The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

Bradfordlass congratulations. Wonderful news. How lovely. If she’s as sweet as her Dad she will be a lovely little girl.
How is her big brother coping with the new arrival? Has she got a name yet?
Panache glad you both enjoyed another stroll. It’s a bit blowy here too.
I am sorry the blood test results are not more hopeful. I hope MrP is more comfortable than he was and you both get some sleep tonight. You sound quite exhausted, which is not surprising as you have a lot on your mind I’m sure. Wish we could be more help. Sleep well.
Nortsat Ollie looks very cosy. I can see your cats are pampered and well looked after. Any new purchases being eyed up in the auction house?
Cherry to be honest I’m not really sure what my thoughts are with the fabric. I had a new sewing machine for my 70th and haven’t really used many of its features as I have been quilting. I fancy a change for a bit so was planning on using some of the embroidery stitches in a pattern for some wall art.
It wasn’t why I chose it, but as soon as I saw the blue striped fabric I thought of the sea side too. I quite like that piece so I am starting on one of the others and saving that piece for ‘best’ ?
Now that DHs hands shake so much I am the official putter upper of pictures and anything that needs no more than a small nail or picture hook to hang it on. I’m glad our walls are thinner or I’d never get the nail in at all.
Hope you’ve had a restful day today.
Keep safe all .

How wonderful Bradfordlass a new life is so exciting.

I am sure you appear laidback Grammaretto but are you like the ducks, calm on top and paddling madly below the surface. Trust me laid back is what your DH needs at the moment. I occasionally feel smothered by the concern my DH has for me. Sending you hugs

Congratulations Grandma BradfordLass ?

Panache I really hope you manage to get some sleep tonight. Your "battery" must be so worn down and the more worn down it gets the harder it can be to lift yourself up a little. I'm sure it's not easy to do that at the moment anyway but I'm willing you to sleep. I wish I could actually do something to help you. I'm the person amongst our little gang who lives nearest to you but I'm powerless to help. That makes me quite sad ☹️
Sending you a cwtch.

Nortsat I'd love to visit the William Morris gallery. I have a few things with his designs on, my favourite being a tapestry bag. Earlier I was drinking coffee out of my Strawberry Thief mug and I had to get my spectacles out of my case (same design) in order to type these posts this evening ?

I hope you are feeling okay dragonfly ?

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Grammaretto Would they rather you were hysterical? I think not. You are your own woman with every right to be so. No doubt they expect to be accepted for who they are?
I hope the criticism, even the unprofessional one from the doctor who should know better, doesn't hurt you too much when you are already hurting beyond belief. Much love and strength to you. kia kaha.

Nortsat I went to YouTube and found 'Only Connect' game but so much of it needs good eyes to read text or see pictures.

You may like James Burke's Knowledge Web, which I love - everything can be connected somehow. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00024p7

Doodle like you I immediately thought of the sea when I saw your fabric; pictures of what I saw in my minds eye. I am sure you'll make a wonderful job of the wall hanging, just as you did with the gangster artwork.

Sorry I was a bit subdued in my last post. I did so want to share a picture of the new baby but as we all know, we can't trust GN and that's a real shame. My son has no objections to my sharing privately but asked not to put anything on social media. We should feel safe here of all places but as we don't.......

To answer a few back questions:
Yes Doodle I have excellent access to all 55 libraries in the Greater Auckland area from which to order audio books. I also have an e-audio download facility but that doesn't work too well in my circumstances...I have to listen on my PC which is in a different room from where I live & relax.

Online in general has been a godsend because it's a long time since I could see what's on any shelves anywhere. My one good eye can still see the PC screen, so I can order and pay for groceries.
Veg I can still see so that's bought fresh, as is fish but I do need someone with me to relay the type and price. Just bought Orange Roughy and it was delicious.

There's no name for the baby yet but some ideas are Mila (Croatian heritage) Imogen, Fern, Lily, Eloise, Chloe & Harper.
I haven't seen my dgs and probably won't for some time. When dil went into hospital my son called my other grand-daughter who had volunteered to be the support person as: a) she lives nearer and drives and b) I'm still not well.
It made perfect sense as she and dgs get on famously.
I'm more grateful to her than I can say as, after a few days of being really perky, I now feel like Sisyphus.

Cherry I think we may go to the pyre together! When I was doing workshops in schools about herbal lore and old ways, making brooms from Broom, for instance, I was often told - by teachers - that it was a good job I lived in 20th century. Not all 'wise women' were burned and they did a heck of a lot of good.

I'm looking forward to the quiz to get me out and about with my dgd's friends. She's bringing pizza to share for tea but I shall refrain - one slice of that and my brain would fog up like a pea souper and goodness knows I'm foggy enough at the moment.

Love to all

Bradfordlass I can well understand your son’s point of view. There are many on GN who share their photos of their grandchildren and it is lovely to see them. However, I have never shared photos of mine. This is an open website. We live in our cosy gangster world and I trust you all completely but anyone can read this site.
It won’t stop us having pleasure in hearing all you have to say about her though. I am so pleased your DGS is being well taken care of. It is nice he has such a good relationship with your other granddaughter. Hope you get a chance to see the little one soon. Please let us know when they decide on a name.
Got to go to bed now but back to post more in the morning.
Thinking of you all. Sleep well. ?

Bradfordlass I do hope they will be honouring you by having Bradford as the middle name?

Lily Bradford-Gubbins has a certain je ne sais pas ?

Mamissimo You know, I may nickname her Bradford Gubbins, such a splendid name

Just back from a wonderful night full of obscure questions and laughter with 6 delightful young people, 5 of whom I've never met before; friends of my grand-daughter.

They came to support fund-raising for our local Community House although they all live miles away.

Two young men especially don't like crowds and noise, and there was heaps of both tonight, so their presence was valiant and so much appreciated.

There were 8-10 at each table and 10 tables; we came third over all. Only the winners got a prize.

I won a bar of chocolate as a spot prize for singing "Tutira Mai nga iwi". The boys at the table made short work of that
'
I've yet to learn how much was raised but I hope it was quite a lot; they need $30,000 for a van to take children to and from their before-and-after-school care and activities (plus other things of course).

I didn't feel like going, I really was under the weather (and the weather is dreadful: absolutely pouring down, thunder, lightning and no doubt spoiling Bonfire Parties ) but in the presence of such lovely young persons, how could I not feel better?

So I thought I'd share that with you all, a bright spot in my day. I just wish I could send you some of the joy too.

Hello all, my husband got The Letter today, Dept of Health, plainly stating dos and donts , I guess there will be those idiots who still ignore it.

Bradfordlass sounds like a fun evening with those young people. How nice of your granddaughter to suggest it.
Coming third is good. Hope they raise the required money for such a good cause.
Hope you start to feel better soon. The weather doesn’t help. Take care of yourself.
Megs yes more letters going round. I expect you’re right and some won’t take notice. Hope your DH is keeping well.

Was it Whittaker's chocolate Bradfordlass? I ask because I am tucking in to some DS produced from his bag.

Your Quiz night sounds really fun. Well done.

It must feel like Here we go again,, Megs
Here we are just the same as ever. A few more shops closed but otherwise the same.

I am thrilled to hear of the safe arrival of Lily Bradford-Gubbins. and look forward to more news as the time passes.

Hello all, DH had his operation. Although using the NHS, he went to a hospital which treats both NHS and private patients. He was given a time of arrival and we were told that he would be ready for collection 3-4 hours later, despite having a general anaesthetic. Sure enough, 3 hours later, I had a call to collect him. He's sore but doesn't complain. The medical team who looked after him followed up by phoning the next day to check on him and offer further advice. DH says he couldn't rate the service highly enough.

The family have sent silly messages and we have had several giggles, especially when I have to try and put socks on DH. He can't bend and I have one useful hand. I plan to buy him some 'softer' socks, I know he won't need them soon but he doesn't seem to know that M&S are not the only ones. (Sometimes DH doesn't listen to me!)

I emailed a photo of my hand to my GP, who rang me back. My GP suggested a course of antibiotics to start with, but is happy to see me or get a practice nurse to dress my hand. I am able to move my thumb slightly now although uncomfortable.

I have yet to receive my 'Clinically, extremely vulnerable' letter although my specialist has emailed me with a copy of it. It isn't going to make much difference to me, I can't see any of my family, I don't care about much else. I can manage from home. I've ordered DGS' birthday present (he will soon be 2).
We have a supermarket delivery planned for later.

Panache and Grammaretto, others on here are far more eloquent than I am. They express my feelings better than I ever could but I do think about you both and wish you strength.

Congratulations to BradfordLass on having a new granddaughter. I hope I haven't upset you with my flippant comments, I think you are amazing and glad you enjoyed your quiz night.

I'm so glad that that this understanding group of virtual friends are all here. I especially want to thank Doodle who looks after us. Doodle, did you finish your 'handbag tidy'? I take my hat off to all our artistic gangsters. I like knitting but that's about it and I need a pattern.

The next exciting event will be another visit to the dentist.
Stay safe.

I love the idea that the new bundle of joy may be nicknamed Bradford Gubbins. I also like the thought of her being named Lily Fern BradfordLass as it's such a lovely flowering plant. If I remember rightly though ?, you did say that your DS and DiL don't plan to give her a middle name. I think it's fair enough that your DS and SiL don't want any photos of their daughter on a public forum that is open to anyone to view. Plenty of people are happy with it but plenty of people are not.
I'm glad you enjoyed your evening out ?. Well done for winning a bar of chocolate, even if the boys did make short work of making it disappear ? ?. I think coming third in the quiz is no mean feat, I'm sure you had a good hand in that ?. I hope it proved to be a successful fund raiser.
Where is the lovely view from? It's not like you not to say.
I'm glad you were born in the 20th Century, I think that you would have been at risk of the pyre otherwise. Though, since you are a wise woman do you think it's likely that I am a witch? Perhaps between us we could have come up with a potion and escaped ?

Hope everyone had a good night and are having a comfortable day, thinking especially of you and Mr G Grammaretto and you and Mr P *Panache.

Crossed posts Missedout. Glad you DH has had his operation and came home during the time schedule as well, very efficient ?
I hope the fact that you have been prescribed antibiotics doesn't mean you have an infection but then again if you have the prescription will sort it out and could very well mean that your thumb is very much better after a few days. I hope so ?.
Perhaps your DH could do with a pair of "slippers"socks at the moment, much easier to put on. I don't mean the booties by the way ?

So pleased Missedout that Mr M has had his operation and is home. I hope he recovers quickly.

Panache I am hoping today is a better day for you both. Sending you lots of love and strength. Also hoping for an improvement in your meals.

I am enjoying not having to go to the hospital today or yesterday. One more day before it starts again on Monday.

Wishing you a lovely evening all of you.

Congratulations Bradford! And welcome Ms Bradford Gubbins, born in a wonderful country. The best of starts.

We've both been rather limp today after clearing out, well, sorting out our loft yesterday. It had got rather too full for an old house and I was fearing for the ceilings. So now the boat stuff has been decanted from campervan to loft and today loft excess has been sorted into tip, charity shop and off-spring when the restrictions are lifted. Its taken two days to do what previously we'd have managed in half a day. But its done. It may even see us out! I know DH is keeping busy to distract himself from next weeks hospital visit but we're certainly ticking things off the Really Must List. Luckily the camper(bubble) doesn't need winterising as we do use it during the winter (or hope to) if only for day trips, so we just put a little radiator inside to keep the frost out. Much easier than the caravan which had to be treated much the same as the boat.

Its good that you can see your practice nurse and/or GP Missedout* if only for reassurance that your hand is healing as it should. It sounds like quite a bad wound which needs keeping an eye on. And I'm really pleased that Mr M's op went well and smoothly. Hospitals seem to be running a lot more efficiently now, it must be because they don't have so many visitors cluttering the place up.

I hope having the weekend off gives you a bit of respite and recovery time Dragonfly. It's a long draining slog for you.

(((Hugs))) to the Grammaretto and Panache households. I wish there was more we could do apart from distant virtual support, if only to send food parcels to the Panache home.

Missedout glad DHs op went well. I do hope you get your hand seen to. I think a dressing and check by the nurse may well be a good idea. It was a really nasty injury. You may well need antibiotics.
Yes I did finish my bag tidy. It is a bit messy for a bag tidy but it suits my purpose and holds 2 pairs of glasses, asthma inhaler, phone, note pad and pen, wallet and has a cord to tie the keys to.
All I have to do now is remember to take it with me if called upon to go to hospital again. ?
Shame if you miss seeing your little grandson on his birthday. Is it during this lockdown period?
Cherry how have you been today? If I’d have known you had witch tendencies I would have looked for you flying round on your broomstick at Halloween. Mind you, Nortsat’s the one with the black cat ?
Dragonfly glad you are enjoying a few days respite from your treatment. Are you feeling ok?
NFK that loft clearing sounds strenuous work. We had a huge loft in our last home and it was really hard to clear everything out to move into an apartment. We had a storage unit for 12 months while we tried to get rid of things.
Hope your DH isn’t too worried about the hospital visit and hope all goes well. Are you allowed a rest now for the remainder of the weekend? ?
Bradfordlass sounds as though you have good access to audio books. I occasionally have one if I have trouble with my neck and don’t feel like reading myself. The biggest problem I have are that sometimes the voice of the reader puts me off.
Any news on little Bradford Gubbins today? Hope all the family doing well.
Mamissimo that little girl will know who to blame for her unusual nickname ?
Grammaretto and Panache I hope today has been a restful one for you all.
Sleep well gangsters.

Megs I'm afraid there will always be people who flout rules but I certainly understand those who risk it now, when they feel they are losing touch with precious grandchildren, whom they formerly saw every day. Especially if they're pre-schoolers who grow and change so quickly.

Doodle I understand dgs has been holding his sister and wants Lily as one of her names .
Bradford Gubbins apparently cried all night. Daddy's looking after her today so Mum can sleep.
I know she'll settle with him. He's always been a very calming person.

Grammaretto No, the chocolate bar was Cadbury's Fruit and Nut - I tried not to take that personally

Missedout so pleased DH's op went well and he had 1st class care. I can just imagine you pulling his socks on with your teeth.
When I had my hip op, I made a contrivance from an old soft drink bottle and some tapes - the only way I could get socks/stockings on until I could bend.
My homecare lady, who damaged her hand but didn't go for immediate help, was told physio was needed early or it could heal wonky (I don't suppose they used that word - does anyone these days?) I hope yours gets proper attention soon.
Of course you haven't upset me, not much does but I often upset myself with posts I later regret.

Cherry Gubbins is probably going to have a double-barrelled surname but as my dil knows this is her last child, wants to include all the names she loves. It's going to take the child 20mins to write her name.
I'm totally sure we could make ourselves invisible. Doesn't that seem to happen automatically when a woman hits 60?

The pictures I uploaded were from a saltmarsh, without any green glass beads.

Nfk Oh how I agree. I have many a time wished I could send the Panaches a box of really good favourite foods to perk them up. I hope they are doing a little better and getting out into fresh air.

dragonfly into the fray again next week or have all the treatments finished now? I any case, I wish the very best for you. xxx

Do any of you download the Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendars? My dgs loves them and we've had them every year since he was 5.
They've just brought out a Nordic one with lots of new features. It's the ideal thing to send to grand-children who will get hours of pleasure from it and a new activity to do every day from December 1st. It's not just for children of course, I find myself wasting time on enjoying it too.
www.jacquielawson.com/advent

Better go get on with laundry, time and Tide (or in this case Eco-wash, wait for no woman.

I'll be thinking of you all as I treade the sheets and towels in the bath

Hello gang,
Thanks for your kind words of comfort. DH had a better night. He joined in the family quiz/celebration which became a toast in champagne to the next president. DS had come across several bottles whilst clearing the bookcase.

Sorry to hear little ms LBG was tearful her first night. Brings it all back..... #4 was our most fretful and had a permanent cold for the first 3 months. I even had a pan of water boiling to provide steam inhalation....

I hope you manage to have your poor hand seen to Missedout .

NfkD good wishes for your DH this week and good wishes to Dragonfly
My walking pal is due to come out of quarantine today so I'll have no more excuses.

I'm looking forward to progress reports on Doodle's sewing later.

Good morning gangsters I have my coffee and am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle) so am ready for a good catch up.
Bradfordlass, it’s wonderful news that baby Bradford Gubbins is safely here. Something to celebrate in this strange year.
Your quiz sounds like a lot of fun and your DGD’s friends sound like a lovely bunch.
It was thoughtless of me to recommend the television quiz Only Connect to you. Of course it would be challenging for a person with visual impairment, as so many of the questions and rounds depend on being able to see the screen clearly. I am sorry. ?
Missedout, so pleased that MrM has had his op and you must be relieved that you managed the driving both journeys.
The sock putting-on is a funny image .. ?
Cherry is the tally of seizure-free days growing? Hope so.
Dragonfly I am pleased to know you’re enjoying the treatment free days. Gather your resources and recouperate. ?
Doodle your handbag tidy sounds ingenious. Do let us see a photograph.
I switched from a very large work handbag full of everything under the sun to a small cross body bag, as I now walk with a stick. I couldn’t manage a stick and a huge bag, but having hardly been out since February, I hardly need a bag at all.
Good morning Grammaretto, I hope both you and MrG had a decent night.
Good morning Panache I hope the same for you and your dear one.
Nfkdumpling it must be satisfying to have sorted out your loft and done the ‘winterising’, especially if it stops your DH dwelling on the forthcoming hospital visit. We’ll be thinking of you, then.

Well gangsters, there’s relief in our house at the outcome of the US election.
I wish everyone a pleasant and peaceful Sunday.

Afternoon gang ?

I'm not the happiest bunny in the world today, I had another bad night courtesy of my next door neighbour ?. How does anyone deal with a noisy neighbour at three in the morning (had been going on for hours before that) without being noisy yourself ?. In case anyone's wondering it's not the same neighbour that was taking pictures and using opera glasses to spy into our home. She hasn't used any 'equipment' to spy for a long time and is not really unnerving us any more ?. We are just unlucky, we have more than one odd neighbour ?. The problem is it's no good trying to even speak to her, I won't go into detail but it's so difficult because she has severe mental health problems and paranoia ?. I've tried official avenues, more out of concern for her than any impact her behaviour has on me and my WP, but to no avail. There doesn't seem to be any services (and this has been the case long before covid) there to help and support her.

Wow Nflk you've been busy. I take my hat of to you. Sorting out a loft is a hard job! I know what you mean about worrying about the ceiling coming down because of the weight of stuff in the loft. Ours got fuller and fuller to the point that we had to do something for fear it would collapse ? ?. In the end we had a company come in and clear the lot!! We did go up there (we had about 10 days between booking and appointment) and did bring a few things down that we wanted to keep. Unfortunately I did miss one thing I would have liked to keep ? but it's too late now. I don't regret that we did it the way we did it ?.

Doodle it sounds to me that you do have a tidy bag now ?. I've been promising myself for weeks to sort out the handbag I use most often but....

? BradfordLass it is what they say isn't it, cheek! Mind you... in the summer a couple of years ago it was warm and (unusually) I was wearing a dress. My WP and me were heading into the supermarket and out of the corner of my eye I saw a man, in his mid-thirties I'd say, walking behind me craning his neck to see what I looked like from the front ? He managed (not that difficult) to get round past me and turned to take a direct look...and exhaled... with disappointment ?.
No I've never downloaded can't advent calendars, I haven't looked yet but I definitely will.
I hope little Miss Bradford Gubbins soon settles and doesn't cry all night worrying and wearying mummy and daddy.

I hope you are having a lovely Sunday before your next week of treatment dragonfly ?

I'm really pleased that Mr G had a better night and that he also joined in your family quiz come celebration ?. I hope you have a good walk with your walking partner, friendship and fresh air to help soothe your soul a little I hope ?

I'm with you on being relieved that "the Donald" had to leave the White House. That's what I call a result, ker-ching!

Talking of results, my footie team left it very very late to score yesterday (in added time) and in the very last minute the opposition were awarded a penalty ?. It was missed!! Yes, yes, yes, we won ?

Late in tonight. How is everyone.

Bradfordlass I am so pleased your DGS is looking after his new sister. I’m sure Bradford Gubbins will be a very much loved addition to the family. Are they all at home now?
Cadbury’s fruit and nut is one of my favourites. Strange really as I prefer dark to milk chocolate.
We used to send Jacqueline Lawrence birthday cards. I have not seen the calendars before. If my DGC were younger I would send them one.
I hope Bradford Gubbins sleeps well tonight and her mummy.
I can imagine you doing your sheets and towels in the bath. I should send you some grapes ? and you could make wine for us. ?.
Grammaretto good to hear your DH was able to join in the family quiz. These will be precious times for you. Hope you both get to sleep well tonight
Nortsat . I will attach photo of my handbag tidy. When I’ve finished this post. Have you finished your wardrobe clear out now or does the purchase of a new bangle beckon? ?
Cherry oh how annoying. I’m quite susceptible to noise myself and like peace and quiet. You are in a difficult situation. If the problem is related to mental health issues it’s not quite the same as having someone throwing a party. Has this issue been going on for long or is it a new occurrence?
Oh what joy in your household. Your team won. Yeah !!
I hope tonight is a better one for you.
dragonfly I hope the weekend rest has done you good and you are ready for more treatment tomorrow. Hope all goes well.
Missedout has your DH gone barefoot all weekend or have you managed to get his socks on ?. Hope your hand is improving.
Nfk which day is your DH going to hospital? Hope he’s not too concerned.
Mamissimo hope you and yours all ok.
Panache did you manage a small walk today? Hope you are both ok.
Sleep well all of you .?

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This is my bag tidy. The bit in the middle is where my wallet goes and has a Velcro closer. The two side pockets are for my glasses and there are pouches for phone, notepad, pen, inhaler, hand cleanser and a clip for my keys.

Nortsat PLEASE don't apologise for sending the link to the quiz show. I love quizzes and, after all, I write reams here, which gives the impression I see as well as anyone else. People who actually know me well think I can see better than I can. How can anyone know, unless they look through my eyes? So thank you, it sounded to be an interesting game but one I would need a lot more time to think through, and more knowledge of Tv and film, before I spotted any connections.

Cherry could you buy some 'noise cancelling earphones'? Some have cushiony covers for night time wear.

I feel so very sorry for people in her position, having lived with someone like that. World-wide, the mental health system is a joke but then, even with adequate financial resources andd staff, could they actually make it any better?

Grammaretto good news from Scotland regular enjoyment is all now; day by day affections, comforts and wee pleasures - for all of you.

Nfk sending my own good wishes along with the rest of the gang that your DH (and you) sail through the op.

Baby Bradford Gubbins settled immediately once she heard her Daddy's voice. He took care of her all day and she was smiling (it wasn't wind ) and content.
She's not a spectacularly beautiful baby but cute and very precious.
I have a photo of her sleeping on her curled fist as if she's just fallen asleep in the most boring meeting ever.

My homecare lady, who asked me to teach her how to bake and has been having lessons here, now threatens promises to take me out to lunch today.
I am just not eating much at all and would rather not but how to say so without offending the dear lady?
Last week she brought me Bulgogi, which I love and some delicious squid thing. I picked at them and put the rest in the freezer. Even the kimchi, which at one time I could have eaten every day, languishes untouched in the fridge.

Cherry glad the team scored at the last instant - how edge-of-seat exciting

Doodle you are naughty! How can you claim not to be artistic? That bag tidy is absolutely lovely and exactly what I've been looking for and can't find.

No, not home yet. Dil goes into Birthcare (recovery) today for 2-3 days.
Mums who give birth normally are out and home in 4 hours

She has to prove she can walk and balance well after the epidural and that her wound is healing.

Baby Bradford Gubbins is proving to have a hearty appetite, so that's one box ticked.

Would you like the latest photos or have I bored you enough!?