The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

Bradfordlass the cream you seek is a slightly cheating method of making German Buttercream. The pure style version uses creme pat and buttercream but this video has the custard powder method.....it's just as good!

youtu.be/5qdiQcymxIg

The joy of German Buttercream is that it's not as sweet as buttercream ....unless you want it to be. It makes a great custard cream cupcake!

And was it Grammaretto who was pondering on acorn planting? They need to be planted as quickly as possible so drop them into a bowl of water. If they float they won't germinate. Non floating ones can be planted straightaway...or put them in a plastic bag of moist but not wet compost and pop them In the fridge. They should sprout in 2 -3 weeks. If they don't, they're duds. You always need to plant several acorns to get an oak!

We've just been to see DS's new house and it's smashing. It will get them off to a good start. My Mum would be delighted - she left him a small bequest two years ago and he's spent it on the car of his dreams, an MBA and a house deposit.

Thinking of all who need a hug

Grammaretto how lovely that your DS is coming home. Can he come and clean my fridge out too?
I hope your DH comes home soon.

That is a beautiful book Bradfordlass - I love fairies. What a coincidence that was!

I hope your DH is fully recovered now Doodle

How lovely a new house Mammissimo. It is such an exciting time.

I am feeling a little better now. I am starting my radiotherapy on Monday and she asked if they could do anything and maybe come up to see us. She offered to isolate for a week so they wouldn't infect us. Unfortunately we are due to go into Tier 2 on Friday so it is not possible. But it does mean they are back in the will!!!
Yes I had my hair cut today. I have always had a 'Judy Dench' so it just needed a shape. I am very pleased with it.

Thinking of you Cherry

When I said she I meant DiL!

Mamissimo you are the wise woman. You know everything ?. I’ve never heard of German buttercream before but Am keen to try now. I might give planting the acorns a miss. I don’t think my balcony is bit enough for an Oak tree.
I’m so pleased you like your DS’s house. It lovely to see them getting on in their lives isn’t it?
dragonfly DH is fine now thanks.
I am so pleased you have had contact from your DIL. That must give you such a lift in your spirits especially just before starting your radiotherapy. Hope all goes well with the treatment. How many sessions are you having?
I bet you look really chic with your new haircut. Glad you like it. A good night’s sleep tonight I hope.

I’m thinking of you too Cherry. Hope you and WP are ok.

I agree Doodle Mamissimo is a mine/mind of information.
I was licking my lips imagining the German creme.
I will have to try it now.
Thanks for the tips about the acorns too. Of course planting them straight away makes sense and not letting them dry out.
I've buried some in the remains of a grow bag in the greenhouse so didn't wait to see if they floated or not.

I saw MrG in the ward today. He was looking tired. He had asked for some books and a newspaper. I told him DS was coming over. I'm sure it should lift his spirits.
I was asked to leave chucked out when another person's visitor arrived. I should have phoned ahead to make an appointment but anyway I was in for about an hour.
I do hope he can come home soon.

I'm happy you like your new hair cut Dragonfly and I am wishing you well for next week.

How is Cherry? has anyone heard?

Mamissimo Thank you so much for the link. I'm going to try it with Palmiers, so shall definitely cut down on the sugar.

dragonfly When I was very young, I had a precious book, large at 18" x 14" but it took me into a world I've never forgotten.
In troubled times I had a strengthening and comforting mantra and visualisation based on words and pictures from this book. At 5 years old, I didn't know what a 'mantra' was of course; I used it instinctively.

You can see the book here...
www.stellabooks.com/featured-book/a-day-in-fairy-land

I had dreams of buying a copy but at £200+ (who would have thunk it?) it's way beyond my means.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and still do.

As you may have read, my dear friend Kathy has just finished her last course of radiotherapy and is gradually getting back to full health. I wish the same for you dear dragonfly.

Doodle glad to hear your DH is improving, was it that threat to smack his legs?

Grammaretto I am so relieved to hear your son is coming home to support you and his father. This is going to be a very sad time and you'll all need a lot of love. You're in my thoughts.

Panache no word from you today but you too, and your beloved, are never far away from all our hearts. Wishing you both the love and comfort you need and deserve.

Missedout , Nfk Cherry and Nortsat and your WPs - don't think you can fly under the radar - we've got you!
Hoping everything is improving healthwise and otherwise.

I'm going to try and finish off the tidying in the garage today and Doodle I promise I won't overdo it.
I still feel like taking 3 naps a day and was warned by the OT yesterday that if I don't slow down I'm at risk of something called 'post-viral syndrome'. Haven't dared look that up yet

Onward and upward chaps.....but perhaps not quite to Narnia

Grammaretto visiting times in hospital are so different now under COVID. At least you were allowed in which is something. An hour isn’t long though. Did you get a chance to talk to anyone to find out what’s going on? It’s often difficult to sleep in hospitals with all the comings and goings and the checks etc so not surprised MrG looking tired. I hope he’s back home with you soon. When does your son arrive?
Bradfordlass I think some of our gangsters have gone off on a jolly somewhere. ?. Seriously though, I hope everyone is ok.
Hope your friend Kathy is gaining in strength now. I expect it will be a slow process but nice to have finished her treatment.
I don’t know about slapping DHs legs but I’ll come over there and make you sit on the naughty step if you overdo the tidying up.
Going to have a look at your link now.
Sleep well all

Cherry send a message:

Tell the rest of our lovely gang I care about each and every one. Send each my very best wishes & cwtches

She's not well and several bad seizures have left her more than exhausted and unable to post.
She promises to be back as soon as she's up to it.

Doodle I walked into the garage, moved half a dozen books and walked out again. Not up to it yet. So I'm knitting instead

Bradfordlass thank you so much for letting us know about Cherry. I have been worried.
Dear Cherry if you read this, we are thinking of you and miss you. Hope you feel stronger soon. We will keep your Tigger tail safe for you until you’re ready to attach it again.
Well done on the knitting Bradfordlas I will put the naughtily step away for now. ?
Take care all.

Hiya Gangsters,

Hi to our Cheery
I always get a warm glow when I come here. You are all wonderful . (row of suitable emojis here)

I love the illustrations BL I thought they were Mabel Lucie Attwell but they're not.

I am juggling various things people
DS needs a compassionate letter to save $$$$ on fare
Blood tests to order.
Phone calls to make.
Bedroom to create downstairs before DH is allowed out and he is chomping at the bit to come out tomorrow....

On the bright side:
DS will be here soon and I have a long list of jobs for him.
The Christmas cactus is flowering perhaps it knows something we don't?
It's not raining.

I'll check in later to see how you are all getting on and not up to too much mischief.

Pleased we have been in touch with Cherry. I hope she feels better soon.

Had a long FT with my DS and family last night. They seem very concerned about us but as my DH said my S worries about the fact that I am having more treatment and would rather not think about it. Anyway it was lovely and DGD spoke to me as if we had never been away.
I will be so happy when all this is over.

Always feeling better when around my lovely gangster chums.

Mostly uplifting news with Mr G at least making progress it semms,hopefully Me D staying out of further trouble whilst of course special thoughts with our Cherry and you Dragonfly...... embarking yet again on further radiotherapy treatment.
Admiring the fact you do in true "Judi Dench" style,if like me you always feel a tad better if the mane looks good pkus of course much easier to manage.
Sending best wishes to you all,and anyone else perhaps feeling under par this day.

We are coping with help from our Palliative Care Team and the Home Hospice folk are keeping a firm eye on me,knowing how harder and heavier the load is becoming.
My dear one is trying so hard to keep up his spirits .........for my sake.......and I bless him for that.

One word to describe our weather.........foul.

Same word to describe yesterday`s main meal too.

Thinking of you,please stay safe in these decidedly turbulent times.

Lovely to hear from you Panache Big hugs xxxxx
Sorry the food is still foul though. You can put up with the weather but not the food.

I was very disappointed to find I was banned from the ward today! No visitors at all since the latest covid pronouncement yesterday. I was by his bed when they told me and then , worse than prison, Staff nurse said you can kiss him I won't look!

At least I saw him but why are they holding him if there is nothing that can be done?

A 3 hour round trip too. They could have told us.

I wish we could get Hospital at Home PDQ.

My Dsis sent me flowers so here they are for us all to enjoy and that's a cake from a friend.

What an infuriating and frustrating time Grammaretto but I saw a spark in your DH's 'chomping at the bit'. Bless him.

I hope the Hospital at Home is fast-tracked as I can see no reason either why they keep him if there's no further treatment.

I have every confidence you'll get a special rate for your DS. After all, this particular truth needs no embellishing.

Beautiful flowers, so cheering, as are the thoughts behind them. Did you make that vase?
That was my greatest delight when I learned (basic) pottery - being able to make such beautiful things.
But I've just put the last of the Clarice Cliff teapots out to give to the Hospice Shop.

Oh, I envy you the Christmas Cactus - I used to have them in various shades of cerise, pink and orange.
Sadly, in several house moves, they all had to go.
One was so large, in a huge Etruscan pot, it took 2 strong men to lift it (with difficulty) from the patio to their truck
Of course, CC flower in July here and thus are called 'Chain Cactus' - but not to me

I had to laugh when you said there were jobs waiting for your son. I'm afraid that's what I do to mine as well.
Please replace light bulbs (he can do that by simply reaching up, whereas I should need to perch on a chair - and no doubt fall from grace); move heavy items; take rubbish to tip. Poor men get all the iffy jobs.

Ae a fond kiss......

Well I did post earlier but it has vanished into the ether.
grammaretto I’m not surprised MrG wants to come home. My DH always urged me to get the “escape committee” organised to get him out of hospital ASAP.
I’m glad your son is able to help getting things ready. It sounds as though you have a lot to sort out today. When is your son coming from NZ?
The Christmas cactus is such a beautiful thing. Someone I used to work with had one.
dragonfly I can tell from your post how relieved you are to have that contact with your son and family. A chat with your DGD would lift your spirits I’m sure.
Do you know how many treatments are planned?
I hope it all goes well for you .
Panache I am glad to hear you have help in the form of Palliative care and Home hospice. Are they able to keep MrP’s pain level more under control. I do hope so.
Knowing MrP from your posts, I am not at all surprised that he is still trying to look after you and doing his best for you. Such a close bond you have.
I am sorry the meals are still awful. I hope you are managing something nutritious from somewhere.
We are thinking of you both panache x
Grammaretto I am so sorry you didn’t get much of a visit today that must have been a big disappointment to you both.
I do so hope you get MrG home soon. Hope you can still keep in touch by phone.
Lovely flowers from your sister. Thank you for sharing them and the cake ?
Cherry if you are reading this, I hope you are on the mend.

Bradofrdlass you’ve just popped in behind me (getting ready for the panto season ?)
I hope you are feeling better today. I didn’t know you’d done pottery too. So much talent in our gangsters.
My dear SIL always had a list of jobs for her son too. For my DH she kept all her computer problems. The hours he spent trying to fix things with forgotten passwords or wi if connections that didn’t work. ?
Have you been continuing in the garage today or knitting?

I have been in all day. It’s been pouring here. Trying to get some sewing done but been on the phone a lot too.
Hope everyone is ok

Hello - so much quiet endurance going on in the gang at the moment.....I was in a spiritual thinking place today and found myself thing of you lot and all that people have to bear.

It was my BiL's funeral this afternoon and it was one of the saddest I've ever been to. Two of his three children, most of his grandchildren and both his brothers couldn't come back to the UK because of Covid so a great family man was seen off by his in-laws while his family watched the livestream. Very strange. I guess next year we will be going to the funerals part 2 as there will be memorial services for both my BiLs who have died this year.

In my capacity as official gang book maker I am taking bets on whether we will have a complete lockdown in November so that we can be let off the leash for Christmas to help boost peoples spirits before more struggles through the winter.

I think the rain has got in my brain and dampened my spirits so I'll push off for an early night before I depress you all. Never my intention.

Sleep tight

A sad day for you Mamissimo. I have a virtual funeral next week for my friend in Holland if the radio doesn’t intervene.

I am so sorry your meals are still bad Panache I love my food and cannot imagine how you are managing.

The flowers and vase are lovely Grammaretto. Hopefully both your son and DH will be with you again soon.

It hasrained all day here too Doodle. I have 15 treatments so one a day except at the weekend starting at 9 am on Monday. They only take about 10 minutes and fortunately parking is free at the hospital at the moment.

Sleep well everyone.

mamissimo yes several of our gangsters are going through difficult times. I wish we could do more to help.
I am sorry for your BIL’s family. Not being able to attend the funeral of a close relative must be upsetting. Apart from not being able to be there they also miss the comfort and support of talking to each other.
I hope we will be allowed Christmas with out families. It’s hard to know what will happen.
You’re not depressing Mamissimo you’re a welcome part of our gang. Just think about that son of yours and his new home. Some good things are happening too.
Sleep well. Jeeves is on his way up with Hot chocolate.......I hope he doesn’t catch you in your nightie ?
Dragonfly I love my food too (too much). DH has to have plain food most of the time. Our evening meal usually is plain roast chicken, boiled potatoes, carrots and beans followed by grapes and mandarin orange. I splashed out tonight and had a Yorkshire pudding with mine. ?
Sorry for not knowing/remembering but did you have radiotherapy before ? (I know you missed your treatment due to covid but not sure if you had it before then)
I hope it doesn’t make you feel unwell and that you don’t have to travel too far for the treatment.
Thinking of all of you tonight. Hope everyone has a restful sleep.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202010/medium-427156-lata2.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202010/medium-754309-lata.jpg

A very sad and heartfelt story Mamissimo and I'm sure once this is all over, there will be many memorials.
That's what happened here.
Of course it's not the same - but then nothing is these days. is it? <sigh>

A hopeful, optimistic time with family dragonfly; I trust it continues. Best of luck on Monday and onward.....we'll all be cheering you on.

No chance for knitting today dear Doodle as Friday is the day I get things in for the weekend.
This time, gurnard and mussels and a few vegetables.
I'm eating and feeling better but still so easily tired and have to rest far too often.

I did have a quiet sit-down though, wrapping a few Xmas gifts and listening to Lata Mangeshkar.
If you've seen an Indian or Pakistani film, it will be her voice you've heard, although it will look as if the actress is singing. .
She's sold more records and won more awards than any singer in the world.
Born in 1929, she's been singing consistently since she was a child and still does, sounding great even at 91 !

I first heard her when I was 18 and listening to Apna Hi Ghar Samajhiye on the BBC Home Service.
A magazine programme for Asian immigrants, the title means, 'Make Yourself at Home'. I never missed it.

So some beautiful memories of the past for me before visitors arrived at 3pm.
With these friends, I'll be going out to lunch (or maybe making something here) on Monday.
Jeanette wants to go to the beach but tis a mite cold still.

No garage clearing, no heavy work, promise Just a quiet, restful weekend thinking about all the Gangsters and, like you, Doodle wishing there were more than words I could offer.

Hi Folks

I'm still around! DD1 and family left on Tuesday, Wednesday we just sat around and yesterday I caught up with all the washing, etc. We had a lovely time with them here but it did bring home that our house really doesn't have enough sleeping space for growing girls. We downsized before grandchildren with little sign of any, and only have two bedrooms and a box room. The box room made a lovely playroom for me but I lost it eleven years ago to be filled with a narrow bed with a truckle bed underneath. They fill the room when out. But - we have a couple of Air B&Bs nearby so DD and DSiL will decamp there in future. Whenever that is likely to be. I feel we got in by the skin of our teeth before we have a national lockdown. The object of the exercise, the kids all getting together, worked pretty well. We met up at a local beauty spot on Sunday and walked spread out to a picnic spot and ate our two well spaced separate picnics. The DGC all got together with us (group of six). and the grown DC and partners (group of six) were able to have a catchup together. The sun even shone - briefly! I think we were legal! We felt pretty secure as DD1 and family had the virus in June and DS and family tested negative last week after a child at school was suspect. I think we've had it too, but that was much earlier in March so I doubt we're 'covered' now. We counted it as our Christmas! (I'll take a bet on complete lock down mid-November M)

Anyway, its taken me half a day to catch up with you all. Thank you so much Mamissimo for the buttercream link. I shall try it immediately! Does it freeze? I was sorry to then read about your BiL's funeral. Very sad. Our neighbour died a few months ago and they are hoping for a similar memorial service next summer after a very minimalist funeral service.

Great news that you managed to see MrG, Grammaretto and even sneak a kiss - you did do well! I bet Mr G really appreciated your getting in, if only briefly and I hope they let him home soon. On our walk we met a man gathering acorns. Great bags of them balanced on his bike handlebars. He takes them and spreads them around the countryside! We have a small oak tree growing in our hedge which we brought with us when we moved here 15 years ago. It was a two leaf seedling I dug up from our garden. I thought we'd lost it in the hedge until it popped out of the top three or four years ago. Apparently they like to grow in a thicket for protection.

I hope the radiotherapy continues to have a good effect Dragonfly and you're soon able to fly again. Fifteen treatments though - thats a bit of a marathon! I hope the hospital isn't too far away. And some people moan about having to isolate for two weeks!

And you're getting support Panache. I'm so pleased to hear that. The Palliative Care Lot are really good as a rule. I hadn't heard of Home Hospice. It sounds perfect. No one should have had to have gone through the struggle you were having. Its a pity they can't influence the chef and insist on the importance of good nourishment.

I shall away now and sew up the little shaggy teddy bear I've knitted for a friend whose expecting her first baby at Christmas. I've not knitted a stuffed bear before and I'm not sure if I'm overstuffing him.

Good morning gangsters I am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle). I popped in to say hello and catch up, but have been a little bit out of sorts, thus my communication has been tardy.
Grammaretto, I hope progress is made with Hospital at Home today. I hope MrG is comfortable and that you are in reasonable spirits this morning.
Panache, I hope you both had a decent night. I can imagine both of you keeping your spirits up for each other. I hope you have a gentle day.
Dragonfly I hope you are still feeling a little better and gathering your resources for Monday. Sending you ?
Cherry so sorry to hear that you have been having a rough time. Hope you are able to relax and rest. We look forward to hearing from you when you are ready.
Bradfordlass hope you are taking things gently and leaving the garage alone for the time being.
Mammissimo, how sad that the funeral had to be so restricted and key family members had to watch on livestream. Gosh life is hard at the moment.
Good thoughts (and flowers) to all the gangsters.

I was sad to hear about the funerals Mamissimo
It's such a buggeration this covid plague. Sending gentle hugs and positive vibes.
We all could do with some niceness.
MrG is desperate (and I mean desperate) to get out. DS1 drove to the hospital this morning but has been turned back .
I left a message at the GP to say he's coming home come hell or high water
It makes no sense to keep him there. though DiL (who was a nurse) says they never discharge patients on Fridays because it's the weekend. We'll see...

* Update The GP is on our side and will help to Spring him.

It's happening right now.
DS2 will arrive here on Sunday morning. He is quite worried about how it will be in a tier 3 world. In NZ they have no masks and everything is normal. He will have to quarantine on his return.

Your family gathering NfkD must have been wonderful.
the "skin of your teeth" element is so true. We need to grasp these precious moments.
See you again soon.

Look what I found Cherry. (Not sure what to do with it, it looks slightly rude!)

Oh wow a Tigger tail Nfk how wonderful. I do hope it gives Cherry the energy she needs right now.

Wonderful that your son is on his way Grammaretto. I do hope you manage to kidnap DH and bring him home before the weekend. I would have thought they would like to have him out by the weekend. I hope Hospital at Home comes up trumps.

Sorry you have not been feeling so good Nortsat. I hope you are a little better now.

I have been on tenterhooks all day thinking they may cancel my radiotherapy again so when the phone rang this afternoon and it was the radiotherapy department my heart sank. It was just a lovely lady telling me what to expect on Monday and asking me if I had any concerns. Apparently the parking is free there at the moment and she said even if I had Covid symptoms they would not cancel. They would just fit me in at the end of the day! The NHS is wonderful!