The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

Grammaretto glad your tooth is feeling better.
Hope the journey goes well and without incident. The photo is lovely.
A difficult day for you and I will be thinking of you and hoping you can enjoy some peace in the warm embrace of your family. Merry Christmas x
Bradfordlass thanks for the story of Eric the dolt and the big rat. What a horrid experience for you.
I like your stir crazy idea. Hope you enjoyed it and your cooker gets sorted soon. Have a good day.
Nortsat lovely wreath. Thank you
Dragonfly good to hear all the zooming is going well. Have a lovely day.
Marydoll thank you for your wishes. Hope you have a good day too.
Panache I hope your meal today is a nice one and you enjoy a peaceful relaxing Christmas with MrP
Missedout Nfk Cherry and Mamissimo and everyone have a good day.
Merry Christmas one and all. I will let you know if/when Santa drops off my big present ?
Take care and keep safe x

Merry Christmas Lockdown Gang. Hoping you have a pain free and peaceful day. x

Happy Christmas everyone.

The Zoom meal went well as did the game playing last night. We will be opening presents and eating on Zoom later. It is almost like they are in the room bar the hugs.

I do hope Mr Doodle gets home today and Missedout feels better.
Thinking of you Panache.
Drive safely Grammaretto.

And to everyone else have the best day possible.

Fleeting visit to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a lovely day.
I will pop back later for a glass of sherry, with everyone.

Me again!

Nortsat whether the stove goes back will be up to the SAl and they'll go by what the electrician says when he gets here.
I have 3 working elements and didn't think I'd use them today but I made a stir-crazy** for lunch.

Yes Cherry I was asleep when you posted but the warm breeze of your good wishes woke me and I smiled - thankyou.

Grammaretto Your brownie fairies must be local but even if you never discover who they are, it seems as if so many people care about you and want to show their love - that's wonderful.
I was only saying to another friend this morning that we can get through anything if we know we're loved.

Panache So sorry to hear your best beloved is tired and in pain - would you consider giving him a gentle Xmas kiss from me and tell him I hope he feels better soon?

If that extra charge for Xmas dinner is in addition to what you already pay Management for your food, then it's scandalous. However, by NZ standards, and if you normally buy your meals separately, it's a jolly good bargain. I doubt you'd find an Xmas lunch for less than 4 times that price here. Wishing you both a peaceful day. xxx

Missedout I think you need a cosy, wrapped-up duvet day with someone bringing you little treats every now and then.
If I hadn't seen a furrow, corresponding to a Jeeves' digit ploughed straight through the brandy butter, I'd send him to snuggle you but I doubt he's trustworthy at the moment.


Nfk I hope you, dragonfly and Mammisimo enjoy your Christmas dinners.

And Doodle "if wishes were horses..." your own Knight in shining armour would be galloping home now. I DO hope that comes true.

And to all and any I've missed - a happy and blessed Christmas Day.

**stir crazy is a stir-fry but done in a small amount of boiling stock, not oil...so not strictly a 'fry' at all.

Not your rat Grammaretto
In late 2018 a rat died in my roof-space (I actually heard it do so - very grim).
I called the SA=landlords, they sent Eric, not at that time regarded as a dolt.
He came, saw and said 'nothing but mice poo up there' and when I insisted there was, became rather patronising, stopping just short of patting my grey head and advising me to have a little lie down.

Gradually, as the smell got worse I spoke again to another SA bod - who consulted Eric, who assured him I was imagining it as he'd looked and seen nothing. Meanwhile I was getting more and more angry.

Finally, I had to move out of my bedroom and stop up the door with towels because the smell was so appalling and decided to bypass the men in charge here and go straight to the top, Wellington HQ where there was a woman in charge.

Within an hour of getting my email, she had Eric by the short and curlies at my door, less patronising this time and not looking forward to what he had to do.
.
When he opened my bedroom door, the stench nearly knocked him down. SHR
The picture you see is what he found - a huge and badly decomposed rat. He had been told to photograph what he discovered and send it to The Boss. She wasn't happy with his conduct.

He said he was going to come back with a deodoriser but of course he never did. From then on Eric was The Dolt.

All I want for Christmas is Mr Doodle back home where he belongs.

Oh that's lovely Doodle and Cherry I never got round to decorations this year. I have stuck up a few cards and wrapped a few prezzies.
My tooth is much better, Loretta. Thankyou.

I even managed to get out for a crisp walk this afternoon and took a photo of the sunset. The mud had frozen solid. I am a bit scared of my drive north tomorrow but I have a car full, yes truly, of gifts from DSiL's family to deliver so I can't call off.
I worked out who the seasalt present was from. DH's American cousin. Ann and Bob, no sorry can't think who they are but if you're out there you make darned good brownies.

Merry Christmas Lobsters xxx

Just popped in before bedtime to apologise to Doodle, my esteemed cook was too busy to get to your house. He cooked salmon with his own invented breadcrumb topping and pasta with a tomato pesto sauce. No idea how he does it but it's rather good!

Thankfully, we're not cooking the goose. We dropped it round to DS yesterday and then looked after DGS (permitted childcare) while they had a telephone appointment about DGS's autism. He's not bad, its apparently high functioning autism. He just seems rather hyperactive to me. Anyway, DS and DiL are cooking the goose. They are both excellent cooks. We've been told to turn up mid- morning tomorrow, enjoy, and return home via a quick call to drop off presents to DD2 on the way. Not going inside - and not hanging around to chat if this weather continues! DD works in Norwich and mixes with people in her job so is rather nervous about getting too close to us. Infection rates are rising in a rather scary fashion.

I just want to wish all the Lobster Gang the best possible Christmas. Take care and look after yourselves. XX

Well dear lobster gangsters I would like to send you all my very best wishes for Christmas and 2021. It’s been a tough year but we have stuck together through happiness and sadness.

Take care of yourselves and your families and I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas. x

Nfk your DH didn’t turn up tonight and I had to make my own tea.?.
Have you stuffed your goose ....if it’s not a personal question?
dragonfly hope your zoom meal went well are you doing it again tomorrow.

Well Bradfordlass I think you’ve excelled yourself. That picture must certainly be our logo ?
I’m sure raisins in coffee are nice but the only thing I like that tastes of coffee is .....coffee. I don’t like anything coffee flavoured. By the time I fished them out they had all swollen with the liquid like little black slugs at the bottom of my cup ?
Oh dear your new cooker does seem to be causing problems. Does that mean you can’t use it at all at the moment?
Thank you for your Christmas wishes. I will join you later for some festive cheer with Jeeves.
Mamissimo that is such a lovely picture. Those little faces.
Grammaretto sorry the cake icing is proving difficult.
What a strange day with untraceable gifts being left at your door. I wonder if the brownies were from neighbours you don’t know too well. Nice anyway. Any improvement on your tooth?
Nortstat, I think you are right, Loretta the Lobster Gangster it is ? thank you for your seasons greetings and the mince pies. I hope Jeeves doesn’t go round snooping at everyone’s presents ?. Are you having anything from the auctions for Christmas?
Panache dear MrP does his best to be cheerful. I’m sorry things are not too good. I do hope his pain is manageable. Do you have a reclining chair he can rest in?
I too wonder if the food will be improved with the extra cost.
Enjoy your Bailey’s and have a peaceful evening.
Cherry oh don’t start pandering to him or Jeeves will get ideas above his station ?
What a lovely description of your breakfast surprise. Bacon rolls on the pier with your family, a great start to Christmas.
The flowers are lovely.
Well it’s been a strange day here too.
They are going to take DHs catheter out tomorrow morning and if he proves he can manage without it......he can come home. Probably won’t be until late afternoon and as he says, no pressure then ?
We shall see but it would be nice to have him back. The drugs are making him sleepy and a bit confused. He told me he had been moved to another ward with all the other patients. We came to the conclusion in the end that it was all a dream and he was still in the same place. ?

Grammaretto, I once also tried making my own marzipan, probably with a similar outcome to you. My kitchen and hands were too warm and the almond oil leaked out. I was lucky to get some bought marzipan. (I felt like throwing it out of the window.)

I'm still not well but there are only 3 of us tomorrow so I don't have to cook a big meal. I know I'll be fine in a few days.

I wish you all a Happy Christmas and send you gentle virtual hugs.

Evening lobsters ?

Love you new mascot Loretta the lobster gangster BradfordLass and thanks for naming her Nortsat ?
I hope Jeeves doesn't start sulking at her arrival and the eminent role she has been given ?. Jeeves, you're irreplaceable ?

You are spot on Grammaretto, today has very much been like that for me too. Our morning plans went out of the window in the most unexpected but lovely way. I was woken up by the phone ringing and when I answered I was asked to open my front door .... as I turned the key in the lock ? I was greeted by carol singing ... my niece1 and her husband. They had brought breakfast and suggested we all go down to the pier to have it ?. So, after a quick brush up and a few large gulps of coffee we wrapped up warm and off we went (drove down in separate cars). It was very cold down there, brrrr. We had a lovely breakfast, porridge followed by bacon and egg rolls and very strong coffee ☕ and went for a bracing stroll. It was so lovely to see them both, all the better for being unexpected. The only thing missing were real hugs, these air ones are not quite the same!
By the time we got back, tidied up (the bed had been left unmade etc) and we'd had proper showers etc that was the morning gone ?!

Sorry your marzipan didn't work out Grammaretto. Well I guess the card must have been from Ann & Bob (sorry, couldn't resist), perhaps the brownies were from them too ?, whoever Ann & Bob are I can't tell you. Ooh, I love Seasalt and am hoping santa might have got me something I've had my eye on from there. That is a mystery for you though ... I'm sure it's one that will be solved eventually ?

Doodle I'm so sorry that it appears to be the case that Mr D will be in hospital for Christmas ?. Does that mean you will be on your own tomorrow? I hope not.

Sound like your new hob needs to be sent back to where it came from BradfordLass, it's not fit for purpose and sounds positively dangerous. The company should replace it or give you a refund.

Missedout sorry to hear that you are still in the land of the unwell. I have my fingers ? that you are feeling a bit better tomorrow.

I've hardly begun this message but looking at the time I really must away, even though it's just the two of us tomorrow there's still things to prepare ?

Sorry I've missed so many lobster gangsters out, I am thinking of you dragonfly, Mamissimo, Nfk and Panache.

Thought I'd leave you these flowers ?

Desperate to at least pop by to see how my lobster gangsters are coping...........and it would seem our Cherry is certainly in need of a special cwtch,you too Grammaretto......any teething issues should be banned over this season!.......alongside dear Doodle and your poorly man.
Such good news that he is making progress and I feel sure he will be well pampered tomorrow!!!
Tough times for you though.....although more wine is one way to look at it!!
It was one of my favourite nursing shifts I must say.

Actually Norstat and friends we are having to make the best out of enforced rests of sorts,my dear one now is unable to take bed rest,things do not look too hopeful, but as usual he is wearing his optomistic hat.

The sleigh I note has several more additions this evening,whilst the whole place looks like an Aladdin`s cave,it is certainly bringing smiles to my man`s face,so well worth the effort.

We have now been offered an enhanced menu costing almost £8 per head,per day............but sadly no guarantees that the meals will be properly cooked.........so further discussions required.

Am about to partake of a glass of Bailey`s......someone has to of course!

Wishing my comrades all season`s greetings,thinking of dear one`s past and those unwell at present.
Stay safe and tuck in.

Maybe you're still asleep BradfordLass but .... Merry Christmas ?? ? xx ?

Back later lobsters ?

Good afternoon lobster gangsters.
Bradfordlass, what a fabulous lobster gangster, I think her name is Loretta the Lobster Gangster and I propose her as our official mascot for 2021. I know she looks a bit masculine in her hat, waistcoat and Raybans ... but underneath she’s all (lobster) woman!
Gosh that new stove top has been a nuisance. Is it fit for purpose? Take great care.
My partner showed me Santa’s route, this morning, on his ipad and at that time (about 11.30am here) Santa was over Papua New Guinea.
Panache, how are you both today. You must have been delighted to receive flowers, a poinsettia and a sleigh full of gifts. Are you having a restful day? I hope so.
Grammaretto, I hope you’re having a decent day notwithstanding your blinking tooth. People are thinking of you with the mystery gifts, so somewhere out there, there are good thoughts and kindness heading in your direction (I’m sure you’ll gladly accept all kindness...).
Missedout are you feeling any better? It’s a bad time of year to be so unwell. How annoying that you asked for a longer prescription of antibiotics and weren’t given them. Is it worth asking for an emergency prescription to keep at home, incase another infection flares up. I suffer occasionally and really sympathise.
Is it silly to advise you to try and relax ... there’s often so much to do at this time of year? but UTIs can be exhausting.
Dragonfly I hope the practice run on Zoom works well. It’s a poor substitute for having family with you, but as second best, it’s invaluable. We’ll be doing likewise on Christmas Day.
Mammisimo there you go, flaunting your cheese and marmite sausage rolls again ... however, sending you all good wishes for your virtual Christmas lunch, too.
Cherry, so sorry you’re having such a hard time. I hope there’s some improvement today and that you have a gentle, happy day, tomorrow.
Nfkdumpling sorry to learn that your plans were scuppered and had to be hastily revised. We’re all becoming highly skilled at revising plans, coping and making the best of things. I look forward to hearing how the goose went. I have never cooked one ...
Doodle I am sorry that MrD won’t be home for Christmas Day, but he’s safe and making progress... so that’s something positive to build upon.
I love both of your Japanese vases, I think I like the colours in the smaller one, even more than the larger one.

Well you lobster gangsters, have a good evening and presumably we’ll touch base tomorrow for a sherry and seasons greetings. Merry Christmas to anyone who won’t be around tomorrow. ??
I will leave extra mince pies with the sherry for Santa this evening so that Jeeves can help himself too. ? ? ??

Hi Lobs,
Definitely Parkinson's Law applying today. Work expands to fill the time available. I find myself scraping off the disastrous almond paste and replacing it with readymade from Waitrose. I never usually go to Waitrose but it's near the funeral parlour where my DS and I collected the ashes. We then had a walk across the park, a coffee out and exchanged presents.

Are you referring to my rat by any chance BradfordLass?
Or was it a reference to killing 2 tools with one problem?
I am a trifle confused


When I got home there was a cardboard tray of brownies covered scantily with clingfilm, alongside a damp card from Ann &Bob. The brownies were delicious but I can't think who it's from. Then a lovely parcel came for me from Seasalt which I opened and again no name or note anywhere. A card with no name at all. I suppose it's better than an indecipherable signature that worries you for weeks
It's obviously not just me who isn't coping very well...

Good morning....
Not sure if this will work but I think this might resonate with quite a few of us....

Stanley Devon’s hunt for the perfect Christmas picture 60 years ago

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/stanley-devons-hunt-for-the-perfect-christmas-picture-50-years-ago-5nvlqn7pw

All I can add is....Raiinmate ?

And don't forget to track Santa's progress across the world:
www.noradsanta.org/

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202012/medium-729655-kirihimete-tree.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202012/medium-396088-seasons-greetings.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202012/medium-600295-stble.jpg

It's Christmas Eve here.

Happy Christmas everyone
xxxxx

I just nipped over to Wikipedia and looked up Fanny Cradock, so to speak.
Not the nicest person in the world...and twice a bigamist.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Cradock

Nortsat

Well Bradfordlass nobody will ‘trifle’ with you today, if you are ‘berry’ slightly tipsy ... ?

Love it Nortsat.

dragonfly My friend in NJ and I decided not to connect on Christmas Day because we felt there would be a huge amount of traffic, especially now when so many families are separated. Be prepared for disappointment if the congestion is too much.

Oh Missedout you do seem to take one step forward and 2 back don't you? I'm so sorry.
Have you read Bill Bryson's book, 'The Body'? I'm seriously thinking I might save up and buy the audio version. He gives scary statistics on anti-biotics but it's a fascinating read.

You too feeling crook dear CheeryCherry ? Look after yourself, hope to see you Christmas Eve for Jeeves' hooley.

Doodle raisins in coffee sound delicious We used to have an ice cream shop here which boasted 66 different flavours: rum, raisin and coffee was one.

Mamissimo I'm sure you're much more polite than Fanny Haddock-Craddock and I can't see MrM as anyone's meek put-upon side-kick.
The chaotic cooking session sounds great fun. My dgs and I have those too.

I still haven't located your lobster quote but I often see comments on things people have written and try as I might, I can't find them.
Is there some arcane way of writing secret messages on this thread?

On Monday, as my homecare lady wiped the new stove top, one of the knob sprang up in the air!
She couldn't fix it and I couldn't see it so I asked Prop.Man. to get the electrician back. Instead, our handy man (nicknamed Eric the Dolt - remember the rat in the roof?) came and "fixed it".

He did such a good job that the moment I touched it, the knob leaped up like those jolly Indian Balsam buds - the spring flying one way the knob and housing another.

I was unable to turn off the element and the prospect of that glowing between now and when the proper electrician can get here so alarmed me that I fossicked about in my toolbox for plyers.
Pity you weren't here Grammaretto we might have killed 2 problems with one tool - and I don't mean Eric.

So at least my kitchen is not pulsating with overheated elements - and I'm still not talking about Eric.

I went a bit wild with shock and ate 2 whole squares of Lindt Intense Orange chocolate.
I tell you, I live life on the sharp edge these days.

Hope the Panaches, and everyone else, has peaceful days.

Jeeves, I want Rum, Raisin and Coffee ice cream on Christmas Eve.

Ah Doodle I see - don't know how I missed that.

So ^this6 is what you need?

I like scrambled eggs Nfk. Please send DH round in time for tea tomorrow ?
How are you going to cook your goose? I’ve never done one.
Mamissimo your little friend Mattie’s been writing to my DH too. Must have been nice to have a cook in session with your daughters.
dragonfly I have never zoomed (?) so not sure how a meal would work out but it sounds fun.
Cherry hope you are feeling a bit better and your hand isn’t too painful.
Panache thinking of you and your DH as always.
grammaretto hope your abscess is feeling a bit better today. Are the antibiotics helping yet?
Nortstat hope your day has gone well.
Take care all and sleep well. Mince pies and sausage rolls (with and without marmite) in the kitchen Jeeves has been baking all day ?

Mamissimo

Two wines down I'm picturing a gangster lobster.....obviously shades, manicured claws, an oily sheen, a violin in a case.....and speaking cod Italian ?

Bradfordlass I knew you’d find a photo. It related to Mamissimo’s post about the gangster lobsters ?