The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

I hope the tight dressing didn't throb and keep you awake last night Missedout. Hopefully, it may even have taken the swelling down a bit this morning and you won't need to re-dress it. Its good that you have a nurse keeping an eye on it though, keeping you 'in the system'.

I feel perkier this morning despite really weird dreams waking me last night. I felt sure there was someone moving around downstairs at one point and my name was quietly called another time, but DH was slumbering beside me and all was quiet when I woke properly. My DF was convinced that he went to another realm in his dream as he had friends and a life there which he returned to each night. I think he preferred it there a lot of the time. Sad really.

I'm now about to stuff my third left-over-wool-teddy. Hoping to find a couple of matching buttons in the button tin for his eyes.

Such a lot of uplifting posts to read today. Thank you.
I heard on the radio that loneliness isn't so bad after aged 70. There you go! It may be that people forget what it was like when they weren't lonely.
DH must have had a bad night because i woke up when DS was bringing him back to the bedroom having found him in distress dragging a chair across the kitchen floor at about 5am. DS sleeps below the kichen so was woken by the clatter.
I slept through. DH is asleep now.

The plasterer is due to start at 8am.
The garden girl about 9. I think the flipchair could be anytime and the physio.
I would like to do some normal things but they aren't very urgent.
I feel sad for DS .

Well done Doodle on your accounts lessons. Well done MrDoodle for teaching you

I hope your poor sore hand is gradually improving Missedout and looser binding will help.

Babies don't change much do they but the advice does. I'm sure ours smiled early. I have a photo of a milk-drunk babe asleep with a big smile on her face.

The plasterer has begun.

Good morning gangsters, I have my coffee and am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle).
Cheerful flowers for everyone to start the day.
Mammissimo I hope the Chr***mas issue gets satisfactorily resolved. Is it that your daughter wants to look after everyone, given the awful year we’ve all had?
Grammaretto do make the Christmas cake. Could you share some with a neighbour or friend? My cousin bakes two, one for family, then half of the other one to her elderly neighbour and half to her son’s work colleagues.
Any update on the electric bath and the flip chair?
Sorry to hear that MrG had a disturbed night, hope he has a restful day, even with the plasterer in situ.
Cherry what a lovely kind and understanding post. You must be a very good listener in RL, you are very empathetic and thoughtful.
Nfkdumpling no pokes with the stick of rubarb on this thread. Just encouragement to take things easy, be kind to yourself and have a little treat.
After I had my cancer treatment, I was advised by my counsellor that I should have a treat each day. It could be simple like a nice bath with lovely bath oils, or a walk in the sunshine, or a coffee in the garden in the early morning watching the birds. Then she suggested I write them down, so I would know what worked best and I would develop a long list of treats to ensure there was always something nice I could do. I know it sounds a bit simplistic but it worked for me.
Are we going to see the ‘left over wool’ teddies? ... I am looking forward to that.
Bradfordlass I have read your wise post three times. You are right and we need to heed your words. Thank you.
Doodle how did you get on with the accounts. Over time you will pick it up. I never thought I would manage the budgets and the performance data at work, but I grew to really enjoy it. Let us know how things develop. ( Knowledge is power ).
Still bandaged Missedout, your poor hand! Glad to know that MrM is making progress.
Panache how are you and your dear one this morning? Any chance of a short walk whilst the sun is shining? I hope you have a pleasant day.?

My partner had a nice birthday, with cards, ecards, animations and good wishes from at least half of the women on GN! Our meal was very nice and the duck was pronounced ‘delicious’. We both ate too much of the salted caramel cheesecake.
I bought him a pair of Nike running shoes as his main present, but we always buy each other silly, little things too. So I got him a pair of Paul Smith boxers with parrots on them and a pair of Paul Smith socks with leaping hares on them ... oh yes and a (miniature) guitar made out of Belgian chocolate.

Wishing us all a good day, gangsters.

A big hello to you one and all.

So sorry to perhaps break up the uplifting spirit of my fellow posters, but I thought it best to give you a brief view of our latest happenings.
Although the Consultant was due to ring my dear one tomorrow, imagine our surprise when the call came through yesterday.............right in the middle of lunch time.
Not exactly good timing, unexpected at that time, and especially with a patient partly deaf and all "worked up" with nerves.

It was not pleasant,yes the treatments have failed,there is nothing new on offer.........further chemo would make him a very ill man so is ruled out.
He has to have a further bone scan and on that result,he maybe offered radiotherapy(offering only a short term relief)
One drug has been removed and steroids added.
Monthly injections continue.

Whilst trying numerous `phone numbers both yesterday and today to try get in touch with my man`s Clinical nurse,the person whom can truly speak to us on a one to one level,answering all our questions etc is unavailable............all due to the covid crises.........the people we have long leaned upon when the need was at its greatest are now no longer there.

As I am sure you will uderstand I do not feel in the mood just now, so please accept my apologies whilst do remember I am thinking of you,trusting and hoping that life and spirits are generally good all round..
Please keep safe.

Panache so hard that when you receive hard news and have begun to process it your trusted interpreter has been redeployed. It's no wonder your head is spinning. Be assured we are all thinking of you and willing you well.

Panache, it’s very thoughtful of you to update us.

Clearly you need space and time to process this information.
One step at a time, dear friend, we are thinking of you both and sending you our good thoughts and our love.

Come back at any time, if it helps.
Wishing you peace and rest and gentle time together. X

Panache what upsetting news you’ve had made worse by the fact that you cannot contact the Clinical nurse you have trust in. If your DH is to have another scan, is it possible she might be around at that time? Hopefully the steroids will boost things a bit.
I don’t really know what to say. I want to give you a big hug.
I can understand you not being in the mood to post but please don’t refrain from posting for reasons of not wanting to lower the spirits here. None of us want that.
We are thinking of you both as I’m sure you are aware. Take care ?

Missedout I hope you’ve had that dressing loosened. It can cause harm if too tight.
My DH once broke his ankle (Christmas day ) and it was x rayed and plastered on Boxing Day. We had to go back the following day as his plater was too tight. They cut it off straight away when he said it hurt.
So pleased to hear your DH is feeling much better.
He can take over the cooking now ?
I’m not sure what we are doing for Christmas either. A lot depends on what we are allowed to do. It wouldn’t be the first we have spent on our own but we do usually see our sons.
Hope you’ve sorted out your email problem and don’t have a hurty head any more. I fear I have much more work to do on the accounts. It looks quite complicated to me ?
Nfk sounds as though you had a bit of a spooky night last night. It wasn’t Jeeves checking up on you was it ? ?
Please may we have a photo of your teddy.
Grammaretto another night wanderer. Hope you all managed to get some sleep in the end.
Hope all of your deliveries have taken place and you have been plastered ?. My neighbour had one of those flip up chairs and found it so comfy he often slept in it.
Nortsat lovely flowers. Thank you.
I like the idea of a list of treats you could enjoy every day.
I have a feeling mine would include have a cake somewhere.
The accounts are progressing. I have looked at printouts of the spreadsheets and now know who we pay, what for and when. Next step .......turning the computer on ?
Glad you partner enjoyed his birthday. The meal certainly sounds good. Like the presents ?
Hope you all have a peaceful evening. Take care all

Evening gang.
Just a quick post from me as I have had (still have) a horrible migraine, flashing lights etc. All I want to do it lie in a darkened room with my eyes shut.

Panache I wish I had words that could offer real comfort you at the moment but if I was faced with confronting the situation you are in I'm not sure words would not be enough for me. I do feel for you, as you know it is just me and my WP as it is just you and Mr P. It's unimaginably sad. Please know that I am thinking of you and that I do genuinely care ❤️

I hope the rest of the gang forgive me for not saying anything more than I hope today has been an okay day for you all and that all of you and your DHs/partners sleep well tonight.

Cherry you should know by now that on this thread you post as much or as little as you feel like. No explanations needed. A kind post to Panache. I think many of us are lost for words.
Sorry about the migraine. Hope you sleep it off.

I read your post Panache with such sadness. I wish there was something i could do to help.
A day at a time and try to avoid things which don't have to be done in favour of things you both love.

Hugs and flowers for you both. xxxx

Dear Panache my heart goes out to you both, as I know what a hard reality it is to face.
There comes a point where just because some forms of treatment may be possible, they are not all necessarily in the patient’s best interests and that is at the root of palliative care. Just because doctors can , does not always mean they should .
The aim is to treat the whole person and enable the remaining time to be as comfortable, pain free and of the best quality it can. That palliative care applies to you too and the aim will be to give you both peace of mind.
Thinking of you both xx

Panache It was very brave of you to post considering.

I know I can say nothing useful, but I am thinking of you and Mr P.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-73149-bedroom.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-189694-living-room.jpg

Nortsat Thank you so much for the beautiful, cheery
Daisies of all kinds were my Dad's favourites.

I'm glad your partner had a wonderful birthday; is it even possible to have too much caramel cheesecake? At least he can run it off in his new Nikes

Panache what awful times you're battling. I just hope the Palliative Care people are still with you. It must be such a comfort to your dear man to have you there, caring so much for him.

Nfk That's an amazing dream and the idea your DF went back repeatedly to be with his friends each night is incredible. Perhaps it was your DF downstairs, reassuring you all was well? It's helped to make you perkier anyway and that can only be a good thing.
I'd love to see teddy too.

Grammaretto was your poor DH half asleep when he tried to move the chair? You must have been exhausted to sleep through it all. Thank goodness for your DS.
It's all go at your house with the workers in but at least it's being done, that'll be a comfort to your DH.

Cherry Son et Lumiere in your head? How horrible - on top of everything else, dammit. Let's hope it's eased today.

MawBe How right you are in every respect.
Namsnanny Sadly, none of us can say anything useful at such a time but we can be here, as you are, and send what strengthening thoughts we can. Thank you.

Missedout It must be weeks now since your hand first got injured but at least a nurse saw and cleaned it, even if she did strangle it afterwards. Did they give you antibiotics?

I attended Te Ropu Kaumatua (elders) AGM this morning and there was a bit of a kerfuffle.
Five people put their names forward to be voted onto the committee. One of them wasn't present so the Chairwoman piped up to say votes for her weren't valid.

Massive korero followed about why we weren't told before voting that her name should be ignored.

Some one stood to say the missing lady was blessing whare (houses) so homeless families could move in, so why should she be penalised for doing her job? And so it went on. Committees eh?

Chicken salad and pineapple cake after the battle - and I actually managed to eat it! Fings is lookin' up.

Gubbins grows more beautiful/cute/endearing every day - I do wish I could show you.

Here are two photos taken from inside, to show you just how near the bush and the birds are.
Yes, the windows are filthy, which I regret but I can't get to one as there's a 15ft drop. They haven't been cleaned outside for 11 years

The homecare people are not allowed to clean any windows so I have to go at it blindly as I love clean and sparkling glass - even if I can't see through it.

It's a good job I'm not superstitious - I reached out to get a cloth and my wedding ring flew off my finger

I hope you who are slumbering now are doing to restfully and peacefully.
Those who are wakeful - why not join me and Jeeves for a stroll around the garden (I've dialled up NZ weather for the occasion) it's very comforting and the aroma of Jasmine is enchanting.

Love to all
xxx

I'm still awake so on the night shift. Thinking of you all. It feels a bit like being at a party after everyone has left apart from the smell of stale beer and ashtrays
Thanks for the evocative photos.
Here is one from my walk yesterday. I couldn't resist the pale blue sky.

I just wanted to pop in and say how sorry I was to read your post Panache. I am sending you all my good wishes.

Grammaretto you were indeed awake in the middle of the night. I hope you have a good day today. I expect your DS likes to keep busy - it stops him from thinking too much. He will be reluctant to leave.

I am so sorry you are still suffering Cherry. I am sure this time of year doesn't help. I definitely feel less upbeat when it is dark all day.

Got to go now as I have a mammogram this afternoon after radiotherapy this morning. I feel it will never stop but of course it will and only two more to go.

Dragonfly you have a busy day. Hope radiotherapy still going ok. Only two more, that’s great.
Grammaretto lovely photo from your walk.
Sorry you had another awake night. Lots on your mind I imagine. Hope MrG had a better night. I read on the GM thread that your son is trying to lay a path for a wheelchair down your garden. That must we a muddy job at this time of year. I expect he just wants to keep busy.
Bradfordlass nice your son keeps you up to date with photos of little Gubbins. They change so quickly at this young age and a week can make a lot of difference.
Oh dear, even among the ‘elders’ there can be ructions. Still I expect it proved entertaining to the spectators. Nice lunch, glad you ate it. ?
You certainly are close to the bush. Any closer and it would be indoors.
Panache very much in our thoughts today. I hope the Care team that looked after MrP when you were in hospital are still around to help.
Cherry hope your migraine has gone now and you had a better night.
Take care gangsters.

Good morning everyone.

I'm happy to report that I seem to be on the mend and that I managed to actually finish the Maltesers do something yesterday. Spirit level is gently raised.

Today I'm going to indulge in buying new bed linen that I won't have to alter to fit.......it's been a mission because we have a German adjustable bed with completely different measurements to standard. They're not even European standard. Previously I've had to buy double sheets for each half of the bed and make make my own fitted sheets from them. Utter faff!

I've found a sheet manufacturer who does made to measure at no extra charge. You have no idea how happy that makes me ? they even do 1000 thread count.....but Mr M says 400 will do......?

Today I will attend my compost....normal service has been resumed......

Hello gangsters,

So right Doodle about the muddy job. Luckily DS could see after lifting the first turve that it would be an impossible task for one person and would create an instant quagmire.
He is back to pacing the floor.....

DH had a long sleepless night and has been dozing a lot today. We are trying to adjust his meds to help with the sleep and we will get it right.

That's great about the bed linen Mamissimo. I love a result like that.

I'm also glad Bradfordlass is being sent pictures of that photogenic little Gubbins . mutual admiration society for sure!!!
What an eventful lunch you had. I love the photos of your bush. It reminds me of when we lived in Wellington. Our garden was a small clearing in the bush. Where we used to marvel at the huge, deep reservoir is now Zealandia, the wildlife sanctuary.

I hope plenty of help and support is forthcoming Panaches as you certainly need some.

You are almost on the last lap with the radiotherapy now Dragonfly. I hope it doesn't leave you feeling tired.

Doodle, I know I can post little or lots but you may have noticed by now that I'm a why say something in one word when it can be said in three ?. I like to chat, whether that's face to face or here with the gang ?
I'm not giving up on my non artistic artwork, just the one that went in the bin and was taken away with the rest of the recycling this morning. I wish I was more "arty" than I am but it's not for wont of trying ?. A friend of mine isn't arty but is excellent at crafts. She puts me to shame ?. In the last 15 days she has managed to make 9 quilted handbags as gifts for Christmas! She told me today that once she started she couldn't stop but after making 9 wants to do something else. I'm not surprised!

Did anyone see that news report this morning of the woman going berserk in a co-op supermarket? And all because she was reminded to follow the one way system! It wasn't just what she did (ferociously smashed bottles and bottles of wine and attacked the screen in front of the check out area) that astounded me though, it was also the fact that all she got was a police caution, which means no criminal record. That amazed me since I know someone who ended up fined and with a criminal record when she was found in a dazed state on the pavement in a city centre. Her crime? She'd had a seizure. Ooh sorry, I've gone all political.

I hope your radiotherapy and mammogram both went well today dragonfly. You haven't said so I hope I'm right in thinking that you haven't had any side effects. Only two more treatments left now, brilliant ?

Back shortly...

Mamissimo so you have eaten all the maltesers. Nothing else to do now except buy another packet ?
I expect you are quite pleased you have found someone who can supply your bed sheets. My brother and SIL had a an adjustable bed and I know my SIL found it difficult to get sheets for that too.
I know an arborist has knowledge of trees and a botanist studies plants, I wonder what the word is for someone who is an expert on compost bins ?
Grammaretto so the path down the garden has been abandoned. Much to your relief I would imagine. Your poor son is obviously itching to do something positive. Does anything need painting?
I hope you manage to adjust MrM’s meds soon so that you can all get some sleep.
Cherry I’m more than happy for you to say as much as you like ?. Always lovely to read your posts.
9 quilted handbags. That’s some achievement. I get bored after doing something once, I want to try something new. ?
I’m glad you’re not giving up on your art. Us non arty types need to persevere. I love making stuff, even the things that end up in the bin.
I haven’t seen that video clip yet. Sounds as though the woman concerned went quite over the top. I think someone being fined for having a seizure is quite wrong. After all, there is little you can do about it.
Bradfordlass there is a thread with your name on in the list. It is from someone called Dillythegardener who thinks you are missing. I told her you were alive and well and entertaining us in the Lockdown thread ?
Went for a walk in the sunshine this afternoon but it was bitterly cold. Then an hour cleaning the skirting boards and hoovering the edges of the carpet (I know how to live it up) and finally an hour paining to wind down.
More sums tomorrow as I continue my accounting training ?
Panache thinking of you both x

BradfordLass what a view ? and Grammaretto I love your sky photo. There is so much beauty in the world all around us. It's funny (peculiar) , the sky never ceases to fascinate and beguile me but I don't seem to take photos of the sky in the daytime ?. Must do better!

Luckily it was just the lights (no sound) accompanying my headache yesterday BradfordLass and it's gone now. I had trouble going to sleep but woke up gently to classical music (not a piece I know). Then, my WP and me had to go into Swansea city centre today ? where we were greeted by the haunting tones of, an obviously trained soprano busking. Not your ordinary run of the mill busker but obviously something she has taken on because the theatres and concert halls are closed. That voice, those tones, the poignancy. Made me happy and sad in equal measure.
Committees can be ridiculous sometimes BradfordLass. I remember the difficulty that ensued following the departure of the "chief" of our local epilepsy group ?. Long and short of it... we don't have a committee anymore and it works ?. On the one hand I can see reasoning behind excluding someone from selection because they didn't attend (but surely you do need to notify those voting) but on the other hand isn't that discriminatory? I'm not saying it was the case but there could have been serious circumstances preventing him/he attending. Yep, committees eh!

The new bedding sounds good Mamissimo. Crickey your bed sounds more difficult than ours! Our bed is a pretty standard length and width but the mattress is extra extra deep. It's fine buying unfitted sheets but finding fitted ones are a nightmare. There are shops and sites that do extra deep sheet ranges but usually even these are not deep enough. The mattress is excellent though so it's staying. That manufacturer sounds good, I hope the bedding is lovely and exactly what you want ?

Grammaretto I hope you find the right balance with Mr G's meds and it helps his sleeping pattern. I hope it helps you with your own sleeping issues too as everything is clearly having a knock on effect upon you. I really hope you sleep well tonight ?
If you haven't made that Christmas cake and your son is pacing the floor and likes a challenge ... just thinking.
I think our little gang are a mutual appreciation society of baby Gubbins even if we can't see her. A lockdown joy we can all be happy about I think.

I hope today has been a bit easier for you and Mr P Panache. I hope there is some support around you and that the nurse you have confidence in and rely upon is back and available to you very soon x

Hope you are all as okay as can be Nflk, Nortsat and Missedout.

Goodnight gang ?

dragonfly You'll be done with the mammogram by now - never a comfortable event but I hope it went as hassle free as possible.

Glad to hear you're doing better Mamissimo and that you won't be slaving over a hot sewing machine.

Your DH's remarks reminded me I read something about 1,000 thread count sheets in ConsumerNZ, and nipped off to find it:
Retailers are merely relying on our general misconception that the higher the thread count, the better the quality. ... A higher thread count doesn't guarantee that it's going to be worth the money. If it's made from low grade cotton, there's no way to salvage or increase it's overall quality.
It went on to imply one needed to be a cotton expert to tell - but for all I know, you are - you're certainly a very knowledgeable wumman in all other respects.

Cherry That's disgusting that a lady who had a seizure should be prosecuted - what possible crime did she commit?

I too am an inveterate talker, though I try hard to control it. My sons always said, 'Mum never uses two or three words where a couple of thousand will easily do'

It's a line from that brilliant Yorkshireman, Jake Thackray's song "On again, on again" irreverent, sexist but very funny.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWY_pxcRNPU

Reading your 2nd post Cherry in which you said you had a very deep mattress - I wonder why someone hasn't made a scooped-out section in a mattress so sleepers with epilepsy can't fall out? I know it may be harder to get out when awake but there are ways round that. And surly that's better than potential injury when catapulting out of bed?

Grammaretto I'm sure your DS could make a pontoon drive with palettes and long lengths of Hydrotek

Doodle Thankyou for telling Dillythegardener I'm still here. Isn't it nice to be missed ?
(especially when someone is aiming a gun at you)

About baby Gubbins - I'm happy to send a photo or two to anyone interested - just PM me with your email address and I promise that's all you'll get.
No cute kittens or inspirational messages or invitations to date wild and abandoned Russian persons
Just Gubbins.

The Saga of the Disregarding Homecare Lady continues...

She arrived at 1:15 as I was finishing my lunch: fish poached in tomato/juice with onion, garlic and ginger.

We had a short conversation; I spoke slowly and clearly; about how my diet and that of Maori, had changed radically from carbs and fried foods to the lovely chicken salad we ate yesterday.

At 2pm she went, alone, to the library after ascertaining I needed nothing edible as my fridge still holds things I haven't yet been able to eat.

She came back with a parcel of fish and chips for me and wanted me to eat immediately.
I told her, patting my tummy, I was far too full and wouldn't eat again until late afternoon.
She put the F&C on a plate and handed it to me.

But I'm made of sterner stuff than a tensile steel Korean lady, and left it untouched.

So why do I feel very mean and guilty?



Have a peaceful and calm day everyone; be good to yourselves.

Good morning. I hope I am on the right thread, if not someone help me. I was concerned that Panache had not posted in the kitchen lately, but my friend Kate told me you are in this lockdown thread. I f you see this please know that current husband and I have you in our tboughts.

I can imagine how difficult that is Bradfordlass. I think you did right not eating the fish and chips. Maybe eventually the penny will drop.

Lovely to see you on our thread Izabella I am sure Panache will appreciate it.
You are in all our thoughts Panache as is Grammaretto.

Pleased the hand is improving Missedout.

I have had two long days this week. The first was after Radiotherapy I had to see the doctor just to check how I was getting on and had to wait 2 hours. Of course the appointment took under 10 minutes as I am not one to complain. Yesterday I spent all day at two hospitals but today I am back and finished for the weekend. One more to go on Monday then hopefully I won't need to see anyone until June!!
I cannot complain I have had the best treatment and everyone is so kind.

I am pleased to see your longer post Cherry - long may it continue!!