The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

DH is getting better - he can put his own socks on now. He is insisting that we have a morning walk every day (instructions from the hospital). That's now two days running that we've been out in the pouring rain! It's a good job we're used to donning wet gear!

Today was DGS' 2nd birthday. We had to make do with FaceTime but DGS knows who we are and was happy to demonstrate his presents. It was a shame that hardly any of his birthday cards had arrived, he only had 4 and two of them were from his 4 year old big sister. The post has been subject to a lot of delays.

We also saw our oldest DGD, her dad (DS1) has some new technology and wanted to try it out. We used our largest monitor and sat in comfort while DS1 did the same. It was almost like being in the same room.

We had the delivery of our online shop. I really must pay attention to packet sizes. I thought I ordered fresh pineapple pieces for two but I obviously ordered the (out of stock) larger packet, which was then substituted by 7 smaller ones! We could not get any grapefruit at all, DH enjoys his grapefruit.

My youngest AC turned up yesterday to collect a parcel of books sent to our address instead of his temporary one. Someone he is in a house share with had had a few mates round recently (much to DS' disgust) so DS didn't want to put us at risk by getting close so joined us on the rainy walk then went back to his place. No rules broken here.

I had another top delivered yesterday too. It will have to go back. I think I've shrunk a bit more. I'll get the postman to pick it up to save me going into the Post Office.

I hope Mamissimo gets better soon, my neighbour suffers from frequent bouts of cellulitis, I'd not heard of it before he was so poorly.

It's a good job that electrically controlled beds move slowly, Grammaretto! Oh no - not the dreaded nits - do you all have to be treated?

I have my fingers crossed for Panache and hope dragonfly continues to cope well with the chemo.

It seems dreadful to say that I'm trying to keep cheerful when I know some of you are having such a difficult times. I don't know how you all manage but you do, and so will I.

Cheers Norstat - I'm struggling with low spirits too (I'd better make sure I put gin on the next shopping list). Jeeves' virtual drinks help though. At least they only produce a virtual hangover.

I read your post twice before realising what you had done NfkD I guess you could have put her out front but perhaps the back garden was preferable.

Falls and bumps. Cuts and bruises. What is to become of the lockdowners. wags head
DS cut himself with a knife opening a DVD this evening. It was Knives Out we watched it after I bandaged him up.
DD noticed tonight that DGD has nits.....

Not braised elbows, bruised elbows. ?

Crossed posts Nfk ?
DH and I often have braised elbows like that too. I think doorways get smaller as you get older.
We have had the catch taken off our kitchen door as I was always cutting my arm on it.
I expect your bee came in out of the rain. Lucky you managed to get it outside even if you did go via the scenic route ?
Sleep well

Grammaretto I am so pleased you got to see your DD house. It’s nice to know what it looks like. Sounds like your DGC have settled in well.
Glad MrG made the trip even if he couldn’t venture far. Your DD must have been pleased to have him there.
Your Mil and SIL must have been pleased with the visit too.
We watched Rebecca tonight and enjoyed it. I did feel the ending wasn’t as good as the original one but other than that it was fine.
Not sure watching Chernobyl would be my idea of an evening’s entertainment but each to their own ?
Cherry I’m certainly ordering some cotton wool and sending Jeeves round to wrap you up. Sorry about your knee. You don’t need any more bruises.
Love your Grease description of Mamissimo’s cellulitis ?
Next time you get it Mamissimo you will have to get MrM to serenade you with his John Travolta impersonation ?
Yes I was close to my SIL. A slightly different character to yours I think. My SIL was a force to be reckoned with. Very intelligent, sociable and friendly but fiercely competitive. There wasn’t a sport she didn’t watch or take part in and she loved learning new things. On the other hand, she could never make a decision about anything. We used to laugh so much about that whenever we went shopping or for a meal. She could never decide what to eat. We had a lot of fun together.
I guess you and I were lucky to have such lovely brothers and SILs.
Bradfordlass hope you are ok. You haven’t run off with Jeeves have you .?
Panache hope you both are ok.
Missedout, Nortsat & Nfk hope you have had a good day too.
Hope all the gangsters sleep well.

Evening All

You weren't taking a sickie were you Mamissimo? I'm sure you're not as well as you say, feeling slightly better isn't really a sign you should be getting up and on with things. Cellulitis is a nasty thing. I hope you had a lovely duvet day.

I hope you feel better after your weekend off Dragonfly. Hopefully the weekend breaks will have given you a bit of respite.

Are you in your second childhood Cherry? All these bruises and scabbed knees, just like when we woz at school. At least you know where you bruises have come from. I've come to the conclusion I'm bigger than I think as my elbows and hips often don't make it through gaps I think they should, and sometimes I find large bruises and have no idea when they happened.

Really pleased that the Grammarettos managed a day out and visit to the new house even if Mr G didn't manage to see all of it. It's still an achievement. A draining day, but worth it.

Just stopped to put outside a large queen bee which was wandering across the sitting room floor in a dazed state. I rushed hobbled through to the back room to find the insect catcher but meantime DH managed to persuade her onto a kindling stick, we then both walked past the front door towards the back of the house (two rooms away) before realising what we'd done. Is there any hope for us?

Crossed posts Grammaretto, glad you were able to look round your DD's new house ?

What no BradfordLass on the evening/night shift keeping an eye on Jeeves! I hope she's alright.

I'm such a clumsy oaf on times, I've added a nasty gash and bruise above my right knee today and I was conscious this time! ? Just as some of my bruises from the other night have gone as well. I hastened, goodness knows why, when I was walking from the kitchen to the dining room and misjudged the space between the table and the sideboard . Stupid or what? Don't answer that - I know = stupid ?. I've never had a great deal of spacial awareness, it's just as well that I'm medically exempt from driving! There'd be carnage on the roads ?.

Glad to hear that the pesky cellulitis has eased off Mamissimo. An end to the "chills are multiplying" and "losing my your control" ?. Be assured your secret is safe with us ?.
A keep calm crisis management consultancy sounds good, I also like Doodle's idea of taking over the government ?. Shall we set up a business or mount a coup ? ?

Sorry to hear that you struggled for sleep last night Grammaretto. You've a lot to contend with, it can't be easy to relax. Glad that Mr G is getting his share though.
Despite the circumstances I hope that your SiL is having as good a birthday as she can. I've taken to a view that anyone who has a big birthday (or other significant milestone) this year that since s/he will be that age until the next one comes around a bigger celebration can happen at any point between since s/he won't have aged since the day. I know I've put that awkwardly, I hope you get my drift.
I'm pleased that your DS has been able to catch up with old friends. It's a difficult time for you all and there's nothing like old friends to soothe the soul.
I hope you did manage to have a peek (at least) inside your DD's new house ?

Ooh warm farmyard eggs dragonfly. I hope the poaching worked out. My grandfather kept chickens (and two goats) and the eggs were so lovely that fresh.
I hope you've rested this weekend prior to your remaining radiotherapy sessions ? Is it four or five next week and then one or two the week after?

I'm sure your painting is coming on better than you think. As for it not looking anything like the original picture, it won't, will it, until it's close to being finished ?
Sounds like you had a good walk today in some interesting weather Doodle ?. I hate hoods, partly for the reason you describe ?
My SiL was indeed lovely. She was talented, practical and considerate, a witty woman with true grace in the original sense of the word. She was very special. You and your SiL sound like you too were close and it sounds like she was a lovely lady too ?

I'm off to grab a cuppa now to help my dinner (which was delicious - even if I do say so myself ) go down.

We did make it to DD. Driving rain all the way but we went inside and they look very settled already.
The DGD showed me around proudly. MrG only managed the one room downstairs.

We saw his mum and sister briefly as we delivered our gifts.

Now I'm exhausted!

I watched Rebecca and enjoyed it though my filmmaker son dismissed it as a made for TV remake.
He wants us to watch Chernobyl. Nuff said

Afternoon all. Been out for a walk during which we experienced dazzling sun, torrential rain, strong winds and periods of calm. My rain hood on my coat was up, down, blown about . Now back home and thinking about preparing dinner.
Grammaretto Nice for you son to see friends while he’s here. It will be a shame if you can’t go inside your DD’s new home. I bet you are longing to see what it’s like. Hope your SIL has a good birthday under the circumstances. Hope your DD and her family will be happy in their new home.
Mamissimo we are planning to watch Rebecca tonight. I still remember the old black and white version. I like Kristen Scott Thomas as an actress.
Don’t worry we won’t let on you are feeling a little better (though pleased to hear it ?). You enjoy your duvet day.
I won’t tell if you share your Maltesers with me ?
Dragonfly I hope you have enjoyed your break from your treatment and the rest has built you up ready for this week.
Hope your poached eggs turn out a success.
Enjoy the rest of your day all . ?

So pleased you are feeling better Mamissimo. I have never had cellulitis but my mum who is 100 gets it frequently. You are amazing - I had no idea you had been through so much.

Grammaretto I hope things are going reasonably well in your home. I do hope the roof gets fixed in the shortest possible time. I hate it when things go wrong at home. I got up one morning and looked up at the ceiling in the hall where water was pouring through. It always happens at a weekend as well. Fortunately our lovely plumber was on call but it cost a fortune to sort out and repaint.

I hope you are having a reasonable weekend at Chez Panache.

Of course you should not feel embarrassed eating out Bradfordlass. I am sure you are fabulous company.

The sun is shining here and as I have just got back from the farm shop with eggs that are still warm I am going to try out the tips for poached eggs which were on another site.

Sending love to every one.

Grammaretto we watched Rebecca on Netflix last night. Very true to the atmosphere of the book, beautiful to look at - and Kristen Scott Thomas has an absolute ball playing Danvers. Great escapism.

Feeling slightly human this morning myself but if any of you tell Mr M and DS I'll marmetise you ?

I feel lucky that cellutlitus only floors me for a couple of days every now and again. I get it because my skin is fragile and my blood supply system was surgically rearranged a few times. It's a small price to pay for so many well days.

Today I will languish naughtily, snuggled under a throw and watch Christmas movies with a box of maltesers. Bliss!

Hello lovely gang,

I hope you are on the road to recovery Mamissimo

I couldn't get to sleep last night and as a result feel good for nothing.
MrG had a reasonable night and he's asleep again. What a pair we are!

DS saw his old friends yesterday who live at the seaside, which cheered him considerably.
We are going to try to drive to see DD's new house today but it may have to be a drive past given the covid restrictions and on the way we'll drop off flowers and a small gift to sis in law who has been nobly looking after her parents. It's her big birthday today and she's far from her DH and family.
She spoke to her dad on the phone and his voice sounded strong and he was very keen to get out of hospital. No test results yet.
She was asking for feel-good movie recommendations for her and her mum. Any suggestions?

Mamissimo good to hear you are feeling better. Having seen my DH with the violent shivers recently I can imagine a little of what you go through. Hope you have a more comfortable night tonight.
? should we take over government do you think? ?

Good evening gang!
Well I've stopped shaking with chills so it looks like I'll live. Bit sleepy and slow but tomorrow will be better....dear heavens, I sound like Annie!

It occurs to me that when this COVID rubbish is behind us we should set up a consultancy in crisis management. We could make big money in sorting out other peoples dramas crises. The NHS would work, structures would be safe and we would all feel cared for. Nice dream.

Now it’s my turn to say no you didn’t upset me Cherry ?
I didn’t think your reply was blunt at all. I just felt that it was something that perhaps you’d rather not talk about and was concerned that I had inadvertently brought the subject up.
There is no need to explain, I am the same with my family I am happy to talk about myself but some family things I don’t want to put on an open forum. It is wise to be cautious.
Sounds like you too had a lovely SIL. Mine was like a sister to me as well. We shared a lot and after my brother died we spoke on the phone or face timed every evening. I still miss those calls.
I have been painting today. I’m surprised how quickly time goes while I dabble with my paintbrush. I always think I’ve done a lot as it takes so much time but then when I stand back I see it’s like a drop in the ocean. Currently it looks nothing like the original picture ?. I will continue and see what happens.
Hope you have a restful night.

Doodle you didn't upset me at all. You asked a perfectly reasonable question and I'm only sorry that I appeared to give such a blunt response. I have my reasons for not being completely candid and open on the matter on a forum anyone can read that's all. I have nothing to hide but much to reveal, if that makes sense. I have no problem telling you personally. I'm sorry if I upset you. My brother was, just as yours was, very important to me, as was my SiL. He was a warm, compassionate, good hearted man who looked out for me. Even though , of course, my SiL was factually that, the iL bit was never significant - she was my sister.
You could treat yourself to a comfy Doodle, or put it on a chr.....s list ?. There are plenty for adults. Hope you find ones you like, and they will like, for your grandchildren.

As Doodle says BradfordLass the Kelly is indeed very much like a Weeble. Weebles came out in the 70s and it is apparent now that they were an updated version of Kellys.
Your homecare girl really shouldn't be miffed because you didn't go to the restaurant. It's her job to help you! She might have enjoyed going to a restaurant and preferred it but as you very rightly say she's sent by the agency to do he work. It's not up to her whether jobs are left until Friday so you can go to a restaurant on Monday either. If there are jobs to be done that you can't do yourself and they need to be done it's up to you whether they are left undone all week. As for the meat, I would have told her that it was very kind of her, and made sure it was taken onboard, but that you so very rarely eat meat it is highly likely to be wasted and therefore it would be kinder if she took it away with her and enjoyed it herself. I'd tell her that you know she means well and that you have no intention of offending her but her well meaning intentions are not the kind of well meaning intentions you need. Sounds harsh? ? I don't think so if it's put diplomatically. Don't allow her to ignore your needs and wishes ❤️

Sorry to hear that your DFiL is still in hospital. You say they are still investigating too and haven't entirely uncovered what's wrong. I hope they have done that today ?. It must be hard on him, and adds more stress for you all, that he's not allowed visitors. This dratted virus, grr.
Insurance ?, happy to receive payments but when it comes to giving... It sounds like a very big job too. Sounds like you've got a good roofer though ?
Aww, the joys of little uns. The joy for them playing with the electric bed (in front of the district nurse ?) and the joy for you all witnessing their delight and exuberance ?.
The additional aids offered to Mr G sound good ?.
Hope he's having a reasonable day Grammaretto.

It is certainly a long wait until Thursday for you both Panache. It way be futile my saying this but please try to relax a little. You've understandably become hardwired to feel stressed I think. I wish I could relieve you of some of it but all I can do is send you this cwtch.

Well it’s wet, cold and bleak here but so cosy in the warmth of our gangsters company ?
Bradfordlass your Kelly is like our Weebles. The catch phrase was ‘Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down’ .
Oh is little Gubbins being naughty ?. I bet you’d spend all night cuddling her if you could.
No I don’t think giving a frog to a pony would be a good idea.
Please don’t upset yourself with your homecare lady. I’m sure she’s doing what she thinks is her best to look after you but she’s not giving you the help you need. You are not being feeble, you’ve been ill and that lowers our ability to cope with things. Plus there has been a lot going on with the arrival of the lovely Gubbins and the lockdowns etc. I would try again and explain you don’t want to eat the meat. Hard to know how put off someone who means well. Hope you have a good day.
Grammaretto sorry to hear your FIL is still in hospital. No nice at the best of times but worse if visitors aren’t allowed.
Sounds like your roof needs more work than you’d bargained on. Will it be a big job replacing the timbers.
I love your description of your little DGC coming ‘bouncing’ around. Ours are too old to bounce now but I know exactly what you mean. I bet that lifted your spirits.
Oh dear, I hope MrG didn’t end up being catapulted out of bed by your DGC playing with the controls.?
An electric bath chair sounds dangerous but I know what you mean, my brother had one for a while.
Panache like you, we will be staying in this weekend. It’s pouring with rain here. Glad you are cosy in your nest.
Sorry you aren’t sleeping well but I expect you have a lot on your mind. Hope you have a pleasant weekend and a nap in the chair perhaps.
Take care lovely gangsters. Thinking of you all.
I am off doing some research for A Comfy for my grandchildren (a wearable blanket I am told ?)

A wet and windy weekend forecast, but we have no intention of leaving our small,cosy little number here.
Still trying to catch up on that missing sleep but none thus far.
I guess we shall remain at six`s and seven`s until we hear this very important call from my dear one`s Consultant on thursday.

Thinking very much of you all,especially you and your dear man Grammaretto,you too dear Dragonfly hopefully sailing through your radiotherapy...........and now our Mamissimo struck down yet again with cellulitis.......and anyone of you feeling "under par" right now.

Always uplifted popping by and I sincerely trust life and spirits generally remain high this weekend .........and beyond.

Hello again gang,

I've been reading all the stories of cats and hiccups, of kellys and fillet steak, of marmite and successful hospital treatments and what to do about unwanted gifts.

We have a very kind friend who brings DH cake every week. I have gently told her he finds it too sweet and tried to steer her towards a bran loaf but even that felt so mean. I just should smile and say "oh you shouldn't have"

DFiL is still in hospital with no visitors. He's allowed to receive cards - that's all. The root of his infection hasn't been found yet.

The roofer came yesterday despite the cold and the wind and the insurance assessor came later on. We don't qualify for anything at all, as expected. The extent of the rotten timbers meant it must have been going on for at least 2 or 3 years.

The joy of yesterday was that the 2 littlest DGC came bouncing around for a couple of hours. They are staying with the other GP along the road, while our DC move house.

The district nurse entered the sick room and caught these 2 rascals playing with the electric bed. DH has been offered even more aids including an electric chair and an electric bath chair
.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-478342-vintage-1950s-60s-kewpie-style-kelly-doll-baby-toy.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-815652-wullie.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-61131-our-mate.jpg

Grammaretto I'm glad your DH is sleeping like a baby, perhaps he can pass on a few hints to Gubbins?
I hope your roofer turned up.

Nfk I'm so glad it all went smoothly for your DH at the hospital. How long do you have to wait for results?
You're right about cats - all the ones in our lives have adopted us and the only one we actually bought as a wee kitten (when my sons were young) decided, at about 6 months old, she'd rather live next door with an elderly widower. He was such a dear man, so we didn't mind at all.
It's here in NZ you'll find OurMate.

Nortsat Slow and steady is the best progress of all

Doodle thank you - and the other gangsters - for encouraging me not to be embarrassed about eating in public. I'm already frustrated by so much and feel I can't enjoy eating out as I used to. But I will try to squash that.

Mamissimo Oh darn that blasted cellulitis, we should get our lovely Welsh witch to hex it away.

You had me laughing out loud Doodle and for a reason Grammaretto will understand.
You asked Nfk 'Did you have a paddock for the ponies?' and for just a moment I thought why would you give a frog to ponies?
'paddock' or 'puddock' is the Scottish word for frog. It's very old and mentioned by Shakespear.

Cherry I don't know what a Weeble is but I found a picture from the 50's of a Kelly, I don't remember mine being quite so weird but they came in many forms. Ideal for babies to knock down repeatedly and watch them pop back up

I didn't get to the Viet-namese restaurant with my Homecare lady. There was too much work to do and even then I didn't get all I needed from the shops.

She was a bit miffed but the thing is, the agency sends her to do work I can't manage, not to go out to restaurants, pleasant though that may be.

I have a worker for a very limited time as it is, so taking an hour off means an hour of work which doesn't get done.

She says we'll go on Monday and maybe we can leave a few chores which can be done on Friday when she comes again.

In addition, she left 20 mins early to get to her next client as the agency has given her no travelling time, so that was 20 mins shaved off my 2 hours
.
She also left another big pack of Kimchi, more than I'd eat in 5 years, despite my telling her I had loads left from her previous gift.
And she put some very expensive shaved rib eye steak for Bulgogi in my freezer.
I enjoy Bulgogi but only very occasionally because, as I told her, I don't really eat red meat now. She just ignores me.

I have a tiny fridge-top freezer in which I need space for other things. Likewise the fridge, especially at Christmas, so unwanted food is a problem I'm not sure how to solve.

Sorry to be such a Moaning Minnie, I know these are First World problems.

I could deal with all this if I was up to par but at the moment it's causing a lot of anxiety. Gosh that's sounds feeble...and is.

I wish a lovely, golden warm Autumnal day for all of you and no niggles

Cherry sorry I hope I didn’t upset you by asking if it was just you and your brother. My brother (being just the two of us) always looked out for me and was a very important person in my life even though he was so much older.
You sound quite bruised this time. Hope that shoulder mends soon.
You have certainly had a lot to deal with in life. I’m very glad you are still with us. I’d just like to see you with your Tigger tail attached again.
Yes we are mug people now. Even with mugs we have to look for ones with the right sort of handles. We also have wine glasses without stems that are wider at the base than the top........knocking over a glass of wine would be a real disaster ?
Mamissimo I am so sorry you have cellulitis again. I hope you are tucked up in bed and MrM is looking after you. Get well soon.
Take care gangsters. A peaceful night to you all ?

Ah there you are Mamissimo. So sorry to hear that the cellulitis has hit you again. As my nephew would say "chillax" and take it easy ?

Oh.. before I forget BradfordLass were Kellys the same as Weebles ?. I don't remember Kellys but I definitely remember Weebles.

Nflk sounds like your DH'S hospital visit went well in more ways than one ? ?. Not only does it sound like it was ultra efficient and ran like clockwork but it also sounds a relatively positive visit, in that whilst he obviously hasn't had results from the scan he can stay on his current medication ?

More than halfway through the treatment now dragonfly ?. I'm pleased to know that you are not feeling any tiredness yet. Hopefully the yet won't actually arrive ?. There are people who don't experience tiredness and I'm hoping you are one ?

Nortsat I'm so pleased to hear that you are making steady progress, albeit slow ?. Slow and steady can win the race. I'll take a measure of good spirits but I'll have to decline on the alcofrol wine front as I can't drink. I send you a ? in exchange for the good spirits.

I'm glad you order mugs rather than cups now Doodle ?. Not only because it's a help for Mr D but because a mug holds more coffee ?. I like a nice big mug of coffee over a cup any day of the week.
I'm glad you've sent Jeeves to look for Mamissimo. The last thing we need is to have lost her in a heap of rubbish. I hope she returns safely.

Cellulitis has floored me. Be back soon.