The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

Warm greetings to you all from our distant corner of Wales

Making a late afternoon visit filled with apologies for the blanks of late but knowing how my dear one`s treatments have thus failed,together with this appointment re my palate/throat really brought me to the edge.
Having so many sleepless nights just did not help.
On hearing there could be a further 3 people in the transport I needed for this appointment was truly the last straw..........having shielded and followed all advice in keeping ourselves safe all these months this seemed quite unreal.
Thankfully a friend actually gave up his work to take me there and back in his car,ensuring I sat in the back.

The Hospital was quite busy and it is known to have covid cases.
However I was quickly attended to and faced a few unpleasant tests
Brilliant news is there is no cancer around the voice box,although very badly acid eroded............despite taking anti acid medication for years.
There is a danger of course,but for now apart from new medication and reviewed in 3 months I came home happier than I was on leaving home.
However we are both absolutely shattered and can only rest...........and hopefully at some point soon I can sleep again.

Will be back when I feel more myself.

Thinking of you one and all,especially those having a real struggle right now....we can but keep hoping.

Doodle Actually, NZ is the place to be if you don't like snakes, as we have none here.
I can see how some of their movements may make people wary.

Both Christmas parties are with the groups I belong to.
At one, there will be about 30 of us but at the other, some 200+ will attend. I'm looking forward to both. 'sociable loner' that I am!

I hope you and DH get your outing on Sunday Grammaretto

dragonfly good news that your treatment has minimal side effects. Kia kaha.

Good news Panache and how very sweet of your friend to drive you after the fiasco of almost forcing you into unsafe transportaton. Grrrrr.

Ah yes, our old friend acid reflux
Since my digestions slowed to a rate which would make a snail look speedy, I've tried to eat no later than 4pm and earlier if I'm going to lie down and listen to an audio book in the evening, which I usually do.

I discovered it's the lying down which is the culprit.
I stay clear of the (useless) drugs and take Slippery Elm instead.
I also try to keep my meals tiny and easily digestible.
It's a long, long time since I ate what most people would term a full meal.

AR is what stopped me singing (which I loved) and I wish I'd know what was eroding my throat before it did so much damage - but I didn't.

I'm hoping to see young Gubbins today. Amazing what resillience there is in modern women who have just had operations. My dil is happy to get out and about, bless her.

I'd be languishing in my bed and -acid relux notwithstandsing - calling for peeled grapes from Jeeves.

Hope everyone has a good, peaceful and hopeful day.

I hope you got to see Mia today Bradfordlass. She will now always be known as little Gubbins. That is special.

Brilliant news Panache. That is one less thing to worry about.

I hope your roofer comes back Grammaretto I have a morbid fear of rot. Our house is relatively modern, no character but no rot!

Dragonfly glad things are going well with the treatment and they are pleased with you.
Grammaretto it will be lovely to go and see your DDs new house. Hope MrG is up to the trip too. Is your son cooking up a storm tonight or is it your turn in the kitchen?

Oooh Panache. There you are ?
What a kind friend to take you to hospital. Mixing with others in the transport wouldn’t have been a good idea.
Great news about your throat. What a relief. You must both be exhausted. Sleep well and thank you so much for letting us know how you are.
Bradfordlass oh I didn’t know that about snakes. I can come for a visit then ?
That’s a big Christmas party. Will there be decorations and crackers do you think?
I have only had acid reflux a few times. It is quite unpleasant but obviously nothing like you and Panache have on a regular basis. I had no idea that the effects could be so bad. I bet you had a lovely singing voice too.
I do hope you get to see the lovely Mila today. Little Gubbins will be on her best behaviour for grandma I’m sure. Good to hear your DIL is up and about and doing well. I hope your DGS is pleased with his new sister.
I love little Gubbins as a name too Dragonfly ?
Hope your hand is on the mend Missedout.

A visit from me ... in brief.

Great news Panache ?. I hope Mr P has had a good day and you both sleep well tonight.

Grammaretto, sorry to hear there is more rot and more work than was initially thought ?. I hope Mr G is comfortable and has a good night.

Good to know that your review went well dragonfly. Are you having treatment on Friday, you didn't last week did you. More than half way through now though ?

Glad Mila and mummy have come home BradfordLass. I hope you do see little Gubbins today ?. Your Christmas parties coming up sound great.

Hope the rest of the gang are doing well.

I discovered, after talking to my partner, I didn't fall out of bed'I actually fell in the bedroom on my way back from the toilet (I got up in the night as I often do). I'm more battered and bruised than I first thought and am actually feeling sorry for myself. My left calf is bruised, my right knee , top of my thigh and ankle, the top of my right arm and my right shoulder ?. I guess I didn't expect to have such a bad one and injure myself like this as I've just come through a bad bout and was feeling quite strong. My upbeat self has got up and beat off!

Maybe I'll feel Tiggerish tomorrow ?

Night all ❤️ ?

I'm just dropping in quickly. I'm so pleased for Panache, at least the NHS didn't keep you waiting very long.

I hope BradfordLass meets little Miss Gubbins soon.

Cherry, I hope you get a chance to let your bruises heal and thinking of Grammaretto and Mr G.

Dragonfly, glad things are going OK for you and that you are well enough after your chemo to drive.

DH is very uncomfortable and I'm still bandaged. I finished my 'robotics' today, thank goodness. It was a strong dose and I've been feeling very agitated and not myself. We know we will recover, we are some of the luckier ones in the gang.

It's DGS's birthday this weekend. We'll make do with FaceTime. As much as I hate lining Jeff Bezos' pockets, DGS' gift wrapped present from us has already arrived at his house (plus a little present for his big sister).

I went to the dentist again today and had my second (lockdown damaged) tooth rebuilt - at least the dentist didn't just take it out this time. It was a bit expensive but I've stopped caring.

I read your posts every day and think of all of you.

I feel in need of a stiff drink but think I should opt for one of Doodle's/ Jeeves's very special cocoas tonight. Thank you Doodle.

Great news Panache now please do some sleeping! You and Mr P need to follow Bradford Gubbins and do the eat, sleep, repeat routine ?

I've been grumpy guts today and I've got nothing to be grumpy about.....which makes me feel cross with myself. Tomorrow will be better because I'm going to the dump. Mr M is going to leave me there if I haven't pulled my socks up. To be on the safe side I won't wear socks...

Sleep like Gubbins everyone!

A visit from Cherry in her briefs. Not sure what Jeeves would think of that ?
I am certainly going to have you wrapped in bubble wrap. I’m so sorry you have lots of bumps and bruises. That must be painful. I hope it doesn’t cause you too much discomfort and you manage a good night tonight.
Missedout sorry to hear your DH is uncomfortable. Is he on any painkillers? What about your hand, is there any improvement?
We always buy our DGC siblings presents on the others birthday too. Hope your DGS has a lovely day. Shame you won’t get to give him a present in person.
Hope the cocoa helps you sleep well and Mr M too.
No, Mamissimo you can’t be left on the dump, we need you here with us. ?. Hope you feel better tomorrow. I’ll make sure Jeeves checks the bins just in case MrM decides to pop you in. ?
I think little Gubbins is going to be a favourite here. ?

Hello gangsters,

Great to spy you again Panache with much better news.

I am sorry to read about your difficulties and pain. Cherry, and Missedout but delighted to meet baby Gubbins.

I have lost mislaid my specs so this may be incoherent.
I had them earlier and have checked bathroom, kitchen, dressing gown pockets, bedroom floor. I haven't checked the compost yet.....

The builder man (indoor) is here and we are both complaining that the roofer (outside) should come back.
DS thinks I should claim on the insurance but I was warned that it's nigh impossible in cases like these, especially since the work has begun.. I will try.

How many more sessions of radio for you Dragonfly?

I'l be back when I find the specs.

Good morning gangsters, I hope everyone had a decent night. I have my coffee and am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle).
Grammaretto, hope MrG had a decent night. How tiresome your ceiling work must be, at a time when you’d like some peace and quiet. I hope the builders make good progress today.
Mammissimo hope you have fun at the dump and that your spirits improve. ?
Missedout sorry to learn that MrM is uncomfortable and you have had the dentist as well as your hand to contend with. I wish you both a restful day today.
Oh Cherry you have had a really rough time and then your fall ... it just puts the tin hat on it. It’s hard work managing a chronic condition and keeping your emotions on an even keel. I hope you have a restful and restorative day today.
We have the ribbon ready, to tie on your tigger tail ...
Dragonfly ... week 2 day 4. I hope the day passes comfortably for you. Week 2 is nearly over. ?
Bradfordlass looking forward to hearing news of your time with Baby Gubbins.
Panache very good news on the outcome of your throat examination. I can so understand how you must have felt ‘on the edge’. Did you sleep better last night? I am thinking of you and your dear one and hoping you have a gentle and pleasant day.
It’s bright here. Apparently the cafe in our park is open for takeaway, so perhaps a walk and a coffee.
Stay strong gangsters and come here for moral support whenever it helps. ?

Amid dark rumblings that we are about to go into Level 3 lockdown again here, Auckland's CBD has been cut off and all staff advised to work from home. The problem is a community case, the origins of whose illness has not been established. Does this thing fall from the sky?

All the family came over for lunch, including dgs who has grown so tall and with only an hour's warning I made quiche, gluten free pizza for the lad and salad. Strawberries and cream followed and I'm glad to say every scrap of it was consumed.
Oh, and I got to hold Gubbins!

You are a marvel Bradfordlass ! I don't think I could have created such a lunch in that very short time.
I know what you mean about GS growing by the hour

My specs turned up but it has been quite a day so far.
FiL was taken to hospital at midnight in an ambulance. He has an infection and of course no visits are allowed.

An impossibly high quote came from the roofer for the new work. He ought to have apologised for the work he didn't do properly and offer to make it good at no extra cost. He doesn't see it that way. I have now accepted a lower estimate from a 3rd builder. I feel like a stupid, helpless victim really.

MrG is not any worse today and enjoys spending time with DS who is cooking again tonight. I had to get the ingredients because he is still officially in quarantine.

Shocking to hear that Auckland may go into another lockdown.

Our dump is still not open so I am envious Mamissimo

I find chocolate is often the answer........

Grammaretto sorry you’ve lost your specs. It’s so maddening when that happens. I used to have a light brown pair and I couldn’t see well enough to find them if I put them somewhere. Hope you find yours soon. Have you tried the fridge or dishwasher, under the edge of the bed ? ?
That’s annoying about the roofer. Why can’t people ever turn up when they’re supposed to.
Did I read on the GM thread that your DD is moving to a new home soon? I know you said you were hoping to visit this weekend but I didn’t realise it was a new, new home if you see what I mean.
Nortsat glad you are sitting comfortably, me too ?
It lovely and bright here today aswell. Hope you enjoy your walk to the park and your coffee.
I did lots of sewing yesterday. DH thought a couple of bits looked out of place so unpicking this afternoon ?. I seem to spend more time unpicking my sewing than I do the sewing itself. Did some more painting too.
Hi Bradfordlass not sure what CBD is but cutting it off sounds extreme ??
Seriously hope you manage to avoid lockdown again.
How lovely to have a visit from your family. I wish I could knock up such a lovely lunch at the drop of a hat. A cuddle with Baby Gubbins too. A perfect day ?

My specs turned up the second time I looked in the shower room. Duh! They are on a string but they should have a buzzer.
DD is moving house today. It's a tied house. It goes with the job but they've been in a temporary place until now so this will give much more space and they will be able to put down roots to some extent, although they would love to own their home.

CBD is Central Business District. ie. City centre. I took ages to learn the lingo despite my DS being there for so long.

He's cooking again tonight. He loves cooking.

Sorry your sewing has meant unpicking a lot Doodle . My knitting is like that.

I hope you manage to enjoy the DGS birthday weekend Missedout

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-239562-kina.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-883098-pipi.jpg

Missedout both you and DH going through continued pain and discomfort, I'm so sorry to hear it. I do hope you both find some relief and comfort soon.

And Mamissimo having a fit of the grumps too. It doesn't matter whether there was a reason or not, it's miserable to feel that way. I hope you were able to leave the grump on the dump and feeling happier today.

Nortsat Did you get your park walk and coffee? I hope so.

Oh Cherry I wish you were like a Kelly (remember them?) they were little toys with a rounded base and if you knocked them over they just rocked back up again with a big smile. I know you try to do exactly that and you're an inspiration, you really are but at what cost? It's obviously a daily torment. Sending lots of hugs.

Oh Blimey, I really don't deserve compliments for whipping up food. I used bought pastry, gluten free pizza bases, salami all from the freezer. Eggs and tinned tomatoes from the pantry; so only onions, garlic, capsicum and bacon from the fridge to prepare. Plus salad. No Delia magic I'm afraid

Grammaretto I believe there are specs stickers for locating lost glasses.

Now don't you dare let any dodgy, unprofessional creep of a roofer make you feel bad - the fault was all his and it sounds as if he was trying it on.
If he's registered, you could complain about his not making good the bad work.
You should set your rottweiler children on to him
But see how you dealt with it? Took more estimates and proved you're no victim. That's the spirit! Good on you. {flowers]
Glad to hear MrG is no worse, it must be a great joy to have all the family there but a sadness about his father.

I wonder if he'd like the 'You're Dead To Me' historical podcasts from Greg Jenner? I very much enjoy learning about characters from the past: everything from Josephine Baker to Ghengis Khan.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07mdbhg/episodes/downloads

AND
'Natalie Hayes Stands up for.....' Pliny, Plato, Warrior Queens and many other ancient thinkers and action-persons . It may sound dry but it's not.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b077x8pc/episodes/player

Doodle I'm so sorry for not explaining CBD (and thanks Grammaretto for doing so). I get so used to these acronyms, I forget they may no be used by others.

My two parties will be entirely different: the Communicare one will be at a local restaurant which will have Xmas decorations but on that occasion no crackers etc. on tables.

On 16th Dec, our last day to meet before the summer break, we'll have another, smaller party, this time in the hall where we usually meet, and with crackers, raffles, live music and games.

The second party next week is at Te Mahurehure Marae in Pt. Chev. They have a professional catering team and do weddings and corporate functions, so the food is always superb.
We'll have extras you don't find as standard at most Pakeha-Kiwi restaurants.

Smoked eel, mussels, pipi, kina, (see picture) crayfish, oysters and lobster in addition to the many meats, vegetables salads and desserts.
I don't remember if we had crackers but we certainly exchanged gifts privately with close friends and we each get a gift and a supermarket voucher too.

This party is paid for from our annual subscription which is so low, it wouldn't even buy you an entree in a posh restaurant - so it's subsidised by Waipareira for us elders.

The only anxiety for me is eating in public. As I can't see what's on my plate. I even ate before the family arrived because I feel so uncomfortable about it.
With Communicare it's not quite so bad as many of my friends there are handicapped and have similar problems.

Although I no longer suffer from acid reflux since I learned how to manage it, Doodle I still sing like a frog but when I'm alone and singing for the joy of it, who cares?

It was wonderful cudling Mila Chloe Lily; she looked up at me and goodness knows what she was thinking but Daddy had to change a pooh nappy shortly afterwards!

It was also good to see dgs, he's such a honey and told me he couldn't wait for his sister to get older so he could make her laugh.
Best of all was seeing my son with the daughter he's longed for; I was on the verge of tears several times when he was talking to her. Besotted, bless him.

I've promised myself to get round to Phase Two of the Garage Clearance Project this weekend but if today's energy level is anything to go by, I can't see it happening.

My tyrant homecare lady is due soon, I hope she's brought her whip to whisk me into some sort of shape.

Love to you all.

Ahem Doodle, of course I appeared in my briefs yesterday - it would be unseemly to make an appearance without any ? ?. I also appeared in trousers, a bra and top!

I'm still feeling a bit sorry for myself, thank you for being here and for caring it does help me feel a bit brighter. A couple of my bruises are minor, it's the bigger ones that look a bit ?, and feel like it too.

Mamissimo sorry to hear you were a bit grumpy yesterday, I hope you've had a better day today. Perhaps my grumpiness on Tuesday weaved it's way to you, don't forget that I'm obviously a Welsh witch ?.
I had a dream on Monday night which I'm sure was influenced by you. I dreamt that I'd been invited to apply for a job teaching about fruit and vegetables. It was a bit odd because whilst I once delivered a lesson on growing orchids since I had to demonstrate I could teach "anything" ? nothing like that is really my subject.

I'm pleased that your robotics are finished Missedout and I hope you start to feel more yourself. You sustained a nasty injury, it is obviously taking time to heal but hopefully it is improving. Sorry to hear that Mr M is uncomfortable. Sending you some ?

Grammaretto, so lost your specs and found your specs somewhere you'd already looked! I think we all do that sometimes, I do, absentmindedly putting them down and then absentmindedly not noticing them when you search first time round. You've got so much going on at the moment and your home is turned a bit upside down, have you got a spare pair in a safe place?
Most builders never seem to apologise or accept they might have cocked up done something wrong, not in my experience. I did find a good one to do the extension in the end (and cheaper too) so I hope it's third one lucky for you ?
I hope your DD's move went well. Me and my WP lived in tied accommodation at one point, it was a lovely flat and a nice place to live ?
I'm pleased that Mr G is enjoying being with his/your DS and that he has a level of stability at the moment.

Did you go for your walk and a coffee Nortsat? I hope so ?

You've been busy un doing then Doodle. It'll work out in the end and be fabulous no doubt ?. Hope you are not having any hiccups with the painting ?.

You've met Gubbins BradfordLass and held her too ?.
DGS growing tall in the space of an hour's warning ?, sorry like Grammaretto I couldn't resist. Nothing wrong with what you wrote of punctuation - just my mind ?. Sounds like you rustled up something delicious in such a short space of time. Kudos. I mean that, especially a quiche, it takes me far longer to make than it should ?. You obviously had a lovely time which is what we all wish for you ?

I hope your radiotherapy treatment went well today dragonfly.

Grammaretto glad you found your specs. That must have been a shock about your FIL. I think no visitors is one of the really upsetting parts of this virus. It’s not good being in hospital unable to see your loved ones. Hope he is ok.
I am sorry your builder has let you down so badly. You are neither stupid or helpless you are trying to juggle so many things at once. I’m hope your new chap makes a better job of it.
Thank you for telling me what CBD is. I had no idea. I do hope your DDs move goes smoothly. Nice that they’ll have more space. Be nice if you get to visit soon.
Hope MrG is sleeping well and you have a chance to relax too. Nice to have someone who likes cooking. I may ask to borrow him ?
Bradfordlass those meals sound fantastic. Both the big one and the more intimate one with friends.
You should not be embarrassed about eating because you can’t see. My DH has a tremor and we have had food and coffee flying everywhere. He was embarrassed too and kept avoiding situations where it was difficult or trying to hide it.
I kept telling him to just say I’m sorry I have a tremor and go with it. One day we were at a supermarket checkout and a chap was getting his shopping . His entire body was jerking around and it took ages for him to pack his shopping but he kept up a conversation with the girl on the checkout and seemed very relaxed in himself. I said to DH, if that chap can do his shopping you can cope with your hands. He has finally accepted it and will now eat scrambled egg again even if everyone at the table gets some ?
What a lovely choice of names. Mila Chloe Lily. So pleased your DGS is happy with the new arrival.
Don’t overdo it in the garage. ?
Cherry I’m glad you were fully dressed. Jeeves can be embarrassed ? Not surprising you feel a bit under par with all you have to go through. Hope those bruises heal soon .
Are you able to sleep ok or is your hip painful?
No I don’t need hiccups with my painting. It’s hard enough to stay in the lines as it is ?
Dragonfly hope things are still going well.
Missedout how are you and Mr M doing? I hope he had a more comfortable night.
Panache you know we are thinking of you. Take care.
Mamissimo hope you didn’t get left at the dump and are feeling better today.
Night night all and sleep well. You too Baby Gubbins ?

Sometimes, thinking good thoughts is not enough.

So even though you cannot hear me, I've been singing for you all today (thanks Doodle for the encourgment ).

Here's a song I used to sing at folk festivals and clubs.
Karine Polwart, who wrote it, does it better than I.
Follow the Heron home.
for Grammaretto

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6zAg9IIgKo

And for our lovely Welsh menywod another of my favourites:
^Dafydd Y Garreg Wen^:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lemqAXxFXE
Such a beautiful tune.

And of course, the classic and evocative ^Wild Mountain Thyme' sung here to pictures of Yorkshire by Kate Rusby.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rZ-E6aqCPU

Thinking of you all today, with love.

Hello again Gang,

Thankyou for the music! BL
DH had a restless night and is now sleeping like a baby.
I forgot to switch on his bed and I hope that wasn't the reason. It has an air mattress which gently massages but makes a noise so I switch it off when he's up.

Scotland won a football match last night so DS was very happy. It took me back to the 1970s when he was a broken hearted little boy when Scotland failed to progress in the world cup.

The new roofer is supposed to come at 8am. It isn't actually raining so I hope he can do the job. The insurance assessor is expected later.

I hope you got your walk and coffee yesterday Nortsat
Thinking of you Missedout and hope your hand is easing and Mr M is comfortable.

The Panaches are often in my mind.
Is today the last radio of the week Dragonfly?

See you all later.

Morning All

Its taken me ages to catch up with all the happenings in the Lockdown Cafe since I last called in and by the time I get to the end I've forgotten who said what.

It great to hear we may have a proper witch cat in our midst Nortsat your vibes will be so much stronger with her on board! My MiL always had three cats. All just appeared and stayed and she rarely knew where they'd come from. When one died another would just appear within a few weeks. Never encouraged, they would just move in. She did try to discourage one which officially lived a few doors away but in the end they had to give in as the cat was determined to move house! We don't have any pets now, apart from a few goldfish in the pond but I don't count them. After dogs, cats, ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils and stick insects DH used his right of veto and said we should go animal free for a few years. I have to say the house does stay much cleaner and it's nice not to have to get back to feed something. So we just have visiting grand-dogs nowadays.

I do hope that Dragonfly is on the last treatment today. I can't remember how many - it just seemed like an awful lot. Fingers crossed.

Wonderful news that you don't have any sign of cancer around your voice box Panache, that's one worry less, but I can't believe the fiasco with the transport. It's ridiculous.

Have an easy day today Cherry, and let your bruises heal.

I love the idea of your Marmite sausage rolls Mamissimo I shall try them when next DS or DD1 are here. I have to wait for another Marmite fan to appear. I seem to remember MyMate was very similar to Marmite Bradford but can't remember if we had it in NZ or Oz.

I've spent rather too much time over the last two or three days trying to download Photoshop - and then trying to cancel it when it wouldn't download. So much for my spending the dark winter days playing with the thousands of photos we've accumulated.

DH's visit to the hospital ran amazingly smoothly. We'd been told to allow two to three hours and last time it was over three hours, so I thought I'd take the surplus old duvets from our loft clear out to a pet rehoming charity (leave outside the gate please) and then (via Sainsbury's loo) visit DD2 for a one plus one walk. (Not going into the house of course.) I'd only just left Sainsbury's when I got a call to say DH was in recovery and would be ready for collection in half an hour! No more than an hour and a half total! He'd been ushered straight in, sedated and had the pleasure of watching on a screen all that was going on. The nurse phoned me while I was in the car park on speaker phone so we could both hear what happens next while he had his recovery coffee. So efficient! I hope it continues when things get back to normal. We'll know the results of the biopsies in three weeks but all looked ok so he's staying on his present medication as its working.

We had a takeaway filet steak dinner from our local hostelry to celebrate and binge watched Life which we've recorded. I didn't think I'd like it as it jumps around all over the place but binge watching worked - only three episodes to go!

Hallo gang.

I hope your builder turned up on time Grammaretto. What a hassle it all is. I do hope they can sort it all out soon. It does sound like an insurance job.

I am too admiring how you produced such a delicious lunch in one hour Bradfordlass. Sorry to hear you are going back into lockdown. I hope it is more successful than ours.
I drive to the hospital every day and there is no sign that there is less traffic on the road!

Cherry I hope the bruises are healing and you are feeling a little more Tiggerish!

I had treatment no. 9 today. I have two days off now then another 6. I keep waiting for the tiredness to kick in but so far so good.

So pleased your DH's biopsies went well Nfk. It is always an anxious time. I am amazed at how everything seems to be running on time. It just shows it can be done.

Sending love to you all - have a good evening.

Good afternoon gansters, I am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle), with Missy (black cat with a white patch on her chest and aged 16.5 years) on my lap, purring.

NfkDumpling, so pleased to hear that things went well at the Hospital for your DH. I imagine he’s mighty pleased it’s over. Glad you were able to enjoy your takeaway steak dinner ... what a good plan.
Interesting anecdote about your MIL’s cats ... I so agree that they turn up at homes where they are likely to be fed and accepted. It has happened to us, too.
Grammaretto, hope MrG is having a reasonable day. I am sorry the bl**dy builder ‘took the wind out of your sails’ with his inexcusably bad workmanship. We’ve all been there ... and you feel so stupid, when it’s the builder who should be thoroughly ashamed.
This too, will pass ... like all such tiresome issues.
Hope you and MrG are enjoying the suppers cooked by your DS. He’s welcome here in east London, if he’s ever at a loose end... I will get all the ingredients...
Bradfordlass, I agree your lunch of quiche, pizza and salad followed by strawberries and cream sounds perfect.
How lovely to meet and hug baby Gubbins.
I think Doodle’s advice on eating in public is excellent. I know that’s easy for me to say, but if you reframe your thoughts and imagine someone else was in similar circumstances to yours, what would you say to them?
We were on a river cruise a couple of years ago and one of the passengers was a lovely man, who has MS. He took his own sweet time about things and was extremely independent. I don’t think it made a jot of difference to anyone else, that his needs were different.
I should think everyone is far too pleased to have you attending the parties, to be concerned about anything else.
Cherry, hope you’ve had a good day and are gradually moving towards feeling a tiny bit Tiggerish.
Doodle that’s a lovely story about your DH and the scrambled eggs.
Dragonfly treatment no.9, well done, you are doing incredibly well. Have a lovely rest at the weekend to prepare yourself for next week.
Missedout, how are you today and your poor hand?
Panache thinking of you and your dear one and hoping you have both had a decent day.

I have had two telephone consultations this week, with my specialists from St Bartholomew's Hospital and I seem to be making steady if slow progress. The consultant today spoke about the importance of keeping ones spirits up and mostly I do that. She said she had done phone consults with a number of people this week, who have slipped into anxiety and depression and it has had a deleterious effect on their condition.
So I prescribe a measure of good spirits for all of us (and that could be a measure of alcoholic spirits...). Glass of wine, anyone? ?

Bradfordlass Wild Mountain Thyme is one of my favourites. ?. Beautiful pictures with the video.
Hope little Gubbins is being good.
Grammaretto sorry MrG didn’t have a good night.
Did you watch the football with your son? Memories coming back. I do hope the roofer turned up today.
Nfk I too wonder sometimes which of the gangsters said what.
My word you’ve had a lot of pets over the years. Not sure I fancy the stick insects. Did you have a paddock for the ponies?
So glad your DH got on ok at the hospital. My DH didn’t want to watch. Pleased all went off so quickly. Take away fillet steak. Wow sounds good, bet your DH is glad to be off the bland diet. Hope you have a relaxing evening now.
Dragonfly it’s really good to hear you are coping with your treatment so well. Over halfway now. Hope you have a good weekend. Any plans?
Nortsat do your other cats get jealous if one gets pride of place?
My DH is a lovely man and it upset me a lot that he felt embarrassed by his shaking hands. It took a while for me to convince him that he just has to say I’m sorry I can’t fill in that form, sign anything, etc. He is now so much more relaxed about it.
On of our more memorable moments was in a hotel in Bath when we were having breakfast. We were sitting at a small table and the waiter delivered a small pot of coffee. I asked DH if he wanted one and he held his cup and saucer over the middle of the table while I poured. As the coffee was being poured, he started shaking, the cup started rattling on the saucer, the coffee started to tsunami over the side of the cup and we ended up with coffee all over the table. We ask for mugs now ?
Good you managed to have your phone consultations and pleasing news about your progress. I agree, keeping your spirits up if at all possible is the best way forward.
Never known to refuse, I will certainly join you in a
Cherry hope you are ok.
Panache and MrP hope you managed a walk today.
Missedout hope MrMiss had a better and more comfortable night.
Mamissimo Jeeves has been dispatched to check the local dumps to make sure you haven’t been left behind.
Take care all ?

Hello gang ?

I agree wholeheartedly with you Doodle, BradfordLass really shouldn't be embarrassed eating in front of others because she can't see and neither should Mr D because of his tremor, whether that be when eating or in any other situation. I'm glad he no longer does. I've always been awkward when I eat and have twice unintentionally flung food on the floor when eating out with my little great nephews (growing up far too fast) who didn't so much as get a drip of food on their chins. I have no excuses, my wonderful mother always teased me that I could never feed (or dress myself) properly ?
No, you don't need hiccups in any situation, horrible things. Just after getting into bed last night I had hiccups for some unbeknownst reason. There was a long gap between each hic and I kept thinking another wouldn't come; good. Wrong! I did the old breath trick and after a couple more give it went ?.
You asked if it was just me and my brother. My mother did sadly miscarry late on in a pregnancy, when my brother was about 8yrs old. She did have 3 live births between my brother and me. I say to more on that.
My hip and thigh are okay Doodle, my right shoulder and knee and my left calf are another story ?. My legs are okay in bed but my shoulder is giving me a bit of gip. It'll heal.

So baby Gubbins has the three favoured girls names in the end then BradfordLass ?. I hope she's sleeping better now and giving mummy and daddy a bit of rest. I bet you can't wait to see her again already.
Ah, so that's how you were able to rustle up such lovely food that quickly. It always pays to have something like ready made pastry available, whether you make it yourself and freeze it or buy it. Ever ready BradfordLass ?.
Thank you for your kind words, I'd hardly say I'm inspirational but at the moment I'll take that type of complement ?. What I am though is a "freak of nature". Virtually a quarter of my brain is damaged and the part that is damaged is the main region of the brain for speech and language. I am a medical oddity, I should have quite severe learning disabilities, possibly cerebral palsy and have only survived into my mid terms. I'm still here ?
Thank you for the links to the lovely music. I have mixed feelings on David of the White Rock, if I'm honest it's not my cup of tea but the song title is brilliant. I love the other two songs ?

Sorry to hear that Mr G had a bad night, I'm sure it had nothing to do with you not switching the air mattress. Don't go blaming yourself.
I'm really pleased that Scotland have reached the European tournament. The last one was 1998 I believe, I could be wrong. Wales had to wait over 50 years between tournaments ?
I hope everything went well with the roofer and insurance assessor ?

Back in a little while....