The Lockdown Gang - Carry on Regardless.

Good afternoon, well it's afternoon but the weather is lousy so not sure if it's good ?

BradfordLass that is one special phone of your grandfather, mum, Moss the border collie and the cat ?
We had a border collie, he wouldn't stand any nonsense but he was the soppiest, loyal and most loving dog in the world. They are very intelligent dogs I think ?.
Thank you for sharing the very special photosxof your DS and your DGD with us. Your son was an adorable looking boy and your DGD is a very attractive young lady, what fabulous eyes they both have. My mother had gorgeous deep violet coloured eyes, I followed my father, as did my brother, who had green eyes. I look in the mirror now and in so many ways I see my mother staring back at me but it is my brother I see the most.

Your Paris romance was obviously not meant to last BradfordLass but to this day you can still look fondly back on it. I think that is a positive of life, not rancour or bitterness and corrosion. Before I fell head over heels for my WP I had a romantic relationship with a beautiful Italian gentleman. He asked me to marry him and proposed by asking me to choose a house. He was a lovely, kind, generous, warm hearted man and I dare say we could have had a comfortable life together but I didn't love him. I turned him down. It was the right decision but I can look back with warmth on the time we spent together.
That ice cream does look yummy and I'm sure I'd enjoy it but I'll stick with Joe's ?. It's odd but since I followed the link I've had an advert coming up for New Zealand snow boards .

My mind was boggling ? re. take your trousers off. What the heck was a male colleague doing by asking you to do that I was thinking... kids and working from home ?. We've all seen that clip of the presenter working from home and his children haven't we ?. They (whoever they are) talk about work life balance... what needs to be tackled now is home work child chaos ?
Yes I remember you saying about your birthday but we all want to put the party date in our diary or... shall we start partying now ?

I hope your walk cleared the debris from your lungs Grammaretto. I hope that Mr G will be able to join you before too long ?
Good that your ceiling does have dry rot and won't be as expensive to repair ?. Ideally I wish you didn't have a problem with it at all though.
Your DGD's teacher is well out of order! Each school is meant to have a written anti-bullying policy and bullying in schools is meant to be clamped down upon! If the teacher is telling a 5 year old to deal with it herself she is breaching her duties! I think someone needs to deal with that teacher as it is negligence in the classroom.

As for Trump, yes I saw that news this morning. Well he hasn't been wearing a face mask or always adhering to social distancing has he. There are threads on GN talking about irresponsible behaviour... just saying.

I still love the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah band Doodle, though I don't listen to them very often. Hunting Tigers always puts a smile on my face but perhaps that's not surprising ?. I must listen to it more often when my Tigger tail is flagging or falling off ?
Yes my father died when I was young Doodle and it hit me hard then but in the 6 years he was my father the love I received has lasted my lifetime. Love is a forever gift ?. I'm sure your father loved you ?
Our soon to be in the garage car had an option of three colours unlike our current car that came in any colour you like as long as it was red. We could have chosen black, dark grey or metallic light grey. There was a gorgeous red one with red leather interior and we dearly would have liked that one but it was a semi-automatic and my partner doesn't get on with them. So... we chose the metallic grey. It's a Vauxhall Mokka, 1.4 turbo engine. Lovely car ?

Enjoy the rest of the day gang.

A warm good afternoon to my gangster friends and you
MawB

Indeed judging by the weather forecaster gloomy predictions
I had expected to be battling with Storm Alex by now,though yes grey of sky,decidedly breezy we are still dry, though not for long I suspect!!!

Having done my duty brandishing things such as dusters,mops and vacuum cleaners this morning..............following on from my Big turning out of said wardrobes etc yesterday I am fairly bushed
.In fact totally "cream crackered"
How well you know me Doodle yes indeed,whilst we are sailing down a respectable calmer sea at this moment (fingers well crossed as I dare speak!!) yes I am taking a little interest in the Autum Fashion again.
I may be very tired but I am never too tired to think,look and hopefully, buy some clothes!

Today` lunch was very passable.......Fish,chips,tomatoe & mushy peas plus a Bread & Butter pudding.............the bins are empty and my man well fed,I also pecked more than usual!!

I cannot help but agree with all you say MawB,it is truly disgraceful,surely not the sort of reply one expects from our teachers of today.

Heartbreaking for you Grammaretto..........and goodness knows you have more than enough to worry about,without your DGD issues plus that darn ceiling.
The wind needs to change direction there where you live!!

I find it painful talking families Cherry and that I know you will understand when you lost your Dad at such a young age,but a new car and I am on it with all the same questions already asked?
A car colour can often say much about the owner!!

Do have a Joe`s on me..............take your pick!!

When the firn actually came into our county furnishing the local shops with their ice cream, we were "over the moon".......and have been known to almost buy one supplier out, as there was a period with this very dodgy digestive system of mine ..........only Joe`s ice cream I could happily eat!!

Whilst you are talking very much my language now Bradfordlass...........dogs.
We both love them to bits,tall,small,pretty as a picture or as ugly mutts.............such great constant companions and without a doubt, man`s best friend.
So thank you for the interesting pictures especially that one of a very alert Moss.
I had Pembrokeshire corgies as a youngster,loved each one to death and then since our marriage we have had 2 beauties.............first another Pembs corgi called ........and every inch a........Scampi.
Secondly but equally adored and every inch the master of our home was a miniature long haired dachshund called Barnaby.
A little piece of our hearts died with him some 7 years ago and hardly a day passes when he is not mentioned.
They were every inch the family we never had.

You are not alone in your trepidation Norstat
Having us both shielding for the full length of time from March has, with only a few needful exceptions continued...........Dentist,Optician.Hair Salon............and I think 3/4 trips out for an hour or two in the afternoon ,walking in almost deserted areas.
We would not consider eating out at any time,visiting a store or shop........and goodness knows how much we fancy a properly served up delicious meal!!!
I do think though that surely those most vigilant will eventually come through unscathed,it would be foolish to take chances right now I feel.

Time I really rested so I will bid you all a hearty farewell,take every care out there and hopefully storm Alex does not cause too many interruptions!!!
Any parties going please give me a nudge!

I'm so glad you had edible food today Panache
I had to tell our friend who has been in the habit of coming round on Fridays for a fish supper either inside or out, that he can't come.
I'm now going to unpack the kiln if it's cool enough.
Here is a photo from my morning walk. We are so lucky being within a few minutes walk of beautiful countryside.
DD's dog who died recently was a Pembrokeshire corgi.

Afternoon gangsters a couple of quick updates:
A non wine evening is probably terrible use of English but it’s shorthand in our house for the evenings in the week, when we don’t drink alcohol. We generally have a drink on a couple of nights of the week, usually at the weekend. Hence the other nights are ‘non wine’. (It sounds utterly stupid now!!)
Grammaretto, what a dreadful set of circumstances for your DGD.
Cherry is right, surely the school’s anti bullying policy doesn’t condone that sort of response from its teachers?

Gangster party on 10th of this month then. Now, do we all like jazz, in which case we can rent Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s, with a buffet and drinks? www.ronniescotts.co.uk/contact
If we all prefer classical music, I’ll book one of the performance spaces at Cadogan Hall. cadoganhall.com/ We know a couple of people involved with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, so we could have a string ensemble, a buffet and drinks.
What shall we go for gangsters? I think either option would be fun.

Panache fish & chips and bread & butter pudding sounds like a step in the right direction. So pleased to hear that your dear one ate a better lunch.

Have a pleasant evening, gangsters.

PS I started a thread with info about donating unwanted jewellery to The Alzheimer’s Disease Society. Do have a look at it, if you have unwanted/broken jewellery. ?

I thought I would just pop in and say hi to you all.
I often feel a little daunted as you all have so much news I find it hard to keep up.

I did pick up that you GD is getting bullied Grammaretto. The teacher's attitude is shocking. She should be nipping this in the bud before it becomes a huge problem. At that age is should be fairly easy to do. I used to teach children from 2 to 11 and bullying was never tolerated. I do hope they sort it out soon. It is such a worry when they are only 5.
I am sorry too your daughter has health issues - I do hope these are sorted out soon.

I gather too Panache that your food is slightly improving - lets hope it lasts.

I too had an Italian boyfriend once cherry. He was not really a keeper but fun while it lasted.
I hope you are feeling better.

It would seem that my consultants do not want to let me go and live my life. My surgeon only found out just before my appointment yesterday that the radiotherapy Ishould have had in March did not take place. She thinks it was essential and is going to see if I can have it now. If I can't she will take out all my lymph nodes which means another operation. Not something I am looking forward to.
I suspect I am a victim of my age and Covid.
My surgeon is Greek and my oncologist is German so we will see which has the most clout.

It is Friday so wine is allowed tonight. I do like a chilled white wine and would like to offer all of you a glass, Ihave some very nice ginger and lemongrass cordial for cherry and the tee totallers.

Thank you all for your support.

It's a wine night here!! Unfortunately I get heartburn/indegestion from wine but I'm trying to ignore it.
What a perfect pest Dragonfly 2 doctors deciding your future.
You don't have to obey them you know. Wasn't it a belt and braces approach? It's a dilemma which you could do without.
Sending positive vibes

Cheers!

Cheers Grammaretto x

Cherry your father must have been very special for you to remember him so well. My father taught me how to paint (as in decorating). We used to paint the bannisters together. We lived in a three storey house at the time so lots of bannisters to paint. (I think he probably came back later and tidied mine up ?)
When does your new car arrive in its new home?
Panache dare one hope the meals are improving. I do hope so. My mum used to make a lovely bread and butter pudding. I wonder if today’s youngsters have ever heard of it.
Is there anything in particular you’ve got your eye on for the autumn wardrobe?
We too have had dogs in the past and still talk about them. Our sons now both have dogs so I get my dog fix when we visit.
Hope you both have a good night tonight on a full stomach ?
Grammaretto that photo is lovely. You must love going for walks in such delightful countryside.
Nortsat I must confess that I knew exactly what you meant by a non wine evening. I was tongue in cheek suggesting that such a thing is unheard of in this household. We can’t wait for wine O’clock to come every day.?
Panache I’m nudging you as requested. The party is on the 10th. Can’t wait. I don’t mind where we go as long as there is some food and drink and the company of the lovely gangsters.
I will look at your thread Nortsat Thank you.
Dragonfly I am sure I am speaking for us all when I say you don’t have to try and keep up. We are just happy to have you pop in when you can. Don’t ever feel you have to respond to all the posts, just come in and tell us how you are.
Sorry you need more treatment. I hope your consultants can agree on a course of action that you are comfortable with.
I will certainly join you in a glass of chilled wine. Thank you.
Please come to Nortsat’s party on the 10th if you can make it. We had fun at our last virtual party so looking forward to this one.

Thanks for the cordial dragonfly, it's not one I've had before but I think it'll be a lovely refreshing drink. Cheers!
My mother used to make ginger beer, which we all helped ourselves to lashings of ?
I echo what Doodle has said, don't worry about "keeping up" with our antics - concentrate on you. Just pop in, pull up a chair and sit comfortably with us when you can. Jeeves will make you a nice drink and he'll even gives a good foot massage if you want.
It's disappointing in one respect that you have to have further treatment but important to be safer than sorry. I hope that you can have the radiotherapy as a less intrusive option but if you need to have surgery you will get through it. Hopefully a lid to be closed so to speak.

Grammaretto what a wonderful view ?. The common behind is is a beautiful place to walk but sadly off limits at the moment (except for a small part) because just off of it a huge sinkhole has appeared making this end f the common inaccessible. If we want to take a walk on it at the moment we'll have to drive round the other way to access the there end of it. Oh well, there are other places to walk.

Panache I'm pleased that the bin was empty today and that Mr P ate well and so did you. ? it's a sign that from now on there will be improvements in what you are served up.
I haven't made a bread and butter pudding for ages. I must make one as my WP always enjoys it ?. It's one of those comfort foods I think.
Unfortunately (see my earlier post) we didn't get the colour choice for our car we would have wanted. In the past we've had two blue camper and, one blue, two red and one maroon car. Much more us than the colour of our soon to be new one.

To answer your question on when the car will have it's home with us Doodle I can't tell you with precision. Not much more, and maybe less, than two weeks.

I must write the the party date in my diary Nortsat. I prefer jazz myself but I think the honour is yours to choose the venue. It's your party so we all want you to have a lovely time ?.

I'm very tired now gangsters, hot chocolate beckons so I bid you all goodnight. Sleep well all ?

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202010/medium-365709-mum-and-dad-radley.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202010/medium-34799-bramble-cottage.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202010/medium-199791-auntie-minnie.jpg

It's seems there's a whole theme of bullying running through today's posts.
I'm very much agin it and nipped it in the bud with my sons, though sadly I didn't know, with the first boy, until he told his grandma. He never went back to that school but I did and gave them a piece of my mind...and I didn't have much to spare
Seriously, whether it's a child, teacher, surgeon, ignorant politicians or property manager - if they think bullying is acceptable then it's up to us to stand our ground and change that. Bullies don't like strong people.

Nortsat I didn't know there was a cat in the photo until you and Doodle pointed it out. Now I can see it. Thankyou.

Mum told me Moss was a collie but Lassie was also called a collie and as I absolutely adore Border Collies and have wanted one all my life, I was hoping Moss was that type. So thankyou all who told me.

When Mum was a teenagers, granddad sold the farm due to ill health. Mum and her sister took care of him, then sister married and moved away and Mum was his carer.

For the last 9 months of his life (and the first 9 months of my parents'marriage), he lived with us in their newly-bought home. I'm told he loved cuddling me but of course I never knew him.

Panache When I see a dog, something softens inside me (my brain probably !) and that doesn't happen with any other animal. I am a real dog person and my younger son takes after me, although he loves ALL animals and they have a strange affinity with him.

My parents bought a miniature poodle when I was young but he was never my dog really, though I loved him to pieces. (seen here as a puppy with my parents)
I hoped to be able to have a small dog when I came here but the Sallie won't allow it. Cat or bird only.

I'm thinking of getting a vulture.

I wonder if men working from home are now getting more of an insight into how it is for women?

dragonfly I'm with the others, just write about whatever you're doing or feeling or cross/happy about - it's all cool.
No bullying here

Grammaretto When I lived in Cornwall, we had a giant fungus on the wall of one of the (unused) rooms and when the landlord (Methodist Church) got a workman in he said, 'I've only ever seen something like that in a text book'.
The church declined to do anything about it, so we had to live with the spores until 2 years later we came back to NZ.

Maybe when yours is all repaired, you can run a vent from the kiln? Recycled heat

Yes Doodle I visted the farm many time because my great-auntie Minnie (photo shows her in the house she bought for her retirement) lived in the adjacent Bramble Cottage (seen here with all new windows and the farm in the background) until she was in her 70's and we visited her a lot. She encouraged my love of nature and gardening.

Also, when I went back to Bradford, I took my younger boy to see it. From that owner we obtained a copy of the Deeds. Interesting reading but sad to see the farm - owned by a wealth scrap merchant who had two killer dogs chained in the yard.

Nortsat In the days when teenagers collected autographs, I met Ronnie Scott in Gerrard Street but had no idea who he was. He invited me into the club but it looked very seedy. After he'd told me about the famous stars there, I whipped out me book and he signed it.

I'll be at the party but the honest answer to your question Nortsat is that music spoils anything for me, jazz or classical.

I live my life in comparative silence (apart from the pounding bass from the lad over the fence**) knowing that when I leave the house I'll have the purgatory of music in every shop, cafe and public venue. Do not despair however, I have earplugs.

**I sometimes fantasise asking him, 'Can you hear my audio books?' and when he, inevitably, says, 'No', I'll say, 'Neither can I because your music is so loud that even sitting right next to my CD player, I can't hear the words.'

But I honestly don't think he has any idea that it carries; he's not a lout and his Mum is lovely...so I let it go.
Yeah, maybe I'm being bullied too but when weighed against his happiness, it's no big deal.

Hope veryone has a happy day

Hello Gangsters,
Solid rain here today so my open studios will be a washout. We are taking it in turns to "man" the shop with the tracking, masks and sanitiser. Should be fun not

If no-one comes I may get into the studio and make something. We have a very sad looking tree stump in the middle of the front lawn when what was left of a weeping ash tree had to be felled. Magpies seem to enjoy landing on it so I thought I would make a life sized magpie and perch it atop.

Bullying: oh dear. I remember my DM worrying about my little brother that he would be bullied by the big bad boys and we said " but he is a big bad boy!" I don't think he was but he could hold his own.
Apparently DGD was so frustrated by the teacher ignoring her pleas that she got angry with the teacher and that was overstepping the line!
DD had a phone conversation with the teacher and hopefully things will improve. DD can be a tigress when need arises as I was though our eldest son was horribly bullied at high school - by some teachers as well as boys and I only took it seriously when he came home at lunchtime with a swollen lip and a bloody knee. I told the school I didn't send my child to be assaulted. He left that school and went to another further away but was much happier there.
His own DC go to a private school and I think that stems from his own experience.

I wouldn't want to repeat my schooldays. Would you?

Your story, Grammaretto, about your DGD reminded me that my DGD started school last year when she was 4 my DiL sent her to the school they thought on first appearances was the best. It turned out that the teachers were very insensitive and at the end of the school year they made the decision to send her to a different school. When my daughter explained why to the teacher, the teacher said she realised but there was nothing she could do as the head was difficult.
Afterwards it came out that my DGD had been having a horrible time although she hadn't said much and is now much happier. She is also 5.
I hope your little one feels happier soon.

Hello gangsters.
Cherry my father once brewed short beer and stored the bottles under the bed. According to my mother it took ages to clean up when they all exploded.?. I’m another ginger beer fan. Haven’t had any for ages....I feel like some now.
I’m glad you weren’t around when that sinkhole appeared. Do they know what’s caused it?
Hope you slept well last night. DH had irritable legs and I had the noise of a jet engine in my head (tinnitus) so we kept each other awake a lot.
Bradfordlass I am sure Moss was a Border Collie. I just couldn’t remember what they were called. I too have a soft spot for dogs (also for piglets since watching the broadcasts from Canterbury Cathedral but we won’t go into that ?)
You’re another who’s made me splutter my coffee. A vulture indeed
Great Aunt Minnie sounds a interesting character. How lucky she lived near the farm so you could still get to see where your mother and grandparents lived. Nice looking cottage.
I’m another not keen on loud music it makes my tinnitus worse. You and I can both go to the party with our earplugs in.
Fancy you meeting Ronnie Scott. You should have gone in, you never know who you might have met ?
Glad you’ve got nice neighbours even if one is a bit noisy.?
Grammaretto what a shame your open day may be marred by the weather. Its been torrential here this morning but seems to have stopped now. I hope people come to see your pottery. How many exhibitors do you have? If you make the magpie please show us a photo.
I hate bullying too. I wasn’t bullied at school (surprising considering how shy and scared I was) but I didn’t enjoy my school days much. Hope your DGD is ok from now on.
Dragonfly that is so sad about your little DGD. I won’t tell you what my DGS has been through in his school years but not too much of it was physical because he would fight back if pushed too far.
I am in for an afternoon crafting. I am working on a quilted table mat. If it works I will show you a picture. If it doesn’t it goes in the scrap bin. ?
Have a good day all.

Hi there and contrary to whatever the weather forecasters will say,our county remains completely dry,though I know Mumbles lighthouse,and friends in Porthcawl.........not a million miles away...........had both much rain and wind yesterday.
However I think we shall certainly have our share of Storm Alex tomorrow!!
Meanwhile let the mice play!!!

Belatedly I am joining you all and I think I know what you mean Dragonfly about being somewhat daunted or overwhelmed when coming in here finding some very long posts.

I think the main thing is just being yourself,being comfortable in what you write,following only yourself and your desires to write as much.........or as little....as you feel like.
Whilst of course some days there is more to chat about and others less!!
This is not a bullying thread,in fact the most warmly caring and understading one, so you are in good hands,as far as I am concerned I so like having you join us,and I follow your health with interest,hoping indeed that whatever is deemed the best and safest option will be chosen for you.
It certainly seems they have your very best interest in hand,always very uplkifting

Doodle and those that remarked about yesterday`s lunch,I hoped this is the turn around we have been desperately hoping for,but we... or our neighbours .....are not convinced.
It is very much a case of "Wait and see" but I like to praise and be fair when we have a decent meal.
Today`s has been a real disaster............late arriving,we had ordered a pizza...........what we had was a toasted finger roll with a coating of cheese topped by two tiny bits of pineapple between both sides.........my side salad passed muster.
I had fresh fruit salad which was mainly apple complete with skin,totally inedible for our age group with suspect teeth.My man had fortunately opted for yoghurt and even "they" cannot marmalise that.
This is beyond a joke.

At the moment a threequarter length grey coat with down/feather padding ordered has been found to be too large,so is being returned,a smaller size already ordered.
It is very pleasing,a good style with lots of zips!!
Because of our frequent strolls here,whatever the weather, coats are more needed than the norm...........I have several garments plus two pairs of ankle boots bought this time last year not even worn yet,so really I am aiming to fill the gaps!!

Returns are a problem.........my hairdresser stepped in last time!

That is quite a loaded question Grammaretto and would you believe I would prefer repeating my school days than the home life I had,school was indeed my relief and I even enjoyed my homework............lost upstairs in my little pink bedroom,alone with my thoughts on my work.
I hope I do not stand alone!!

By the way ...loved,loved your view.

Whilst obviously you too know all about Pembrokeshire corgies.Such lovely animals though not quite as popular as of old.....and I do not understand why.
I suppose like all animals there are certain phases when one breed is more popular than the others.

Bradfordlass I like you all the more now hearing of your "soft spot" when in contact with any canine,we both feel exactly the same.
Because I was so very ill for many years there was this long gap between our pets,sometimes during that period we found ourselves going out into the dog walking areas.... only to meet,pat and spend some time with our furry friends.
They are so very therapeutic and quite frankly, even now it is one of our dearest wishes..........owning and caring for another dog.

The bread & butter pudding was not the best Cherry and far from our home made ones, but it made a change having something edible!

We are dure to change our car prior to Easter but with life such as it is, we have not yet given it any thought.
We have never bought red,several have been denim blue shades,we have had yellow,stone, bronze, gold and at the moment ours is a sea blue.
My very first "bomb" was a little bright yellow fiat and I drove it like the clappers!
Those were days when we were really interested in such things.

Donald will surely now learn the merits of wearing a mask.............he has certainly made fun of others for wearing them,surely though they have the last laugh.

Did I hear a wine tasting event being organised Norstat or am I back in dreamland??
You make sure you are well enough first and foremost.
Mind you should either of us indulge in tasting too much you would need to call the Black Maria!!
Music for us would be of the 60`s70`s I suppose but with some classical added.............though quite frankly,the cameradrie is always number one

We are looking forward to some viewing time this afternoon,always lovely just being together...........inevitably one of us will drop off at some point!

Anyway my gangster friends may I just wish you well,and as ever please heed my plea..............stay safe.

It did rain all day and more tomorrow. We had a few visitors which was really nice and even a few sales. There are 6 of us exhibiting at mine and another 2 artists in the town have their studios open too so it's a wet trail!
My magpie looks like a bedraggled badger at the moment....
We have the family quiz tonight an hour earlier because the clocks have changed in NZ. This will please our Danish family who usually have to wait up too late.
Unfortunately we will be missing a concert on zoom as part of the arts festival.
Everyone tries so hard to live normally in these strange times.

I wasn't impressed by the pizza transforming into a cheese roll Panache and I can imagine the unpeeled apple fruit salad too! shakes head
I am glad that you enjoyed your schooldays. I wasn't very happy at school. Partly because I went to 9 different schools and was always the new girl, often starting not just in the middle of the year, but mid-term and midday!
I learned how to make the best of it but there were times when it was awful. My NZ accent was teased when we arrived in England and kids followed me home from school taunting "Say something for us!" Not serious bullying but made me feel very lonely.

A short post today. We are on our boat and the rain is hammering down. We have everything we need for a whole week, so may not even leave the marina if it doesn't stop raining!

Interesting mention of Ronnie Scott's, I used to be a regular there in the early 70's. I used to really enjoy 'stomping'! I'd get a late underground train in the evening and get back home in time to take the milk in. My poor parents, I was in between jobs at the time, living back at home.

Must go, I'm in the way.

Evening gang mates?

I've had a blinding headache all day but it's eased off a bit so I thought I'd better us this window to pull up a chair. I'm not sitting by the window though as the weather's 'orrible to look at ?

Yes it was 'orrible here yesterday Panache ?.
Both our camper vans were blue, well one was denim blue and white and the other was closer to an Oxford blue.
Back to square one with the food again then. Today's meal offering sounds like an offer we could all refuse. You can't carry on like this. They must not be allowed to carry on like this! I'd be getting tested for malnutrition and vitamin levels and if any came back in a negative light ... . I don't know whether where you live qualifies as accommodation where the POVA act would apply ?? Under the Act, what is happening would qualify as a breach.
Your new coat sounds like it will be love and cosy and practical too ?. So what's next on the shopping list to fill your wardrobe gaps. I fancy a pair of thick soft green tights this winter to make some outfits pop ? I'd like a red winter dress but I don't need one.

Doodle I hope you and Mr D have a better night tonight.
Oops, pop went the "pop* for your father's beer ?. I hope they weren't in bed at the time. My mother used to monitor the ginger beer etc (she also used to make Dandelion &Burdock, Cream soda, cloudy Lemonade..) but occasionally one bottle would explode ?.

Grammaretto, do show us your magpie if you go on to make it to rest on your tree stump.
As for your question... I have mixed feelings about my school days. I loved learning but was bullied. There were a few who bullied me virtually all the way through senior school. It never stopped me from wanting to go to school or working hard when I was there. I had the same attitude then as I do now, it's not me that's the problem it's them, it's not me they are hurting it is themselves. I will not heed, I will not cede, I will not be cowed, it is not allowed.
It's good to know your DD is a tigress, to paraphrase Viv Shanshall (him again) "she bites, she scratches, she makes an awful fuss, it's no good stroking her and saying puss puss puss". A bit of tenacity is to be admired ?

dragonfly I'm glad your DiL took your DGD out of that school and now she is much happier in her new school ?

BradfordLass without my glasses on I couldn't tell it was a puppy your mother was holding, I thought she was keeping her hands warm in a fur cuff ?. Your parents look very comfortable together, the warmth between them is clear. An elegant woman your great aunt; you were obviously close to her. You really do show is some amazing family photos, thanks for sharing ?

I hope the rest of the gang are okay and having a decent weekend ?

Time I rested my eyes (headache, whatever ?), have a pleasant evening gangsters.

Glad you did have a few visitors to your open studio Grammaretto and a few sales too ?.
Your school experience doesn't sound very pleasant, no wonder they weren't the "best days of your life".
Enjoy your family quiz ?

Neither school nor home life are worth going back to for me, even in memory.
World Vegetarian Day was commemorated with this, or part of it and a baked spud.
That mixture of capsicum, tomato, onion and garlic is a splending base for so many meals.

Cherry go for the red dress, sometimes what we don't need is what we need
Hope the headache has gone today.

Grammaretto put me on the list for the magpie - a British or a NZ one (or Australian actually) Love the sound, don't like their preying on native birds.

Have a good day everyone.

Good evenink all. I must confess to being a bit tipsy. I had a really busy day sewing today and we didn’t have dinner til quite late.
Panache you and Drangonfly and all are wanted here no matter how long or short your posts. We just want to know you are ok. Sometimes we have lots to talk about and others not. Please don’t ever feel you have to respond to every post. We are just happy if you pop in.
panache so sorry the meals continue to be a disaster. They really need to get their act together. That is not a pizza. What are they playing at.
Your new coat sounds really nice and cosy for the winter.
Hope you had a nice afternoon nap, I expect I will have a post dinner one shortly ?
grammaretto so glad you had some visitors and sales, such a shame the weather was so awful or I’m sure more would have come.
Do you have a lot of contact with the other local artists? Are you all potters or various arts?
Hope you enjoy your quiz.
9 schools is quite a lot. You obviously moved around a lot. Must have been difficult for you to settle and make friends.
Missedout not the best weather to be on a boat I think.
Oh we have a little raver in our midst. Hope you enjoy your week and the weather bucks up a bit. By the way, Jeeves is on his way up to join you. Hope you have room for him. ?
Cherry sorry about your headache. Hope it wears off soon and doesn’t cause you a problem tonight.
You were obviously a resilient child to withstand the bullying. You are right about it being the bullies who have the problem (many of them being bullied at home I think) . Sleep well and hopefully a non eventful night for you and a better day tomorrow.
Bradfordlass I had a vegetarian take away curry tonight . Really nice. Mild with coconut milk, chickpeas, spinach and cashew nuts. Very filling though.
Sleep well all.

Doodle your vegie curry sounds delish

In the last 10 mins, I've discovered something astonishing - well, to me it is.
Since researching Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) it seems I am Aspergers (no, not French asparagus!) as so many traits apply to me.
Temple Grandison, herself autistic, devised the hug box for her own use but it's since helped other ASD people, especially children who can't tolerate human hugs for comfort.

Two rectangular cushions of thick foam, gradually close around the user, controlled by them, as they lie there.
It allays anxiety and gives a feeling of ease and peace.

Now here's the incredible bit - for years I've chosen to sleep with my face close to a foam cot mattress placed/stored against the wall, down the side of my bed and with a pillow close against my back. An improvised hug box in fact.

As a child, I liked to have pillows up against my ears as that gave a feeling of comfort.
I've known for some time that Epsom Salt baths can be effective in calming some autistic children who can tolerate water but this hug thing is entirely new to me.
And yet somehow, I was doing it.

Isn't life wonderful?

Good Morning All

You must excuse me. I keep logging into GN and then getting side-tracked by other threads or spending so much time reading all your epistles that I don't contribute anything. So, I've skimmed the last posts and will read back later so sorry if I've missed something important!

Yesterday morning very early, I had actually started to write when my phone pinged and it was DiL - from hospital. An ambulance in the middle of the night. She has Crohn's disease and has an ileostomy, but the scar tissue and muddle left by various operations over the years causes periodic very painful blockages. She was worried about DS and DGS bless her. I feel blessed that I have lovely Children-in-Law!

Bradford. DGS is on the Autistic Spectrum. High functioning apparently. It seems we're all Autistic - just some a lot more than others! I've been relieved to find that I
fit the Attention Deficit Disorder description. Relieved as it explains my strong inclination to get side-tracked, and my terrible memory. I've not got (very) early on-set dementia after all! DGS is getting help at school and the other children are learning about how some people are different from others. He's very fortunate in his teachers I think. Also the new systems put in place with Covid. Small classes, more organisation with no crowding around and all the children have their own space and own pencils etc. The noise level in class has come down a lot. All perfect for an autistic child!

I chased up our flu jabs on Friday and we have an appointment for Thursday. Apparently the surgery only received their supplies at the end of last week. It'll be good to get it over with. It often leaves me feeling 'fluey' and with a very sore arm.

The forecast looks as if the weather should improve considerably from today Missedout . At least here in Norfolk, and we get our weather after the rest of the UK. Fingers crossed the sun burns through soon!

I can hear DH starting to stir. I'd best put the kettle on.

Morning gangsters,
I have skimmed too but read enough to be sorry about your DiL, NfkD it sounds as though she has a lot to bear.

Missedout I hope the rain has stopped and you can enjoy the boating!
It has stopped here though it's incredibly wet and elderberries are dripping off the trees. I went for an early walk and the river was high and boiling.

Doodle I'm glad you got your sewing done and had time for some wine!

Panache and Cherry your clothes purchases sound lovely and adventurous but why should I be surprised with the hair colours around here.
snag tights do some great colours and sizes
snagtights.com/collections/all-product
and www.gudrunsjoden.com/en-gb/clothes/news

I must have a browse later on and think about what I need -I 'd like

Bradfordlass I have never heard that about the hug box before. I know many autistic children like weighted blankets, presumably for the same reason.
How strange and interesting you should find out something new about yourself in your research.
NFK I hope your DIL is on the mend now. Those blockages must be painful and frightening. Will she be in hospital long do you think?
I have lovely DILs too. ?
I am so glad your DGS seems to be in a school that will help him and support him with his learning. Teaching the other children about Autism is such a good idea if it helps them understand. A quiet learning atmosphere is vital too.
I was interested in your comment about ADD and having a terrible memory. Many people say they have a bad memory but mine is truly awful. Can you remember much of your childhood or is it just that you forget things easily?
Grammaretto I did enjoy my sewing yesterday but wasn’t as pleased with the result as I’d hoped. During the middle of the night I woke up and suddenly thought what I could do to improve my design. If I get a chance, Mark 2 version will begin this afternoon.
Missedout I too hope you are having better luck with the weather while you are boating. It’s not much fun on the river in the rain.
Have a good day all.

Hope you all have your anchors firmly fixed and just in case I have ordered an ark!!!

Good Day gangsters all,and yes the dreaded rain has arrived overnight,just as I had expected,however I refuse to moan knowing full well the awful disruption and mayhem in France,and now all the flooding throughout our country........and much worse to follow.
It is not shaping up to be a good October.

However like yesterday afternoonm we are both planing another TV session .......the iplayer is saving our bacon!

Always good catching up with you all,what interesting lives you lead,I read with bated breath.........never knowing what might follow.

Having had 2 major bowel `ops and half a lifetime of misery NfkD I totally understand and sympathise with your DiL`s very uncomfortable problem..........hopefully another lot of treatments will get her back into a more comfortable position.Sadly it is one of those ever ongoing situations.

How is life today after being in tipsyland Doodle,........a state of bliss away from all the world`s growing issues............I am begining to think that we need a bottle to drown our sorrows after each of our main meals here............although quite frankly, they are beyond joking about.
So can I presume there was no quilting taking place yesterday?!!

You certainly enjoy your quizzes Grammaretto....my man loves to chase all that type of programme on TV as of course it is our main venue nowadays,he is actually fast and good, whilst I tend to be far too slow.
Little wonder you were not overly fond of school when having to move all those times,on the other hand I attended only two,Primary and then a Girls High School.

Has that darned headache cleared Cherry..........some of them can last days..........are you prone to them?
Lucky you having Camper vans,my dearest`s parents always had one and it was always on "our list" but although we had both a travelling caravan and then a large static,we still did not get a Campervan.
They really can give you such a great life if you are a bit of a wanderlust!!

Already ordered is a long woollen gilet in cream and a cognac coloured long line cardie..............as you can tell,I am preparing for a cosy wintertime!!
Love coloured tights,thank goodness there is this fab move away from just the plain old norm.

You seem to live life very much in the fast lane Missedout despite this awful situation we are now in,good for you and hopefully more happy days ahead

World veggie day came and went without as much as a taste here Bradfordlass!!

Lunch approaching (ugh????) so I shall bid you all a fond farewell,do have a pleasant,hopefully dry day and do please keep safe.

.