The Lockdown Gang - Carry on Regardless.

Bradfordlass very sad about that policeman. He was planning to marry his girlfriend. A well liked man from what we read here.
Your homecare girl’s situation is not good but she obviously needed to talk to you. Sharing sometimes helps.
The breakfast for your son sounds delicious. I know how much you enjoy his company. Have they thought of names for the baby yet?
Missedout that is incredible. 8 years for a refund and then to have it made out to your mother is inept and inconsiderate.
I have tried a few of these online chats myself in different situations. I have yet to have one which resolves my problem and usually end up having to phone.
Good to hear you had a nice lunch with your son. Nice to catch up.
Again my dyslexia has given me pause for thought in your comment about your Pilates class. I read the words running and zoom and spent a while trying to figure out whether you had a treadmill that you ran on or how you would run whilst keeping in contact on zoom. On re reading, I now see it was the instructor who was ‘running’ the class. ?
Don’t be put off of your story writing. I often don’t get any feedback about things either. Doesn’t mean they were not enjoyed just that people forget to write about them. You felt your DGD enjoyed playing with you last time you met up, try and remember that. One thing all my DGC enjoyed at that age which yours might like is one of those books with “hidden” objects. Some are like stories where you have to find 5 gold rings in the picture or 6 swans etc. That may be something you could do together. Either that or a small craft project something you can make together, tissue flowers, pipe cleaner people, soft balls you can catch on a Velcro bat. Our first major breakthrough with our very shy granddaughter was the day we bought her a little toy watering can. Don’t give up, our very shy DGD is a wonderful young lady now and loves being with us. Hope you manage to meet again soon.
My DIL has sold some things for us on Facebook before now, yes that is a good way too. DH and I don’t do Facebook or twitter or instagram. I just do GN ?
I think in view of my recent mammoth post I will do as you suggest, otherwise I could spend all day re-typing ?
Grammaretto it must be very upsetting to see your DH getting thinner. I am sure you are trying everything you can to encourage his appetite.
I can understand the trepidation about your hospital visit today. I have often sat shaking on one of those hospital chairs fearing what would be said when we got to see the consultant. I sincerely hope the conversation is more positive and helpful.
Panache I have been thinking of Bradforlass’ suggestion of high protein drinks. Not as good as tucking into a tasty meal but it may well help your worries about MrP having something nutritious if he supplemented his meals with one of those. Is it something you could talk to your GP about.
We are off out to lunch today with “other grandma”. Somewhere local we haven’t been before but it’s a big place with spaced out tables so we thought it would be better than our usual tiny oak beamed pub.
Have a good day all.

Just quickly to say a specialist nurse phoned DH while I was in my zoom yoga to say his appointment has been cancelled and she just talked him through the blood test results, which were slightly better. So we can go for a nice drive in the countryside instead!
Damn. I needn't have cancelled those flu jabs after all.....

I dislike those "chats" with the company online. Is it a person or a robot?

"Rosie" suggested I looked at my paypal account but didn't give me enough time to do it so by the time I came back to "her" she had gone but wanted feedback about the quality of the call. Grrr. I hope you get what was owed to your mum Missedout

`Morning turning into afternoon friends!!.

Bringing some blue skies again though no sunshine earlier on,how pleased am I to add that not only have we sunshine but it is rather warm as well., just the ticket for our morning and afternoon strolls.
However my man has had to cope on his own this morning as I am awaiting a fruit and bread delivery by a friend,whom phones when she is on her way!
We have new residents,two white haired ladies sitting on the bench underneath a pergola,my dearest has been advised to introduce himself, and hopefully will return with some news for nosy me!

Specs are just fine Doodle rather nice,fitting well,though certainly not the lilac trims I had aimed for!
Both of us took advantage of the rain clearing after picking them up from the shop,strolling by the riverside which made a pleasant change.

Norstat Although we were firm Antique Fair visitors in the past,purchasing several rather nice pieces for our home.....a barometer,some brass candlesticks,copper ware in the form of large ewer and a plant trough,plus our 21st wedding anniversary present to ourselves,a silver tray and three piece coffee set............we have never bought on line,but try watch most of this type of programme.
Your new possession,a Baacaret glass clock sounds a real treat,and so pleasing that you proved the winners on the day.
Here`s hoping you will soon feel very much better,I am another always feeling more "under par" than the other, and it can be extremely monotonous

I can see you are extremely worried about your dear man`s loss of appetite Grammaretto just as I was during the first 6 months of last year when my man was reduced to a 6'1" skeleton.............it truly was bad.
Because of his poor appetite I used up all the foodstuffs he most liked,whether of real nutrition value or not.........giving him from 4 to 6 small meals daily.
Whilst when food was refused an "Ensure" protein drink (my own salvation) was given and he usually managed that.
He started picking up very slowly eventually..................now on steroids you might well guess,he is fast getting too overweight.
Sometim es it seems, you just cannot win.
I am also with you re these Hospital visits and I can but wish you some uplifting,helpful and positive news
Surely life will get less "heavy" one of these days?

Can you not recall that I once actually lived on a diet of those high protein drinks Doodle.............and so you can let Bradfordlass know?!!!
Bless you all for thinking and caring this way about our welfare,much appreciated.
We actually have a few dozen bottles/cans in our store all the while,because I really do not wish to continue to grumble..............but honestly the food here in the main ends up in the bin..........it is really that bad.

So you too are in lockdown again Cherry.......only a question of time before we all are I guess.
Heartbreaking still seeing these "gatherings" after the 10 o`clock curfews,we can but hope that the novelty will soon wear off, and some serious obeyance to the rules follows.
After all, very soon the death rate will again raise at an alarming rate.
Sadly there is non of the former compliance that we had back in March.

Lunchtime is upon us.............not that I am excited ...........but the inner man needs filling that is for sure!
So I shall run along hoping you all have a peaceful and positive day,whatever you choose to do,please keep ever vigilant.

Evening all ?

Doodle it can be amazing how much places can change in a few months isn't it. Just before the lockdown in March two areas in central Swansea were being cleared, one in readiness for a 3,500 seater arena on one side of a main trunk road and the other on the opposite side for an apartment complex and a multi storey car park. On venturing out past the area in August after shielding I was astonished to see the skeleton structures of all three were complete. We'll be going past that area on Thursday so it'll be interesting to see what progress has been made since August. I know that in Swansea city centre there were buildings demolished (different area to aforementioned) and student apartments were built. Is that a possibility in the city centre where you live? I know generally there are voices encouraging city centres to have a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, cafes and living spaces etc. to prevent ghost towns; focusing on 'hipsters' ?
As others have asked, how did you come to be in a situation to have a scalpel, of all things, waved at you? I've never forgotten the incident that happened to me but, for reasons I can't go into, mainly because of events that unfolded afterward.
I hope you had a lovely lunch out with the "^other grandma^" ? I can't help but titter at your description of spaced out tables - a consequence of Potfest or special mushroom ?? ?

BradfordLass that breakfast for your DS sounds divine ?. Thought and planned with love, that's clear. Any breakfast lovingly prepared as yours will be is a breakfast worth having.
That's some achievement of your DGD's brother. It's so difficult to get a sponsorship, competition is fierce. H must be very talented indeed.

I've lost two posts already ? so I'm writing this one in stages, not a risk taker at the moment ?

Grammaretto I hope the hospital consultation went okay today. Has Mr G's consultant had anything to say or suggest about his appetite and weight loss? Yes ideally he should be eating nutritional foods but I don't think there's anything wrong in him eating naughty treats or the same favourites over and over again if it tempts him to eat. It is understandably upsetting you and I wish there was more than words I could give you at the moment. I hope a cwtch, although virtual, helps a little. I'd dearly love to give a real one.

Talk about ridiculous Missedout. The company obviously know that the refund owed is to a deceased person so why or why make a cheque out to that person. A cynic would think that it's because they don't actually want to give the refund. Have you 'googled' to see if you can find a free phone number for the company? They often don't make their free phone numbers easy to find but do usually have one. Often these numbers are for vulnerable customers but anyone can ring them and anyway you would qualify.

Ahh Mamissimo so your DS has recovered from his man flu. Was it the result or was it the partner ?, ummm. I'm pleased he's well either way ?
That's quite a disturbing take about the young man with MND. What is it about other people who, albeit with good intentions, deciding that they know better than the person themselves about what they want or what they need? In those circumstances people need to suppress themselves, their own desires to what they think makes life better for another.

Grammaretto glad the blood results were better. Saved you a trip to the hospital too (shame about the flu jabs) Did you go for a drive? It turned out quite warm and sunny here today despite a very grey start.
Panache good to hear you got out in the sunshine today after your delivery. ? . I am the same as you. I want to know about our neighbours too. When you live in a block of flats it’s nice to know who you might bump into. Please let us know if MrP did his job well and returned with news ?
A stroll by the riverside. How lovely and relaxing. Glad the new specs fit well.
I do remember you living on drinks Panache (makes you sound like an alcoholic ?). For a long time you didn’t eat but then when you started talking about food again I assumed you were back on the ‘hard’ stuff. ? Of course you would know all about it.
I hope (in vain probably) that lunch today turns out to be something good. ?
Nortsat that auction sounds like fun. So did you put in a fixed bid or did you set a limit that you would go to? How exciting you won your clock. It sounds beautiful. You must be so pleased. Let us know when it arrives.
A brief account of the story of the chap with the scalpel. He arrived in the reception area of the clinic I was working in wanting to see one of the consultants. He told the receptionist he had a knife and she phoned me and asked me to come and talk to him.
He was quite polite and repeated his request to see the Consultant and again said I’ve got a knife at which point he took a scalpel out of a shopping bag and showed it to me. He then pretended to cut himself with it and started waving it around. He was smiling all the time and not in any way threatening apart from the fact that he kept swishing the blade around. To cut a long story short (no pun intended Bradfordlass ?) I eventually got him to follow me into the consultants room and left them to it. (Consultant was a 6ft 5 rugby player and well capable of looking after himself) I don’t think I ever thought for a minute he would cut me but I was scared that if he cut himself I would faint and knock myself out ?
Hope you are feeling a bit better today.
cherry all the buildings here seem to be being built for people they expect to use the new Crossrail link between Reading and Canary Wharf.
Our lunch was quite good thank you. Fortunately the tables were not so ‘spaced out’ that they moved around while we were eating ?. I had a lovely chicken, Brie and bacon pie with mash and broccoli. Too filling for a pudding at the time but on the way home later tonight we were really naughty and popped into an M&S food store and bought 2 fresh cream eclairs....................................each ?

Well done with your auction bid coming up trumps Nortsat. My only question is.... when is your birthday? Have I missed it, my guppy brain has terrible recall these days ?. If not, are all the gang invited to a birthday party? ?

Oh heck Grammaretto, I've just read (last page of the thread which I didn't 'register') that Mr G's appointment was cancelled! Bl***y hospitals! Yes you could have had your flu jabs instead, even more infuriating. I hope you did have a lovely drive out to the countryside and made it into a really good day.

*It was beautiful here today to Panache, sunny and warm. I hope the new residents are lovely and pleasant to get on with, and with a bit of grit about them to challenge the ownership re. their considerable shortcomings.
I'm glad that you do have some high protein drinks in reserve but it's disgusting that you might resort to them because of no other reason than because of the gudge you are being served.
My neice1 was telling me earlier today that the shops and supermarkets here are not selling alcohol after 10pm as part of the measures in place. A good idea I think and one that could be universally applied. Apparently shop workers around the Uk have been subject to abuse and anti-social behaviour from drunk people wanting to grab a bit more alcohol after the 10pm curfew.

I haven't done a lot today, my daily quiz got cancelled and I couldn't find my decent pencil sharpener ?. It has turned up now but a bit late in the day. Still, it was lovely just taking in the sun in the garden and chatting with our new neighbour. She's moved into my friend's (who died early in lockdown) old house. Gosh, that seems to have happened so quickly!

I bid you all good night now my gangster friends. Sleep well all. BradfordLass tell Jeeves he must have bought the wrong hot chocolate ?

Doodle ... each! ...

Grammaretto, the rules aren't different where I live and I didn't want to imply that you had met up with your DD when you shouldn't (under any rules). My Northern branch of the family is at least 3 ½ hour's drive away so it would be a long day if we drove near them to meet up. We usually stay if we visit them but they have a small house, we couldn't socially distance and my DGD (aged 4) has started preschool and is mixing with other children. Both my DIL and DS are working (DIL is a key worker) so meeting up with them somewhere would be a lot of driving and I think I would be taking a risk if we stayed with them (I'm still considering it though).

Doodle, thank you for the suggestions for interesting my other DGD. I've been practicing some origami shapes for her but could do with some more craft bits and pieces in my 'Nanna bag'.

Well, following yesterday's marathon online Chat with British Gas (starts with artificial intelligence but asks you to wait for an agent to join the chat), I phoned the number the agent gave me this afternoon. 50 minutes later, 4 different handovers to different teams (at one stage I was asked to put my DH on the phone as I wasn't the account holder!) I found myself talking to someone who spoke sensibly, apologised for the error and said I would get a new cheque in the post. Fingers crossed!

Cherry, aren't we odd? You spent time looking for your 'decent' pencil sharpener, I won't go anywhere without my favourite propelling pencil (with spare leads)!

Perhaps we should ask Jeeves to make sure there is a supply of good quality writing materials available.

Good night all.

Cherry hope your new neighbour is nice. Probably did you good to relax in the garden. I hope you get the super sleepy hot chocolate mix tonight or Jeeves will be in the dog house ?
Nortsat I’m afraid so. They were delicious. Really thick chocolate on top and oodles of cream inside. I will avoid the scales in the morning ?
Missedout it’s difficult to know what to do really. Could you drive up and book into a hotel or somewhere overnight or for a couple of days and meet up with your family for lunch one weekend so you get to see each other for a while?
A Nana bag. That sounds nice. Does your Nana bag ever have any sweeties in it ??
After that huge effort on your part I do hope the promised cheque arrives.
Your mention of propelling pencil suddenly reminded me of my brother who always carried a propelling pencil. Not heard that term for a long time ?
Hope you all sleep well. Night night.

Oh Doodle I long for a tiny, oaked beamed pub. We have nothing like that here. My cousin lives in a small Cumbrian village and the pub is the centre of the community.
theoutdoorguide.co.uk/pitstops/rest-refresh/the-stag-inn-dufton-westmorland/

My son told me they're still to decide finally on a name for baby but it's looking as if she may be Mila Eloise Chloe.
Your mention of eclairs reminds me they used to be my elder son's favourite. I hope you thorougly enjoyed yours.

We have an artisan bakery in the local town and they do a splendid chicken and camembert pie: chunks of real chicken and lovely, creamy cheese. I probably have a pie twice a year but when I do, that's the one...unless I choose seafood.

Nortsat your clock sounds lovely. Please post a photo when you get it. Does it chime?
My Mum collected clocks and each year we'd buy her latest choice as a birthday gift. The last one before she died was a maritime brass clock on a mahogany surround.
She also had a chiming grandmother clock.

I firmly believe 'chat bots' are a means of deflecting customers when the company it too stingy to pay real people. They actually rely on you giving up.
Wot, cynical, moi?


Grammaretto When my Mum came out to NZ permanently and in Tauranga, she was able to pick citrus straight off the trees.
I remember her delight in that - and hot pools
I hope I'm not being too Polyanna-ish but if your DH isn't eating, isn't it good that he did not have a flu jab?

Cherry Mike's soccer scholarship was to Richland College in Texas on the gloriously named Thunderduck Lake.

Auckland's main shopping street has become ghost townish too in this Time Of Covid.
My son tells me there are many shops boarded up. The cruise ships dock only a few metres away and passengers want to buy luxury goods, so all the top brands (Gucci, Dior , St Laurent etc) are there....and rents are sky high.

How sad your friend's wishes were ignored Mamissimo; they were doing it for themselves, not him.

I used to love writing by hand and when my fountain pen broke, went looking for another. One assistant was absolutely incredulous, 'A pen you fill with ink yourself?! Why on earth would you want to do that?'
Another burst into laughter and called her supervisor to look at the mad lady who wanted a bottle of ink!
If I'd asked for an armadillo or a pangolin, she couldn't have been more astonished.
Ah, the joys and the art of hand writing have gone forever.

I do have a silver Mont Blanc propelling pencil with a romantic history. In Paris, my friend Armand bought a set and gave me the pencil whilst he kept the pen; that was supposed to signify our mutual love and correspondence.

Now, I use a Sharpie as I can't see anything else.

Breakfast with my beloved son was perfect (he chose bacon not the salmon for his Eggs Benedict) I just had coffee and a croissant with just-made lemon curd yum.

To my delight he was also here for lunch and we had a very queer fusion meal.
I'd made Viet-namese pork (cooked long and slow in coconut water) with which I usually serve rice but the lad decided he wanted Yorkshire pudding and leek sauce!
Apple and blueberry crumble followed.

As usual, we talked about a myriad subjects and he's going to set me up with Virtual Reality. This will allow me to travel, using my comfy chair (NOT THE COMFY CHAIR!) as a magic carpet.

We did a lot of reminscing: we've come through some deeply unhappy and tough times but we now agree we both live very fortunate and happy lives.

If only we'd known, back then, that we'd not just survive but triumph, we could have saved a lot of angst. But that's yooman nature for ya!

The young couple from Myanmar, with the two small children seem to be moving out. I see a huge mover truck outside their home. This means the SA have been able to find them accommodation in the Burmese community in East Auckland.
They must have felt very isolated here with tetchy elderly people who didn't speak their language and objected to their slaughtering chicken on the lawn. The adults have learned to drive since they came here, that will make things easier too.

I'll make sure Jeeves makes the hot chocolate with Extra Creamy Sleeptight Milk.

Good morning all.
Earlier start today. DH has to go for a blood test. Although NHS it’s being done in a private hospital for COVID reasons. Further to travel but safer than the local hospital.
I had an amazing start to the day. Standing looking out of the kitchen window, 3 green parakeets swooped in front of me and landed on the gutter above. For a few minutes they swooped and re grouped before flying off and into the trees.
Beautiful lime green in colour. Wonderful.

Bradfordlass although we enjoyed our meal yesterday and had a room to ourselves almost, it was not the same as our usual local pub. We would far prefer to have gone there (food is excellent) but thought it too risky.
I love those names, all so pretty.? Yes certainly did enjoy those eclairs.
The very name Armand sounds very romantic. What a lovely memory.
Your son is certainly treated royally when he comes to visit. What delicious sounding food you serve. I’m with him on the Yorkshire pudding ?
How nice you both feel that you have come through some bad times to be living a happier life. Long may it continue.
Hope whoever your new neighbour is will be more at home in your community. Do the SA properties stay empty for long or do they always have someone ready to move in?
Hope you have a good night and thanks for keeping an eye on Jeeves. Moe pai. ?

Hi folks,
I've just been on the phone to our NZ son, so to then come on here and read about your Auckland life, Bradfordlass makes it feel very cosy and connected. Small world indeed. I'm not sure I would like to see chooks being slaughtered on the communal lawn either so I might be the neighbour from hell in real life

Thanks Mamissimo for sharing the story of your dear friend. I agree so much with what you said. Maybe there ought to be a Bucket List of things we never want to do!

Panache thanks to you too for the story of MrP. He has got so much better.

How nice to eat out in a village pub Doodle Any village pub would be a treat. The pubs around here tend to be noisy drinking dens or hotels which do funerals.

How amazing to see 3 green parakeets! Do they live here now? Are they residents?

We went for a drive and had a picnic by an ancient castle and church yesterday in glorious sunshine. I saw buzzards, grouse and pheasants but as DH pointed out, we can see those very near home anyway.

Hello gangsters,here`s hoping your day is looking rather bright and hopeful.

We both enjoyed a full hour sat out in the warmth of the sun yesterday,fully knowing what was coming our way!
Yes indeed overnight in came wind and rain,a really grizzly looking morning........and day I guess.

I intend upending a wardrobe`s contents this day,running out of space and of course our favourite Charity shop which recieves all our cast offs is not now trading,so I guess I shall have to do much shuffling around!

Whilst good news re your dear man`s bloods Grammaretto
I am pleased you both had a little reprieve from the Hospital appointment,although one still gets concerned when there is no clarity.
Perhaps he will recieve a phone call?
I have just queried my man`s Appointment for next wednesday,and yes for the third time,it has been cancelled ......although he will recieve a phone call.
These he never responds to all that well,but this time a long list is being complied!

You have certainly started a whole chain of thoughts between us this morning Cherry........this complete overhaul and refurbishment in Swansea City Centre.
Of course during my Nursing in Swansea Gen Swansea became my home.
Then again it was very much our "playground" over very many years of our marriage.......as well as Mumbles of course........the "Milk Maid" (long gone) very much a firm favourite with their pancakes, whilst I think our other favourite, the Kardoma still remains?
It was a place where I spent a lot of moey,coming away with some lovely outfits............most of the stores of course long gone.
Hopefully another brand new centre making Swansea proud.

Even though you have a Hospital visit with Blood tests on the card for your man this day Doodle,you certainly know how to kickstart the day!!!
Not just one or two,but three beautiful green parakeets flying there so near to you,what a treat and a lovely way to start your day....hopefully one bringing good fortune to you both.
Thanks for the accompaning picture..............such a radiant shade of green.......a real joy.

Yes indeed I lived on protein drinks for years whilst this nasty stone roaming through my intestines,appears to have caused such pure havoc to most of my digestive system.
They certainly proved their worth.
Although when coming into threads and everyone was talking of delicious foodstuffs,I truly found it extremely difficult.

Little did I know that we have had to revert to this same foodstuff substitute yet again.................but better this than let ourselves starve!

As to your question about my man returning with news from his garden stroll yesterday,yes he was able to say that of the two ladies espied sitting on a garden bench,only one was a new resident,the other was a visiting friend.
What was very enlightening was the fact that although she had been a resident for 3 whole weeks.........ALL her lunches had ended up in her bin!!!
She just could not manage them.
Her daughter has taken to bringing in a daily meal............one lucky lady!!!

Another "titbit" was the new morning and tea club has already being scrubbed............people are showing their dislike of their lunches in many different ways..............one being that they avoid these clubs daily!
They are now.........closed.

From your posting just above Bradfordlass it seems to me that your son is very much "cut" from the same cloth as yourself,both enjoying being with one another,chatting about so many differing subjects...........and how wonderful to be reminiscing and being thankful that although olden times have proved somewhat difficult,you have both now come through to a far happier climate.
Long may it last indeed.

Someone along the line remarked on fountain pens I do believe.I must share my story.
I was particularly proud of my hand writing and always wrote with a fountain pen, though my writing resembled italics.I was endlessly praised for it.
However eventually the type of pen I had always used became a thing of the past,I was forced to use the dreaded biro and anything available.............between that and I possably lost some heart,because it did not take that long before I lost all interest in my hand written letters,what a sad day.
Of course then turning to computing,it took very little to wean me off writing at all,something that is a real regret to me.
I can now only scrawl.......much to my disgrace.

The wardrobe will not get sorted whilst I am glued here,so if you will forgive me I shall take my leave.

However dear friends please do keep good heart,and may your day be peaceful and kind.............whilst be ever on your guard.......keep safe.

Happy lunch time....I've been absent to enable myself to get over the cellulitis and to make tomato purée - the concentrated kind. Did you know it takes 4.5 kg of tomatoes to make 1.5 American cups of purée! It took a lot of hours to skin and sieve that many tomatoes but it's a very space economical way to use more of the bounty.

My DGD told me this morning that she likes Granny's rubber beans......and my oranges. Guess I'd better buy an orange tree then so that DD isn't caught out in her fibs ?

As a family we're very keen on stationery items...pens, rubbers, inks etc. My DM encouraged me to write nicely and I fiddle with modern calligraphy a bit. I was taught copperplate at school with a dippy pen when I was eight. It was a nightmare because the inkwell on the desk was set up for right handed people and I'm a creative leftie. My handwriting was one big blob and my nickname became Smudger. I'm glad I persevered!

My DS is a leftie and so are both my sons in law. None of us can use left handed scissors and at family feasts we sit in a long row because we all use our spoons in our left hands and if elbow room is restricted we don't bruise other people.

Ages ago we booked a slot for walking in the grounds at Hever Castle. I looked at the weather forecast this morning....wellies and sou'wester it is then. ?

Are we taking bets on what the three wise men will say this afternoon?

Do you think Panache that perhaps daughters bringing food in and people abandoning the tea club is exactly what your home manager wants? It'll save them even more money. Its an awful situation.

We saw a couple of parakeets here in the north of Norfolk a couple of years ago Doodle, but they didn't stay. I think the north and east winds were too chilly for them!

I've just planted out a load of baby night scented stocks for next year flowering as per instructions on the packet. I'm not at all sure if they'll survive the winter if its a sharp one.

The talk of left handedness and caligraphy has got me going down memory lane again.
Like you, Panache, I won a school prize for my Italic handwriting and had my Osmiroid 65 fountain pen. Inkwells were filled everyday by the ink monitor.
2 of our boys and 2 of my sister's are lefties, though since it is inherited I often wonder if maybe my grandpa was also left handed but forced to switch?

#2DS was only 5 and his old fashioned Scottish teacher - suggested that we must help him to avoid the Left Hander's "hook". I'm not sure how we were supposed to do that unless we were to tie his hands but anyway both boys managed to learn to write but the computer keyboard made life easier.

Mamissimo well done with your preserves and the rubber beans! I have a packet of broad bean seeds. Can I plant them now? If so where?

We have had our flu jags. The nurse came to the house.

Oh gangsters, I was 75% of my way through a long post and ‘ping’ the wretched thing disappeared. (People have been experiencing similar issues on other GN threads).

I’ve already had a frustrating afternoon on the phone with a highly incompetent bunch at HMRC
Now I am going to put my head in a bucket and wail.

I’ll pop back tomorrow. Take care all. ?

Just adding that I'm another leftie. However, I don't look awkward when I write although my writing these days is atrocious. I learnt to touch type in the 70's and find that I try to write as fast as I can type, it's just a scrawl.

I also use a spoon in my left hand, a knife in my right hand but cut and carve left handed. I sew left handed but knit and crochet right-handed. I have one AC who is truly left handed and another who I (secretly) think of as being a 'failed' left hander because he is right handed but left-eyed and left-footed!

Well the weather has changed - I think it is our fault because DH and I are back on the narrowboat next week!

I learned to touch type too Missedout and find that I type much faster than I write so my handwriting is atrocious too. My DM was a leftie so I tie bows the wrong way around (apparently), but eat and write right handed. I think she made me a bit ambidextrous as I do a lot of little things like throw and catch left handed.

You all seem to be getting your flu jabs, but we've had no word here. Perhaps I should chase the doctors in case we've been forgotten, although they're usually really on the ball with flu clinics. Things are a bit different this year.

The weather actually dried up enough today for me to have a productive day in the garden and for DH to cut the grass. We ordered a load of bird seed and added a bag of hedgehog food. I hope Bottom doesn't hibernate to early - its a much bigger bag than we'd expected.

I'm sure the weather will change back again for next week Missedout and you'll have a lovely week.

I believe HMRC can be a bit dense Nortsat. They have a reputation to maintain.

Sorry you lost a long post Nortsat and it has been a bad day.
Mine has been fairly unproductive.
I have packed the kiln and cooked a meal or two.
I have a lovely friend who thinks if you can achieve one thing per day, that is to be applauded.
Does having a nap count?

I see there are supplies of chocolate in the kichen. Can I eat some please?

Grammaretto the first time I saw the parakeets I couldn’t believe my eyes. Lime green birds in the trees ?. I looked them up on Google and apparently there are quite a few in the southern part of England and particularly London. I think (or hope) the three I saw are making a home in the tree in our front garden as I’ve seen them a few times now.
Sounds very nice, a picnic by a castle. I hope MrG’s appetite was improved by being out in the fresh air.
Panache glad you got some sunshine in yesterday while you had the chance. You must have got some energy from the sunshine. I always find sorting out a wardrobe so exhausting. I keep trying on things to see if they still fit ?
It’s a very good idea to write down all your questions even if you’re going to see the Consultant in person. We always have a list and check them off as we get answers.
I sense a spirit of anarchy and uprising in your post Panache. I can see the residents fighting back. As for your new neighbour I hope her daughter complains to the owners about the food. Well done MrP for being such a good detective.
Good luck with the wardrobe sorting.
Mamissimo how are you doing. I hope that cellulitis is being kicked into touch by your robotics. I liked the running beans but I think rubbers beans are even better. ?
I wish my handwriting was good but it is dreadful. I think that’s why I was so keen on computers so I could type everything. My FIL was left handed but was forced by the school to write with his right hand. His son (DH) is right handed but deals cards with his left hand and we have one left and one right handed son.
Your mention of the ink wells reminded me I was ink monitor at school and paint monitor too. Bet you’re impressed ?
Don’t think I’ve been to Hever Castle. I must look it up. Hope you have a good time.
NFK I love stocks. What are night scented ones? Are they ones you plant for Iggle Piggle? (Have I confused you or are you familiar with Ninky Nonk and the Pinky Ponk )
Grammaretto so you are another with good hand writing. How lucky you are.
Mont Blanc and Osmiroid. Names from the past. Do they still exist in this age of biros I wonder.
I am feeling rather hard done by now. DH and I both had our flu jabs on Saturday but neither of us received a car let alone Jaguars. Lucky you.?
Oh Nortsat don’t do that. You’ll frighten Jeeves.
HMRC are notoriously difficult to deal with until you get through to the right people. Sorry you lost your post too. We’ll have your comfy chair ready for you tomorrow.
Missedout another jaunt on the narrow boat.
Jeeves is already packing his case and practicing his sea shanties again ?
Sleep well tonight gangsters and Cherry no acrobatics.
Dragonfly hope you are doing ok.

Grammaretto you are welcome to anything you find in the kitchen (did I actually leave some chocolate uneaten ?....can’t believe that)
When you say packed the kiln, do you mean that as in put it away or packed it with things to ...bake ? .

I'm another leftie. ? Statistically speaking our little gangster group shouldn't have so many lefties ?. My WP is left handed too. The only other member of my family who was left handed was my dad.
When I was in primary school I had a teacher who was intent upon me writing with my left hand, despite the fact that in previous years I had been writing with my left. I tried telling her to no avail. I didn't tell my mother but a couple of weeks went by and the teacher wasn't happy with my progress so set me exercises to do at home. My mother saw me doing one said exercise and snatched the pen off me and quite sharply asked me what did I think I was doing. It all came out. The next day my mother took time off work and marched into the classroom and eloquently gave the teacher a piece of her mind. She also visited the headmaster and made a complaint, following up with one in writing as well as writing to the Welsh joint education board. I was never forced, pushed, asked to write with my right hand again (but I can if I want to) ?
In some ways it's quite strange that I do write with my left hand. I have left temporal lobe epilepsy due to extensive polymicrogyria. The best way for me to describe it is like this - the brain folds in a way that looks like sausages. Instead of having nice fat sausages I have skinny chipolatas in that part of my brain ? ?. It is usually the case that the centre for speech and language is the left temporal lobe and I am no different. My brain hasn't switched these functions to the right or handedness to the right to "compensate" for the chipolatas ?.

Not taking risks... posting this.