The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

Oops! Read your post again a d realised that is your son....in that case I hope she has the best of both her parents for you to discover.

Oh Bradfordlass huge happy congratulations! Are you exhausted from the emotion but too elated to sleep? She does indeed look very alert and interested. Another person to love is a gift indeed. A happy end to my day....

I will post more generally later but for now, baby is here and safe after a last-minute, unexpected cesarean (maybe they should call it a Macbeth
At 2.7kg she's a bright and healthy little flower.
I've been asked not to share photos but I can tell she is as alert as her Daddy was at birth and very like him.
So at least I can show you that picture.
I'll probably see her next week.

I really like the fabrics that have arrived Doodle, I have visions of a beachy scene/theme with that selection ?. Do you have a specific idea in mind, I don't think you've said ?

That's one heck of a lot of procedures to have had Mamissimo. I take it these started when you were just a child, it must have been very difficult then. I count myself very lucky that I've had probably, (not an exact recount) around a dozen or so procedures (under anesthetic) in my lifetime!
Now the tomato jungle has been hacked through what's next?
I'm glad the pheasants didn't catch Fergal ?

Grammaretto It's not really my place to say but.... I have to say that your daughter was wrong when she said that you were not looking after Mr G. On the contrary, you were. He was out. Who was he with? Your son. I'm sure it was good for him to do that. It's a bit of normality away from the 'sick' room. It was father and son time. I'm sure there's been father and son time before, why shouldn't Mr G have a bit of that now. And, he saw his parents to boot!
I note that as of lunchtime today peace has been restored and you have officially been diagnosed as laidback?.
It sounds like, despite some issues that your house has been robustly built. Ours, nowhere near as old, is made out of stuff that needs industrial tools to be able to put a picture up ? ?.

Panache our posts crossed, so sorry that things are so hard for you both and you’re not sleeping.
I so wish I could say something useful... sending you fondest thoughts and hoping you both have a peaceful evening ?

Good afternoon gangsters, I hope we’re all having a reasonable day. I am sitting reasonably comfortably (thank you Doodle) but am accommodating Ollie (our ex-stray cat) who is sprawling on the sofa with me.
Grammaretto so pleased that things seem a little better today and your DS is equipping ‘the ward’. Your children are obviously processing their feelings and their pain and you are a safe harbour for them to vent some of that. It’s nice that other people see you as calm and unruffled, in the face of everything you and MrG are dealing with. I hope you have a mechanism that allows you to let off steam or have a good cry, when you need it. Of course we are here for you and available for ‘steam-letting’ duty, when ever it helps.
Bradfordlass so looking forward to hearing your news, when it arrives ...
Doodle your fabric looks very interesting and having seen other lovely craft projects you have completed, I am looking forward to learning more about your new venture ...
Mammissimo, like Doodle I hadn’t understood the magnitude of your condition and you have been living with it, virtually all of your life. I am so pleased to know that it’s well managed and your health is robust otherwise.
Cherry I hope this is another seizure free day and that your total is building up.
Dragonfly have enjoyed your rest day. Do hope so. ?
Panache, I hope you’ve both had a decent day. Glad to hear you managed a walk yesterday. It’s been cold and bright here today, how has your weather been?
Missedout how is your hand today?
Nfkdumpling how are things with you and yours?

A couple of gangsters mentioned the William Morris Strawberry Thief duvet cover in the background of my bangle photograph. I love William Morris designs and the Arts and Crafts movement. I always look out for his designs and they seem to sit well in our house, which was built in 1905. I have made a couple of cross stitch cushions in Morris designs.

We live quite close to the William Morris Gallery in Lloyd Park www.wmgallery.org.uk/?utm_source=google-business&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=google-busines-location-track and are keen visitors. They also have a lovely cafe for post visit coffee and cake !

Well, have a pleasant evening gangsters ?

An early evening call after a much later quickie............haven`t slept for 3 whole nights........so am about to try rest my weary eyes.

Weather has held again,bright and sunny though a tad breezy,nevertheless a stroll was managed and it certainly blows away those cobwebs!

My Dear man`s blood result is another marker denoting his treatment is failing,so we are both in a somber mood.

With you in thought Grammaretto........not easy carrying on
as though all was perfectly normal.
Sadly the food is getting worse,with almost everyone complaining bitterly.Letters to our Manager does not change matters and neither does direct contact with the kitchen.............but many are now determined not to give up on this fight.

Have booked an Ambulance car for tuesday but it seems there could be several passengers which makes distancing impossable.
I simply cannot fight anymore.

Have busied myself cleaning and laundering,anything to stop my ticking time bomb of mind.
Perhaps I should try battering some pots and pans Doodle........worth a try.

Hope the weekend will be kind to you all.Please keep safe.

Another waiting for news here too.?
I’m pleased things are a bit better today Grammaretto. Some people go into panic and meltdown, others keep outward composure. I can only imagine what you feel at the moment and I guess you are hanging on and trying to deal with things as they come along. Feel free to come in here and bash the living daylights out of the pots and pans or just sit in the corner and have a virtual hug. Whatever you do is right for you.
Glad your son is keeping himself busy. Shame he isn’t any good at roofing or plastering or you could get him to fix the cornice while he’s here. ?

A very brief visit from me for now....

I hope you are keeping calm or kept calm BradfordLass. Are you a grandma again now ? Can we say congratulations grandma ...

How exciting Bradfordlass !! you might well be a grandma by now!
Thank you all again for your wise and calming words.
Everything is peaceful today in the Grammaretto household.

DS has been using his excess energy to relay cables from far parts of the house into the "ward" He succeeded despite the walls being a foot thick and full of rubble.
NZ houses are built of wood so the 200yr old masonry is a bit of a mystery.
It isn't a job high on my priority so I'm biting my lip.

The doc phoned and told me today I am laidback. I keep being told this so perhaps it's true though you on here know what I'm really like!!
She was telling me not to worry if he won't eat what I make for him. I said I dinnae worry.

Anyone having treatments today, I hope they go well.
The Panaches are constantly in our minds. DH worries that you are still getting horrid food.

Now for the baby news.................?

Mamissimo a very kind and loving post.
Grammaretto hope you had some rest last night and today is a better day.
Panache you were up late. I hope you and MrP slept well. Another little walk today perhaps?
Bradrodlass that is so exciting. Hope plans are going ok. Is your DGS with you. I bet you can’t wait. As Mamissimo said, deep breaths ?

Bradfordlass - hope your breathing/panting and pushing is going well. I was totally unprepared for my own emotions when my DD went into labour. I thought I'd be ecstatic but I was terrified - primeval fear. I look forward to your joy later today ?

Just popping in to tell you my dear DiL's waters have broken and it looks as if I'll soon be a grandma again.

We all need a Mamissimo in our lives I say,and yes I have every reason to know this lady has more compassion in her little finger than many have in their whole being!!!
We are the lucky ones having her here alongside us!

Sending my best to you Mamissimo and to all my special friends here..... where Doodle has allowed us to be free to speak up for ourselves or quietly sit still in the corner if that should be "our thing"

Sleep well..........yes I am still on the prowl!

Mamissimo your letter for Grammaretto's children is spot on?

We are all thinking of you Grammaretto, you are our (virtual) friend and we care.

Grammaretto your post brings to mind "Forgive them for they know not what they do" - but it must be mighty difficult!

This is my open letter to them....

Your parents are going through the hardest part of their journey together....and it is theirs to own. You were born out of their love, raised in their love and they owe you nothing while you owe them everything. It's time to step up to support them both so that their needs can be met. They owe you no explanations and you have no right to expect any. This is their time. Take your lead from them and then you will come through this wiser, stronger, and still part of a family that can nurture you when you're in need. If you have love in your life you will need them yourself one day.

.....and if they continue to be toddlers sit them on the naughty step, tell them what they need to think about...and hug them.

Thinking of you all.

Dragonfly I bet you’re pleased to have 3 days without the travelling. Hope it’s all going well.
Bradfordlass I can’t believe you haven’t had a TV. I can understand why you now get pleasure from audio books being unable to read ordinary books now. Do you have access to an online library for the audio books?
I’m glad you slept well. No we don’t want Cherry taken by aliens, we’ve only just got her back ?
Grammaretto, dear Bradfordlass has explained my feelings about this thread far more eloquently than I could. You and Panache are going through hard times. I believe we are (virtual) friends and as such we can share our bad times as well as good. You come on here and tell it like it is. Better to let it out to us than to feel there is no one you can talk to.
I think many on this thread have health problems others may have troubles that are not health related. We just come here and do our best keep each other going.
Ah.. I got it right....it was a spider’s web ? Thank you Cherry I was beginning to wonder if your WP had mastered the art of levitation ?
Considering the options for years ago, I am quite glad you are not living in those times. No burning or drowning for you. You’re far too precious.
Sorry my fabric isn’t that exciting. It is not something I’d normally buy but it suits my current purpose. I too like the fabric the bangle was on.
Mamissimo I am truly shocked. All this time you have been posting with us and we had no idea what a dreadful ordeal you have been through. It must have been such a frightening thing to happen to a young girl. All those procedures must have been hard to cope with. I’m pleased to hear you say you are better now than you have ever been and that you have such a good medical team looking after you.
I see you still have MrM at work on the porch. Are you sure you didn’t have a hand in planning this second lockdown so that you could get the porch finished ?
Grammaretto I am not surprised you are tired. Emotion and worry is very draining. It must be hard for your in-laws too.
The problem with your DD and DS I have come across before in situations like this. I can remember how my brother and SIL were with my father when my mum was seriously ill. They were trying to put their wishes over his in what they thought was best for my mum without considering his thoughts or feelings.
Your DD and son are upset and taking it out on you which I think is very unfair and upsetting. Try not to let it get to you.
Sleep well and know that we are all thinking of you.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-869595-7cdaf1a6-c6a0-4efc-b260-d3e9aaabe8eb.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-378926-ac4e8f34-ce9a-4268-9b8d-c7e09598e736.jpeg

Well I’ve lost posts before but I’m really surprised this time. I posted a picture of the fabric straight away and now it’s not here. Oh well I will try again

I have gone to bed. If anyone asks, It's been an emotional day.
DS took MrG for a short drive but infact called on his parents who came right outside and down the path to see him as he sat in the car.
Meanwhile I was at home trying to keep the house tidy. The district nurse came and I explained he had gone on a jaunt but then DD and DGD turned up. She was livid that her dad had gone out! he didn't know she was coming
She was persuaded to stay and make peace. She and DS spent the afternoon scanning old photos while I looked after the 3 yr old. Fine but then to be told I wasn't looking after DH seems unfair.
I'm sure we are all dealing with this in our own way. It's not a competition in compassion.
I'm glad you have a weekend off the radiotherapy Dragonfly
I hope you enjoy the quiz BradfordLass
I'm looking forward to seeing the fabric 'Doodle
No hot choc for me tonight.

Good evening - you'll all be delighted to know that the black frosted jungle tomatoes have all been cleared and the long bed cleared of leaves and autumn debris. Every year the slimyness of frosted tender vegetation surprises me - and not in a good way.

Cherry I was fine until I was eight years old when my hormones first began to change and they triggered the disease into activity. Since then I've had over eighty procedures to keep me going. I can honestly say that I am the most well I have been since childhood now, thanks to skilled doctors and a biological medicine that suppresses my immune responses so that I don't fight myself. Apart from that I'm revoltingly healthy ?

I got my 'Shielding MK II' email two days ago and have been planning Mr M's activity schedule. The porch will be finished by December 2nd or he may find himself celebrating Christmas in the doghouse shed.

Fergal caught no pheasants in the end, which was good, and Honey Beagle didn't quite manage to grab my sandwich when the doorbell went during lunch....

I wish you all restorative sleep...tomorrow we stagger on...but hopefully maybe Trump free. Reasons to be cheerful!

Sorry about the trilogy of posts tonight...

I love the bangle Nortsat but knowing me I'd get it stuck on door handles on a regular basis, I frequently trap myself with the rings on my fingers . We're all waiting to see Doodle's fabric but isn't that a William Morris fabric design your bangle is sitting on? I also love his designs ?

Seems that those of us previously shielding in England received emails and those of us in Wales received letters this time around. What have they done in Scotland, email? It wouldn't surprise me if Wales was the only country to send letters out ?

*BradfordLass, so sorry to hear you were so horribly let down by the taxi operators and had to get a taxi from another company. I'm pleased you managed to get the tickets for Saturday though.
Some groups of people take these quizzes very seriously. I like a quiz but it really is the taking part, the camaraderie, the fun and the laughter of a get-together that make it enjoyable. During lockdown and beyond (apart from a couple of weeks) a group of us take part in a daily quiz. We answer as individuals but it's not the questions and the answers, who wins or who loses, that makes it good but the doing something together, keeping in contact and the 'chat'.
By the way you have made me laugh, I'm living in a twilight zone, eating hallucinagenic toads and then I'm whisked off to the Nether World by aliens ?. It makes me sound like I'm a character in some strange fairy tale, a witch perhaps ?. Well ... in centuries past I would have been drowned or set on fire for being a witch (because I have epilepsy) ?. Perhaps I am a witch ? ?

Heck Mamissimo I don't think any of us knew about your condition. Am I correct in saying you must have gone through a number of rebuilds? Have you had issues all your life then or did it manifest itself somewhere along the way. I ask because I haven't always had epilepsy but I was born with what causes it.

Panache I'm pleased that both you and Mr P managed to get out for a stroll today ?. It was a beautiful day here in the Gower too

One week done dragonfly ?. A third of the way through! You seem to be managing okay with it, though of course it would have been better to have had it straight after chemo. I did start to feel very tired through my treatment but I think the fact that I had to travel by volunteer transport there and back and for what is essentially a 10 minute appointment I often left home at 1pm and didn't get back until 7pm had a bit to do with that. Hopefully you won't get caught up in traffic again, whilst lockdown is frustrating it ? will be beneficial for you.

Grammaretto you said on the morning thread that you were going to see if Mr G was interested and we'll enough to go out somewhere today. I hope that if he did want to that you managed to do that ?. If that was not able to happen I hope you found something to enjoy and smile about together.

Doodle ✅
Hanging by a single thread which could only be seen from outside and not inside the house ?

Nortsat I've never had a television so even if BBC 2 was available here I couldn't watch

I was a book person and have been all my life. Now I have only audio books, so miss all the publications which can't be turned into talking books.

I understand, from past gossip at Trivia sessions, that NZTV has something called 'The Chase' and very competitive persons watch every one, as well as attend every local Trivia quiz in the area so they have an advantage.

Well, Cherry you've just proved to me what a dolt I am - I'm no wiser.
Of course I realised it was a white, spinning stone but what was holding it up? What was causing it to spion and how did it stay in the air long enough to astound your WP and you?

No apparent means of suspension so you would have seen even the finest fishing line - but to what purpose would anyone do that? Were they leaning from your bedroom window or roof?

I did sleep well, despite my protests, I think it was the anxiety of imagining Cherry whisked off to the Nether World by aliens disguised as spinning stones (or worse yet by Donald Fart Trump.)

Grammaretto I'm sure none of us mind a depressing post, after all, you are living through a deeply depressing and unhappy time. This thread was started by our beloved Doodle (who despite her protests is very artistic indeed) for just such eventualities, so we can offer support, albeit virtual.

I'm sure you know by now that each of us care very much about you and MrG and wish you could be spared the ordeal. The next best thing to being there to help, is being here to do the same thing in whatever way we can.
When I log off, I always take you with me and keep you in my thoughts throughout the day. That's what we do with friends, keep them close.

Much love to you all

We are even more intrigued now Cherry.

I have 3 days off treatment now - phew!
Start again on Monday.