The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

Reading these messages, I had two or three little flashbacks to my childhood.

When Mamissimo posted her DH's symptoms it took me back to when my Dad's ulcer was diagnosed, exactly the same. But he was just fine after treatment - though he hated being on "an invalid diet" - nothing fried or rich!

Mum used to write over 200 Christmas cards at one time
We get ourselves into this expensive, time consuming rituals because it's the thing to do but in her widowed years and with chronic RA in her hands, it was a burden she didn't need.
I suggested she write a short note explaining this would be the last time but she would be thinking warmly of them, especially at Christmas.
Many wrote back saying, 'Phew, I'm so glad you said that because....'

Doodle I want mistletoe because every year, Mum used to buy it and holly from the greengrocer and it sat on the mantle shelf and I miss it. I never saw her kiss Santa Claus though

Cherry The meeting was quite interesting: lots of scope for ingenuity and creativity during lockdown it seems.
New apps for collating Covid cases, successful enough to sell to some Health Boards and the USA.
140,000 boxes of food delivered in 3 months as all staff, whatever their usual employment, made a team to source, pack and distribute to isolated elders and families.

I got my cuppa as we waited for the meeting to begin and a meal of corned beef (freshly cooked not tinned) salad and tiny spuds in a sort of light feta dressing, very nice. Fruit & ice cream to follow. Yes, I did have dessert and yes my knees were horribly painful in the night !!SMR!!

The pies turned out well Doodle but I won't know for sure until I taste one at Christmas, though the family are threatening planning to make Christmas Day here on 20th. I shall have to telecope my planning by 5 days Yikes!

Nfk It's not just varifocals which make you misread, AMD will do it too.
When Mamissimo wrote her DH was on morphine, all I saw was mo....ine and my brain read 'moonshine' - which I have a feeling MrM might like

dragonfly I envy you the quiz, it's something I miss. I am a long-time member at Fun Trivia but as my sight gets worse, it's not fun trying to decipher every tiny-text question...and so much of it is against the clock - which beats me every time!

Cheery your DH's hand sounds very painful, like Missedout's. I think I mentioned physio is important once the wound has healed. Karen exercises hers in a bowl of warm-hot water and Epsom salts

A few days ago, I sent for a little portable CD player to sit on my bedside table.
They used to come in the box inside a Post Office padded plastic bag.

No longer, now we're being eco conscious (some hopes) this is how the little machine arrived.

The full-length of the garage in woven paper wadding, ditto in white tissue, a HUGE box, seen right at the back next to the tiny box the player came in, with its own polystyrene buffers.

How many trees had to be used for the massive national store I use to be so prodigal with the packing for multi-thousands of orders like mine?

Is it any wonder our stupidity is ruining the planet?

And on that jolly note I'll wish you all a happy and peaceful day. I'm off to make boozy, sugar-free dark chocolate truffles for my daughter in law - proud mother of Gubbins.

You all seem very busy. I'm struggling to keep up.

I like the sound of Cherry's fandango, do you move your head up and down in time to music? I've worn varifocals for years although I have some reading glasses and a small pair of magnifying glasses that I wear for fine, close work such as knitting and sewing. Also, in the summer, I practically wear varifocal sunglasses all the time (big lenses - darker tint at the top of the lens so I can see the ground in front of me through the untinted part easily when I look down). I forget to take them off when it gets dark! My distance vision is pretty good but my arms are too short to read. I'd be putting reading glasses on and off all the time if I didn't have varying strengths in my lens. As it is, I could really do with a bandolier to hold my glasses cases.

Mamissimo, I'm sorry to hear Mr M is having such a rough time. I remember my Mum was admitted to hospital on two separate occasions with acute pancreatitis. Mum eventually had her gall bladder removed but the hospital thought she had bad indigestion too.

Best wishes to Mr and Mrs Panache, I'm pleased that MrP is being helped by the steroids. I think you need a Mrs Caldicot to move in and start a Cabbage War! (I'm sorry if anyone doesn't know what I'm talking about but would recommend this 2002 comedy drama, staring Pauline Collins.)

Grammaretto, as others have said, we are here if you need us. I hope you make some time for yourself.

BradfordLass, you put me to shame, you seem to get so much done but I'm pleased you have help and get to see little Gubbins.

I'm not so good at the moment, I have a uti which makes me feel very uncomfortable and I don't have much energy. There is a lot to do at the moment, I can order stuff online but need to get on with wrapping, decorating, writing cards, food prep etc., all the things that need two good hands! DH has enough to do although willing. I just wish I could find a cleaner, I can see the dust and cobwebs without any glasses at all.

I will enlist the help of my GP tomorrow, I just need to know which robotics to take.

I think Doodle looks very glamorous with a towel round her head!

Good night all.

Cherry I think being a very huggy person sounds really nice ?. Glad you are feeling more at home with your fandangoes.
I have been playing with my flexi curvy thing all evening. It’s such fun. I’m still not coming up with the design I’m aiming for (a lot of the shapes tend to look like intimate body parts for some reason ?) I will try again tomorrow.
Is this OT person going to supply things for you? I was wondering about you saying it ups the cost.
Hope you enjoy your early night and sleep well. I will try and make sure Jeeves doesn’t make any noise tonight. He’s been singing Christmas carols ?
Bradfordlass 200 Christmas cards in one go. I don’t think I know 200 people. I can just about manage 40 in one sitting.
That’s a nice tradition with the mistletoe and holly. I don’t have a fireplace anymore but I do miss the mantelpiece.
Glad you had your meal after the meeting but sorry it caused you some upset in the night. I agree, the amount of packaging that some things come in is unbelievable. Your truffles sound nice. Won’t be long before Gubbins wants some herself.
Missedout sorry you are not feeling so good. Utis are uncomfortable and painful. Hope you soon get some meds that will sort it out. Forget about the dust and the cobwebs. They can look after themselves until you are feeling better. More important to look after yourself and get that hand working better again.
Panache hope you and MrP are still managing a stroll. I won’t ask about the food situation. We are all thinking of you.
Mamissimo hope MrM is feeling more comfortable tonight.
Take care all and sleep well.

Missedout Lots of liquids, unsweetened cranberry juice and probiotics for uti.

My homecare Hanna arrived similarly suffering but wouldn't increase her liquid intake mind you, she's convinced Buckwheat Tea will make me slim because 'everyone in Korea knows that'. Alert the media!

The pie.

Good morning gangsters, I am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle) and I have Missy and Minnie with me (they now consider themselves official *gangster cats*).

Bradfordlass beautiful pie.
Missedout so sorry to hear about your UTI, they are wretched. If I have even a hint of one, I get straight on to the doctor, for antibiotics.
I remember feeling the start of a UTI on the morning of one New Year’s Eve. We had tickets for a New Years Eve Party and then were hosting a large family gathering on New Years Day. I was so worried but my GP zapped it with antibiotics and everything was fine.
Get well soon Missedout.
How is MrM this morning Mamissimo, I hope he is comfortable and that you blew the cobwebs away with a walk. I have started including a hat in my walking attire these mornings. It’s cold but fresh in London.
Grammaretto nice to know the District Nurse looked in. People’s kindness can be a considerable buffer when times are hard. ‘In Loving Memories’ is a beautiful rose, a friend has one in her garden. Given the amount of sitting in her garden that we have done this year, I have watched the rose flourish.
Dragonfly 2nd from 500 in the quiz ... wow.
Fanny good to know your DH is home and making progress. I appreciate it may be slow, but things are improving. Are you working towards a gentle Christmas?
Panache I hope your dear one is continuing to benefit from the steroids. Are you managing a stroll or is it too chilly?
Cherry how are your fandangos settling down. It must be especially disconcerting for you, given your medical condition. I find listening to music on headphones, whilst walking exacerbates my Menieres Disease (a middle ear condition) and increases my dizzy spells. I think it’s something about your eyes darting around.
Doodle looking forward to hearing more about your latest craft project, aided by your flexi curvy thing ... I can’t imagine...

Well gangsters a day of sorting out the Christmas postage for me. Have a pleasant day all.

When God made man she forgot the most important thing.....the gift of good communication!

Mr M is maintaining almost total radio silence and the ward phone is always engaged.....,I'm playing Sherlock now. They moved him twice yesterday and didn't tell me on either occasion. I sent him a txt asking which ward he was on...."dunno, they didn't tell me" he replied.....

As he was obv awake I pressed the advantage.....how are you? Any diagnosis?" Six hours....yes six hours later he replied..."groggy". I phoned four likely wards to try to find him...last one said.."yes he's here but can you call back, his nurse is on her break'....and you've guessed it. The phone has been engaged ever since.

When this game of hunt the husband and get some answers is over I will market a new board game for next Christmas because by then we will all be bored and missing COVID. It will be a new improved kind of trivial pursuit in which you have to achieve a diagnosis and receive treatment for a mystery illness. If you win the prize will be afternoon tea with Matt Hancock. ?

I salute you one and all and think I shall go and fume in the shower. What's the betting Mr M will have a lightbulb moment and ring me while I'm in there?

Dear gang,
As usual I have enjoyed your posts, probably more than I should have given that the humour is rather bleak!
I expect MrM will call you while you're in the shower Mamissimo --par for the course.

PM me for another remedy for UTI Missedout . I sympathise.

The amount of packaging is alarming Bradfordlass. It has almost put me off buying online.

I am off for a walk shortly. I missed my outing yesterday and though the weather is dreich, it will make me feel better.

I think I said I would tackle the bank today but don't feel quite strong enough yet. The nearest branch is now in Edinburgh and the online bereavement service is a joke!!

Then I am thinking about DH's clothes. DS suggests refugees at Calais but not sure. I may need some of that packaging

grammaretto this website might help:

www.edinburghdirectaid.org/warehouse.htm
Or this:
www.thewelcoming.org/

Grammaretto I'm laughing at my mistake - clan or clean Freudian slip ??

Bradfordlass that is some pie. It looks delicious.
Nortsat Missy and Minnie I’m glad you are comfortable. What a pretty tree. I like your dangling silver stars.
Humpf (or words to that effect) my flexi curvy thing is very good unfortunately my sewing skills can’t match the bends the curvy thing can make so another idea bites the dust. Instead of teardrops I am now going for voluptuous curves ?
Oh Mamissimo when MrM comes home he needs a stern talking to. Leaving you not knowing what is happening is not on. I do hope by now you have tracked him down and that he is receiving good care.
Grammaretto hope you enjoyed your walk. It has been a dreary day. I would take your time going through things and only tackle them when you feel up to it. I have heard things about banks and bereavement services too.
Heard any more from you son in quarantine?
Panache hope you and Mr P are getting on ok.
Missedout how’s that thumb?
cherry are you dancing with your glasses yet?
I have been perusing my Christmas shopping list, I was thing of buying DGS some aftershave........boy does he have expensive tastes. ?

I had a lovely card today from you all!! Thankyou my gransnet friends.
It is beautiful xxx

It has been an emotional day so far.
We just heard that grandpa has covid symptoms and is on oxygen and dexamethasone. So awful for him.
We were really hoping he would escape from hospital and get home.

DS is in his quarantine hotel and finding it quite acceptable. Apart from if he wants anything extra, like coffee or beer, he has to order it from the hotel and it's very expensive.

Grammaretto so pleased the card has arrived.
Lovely Nortsat arranged it and sent it to you for us all.
I am so sorry to hear about your FIL. I hope the medication and the oxygen help.
I bet your son can’t wait to get home now.
Take care x

Trailing well behind yet again but please know you are all in my thoughts,

Life here now changes almost like the flick of a switch,one minute I am posting about improvement in appetite and managing a few strolls dressed up like mummies........and then my dear man flounders badly and is walking the rooms desperately seeking more pain relief................today was chemo day which of course adds to the problems.
It is tearing me to shreds seeing my dear man, once a tall,strong and active reduced to a mere shadow.

However I am constantly aware how many others are suffering and I simply had to pop by on hearing Mamissimo of how your dear man has had such painful problem,and is now residing in a Hospital ward.
Sincerely hoping you can do your Miss Marples in both finding him and learning more about his condition.

Trying.........and failing to find your spirit Grammaretto although so sorry hearing of a further dilemna within your family.
Whilst understanding your difficulties dealing with new varifocals Cherry.......I think it is a question of time and patience before you master them........meanwhile be very careful young lady.

At the rate I am going I shall be ready for Christmas and our Anniversary this time next year!

Sending blessings to you all.

Hi Gangsters,

Oh dear Panache!! I am so sorry to hear MrP is in such pain. There's nothing worse, especially if you can't escape from it. I hope he (and you) get some relief today.

When all else fails, I try to count my blessings it doesn't always work, mind
DS1 has promised to help with the bank. 4 month's supply of Vit D tablets have arrived for DH so I will take them instead.

A poet friend, has written a poem for DH which I've not seen or heard yet but was told about.
That's exciting.

Just popped by to see how you all are.... . And the weather doesn't help. Or Covid. Or the enforced jollity of Christmas. Old age and decrepitude just adds to the heap. It's a good thing, after long and successful lives, fortitude and strength of character will, I have no doubt, triumph. I have such enormous admiration for the way you're all coping. I just wish we could all get together, 'cos if group hugs have ever been needed, its now. Look after yourselves my lovelies.

Popping in to let you know I am still around and reading your news.

That pie looks delicious!

Feeling achy this morning so it must be damp outside. The side effect of my daily medication is aching muscles.

I think a group hug is the way to go NFK.

Mr M is home......the results are in and it's gallstones and a liver infection. They've pumped him full of stuff and sent him home because --they haven't the capacity to do the op--they're gummed up with COVID. At least I know how to help with the gallstones diet!

Wish us well - he's a rubbish patient and I'm an equally rubbish carer. ?

DD2 has just told me that in her school only year 9 are now not isolating but all the staff have to be in! We've been saying for ages that they need mass testing for school kids in areas with high rates of infection because they spill out of school, where they've been bubbled all day, and then go round to each other's houses before going home.

It's Sainsbugs delivery and the cleaner for me today and I really must make a start on the Christmas decorations....but I'll probably --turn the heater on in the greenhouse and hide in there for a bit--take the beagle for another long walk ?

So it wasn't indigestion then Mamissimo! At least you now have a diagnosis, and, as you say, you can help with an appropriate diet. So that means you're more qualified at nursing him than you think.

I agree its high time they started testing all school children. DGS has had five days in school this half term due to one or other child testing positive. He was sent home again yesterday so won't be going back now until the new year.

DH has just bandaged my wrist up as its developed an unexpected swelling. It was fine when I got up so I must have somehow twisted it without realising. Now it's bound up, I can at least type - but the hoovering will have to wait and I'm not at all sure about my ability to wash up!

Panache I am so sorry to hear of MrP being in such pain. It must be unbearable for you both. Is there anything else that he can have to make things easier? What anniversary is coming Panache and when is it?
Please know we are all thinking of you both. Take care x
Grammaretto good thing your DS 1 is around to help sorting things out. A poem written personally sounds lovely. I hope you get to hear it soon.
NFK old age and decrepitude, sounds like you are talking about me. ?. DH asked for my help this morning in putting a box inside a carrier bag. I got down on the floor to do it but getting up again proved more difficult. I tend to adopt giraffe legs far apart and then gradually bring them closer together. ?. Do you know, a group hug would be lovely. How right you are.
Dragonfly how are you feeling these days. Have things improved at all?
Mamissimo glad MrM is home and you now know what’s going on. You tell MrM to behave and eat what you tell him too or I’ll send the heavies round.......well Jeeves actually.?
Does your beagle look to see what sort of mood your in and prepare himself for an appropriate length walk? ?
NFK I think anyone with a bandage on is automatically exempt from housework and cleaning duties an must sit in a chair and relax with a cuppa ☕️. Hope your wrist improves soon.

Doodle do not on any account feel sorry for Honey Beagle! The night before last I was sitting quietly with DS when we realised the beagle was missing (we only really realised because we sharing some Maltesers and she wasn't begging in front of us).

We whistled and heard her come down stairs.......and then she appeared before us carrying an empty box of gin and tonic after eight mints. DS was guilty of leaving his study door ajar and the beagle is an opportunist. The box was half empty because we'd all tried one and they are ?. We are very careful not to leave chocolate where she can get it but luckily she suffered no harm. She unwraps sweets so I made DS pick up the wrappers as punishment for leaving his door open!

Have a good night!

Oh Mamissmo that made me laugh. Poor Honey beagle. I know human chocolate is not good for dogs so am glad to hear she suffered no ill effects. You might need to enrol her at AA though. ?

I am so relieved MrM's agony turned out to be gall stones, though I don't expect he's very pleased!
I was told gallstones happen to people who are Fair, Fat and Forty. Does MrM fit that category?
Glad to hear Honey is helping by eating her way through the sugary treats or is it fat one should avoid?

FiL took a turn for the worse again and his DD was summoned to his hospital bedside. It is very doubtful he will last much longer.

It's DD's birthday today. Not a happy one for her.

Sorry you have a swollen wrist NfkD . The one year I resorted to sending a typed Christmas letter was after I broke my wrist. I probably should have continued the tradition.

A friend from Edinburgh is coming out today to go for a walk with me. She may catch the bus although we wonder about covid safety. She has a car but she's nervous of driving.

Grammaretto Mr M is in his dreams a silver fox and mere boy ? I hope you get your walk today, I find my walks are really helpful in times of duress. I can deal with stuff better if I get some air and can stride out. I would like to come and walk with you......

Honey Beagle ate half a kilo of Go Cat and its box last night....DS put it back in the cupboard after giving the animals their bedtime snack....but forgot to shut the cupboard door. She's asleep with a big smile on her face and DS has to buy more Go Cat.

I planted twelve new strawberry plants yesterday....there is hope ?

After going awol for you know what reason ? I'm back in finer fettle.
I did actually have quite a good day until very late evening yesterday ?. I may have overdone things in the daytime after the bad day the day before I guess. I actually got round to some chores ?, so I'm blaming the shock to my system. I also had an unexpected telephone consultation with my neurologist yesterday, it wasn't due to happen until Wednesday next week. Between us we decided that it was worth trying to add an additional medication. I say trying because since I am so prone to serious adverse side effects it was decided that if I experience any I will stop the tablets immediately. Since the new tablet will be an addition it's not as if I won't be on anything so it's worth a try ? # famous last words + nerves ?

In answer to your question Doodle no I wouldn't have to pay more if I did replace my cooker and have an induction hob if it's recommended by the OT since I have a grant. I should have clarified, it's the company that the OT works for and the OT herself that would benefit by upping their bill. It's the cynic in me that thinks that's her reasoning. We bought the cooker we have on recommendation of two epilepsy charities and it certainly wasn't cheap. It's a perfectly good cooker and had proved to be safe so far (as long as my partner oversees).

Oh Grammaretto I hope that your FiL does last and that the turn for the worse was the low before a recovery ?. No, not the happiest of birthdays for your DD, lots of tlc and definitely cake ? for her (and you) I think. My birthdays can be bitter sweet, my father having been cremated on mine so I understand that bereavement will impact upon it this year but life should be celebrated and birthdays enjoyed ?

Mamissimo at least now you and the silver fox know what is wrong and you can try keep him on the straight and narrow with the right diet ?. The bollies strawberries next summer will be allowed won't they ?

Off to clean the cooker ? but I hope to return later and catch up with the rest of the gang ☺️

Well hello gangsters.
Grammaretto I am sorry to hear about your FIL. I to hope he turns the corner and improves . I would wish your DD a happy birthday but I doubt she’s in the mood at the moment.
I hope you enjoyed a pleasant day with your friend. Take care
(Sorry I keep writing that. It’s hard to find the words but I hope you know you are in our thoughts and understand what I mean x)
Mamissimo a silver fox. How lovely ?. How is he feeling today?
Oh dear, I think Honey beagle is being a bit naughty. What with Gin and tonic after eights and now all the cat food.... I think perhaps Honey should go in the doghouse with DS who left the door open.
I love strawberries. I am always willing to test them for you. How long will it be before they are ready........#everhopeful ?
Cherry, chores......what’s that ?? I hope the new meds don’t upset you. I have heard it takes about two weeks before your system adjusts to new meds. I hope they don’t have an adverse effect. Make sure WP keeps a close eye on you. We need our Tigger.
Ah I understand about the cooker. I have an induction hob. My DS1 had one first and when he explained how it worked I couldn’t understand it. I am very pleased with mine. It certainly heats things up quickly but if you are happy with your hob then I see no need to change it (certainly not to line anyone else’s pockets) Cheery it’s sad you father died so close to your birthday. My dear mum died just before Christmas but I never feel sad at that time of year because she was always such a caring and loving person and all she ever wanted was for her family (and others) to be happy. So when I think of her and my lovely dad, I just feel happy because they were so happy. Clean the cooker Cherry it’s the weekend. No chores at the weekend ?
Panache I am wondering how you two are getting on.
Dragonfly I hope we get a photo of Dexter when the family come to you for Christmas,
Nortstat , Missy and Minnie I hope you are all ok.
Back later. Go to go and find out what Jeeves is getting in for Christmas dinner.