The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

grammaretto. You seem to have had a whirlwind of a day.
Did you know a professor was going to ring about your house? At another time that might be quite interesting.
Glad the bed has arrived. Hope MrG will be more comfortable in it.
Glad the grapefruit was sourced and your room is now set up with wi if etc. It sounds as though many helping hands have been available.
I imagine you are pretty much running on empty at the moment. I hope you get some rest now. So glad your NZ son is with you.
We (in our own little way) are here for you too.
Thinking of you and the Panaches take care ?

So glad all went smoothly Dragonfly
Like you and Nortsat, I like to be early I hate being late

I was sorry to hear your hand is not healing well Missedout It must be very frustrating as well as painful.

Here it has been such a full-on day.

Everything happened at once. First a joiner came to mend the front door which was locked shut and wouldn't open; The hospital bed arrived; the plumber came to fix the leak; the plasterer girl came to take examples of the broken cornice; a professor called to ask about the history of the house for an architectural book he is updating; DS2&3 set up wifi, phone and TV in the sickroom; The patient was fairly patient but had a craving for tinned grapefruit so someone had to find a shop which sells it. All supplies now bought up!
Most have left now, just Kiwi DS here.
Everything is speeded up and I am longing to just sit quietly or go for a walk.
Neither are possible.
However, DS2 is entertaining his dad and I can come and see you all.
Thank you for being here.
Hope Cherry is OK.

dragonfly pleased to hear it all went well. ?

Dragonfly so pleased day 1 went well.
I am the same ... always far too early ... but it’s better than being late.
Have a nice, relaxing afternoon. ?

How lovely to hear from you Grammaretto. What an emotional time for you all it is. I am so pleased your DH is enjoying the whole family.

Good that the scans are clear Panache I am sending you hugs and strength.

I arrived for my 9am appointment at 8.10. Iam always early but this was ridiculous. I overestimated how much traffic there would be and also forgot that parking is free at the hospital at the moment although strictly controlled. I was home at 9.45 after a very efficient and painless procedure. So 1 down 14 to go and hope they are just as easy.

I hope all goes well today for dragonfly and her radiotherapy.
Thinking of you all dear gangsters. Going back into lockdown again here. At least we’re allowed out for walks this time.

Bradfordlass I used to have a wrist support when I was at work and using a computer. I haven’t thought of it since. That’s a good idea, thank you, I’ll give it a go.
Ooh you are out and about. Lunch Tuesday and dinner Wednesday. Not much cooking for you this week ?
What a lovely visit from your DGD. She seems to have really boosted your spirits. A night out on Saturday too. Your ‘dance card’ is full this week ?.

Nortsat I'm willing a better day for you today and trust you did have a peaceful evening.

Grammaretto What a good thing to be at home with all your loving family around? What delicious chaos it must be with the children there too - I don't wonder MrG is enjoying it. Give him my love. Wasn't there a film called 'love from a perfect stranger'? Would that I were perfect but I DO send love.

Panache so much hopeful news in your recent post. I can just imagine the happy light in your dear man's eyes at the sight of cake. I trust you both enjoyed a hearty piece.

Oh, Missedout your poor hand. If it were not for lockdown, you might be able to get some specialist hand therapy.

Until you find a Rhinoceros to exfoliate, tie a flannel over the backbrush (rubber bands, slipnots?) or get your DH to do it.
Rather than risk further life and limb by driving as your DH changes gear keep the taxi receipts and claim for them.
www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/healthcare-travel-costs-scheme-htcs/

Cherry if you're up to reading the thread, I hope you are resting and recovering a little. No rush to contribute long posts when clearly you're not up to it.

Doodle I wonder if you've considered a wrist rest/support to aid painting? My hands shake too but Anna bought me a sponge fish (for computer use but adaptable) and that means I just use my fingers as my hand is supported. An ordinary, firm sponge would probably do. Fix it with blu-tak wherever you need it. It's worth a try I think.
The lunch-date has been put on to Tuesday, so with the Community Dinner on Wednesday night, I'm quite the social butterfly.

My darling grand-daughter visited yesterday from lunchtime to 8:30pm and, as always, we talked and laughed and she cheered me up completely.

We went out to get some Biotin after she'd asked what would strengthen her nails - it was so good to leave the house for a wee while.

She's coming back with a gang of youths on Saturday night, to take me to a local fundraising Trivia Night. That should be great fun.

I am so lucky to have a wild and funny girl like her, better than any tonic.

As I said to Missedout, Panache you are always welcome here. Sometimes life is hard for us and you are among friends here and can say how you feel. I just wish we could do more to help.
I am pleased you are receiving such excellent help and all that is on offer. I am pleased about your scan results and hope the final one when you get it done is ok too.
I hope MrP is more comfortable now, and with all the care on hand you are both being well looked after. A Victoria sponge for tea sounds good. Hope you enjoy it.
We are all thinking of you.
Grammaretto enjoy your family moments. The scene you describe sounds lovely and I am glad to hear MrG is having a good time. Sounds as though you have a full house and your son arrived safely from NZ. I expect you’ll all be tired tonight. Hope you have a restful one.
Nortsat sorry you didn’t get your ring. It sounds fun just browsing and putting in a bid if there’s something you like. Do you have to look pieces up to know if they are genuine or are they checked over by the auction house?
Crumbs Nortsat do you eat like this all the time ?. It sounds delicious. ?
Hope you have a better day tomorrow.
Wishing all the gangsters a good night.
Jeeves is on patrol with his flask of hot chocolate. ?

Good afternoon gangsters, I hope everyone is having a pleasant Sunday.
Bradfordlass, I hope you have had a gentle day and are being careful. My mother wouldn’t dream of hanging washing out on a Sunday, either. Years of a busy working week meant Sunday was always a wash day in my house ... and indeed is today!
I was outbid on the Viking ring, by someone in Austria. I am definitely enjoying perusing auction catalogues and bidding on small items ... though there’s nothing pending at the moment.
Mammissimo hope you had a super visit from your DGDs and of course their parents. What a great image of them ‘chatting’ on calculators and ‘mmm-ing’ away. Little ones can be so quick to pick up the patterns of sounds and actions, it’s lovely.
Grammaretto so pleased MrG is safely ensconced at home. There’s nothing like it. Hope the hospital bed and the wheelchair turn up as expected. Has he had a reasonable day?All the family gathering together must have been a considerable comfort to you both.
Doodle, I missed your comment yesterday from the GM thread about my supper plans. I have slow cooked venison in red wine for this evening ... a place for you and Mr D can soon be laid ... you would be most welcome. I’ll leave the porch light on, to guide you to our front door.
Missedout your poor hand is taking its time to heal. We don’t appreciate what we’ve got until we can’t use it. I so understand your position when you say you are bored ... I get sick of hearing myself talk about my various health issues, so goodness knows what my partner must sometimes feel.
It’s a good thing humans have opposable thumbs, so you can manage some functions with your poor hand. ?
Dragonfly did you have your walk today? I hope the weather was dry and bright.
Panache so good to see you posting. What a relief to learn of the clear scans and only one more to go. You are a woman of great strength and determination and you have my admiration for the way you continue to prioritise and support your dear one. You are a quiet inspiration.
Hope you both enjoyed a slice of Victoria sponge. ?
Nfk hope you have had a pleasant weekend.
Cherry hope you are resting comfortably and recuperating.

Today hasn’t been the best day for me, but I am looking forward to a peaceful, pleasant evening and I wish the same to all the gangsters.

Hello gangsters,

It's hard to think we are not celebrating here. It's the first time in years all our DC have been together.
Someone has sent for an indian takeaway and we might open champagne.
2 little people are entertaining us with their chatter while the siblings can't stop talking. MrG is enjoying it.
DD slept in the room with her Dad to let me get some sleep. They'll head off after tea and the jetlag will kick in for DS2.

Sadly even the weather is depressing these days and I try not to enter these hallowed halls when feeling very low.
But have come to the conclusion well and truly being confined within 4 walls,no female conversations either,simply watching a slow deteriorating scene unfold is not exactly uplifting.

However always grateful for the fact we are still together,and yes, daily counting our many blessings.
Perhaps 2 new Tigger tails are desperately required!

Indeed without our Palliative Care Nurse and the Home Hospice Team our lives would be much worse.
Our Home Hospice (similar to your Marie Curie) was set up during the years I was myself heavily involved in Cancer Care.
They are now firmly established and a welcome life line to many homes where there is terminal illness.
They offer all manner of equipment from beds,wheelchairs,hoists,chairlifts to just urinals and pillows..........all brought to the home for free.
They offer Counselling Services,Offer respite to the Carers as well as to those ill.
They offer trained nursing care 24 hours when a patient nears death.
The help continues long after bereavement.
At the moment they are a bridge between the varied care we both need,invaluable indeed.

Some good news.
A clear scan result on my lung.
Whilst my breast incision/biopsy result was again Bowen`s Disease,a precurser to cancer ........in my case brought on by burning following 6 weeks of aggressive radiotherapy.
All clear now though.
My neck incision all clear too.
So one more to go.......... but because of the complexity and appointments many miles from home, I am hoping for a respite period in dealing with is.
My priority has to be here alongside my dear man.

Although I also developed COPD seemingly due to the Radiotherapy treatment, fear not Dragonfly for without this I would hardly be here writing this today.
One simply has to weigh up the advantages .........and life comes first!
So good luck.I will be willing you on your way for sure!.

Following your postings Grammaretto with some trepidation, as I am guessing there is much going on that you may not be actually sharing with us.........your perogative of course.
But please know you are much in my thoughts and I wish you and Mr G.all the very best,hopefully he is truly enjoying his new bed and "ward" at home, with family all around............nothing quite like it!!

A birdie tells me that you have also not been too well Bradfordlass, hopefully though better already,you too with that sore hand Missedout.......not much fun with only one working hand.
Whilst sending oodles of love and cwtches to our Cherry
Just take things "one day at a time".......your time will come.

Hopefully your dear man is staying out of further trouble Doodle,you both certainly need time to recover fully after what turned out to be a rather well filled Caravan break!!

Then there`s our own happy go lucky Mamissimo, Norstat, and NFK......All present and correct,each doing their own interesting "thing"
I try and keep abreast of all your comings and going`s but there are a few blank spaces, so please do forgive me.

I will finish on an uplifting note,we took delivery of a very nice large Victoria Sponge this morning, handmade for us by a friend............my man`s eyes certainly lit up on eying this and I have a feeling tea is going to be enjoyed!

Very little human contact here now...... despite being in this large establishment.
Good knowing the rules are being observed though.

Sending blessings galore to each one of you,may I ask you all to stay out of trouble,keep smiling and please stay safe!

Missedout you post whenever you feel like it. It is always lovely to hear from you.
Your obviously did some serious damage to your hand. Being unable to use it properly and not being able to do much because of it, is bound to bring you down. The weather and lockdown doesn’t help either.
Do you have checkups on your hand? I hope it is being treated properly. Is there any idea of how long it will take to heal?
Glad you can still managed the exercise bike. Hope DHs operation goes without a hitch. Is it worth considering a taxi for the hospital visits if you find driving to painful?
I’d offer to come and cook for you but I think your DH’s efforts would be more acceptable than my burnt offerings ?
Hope things improve soon.
Dragonfly have a good walk but make sure you don’t get blown away, the wind is very strong.
Hope all the gangsters are ok. Thinking of you all ?

So sorry to hear that your hand is still troubling you Missedout I hope it improves soon.

Hoping to go walking with friends again today while we still can although the weather is against us.

Sending love to all.

Hello gangsters, I haven't felt like posting. You all show such fortitude. I read your posts and admire the way you all cope with such awful situations or make light of your difficulties. Your humour and strength is amazing. I don't know how I would cope if DH became fragile and ill.

On the other hand, the only person I have to worry about is myself. My medication currently gives me a good quality of life. My close family are basically all OK, they are a sensible bunch, DH and I have just the usual concerns and miss them.

DH has his operation scheduled for next week so we are already isolating. It is a routine operation, he will be in hospital for about 4 hours. I'm more worried about him not having the operation. We have weekly food deliveries organised. Anything else I need, I buy online. I have my exercise bike to keep me relatively fit.

The trouble at the moment is that my hand is going to take a long time to heal. I try to do what I can with the other hand but I'm limited. I can't knit or sew or use a pen. Food preparation is a nightmare - cutting and chopping, I sort of manage holding the knife in my fingers, not using my thumb. We are just eating our main meals from the freezer or buying ready meals. I eat with just a fork in my other hand. I use the bath rather than the shower. I struggle to do up my bra and just leave my hair to dry. I have had to stop Pilates classes as well. Frankly, I'm bored. Poor DH is walking on eggshells. I'm not being fair to him but the garage is his natural domain not the kitchen. I don't need my timing checked, oiling or fettling. DH tries his best. I also need to be able to drive him to and (fetch him) from hospital. I have a manual car. I haven't tried driving yet, I'm not sure whether or not I can manage to change gear or pull on the handbrake. However, I'm lucky I still have my thumb. It will get better slowly.

Grammaretto and Panache, my thoughts are with you, as well as with the other gangsters whose ill health is debilitating or have worries about long time husbands and partners. I really hope Cherry is well enough to post again too.

And Doodle, thank you for keeping us all in order and for caring.

P.S. Can anyone recommend a good back brush for the bath? DH bought one for me the other day, it would take the hide off a rhinoceros!

Bradfordlass well we are going back to lockdown again on Thursday. At least we are allowed out for walks this time.
Glad Jeeves is looking after you.
I’ve spent much of this afternoon painting. It’s been raining most of the day so I decided it was hobby time. I don’t seem to have accomplished much. My hands shake a bit and it’s hard to keep within the lines.
I hope your laundry got dry ok. I can always remember Monday was wash day when I was young. We used to have an old mangle in the garden for wringing things through. It was the height of luxury when I had my first baby that we had a twin tub. That old spinner on the twin tub was better than any washing machine I’ve had since.
Mamissimo I hope you’ve had fun today with your little ones. Sounds as though they have got the hang of mobile phones already. I bet you’re worn out tonight but happy.
Jeeves will of course be performing his duties as usual.
Hope the hot chocolate helps you
Grammaretto and Panache you are very much in my thoughts. I hope both MrG and MrP are more comfortable now. Hope the care team are supporting you too Panache .
Cherry we are waiting to pin your tail back on. We miss you ?
Nortsat hope you are feeling ok too.
Dragonfly I am pleased your treatment will not be stopped by the lockdown and rest tomorrow ready for Monday.
Missedout I hope that hand of yours is on the mend now.
NFK hope you have a good weekend.
Sleep well all. Jeeves is on duty for dispensing drinks or lending a hand whatever is required. He wanted to go out on his broomstick but I told him we needed him here. ?

Well I guess we're all a bit flattened by the news today but I do think it's necessary and I think it cuts out some of the noise so that people will focus more on supporting each other rather than denying the pandemic. Will Jeeves be round with the chocolate later?

Earlier today DGDS were spotted chatting to each other on 2 calculators. The youngest, just 14 months had the calculator held against her ear by her shoulder and was making "mmm.....mmm....' noises while her two and a half year old sister was rabbiting on. Made me realise why DD sometimes sounds muffled - she must tuck the phone against her ear while I rabbit.

Thinking of you all as we soldier on....

Sorry, I forgot. I've alwasy found Floradix to be a wondrful tonic. Just in case anyone needs a boosts and hasn't thought about that.

floradix.co.uk/product/epresat-multivitamin/

Good morning dear gangsters,
A brief note only, in case anyone has time to read.

How is your DH Doodle still doing well I hope? Look to your own health too it's important.
I'm not sure if lunch will go ahead on another day - I hope so.

Jeeves brought me hot chocolate last night, so I slept well
Panache We're a little worried about you and MrP, you seemed to be in sad spirits last time you posted. Hope you are getting excellent care from the Palliative Team.

Cherry, Nortsat, Nfk - sending the very best of wishes to you all and dragonfly as you prepare for being zapped..

Mamissimo and Grammaretto I know that for very different reasons, it will be all go in your castles at the moment but rest assured you're still here with us and we're thinking of you.

I have the mundane task of laundry today. Where I grew up, hanging out the washing on a Sunday was a huge scandal.
'Huh, she's no better than she should be.'
Imagine Les Dawson's ample ladies, hands crossed over their bosoms, humphing with disgust.

Morning all . Wild, wet and windy today...and the weathers not up to much either ?
Nortsat I’ve just read on the GM thread what you are planning for dinner tonight. Please set two extra places and let us know when to arrive. We’ll bring ?
Grammaretto hope you managed some sleep last night and that MrG is more comfortable at home now.
Panache wondering how you and MrP are coping.
Cherry too, we are thinking of you all cwtch.

I’m so pleased Grammaretto. I thought I’d just check and see if there was any news. Thanks for letting us know and glad the doctor made a visit too.
The hospital bed will make things more comfortable.
You will need the support of your family and it is good you will all be together. That will lift MrG’s spirits.
Wow, I’m glad your sister is still your sister ?. Did she find out anything else of interest to her?
You’ve had a full on few days so please try and get some rest tonight. The main thing is your man is back where he belongs. Sleep well.
Bradfordlass I must say I have been known to send my DH a text message rather than get up from my chair and walk to his study (spare bedroom)
That great escape tune seems fitting and especially now MrG made it out.
No need to feel guilty. You’ve had your share of Covid worries recently. I’m glad your area is safer now.
Shame about your lunch on Monday are you meeting up again soon?
I’m not the only one keeping an eye on you. Jeeves is reporting back if he thinks you’re doing too much. ?
Mamissimo get a good night’s sleep tonight in readiness for the onslaught tomorrow. ? I bet you’re really looking forward to having them. How old are they?
Sleep well all the gangsters. cherry come back and claim your Tigger tail soon ?

Hello gangster folks,

He escaped! Bradfordlass thankyou for the music.
It wasn't easy but we did it. Our GP helped by phoning the ward. DS1 did the actual springing!
At the last minute he was delayed by some medical students who wanted to listen to his chest.

I made a room look suitable and had a terrible job trying to heat it until I realised the thermostat was really low.

The doctor came to see us both for a real heart to heart. She's lovely. A hospital bed will arrive on Monday and a wheelchair.etc

DS2 is on his way. DS3 is also coming I believe, and DD is already here though her DCs are with their other DGP. So a proper clan gathering.

Genealogy is an escape from everyday . My Dsis has just had her DNA tested and guess what - she's my sister!

I hope everyone who's been feeling a bit low will be better tomorrow. It'll be a full moon for Halloween. A hunter's moon.

Reasons to be cheerful:
The new Tigger tail is all ready for Cherry
Dragonfly will get her radio over and done with very soon.

Night night all of you xx

NFK wow! You tie that tail to the end of the radio aerial on your car and you're instantly cool.....well that was the theory when I was about 14.....when that was cool Noel Edmonds had the breakfast slot on radio 1......? Cherry is getting a new car soon....

I've been utterly lazy today and played genealogy.....I did put the Sainsbugs delivery away and cook a sausage and red wine Risotto but that was it...ooo and I bought a new garland for the big mantelpiece because the old one was looking a bit tragic last year.

Tomorrow will be chaotic because the DGDs are coming for the day and they have many trappings ....travel cots, chairs, a buggy, toys......and their parents.

Preserve your strength! Sleep tight

Nfk how delightful your teddy bear's picnic sounds and all had a good time.
I have a neighbour who rings her son, in his bedroom a few metres away, when tea's ready. I bet socially distances groups are conversing like that all the time now. Humans are so adaptable.
Glad you found Cherry's Tiggertail; let's hope she's up to tying it back on soon.

Grammaretto This is especially for your DH:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYLm5w5o10Q
Mission accomplished? I do hope so.

Nortsat Any news on the Viking booty? Hope you're feeling brighter today.

It's humbling to read what you are all going through, not just the various illnesses and radical treatments but with Covid and lockdowns too.
I live in a suburb where all shop assistants and people serving the public are still wearing masks and PPE and often behind huge Plexiglass screens as well but its true (fingers crossed) we have no infected persons in the community.

I feel a bit guilty, like the Queen Mum during the Blitz before Buckingham Palace was bombed. She said, 'Finally, I can look the East End in the face.' But I would NOT, for an instant want more Covid cases here. That's actually predicted this summer, as more boaties enter the country at remote ports and harbours.

Doodle change of plan, not going to lunch on Monday after all.

Lata's voice is not everyone's taste but a lot of emotion is in the Hindi words she sings. It amazes me that at 91 she still sounds 16

I'm glad you're keeping an eye on me Doodle, I need to be reminded that stubborn independence is not always a virtue. It's at times like this I wish my DH was still here. In the early days of our marriage, he looked after me - a lovely feeling. I miss him so much.

Ach, this willna git the weans washit but I promise i'll go slow.

Bradfordlass glad you are feeling better and the appetite has improved. I was going to say things must be better if you were moving on to the aphrodisiacs but then I realised that’s oysters and not mussels . You are tired in order to make you rest so I am keeping my eye on you. No overdoing things,
I am learning new things all the time from this thread. I will look up the lady you mention and see if I can hear some of her voice on you tube.
Hope you have a nice time with your friends. Where are you going for lunch on Monday? Enjoy your day today,
Nfk thank you for sharing your time with your family with us, it’s nice to hear how you had a good time. I bet the two groups of six really enjoyed themselves and had a lovely picnic too. Glad you managed to get it in before the expected lockdown. Nice for families to get together.
Your little bear for your friends baby sounds lovely. May we have a picture of him.......just to check his stuffing you understand ?
Nortsat you know you (and everyone) are always welcome here to post when you are able or feel like posting. I know it is not always possible but you are always welcome. It’s not like school, we won’t put you in detention for playing truant ?. I hope you are feeling better now. Have you got your eye on anything in the auctions at the moment?
Grammaretto I really hope you get MrG home today. It’s where you all want him to be. I am glad you have the GPS support.
Good your son is coming from NZ Sunday. I bet you can’t wait to see him. Hope he has a safe journey and avoids too much contact with others.
Hope you have managed to get the room ready for MrG and you have all the medical support you need.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself in all this and allow your family to help you.
Oh NFK that is wonderful. I love it and I hope Cherry will too. Please keep it safe for her return. We miss you Cherry and hope you’re back with us soon.
dragonfly oh goodness when reading your post I was on tenterhooks too wondering what you were going to say about your treatment. Good to hear it’s still going ahead and pleased they have let you know what to expect. What a relief.
I hope all goes well on Monday.
I have been out for coffee with a friend in our local this afternoon. Well spaced tables and hardly anyone around. Nice to have a chat and a catch up. DH was busy sorting out more of his photos. Time to get dinner ready now I think.
Take good care of yourselves gangsters and keep safe.