this darn virus came to ruin our lives it is far more downs than anything else.
Lockdown initially,speaking for us two,was a safe haven and we felt a little cossetted,especially as our lives these past 2 years have been extremely turbulent.Not much fun without any family support either.
However latterly,probably when hearing of the ones able to get out just a little,and then a slow meet with loved ones we began to feel very alone...........and yes Marydoll like you in some ways,totally abandoned by the medics.
We have been more fortunate than many by my badgering paying off meaning my dear one`s chemo treatment has continued.......plus being it has been carried out at home.
Although we are nearing his life expectancy naturally this is NOT a good time and as for our Palliative Nurse,Clinical Nurse in Charge and Consultant(s) they have been totally absent save one 2 minute `phone call by an un named person!!!!!
The range of treatments my husband is on affects the liver and this along with other aspects of his condition need constant blood tests etc.........again only by making loud voices repeatedly we have the slightest attention and it is very frightening.
I am not up to all this harrowing aggression needed as I am still not nearly well since all that went wrong medically (again) since Christmas.
These are decidedly tough times and my heart goes out to all of you whom are not only daily dealing with your own or your man`s ill health but also having to try fight this system that only seems to get from bad to worse!
Although last week we are told the "R" rate is a full 1 in the South West and 1.1 in the North West,Matt Hancock insists that (and this is the rub) overall the "r" rate is under 1.
Yet why then do the WHO tell us this virus is more rampant now than ever so we need to keep our feet down hard on the pedal??????
Conflicting advice to those of us whom have some understanding,whom cares a lot ......this does nothing to help or quell our fears!!!!

Sorry my friends here but I simply had to open up and let my inner feelings known.

Having had that lot off my chest I am about to go for our morning stroll,earlier than yesterday the sun is slowly breaking through, so at least weather ways,things look promising.
I hope to blow off the rest of these cobwebs and then come back here and start over,properly reading all your posts yet again and going from there!
By the way Doodle I have tried finding a way to my settings here, but as yet have failed,perhaps you,or one of our ladies here can assist me further??

Until later........with a cooler head,have a pleasant day,may the sun shine and uplift your space and thoughts.

Dreamkeeper you express so eloquently what the rest of us are feeling.

I am not sure which settings you are referring to but I only have Apple products in the house so probably cannot help you.

I have my lovely gardener here at the moment. She does the nitty gritty weeding. I just potter and plant. I sent for some plug plants not realising how small they would be. It also looked as if they had been drenched in water so most of the leaves had left the fragile stems. I have stuck them all in a pot and we shall see what transpires.

Seems I have much to catch up on and without further ado,having enjoyed a pleasant morning garden stroll in lovely warm sunshine I think I am now in control of my feelings again.

Quite a number of us seem to be rather "long winded" Cherry whether that is good or bad,we certainly seem to compliment one another!
Interesting hearing of what seems to be your rather short foray into the Nursing profession,of course it is not for everyone.
I did not start mine until a 4 month spell in Hospital myself and a broken marriage brought me to my knees.
Having had such great nursing and seeing how happy those nurses seemed to be,whatever their duties,I thought that perhaps this would be a good place to start.
Having come out of Hospital at 6 stone 7 pounds,then the turmoil of my broken marriage I was not in a good place either mentally or physically,hence starting locally "to test the waters" basically.
Within 3 months I was totally hooked and was kicking myself I had not turned to this as a profession at a much earlier date.
I started in earnest in Swansea General and truly found my vocation, various forms of nursing /caring followed ever since.
So sorry hearing of your dear one`s pain situation,nebver a good place to be,especially with you too having your own health issues.
Life certainly is not easy!

A refreshing take on how life has been recently Lemongrove and quite frankly we needed that!

Truly feeling your pain with Gall stones Mammissimo made all the more difficult with this damn Covid situation.
A real humbug for sure.

That daily walk helps keep the Doctor (and Covid) away hopefully Iam64

Oh! dear yet another one in trouble,yes Missedout losing a filling can have further implications.
Very brave of you taking to the snipping scissors,we are both more like hippies each new day!!!
Our manes are virtually flowing.

Wowee!!!!!! What a breathe of fresh air Bradfordlass,if your post was designed to take our minds of these challenges we are facing, you thought right!!!!!
A typical mother/son conversation for sure.
I even enjoyed knowing your son`s `tach is now grey!followed by that hug........yes tears are flowing at the mere thought.
A hug means so very much,especially now.

Poor you Dragonfly but quite frankly I think having this blood test might result in the medics finding the cause of your lethargy with medication to uplift and help you out.I am hopeful on your behalf.
So pleased you are now busy helping out doing light duties in your garden,although those plug plants look small and fragile,at least being well watered should mean once planted out they will race away and grow beautifully,giving you a very pretty array to enjoy.
Nice hearing you in more cheerful mode although we are all very able at hiding our feelinbgs too often.

I will second your sentiment Grammeretto let today be uneventful,in the nicest possible way for our inmates here!

Having now had lunch and our big event of the day,my man`s trousers have arrived by Hermes...........all the way to our flat door!
I still await my cotton trousers and a few cotton blouses,hope they arrive during summer!
We had envisaged a little time spent in our green oases sitting in sunshine only to find grey clouds have hidden the morning sun.
At least I have been able to catch up and just hope I do not get ticked off by the Guv for my irregular timing!
Hope all is well in your little world Doodle

Take care and Keep safe........We shall see the outside world again,the question just is...when?

Just to let you all know - I have just had a text from my lovely GP telling me my blood test and bone profile were normal. Phew!!!

Dragonfly, fantastic news!!! I'm so pleased for you. Thanks goodness for some good news on here.

What wonderful news Dragonfly I am really happy for you. xxx

dragonfly that’s wonderful. How lovely to have some good news. Fantastic. Cocktails all round tonight. Alcohol free special for you Marydoll.?. Those results came through quite quickly *dragonfly what a relief.

Brilliant news Dragonfly, really brilliant! You're normal!

I hope everyone feels free to come on this thread and say how they are really feeling. I realise that we try and shield loved ones from our worries and anxieties but on here you can say how you feel in the knowledge that others understand. You can also be as long winded as you like. Speaking for myself, I enjoy your stories and the interesting things you have done or are doing so please keep posting as you like.
panache I feel for your worries for DH and how you want him to have his treatment and tests on time. It is important for things to be monitored properly. It’s a sad fact that sometimes if we don’t fight for what we need it doesn’t happen. It would be more helpful if we could be sure of the facts but everyone seems to put their own spin on it.
Glad you had a nice walk in the garden.
How interesting how you came to have a life in nursing. It was obviously meant for you. Some never find that place in life I’m glad it worked out for you in the end.
So the trousers have come. Hope they fit well. Now just the wait for yours to arrive.

I know what you mean about the setting panache . As soon as I’ve figured it out I’ll be back

I have just sent you a “Just testing “ message panache. I you go to your Inbox (top right) you should be able to see it. If you then select reply and type something and press send we will see if it goes through ok. When I sent the message to you it said it was sent so you should be able to receive it. ?

dragonfly what absolutely brilliant news. Oh, I could kiss you with happiness. I'm really pleased for you ❤️.

I'm very much up for a celebration Doodle, make mine alcohol free too. Chin, chin dragonfly ?

Evening gang, I will be back later to read, but in the meantime, I have made a screen shot of how to access your settings to allow PMs.

Click on Inbox, then Settings, then choose to Receive PMs.

I'm not sure if that is the info you are looking for, Panache.
Even if it doesn't, it may help someone else! .

I hope there is nothing incriminating in the screen shot!

If you click on the image, it will enlarge and be clearer.

I'm not sure that courage is part of my make-up, Dreamkeeper, more 'fools rush in where angels fear to tread'!

I lost my tooth filling about 2 weeks into lockdown. I've replaced it frequently. It is so difficult, there is a vertical slot in the back of a lower molar. Getting the mix right in 20 seconds then actually getting it into the slot without it sticking to the little probe I use (and not coming back out stuck to the probe) requires a lot of patience and dexterity! I dribble a lot too!

My husband is still pleased with his haircut. When I cut my own, I just tried to snip off the same length all over, except the back where I do the best I can. I don't have to worry about the colour, my hair has faded but I don't show any grey roots. I don't think it is too bad.

I had a call from the hospital today to say that my phone appointment with my immunologist is to be put back a week. I want to find out from her if she has any insights about how someone with my medical conditions can leave lockdown. I'm not holding my breath.

Today, I amended my Sainsbury’s delivery for Thursday. When I checked out, my credit card was refused. After 30 minutes on the phone to my credit card provider, they told me I needed to go into my local Sainsbury’s with proof of identity. I said I'd be happy to do that but, as I was shielding, I didn't think it was advisable (or words to that effect, I wasn't rude though). After another 10 minutes and security high jinks, they told me I was clear to use the card again.

I can't think how I would manage without being able to use my credit card. I have a debit card but prefer to use it online as little as possible.

Time to cook again. My husband is always appreciative, but he likes a 'proper' meal.

I had decided to give you all some peace after my long scribes of today BUT..........

Firstly I am SO delighted with your news re you Bloods Dragonfly that result alone will surely lift you up sky high and make you feel very much better.
I hope this serves to give you much needed peace of mind.

Secondly dear Doodle I have to bow down low and say a very big thank you for helping me back to find my PM`s
I immediately had a go and remembered it all then,on going to my inbox where your testing message was I found one from our Mammissimo whom was such a great friend a while ago in reply to one I had written her on my return to GN,so was so pleased when I found her posting here.............although never having had a reply from her it just hurt my feelings a little.
But there it was a lovely message ..........and I had totally missed it........so indeed a double joyous whammy if you know what I mean!!!
As if that was not enough yes your message too Bradfordlass and very helpful advice, which I intend testing out very soon!
There are others besides so I shall be quietly reading away for some time it seems!!!

So although it has not been the best of days it has certainly improved, plus then on moving back here I see your kind gesture Marydoll to help me out............and yes I am now soooooooo grateful to you all,and I am thriving on all these messages!!
A big thank you gang,whatever would I do without you lot!!
And you Guv Doodle you are THE TOPS!

Glad you received all those messages panache. Hopefully, it will keep working from now on.
missedout that tooth is certainly troublesome. Hope you can have it fixed for good soon. That was a worrying moment with your credit card. Being in lockdown that’s the last thing you need, glad it was all sorted in the end. Enjoy your meal.?