The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

Cherry is just about okay Grammaretto but is worried about you and Mr G, you are going through such a difficult time. I wish I could give you a real and not just a virtual cwtch ((cwtch)).

So very pleased to hear that your scan and other test results have come back clear Panache ?. I have had my fingers crossed for you. I only wish things were better for Mr P. Is there anything happening vis a vis radiotherapy? I'm afraid I don't know any more about the accommodation at Morriston Hospital but all arrangements can be organised and put in place by the Oncology Dept. When I was about to have my radiotherapy in Velindre I had the option of staying in accommodation in Bridgend (another option there for you) and transport could have been arranged to take me to and from Velindre. I chose to have transport from home and back instead. All of this was going to be arranged for me, in the end of course only transport was.

dragonfly so you have finally started the radiotherapy you could probably have had sooner. I'm pleased that it's taking place, it's the better option. Yes there are risks, what treatment doesn't. I have my fingers crossed that it all goes well and you do not have any adverse effects ?

Missedout your hand is taking an awful long time to heal. Is there a nurse or GP keeping an eye on how the healing is going? Have you been told that this is the progress you can expect with this type of injury? We use our hands and especially our thumbs so much, it's hard to manage when use is so limited.

I remember when I broke my left thumb (I'm left handed) when I was a teenager and being told not to use my hand but I had to use it in school or face detention. My mother made me rest it at home and that meant not doing my homework ?. All the teachers understood and accepted that, except for the Welsh language teacher that is ?. I had an ace up my sleeve with her however... I offered to have my mother come to the classroom to verify her decision and the doctor's advice. She knew it would only take me a minute or two to do it ... my mother worked in the school ?. She declined my offer.
She never bothered to query where my homework was ever again, even after my thumb had healed.

The moral of the story ?, only try to do the things you really can and must do on your own with that hand Missedout For anything else always ask for help. It's clearly frustrating and difficult for you but if you force the matter and try to do things you are finding nigh on impossible you'll only set yourself back.

Nflk it seems that you've found my tail. Woo hoo!! ?.
I'm a little worried however as Doodle is threatening to pin it back on ?. When I read that I had visions of you all playing that game, you know the one... pin the tail on the donkey, goodness knows where it could end up being pinned ?. I protest! I'm not Eeyore! ?

BradfordLass or should I be calling you social butterfly ?. It sounds like you had a lovely day with your granddaughter ? and have three more lovely occasions to look forward to this week. If I wasn't happy for you, which I am, I'd be full of . I hope each and every occasion is hugely enjoyable.

My nails are a pitiful sight, always have been ?. I'm not one to go in for false nails but they are so bad they should be hidden in a basket ?. Over the years I've tried different things to improve them but have long since given up. Perhaps I have another go and give Biotin a try ?.

Mamissimo, Nortsat and of course Doodle I'm not ignoring you ... I hope you are all doing okay.

It has been a very difficult couple of weeks, two days free of seizures in total ?. I thought it would never end but I didn't have one in the day yesterday and so far so good today. With all the extra meds I've had to take I've been quite heavily sedated ? ?. Hopefully, a long long gap until the next time.... ?

I've missed you all.

Oh Cherry how lovely to have you back with us.?
We are so delighted to have you with us. I would never pin your tail on (I was speaking metaphorically ((I actually don’t know what that means but it sounds good)) ?. We will of course put your tail back on with a beautiful ribbon.
What a time you’ve been through. You must be exhausted and your poor WP too.
We have all missed you (you just need to read back through the posts to see that). Jeeves hasn’t been himself without you around.
Hope you have a good night tonight.

Good evening gang....so good to see Cherry back!

Forgive me being brief and a bit absent - it was treatment day today and the drugs have hit me smack between the ears. I'll hopefully be back soon after a big bit of sleep......

Take care Mamissimo and hope you sleep well ?

You do know I was pulling your tail don't you Doodle ?.

I hope you sleep well Mamissimo ?

Night gang ?

I think I guessed that Cherry ?
We’ll wait till you’re better before we play pin the tail on Tigger.?

Hello all, thank you for all your kind posts.

BradfordLass, I like the idea of someday being able to grant relief to an itchy rhinoceros! It's a good idea to cover the back scratcher with a flannel. Thank you also for the link to NHS healthcare travel costs, DH doesn't qualify though. I'm envious of your social calendar. I have a dentist's appointment next week (if they take another tooth out, I'll protest while dribbling). I will then miss DGS's 2nd birthday. Next I have a Zoom meeting with a Financial Advisor in December and another hair appointment (which may or may not be cancelled). It will just be DH and I for Christmas this year, it's not our turn.

I drove DH to his Covid test today just to see if I could. I was OK, taking off the hand brake was the most difficult. Holding the brake and pressing the button on the end, one-handed, required adaptation, but I managed. So I will be OK to take DH to the hospital for his operation and then return for him later. I hope I will be able to look after him OK but he is an independent b****r person and will not let me do any more for him than is necessary.

I haven't been able to get any help for my hand, and now we are isolating, I will have to wait until after DH's operation. It's aching tonight and so is my shoulder. I actually trapped my thumb between an iron bollard and a mooring rope that had a 10 ton moving narrowboat at the other end (very, very stupid). I had my hand x-rayed in A&E at the time so no bones broken.

Grammaretto, you must be exhausted. I hope you get a chance to take that quiet stroll.

I'm also glad that dragonfly's treatment is going smoothly and so pleased that Panache's results are good. If Mr P is anything like my DH, I can imagine his eyes lighting up at the sight of a Victoria sponge! I hope you both enjoyed it.

Also, Cherry thank you for cheering me up by posting.... I'm glad you are feeling a bit better. If I were you, I wouldn't turn my back on anyone especially if they have a tigger tail in their hand.

Mamissimo, I hope a night's rest will help you and thinking of Norstat and NfkDumpling too.

Doodle, every timeI look at the scars on my knee (when I fell off my road bike), I think of Mr Doodle grazing his arm on the same day. I hope he is fully recovered and from his more recent trauma.

I think some of us gangsters need to be bandaged with bubble wrap! Good night all.

Jeeves quickly, get down to B&Q and buy tons of bubble wrap. Missedout has come up with a brilliant idea ?
I am glad you had your thumb seen to at A&E. at least you know it’s not broken. Have you had any dressings from the GP surgery? Do you feel it is healing all be it slowly?
DH is fine now thanks. No further recurrence of the rigours and he seems fine. From his fall in the summer, the scars on his arm have healed quite well but left quite an intricate pattern that my DIL says looks like a jumping hare. ?
Having had a number of boats in our past life, I can only imagine how getting your thumb trapped like that hurt ? ouch.
Seems as though you will be able to drive ok which is good.
I hope all the gangsters sleep well and rest.

How lovely to see Cherry back with us and I do hope the good spell lasts. Welcome home
No need for envy, it looks as if big, ragged holes have just been shot through my social week.

Hope by the time you read this Mamissimo you are well rested and feeling like your old, perky self.

Gosh, you are so brave Missedout, it can't have been easy and must have been painful driving. I was cringing all the way though your post.
I may have mentioned my friend who damaged her hand badly - she was able to go to a clinic specialinsing in hand injuries and rehabilition (I'm tempted to say it was called Hand Jobs but I think it was Handworks). I hope you're able to arrange something as you'll certainly need at least physio.
Until lockdown finishes, maybe there's some online therapy which might help - would you like me to look?

Grammaretto be a bit selfish, if only temporarily. You NEED that walk and respite to help you gird up yer loins for the fray.

I think your DH's theme song now needs to be Colonel Bogey Look after yourself, please.

Unpleasant surprises sprung on me today. The lady who was going to take us (and her own family) to the Community Dinner, can't. She's been invited to a birthday party.

I need to be at that dinner because it is the only time I'll be able to buy tickets and register for Saturday's Quiz to which, as you know, my grand-daughter is bringing a group of ragamuffins friends - plus her highly respectable (ahem) grandmother.

So I have only one option, take a taxi there and back. It's not really that far away but as you all know by now, my Yorkshire pockets are super-glued shut.

As for today's lunch I'd looked online to see if salad and lamb was available (I can't see hard copy menus) so was looking forward to that ....but when we left my house we turned a different way and ended up at a cafe in the Mall, where a small drink and cake cost more than a meal at the cafe we were supposed to go to.

I ordered an individual quiche - no salad available - and more carbs than I wanted but tasty (and pricey).

In addition, the other 2 ladies had appointments, so I ended up wandering the Mall (which I hate for its noise and busyness) alone whilst they were taken off - after we'd gobbled a 10 minute lunch. I won't go into the graphic details of her operation one lady shared as we ate.

Not what I had hoped for but I'm an old curmudgeon and should be jolly grateful I was taken out to anywhere.

And if that wasn't enough, we had our peaceful progress impeded by flashing, screaming police vehicles driving at speeds I was unaware a car could reach as we all swerved to teh side of the road to let them pass.
Five local school were locked down after a reported shooting.
The Graphic Storyteller received a text telling her not to collect her child.
She seemed totally unconcerned.
It might have been exciting had not children been at risk.

www.stuff.co.nz/national/300148951/lockdown-lifted-at-west-auckland-schools-after-police-incident

Doodle I'm SO pleased to hear your DH is much better. Perhaps you need to purchase a box of body paints and turn that leaping hare into an artwork?
Then your DH can be an Illustrated Man - you might even put him on display? "Roll up, roll up, ten bob a time to see the leaping hair hare.."

I saw the lady in the picture in 2013; apart from the tiniest modesty cover, all that is all body paint and it covered her legs too.

I'm just re-reading this catalogue of dubious pleasure and laughing - life is amusing sometimes.

From our Library:
“Tall tales of New Zealand bushmen, tradies and back-country rouges.”
I wrote to the library pointing out that unless the back country men had a penchant for maquillage, the blurb was incorrect.

Old morning gangsters I hope we all had a decent night. I have my coffee and am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle).
Bradfordlass, I hope the issue of the tickets for the Quiz can be resolved. I am sure you will have a lovely time with your grand-daughter, she sounds delightful.
Missedout, well done for managing to drive your DH for his test. Now you know you will be confident to transport him to and from his op.
Presumably you have pain control medication to help you manage? I hope you’re a bit more comfortable today.
Mammissimo hope you had a restful night after your treatment and are able to have a gentle day today.
Lovely to see Cherry posting ... hoping the seizure-free days continue and that you’re having an easy day today.
Grammaretto I hope MrG had a decent night, in his fully equipped room. Are you trying to remember to look after yourself too? I hope you did open champagne with the takeaway ... it sounds like a perfect combination.
I remember staying in a beach apartment in St Ives one summer. We had left home very late, having been held up by a potential gas leak. It transpired that there was no leak but we didn’t set off on our journey until about 1.00pm. It’s a lengthy journey from London to St Ives, so it was quite late when we reached the apartment. There was a wonderful fish & chip shop nearby, so we grabbed some for supper. My partner had popped a bottle of champagne in the boot of the car, unknown to me. So we sat on the balcony, watching the sunset and feasting on fish and chips and champagne. It was one of our nicest meals.
Dragonfly - day 2. Thinking of you and sending ?
Panache hope you both had a decent night and are in reasonable spirits today.
Nfkdumpling hope all is well with you and the family too.

We took two of our three cats to the Vet yesterday for their inoculations. It’s about a 30/40 minute journey depending upon the traffic. Both cats became progressively more anxious in the car, I think picking up on each other’s anxieties. By the time we got in with the vet, who was very young and I think probably still training or recently graduated, Minnie (our 7 year old) was hissing and spitting like a black panther. I think the poor vet was quite nervous of her. He asked me to open her mouth so he could check her teeth, I think he thought she’d bite him! She is the most placid and timid creature, but she turned into a wild thing ...
When we got home, she spent the whole evening on my partner’s lap, looking like butter wouldn’t melt ... (here she is ...)

I send good wishes to all the gangsters for an uneventful and pleasant day. ?

... Old morning gangsters... don’t know what that means?

Good morning gangsters ....

A good afternoon from me and what a pleasure welcoming back our Cherry...... which surely makes us all present and correct?????

A brighter most acceptable day here following a real deluge plus some very strong winds.
Would you believe we both have managed a short stroll in the garden,truly taking in the much needed dose of fresh air.
A first for a while.
I rather think the Victoria sponge provided the extra oomph!!

Mamissimo our quiet participant whom usually fills her post with up beat messages,thinking of you trusting that you are more yourself this day............and a case of very much onwards and upwards.

Mr G certainly has the family attention at his finger tips Grammaretto, even down to demanding that special fruit all be it in tin vareity!!
Me thinks it is time you rested yourself, as it seems your whole household is having quite a hula!!

It has been decidedly quiet here without you Cherry
We have truly missed you and your posting.
Certainly not your finest moments and very draining I feel sure.........however we look to the future and are ever hopeful of a timely respite.
Thank you for remembering about this question of travelling for radiotherapy.
You may recall I went through 6 weeks myself,choosing to stay the entire time at the then Fairwood Hospital, where patients from a distance was able to stay.
But of course that was then,and things have changed drastically.
At the moment with his pain reasonably controlled, the radiotherapy has been put on the back burner,although I feel sure it will pop back up.

Thinking very much of you Dragonfly as you are very much in the hot seat,undergoing radiotherapy right now.......hope all is well with you.

Your dear man has certainly had his share of mishaps Doodle, but the great thing is he seems to be coming through them,obviously he is made of stern stuff!!
Whilst I hope you are keeping busy with your projects ........in between keeping a watchful eye over us all!!!!!!!

Dear Norstat,*Nfk*, Missedout and Bradfordlass as always enjoying reading your posts,so varied, taking us to places that we often wished we too were there!!

I was so pleased bringing you my good news a few days ago,all results coming back clear................but good luck never stays for long where I am concerned.
Monday I had 2 quite long phone calls from my GP, whom had heard from my dentist about these ongoing palate/throat issues.
She did not mince her words.
Telling me bluntly how hoarse I sounded and hoarseness were worrying signs of cancer.
She said she would be referring me to specialists in these fields........ but it would be in a Hospital 50 miles away.
This early morning I recieved a phone call from this Hospital........I have an appointment next Tuesday morning.
Yes I was rather taken aback at how fast proceedings were now going, and yes,very worrying.
So yet another ugly blot on our lives to contend with.
Sometimes I feel I am in a never ending nightmare.

I would so like to complete a post without adding any bad news.

However I must take these hurdles and try cope with a good heart .....and keep hope uppermost..
Of course my greatest fears are always for my dear man whom needs me now more than ever.

Anyway the sun is shining, so there are some good things out there!!

Take good care my gangster chums,and thank you for allowing me to ramble on and share our woes.

Oh, gosh Panache, I'd just read through the last two pages to catch up and feeling pleased there was so much positivity with family meetings and good results and even Cherry back with us (lovely to see you Cherry). Then your latest post. Oh, how I wish we could give you a full real group hug.

Just popped back to send good wishes to Panache, regarding your hospital appointment next Tuesday. Its good that the arrangements have been progressed quickly.
I do hope you are able to put it out of your mind, at least for some of the time. Try to relax and gather your resources, dear friend.

Thinking of you and sending virtual flowers.

Panache, I second Norstat's post to you. Take one day at a time....

BradfordLass - Hand jobs indeed, you are a naughty lady!

Oh Panache that wasn’t what you wanted to hear at all! Such a hug from me. Try not to dwell on it - the speed of that referral is to be welcomed because it stops you imagining too much. I find it better to face the devil than imagine it.

Seems I need my other arm rebuilt but the waiting list may be a couple of years. My DD and I both had hospital appointments this afternoon and I’m sitting in the dark in the hospital car park waiting for her. We were both seeing the same surgeon for the same thing but because of COVID weren’t allowed in together.

Group hug- hopefully we will be Trump free in the morning!

Missedout, that drive sounds a bit hairy! You say that Mr Mo is an independent type, methinks there's more than one independent individual in your relationship ?Are you sure you are really comfortable driving? Please be careful, promise.

The more you tell us about how you injured your hand the more I find myself squirming ?. You say your shoulder is aching too - is there any tingling or sudden sharp pains? I ask because I'm wondering if you have maybe damaged a nerve and you are experiencing radial neuropathic pain. I have radial neuropathy, I hope your shoulder ache isn't neuropathic and stops aching. If you didn't have it before you drove though it could just be a bit of muscle tension which should subside quickly. I hope it's no more than that.
Having said all I have said I hope I haven't brought you down by this post ?

I love the picture of the painted lady BradfordLass, we see all sorts during our life time don't we ?. I once saw a woman stood in front of a brick wall, she was painted just like a brick wall. It was her protest against the police after she'd made a report about domestic violence and it had fallen on deaf ears.
Sorry your lunch out didn't turn out the way you'd have liked. I hope you do manage to go to that dinner. Get the sugar out, it's good for removing glue ?. I'd hate to think of you missing out on Saturday.

Minnie is gorgeous Nortsat ?. Her name suits her, she looks quite small. Cats can be curious creatures - years ago we had a very placid cat who liked to purr pleasantly at strangers .... except for one time when a chimney sweep came to the house. He went into complete attack mode! ?. I was stunned but the sweep was unfazed and said it was a common occurrence.

Panache more investigations afoot. You do have more than your fair share! The NHS have acted promptly this time though, thank heavens. That's how it should be, giving you less time to fret, imagine and worry. I'm in the Mamissimo camp, it's better to know no matter what than be left to dangle in the unknown.
I'm pleased that both you and Mr P managed to have a stroll ?

posted too soon.... call of nature (by that you all needed that information).

Mamissimo, two years is a long time to wait - but they will rebuild you and you'll be the $6 million dollar woman (to adapt a series title).
You've gone all political on us, but I hope so too ?

Hope the rest of the gang are okay, somebody has gone off with Jeeves I think but I'm not sure who ? ?

Good evening gang,

So very sorry to read your news Panache I hope it turns out all right for you on Tuesday.
Will be thinking of you.
Dragonfly your radiotherapy is each day now? I hope you are bearing up.
It's good to see Cherry again .....bouncing back!

I managed to escape for a long walk today and for an hour's yoga I wondered why I was so stiff this evening

DS is very attentive to his dad but also critical of us. I managed to add him to our car insurance so that will give him some freedom, I hope we are allowed some freedom.

The reality of our situation has yet to sink in . I keep hoping it's a bad dream. The hospital consultant phoned late last night and we had that talk you dread. He is a wonderful doctor and has treated Mr G for the past 4 years and kept us going with his positivity but now there is nothing more he can do.

There is still plenty to enjoy. Our DGS is getting into the Presidential election and has sent us a video of his predictions, state by state. He is quite serious. I hope his predictions are correct!

Have a good night gang and have some chocolate - I've left some on the heat for you.

My goodness you lot have been busy today. I must catch up.
Bradfordlass how disappointing for you. It’s funny how sometimes you look forward to something and it ends up being a disappointment and other times you don’t want to go somewhere but end up having a good time.
What a shame your lift has let you down. I hope you get your tickets for the quiz.
You meal today sounds quite a let down. Not quite what you were hoping for.
I haven’t read your link yet but I hope no one was hurt in the school incident.
My DGD had a liquorice allsorts dance costume (a real one not a painted one I hasten to add) and she did a dance routine with a huge lollipop.
My DH has quite a lot of ‘art work’ on his body already. Scars from all his different operations weave their way from head to toe. The one on his arm is the first one that looks like anything, the others are just lines ?
Being dyslexic I had to read your post about the library item twice before I could see what was wrong with it ?
Nortsat who is that beautiful girl. Ah Minnie. She looks so sweet. Glad you all got back safely.
Your fish and chip meal at St Ives sounds nice. I haven’t had fish and chips for ages.
I was going to say less of the ‘old’ please but I see you have corrected yourself ?
Panache so please you both managed a short walk today.
I’m so sorry your relief at the news of your scans has been short lived and now you are off being investigated again.
At least this latest worry is being dealt with promptly and hopefully Tuesday evening will see you back home safe and sound. I realise it will be an anxious time for you. My mother was hoarse for the last few years of her life it made it difficult for her to be understood. They never found a reason for it,
I too wish you could have a period of rest from all these trials and tribulations. One good thing I picked up from your post today is that MrP’s pain is reasonably controlled. That is good news. Please take care of yourself too.
Nfk that’s such a nice thought. How are you getting on?
Nortstat those flowers are lovely. Let’s hope they lift Panache’s spirits.
Missedout I hope each day is bringing some healing to your hand. I too noticed the Hand jobs post from Bradfordlass ?. Are you actually able to move your thumb around? Is it very swollen?
Mamissimo Hope both you and your DD are ok. Forgive me asking but is it replacement joints you need?
Have the effects of yesterday’s medication worn off a bit yet?
Hope you are feeling better tonight.
I agree with you. Better to find out what’s going on and deal with it rather than wait and worry.
Cherry nice to see your name popping up in our thread again. We did miss you. I hope you had a good night last night.
Your quote about the million dollar woman made me remember that’s how our doctor referred to my DH. Er no not million dollar woman but Billion dollar man because he kept bouncing back from all his various ailments.
Jeeves has actually been sitting in the kitchen brushing your Tigger tail so that it’s nice and fluffy for when you are up to wearing it again.
Dragonfly hope all went well on your second day today.
Grammaretto hope you have managed some rest today and MrG is comfortable. Nice for you to be able to spend time with your NZ son and have a catch up on news.
Take care all you lovely gangsters and sleep well.

Aww Doodle the feeling was mutual - I missed you all too.

I was wondering whether you'd be able to post today Grammaretto. That conversation is one none of us ever want to be real. I hear echoes to this day sometimes from my wonderful brother's consultant. Not quite the same as you had last night I know. Oh for a magic coach and horses (and a wand) to carry me to you, conduct some magic and give you a gentle cwtch x

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-602565-img-1042-001.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202011/medium-675392-img-1045-001.jpg

Grammaretto tough, sad times for you all. I just hope you find the fortitude to cope. Be kind to yourself. You don't need criticism but no doubt that's all part of the grieving process - not helpful though

dragonfly I hope the daily treatment does not debilitate you too much. I'm told each individual patients reacts differently so I'm hoping for minimal disruption to your wellbeing. We are all thinking of you. Know that you too, you two, are in our thoughts.

Panache yet another cluster of worries but your DH is in less pain, you are being fastracked and Tuesday may well bring good news. I sincerely hope it does.

Nortsat Knowing St. Ives well, I could see and smell the sea and fish and chips in your lovely narrative. I've always found Cornish fish and chips the best, probably because the fish is so fresh.

Mamissimo Are you at least on that long list for a new arm?

I think the gang is complete now Cherry is back and I hope things continue smoothly for Nfk too. If I've forgotten anyone, I'm sorry - this virus has also affected my memory and focus.

I went out to dead-head the roses and thought I'd share them with you all as they lift the spirits so well.

I will be going to the Community dinner Cinders Doodle, I decided to spring for a taxi, as I really must buy those tickets. Such a pity they don't have door sales.
I'm going to take roses for each table.

I put muesli out for the Blackbird's importnate child; nipped across the road to gather Elderflowers to help my sinus/catarrh; peeled a wizened apple and crushed some shortbread to make a Poor Man's crumble - and now I'm going to have a nap.

I'm sorry if I offended anyone with my risqué comment. Strange as it may seem, I would never dream of actually saying anything like that; so I shouldn't have written it either. I'll watch that in future.

As if to illustrate my wooly brain and out-of-focus thinking, this sentence: " Know that you too, you two, are in our thoughts." was meant for Panache and MrP.

More apologies.

grammaretto I must have crossed posts with you.
I’m glad you had your walk today and your yoga.
It must have been difficult having that conversation with MrG’s consultant. I can’t begin to imagine how you feel at the moment.
I hope you all get to enjoy some happy family time together and that MrG isn’t in pain. Come in here with us whenever you want to talk to someone. Wish we could be of more help.
Right now I want to join with Cherry and give you a gentle cwtch. ?

Bradfordlass I very much doubt that Missedout was put out by your quip and I certainly wasn’t. ? Worry not. I thought it was funny. ?