The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

I think this is funny, hope it makes you smile too.

This is the brave soldier Ollie ...

and the answer Doodle is .... Cheery ?. It wasn't my team's greatest attacking performance and they didn't score until the second half of the match but they won!!

Thank you for the dinner invite but it's okay Doodle I've just eaten slow cooked beef, yorkshire pudding etc etc and am stuffed to the rafters ?.

Sounds like you had a lovely time at the community gathering. Shame, yes, that the weather was a bit yucky but who needs glorious weather when you are amongst good company ? Nice to be invited to an open home on Christmas day too. Will you go do you think?

Awakened early then Grammaretto. I hope you both had a better night's sleep last night though.
You too had a lovely surprise visit ?. It must have been good to see your two DGS, and your DS1 too of course. Not such a lovely surprise from the puppy though ?. I'm sure it was lovely for Mr G to see them all.
It's understandable that you are apprehensive about having carers in to help and bathe (and dress) Mr G when you have both "managed'"together. I'm sure it's a difficult thing to "concede" to someone else but it's not "conceding" anything to someone else, it is supporting you, both of you. The vast majority of carers employed to help with the level of care required are very considerate (and skillful). They will put you and Mr G at ease and treat him and you with respect. Please don't be afraid ?
Our Doodle is very inventive isn't she. I'm not sure about trying out her invention on me ?, what do you think?

Now, now Nortsat don't go overdoing it and correcting all your addresses to me from Cherry ? to Cheery ?
Unearthly howling at 4am ?. Before reading any further my mind was already conjuring up all sorts of goings on! What a protective cat you've adopted! Defender of 'his realm" and 'his' girls even if they do only tolerate him ?.
Gosh, that must have been a huge worry for your partner. May I ask why he had to have an operation? You say it was partly successful but other things on top have helped, is his hand fully functional now? Fortunately I avoided having to have any operations on my right hand after my burns but, especially the first time, it took a good year to heal. I don't know whether my left hand may have to be operated on at some point but I know my GP is reluctant to refer me ?.

Like the photos Nortsat. Your Ollie looks comfy and relaxed there.?
Glad we’ve got a Cheery Cherry. Well done your team.
Good job you didn’t come to dinner. I misread the cooking time and thought it was an hour less than it was. Oh well more time to spend on the accounts ?
We had a good lesson today. Lots of laughter and I managed to pay two whole bills!!
Time for coffee and after dinner choccies now ?

Grammaretto I remember the Babies film very well - the little one crawling out of the yurt and across the desert and the gorgeous wee toddler balancing a tin can on her head, somewhere in Africa. I loved it. It was made in 2010 and I wonder what those children are doing now?
'The bells, the bells!' but what a comfort to your DH to know he can summon help without risk.
I hope your carers are good - will your DH be given a male carer if bathing and changing are part of the duties?
Acknowledging male pride and dignity should be part of the package.
I hope you are sleeping better but any sleep at all, under the circumstances, is going to be difficult. I'm so glad you have family there.

Nortsat
And brave Ollie, who put aside his nerves to chivalrously defend the castle. Bless him.
I was sad that in East London of all places, community spirit seems to have been lost. What would be the reaction to a street invitation? (in summer of course)
In my early years here, the invitations extended to the next street too, where many different ethnic families live. Those were truly wonderful and vibrant gatherings - I miss them.
Maybe I should be more pro-active and invite people?

Cherry I think my dgs is silently encouraged by my son who always hugs me when he arrives and as he leaves. This is his way, even as a teen outside High School - though I did give him the option at one time.
He refused and said anyone who criticised him hugging his Mum would get short shrift. Mind you, even at 15, he was well over 6ft, so I doubt anyone laughed at him.
Glad The Team won - scoring in the 2nd half sounds a bit nail-biting but very satisfying in the end.

Yes, I'll probably go to the Open Home.
Even if the family decide that's the day they'll visit.
They usually come for breakfast one day around Christmas. We do the presents thing and the Clues Treasure Hunt for dgs and have a a buffet lunch. So they'll probably be heading home by 4pm when the soiree starts.
I'm supposed to take a bottle of wine.

dragonfly is it all over by now? You've been magnificent in what cannot have been an easy situation. Good for you
This picture is from the International Dragonfly Fund.
When I lived in Cornwall, I had to catalogue all the different types of dragonfly in the county, then produce a leaflet, with sketched illustrations so tourists could identify them. I came across the originals when I was rearranging the garage recently. I've had some wonderful jobs over the years. So lucky.

Missedout and Mamissimo I haven't forgotten you and it sounds as if you two are both stoically enduring. I hope Christmas bring as much joy as it does hard work

Where's our NfkDumpling? No setbacks I hope - drop in and tell us, if only for a moment.

Panache must be utterly at her wits end trying to keep up her dear man's spirits as well as her own. Please know we are all thinking about you both.

I remember, a few years ago, when I was "not the best" as they say here, a friend told me he was praying for me.
It gave my spirits an unexpected boost to know that.

I'm sure it aided my recovery to know someone cared enough to think of me and ask for heavenly help on my behalf, every single day.

Heavenly, earthly or just plain love is the kind of help we all need - and what I wish for every one of the wonderful gangsters.

Rest well.

Hello gang,
I'd love to read your Norway journals Doodle infact if any of you have travel stories to share that would be good.

I saw the Northern Lights once on a very cold night in Perthshire in March. I was at a pottery weekend and the Saturday night ceilidh was in full swing. I had to get outside to cool down and found a few others gazing at the green flashing lights in the sky.
I went back inside to try to get some others to come and see but the noise music was so loud I only managed to gather one other.

Our ceiling is finally to be finished this week. Cornice pasty Patsy will do the work herself.

The more i think of it Cheery the more a hammock with a zip sounds the way to go.....
A very low bed would be next best.

It has been a long day and I should get some sleep now.

Travel story Grammaretto:
We were on our way to the UK from NZ, on a racketty old ship called the 'Australis'. (see pic)

We called in at a notoriously dangerous place, Cristobal in the Colon district of Panama.

The Captain had warned us not to venture out singly due to the high rate of robberies, rapes, kidnaps and murders (several a day he reckoned)

As we were a family of 3 and with 2 other friends from the ship, the men decided we could risk it.

It really was the most frightening place: people armed to the teeth; fights, screaming, shouting and obvious criminal activity on every corner and a pervasive feeling of absolute desperate evil.
The ideal holiday destination for the naïve tourist.

As we walked through a filthy market, my husband was stopped by two large, armed men and asked if he was an American.
He told them he was English and the light of brutal revenge left their eyes.
As the other two from the ship were American, they kept quiet.

Then he was offered a substantial amount of money for his substantial wife.

And my dratted spouse had the cheek to hesitate .
He then suggested a price they couldn't afford...
but how did he know that?

I asked him later what he would have done if they'd accepted his offer.
He just shrugged, 'I knew they wouldn't.'

I've never been sure whether that was a compliment or not.

The following year we went to Whitby

I'm looking forward to Doodle's Norwegian travel tales......

Bradfordlass you have set the bar rather high

No-one ever offered cash for me. My buxom friend was much admired in the middle east when she worked as a teacher. She had several marriage proposals.

Bradfordlass, my partner was offered a million camels for me, when we were in Egypt.

We had better not add these comments to the discussion on another thread about misogyny and misandry.
I have firm feelings on such matters but gave up on that thread some time ago.

We must get back on an even keel Nortsat. You are quite right.
Camping holidays are our most memorable. In France with a 70yr old mum, a 7month old baby plus 3 teenaged boys. DM insisted on bringing a huge beach umbrella which turned out to be invaluable. It kept the tent up at night and the sun off by day.
DM had a tussle with a family over their Rottweiler as we had to pass it on the way to the toilets. "I'll have you know these dogs are illegal in our country" she growled.
"We are not in your country" came the reply.

Good morning chums!

Very exciting day ahead .....the oven cleaning man is coming ?

It's all part of my Christmas ritual to have the oven cleaned at the end of November in readiness for the great Christmas bake in.....and before your eyebrows all shoot up.....I have it done every two months throughout the year but the Christmas clean is special.

He will wear full PPE and etc etc and will finish with a full anti bac of the kitchen surfaces and handles when he's finished. There is something quite hedonistic about --reclining artistically and eating maltesers--relaxing whilst a mysterious figure in strange garb scrubs my oven ?

All the DC have submitted their Christmas wish lists now....and so begins the annual round of ' do you really want one of those ..how funny' conversations with me. DS has actually asked for a toothbrush that costs £130! Should I get it for him ? Seems like a strange present for a 28yr old. Part of a theme though because both twin DDs have asked for washbags!

And now it's activity time....I'd better check the oven's not too bad before the oven cleaner comes....?

Hello all. Bradfordlass I do hope you go to the open day even if only for a short while. It should be fun meeting up with neighbours. Recording dragonfly’s in the county, what an amazing variety of things you have been involved in ?
Your travel tale sounds dangerous and exciting. Just as well your DH didn’t sell you. We’d miss having you with us.
Made me laugh when you said the following year you went to Whitby ?
Grammaretto I hope you slept better last night.
Good to hear your cornice is going to be repaired soon.
I have never been on a camping holiday. The closest we have been to that is a caravan ?. I think you were very brave to go camping with a baby and three teenage boys let alone your mother. Was it something you did often?
Nortsat to us you’re worth your weight in gold but a million camels ! Wow.
I have always wanted to go to Egypt but never have been. Did you enjoy it?
Mamissimo ooh I can imagine your excitement. I had mine done once and it was gleaming afterwards. I didn’t want to use it. When we moved here we splashed out on pyromaniac ovens (pyrolytic really but I can never remember the word)
Sounds like you are in for a big baking session.
I can picture you on a chaise lounge, in a silky evening gown slowly eating maltesers whilst your man cleans your oven and swabs your tops down ?
Good luck with your Christmas shopping.

I will indeed write my Norwegian Saga. (you may well regret having asked me to) but it will take a little while. ?

Evening all.

Nortsat ?.
Ollie looks like a very sweet ?, obviously when he wants looks can be deceiving.
I wonder how much a million camels are worth ?. A fair bit I should imagine ?. Your partner obviously didn't take up the offer though so you know he's not with you for the money ?. Quite right too, you're worth so much more - and I don't mean in money.
I haven't ventured to the thread you mention, some people seem determined to rankle at the moment. I'll say no more than that.

I must say BradfordLass that you've done some intriguing jobs in your life. I don't know if you've done this, or something similar, already but it got me thinking that you should compile memory books for your DGC.
How very dare your DH hesitate when offered substantial money for you! As for him suggesting a price they couldn't afford and knowing they wouldn't may I suggest that he was a good judge of character, he must have been as he married you ?
I must admit your holiday to Panama sounds pretty scary ?. I'm sure it was interesting though ?.

Mamissimo I have "oven cleaning man" envy . Nothing wrong with a bit of hedonism (as long as it's legal) ?
How much for a toothbrush? £130! I think that's a tad ridiculous. Is there a similar one cheaper (or somewhere you may be able to get the one your DS has asked for? Personally I wouldn't pay that price, but if you can afford it, and it is what he wants, I don't see why not. At least washbags for your DDs should be cheaper. I've seen some pricey ones but not £130 pricey ?
Your cooker will be ready for your Christmas baking by the time you read this, what delights are you baking?

I'm with Doodle on your camping holiday Grammaretto, brave is no other word for it in my opinion but, of course, that's just my opinion.
Hope you and Mr G have had a decent day.

No more treatments left now dragonfly, you can rest, relax and recover before spreading your wings a little ?

Doodle sounds like Mr D is making an accountant out of you yet ?. We're all interested in your Norwegian Saga, even if it does take a little while. We can wait ?

Mamissimo I do so envy your Oven Man. My oven woman has been promising for weeks to clean mine but so far hasn't got round to it.

Blimey, a million camels Nortsat that's amazing.
Where would he have put them all had he accepted?
You'd certainly receive strong letters from the East London Council.
"The keeping of Camelus dromedarius on suburban lawns is strictly forbidden under the 'Prohibited Ungulates Act 1946 Section 41."

Yes I have done some interesting things, Doodle and been in a lot of scrapes too.
Probably because I've never pulled back from making foolish, brave or admittedly downright stupid decisions.
I could and possibly should have stayed on the ship in Cristobal but didn't.
I never do 'stay on the ship'.

None of my story is exaggerated, hand on heart. If you knew me in real life (and about my life) you'd know that's true.
Perhaps it was too much Famous Five as a child ?

Even yesterday, in our usually quiet street, when a drunken, belligerent young man began shouting, swearing and threatening a neighbour - who'd started the whole thing by a totally unwarranted racist comment - I wandered over, spoke to him gently in Maori and he immediately calmed and apologised (to me). It could have gone the other way.

Someone had called the police but Proverbs.15:1 has taught me ^a soft word turns away wrath and a harsh word (and police) stir up anger.'
My neighbours were furious with me because they wanted him marched off and arrested (for what?), not apologetic and retreating.
So different from my warm party welcome of Sunday.
I'll live with it.

My homecare lady foxed me yesterday after all and under the guise of taking me out for a breath of fresh air, transported me all unknowing to a Mall, where fresh air has never been known.

There, she bought a $10 lunch of the most appalling substance masquerading as Vietnamese food, even though I'd explained to her, when I realised where we were going, I'd eaten lunch only an hour before.

I managed one mouthful then put the container in my bag to dispose of later. She looked surprised.
She chose sushi and as she ate, I explained that due to my poor sight and lack of mobility, browsing the shops, especially in crowds, was not my thing.
Not that it ever was.
Minutes later, having finished her sushi, she said, 'Would you like to look round the Mall?' I declined.

On the way home she was laughing a little ironically, "All this way just to have Vietnamese food you didn't eat and in a Mall you didn't want to look around."
I despair.

Bradfordlass she just doesn’t get it does she ?

Dear Gangsters, some of you have asked for me to write my Northern Lights saga. This is part one, part two will follow later in the week (don’t say I didn’t warn you)

Please, please don’t feel obliged to read it. It’s longer than I thought it would be. If you can’t sleep tonight it will be a good story to send you to sleep quickly ?

In search of the Northern Lights - part one!

The sale of my car, when I retired, coincided with the arrival through the letterbox of a brochure advertising a short holiday in Norway to look for Northern Lights.

As DH is a keen photographer and has always wanted to see the aurora borealis, we decided to spend some of the money from the sale of the car on a 4 day trip to Narvik in Norway.
The travel company was one we have used before so we were feeling quite confident and excited when we caught the charter flight from Gatwick.

Our flight landed in a small military airfield about an hour away from Narvik.
When we got off the plane we were led down a path into a small building and told to wait here for our luggage to be unloaded. There were 70 of us on the flight and we all crowded into a small room where there were a handful of chairs in the middle. I had spotted a door marked toilet in the corner of the room so I nipped in there quickly. This turned out to be a very smart move on my part as the 70 of us remained in this room with one toilet for over an hour!

The delay in our luggage arriving was due to two factors. Our flight landed on a Sunday lunchtime and all the porters (2) were at lunch. When they returned from lunch they found someone had parked a car in front of the loading bay and we had to wait for them to locate the driver and get the car moved. Not quite how things are handled at Heathrow.

Having finally been reunited with our luggage we were led out through the smallest but most superbly stocked duty free we have ever been through. Outside, we were allocated to one of two waiting coaches, depending on which hotel we were booked into.

An hour or so later the coach arrived at our hotel. The hotel was quite new and in a very modern Scandinavian style.
Our room was lovely but missing two vital pieces of furniture. A wardrobe and chest of drawers. We came to the conclusion that a wooden framework hanging from one wall was to serve as both and somehow we arranged our clothes on it in a suitably stylish manner (Thank goodness we only came for four days)

As I mentioned, the hotel was new and had never been invaded by a coach party before, let alone one from the UK. The hotel had obviously decided that 35 guests arriving in the restaurant at the same time was not a good idea so we were escorted to an adjacent room where our buffet evening meal was to be served. Unfortunately, no one had told the chef.

Food, such that it was, arrived some time later and after a hasty meal, we went off on our fist trip. A nighttime 4 hour coach trip to in search of the Northern Lights.

I should point out at this time that most people on the trip were young athletic people in their 30s and 40s, apart from a couple of old codgers who were quite out of place. Yes us.
Our tour guide was a vivacious young thing doing her first winter holiday for the company and was an instant hit with all the young people, especially the men. She was bright and bubbly and full of fun.

Before we set out on our 4 hour coach trip, I asked her if there were toilets where we were going or on the coach. She informed me that as the coach toilets would be frozen and unusable, it would probably be an idea if I used the toilet in the hotel before we went ( oblivious to the needs of an older bladder obviously). I was quite pleased about two hours later when one of the young things asked if there was a toilet onboard as she needed to go!

Our first stop for night sky watching was the beach. I have never stood on a beach before that was feet deep in snow and watched the waves coming in but it was an interesting experience. The moon was out but it was very cloudy.
Stop two, was a field in the middle of nowhere. We got out from the coach and wandered around a bit in the dark but on a cloudy night there was nothing to see in the sky.

Stop three, we could see a brilliant display of lights. Not the the Aurora Borealis but the lights of the local supermarket in whose car park we had stopped. Still nothing in the sky so back to the hotel for some sleep before our next excursion.

Day two we set off on The Polar Express train to an outdoor activity centre in northern Sweden. The train journey was wonderful and the views along the snow covered fjord were a real treat. Our destination was an outdoor activity centre where we were going on a dog sleigh ride. DH and I weren’t particularly keen but as the centre was in the middle of nowhere and there as nothing else to do we decided to have a go.

Firstly, we were taken into a large wooden lodge and provided with huge padded suits which we had to put on and we were all given heavy snow boots to wear. We plodded outside and told we would be taken in a 4x4s to where the huskies were waiting. When it came to getting in the vehicle I found I could not lift my leg enough to get my heavily booted foot up far enough to get it into the car. DH kindly stepped up to the mark and with a strategic push with both hands on my rear end, he managed to heave me up and into the car.
The dogs were wonderful. We were shown what they eat and where they lived and how they trained. In groups of 4 we were allocated a sledge and given instructions on how to sit and which way to lean during the ride so we worked with the dogs and didn’t fall off. We had a wonderful experience travelling at great speed over a frozen lake and through the woods passing herds of reindeer on the way. We both felt it was the highlight of our trip.

Back to the hotel for our evening meal we were again presented with the buffet. On the table was a large serving dish full of what we were told was meat stew. By the time we came to be served the first dish was empty and after a bit of hesitation a new one brought out for us. The chap at the front of the queue spent some time fishing in the liquid with a large spoon and then informed the waiter that there was no meat in the stew. This produced hurried conversations with other staff and eventually a small container of meat was produced and tipped into the stew. I think it equalled out at about two squares of meat each. As you can imagine, the food was not a highlight of our trip.

On the same evening we were due a special treat. The local cable car service had been opened to take us to the top of Narvik mountain for a better view of the Northern Lights. We were driven by coach to the cable car station and then taken up to the top of the mountain in gondolas. We were told the path on the right led to a viewing platform and on the left were steps down to a cafe.

With DH keen to take photos, we set off to the viewing platform with one other photographer. The viewing platform was about two feet deep in snow we struggled hard to fight our way in and just as hard to get out and back to the cafe. Another cloudy night so no lights. Being somewhat cold and tired I asked our young tour guide what time the coach was taking us back to the hotel. She laughed and said oh the coach isn’t taking us back it was just to bring us here. You can toboggan down the mountain and then make you own way back to the hotel on foot. Toboggan, down the mountain!!
We decided to take the cable car back down. We arrived at the bottom with no idea how to get to the hotel. Fortunately another guide from a different trip gave us directions and off we went. It was almost pitch black, the roads and streets covered in snow and ice and we slithered our way down the hill towards the main road hanging onto each other as best we could. We came to a road covered in ice and half way across DH slipped and fell and because I was holding onto him I fell on top of him. So there we were in the middle of a road in the dark in a strange country and DH says I think I’ve broken my elbow.

Fortunately two locals were passing and kindly stopped and helped us back on our feet. Fortunately, DHs elbow was not broken just very badly bruised where he (and I) had landed on it. We eventually managed to find our way back to the hotel for a stiff drink before bed.

Day three we set of for the world’s most northern animal park called Polar Park. It was an enormous site, 270 acres in the middle of nowhere about an hour from the hotel. The animal enclosures were huge fenced off areas where the animals roamed free. Having been dropped off by the coach, we set off on foot to explore this winter wonderland.

The first enclose we came to was the lynx enclosure. Beautiful creatures which we were fortunate enough to see close up and got some good photos. We continued on foot up and down hills to the next stop to visit the wolves. Wonderful shaggy haired creatures running in and out of the trees. Some came close enough for photos. We then set off heading for the bears. The bear enclosure was some distance away up a steep incline not really doable for a couple of OAPs with asthma but we eventually caught up with the rest of the group. The bears were very interesting but by now we were frozen. DH was shivering quite a lot and I was worried about him. I decided we would be better off missing the visit to the artic foxes and heading back to a cafe by the entrance. We informed the rest of the group and set off only to find in this totally white landscape that we were completely lost and didn’t know which path to follow. DH was shivering badly by now and I was beginning to panic that we would be lost alone in this place and we wouldn’t make it back. Luckily we spotted a couple of men putting in new fencing. One of them spoke English well enough to understand our predicament and to guide us back us to the cafe. Once inside we were presented with a bowl of reindeer stew and bread and a cup of coffee. Best meal we had and blissfully warm, then back to the hotel for another gourmet dinner before packing.
The following morning we set off home older and wiser but without any Northern lights photos.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-770756-2d8778b0-8dbf-405c-8c04-201f121569b7.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-251182-6d1097fa-b4e4-4606-9e26-55c48ffe5ac7.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-356608-bf71517f-1dfe-4bf0-b94f-7388864026f1.jpeg

The dog sleigh ride.
The wolves and the bear

The lynx

Your life continues astonishing Bradfordlass
Well done calming a potentially nasty incident with your gentle Maori words.
How I despair of your homecare girl.

I keep wondering what a million camels look like Nortsat!!!

An oven cleaner in human form Mamissimo I never knew such a thing existed.

It's been a long day here. DH slept a lot, hardly ate and worried us. He's now about to fall out of bed.

The cornice lady ran into problems and couldn't work on the ceiling.

Tomorrow our own homecare people will come. I wonder if they are anything like Bradfordlass's

I wonder if the beautiful dragonfly was to celebrate our Dragonfly finishing her radiotherapy. It was a lovely drawing.

Our DGS was given a distinction for his piano exam. I wish MrG was well enough to share the news. Bittersweet.

Good night everyone. I'm going to try to get some sleep.

Grammaretto Is the dgs who got Distinction, the same one who's a talented writer? What a clever laddie he is.

I watched a wonderful video last night made by Pentland Nursery in which Caroline took us on tour around the Poinsettia House. Ideal for me as I could actually see the bright colours. I never knew they came in such a variety - quite, quite beautiful.

I sincerely hope your homecare listens and helps.

As Hanna was leaving yesterday, she called out, 'Do you like tofu?' Caught off guard I'd answered 'yes' then could have bitten my tongue.
I said, 'PLEASE don't bring me any more food.' Will she heed? Place yer bets ladies and gentlemen....

Doodle That is an absolutely wonderful story and the photos are spectacular - your DH is another with a lot of talent. What with your craftwork and his photography, you really are a clever couple.

As I read about your padded suit - prior to the sled trip - I thought of our dear CheeryCherry
In one of those and zipped into a hammock she'd be like a cosy little butterfly cocoon

Not exactly ideal to leave tourists of any age to find their way in pitch dark, from the bottom of a mountain to an hotel in unfamiliar country. And what would have happened if a toboggan had capsized injuring someone?

Fortunately, you seemed to have guardian angels each time you needed them. What a pity your poor DH hurt his elbow though. A trip to remember for sure.

I can't wait for Episode Two. Thank you SO much for this thoroughly entertaining read Doodle

Cherry I've not only kept a daily journal for the past 41 years but recently wrote 95,000+ words about my life just after the war.
I wanted my son and grandchildren to know how it was growing up with gas lamps, doing laundry in a peggy tub, and using a mangle.

Mum cooked on a big black range in the living room and every years I watched the chimney sweep push telescopic poles and brush up the chimney with a huge flurry of soot as it came out the top.

Milk, eggs and cream were delivered from the farm on a horse and cart with big churns on the back. Coal came in a similar way in hessian sacks: the Betterware men, often ex-soldiers who lugged huge cases from door to door.

I'm sure most of us have such memories. All these things are long gone. It's a different world now.

I had 12 copies printed and bound and they will go to family.

It's cold, wet and miserable here today, a mere 14 degrees so I'm going to lie on my bed for a wee whiley and think about all our lovely gangsters, in the hope that positive thoughts and love might help.

Doodle our posts xed.
What a trip!
Thanks for writing it all down so entertainingly for us readers.
I haven't laughed so much in ages
I can't wait for the next instalment.
I have read Bill Bryson's tale of looking for the Northern Lights but he never mentioned the lack of toilet facilities once!!
Your poor dear DH. Whose idea was the trip

I am on the night patrol. MrG did fall out of bed and DS had to be summoned as lying on the floor was not going to be an option.

It was not the same DGS as the writer. They are cousins. Wait until I boast about the girls....

Oh dear, Grammaretto what a shame your poor man fell out. I hope there was no injury but he would have been shocked.
Not an easy time for you dear friend and loving thoughts. Wish there was more.....

As I was mulling over the day as I fell asleep last night it struck me that if you aggregate all the life experience, wit and wisdom of this group it's awe inspiring....and then I got to thinking of the combined resources of all Gnetters....and then if you think of all the Grans in the world ....it makes me think it's time for a matriarchal world order. That would fix some stuff!

Today we go to collect Mr M's hearing aid that had gone wrong so I'd better stop muttering speaking normally and eee nun sea ate! Apparently he's not deaf....I don't talk right ?

I'm looking forwards to Rotherham alight Northern Lights Part 2 thank you predictive text! part 1 was a gripping read!

Can we have it at coffee time please?

Grammaretto if my little tale brought a smile to your lips at the moment then I’m very pleased.
Im sorry MrG fell out of bed. I hope he didn’t do any damage to himself. I doubt if you are getting much sleep.
I hope his appetite is better today. I do hope your homecare people are pleasant and of help.
Sorry about the cornice. Hope work can continue soon.
Well done to your DGS for doing so well in his exam.
Hope you have a better day today.
Bradfordlass oh dear, I wonder what Tofu delight you are going to be presented with today.?
Yes actually that padded suit would be ideal for Cherry. Not the snow boots though. They were so big and heavy it was hard to put one foot in front of the other.?
Your journal sounds wonderful. Such a good idea to write everything down like that. I wish I had kept a diary or notes from when I was a child but I didn’t realise at the time that I had a bad memory and would forget most of it. ?
Mamissimo you may well be right. We should be in charge ?
My DH doesn’t have a problem hearing but apparently I mumble too and he can’t hear me properly. Hope the hearing aid is fixed and you can go back to normal.

Thank you all for your kind words about my story. I had no idea it would be such a long one.
Grammaretto it was a joint decision really. DH and I are fortunate in that we both like the same holidays. Neither of us are sun worshipers but we both love mountains and fjords etc. I love snow and DH was keen on trying to capture the northern lights so we both wanted to go.
Part two will be along later in the week when I’ve written it.
Thanks for being so kind.
Have a good day all