The Lockdown Gang - Carry on Regardless.

Just a brief visit from me this evening. I had one of those dratted perennials, not a bad one fortunately but as soon as I've taken my meds I'm off to bed.

Aww I love the hedgehog photos Nflk. If Bottom is the little un's mummy then I would think she'd make sure it s/he wasn't out when it's too cold ☺️

Thanks for the tip Mamissimo, I think that we've followed the printed instructions too closely in the past maybe, we'll give them a go buried planted shallower ☺️

Maybe you have started something BradfordLass ? - a lovely discussion about veg ?. I don't think I've seen a thread on gransnet about favourite fruit and veg, maybe I've just got a poor memory. I love swede but I think broccoli is my favourite veg - as long as it's not cooked too much. I do a vegetable bake in white sauce BradfordLass, sometimes with a lift of horseradish or mustard but only a hint.
Like you Doodle I adore cauliflower cheese, it's one of my ultimate comfort foods.

I hope your DH has had a lovely birthday Missedout. I won't send him a cake as it sounds like he's had the perfect one so I'll send this ? instead.

Yes Grammaretto we are locked down again in Wales. The First Minister said that all those who were shielding first time round should receive a letter by Friday ?.

It wasn't a muscle spasm my WP suffered, unfortunately, BradfordLass. He has chronic pain syndrome due to displaced, crushed and disintegrated discs. He's aware of what aggravates his condition and sudden explosive movements is one of them. He's in constant pain anyway but sometimes he doesn't help himself ?. It sounds like Mr G is a little bit like that too Grammaretto by trying to avoid his tablets.

I hope today has been better for you Nortsat and similarly that you and Mr D have had a relaxing day. I'm a little (sorry) but was it this evening that you had your blood test or are you having it in November ?.

Need to rest now gang, see ya all tomorrow ? ☺️

Aw Nfk thankyou for the photos of your prickly visitors. So sweet.
I once disturbed a hedgehog who was trying to hibernate in a forgotten corner. Although I tried to put everything back as it was, I never saw the hog again nor have I seen any since.
At least I haven't seen dead ones either.
I wouldn't dare to spike MrG's food. I shall just have to use the art of persuasion faint hope

I am so glad MrD is home and much better and you too Doodle must be mightily relieved.
Yes of course there' s a chocolate eclair tree. You may have to knit it.
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chocolate-eclair

I had second thoughts about planting broad beans. I remembered I live in the frozen north so will wait until the Spring. I daresay your Bible Mamissimo is not a Scots edition.

Not looking forward to the night. Poor MrG. He has a hospital appt tomorrow so perhaps something can be dione.

I hope your medical review went well Nortsat

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202010/medium-533251-p1210520.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202010/medium-551649-p1210533.jpg

Good evening All

I thought you might like to see photos DH managed to take of a baby hedgehog we have visiting. We suspected that there was a second one besides Bottom and this little mite appeared during the late afternoon. He's a little on the small side and shouldn't have been out but hopefully if the weather doesn't get too cold, he should be ok - according to a local FB hedgehog site. Apparently little ones like this can be around as late as the end of November if the weather stays warm enough.

Missedout hope MrM had a good day. Any of that cake left? ?
nfk hope you had a good chat with your friends. Nice to catch up. I hope your DH can get his ears sorted soon. That blocked hearing thing is unpleasant.
You all love your gardening. I wonder if I should grow something on my balcony. Is there a Chocolate eclair tree I wonder ? ?
Nortsat sorry you’ve not been well again. It’s difficult to get going when the mornings are dark instead of full of sunshine.
Yes thanks, we are well settled back home. Had a long chat with our own GP today and she is going to take more bloods as the results from Poole haven’t made it to our surgery.
I certainly do send you best wishes. I hope your medical review didn’t bring any nasty surprises.
Grammaretto I see you have a problem with MrG and taking medication.
I had the same problem with my mum. She always used to take half of everything prescribed so she had some in reserve if she needed it. My dear mum once told her doctor she took half a sleeping tablet at night. He looked puzzled. How can you take half he asked, the centre is liquid, if you cut it the liquid will come out. Ah said mum, with a sweet smile, I have to put them in the freezer first to make them solid and then I can cut them in half and leave them in the freezer till I need them. The doctors face was a picture. ?
Could you treat MrG like a reluctant pet and mash his pills up in his dinner.
Ah, a lightbulb moment. I have heard of tatties and neeps and haggis and neeps but I didn’t know a neep was a turnip.
Your Halloween night sounds much better than the sort we have here. Bit more like Carole singing at Christmas.

It is my turn for a blood test. Nothing dreadful just a bit of dry skin that needs treating. I was instructed to phone the hospital to make an appointment. I could either go on the 2nd November or tonight at 8.30pm. I have to sit in my car in the car park and wait until they phone my mobile for me to go in.
Late dinner tonight. Waitrose delivery first.

Happy BIrthday MrMissedout and hello everyone else.
Enjoy your cream tea.

Thanks for your good wishes and advice. It's so appreciated. It really is.
Whether it's about beans Mamissimo or asking for help NfkD you must be joking!

The duty doctor did phone back and it was a long chat but she doesn't know MrG (how could she) and she doesn't know how stubborn he is.
She prescribed pain killers, anti-sickness pills and sleeping pills.
DH has taken half a paracetamol so far , which I already had in the cupboard so didn't need to spend half the day waiting in queues out in the rain for the Chemist. Hey Ho. I spoke to his DM today and she understands what he's like.

No wonder I prefer to retreat to the greenhouse and think about beans and cuttings.
I envy those of you allowed to visit.
We are back on Lockdown here as you are in Wales, no?
It is mighty confusing though.
I am a bear of little brain and certainly no Tigger!

There is a campaign here in Scotland to retain the turnip aka neep or swede, as the lantern vegetable. after all the puritan scots expect you to suffer as you gouge out your neep
You then cook the inside and have it with haggis and tatties.
The concept of trick or treat is an American import and pumpkins alien as they never grew them here.
To be a proper traditionalist, at Halloween, you send the children out in fancy dress - Guising as in Disguising - to sing and recite for the neighbours who give them fruit and sweets (treacle scones perhaps but never money)

Of course much of this has been lost sight of and the shops are uniform. I always think how silly that Sainsburys, Lidl and the like have never realised that the holidays are different in Scotland so all the back to school merchandise arrives a month too late for us.

That's enough of that!

I hope there is much less pain here today in our lovely penitentiary. I can supply drugs if necessary.................

.

Good morning gangsters, I hope we all had a decent night’s sleep. I have my coffee and am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle).
I have had a rough few days and hope today is better, for everyone, not just me. I don’t like these mornings when it’s really dark at 6.30am. We’re not seeing sunrise until 7.30 here in London.
Panache, how are you and your dear one today. I hope he’s reasonably comfortable. Sending you ?
Grammaretto sorry to learn that Mr G was so unwell yesterday. It’s such a worry, isn’t it?
Nfkdumpling, what a lovely time you had with your DGS, all that fun ... takes a lot of energy, doesn’t it?
Bradfordlass you speak of your sense of humour, I think we can all attest that it stays with you and brings the rest of us many smiles.
Mashed swede/turnip with butter and black pepper is a delicious vegetable. My mother used to mash it with carrots too, or potatoes. Lovely... I do miss my mothers cooking.
Mammissimo what a lovely Chr***mas present for Mr M. I can imagine personalising it, with his favourites, was half the fun. Luxurious breakfast on Chr***mas morning in your house, then.
Doodle are you settled in at home now. I hope you both had a comfortable night. Haven’t we had the ‘chocolate eclairs conversation’ before? I should think you both deserved a couple (each?). ? Looking forward to hearing more about your new craft project.
Cherry, glad your WP is feeling better. My brother in law was a ‘leaper up’, when his football team scored goals. He was mild mannered in most other ways, but was a raucous football fan.
Missedout it sounds as though you had a lovely family Sunday. I wish you many more.
Is today the ‘chocolate cake and cream tea day’? I hope you have a lovely time. ?

I have a medical review telephone consultation this morning at 11.00, so please send me good thoughts then.
Have a pleasant day, all. ?

I woke at a quarter to six this morning. Again. I'm really dreading the clocks changing and wish they'd stay put.

We're off to see friends for coffee this morning which should be ok for DH and his blocked ears as there won't be any background noise. I've managed to bring his ear excavation appointment forward to tomorrow. If not for a chance remark from DD2 I would never have known that some opticians do ears as well! It's going to cost £60 but will be worth it if he can get his balance and head back! Our GP surgery said that they haven't been told they can do ear wax removal at the moment and have a waiting list so there'll be one less person on the list now.

I miss having a veggie plot. Living where we do with a good green grocer and people putting out barrows of surplus stock at their gates it really isn't worth growing our own. I

With the lock down this year I had an excuse and really enjoyed planting veg in containers this year. I still have a large straight sided pot of leaks looking all artistic in the middle of the flower bed. Carrots and radish failed completely, I think the soil was wrong, but broad beans (a short variety) and peas worked brilliantly. I love picking pea pods to eat raw and will do the same next year. And I grew climbing French beans up a trellis with the clematis. That worked well too. Every trug and bucket was growing something!

I don't much like cauliflower - except raw - so have never tried it with just white sauce. It has to be smothered with cheese sauce - preferably with crispy fried onion and bacon bits! Carrots are better raw too. And beans and peas. Is there a name for people who like raw vegetables. Rawgans?

I love Blackadder Bradford. Well worth tracking down.

I hope you get - or preferably have had a successful call back Grammaretto. You and Panache really do need some help. When I was desperate for help with my mum I was advised by a friend to let go and cry in front of the doctor/SW. It went completely against the grain and felt as if I was a failure. But it worked!! Looking back now I realise I wasn't coping as well as I thought I was and the tears weren't as put on as I felt at the time. As they say, "Fasten your own oxygen mask before helping others".

Bradfordlass I can tell you those chocolate eclairs are the best I’ve had. ?
I have discovered my new favourite veg. Steamed packets from Waitrose of kale, grated cauliflower, broccoli and wild rice. It’s not cheap so I tried making my own without success (soggy mess) I am having one most nights now as my main ingredient apart from some chicken. Don’t know what I will do if they stop selling it.
I love cauliflower cheese but haven’t made it with just white sauce. Do you put black pepper on it?
Mamissimo you could have your own gardening program. I’ve never been into growing my own but my father was a very keen gardener. Always grew all our veg. Mum used to just give him a basket and send him off down the garden with instructions to bring back her required veg for the day.
Missedout I will let you know how I get on with my organiser, It was more difficult sourcing the slightly thicker felt than I imagined (probably because I was too impatient to wait for it ?)
I’m glad you had a lovely time with your family and feel you are getting a better bond with your DGD. I know how much that must mean to you. How is the hand?
Hope you enjoy the cake. Send some crumbs if any left.
Sleep well all

A bag organiser is just what I need, Doodle, I'm always changing bags over and leaving essential bits and pieces behind. I'm pleased to hear you are at home. I hope Mr D recovers quickly.

DH and I spent most of yesterday with DS, DIL and DGD. We had a lovely, relaxing day, were made very welcome, well fed and spent 'quality time' with our DGD. In the past our visits have been difficult. I sincerely hope that we are entering a new chapter.

I'm getting used to having baths but there are challenges. I can't squeeze the gloopy hair conditioner from its bottle into the hand I want to apply it with. The work around is to squeeze a blob on to the flat top of the side of the bath before I start. I had to write DH's birthday card today, with the wrong hand. It's OK except I was so busy concentrating on forming the letters, I was a bit brief with the wording. DH will understand.

I'm afraid I have ordered chocolate cake and cream tea to be delivered tomorrow. I have a suitable evening meal in the freezer.

I seem to be extra tired at the moment and will have an early night. Thinking of you all, especially those worrying about their vulnerable and sick loved ones.

I seem to have put the cat amongst the turnips!

Ask for a turnip here and if you can even find one, it's a small, white thing. I sometimes go to the Chinese vegie shop especially to buy things I can't get elsewhere.

For the hearty, orange, tought-skinned rutabaga-mangelwurzel vegetable, ask for Swede. Mashed with butter and black pepper, it's one of my favourite vegetables.

I have no doubt many people find buying things a pleasure. I do if it's for someone else but I'd hardly call it therapy; therapy for what? I don't have any ailment which can be assuaged or cured by purchasing goods.
Although if I could get an M&S eclair, I suspect I might find a lot of pleasure in that.

No Doodle I've never seen Blackadder. Thanks for the clip
It sounds as if it might take a wee while for you both to get over the shock - be kind to yourselves. xxxx

Grammaretto I sincerely hope you get a reassuring call from the GP.
Are you not entitled to any help?

Cherry your poor WP, was it a muscle spasm? I used to get that when travelling from Bradford to Hereford to visit my parents-in-law. Later, after an rta, I got a TENS machine which worked miracles.

I'm planning cauliflower and white sauce for lunch and whilst the buying of it was treated with indifference, the eating will certainly be an enjoyment.

grammaretto broad beans can go in the ground now....at least that's what my bible says! Otherwise plant in greenhouse in January and plant out in March. I grow The Sutton which is a shorter variety, 15 - 18 inches tall and you can grow the rows a bit closer together. That means they don't get quite to battered in the winter. Once the first beans have set low down pinch out the tops so that energy goes into bean making rather than height. Marshalls have seeds at the moment.

I grow organically and follow no dig methods but I think we must have magic soil. It's clay but every time I harvest anything I add more organic matter from the HotBin. Garlic seems to do best if I plant it in October and I don't plant it deep. If the winter ravages expose it too much I just poke it back down with my finger.

We don't leave the bean roots in because many veg don't like too much nitrogen - and the bean roots get in the way of the next crop.

That's all from Percy Throwup tonight!
Sleep tight

cherry sorry WP was in a lot of pain but glad to hear these spells only usually last a short while. Oh dear, perhaps it was that spontaneous leap at the equalising goal wot did it. Should I write to the team involved and ask them to keep it low key in future? ? Please do let us know about the matches. Just because I’m not a footie fan doesn’t mean I can’t be pleased for you when your team win. I know what it is like as in years gone by DH and I have been on the edge of our seats watching snooker or the Grand Prix.
I have bought a couple of really nice tops from Sainsbury’s.
How is your non art coming on? I have decided on my next sewing craft. I am going to make a customised bag organiser.
I was looking online for one but can’t find exactly what I want.
Going to order some felt tonight and get started on design and planning. ?

Well gang..... clearly I didn't make back to continue my post yesterday.
Unfortunately the long and short of that is because my WP was in so much pain he couldn't even manage to get out of his chair and I had to help him, and for the rest of the evening and into bed. Fortunately absolutely fine today. He gets these spells, sometimes for only a day, sometimes for a few but he hasn't had one for a while. I think the way he sprang to his feet from his chair in celebration when that equalising goal was scored had something to do with it !?

Nflk the joys and difficulties of looking after your DGS is palpable from the little story you have shared with us. Methinks grandma enjoyed the lovely long day you shared but can't say the same about the short night. It sounds like you enjoyed your bubbly bath every much, if not more than, your DGS did his though! ?

I get what you are saying about clothes shopping BradfordLass, considering what you've said. A very close childhood friend of mine wore men's jeans and trousers for the same reason as you. Most of the other clothes she wore were made by her mother and occasionally, for something special, by my aunt who worked as a seamstress part time. It's bad show that clothes shops in New Zealand are still not catering for many but are still concentrating on the young svelte few. Shops are much improved here I think, though still have a way to go. I find Sainsbury's pretty good, reasonable price, reasonable quality and good range of sizes but there are a heck of a lot of shops I wouldn't enter (and that's pre covid).
If you do try the syrup recipe I hope you like it, let me know how you get on ☺️

I hope you managed to change the delivery date for the Fortnum & Mason hamper Mamissimo. It sounds like you put a lot of thought into your selections. ? such a reputable company will behave honourably.
I'm sure you're please that the rubber beans are cleared and gone now ?. We never seem to have much luck with garlic. I don't know what we're doing wrong but it's definitely something ?. Any tips?

Panache I meant to tell you something yesterday you might not be aware of. The League of Friends have accommodation based at Morriston Hospital, usually used for relatives to stay in when a loved one is very ill in hospital. I'm sure, given your circumstances, that you could both be accommodated there whilst Mr P receives radiotherapy treatment at Singleton Hospital and that volunteer transport between the two can be arranged. I had to have volunteer transport back and fro to Velindre daily for mine. It was fine.
I hope your dental appointment went well and your palate is either sorted or is being sorted and that you and Mr P has had a better day today. You are clearly worn down at the moment with everything the way it is, I do wish I had a real magic wand but I don't. I send you a (virtual) cwtch and ?

It feels such a shame to say it but I'm glad you and Mr D are home too Doodle ☺️. Not just eclairs, M&S eclairs eh *Doodle ?. What is it they say about cream cakes - a moment on the lips a lifetime on the hips ?. Well, so what! ?
I know I'm the only gangster who's a footie fan so when I wrote about yesterday's match I did want to get it across what it's like being one and part of the reason why I am. It seems that I've done that ☺️. I'm glad I've managed to do it so I won't want to bore you with details of matches again ?

Grammaretto really sorry to hear that Mr G is so unwell today. I hope the Dr rang back!
You're right and it's ridiculous that the old are left to care for the old. For decades, from governments of all colours, we have heard the rhetoric about wholistic approaches to health and well-being and providing people with support. The only people I know of that actually receive any, and what they receive is minimal, are people living on their own. Carer's assessments, ha ha, what do they do? Nothing.
Don't know anything about broad bean seeds sorry, there are two types of beans I don't like and they are one of them. We've taken cuttings of shrubs at this time of year and had success with evergreen ones.
It's a sad sign of the times for little uns going to school in a mask. I saw a child in a buggy with a mask on when I went out the other day. I don't think a child so young has to wear one in a shop or the street but the parents obviously thought they were doing the right thing ?
I don't think your friend is breaking the covid rules. I think someone is allowed if s/he is providing care or support. It's definitely support at least.

I hope the rest of the gangsters are okay ?.

Catch up with you all tomorrow ? ?

Grammaretto sorry to hear MrG is not at all well.
I hope you got a prompt call back from the GP. Is your DH any more comfortable?
Must have been difficult for you if your mum was always getting in debt.
Seeing little ones go to school always gets to me. Wearing masks. This time last year, no one would have believed it.
Having been unable to go to hospital with DH and sitting in that caravan wondering what was going on , I can certainly sympathise with your friend going to see her mum. To be apart from loved ones when they are ill is just too much to bear I think.
Just finished my chocolate eclair for tonight (why buy one pack when 2 are more tempting) delicious ?

Doodle you sound 200% more cheerful. And yes, yum those eclairs....

Hello lovely gang,

I am now waiting for the doctor to ring back. I have a list of worries to put to her. DH is very poorly today and can't get comfortable even in bed.
It always seems to be the old caring for the old. If only I was a bit more sprightly myself, I could change the sheets in a flash instead of it being a major operation..

Anyways I would rather drink my coffee and read your news .The beans Mamissimo arent you supposed to leave them in the ground for the nitrogen to fix - or is that an urban myth?

I picked the last of the grapes at the weekend and ate them all. There were hardly any.
I have bought broadbean seeds. Where do I plant them? in the garden or in the greenhouse?
Have I left it too late to take rose and shrub cuttings for DD's new garden?
They are on the brink of moving to their new abode. DGD went off on the school bus this morning -the wee treasure.
with her mask on.
Oh how I hate this ruddy virus!!

I'm all for retail therapy. I'm just not good at it myself.
DM got herself into debt. She was always buying things she didn't need to cheer herself up but the euphoria never lasted. It was an illness which I have not inherited.

A Fortnums hamper sounds a treat anyone would like. I usually do hampers from our own Storehouse and will no doubt do that again.
I never know what to send to NZ. Things take so long to arrive. As soon as I think of it, I've already missed the last post.

NfkD that time with DGS sounds so lovely.
My friend is breaking the covid rules and driving to see her mum today. Her mum has just been diagnosed with something terminal so I told her it was an essential visit. It is, isn't it?

Bradfordlass and Mamissimo the delights of buying an expensive turnip from Blackadder. ?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD2iYSKHHzo

Morning all. So glad to be home ?
Thank you again for all your kind thoughts.
Being home makes such a difference. We can relax a bit now.
Had an easy meal last night courtesy of M&S on the motorway service station (they do the most amazing chocolate eclairs ?)
Planning a quiet day to day. Short walk and pick up prescriptions and get the first load of ‘holiday wash’ on.
Panache your gilet sounds nice. Shame about the cardi. I love the sound of that damson sweater. Sounds soft cosy and warm in colour too.
Life must be very stressful for you with having to make difficult treatment decisions without proper help or advice from the GP. I wish I could think of something encouraging to say but all I can do is hold you both in my prayers and give you a gentle hug. Hope the visit to the dentist goes ok.
Grammaretto nice to hear you have made a pottery sale and have a new order. Sorry the quiz was a bit difficult. We had the same when we went to a party with my BIL &Sil and all their uni friends. To be honest even if I’m asked questions I do know the answer to, under pressure I forget ?
Glad MrG had a better day. A new puppy sounds like fun (as long as you don’t have to clear up after it ?)
Nfk your visit from your DGS sounded so enjoyable. I bet he had a great time. Lovely to get out old toys and play with them again. You obviously enjoy playing together.
Sorry your DH is a bit under par. Is the balance issue an ongoing thing or due to the problem with his ears. Hope he feels better soon.
Cherry I could almost feel the tension in your description of the footie game. I take it that it ended in a draw. Do you team now go on to play someone else or do they have a rematch?
Bradfordlass you and your garden sound bright and chirpy today. Hope that means you are feeling much better.
Your wreath is very pretty and your lovely roses.
I’m not much one for shopping these days. I do love buying crafting things though. I get more excited by some pretty fabric than clothes for myself.?
Ah Bradfordlass you say you don’t get delighted at the purchase of a turnip. Turnips were of great value to Baldrick in Blackadder. Don’t know if you ever saw that. ?
Mamissimo so you are extolling the virtues of a good turnip too. That’s a fun idea for your DHs Christmas present. Hope it doesn’t arrive this week ? I might have a look at Emily in Paris. I could do with a little froth after last week ?
Have a good day all. ?

A very early call from me and that is only because I have a Dental appointment that has to be attended to as I still have these problems with my palate.
Quite frankly I think I am due the knackers yard as I seem to be full of problems all over the place.................thing is I really cannot afford this luxury of treating my problems...........so much needed now to try make my beloved`s burdens easier.

Looks as though Wales is going into another lockdown which I agree with if hopefully people respond as they did before.However I have grave doubts as lethargy and complacancy has bedded in.

Another fine morning and that is both a blessing and surprise as the forecast said otherways!

Unlike yourself Bradfordlass buying new clothes etc has always given me pleasure and some light relief when troubles abound,thankfully though we are all individual.

Thinking very much of you Doodle and the unpleasant shocks you both have had since heading for a caravan break,just so unfair,although hopefully it is only onwards and upwards from here on in.
Caring is truly a full time occupation in itself.I did the same for my dear foster mum aged 80+,crippled and suffering an extra debilitating cancer........without the help from my caring husband I would never have coped...........he did "over and beyond" although working 10 hour days then himself.

Perhaps you can teach us all in wreath making Mamissimo an art for sure.I have done my own version which gave me pleasure but it was nothing special.

No footie in our house Cherry but someone does get stuck in front of the screen when there is Cycling or Snooker.........possably athletics!!
We did watch the Rob Burrows sad documentary though all be it through tears.What a vile disease MND............and it has simply devoured him so quickly.

You sound in very good humour NFK and at oe with the world.Could you send me over a slice or two if you please??!!

Hope your man has the patience of job Grammaretto to help him recover from those darned kidney stones.Time is of the essence ...........the something far too often in short supply.

Must away but as always wishing my gangster friends well,keep your peckers up and do please Stay Safe.

Bradfordlass I have to disagree.....there is huge delight to be found in buying turnips because they're as rare as salsify round here. Apparently there's no demand but I keep on demanding them. Lamb and baby turnips is heaven on a plate!

Last night I had a brainwave and ordered Mr M a hamper from Fortnum and Mason for his Christmas present. It's been on his bucket list for years for some inexplicable reason so should bring delight and a desire to finish the porch with any luck! I spent a pleasurable couple of hours choosing and refining my selection of treats for him....and then in error organised delivery for this week ? So this morning it's customer services for me to get it sorted out. Their answerphone says they don't open till 10.00, bit antediluvian but part of the charm I guess.

We spent yesterday taking down the rubber beans and shredding the bines for compost. This week I will plant garlic, banana shallots and broad beans...and the crocuses and then bulb planting will be complete. Happy day!

Have any of you seen Emily in Paris on Netflix? We sat and binge watched it on Saturday night and revelled in its American daft ness. Lovely to see Paris and we enjoyed the froth. Made such a change from all the angst and gloom. I'm not quite recommending it but if you want something frothy for a change you could do worse.

Back later.

Cherry I must have posted just behind you, so didn't see the syrup recipe. Thank you, I shall try it.

Gosh, that was a nail-biter! Glad the team won.

You're right. I thought afterwards I should have been more diligent about putting a smile after the oxymoron .

In all honesty though, I get absolutely NO pleasure from buying things and I put this down to a lifetime never being able to find clothing my size and which suits my taste and personality. Would you beleive I lived with the horro of having wear mens' t-shirts and jumpers because women's clothing never fit? I shudder even now.

Over the years, seeing hundreds of gorgeous garments - at least 2 sizes too small has warped me

Nowadays, there's a little more choice but most of it tends to be for bigger lassies half my age. It's still true though, that of the hundreds of clothing shops in the malls and High Street, there's not one with garments my size. And that's in an area famed for its Pasifika and Maori people who are far larger than I.

And as for other items, well, I find it hard to work up hysterical and therapeutic delight in the purchase of a turnip or bathroom spray.

Ata marie everyone. The sun is shining, there's Chaffinch, Thrush and Blackbird chirruping away and the roses along my deck are just full of buds waiting to burst into bloom.

Grammaretto I share your opinion of Spitting Image - the 1984 version at least. The Jacinda clip is all I've seen of the new one.
Very good to read your MrG is improving - it's the haggis I'm sure.

NFK what a truly happy account of the day with your dgs, bless his heart. I was smiling all the way through reading it. I'm hoping for similar days with my little lassie.

Doodle I hope you're both at home now and settling down to peaceful days which will be more of a holiday than the one you've just battled through. At least you had one lovely walk together.
I rarely lose my sense of humour and optimism, Doodle. They've been my saviours through many a dark day. I'm also a very contented person because my life now, compared to how it has been in the past, is wonderful. .

Mamissimo I'm sure you'll love the wreath making class and once you know how, you can make them for so many occasions: weddings, Easter etc. This one was made oval and thin, for the very narrow space it was to occupy. It's basis is prunings from my Banksia rose.

dragonfly I'm glad you have a good consultant, it makes a world of difference, doesn't it?
There must be something about us Yorkshire women because I too recently sent a letter of thanks to my GP who has allowed me to choose, without any eye-rolling or put downs, an alternative, natural remedy, after 2 pharmaceuticals had appalling side effects which almost killed me. That's rare in a GP because pharma insists and even uses bribes to persaude they have the only remedies and most doctors believe it.

Wishing everyone a happy day

Good evening gang.

I spent late afternoon watching my footie team. They were 3 nil down after 16 minutes ?. With less than ten minutes of the match left the score was still the same ?. Then they scored ? but were still losing ?, then they got another goal back, still losing ?. In added time with one minute left they were still losing ?. They scored again with the last kick of the game - ker-ching!?
Oh the agony and ecstasy of being a footie fan ?

Doodle I feel so upset for you - that what was meant to be a restful break away for you and Mr D has been anything but. The important thing now though is that your dear man recovers, that the antibiotics do their magic and that you can both rest and relax at home. I wish these were real, the thought behind them is.

BradfordLass the syrup is very easy to make.

I pint of dry cider.
2 tablespoons of golden castor sugar.
I cinnamon sticks.
1 nutmeg
2 level teaspoons of mixed spice.
1 thick slice of an orange (optional)

I'm sure you know how to make a syrup but this is what I do. I just put all the ingredients in a pan on a medium heat and reduce down. When the syrup is just starting develop I remove the cinnamon and nutmeg (and orange if used). I turn up the heat and reduce to required consistency and allow to cool.

I agree the phrase retail therapy is oxymoronic. Tongue in cheek doesn't always come across in black and white ?

Being "summoned" ? back shortly.

Evenin' All

I think I'm just about recovered. DGS was so excited about coming for a sleepover and having Nanny on tap for his every whim. DH has blocked ears at present (a common occurrence for him), can't hear, balance is dodgy and his head is 'all woolly', so not the best company for an active child who doesn't speak as clearly as he tries to say too much all at once.
Soo, the request for a long bath by DGS on Friday night was great. He has only showers in his house so a bubbly bath with all the old toys he hasn't been able to play with for so long made him very happy. And, he's been promoted to sleeping in the double spare bed, which got him to bed at a reasonable time but not to sleep! Foolishly I thought that would mean a bit of a lay in yesterday morning. Silly me. Five o'clock he came through full of the joys of spring! Shopping, playground, lunch and then biscuit making, games of rummy and mancala, plus non-stop chat and I was worn out! This morning I relished an hour in the bath - before facing the challenge of getting out of it! How did I manage to raise three children so close together in age with no help to speak of? No computers or tablets and little input from our parents. But grandparents didn't often help with childcare then did they. Weren't we all wonderful!

DH and I spent rather too long trying to put together the wire shelving I bought on Amazon last week. It arrived yesterday. Now its together I'm really pleased with it and my seedlings are all looking neat and happy. It's in the car port which has a clear roof, as I don't have a greenhouse and somehow there isn't room for a car in there anyway.

I hope the new antibiotics work Doodle. At least he's been allowed home. A good sign.

I hope you get to see the new puppy soon Grammaretto, while its still little and cute, there's nothing better to raise the spirits than someone else's puppy.

And Panache, my admiration for you grows more and more. How you're coping with your own needs and those of your Best Beloved with so little help I just don't know. At least seeing the top doctor is a positive. I hope it leads to a bit of action.

Hello again Gangsters,

Is it afternoon already? Time flies.
I was so sorry to read about MrD Doodle what worries you are having.
But at least he was allowed home. Fingers crossed the antiBs will work their magic.

You are all ordering such lovely sounding things! I must try harder. I have just ordered a portable urinal with glow-in-the-dark handle

An unannounced woman arrived at my door today and asked to see my pottery. I let her in, masked, sanitised, and trackable and she spent money and left an order so I reckon that was OK.

A friends of ours is "breaking the covod rules" but I had to sympathise. He was widowed in August and his DS and family want to visit from Manchester the North of England. Only essential travel is allowed but I think that counts as essential.

Thanks for the clip Bradfordlass very funny. [laugh]
I don't really like the spitting image puppets. It is so cruel with no remorse. But it is funny.

I must try to get out for a walk before it's dark.
The quiz went quite well though my Dsis does tend to show off her knowledge when setting. 10 books to know the authors of - I knew none and 10 songs to know the singers of - I knew none.

MrG is a bit brighter today and perhaps accepts that he won't magically be frolicking about like a puppy anytime soon. Our DS has a new puppy in the family so we get a constant updates. I wonder when we'll be able to meet her.

See you all later.