The Lockdown Gang - Indomitable Lobstars ?⭐️

dragonfly Ignore all other PMs. I've just sent another fingers crossed.

"Only me"
who?
"me"
One for you Doodle ?

My absence - I have tried to pm, as I don't want to go into it here but haven't been able to send. I have been thinking of you all!

Panache I'm sending you a bit of my love ?
It is heart wrenching to read your very raw and anguished post. Grammaretto is spot on, her dearly departed Mr G stated a fact. Love never leaves, it is a forever gift. Not quite the same in terms of loving a life partner but I still have the love my father, mother, brother and sister (in law) gifted me and I will always love each one of them.
I hope that you do have some times together for just you and he, to be, to bestow your love to one another.
I don't pray, I am a convicted atheist, so all I can do is tell you that I care. I do.
Sending you the very gentlest of cwtches, I am holding you dear.

Hello Lobstars,

I saw your post on GM, Cherry and was relieved to spot you and now here. I hope that means you are a bit more like our Tigger today.

I second everything that you say to Panache though I may try and PM her as well.
At last I fired my big planter yesterday and was glad the snow had melted as I have to check on the kiln every hour or so while it is cooking and the kiln is outside in the kiln shed. But it's a balmy 8°C today.

I came across half the soup I bought yesterday from our local enterprising café girl. She has a table at the door of the café, with a bell, and serves soup and cheese scones, to die for well not literally she also has the local news gossip
It reminded me of a holiday DH and I spent in Córdoba where we went off the beaten track and found the Convent has a small hatch. You ring a bell and wait for a parcel of delicious homemade traditional sweetmeats to be passed through. There's an honesty box. I wonder how the nuns are getting on.

I hope that all lovely Lobstars are doing the best we can because that's all we can do.
Hugs all round.
xxxx

Group hug good morning!

My new hat has arrived and I'm stupidly excited. It's a ridiculously priced designer rain hat. You can squidge it up and keep it in your handbag with the odd weathers original or your pocket. I don't like brollies because they occupy a useful hand and I've been looking for a good hat for ages. I know you'd love a picture but you're not having one ?

Today is chockabloc with excitement.....the cooker repair man has been and Mr M fancies McD for lunch....and it's food order day. I mirror my iPad on the tv so that he can join in the ordering --then he can't complain if we have the wrong size/quality/item.

DS moves out this weekend and whilst I'm really happy for him I am fully expecting a wobble and a tear. So I'm putting my big girl pants on and being more lobsta. I'm also accelerating my plans for the sewing room ?

Hope your days are gentle

Kaimoana your post to Panache is so touching. Lovely words and caring thoughts.

How to make my day brighter.........see Cherry’s name come up in our gang.
Ok I admit I have been worried about you. I know sometimes you aren’t able to post and haven’t PMd because I don’t want hassle you BUT I’m so pleased to hear from you. ?
I hope you’re ok. Yes the PM thing is a bit of a nuisance. Some are getting through but it’s very hit and miss. You are so right when you say love never leaves you.
Grammaretto I managed to get a PM through to Panache and get a reply but it was a very delayed process.
What is left to do on your planter now?
That’s a nice holiday memory. Hope you enjoy your soup.
Mamissimo I’m going to sulk and stamp my foot (in a puddle) coz I want a photo of your new hat. Maybe being in lockdown has made us appreciate the small things more. I would love to go shopping. How M&S have survived without my custom I don’t know. They have a store in our local shopping precinct and I often used to pop in when passing and pick up a trinket (jumper, trousers, tops) or two ?
I’m sure you’ll miss you son living with you but it must be exciting for him getting his new home. Make haste with your seeing room. I’m jealous ?
Panache I hope your man is home soon and you get to spend some peaceful time together. Love to you both x
Group hug (cwtch) from me too. Ooh you’re a lovely squeezy bunch of lobsters. ?

Sewing room ? not seeing room (unless you’re planning setting up with a Crystal ball ?)

I like the idea of a seeing room Mamissimo . Would I be able to see everything I was looking for? Or perhaps as Doodle suggests, a place to keep the crystal ball.

We've had an exciting day - the door bell unexpectedly rang this morning and there stood two friends from the next door village (a mile and a half away) with their bikes! They were out for their daily exercise and had biked our way so decided to check we were ok. So I donned my coat and we had an illicit five minute chat double-distanced in the front garden! Socially distanced face to socially distanced face! I'm not sure if it was legal but it was very nice and cheered us all immensely. Little things!

Your house is going to feel a bit weird with all that extra space Mamissimo, and a whole room just for sewing! It sounds wonderful. `I think the ultimate was a friend where I used to live who had an ironing room. Just for ironing in. A box room, perfectly sized for an ironing board, small table and hanging rail!

Hi Cherry, nice to see you

Evening Squeezy LobStars ?. I'm definitely squeezy, squidgy, squishy and squashy, I've got quite a lot more than enough to squeeze - my WP says I'm cuddly ?

Kaimoana, I've seen the images you've posted to give us some idea of what, due to your AMD, you see and what you don't. My mother had the opposite issue, tunnel vision. She was fortunate I think, more so since it only affected one eye. You say that you are stubborn since you ^will not give in". Is that stubbornness? Or is it dogged determination? I think it's your determined nature, your tenacity, qualities I admire and that you have in abundance.
Have you found out what that "big bang" was? It would be interesting to know. I hope you do get your printer sorted, is there anyone other than your DS that can help you?

Tongs to catch a rat Mamissimo ?. Curious tool to use but it's obviously effective ?
I think I'll pass up your offer to adopt honey beagle thanks. I don't think I could cope with her appetite demands ?
Yes, I can imagine how you'll miss your son ?. You must be happy for him though, his own home - it's exciting ?

I empathise with your sleep problems Missedout. My clock is all over the place, awake until 4am sometimes and then not waking until ? time. Sleeplessness leaves you feeling emotional and vulnerable, even small, let alone large, issues and worries become exaggerated. Life, due to lockdown, has become very samey for most of us and it's more difficult if, like you have, only recently been so occupied in work. You say that you haven't come to terms with bouts of ill health and ask does anyone. I'd answer yes to that but with caveats, one being "in normal times". We are not living in normal times. Lockdown has a similar effect to lack of sleep I think ?. Sending you a cwtch ?

Ooh Grammaretto you've fired your planter. I can't wait to see it (hint hint) ?
What a lovely memory your local enterprising cafe girl evoked ? I like the sound of the food she does, what soup did you have?
How's the gaelic coming on ?

Nfk you've done it again, mentioned something (the slides) and got everyone on a roll thinking about theirs. A lovely trip down memory lane. I hope you find the equipment thingy which will scan the slides onto your computer ?

Aren't you posh with your shiny new scone making gadget Doodle ?. Scones on Pancake Day too! Too sophisticated for me ?. I made do with pancakes.
I'm sorry to hear that Mr D is still struggling with his back. I do need to ask though, did you make him march? You said you went for a walk ... I think we need to take it more slowly. I'm sorry, I jest of course, when I know it's no joke. My WP struggles on our walks and it upsets me to see.

Off for a cuppa before it goes cold.

Don't stamp your foots Doodle here's a Chanel rain hat; you can imagine Mamissimo wearing it. It only costs £860...you could have one in every colour

Nfk visitors how exciting ?. I bet you enjoyed a good catch up. I thought for a minute you were going to say you got out your bike and went for a ride with them?. My son tells me my DGD has cycled through San Francisco today all from the safety of their spare room. They have one of these fancy bikes with a screen attached. Makes the ride more interesting I suppose.
Cherry I asked DH is he wanted pancakes or scones and he chose the scones. I would have preferred the pancakes myself.
No, certainly no marching here ?. I use the word walk when really I mean stroll. DH and I stroll hand in hand, side by side but I was obviously a little faster than he was so I had to slow down. I’m sorry your WP struggles too.
Have you been able to do any of your non art? I have made a mess of my painting and am trying to repair the damage by painting over the bits that went wrong. Trouble is, the layers are building up. I will continue though. Perhaps I can make a tiny quilt to go over the bit that’s gone wrong ?
I like cuddly people. All the better to squish you with ?
Grammaretto yes, please may we see your planter when it’s finished.

Crumbs Kaimoana that’s some hat. Not for me though. When I wear a hat I want it to cover up my hair not show it off ?

I've reviewed my hat pictures and for some reason I seem to be wearing my pjs in the hat trying on photos.....so here's a link to the hat site....
rainhatcollection.com/products/lizzie
They're smashing! ?

Mamissimo you post made me remember the story about the woman who took a cute picture of her cat patting the water in the bath only to realise when the picture was developed that her naked self was clearly seen in the bathroom mirror. ?
Wonderful hats. Which one did you get? I like the purple one.?
Sleep well Lobstars.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-183258-2read.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-893460-reading.jpg

Grammaretto I wonder if this is the place you and your DH visited?
www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187430-i733-k3892810-Convent_Sweets_Dulces_in_Cordoba-Cordoba_Province_of_Cordoba_Andalucia.html

It's so nice to see you posting Cherry
"only" me? Never!

Nfk Visitors! Almost like 'normal life' what a lovely
surprise for you.

Doodle I've just been reading about trips to Orkney to see the Northern Lights and thought of you.
You'd still need to wrap up warm though as Autumn and Winter are the best times to see them.

I finally got my printer fixed thanks to a very good friend whom I've known for years. I was reluctant to ask him, even thought he only lives a 10 min drive away but I woz desprit and he came at once. He says I'm the only person he can "talk technology" with, so 3 hours later.....

I printed out pages of Gubbins for the album.
I could squeeze her until the pips squeak!

Some friends posted the following signs which I thought might amuse those for whom this is relevant

The Big Bang was the transformer, flooded by the horizontal rain.

I was still awake at midnight, so got up and tutued about on my PC (dragonfly can prove that!) but finally decided to try sleep again at 2am.
Then at 4, the old eyes flapped open, the brain engaged and I had to get up and make cakes for Karen and the neighbour who gives me silver beet.

Some of the mixture made buns (cupcakes) for visitors and Hanna.

By 5:30am I'd done all the laundry (2 lots) - it was dry an hour later. Cleaned the kitchen and bathroom and felt more energetic than I have for years.
I wish I always felt like this

Love to all

Grammaretto
This chap does occasional work in my garden and was supposed to be putting in Autumn bulbs.

Unfortunately, he was too busy showing off his assets to the local ladies, so reluctantly, I had to fire my big planter.

How silly of me to upload the same 'reading' picture twice. The second should have been this.

I'm sitting in the car near the dentist listening to desert island discs (the very brave and brilliant Malala Yusafzai) and the rain. You can't enter the dentist until the exact appt time. I hope it's just a filling and not the extraction he keeps threatening.

Thanks for the book cartoons Kaimoana
I peeked inside the kiln today and it looks ok. What a relief.

Now for the dash through the rain. Did you order me a rainhat too Mamissimo?

I'll be back

update: He did take out the offending tooth and I had to drive home feeling a bit wobbly.

Visitors NfK!! how wicked but wonderful. I think a couple of potters are coming round to see how their pots have come out this afternoon. Does that count as visitors? or is it essential work? We will keep on masks and the 2 metre rule.

MiL had a fall this morning. I hope she is OK and it wasn't another TIA.
We certainly all have our troubles.

Thinking of you Panache and MrP.

My caring friends...... it just goes on and on I am afraid.

Out of the blue a few mornings ago,having sat my beloved up in the bed whilt putting out all the morning medication,the bed started rattling rather loudly.
On looking my dear one was in quite a state..........head lolling to one side,eyes rolling non stop,various grunting,gurgling noises from his throat,arms flaying around,complete palor,sweating profusely...............followed by total unconsciousness.
With one hand I pulled the Emergency cord and with the other I stroked him gently on his arm, whilst saying help was at hand.
The telephone conversation had me relaying messages of his condition,there were no responses at all at this stage.
Some 10 minutes must have passed.
Then he muttered an illegible sentence ............but at the end I picked up my name.
With that the Para medics arrived.
They were shooting questions at him and by then he replied clearly and correctly to each question.
A thorough investigation then took place and after a consultation with our Surgery,Hospital admission was advised.
A further 2 days of scans,x rays and further tests.............still no obvious results other than no brain mass thankfully,however lesions on the lungs......and he has pneumonia.
He is back home, but of course we are now on constant guard for a repeat episode,so far so good,but of course even more worries to contend with.

However on the brighter side,and yes there are those too.......our friend has been this morning,has changed the bed,dusted,hoovered and set the place up so that I can simply sit quietlywith my dear man........so yes there are beautiful blessings after all.

Sending loving thoughts,thanks and love to one and all.

Panache
A clean bed, a kind friend and a chance to be with him as much as you need is a blessing.

Kaimoana I love your reading pictures. As for that young man. Well good job he wasn’t holding the watering cans the other way round ?
Nice for you to have a long chat with your friend. Bet he enjoyed it too. At last your printer is fixed. Good news.
I must confess that if I can’t sleep at night, baking cakes would be the last thing I would think of doing at 4am ? done the laundry and cleaned bathroom and kitchen. I need some of whatever you’re on ?
Grammaretto glad you got home safely. Having a tooth out is a lot more invasive than a filling ( no I don’t mean that do I, it’s the opposite way round really) . So you’ve had a peek at your planter, when will it come out and more importantly, when do we get a photo?
Sorry about your MIL. Hope she is ok now.
Panache a long couple of days for you with all the worry of MrP being back in hospital again. What a lovely friend you have to come in and help get everything ready for MrP’s return. Yes a real blessing to be able to sit quietly together. Hope you have a peaceful evening just enjoying each other’s company x

Evening gang.

?Where did she get that hat, where did she get that hat?. Oh I see, Chanel! I wouldn't give £8.60 for it ?.
I much prefer the hats (not all) on the site you got yours from Mamissimo. Apparently ? I look good in a hat, well according to my WP and my mother used to say so too. It's extremely rare for me to wear one though, I just don't like the feel of them on my head, no offence Mamissimo. I do like the look of has. I don't like coat hoods either, nor umbrellas.

Kaimoana, the only me etc was a "harp back" to Doodle's post with the link to the Dean in his garden in Canterbury where he talks about when Winnie the Pooh meets Tigger for the first time. Not that I'm calling Doodle Pooh of course ?
I'm glad you got your printer fixed, yey! Even nicer though was that you spent time with a good friend ?. I say that but without your printer you couldn't have printed out pictures of Gubbins. I call that a double bonus event.
Ah, I thought the big bang would be something like that.
Sounds like you made the most of not sleeping! I hope you do have energy like that again, just not in he middle of the night eh.
I like the cartoon of the woman in the red dress but rather than reading the relevance to me these days is tinkering with my non art ?

I hoped that it wou be just a filling for you too Grammaretto ?. I hate losing a tooth, I've had to have two out in the last couple of years and that excludes a partial wisdom tooth (it never grew properly).
Potters coming round, essential workers ?. Of course they are ?

Panache I'm sorry to hear Mr P ended up in hospital again. It sounds like he had a (non epileptic) seizure. I don't think he could possibly have been conscious from your description of the event so he wouldn't have been in pain or distressed. Harder for you to witness than for him having it, he wouldn't have known it was happening. If I could send you a pm I would but I still can't send them. Try not to worry about what happened, chances are it won't happen again. Just enjoy the space your kind friend has created where you can sit together and be ?

Doodle I too need some of whatever Kaimoana is on, if you are able to pm find out what she's taking and where she's got it from ?. I hope you've managed to rectify whatever you think you got wrong with your painting but remember a) there is no right or wrong and b) exactitude isn't important. A freer rein can turn out just as good and sometimes better ?

I've had something rattling around in my head nothing new there for a couple of days so I've come back to ask each lobStar to answer one question I would really appreciate an answer. Question: am I epileptic? Yes or no.