The Lockdown Gang - Carry on Regardless.

Was halfway through writing to you all when an anguished cry came from the direction of our bedroom. DH had knocked a full glass of water all down the front of the chest of drawers and all over the carpet. By the time we had cleaned it all up my post had vanished. ?
Cherry glad you had a good day out, I love markets but haven’t been near any shops since lockdown. Hope you got a nice purse for your niece, I’m sure your non art is very good.
Hope you sleep well tonight after such a busy day.
Missedout hello again. I see you have been busy today too.
What with tea and cake for the builders, you are now an agony aunt too.
What a lovely idea to write a fairy story for your DGD. I’m sure she will love her special story.
I bet you’re pleased she wants to see you. I remember you were worried last time that they might not make it over. Your DGD obviously had a good time in the garden with you and the fairies that she wants to see you again.
Ouch, blisters are so painful. Hope they improve overnight.
I’m sorry you had some jewellery stollen, especially the things that cannot be replaced.
Don’t know about Jeeves and drawing. If it’s anything like his singing, the answer is probably no. ?
Grammaretto sorry to hear MrG is not feeling any better.
It’s probably a good thing that he’s getting a lot of rest. I hope he’s not in pain. Good thing you have an appointment Tuesday.
Hope you enjoy your chocolate.
Sleep well all.
Bradfordlass hope you’re around to check on Jeeves. He’s supposed to be polishing the silver. ?

Doodle Housework like the poor, we have ever with us, so never prioritise for that, it'll wait while you do something more lifting to the spirit like your painting and that absolutely magnificent quilt.

Here's a few links to YouTube videos of children's TV programmes we all used to enjoy:
Trumpton, Camberwick Green and The Herbs.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsqnzVZ_ASg

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqZvuUbL-eU&list=PLLhOnau-tupTKniPqp6DWlL30n0wfTN5p

www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0smlX2l9Fk&t=213s

And this page has much information about radio and Tv from the 50's onwards.
www.whirligig-tv.co.uk.

My son and I can both join the Lost Ring Brigade and in both cases employed metal detectors to no avail.
I was convinced we'd find his, it was such a small area to search but no. Neither ring ever turned up. Some future archaeologist will have a jolly find.

A replacement home-care lady came on Friday as my regular lassie was moving house.
This one, though sweet and kind, flatly refused to take me out, 'For your own safety'.

Under our current rules, I am allowed out but I didn't argue. It wasn't to anywhere exciting, just a few miles up the road to the vegetable shop but I look forward to even that. It also meant I wasn't able to get the Dusty Lavender for my hair. That'll have to wait until Monday now. (sorry Panache the very vibrant purple was too expensive)

She followed her husband, from the Philipines to work here, leaving their 3 year old (now 5) behind with grandma. She doesn't know when they'll be reunited. So many Third World parents have to do that, it must be heartbreaking.

CherryCezzy I do hope your headaches stop. I had migraines during 6 years of menopause and know how disabling they can be. Darkened rooms and quiet are the only remedies.
Yikes! Swansea sounds a bit risky!

Grammaretto Hope your DH is feeling better after his rest. You'll need one too after that big clear up.
Panache too.... sometimes repose, like laughter, is the best medicine

It's Fathers' Day tomorrow and although my son's step-son (I use the expression for clarity even though I hate it) always does something special for him, this year, after so long, he will feel like a real Dad. They went for another scan this week...all is well.

I notice Marydoll is still posting elsewhere on GN but no sign of dragonfly.
It's going to take NfkDumpling and Missedout several days to catch up with our posts

Ah well, better gird up me loins (and Jeeves' as well) and start our first patrol of the night.
Sleep easy everyone.


.

I took myself off to bed at the end of gardeners world.
I'm impressed at your selling things on ebay Nortsat. Maybe I should try it again. I have sold a few things over the years, but for pennies!
How clever Doodle your quilt is. It is nice to have a creative pastime. Nothing like it.

DH is not well. He has been sleeping a gt deal. His body has gone through such a lot lately. I hope by his appt on Tuesday he will be a bit better.
Good night everyone. Jeeves is back!
Chocolate is back!

Hello, I'm reporting in for duty!

I have been following all your posts but have also been quite distracted. We still have builders in. They have been working outside but, somehow, they seem to be taking a lot of our time. Tea, coffee, cake (one of them had his 20th birthday) and sympathy (another split up from his long term girlfriend) seems to be the order of the day. DH is in his element, chatting to the gang so I seem to have a lot more to do. We are (shock, horror!) having to get up early to let them in. With the neighbours' fence down and next door asking for help with something they are doing and one or two bits of domestic equipment needing attention, well..... you get the picture.

On top of that, I have been continuing to write the fairy story for my oldest DGD in an attempt to get her to start reading. It's not the writing that is the problem but the illustrations. I am building up to the chicken, the dog and the cat. In my story, the chickens talk (to the fairy) and the fairy has green toes and fingers, she's also socially very awkward. I rushed down to the local shops to buy some coloured pencils so I could finish the drawings but in my haste, put on shoes without socks and now have blisters on my toes and heels.

Tomorrow, we are going to see DGD. We have only seen oldest DS and family once near the end of proper lockdown, socially distancing in our garden. We are looking forward to going, despite knowing there is a bit of a risk for me (DGD has started back at school this week). My DIL tells us DGD wants to see us. Given that she is such an anxious child and has been referred for assessment again, if DGD says she wants to see us, we'll be there (and perhaps I can drum up some interest in the story reading).

Incidentally, all my rings are now too big. The only ring I can safely wear is my wedding ring but even that is a bit big now. I keep catching it in the kitchen handles and have to slip it off to get my hand out. Will I never learn! I refuse to stop wearing my wedding ring although miss my engagement ring. When things settle down a bit, I will start taking my rings to the jewellers to get them resized. I still miss some of the rings stolen 5 years ago, they also had sentimental value (21st birthday present) and a ring from my mother.

I'm sorry I haven't commented on other posts, I quite like the sound of a BBQ with bells and whistles though!

Good night all - will do better for the next post. Just a thought - is Jeeves any good at drawing?

Well I haven't gone off on a jolly with Jeeves Doodle ?
I have been out much of the day though.

We braved Swansea city centre ?. I was a bit apprehensive but I did fancy visiting the indoor market so, with nervousness, off we went. The city centre seemed packed ?. We weaved our way along the main (Oxford) street, dodging and swerving out of the way of people. One or two people gave us odd looks because we were avoiding getting too close ?. Thankfully the market was relatively quiet, phew!
My niece2's birthday is next week and I knew she admired the purse I bought niece1 so I thought I'd see if there was something similar for her. I was spoilt for choice ?. I very nearly, but didn't, buy myself a gorgeous bag. I was tempted but knee there wasn't any point, I have plenty of bags and I could hear my mother saying you can only use one at a time ?
As we were coming away, a quieter route to the car we bumped into (not literally - social distancing and all that) a woman who used to live near my mother's house. Add another hour+ and tea and cake and you get the picture. It was lovely to see her, though she can't half talk ?
We nipped in Sainsbury's on the way home since by the time we got back in the car I couldn't face the idea of cooking for this evening ?.
I don't think I'm in a hurry to do that again any time soon.

Nevermind lord of the rings it's a case of ^ Lordy, I've lost my ring^ amongst our little group and family members. A case of lost one, found one for your MiL Grammaretto. My SiL lost her engagement and wedding rings in the sea when she and my brother were abroad. My brother dived down to see if he could find them, he found her wedding ring but her engagement ring was lost forever.
Judging by the fact that quite a few rings have been lost amongst our little gang a metal detector may well be a good investment.... imagine how many lost rings are out there ?

I hope Mr G is feeling better after having a lie in because he had a bad night, ? he has a better night tonight.

Nice little earner on ebay Nortsat. Definitely an excellent excuse to buy something frivolous ?

I agree Grammaretto that having a really good clear out is a very satisfying experience. We (well so many of us do) keep so much stuff, we might need this, this may be useful, this is too good to throw away etc. As I've, albeit slowly, cleared out drawers all over the house (though I haven't done them all ) it's been a real relief and a release.
Sorry about that plasterer, he obviously wasn't up to the job essentially was he - that's why he didn't take it on. You'll find a better one anyway I'm sure.

Don't be ashamed of being tired all the time Panache. Under the circumstances it's entirely normal to feel tired. I wish you weren't tired but if your body is telling you that you are you should listen. Not easy given you have Mr P to attend to as well as yourself but take some opportunity, the tour de France being one, to rest not only your body but your mind.
Not doing too badly on the weight front, that's a good thing. Go on, order yourself some treats and use those taste buds.
I wouldn't say I'm suffering more than I should, in an ideal world (impossible I know) I wouldn't want anyone to suffer one iota. I will always try to keep smiling, I'm alive. Have a peaceful, restful weekend x

Doodle your quilt looks similar to a piece we used to have hanging in our lounge ?. Not done by my fair hand though as I'm useless ?
I really don't think you can persuade me to post a picture of my non-art. It is just soooo bad ? ?

Gosh, is that the time!! I've still got things to do and the day is done ?.

Grammaretto I was wondering about the Two Popes. I might try that over the weekend. Sorry to hear MrG isn’t feeling too good, hope he felt better as the day went on.
I am hopeless at clearing out. I too suffer from “I’m sure I will find a use for that” and things rarely get thrown out.
Sorry your plasterer couldn’t cope with your cornice. Hope you find someone to fix it soon.
I have a Brother sewing machine. All bells and whistles (probably does more than I will ever know ?). It is more powerful than my last machine and I am pleased with it so far.
Nortsat asked if I would post a picture of something I have been working on so I have attached a photo of my first (and definitely my last ?) Bargello quilt which I intend to use as a wall hanging. Hope you enjoyed your walk.
Panache hello again. Glad MrP is enjoying the Tour de France. Good for him to have something to watch he enjoys.
Your weight gain is a good thing. Ooh I love snickers too ?
Yes lots of lost and found rings. I must go and have a look in the bath plug hole soon with my magic seeing rod. I doubt my MILs ring will still be there but you never know.
Enjoy your lunch.
I’m missing some gangsters ? Have they gone off on a jolly with Jeeves and not told me. ?

Noon already.........anyway Hi to you my gangster chums.
Ashamedly again as I seem to always be,am so tired and have my hair appointment this afternoon......Grrrrrrrr
Quite frankly I would prefer a darkened room and a nice long rest!!

However have made one big promise to myself,I am sparing some time to reread slowly...........and take inwards .........all your most interesting posts of the latter weeks as I know I have`nt given them the time they need.
After that I hope I shall be able to join in at least sometimes,however my man already takes up most of my time, although I have escaped during this Tour de France which he adores!!

Although yes Mamissimo and others that have remarked on my weight gain,yes one great plus.
On being discharged after the big op at Christmas I was a mere skeleton,and then having pneumonia I truly did look a pathetic urchin.
The Dieticians had to take over and hence,even during lockdown have kept up the pressure by phoning and demanding a weight check weekly,advising and bullying along the way.
Indeed I am now only some half a stone or so under their lower recommended weight.
As for Ensures I do not live on them, although I must be honest and say they have played a big part........ because the meals here lack necessary goodness.Having found something like taste buds which were long absent, Snickers bars also helped with the pounds!!!

However the Jewellers have been postponed but still a must.Also another appointment to the Opticians to choose those frames.

So many interesting stories surrounding these lost rings.Indeed I think owning and using a metal detector might be a lucrative business!

Lunch time again,so I must dash, but thinking of you all,for those of you struggling more than you should, I send my best wishes.......that is standard where you are concerned Cherry.sent with love.

Have a pleasant day and weekend,keep smiling and keep covid free!

Hello wonderful gangsters,
I hope everyone had a good night's sleep.
DH isn't feeling great so I have left him to get some more sleep.
We both enjoyed the proms with Nicola Benedetti so thanks for telling us about it Nortsat
We then watched the Two Popes, with Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, recommended by our film expert DS. It was excellent but I was up past my bedtime.
Same son has given us a clever TV and set us up with Netflix. How to explain that we don't have as much time to watch as he imagines.

My clear out is cathartic. I am doing it with another potter friend and we keep each other going chat too much.
Occasionally we find treasure, such as unopened packets of sponges or books I had forgotten I owned, but mostly it's a lifetime of "that will be useful some day"

I could have had an exhibition of the changing quality of plastic.
Some of the catering pack margarine tubs are good as new after 40 years, other buckets are so brittle they disintegrate at a touch.
It must be fun Doodle to have a new sewing machine to play with. I decided to get my DM's ancient Singer repaired instead of buying new but it isn't all that clever. What sort is yours?

The plasterer has been and had one look at our damaged ceiling and beat a hasty retreat saying he doesn't DO cornices.

Ah well. Time for a walk in the fresh air. See you later.

Grammaretto no hot chocolate. Jeeves will be severely reprimanded........or was it my turn to make it last night
Not surprised you were tired by all that cleaning.
Nortsat glad you are sitting comfortably ?
A cross stitch cushion cover is a big piece of work. I am just doing something small as I have difficulty seeing the holes in the linen now. I used to do much more years ago.
Not sure if I ever told you how I got into cross stitch. My dear late SIL came from a family of cross stitchers (makes them sound as though they were angry ?) . When my dear mum went on holiday with my SIL she saw all the lovely things that had been produced and thought it would be nice if she bought a cross stitch kit for me to do. When she told me, I assumed it would be a little thing as I had never done much sewing or stitching of any kind. It turned out to be a huge picture size piece. A vase full of a whole variety of flowers. It was absolutely lovely.........it took me 3 years to complete
I have been playing with my new sewing machine Nortsat so not done done anything fantastic with the quilting but I might post a picture later. I would love to persuade Cherry to post a picture of her non-art craft too ... hopeful smile ?.
I know a few people who sell things on eBay. Like you they do well out of it, I have never bought or sold anything on it. I might take a look.
Cherry I too hope you are feeling better today.
Panache hope you and MrP has a good rest after your excursion yesterday.
Have a good day all.

Good morning gangsters I have my coffee and am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle) ...
Grammaretto, Well done on the big clear out, I am currently engaged in the slooooow clear out. Did you watch the film and would you recommend it?
Cherry, I hope you have a more comfortable day today and no more headaches. I used to get dreadful migraines when I was in my 20’s, so I do sympathise.
Panache, sending you good wishes vis-a-vis your medical issues/investigations. I loved the story of your wedding ring turning up in the garden pot. What a lovely find.
I concur, only pleasant trips out, henceforth.
Mammissimo, what an experience to spend a day working with the Maestro, Stephane Grappelli. We love his playing and have many recordings on CD, cassette and a number dating back to vinyl! We especially love those Hot Club of Paris recordings with Django Reinhardt. My partner is a music tutor and one of his adult pupils has also met Grappelli, she also said he was a really lovely man.
Doodle get that endoscope down that plug hole ...
I love cross stitch and currently have a cushion cover on the go. However I am very slow ... as I only do it sporadically. Do let us see the outcome of some of your painting/quilting/stitching.
Grammaretto what a lovely story about finding your lost wedding ring, on your wedding anniversary, before you moved house. Kismet.

I am going to continue with the slow clearout today and list some more items on EBay. I sold 5 items last week and made £120. I will let the funds mount up from all the listings and then buy myself something frivolous.
Have a good day, gangsters.

My DGS would love to try his metal detector to search for any missing rings. Shall I send him round?

Another lost ring story: MiL lost her engagement ring when DH was a little boy. The family were picnicking in a field and he found a ring. It wasn't the one she lost but it fitted her finger.
I am tired after the big clearout, watching the proms, watching a film on Netflix: The Two Popes. I don't know if I can watch till the end.
Sleepytime tea please . Hot chocolate would be nice but there's none left.
Sleep well everyone.

Mamissimo your comment about the BBQ made me laugh. Sounds just like us. Hope it’s still there for you ?
I was wondering how they did the Victorian photo. It’s very well done isn’t it. You both look quite the part.
Panache you both sound worn out by your trip to the optician. Anything out of the ordinary these days can be exhausting. New glasses for both. That will be expensive.
I am so pleased you found your wedding ring. Your must have given up all hope by the time MrP unearthed it.
Hope you get all your shopping sorted quickly and then a good rest for you both I think.
Cherry I’m so sorry you’ve had a headache all day. Like you, I don’t often have headaches. When DH was poorly years ago he had a bad headache every day for a long time. It wore off in the end but was a bad period for him.
Ooh you are cheeky about Bradfordlass’ friend Martin. ?
Photographs are very precious to me too. I have a bad memory and rely on photos to stimulate thoughts of places and people in past times. I have a few old photos. Must look them out.
Sorry you lost your lovely ring. What a shame. Sapphires are my favourite and are on my engagement ring and my eternity ring. The ring I lost was ruby and very pretty.
I know fancy hanging poor Ted up by his ears. You are right, he was very much loved after that.
We had early dinner tonight. Waiting for Sainsbury’s delivery now. The washing up bowl is ready for the ritual of washing the groceries. ?

Thought I'd put in an appearance now whilst I've got my eyes open. I've had a blinding headache all day, I usually post on the morning thread too and not much elsewhere but have been lying in a darkened room ?
I very rarely have headaches, despite suffering with bad migraines in my teens, so when I do they knock me sideways. I'd hate to have them regularly, I feel for people who do as they are so debilitating.

I too am wondering what Panache's news might be Doodle, new spectacles ... or with this talk of hair colour... a bright new hair colour, fuchsia perhaps?
Whatever it is I digress, I hope the optician visit went well for you and Mr P.
Despite clearly keeping jewellers in business I'm pleased that you've had to have your wedding ring altered because it was too tight. A positive sign of healthy weight gain ☺️

BradfordLass you are awful but I like you ?. Your friend Martin may have filled your gas tank but did he also ignite a flame ? Be careful about that if you have been sprayed with 75% alcohol ?
Yes, Camberwick Green and Trumpton were lovely children's programmes. There was a third programme that came out of the same studio, same producer etc. but I can't remember at the moment what it was called ?
I haven't, as yet, gone back to look at your photo (but will) but thanks for telling us that it was the elder of the two boys you descend from. It's interesting to look back and reflect on the fact that women had so many children. My mother was one of ten. It's so rare in Western societies now, largely due to contraception of course.

I have so few photographs to reflect upon my family history, including my mother and father ?. I don't even have the studio photographs taken of me when I was a baby. It's not that there weren't any or that I've lost them but I won't go into that. The ones I do have are precious ?.

Sorry Nortsat me and my WP devoured the shepherds pie ?.
I don't tend to watch a lot of the Proms every year. It's not quite the same somehow without my mother and SiL. My SiL was an incredible pianist, taught piano, and so knowledgeable and confident whereas I was
embarressed shy stunned that I had even won an award in a music competition as a schoolgirl ?
By the way, I think it's amazing that where you work you provide music lessons etc. for all children no matter what background. I find it sad that not all schools afford children the opportunity now and it is beyond the affordability of many families, the instruments alone.

No Grammaretto I don't think you write in a depressing tone at all. Interesting? Always.
What a lovely lucky find in the garage and interesting too that a friend made your ring ☺️. So please you didn't lose it forever. Of course, me and my WP aren't married ? so I don't have a wedding ring. I did have a beautiful ring with sapphires that he had bought me which I loved. When we moved here the garden had been ignored (no plants) and the grass was around 3ft tall. We set to scything it down. I lost the ring, most likely amongst the grass cuttings, never to be seen again ?.
Shame about the ring belonging to one of your students, perhaps she thought she'd lost it in your pottery but didn't after all.
Hope you haven't overdone it clearing out your studio.

Doodle ? your teddy hung up by his ears . I'm sure he had a happy life after that. I loved my childhood teddy bear so much it became threadbear ?.
I've just read that you lost a ring for it never to be seen again too ?.
Glad you've got a new painting kit since I know you enjoyed the first one so much. I remembered too that I know that there are paint by number colouring books for adults, I don't know if they would interest you ?

Off to think about what to have for dinner later, something with sausages ?

`Afternoon to you all.

I bring sunshine again, so very pleased to banish that misty rain which caused us some aggro yesterday.

Was beginning to think I had entered another thread by mistake, seeing such lovely older style photographs that truly are very much of another era.
You have so much to talk about with your selves and various generations,making me quite envious!!

I have little to relate although yes an eventful afternoon.
I decided the Jewellers had to be left yesterday because of the foul weather,Even so I am afraid each little trip out is truly taking its toll on us both.
Gone are my strong shoulders that managed the move and bringing us here.I fear my nasty fall after my long period in Hospital has well and truly shaken me up.I am watching the floor with every step!!
I feel so unsure.............old age is fast catching up!
So indeed the Optician`s turned out quite a harrowing experience for us both.They were very kind but we only came back to life on arriving back in the flat.
I rather think my dear one is really not fit for such events so we shall only be planning only pleasant trips in the future.
Anyway we both need new specs,I have 2 pairs,one for reading/computing and the other for the rest,my man has bi focals.
We left the task of choosing frames for another visit.........plus the dastardly deed of paying!!
A case of simply taking little steps.

This morning I was recalled to the Surgery where now it seems I have 2 suspicious "lumps".......one on the finger,another on the area were I had one of my breast ops........hopefully it will be local Hospital visit,at least for initial consultation.
There is something or other all the darn time.
We cannot stay away from the Surgery it seems!!
We are both also booked in for our flu jabs......so exciting!!

This day is rushing by ....any minute Tesco will be delivering again....and tomorrow its the Salon for my trim yet again.

Go for it Bradfordlass.........I mean the purple dye as I have had yet another two compliments...........this time from ladies.
So obviously it is no bad thing!

These rings can be such a costly menace Doodle if one fluctuates in weight as I certainly do.
You obviously have a similar issue.

Last year I had 4 rings made smaller as they were literally in grave danger and having previously lost my wedding ring a few years ago, I dare not allow that to happen again.
I was mortified on losing my wedding band,we both searched high and low,I had been in an Out Patient Clinic the day before and I was convinced this is where I lost it ......when it could not be found at home.
The staff looked everywhere on our behalf to no avail.
Daily we would still search until it seemed to be lost forever.
My dear man suggested buying a ring from Clogau Gold selection which I had always admired,yet I was loathe to do so because it was the previous ring he had put on my finger!!!
That alone would do.
About 4 months later he was clearing out the summer bedding plants when he came to the urn by the front door,on removing the dead plants he saw a glimmer down below...........yes there deep in the soil was my unharmed wedding ring!!!
I did have a habit of picking dead heads etc when just walking by, and somehow it had managed to slip off and get buried deep below.
What rejoicing..........and that is the same ring which is now getting tight again.
Amazing how most of us have a similar tale to tell.............I certainly drank in both stories Doodle and Grammaretto.............it is never about the cost but that deep emotional connection don`t you think?

You mentioned masks Grammeretto....to do with your Pottery studio cleaning which brought me to mention these
face masks we have.
My dear man`s idea,the first 2 each are of tartans and work very well,just simple but allow for a filter and plenty of material allowing for a good coverage.
He then sent for another 4 between us..........expensive ones that have nose clips and so on.
Neither of us have an issue with the tartan ones,my first use with the more expensive ones meant as soon as I spoke it slipped below my nose, so I was doing the one thing we are advised not to do...........fiddling with them!
My man wore his today and the elastic came adrift on first wearing.
I guess people are "jumping on the band wagon" churning them out fast trying to make a fortune.

Thank goodness for the Tour de France!!!
It keeps someone quiet for a while!

However my humble apologies for somehow not getting down to grips with this post............I seem to be straying all over the place.........I promise after having a few good rest days that I badly need I shall be able to catch up and join in.........................hopefully.

As the shopping arrives, duty calls!
Never a spare moment it seems!
So I shall love and leave you all,do keep happy and even more importantly..........keep safe gangsters all!

That catch up took a whole cup of tea...but an engrossing read. Your comments on our mock Victorian photo made me think...and I think we look too well-upholstered to be genuine!
The costumes are clever overalls that you put on over your own clothes. The basket beside me hides Mr M's feet in his deck shoes. We were laughing so much that our photo just isn't serious enough!

I'm Irish and Mr M is a Cornishman so I think we would have looked much leaner in olden days....but the plumpness of us both is directly attributable to wearing coveralls over our clothes ?

Norstat I loved your tale of the Strad. That must have been a priceless experience for you. Many many years ago I had the deep joy of working with Stephan Grapelli for a day and I will never forget his inner peace and flying fingers.

Doodle I have an LP of Camberwick Green and Trumpton songs, sung by Brian Cant. My DM taught small people and when I was clearing her house it was one of the things I irrationally kept. I was a wooden tops girl.....you wouldn't get away with a character called Mrs Scrubbit now! ....and I loathed Tales From the Riverbank.

Panache I do hope your eye appointment offered some reassurance but I must say I was chuffed to learn that you've put in weight. Are you off the dreaded Ensure?

We spotted a bargain giant BBQ with bells and whistles in the garden centre this morning and managed to talk ourselves out of buying it. We're just putting our shoes on to go back for it now ?

Bradfordlass You’re right, Martin is a nice looking chap. Nice person too by the sound of things, helping with the gas tank.
Teddy was my favourite too. I once had one that looked just like him. My teddy was an orphan, a bit like Paddington. Not found at the station but lying abandoned on the road. He was taken home by my Aunt, washed and hung up by his ears on the line to dry and then put in my pram for me.
I would sit down today and happily watch an episode of Camberwick Green or Trumpton. ?
So now we know more about the family in the photo and you are a descendant of William not the girls, so we were all wrong ?. Are my eyes deceiving me or are there 6 children in the photo. I wonder which one was left out of the list on the back.
What an interesting piece of history about the photographer and Mr Wade. I like the idea of the ebony handled whip free with a full harness. ?. It’s a shame the saddlery was lost to the family. I hope you enjoy your last tomato ?
Nortsat are you sitting comfortably with your coffee again?
That is indeed a lovely story about Nicola Benedetti. What a wonderful experience for you and the children and nice of someone so talented to share her gift with them.
Can you tell us a little more about what you do with the children? Is the place you work a school? ( Sorry if you’ve mentioned it before, I have a bad memory)
Good job they didn’t tell you how much the violin was worth while you were holding it. The shock might have made you drop it ?
Grammaretto yet another gangster coincidence. You too have been at a Nicola Benedetti performance. ?
I’m glad you found you wedding ring, and on your wedding anniversary too. It was meant to be,
I had a ring which belonged to my MIL. While washing my hair one day it slipped from my finger and went down the plug hole before I could stop it. It wasn’t particularly expensive but I did like it. We did buy an endoscope (tube with a light at the end) to look down the drain hole to see if we could see it but never got round to looking, we found the endoscope the other day so may have a look.
Not depressing at all Grammaretto . Looking for a diamond ring would give one enthusiasm for cleaning. ?
My new painting kit has arrived and I can’t wait to start. I have too many hobbies and not enough time in the day to do them as well as the housework (well I might do if I got up earlier)
I am still doing my cross stitch and my quilting.
Have a good day all. Can’t wait to hear what Panache has to say. ?

I will certainly be watching tonight Nortsat
What a wonderful story.

We were thrilled back in December (a lifetime ago) to be at the packed Usher Hall for Nicola's performance of Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky with the RSNO. She was terrific.
Our Helpx and friend, a French cellist, got us seats in the Organ Gallery and we were really closeup. How marvellous to hear that in real life she is a lovely person.

I agree that Mr and Mrs Mamissimo look like a comfortably off Victorian couple. What a fun thing to do.
All the very best of wishes to your DD and her DP as they embark on the IVF journey.

I'm glad your finger has put on a bit of bulk Panache and you are healthier than before. When my wedding ring became too tight, I stopped wearing it. I like to think that my pudgy fingers were once small enough. It was made by an art college friend who became a jeweller and he only made one for me. DH and I weren't going to bother with rings at all. I lost it for years once and was rather sad that we were moving out of the house and my ring was still there somewhere. On our wedding anniversary, whilst doing a final sweep up in the garage before removals day, there was my ring in a pile of clay dust.

Years ago, a student said she lost her engagement ring worth thousands, in my pottery. We all searched at the time and couldn't find it. She claimed the insurance but whenever I have a clean up in there I always look out for her ring!

Your friend's MiL story with the pelican bib made me laugh Doodle She had a point too. The food did generally end up in the bib and the child happily ate it from there.

Bradfordlass what a treasure to have the ancient photo and family history.
DH has several old photos of his family too and has managed to get his mum to let him know who's who and so they are labelled on the back. Where they are taken is important too.

I will be doing more clearing out in my pottery studio. Masks are needed for the dust if not the virus. and looking out for the diamond ring
Nothing further to report on the water apart from more rain.
The plasterer is due tomorrow to take a look at the hole in the ceiling.

I seem to write in such a depressing tone. It's not so bad really! We are still here. Have a lovely day all you gangsters.

Good morning gangsters, I hope everyone had a comfortable nights sleep.

Massisimo, don’t you and Mr M look splendid in your Victorian finery. You look the epitome of Victorian middle class respectability and gentility... as you obviously are of course, in real life.
Thinking of your DD and sending all good thoughts her way, for her IVF journey.
Doodle, have you let Mr D out of the bedroom yet? That made me smile.
Panache waiting to hear your news ...
Cherry hope the Shepherds Pie was good ... I waited to see whether Jeeves was bringing two hearty portions over for my partner and me ... but no luck! It’s one of my favourites too, Doodle.
Bradfordlass Good Friday, March 1869 ... 150 years ago ... it’s hard to credit. William was a saddler, that’s very interesting. I have watched a Master Saddler on television repairing leatherwork items. Saddlery requires a complex skill set and it’s so interesting.

I have a story to share today. This evening on BBC4 there’s a Prom Concert at 7.30pm with the virtuoso violinist Nicola Benedetti performing Baroque music by Handel, Vivaldi and JS Bach. It should be well worth watching for those who enjoy Baroque music. I have met Nicola Benedetti several times in the last year or so and her playing is absolutely magical.
She came and gave a Master Class to the string section of the children’s Orchestra, at my workplace. We operate in a deprived area of east London and Nicola was very interested in our ethos of providing music lessons and instrumental teaching to children irrespective of their economic circumstances.

She gave a teaching session to our string tutors and then a practice session followed by a concert, with the children. It was such a wonderful experience for the children to be taught by a world class player. The sound was so beautiful we were all in tears.
She plays on a Stradivarius violin, which is more than 300 years old and we were astounded and thrilled she brought it to play for the children. The quality of the sound and the volume literally rattled the rafters of our building. It was extraordinary and deeply moving. The children were truly inspired and it was a wonderful experience for all of us.

It was only after Nicola had left, that I learned that the Stradivarius violin, which I had held for her at one point, was worth £10million.
Then all I could think, as the head of the service, was ‘Oh my goodness, the insurance could never have covered it...’

Have a good day, gangsters. ??? ?

Goodnight Cherry - sleep well

Doodle on the back of that family photo, it says:

Photo taken at Bottomley’s in Ivegate, Bradford on Good Friday, March 26th 1869
William and Mary-Ann Wade
Elizabeth 9
Jane 8
William 6
Emma 3
John 2

They had 10 children altogether and having consulted my extensive family tree, I see (with difficulty) I'm descended not from either of those girls but from William. I knew that but had forgotten.

Joseph Bottomley was one of many Bradford photographers doing a thriving trade in what was a comparatively new, affordable skill.
Family photos were still quite expensive though, so not available to everyone.
William Wade was in a well-paying profession - he was a saddler and one of his selling points was: 'If you buy a full set of harness, you will receive an ebony handled whip, gratis in appreciation".

Four generatons of Wades ran the saddlery until it got to my Great Uncle Bill (brother to my granddad) who, when he was conscripted into the army (WW1), lost it.

I was wrong about the last tomato of 2019. Here's a photo taken 10 mins ago.
That's the last one

Just popping in to say goodnight gang, very tired tonight ?. Sleep tight all.

Mamissimo If that gorgeous hunk in the 'old' photo is your DH, I think I may have a reasonable facsimile here in my good friend Martin (see pic but imagine him in sepia, Victorian garb and just a little touched up. He's the one who filled my gas tank).

Having decided I'll grow tomatoes after all (just taken the last two of 2019's cherry tomatoes off the vine this week) I'll pick the seedlings up tomorrow. They sell 'Roma' too.

I had dreaded the necessary sterilisation of the pots but now, with 15 litres of sanitizer to hand, all they'll need is a good scrub and a quick spray of 75% alcohol. (a bit like me really).

Your dear D will be especially precious in my thoughts. As you know, we've waited such a very long time for the baby 'we' now expect in November - never give up hope.
IVF is not pleasant, so I pray it's successful for you all.

Grammaretto hoping too for better nights, a less soggy garden and more understanding neighbours at your place.

Hope your visit to the optician didn't exhaust you too much Panache and MrP . It's hard when you've been confined. The joy of seeing clearly will be compensation.

Nortsat Talk of children's programmes takes me back too: Childrens' Hour on the BBC Light Programme at 5pm; Jennings and Derbyshire's 'Oh Fishhooks!'
I have a nice letter from the author, Anthony Buckeridge. Someone gave lovely talks on wild-life - was that Romany?

When my elder son was young, we saw Andy Pandy on grandma's TV when the series was revived. I liked Teddy best; Andy was a wimp. I also liked the narrator's giggle whenever Teddy did something funny.

Much later, during the rare times we had TV in our house, my younger boy and I loved Camberwick Green and Trumpton: 'Hugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grub.'
Ah, the dear, innocent days before horrible violent cartoony things came in from the USA.

It was a bit lonely patrolling without Jeeves tonight but I guess he's off on a mission to help someone. He's a very good-hearted bloke even if opera is not his strong suit

It was a lovely evening and I spent some of it in the garden, sipping Doodle's special hot chocolate. I swear I saw hedgehogs in aprons but of course it couldn't have been, could it?

Maybe I'm the one who needs the strong suit: white canvas with cross-over arms.

Note to self: have hot choc analysed.

Cherry your comment about bibs reminded me of my friend who had her MIL to stay when her baby was about 8 months old. She gave her MIL the baby’s pelican bib (a new invention at the time) and asked her if she’d like to give the baby her lunch. Coming into the kitchen a few minutes later she found that MIL had emptied the baby food from the bowl and put it in the bib thinking the idea was the baby ate out of the bib. ?
Yes thanks Cherry our boiler passed with flying colours. We had a very nice young man turn up to do it. DH was out of harms way in the bedroom and I explained to the young man that my husband was shielding so keeping out of the way. There were a couple of questions that DH needed to answer so I said to the young man I’ll just go and ask Him in the bedroom what he thinks. When the chap came to leave he walked past the bedroom door and with a grin said goodbye Mr in the bedroom...I hope she lets you out soon. ?
I love shepherds pie. Can I come to dinner too ?
Panache ooh you are so naughty. You’ve got me agog now as to what your news could be ?
My DH and I had our rings done last year. I was worried that DHs ring was so tight on his finger that it would be a problem getting it off. It took us a while to find a jeweller who would both cut it off and enlarge it. DH had his made bigger and I had my engagement ring made smaller as it was quite loose. It was a lovely shop. Very small and on one of the back streets of the town but they had a wonderful collection of second hand rings. Most of them were many thousands of pounds and quite lovely to look at. I spent some time browsing ?
Good luck at the opticians. Hope all goes well.

Afternoon to you all,just a fleeting visit today,perhaps I shall have some news to add tomorrow!!

Back to the miseries of grey skies and drizzle in our neck of the woods..............it would be this very day when we are both off to the Optician`s and added to which I have another little mission.
Some of you may remember that after my last long period of illness and Hospitalisation I lost such a dreadful amount of weight.............I looked like a skeleton!!
I am greatly fond of rings and mine were literally falling off my thinned fingers.The Jeweller worked hard actually having to add contraptions to some, because the weight loss was so much,............my wedding ring though had to be sent away and remade to size.
Hard to believe that now that same ring is strangling my finger!
So I am on a mission to inquire if it can be stretched (which I doubt) otherways it will again have to be reurned to stretch it yet some more.
I am keeping them employed for sure but I am also losing out on the gold and I do think that gold prices are at a high price.
This yo yoing of weight is causing me extra footfall and money.
But it is my Wedding ring,very precious were it only tin foil!!

So wish me luck as here I go.........!! hoping to have better vision on my return too!!!

Keep safe lovely gangsters.

and a happy good afternoon to you all ☺️

BradfordLass, that's my bugbear - raw greed. Why be that greedy? What purpose does that serve? I have never got my head around it and to be honest I'm glad I haven't. I don't get why people are racist either and more or less the same question applies in my book.

Nortsat, yes Rock Against Racism was a great day. I remember the campaign and fund raising events leading up to it and the taking part. We do seem to have supported the same causes in the 80s.
Funny how one thing can lead you to thinking about another. I loved WWM too and remember it with affection, but I was struck by something else. You said your nephew was 9 in 1986 and much more interested in power rangers etc. My nephew was 9 too in the same year and was an avid fan of He-Man, I'd forgotten all about that.

Sorry to hear that Mr G didn't have a good night Grammaretto
Maybe your gt grandparents weren't going to church then if it was a fair distance away ?
Is the distant relative you have found in America related to Robert the Bruce on a branch of her family tree or is it something you have in common? We're all itching to know.
Nevermind the hedgehog/s needing aprons I could do with a couple as long as they have a big. Not for housework or when I'm baking but for when I'm eating or maybe that's just a baby's bib I need ?

Mamissimo who are that very refined and we'll to do couple in the photo I wonder... ?. Seriously it is a great 'imitation' you and Mr M really look the part, it's very clever. I've fancied going and having a period photo done of me and my WP for a long time but I can't seem to persuade him ?.
Wow, what a fantastic crop of tomatoes you are growing. Lots of opportunity to do so many things with ? s, a little easier to deal with a bumper crop than one of running beans ?
Children can be great, you can pretend it's granny's and they are more likely to eat it ?. Sprouts though ... ?
I have been holding your DD in my thoughts, I read your post earlier but had to go out (hence posting now) but I've been thinking of her and her dear partner and I have my ? for them both.

Doodle I hope your boiler passed muster and has a clean bill of health. Ours in n the airing cupboard upstairs and emptying the cupboard out for the service is one of my WP's least favourite job, another is putting them back in again.

Off to check on the shepherds pie ?, I'm quite hungry today ?