The Lockdown Gang - Carry on Regardless.

missedout I’m sure you can have a good stomp. Jeeves can pop over and help with the hair after he’s got Mamissimo into her gown. ?

Bradfordlass I’m glad you don’t let fashion get in the way of comfort. You keep your liberty bodice on. It will stop you getting a chill (or so my mum said ?)
That Indian dress is lovely.
You watch what Jeeves gets up to . Don’t let him swinging you round too much, you never know where you’ll end up ?
Dragonfly thank you. How lovely you are joining us. You look fantastic in your posh frock. What lovely colours.
A chat with your little granddaughter must have cheered you no end.
Mamissimo that’s a funny story (I was going to write tale ?) about your SIL. I can imagine him swishing around the dance floor.
Jeeves is on his way over. He says he doesn’t know what stays are (being an innocent in the world of ladies underwear ?) but he’s willing to help.
Panache how are you feeling today?
Sorry we won’t be seeing you both at the party but understand you need to look after yourself and rest. Be assured we will be thinking of you. Jeeves is going to pop over with a couple of glasses of champagne, and some smoked salmon so you can drink a toast to Nortsat and join in the party from the comfort of your own home.
I am glad to hear MrP is in good spirits but sorry he is in so much pain. If course you will be suffering with him. I wish there was something they could do to ease things for him.
Please take care of yourselves and rest.?

That is beautiful Doodle

My Lockdown Gang inspired quilt art. Ta Dah!!

Dear gangsters, this is my first attempt at an art quilt (quietly forgetting about the one that went in the bin )

The inspiration behind it was our gang and I made it so I can always remember you when I see it.
My concept (please note the art lingo) was that we all started out at the beginning of lockdown, as single threads, not knowing each other and as time went on we got closer and closer together leading up to our tight knit group, our circle of friendship, caring and support for each other.
You are all (including Marydoll and Dragonfly) assigned different colours. I won’t tell you what they are but I have my reasons for choosing them. It will always remind me, not of this dreadful lockdown but of the friendships I have made because of it x
Hope you like it.

Many happy returns of the day Norstat.

I just lurv the sound of Missedout (after her epic trip to A&E) has her hand in special silver bandages and will be seated on a Louis XlV velvet chair. I will definitely get out the dress with the silver sequinned bodice. I'm not sure if I can manage the eye makeup too well, I may end up looking like a 'Goth'. I'm just going to get DH to help me to wash my hair. If you see news headlines MAN DROWNS WIFE and I'm not there later, you'll all know what happened!

Sorry Panache, that you are so uncomfortable and indisposed.

Will there be any chance to 'stomp' tonight - perhaps in the aisles?

See you virtually all later I hope.

A very good morning to you all.

Whilst may I turn my attention to the lady of the day,our Norstat.......wishing you a life filled with good health and happiness plus a
- A very Happy Birthday _
[
Although obviously you are far from well yourself, you have overstretched your good self in all this planning for what sounds like a very grand affair.
May the evening go like clockwork,and there are bound to be smiling faces all around!!
Whilst I am loving the hints of my favourite purple.

Sadly due both to my dear one`s low condition at this time,plus I am bandaged and under orders to remain rested, we shall have to regrettably decline your kind offer.
My violin and gown however will go into storage for the next time!!

Grammaretto I cannot agree more..... a little fantasy in our lives over what is turning out to be a prolonged and difficult period is no bad thing............in fact, quite frankly I think it is the only way I manage to survive!
Am horrified hearing of covid in the cancer ward and the one Mr G attends,however after the precautions and methodical planning I witnessed on thursday, I think one can but take a chance.
Extremely worrying nevertheless.

So very sorry for your obviously upsetting time Bradfordlass
What a lovely thought though about this velvet chaise longue to place of honour at Norstat`s Birthday do.
You always come up with these delightfully kind thoughts.

I hope you will be fully recovered by this evening Doodle
The tinnitus will not be able to function once the music starts!! and you more than ready to dance the night away!!
A gal showing so much grit!!

You havc certainly been "in the wars" Missedout
It truly sounds quite a horrendous journey to get seen medically, as well as expensive,however altogether most impressive.
Quite a tale actually to relate at some function or other in years ahead.
Furthermore you lived to tell the tale.
I also have arm (left) and right hand incapacitated since Surgery on Thursday...........and it is not easy trying to do even the simplest function!

Quite frankly Cherry I seem now to have so many cancer related scars everywhere on my body... it really is pathetic.
However when it comes to worrying about my man, I am in there fighting like a lion.............and these days without a doubt, one has to do just that.
True enough a letter arrived from the Consultant himself.......my man`s blood levels are going up so another test in 6 weeks and he will then be seen in mid November.
In the meantime he also has to visit his GP and Respiratory Consultant (hopefully)
He is in good spirits but in a lot of pain,and when he suffers I feel the pain.
Anyway enjoy the night!!

How about stealing the show Mamissimo..........a lion owner sharing your DNA............I always knew you were extra special!!

Feeling decidedly like resting these parts of mine,although bitterly regretting the fact neither can partake of a nice stroll outside today,although much colder it is fine and dry.
Whilst so upset at missing out this evening.
However my thoughts will be very much in Grand Cadogan Hall Concert and Champagne Reception...........and our Birthday gal with friends.

Enjoy,enjoy and enjoy!!

My crossing out thing has gone weird!

Apropos of the comments on Cherry's tail....the first time we attended a celebration with dancing with my then new SiL he asked me whether I would prefer to have wings or a tail. This required --another couple of glasses of fizzy stuff--a bit of thought.

I decided on wings because I don't balance on tree branches very often. This normally quiet sober young man then grinned, leapt to his feet and said he would always go for a tail because it makes you move differently. He sashayed away to the dance floor with his imaginary tail and it was like watching a completely different person. His confidence had grown and he owned the joint.

So Cherry look after that tail!

Happy Birthday Nortsat ???????
I'm going to wear gloves in the garden this morning so that I don't spoil my manicure. Mr M did it for me while I was reading --what the idiots have been up to--The Times.

Please may I borrow Jeeves briefly to help me into my stays? Mr M says it's too much like hard work for him!

Happy Birthday Nortsat is there still room for a little one? I have my best posh frock on - got it on tinternet for a wedding and amazingly it fits! It is purple, emerald green, pink and other colours!

So pleased your friend is safe Bradfordlass but sorry you have been through an upset.

Missedout your hand sounds really sore and what a trial especially having to walk 2 miles before finding a taxi. I hope you are in less pain now.

Tinnitus is dreadful Doodle my brother has it - went to too many heavy rock concerts in his youth.

Panache ongoing hospital appointments and those cancelled are also the bane of my life. I thought I had done with it all but that is not to be it would seem. I do hope you get all yours for your DH sorted out.

On a happier note I had a long chat with my 5 year old DGD. She was very lucid and I couldn't stop her talking - not that I wanted to. She is such a joy.

Just wanted to send love to all my lockdown friends.

Courtesy of BBC Sounds, I've spent that last couple of hours listening to this wonderful programme which seemed spookily appropriate as you were all filing in and finding your seats: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05nybcs

I chose the green Indian dress; purchased from a green Indian of course; but it's only 11 degrees in this Sedding Street and the wind is whistling round me dupatta something fierce, so I'm glad I'm wearing me Damart directoires and liberty bodice.
Never mind, a jive with Jeeves will warm me up.

Gramaretto you look wonderful in your Alexander McCall; what a clever chap he is, making frocks as well as writing the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency...but then he's a Scot so no surprises there.

I don't think I've ever seen so many silver thumb plasters and slings and I see Doodle is sitting elegantly in the finger stalls with Panace and MrP positively glowing in lilac voile and orchids...he looks divine.

I've been practising me party piece and once I've had a few flutes of the old L'Abbaye shall give you a rendering of 'Lad of Lovely Hair' which was my all time favourite at festivals.
It's apparently an old Hebridean tune and not so easy to sing these days but Jeeves has been primed to goose me so I hit the high notes.

Blimey, is that Dianne Reeves presenting the bouquet to Nortsat? Perhaps I'll keep me big mouf shut after all.

Ooh Nortsat you crept in behind me while I was typing.
I’m so looking forward to your party. It all sounds delightful.
I would add I will not be ‘on’ my triangle but I might have a tinkle. ?
It will certainly be a gala evening.
Enjoy your lunchtime cards and pressies. ???

Happy Birthday Nortsat ???. I hope you have a lovely day. I’m looking forward to your party.
Have you opened your present yet?
Bradfordlass how lovely to have you back with us. I’m so sorry about your friend’s troubles but as you say, she is safe now.
Jeeves really missed you. He was delighted to have you back.
I like your little houses. I used to collect something similar. No room for them now so they got passed on. You will need to find a Lilliput Estate Agent to sell them for you ?
Jeeves’ outfit sounds very fancy. Thank you for checking him over. He must look his best for Nortsat?
Missedout we have all been worried about you.
So glad you were able to get your poor thumb seen to even if it did involve costly taxi journeys. It sounds so painful but could have been much worse without your thick gloves.
Thank goodness your son was able to come and help otherwise you were in a very difficult situation. Glad you got back to your mooring on time.
It is so difficult to do things when your dominant hand is out of action. Are you wearing a sling to keep it elevated.
I think we’ll let you off the washing up tonight. We’ll just be glad to see you there. ?
Grammaretto I think you’re right. We do have some giggles and a bit of fantasy does us good but what is so nice is that we care about each other too.
That is very worrying and sad news about your local cancer ward. Difficult to know what the right thing is to do about MrG’s appointment. Hope they have some alternative arrangements in place.
Now you have me wondering, what is black bun?
Cherry I love that Welsh word cwtch. I know what it means but how do you pronounce it?
Tinnitus is still going strong but it will pass. I’m just concentrating on looking forward to Nortsat’s party.
Hope your Tigger tail is in place ?
Looking forward to seeing you all later.

Good morning gangsters, I am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle), having had several e birthday cards and a couple of animated ones, which were funny. I plan to open my presents and actual cards at lunchtime.

Well, the consensus appears to be that we go ahead with the Grand Cadogan Hall Concert and Champagne Birthday Reception.
The String Ensemble is booked, with Mr Norts accompanying.
We have a special programme of performances from the Glamorous Gangster Soloists, with Doodle in shimmering silver on the triangle, Panache looking vibrant and sounding virtuosic on the violin and Mammissimo sounding magnifico on the castanets.
Cherry is unveiling a new gown and announcing the programme,
Grammaretto, unforgettable in her Alexander McQueen number, is leading the toasts,
Missedout (after her epic trip to A&E) has her hand in special silver bandages and will be seated on a Louis XlV velvet chair.
I will be lounging next to her, on a velvet chaises-longue courtesy of Bradfordlass, wearing my sequins and pearls.
Jeeves (quality checked by Bradfordlass, wearing his tux and purple glitter bow tie) will be on duty with the hors d’oeuvres and the champagne.

Thank you for your birthday wishes, gangsters, all this whimsy has started my birthday off with a very happy smile. ?

Happy Birthday Nortsat
Enjoy your real day and your virtual party!


I would miss my giggles on here whatever the daily miseries.
We just heard that our hospital has had an outbreak of covid-19 in the cancer ward and several cancer patients have died. DH has an appt on Thursday so I don't know what to do.
Perhaps I should phone Ghostbusters on 111.
Poor Missedout and well done getting yourself to hospital. £60 well spent and its good that you were wearing the gloves
4 years ago I went to help DD get baby DGD to a hospital appointment.
It was a new car to me and I hadn't seen the petrol warning light. I was looking at the wrong dial. The car came to a halt on a deserted country road.
I called a taxi and the wonderful driver (who had once tested Ferraris) got us to the precious appointment on time. It cost £100 both ways but definitely worth it.
Mamissimo You may share DNA with the lion keeper. You have more than your share of zest for life.
I prefer black bun to Ch cake but I don't make that until the last minute.

I too am glad you had your procedures Panache and hope there is no need for more invasive surgery.
See you all tonight. I hope.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202010/medium-320237-img-1004-001.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202010/medium-239216-img-1003-001.jpg

Here I am, weary from weeping but at least I know my friend is safe now.
Thank you all SO very much for your good wishes and kind thoughts. It made the world of difference.

Jeeves and I did the night shift together and he prepared a rather odd, greenish bubbling thing, assuring me it was a tonic, a recipe from Mamissimo. Thank you - I think
By jingoes it has a kick! Liquid chutney perhaps?

He told me Cherry instructed him to do the rounds but I snuck in the back way and set up the kitchen before he realised I was on the premises, so no blame to him.

Missedout glad your hand was eventually examined and dressed. Is it feeling any easier?
When you said the hospital had no link to 111, I was astonished until I remembered the UK dials 999 for emergency. It is we in NZ who ring 111.
So who do you get when you ring 111 - ghostbusters?

I've been doing one of my occasional clear outs and found these 17 dear little houses. I'm a property magnate .
I shall put them on a local market site when I have the energy. They are beautifully and delicately made too.

Nortsat
~*~ Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday dear friend ~*~

I hope you're feeling up to the champagne and smoked salmon.

I've arranged for a beautiful velvet chaise longue to be in the place of honour, so you can relax and loll gracefully like Elizabeth Barrett - who always puts me in mind of a rather sad spaniel.

We spoke about shopping early for Xmas. Already, half the things I was considering are out of stock. With our borders under strict control, so few imports are getting in.
It won't be bread and marge for the festive board but it does show how many anxious people have already refilled their freezers and pantries.

I'll try to pop back and see what mischief you're all getting up to. Jeeves showed me his tuxedo; very smart with a glittering, purple bow tie.

Hi gang, thank you so much for your good wishes and showing such concern. I had a bad night and rang 111 on Thursday morning. A sympathetic nurse called Judy took all my details and advised me to get to Northampton General A & E within the hour. I walked 2 miles along the canal to the nearest road access and called a taxi. The taxi came promptly although the driver had no mask and there was no screen either (I was masked). The driver coughed every so often but I couldn't waste time getting another taxi. At the hospital, I had to wait outside but there was no queue. Once called in, they told me that they aren't 'linked' with 111 so had to take all my details again (and presumably the 'appointment' time was fictional).

However, I didn't have to wait long. The examination was very painful and I was sent for an x-ray. No bones broken but 'quite a bit of skin missing' and swelling and bruising. I called a different taxi back (driver masked and screened). Two taxi journeys cost £60.

I'm bandaged and have to keep the injury dry and my hand elevated as much as possible, I have to change the dressing after 4 days. Bearing in mind that it is my left hand and I'm left handed, I'm struggling. I'm also very glad that I wear tough yachting gloves when handling the boat. The injury could have been much worse.

I'm grateful to my DS who dropped everything and helped DH through a big set of double locks so we could return the boat on time. Packing up today to come home was interesting, everything thrown into carrier bags.

My troubles are just temporary compared with those of others on here. I've been following your posts and am glad to be part of this group of online friends. I haven't posted sooner because it is very difficult using the 'wrong hand' on a mobile phone, I'm now back with the iPad.

I'm sorry to hear that BradfordLass has sad news about a friend.

Doodle, Norstat, I'm still up for a birthday bash if Norstat is well enough. I may have to get DH to help me wash my hair (oh dear) and can't help with the washing up .

Thinking of you and hoping you are all as well as you can be.

Rough days are hard Nortsat, they can wear you down, and you have quite a lot of them. We all want you to have a lovely birthday. If you are not up to a party you don't have to have one, on the other hand if you are as many of your gangster friends as possible will be there to celebrate with you.

If you are reading Missedout I hope you've managed to have your thumb examined and received any necessary treatment.

Sorry to hear that you've had some upsetting news about a friend BradfordLass. Sending you some heartfelt cwtches x

Good to know that you received treatment and two little ops promptly yesterday*Panache*. Sorry however to learn that you have these carcinomas and the one on your breast scar may require more extensive surgery. Sending you cwtches too x
I never doubted for a moment you would be on the ball re. Mr P's not receiving his consultation. I hope one of the medical team does contact him very soon.

You've worked "like a Trojan" Mamissimo! Do you fancy coming to make my ch......s cake next? ?
A brave man your third cousin to own a lion ? Sounds quite eccentric, I like a bit of eccentricity ?

Good to know that your finger is pretty much okay Doodle ?. Hope your latest tinnitus flare up is abating.

I think Jeeves should pay a visit to see how BradfordLass is tonight. I brought an alarm system for him to fit so that BradfordLass doesn't feel she needs to be on night duty tonight.

Night all ?

Mamissimo that’s some story. Wow your third cousin had a lion. Not that it’s anything like the same but it reminded me of when a distant relative came to visit my mum and dad with his rather large and aggressive dog. It was causing such ructions that it was tied to the hall stand (remember those? Ours was large and made of oak) while we had tea. It ran riot in the hall dragging the hall stand round with it?
Oh goodness whatever will Jeeves be putting in our drinks tonight ?
Certainly still looking forward to the party and hearing more about Nortsat’s clock. (Oops shouldn’t have said that it may be a surprise birthday present)
Nortsat sorry you’ve not been too good again. I sincerely hope you feel better for your big day tomorrow.
I am worried about Missedout’s thumb too. It could be quite a nasty crush injury. I am fine thanks my tinnitus is annoying but not serious. It will go, it always does.
Nortsat. Life tends to throw all sorts at us and it is the good things and happy days that sustain us. Your birthday is a cause for celebration and I for one would like to celebrate with you.
Choosing our outfits has given us fun. We all care about each other and we know that some are going through tough and hard times but not enjoying the good days is not the way to go. I believe we should take happiness while we can. I’m sure those who are unable for one reason or another not to join us would not wish you to cancel you party.
Sometimes, we need the frivolity, fantasy, away with the fairies world to take our mind off our troubles. Doesn’t mean we don’t care or aren’t hurting for each other. Our gang are certainly friends and we care deeply that some are hurting but you are our friend too and it’s your birthday a real birthday with a virtual party. I say we should enjoy it.

As for Christmas. We most certainly will have a big Christmas bash. Why do you think Mamissimo has been doing all this cooking ?

Good afternoon gangsters, I have had a rough couple of days but am saving myself for the Grand Cadogan Hall Concert and Champagne Reception.

Bradfordlass leaving all the silliness aside, I am so sorry to learn that you have had bad news. Sending you good thoughts.?
Panache, I just caught up with your post about your dear one’s health issues and your own. Life can certainly throw up some challenges. I empathise with your need to rest and relax and I am sending you good thoughts. ?
Missedout, how is your injured thumb, I hope you’re reasonably comfortable.?
Doodle, so sorry to hear that you have had a challenging time with your tinnitus and the related impacts. It sounds awful. I hope you are feeling rested and somewhat restored.
Now I have just caught up with your blistered finger, too...
Grammaretto, thank goodness you made some progress with your parents light. It has encouraged me to think about having our gardeners in for a good tidying up session. We have been managing the garden ourselves, but it could do with a solid clear up session. We were nervous about having non family members in the house. But I think I’ll discuss it again with my partner.
Mammissimo Carbonara is virtually my favourite pasta dish. Yum.

Gangsters should we postpone the party? It seems inappropriate that I am posting a lot of silliness, when so many of us are facing challenges and difficulties. We can reconvene when everyone is feeling a bit brighter.
The purpose of the thread is to support one another and I don’t want to write a lot of lighthearted nonsense, when we could make better use of the thread by offering moral/emotional support to our friends. (I do feel able to describe our gang as friends).

Shall we aim for a Chr***mas Party instead?

Soldiering on here with my fingers tightly crossed for all of you quietly squeezing better outcomes from the NHS, handymen, chefs...and Jeeves! He's left here with the wrong herbs for the pick me up tonic and it may have a greater effect than desired. Sip it carefully!

We've made it to the end of the great Christmas bake up and a trailer load of plants has just been delivered so tomorrow it's back to the garden. I will be the flamenco fiasco with compost under their nails and a whiff of soggy vegetation behind their ears.

The attached photo is a funny discovery from my genealogy research this week....I do hope it is large enough for you to read! The owner of the lion was my third cousin.

Until tomorrow.....do take care!

Just had a PM from Bradfordlass to say that she and her family are fine but she’s had some sad and upsetting news about a friend.
I know we will all miss her at the party but hope she’s here on the thread with us again soon.
Panache in the scheme of things my tinnitus and jaw ache is an irritation nothing serious and is better today than yesterday as is my finger.
I will certainly be coming to the party (with my polished triangle)
I’m sorry to say but in some parts of the NHS you can be overlooked if you don’t take positive steps yourself. DH has been through most hospital departments and seen a whole range of Consultants. I must say most have been diligent and supportive. One was downright rude (and never seen again) , one was pleasant but unable to be understood and many were competent but needed a prod now and again. Without you looking out for him MrP wouldn’t be getting the proper care he needs.
Glad your own hospital visit went well locally but sorry to hear the one on your breast scar is so bad.
Please rest and take good care of both yourself and MrP .
We hope to see you at the party but understand if you are not up to it. Jeeves may be along later with a pick me up tonic (best not to ask what’s in it) ?

Top `o the morning ...........and would you believe it but another rather nice one,blue skies and sunshine.............yesterday many of our residents spent a few hours sat outside so it looks as if they may do the same today.

Dear Doodle it really is not like you being this off colour,tinnitus I have heard is a real "nasty," whilst we all probably know of a headache that aches all over, making one feel truly ill.
Not good news hearing this situation can last for days,and then probably it is this which caused your other mishap with a very hot plate,causing you to burn your index finger now with a blister to boot.
Sincerely hoping this will not deter you from travelling to the party,perhaps a day of rest is in order as we really cannot bear the thought of your non appearance.

Talk about "It never rains but it pours!!"

A very smart choice of dress you have chosen I have to say Grammaretto
Whilst I have had a hearty laugh at the dress, complete with chastity belt, you see me wearing ........not quite me though,especially the chastity belt contraption!!!!

You are of course using full knowledge of my love of those certain colours Mamissimo but yes,decidedly on the list of favourites.
(As if I have a whole wardrobe filled with such gowns!!)
But no mention or hint of what you might choose?
Come on,spill the beans!!

Cherry and all remarking on my dear man`s let down by his Consultant (again).
Other times he has had at least a telephone consultation,which does maintain contact.
However I was determined he was not going to be neglected and so telephoned his Urology Secretary,his Clinical Nurse and also our McMillen nurse............taking no chances.
It seems a letter is in the post with a request for further bloods because the last results showed an increase in his levels...........and on having these blood results one of the team will be in touch.
But I went on............ what about his 3 and now 4 other issues that need addressing???
Having talked these over at length, I have been told one of the team will be in touch soon, whilst also he must visit his own GP plus again meeting with his Respiratory Consultant regards another on going problem.
(Which I have repeatedly tried getting him to do!!)
So altogether....... slowly ........we are having the attention and responses needed.
Phew!!
Stress is a known factor that worsens a disease ..............and these people certainly know how to overload us with it.

Then on to my own medical appointment of yesterday.
I came away almost 2 hours later having had two differing little `ops....... and one simple Cryotherapy treatment for Bowen`s Disease of the finger.
This treatment will be ongoing each month until the problem clears.
The other two were suspect Squamous celled carcinomas again,one on my neck, whilst the one on the breast scar is quite vicious.........and it may well mean further more extensive surgery.....depending on the findings.
However I was truly pleased to have these issues dealt with........and locally.....under strict covid rules.

However due to the onslaught I have been advised to stay rested for 48 hours and it looks rather doubtful that I too will not manage your party Norstat...........at the moment I am lying low with fingers well crossed!

Due for my rest so I bid you all a fond farewell,hopefully all will be well for us all and we shall again surface at Norstat`s party!!

Thinking especially of you our Doodle........no fancy tricks today and the perhaps like Cinderella......"You too shall go to the ball!!"
Keep safe gangsters all.

grammaretto sorry about your splinter. Hurts when it goes under the nail. My finger is fine this morning. Much more worried about Missedout’s thumb. Hope she’s ok.
Mamissimo I agree about Panache’s outfit. I can just see her in something exotic.
Your ruffles sound entirely in order for your castanet performance. Will you be entertaining us with a flamenco ? too?
I love pasta carbonara but you are welcome to the washing up. Did your cooking son not realise that washing up is part of the cooking experience ?
Grammaretto that dress looks lovely. Very elegant.
I’m shocked, is there a time when you are not allowed to buy alcohol? Never heard of that. Hope you got your gin later.
Glad the in laws lighting is fixed. One less thing to worry about.
Sorry you are going into lockdown again. I’m sure you can attend Nortsat’s party. We have all been good.
Cherry thank you for your concern about my finger and your good advice (I was thinking about you after I’d done it and how a little blister on my finger hurt but your burns must have been so incredibly painful). It’s only a blister between the joints of the finger and it doesn’t hurt at all today.
I hope your new kitchen is a safe as can be for you. Good to have some advice from others as well as your own experiences. When will work start on it?
Bradfordlass I am so sorry to hear something sad is happening for you. I do hope your family are all ok.
I can understand you not being in the party mood if you are upset but know that we will miss you and are here for you.
Virtual hugs from me too. Take care x

Oh dear BradfordLass so sorry to hear. sending virtual hugs.

Cherry "You probably think I just love to eat"

Isn't that what humans are designed to do?

I probably won't be at the virtual party; some sad drama happening here and I don't feel up to jollifications. Sorry.