The Lockdown Gang - Indomitable Lobstars ?⭐️

Very well done Missedout A Dissectologist par exellence.

Mamissimo SO glad your son and the whole family in fact are negative (so to speak ) phew! Yes, our government, despite massive criticism from the money minded opposition to relax the borders, are sticking to their guns.

And it seems hundreds of people up there are queuing in excess of 3 hours to get tested - all hands to the pump !

All flights to Australia also cancelled but it seems to be under control. Fingers crossed.

I'm going swimming now - whilst I still can

Mamissimo, I'd be upset if you were disappointed at the lack of dissectology discussion so aroused myself from my langour to post this.

It's only taken 25 days to complete and I've sent a WhatsApp to my DS suggesting he asks for his money back as it is not impossible.

I'm still here, reading your posts and being cheered by them but have not been feeling well. Today the sun is shining and some of the fog round my little grey cells has lifted, so think I'm on the mend.

I've started taking an interest in the courtship of two woodpigeons in our garden. They have obviously had a 'tiff' and one is sulking. They are funny.

I'm glad the 'Indomitables' are ...well indomitable!

Good morning ?

Grammaretto I think the success or not will depend on the hotels they use and the control they exercise over them. Somehow I can't see us getting it right at the moment.....Travelodges are out because they don't do food and the WiFi is charged exorbitantlyby the day, Premier Inns you have to traipse across the car park to buy your breakfast.. i reckon B&Bs would work best because seaside landladies wouldn't let their 'clients' do anything outside the regulations ?

Kaimoana I do hope you're not facing another lockdown but from this hemisphere it does look as if your government is getting it right more than many others. Gubbins sounds impatient to get on and get moving....I have one those too. She's nearly 18 months old and in the last week demanded a potty - and proceeded to use it as a hat for its intended purpose.

I noticed over the weekend that jigsaws haven't been mentioned......whilst I haven't yet thrown it off the table I do now avert my gaze every time I walk past it.....like it's a heap of ironing.

I bought a humidifier at the weekend in an effort to stop turning into a dried fruit. Our weather machine said we were down to 25% humidity indoors which is not good news for skin and well-being so I bit the bullet.

I have a feeling that today I should be cleaning bedrooms but....

Hello Lobstars,

That is a setback Kaimoana about the new covid cases but I am sure your government will be on top of it.

I wonder how the quarantine hotels will work in the UK if they decide, at this late stage, to start them.
My DS, who came for his dad and the funeral didn't have to quarantine here, though he was extremely cautious, but he had to stay in a hotel run by the army for 14 days and 1 minute when he returned, But then he was free!

I have an appointment for a vaccine. yay! it's not until next month but the snow may have melted enough by then for me to get the car out.

Six new Covid cases have been identified in the community here, although as I understand it, all are now in quarantine.

The lady concerned, a Kiwi, came into NZ, was quarantined, had 2 negative tests and was allowed home.
_2 weeks later_ she tested positive for Covid - the more infectious South African strain.
It's thought she contracted it in quarantine just before she left.
We are all on the alert again and if they can't control the spread of it, we'll go back into total lockdown.

Anna was telling me that in the hotel she works, those who tested positive on entry were mixing freely with those who didn't - appalling. This is because the hotel flouts the rules; guests are not supposed to mingle but don't like staying in their rooms.

Oops I missed that one Kaimoana I’m sure that’s not how I spelt it. Made me laugh too when you pointed it out. No offence Grammaretto, I trust you knew I meant dancing.?
Good to hear you are going to get your favourite perfume at last. I wear one DH likes but I can never smell it on myself so I just have to take his word for it.
Our snow has melted Dragonfly please would you send a bucket of your snow here for me to play snowballs with ?
Grammaretto I am allergic to many smells too. I can’t tolerate anything that smells of lemon, like many household cleaners do. I also can’t use lots of deodorants as they make me cough. I have to find one that doesn’t and stick to it.
Grammaretto Pulling the leaves off a cabbage. Whatever next. I will report you for cruelty to vegetables. ?
No cruelty to any of the lobsters on this thread, we are far too precious. ?

I like perfume, but it doesn't like me as that annoying saying goes It gets up my nostrils and stops me bogeying. (sorry)
I often had to ask our Helpers, usually the boys, not to use aftershave or strong fragrances because they make me sneeze.
However I was going to my niece's wedding and decided to ask at the makeup counter for a light fragrance and was given a tiny sample of one I liked. It turns out to be the old classic Chanel no 5!

I'm also confused about the lobster story. I am mostly vegetarian but eat fish so I suppose I'm pescatarian. I gave up eating meat, or any factory farmed food, (if I could help it) about 30 years ago but nor do I like cutting a huge and beautiful lettuce or cabbage. I tend to grow the kind you can just pull leaves off.

You sound very excited about the snow Cherry.
We are a bit over ours now.
It was so icy and heavy with 6 inches of snow, I couldn't lift the lid off the wheelie bin and I have been trying to have a bit of a declutter.

An early night for me. It is too cold.
Hot choccie please and a hot water bottle.

So pleased you are going to smell gorgeous Kaimoana.

We have thick snow here. It is very pretty but so pleased we don’t need to go anywhere!

Of all the things I've laughed at since we began this Lockdown caper, this one was the best.

"grammaretto glad you enjoyed a bit of bogeying at last night’s disco"

When my sister was small (and now too for all I know) she had her finger up her nose constantly and Mum used to say, 'Stop that bogeying!' So naturally, your remark had me envisioning Grammaretto dancing with a finger in her nostril.

Welcome to all the new poppers-in, vegan or otherwise.
I do wonder how Odd avoids all the many depictions of real animals and animals parts, not to mention cartoon ones wearing hats and dark glasses. Life must be a visual obstacle course.

I admit to a certain sympathy with people who don't eat meat; having been vegetarian for some years, I found it hard to even walk pass a butcher's shop; the smell revolted me and still does.

In light of scientific evidence that plants are not just aware but communicate, it's very hard indeed to know how to eat without fear (if such things scare/upset you).

Yes Doodle that's me in the lavalava. It was taken when I was a young sprig, in the 1890's if I remember rightly
You wear what you want beneath a lavalava, as with the kilt.
I hear from Shanae quite regularly and we did have a very loose arrangement that I'd babysit Louis, if she needed it. As she wants to get back to uni and work, that may be an offer taken up.

dragonfly Our strawberries are generally very sweet and luscious but I think it depends on the variety and whether you let them ripen a bit at home. This year's were particularly good.

Did I tell you about the Saga of the Fragrances? Feel free to skip.
I usually wear Gucci 'Rush' and my son and dil have been buying it for my Xmas gift but this year I got 3 stonking great bars of pure olive oil soap which I can't use

So with gift cards in hand (and my dear homecare lady, Karen going out of her way to drive me) I went to the fragrance dept., of a posh shop (Farmers if you remember Grammaretto) to get some Gucci.
I was told Gucci had demanded it be sold only in their large branches, not in the piddling provincial ones.
Reluctantly, I decided to try an alternative fragrance.

I cannot wear musk, don't like it, it doesn't like me and I made this clear.
After lots of trial sprays on bits of paper, the very last was Coach "Floral". I didn't fall in love with it but it was acceptable.

When I got it home and sprayed it on me, the floral quickly evaporated leaving a strong smell of musk.

The store always asks for feedback via e-mail so I told them the problem.

The Manager rang me, said he'd happily ask for Gucci to be sent from the city store if I could arrange transport back to the suburban one - and he'd swap it for the Coach Floral.

So Karen, bless her, is taking me back there this morning and I shall have my old "Rush" back.

I am blocking out the knowledge that animals products have been used to make me smell gorgeous.

Love and peaceful nights to all

Cherry you certainly spin out the suspense. I was holding my breath also thinking your dinner had exploded onto the kitchen floor. ?. Glad you got to enjoy your lamb. It sounds delicious.
We also watched the snow for a long time. The flakes were huge. It’s almost gone now but so pretty at the time.

I took so long to write ? that you snuck in there Doodle ?. I hope you and Mr D have had a pleasant Sunday ?

I too hope your friend will be alright Grammaretto. A gap between injury and surgery isn't a bad thing sometimes, allows time for any swelling to go down. I'm glad that you didn't go out on that them hills!

Evening lob?s, only me ?

Shock, horror, hold the front page ... we've had snow ?️. It snowed for over an hour ?. It's so unusual here we stood and watched it and even did a little dance ?. It even stuck ... for a while. Not really worthy of a photo though ?. Certainly nothing like your photos Grammaretto or indeed your one Mamissimo.

We had another shock earlier today too ?. The lamb for dinner was slow cooking away and the veg' was simmering and we were sat in anticipation quietly in the lounge. All of a sudden we both heard one almighty smash and clatter coming from the direction of the kitchen. We were both stunned and I had visions of the crockpot, with it's contents, smashed on the kitchen floor. When we went into the kitchen there was a bit of a mess. The kitchen blind had broken and fallen from the window. Dinner was a bit delayed! It was lovely in the end though and much needed ?

Kaimoana, I believe you are right, the Elephant Fair was resurrected a couple of years ago. I've no idea whether it was styled on the ones that took place in the '80s or not.
Many congratulations to your homecare girl. Very sweet looking baby Louis.
Gubbins obviously loves the present her grandmother bought her ?. The cat's not jealous at all is it? I b****y hope not.
Lovely artwork, I've not seen that before.

I'm glad that your DS's test came back negative Mamissimo, phew!
The escape room experience sounds a little chaotic ?. Maybe it doesn't work well with a group of people ... ?. Aww I hope your DGC enjoyed their first experience of snow ?

When you said you had lived in the Netherlands dragonfly I thought it might have been for a couple of years or so, not 18, don't know why. I guess maybe it's because my brother lived in many different countries, through his work, but never one particular country for more than 3 to 4 years. I love your story about the restaurant ?

Have you been telling tales about Honey Beagle to Missy Nortsat? Just wondering ... Naughty Missy! I bet you're not really angry with her though ?

I must say that you have been getting your exercise in Grammaretto, even if some of it was unexpected. Dancing at the disco sounds infinitely better than digging a car out of the snow! I hope that you and your DGC enjoyed themselves ?

Hello ? new visitors. Lovely to see you, pop by again won't you.

Hope all the rest of the Indomitables are doing okay.
Hugs ?

Kaimoana I don’t ever remember the Elephant Fayre.
I’m not sure it’s ever got that hot here to have to wear a lavalava. Do you wear anything underneath it ?
Slightly before Zandowski but not by much ?
Your homecare girls baby is very sweet but looks quite tiny. Do you ever hear from her?
grammaretto glad you enjoyed a bit of bogeying at last night’s disco zoom party. Lovely to see your DGC too.
That tree sounds as though it will take some shifting. Can you get round it at all?
Sorry to hear about your friend. Good job you weren’t out on the ice too.
Theoddbird I’m not sure how one could take a cartoon drawing to depict a caught lobster. As far as I’m aware it’s a cartoon drawing of what a lobster looks like. Sorry if you’ve taken offence but apart from an autocorrect misspelling, this thread has nothing to do with lobsters.
Someone who posted without reading the thread I think.
Happyme thank you. We think it’s a nice thread too. ?
Mamissimo you certainly do have snow. What a lovely picture. Glad to hear your DS is COVID negative but I hope he feels better soon anyway.
I have never heard of this virtual escape room Mamissimo but if I got a whole box of Maltesers to myself I might be prepared to give it a go. ?
We had snow this morning too. Very pretty.
Does Honey beagle come back with the snow matted into her fur, my dogs used to.
dragonfly is the escape room a game for one too then or do you have to be part of a zoom group. You can see I’m very up to dat with this modern technology ?
You did live in the Netherlands for a long time. Do you miss it? Have either of your children gone back there to live?
I bet that couple were embarrassed to learn your DH understood their conversation.
thesocialhermit I bet that was an unpleasant experience. We usually let Jeeves our butler sort out the hot chocolate. So far so good.?
Nortsat what have we done to upset the Molls ?
Now tell me Nortsat have you been sneaking an extra glass out of that bottle of wine? I ask, because it was dragonfly who lived in the Netherlands not me.?
Ah now I know why Missy’s not with you today, she’s in the dog house ?

Hi all,
We seem to have some new visitors to Gangland so hello everyone.
My exercise today was helping to dig a car out of my drive. The driver had thought it would be easier to turn at the bottom of the drive and go up at speed. Ha! No such luck. 3 of us were clearing snow but we were successful and the car got back up.
Meanwhile I heard that a friend who had gone on my usual walk, slipped on the ice and broke her wrist. At A&E she was told she would need an operation and they can't do it until Thursday because over 90 people had fallen in the ice this weekend! I am rather glad I didn't go out on the hills today.

I love your story of the restaurant Dragonfly
That photo is very pretty Mamissimo

Hoping all Lob-stars are ok.

Good afternoon Indomitables I am without feline company and without coffee, but I am sitting comfortably (thank you Doodle).

I was interested to read that you had lived in the Netherlands for so long Doodle. We have had some lovely holidays in Holland and Belgium. I also enjoyed your story about The Dude and the Dutch couple.
Mammissimo I love the thought of Honey Beagle pogo-ing in the snow.
I thought of her yesterday, because I caught Missy guzzling down frozen sweetcorn kernels (which struck me as being rather Honey-esque). We had one of those suppers ‘from the bottom of the freezer’ last night (if you know what I mean). I had frozen sweetcorn kernels, covered with cling film thawing on a small plate. I was going to add them to a salad to accompany frozen pizza. Anyway, I came into the kitchen to find Missy had torn open the cling film and was yomping down the frozen sweetcorn.
I was shouting ‘Stop that, naughty girl’ and she just sat there chomping more quickly!
Grammaretto so nice that you saw the children at the Disco.
Kaimoana hope Baby Gubbins is thriving, it’s hard to believe how quickly the time has flown since her birth.

Yesterday, I watched All the Presidents Men for probably the fourth time. It’s still an excellent film. Seeing the story of all that Republican corruption and misuse of power was very familiar and prescient.

Afternoon, Cherry, Dragonfly, Panache, Missedout, Jan, Norfolk and any gang-star I have missed. I hope everyone is having an easy, pleasant day. ❄️❄️❄️

Don't do like I did a couple of nights ago. Add Cajun Steak Spice Mix to hot chocolate instead of Cinnamon! Not pleasant! Well, the jars are same colour and it was 11 pm.

Yes we can get strawberries all the year round or we could before Brexit but they don't taste of anything. It was much nicer when they had a short season as with other fruit and veg.

So pleased you DH is home Jan what a relief for you and especially him by the sound of it as he is so excited to be home.

Sorry your DS is unwell Mamissimo. That is worrying. I am sorry you did not enjoy the escape room. I spend my time playing them on the computer. I love working out the puzzles.

We lived in the Netherlands for 18 years Doodle. They were probably the best years of my life as our children grew up there. We came back when they were 16 and 18. My DD went straight off to uni and our son struggled. It was hard as they had been to Dutch schools and were naturalised. Eventually, however, he found his way going to uni when he was 20 and hasn't looked back. His first real job was in Sainsbury's head office and they used to take him to meetings with the Dutch suppliers so he could tell them what they were saying. The Dutch are very bad at talking amongst themselves and not expecting anyone to understand them.
My DH was in a restaurant once next to a Dutch couple who were discussing their sex lives all evening. As he left he said 'smakelijk eten' which means enjoy your meal. They went very red!

As you can see we have snow....a rare thing in these parts so we will celebrate wildly with a warming bowl of soup non gardening day!

DS has come back COVID negative so it's back to work for him tomorrow.

Last night we did the virtual escape room with all the DAC.....lovely to spend an evening with them but if anyone invites you to do one do anything you can to get out of it say you've got a headache! We spent the whole two hours watching DD 1 maniacally scrolling up and down and back and forth whilst trying to solve numeric codes. I was reduced to eating a box of Maltesers to stop me from feeling unwell.....?

My DGC have never seen snow before so I'm looking forwards to the video when they get back from their walk at Nymans. DD2 has no snow yet and living right on the sea in Kent I doubt she'll get today. We are sending her lots of pictures so that she doesn't feel left out.

If you've got the snow I can lend you H Beagle...she loves it and has had two walks already today. She pogos! Personally I won't be yomping around because --I will go a*se over appetite--I'm not very coordinated in adverse weather conditions ?

Stay cosy!

? odd!
Such a lovely thread too.

I was put off right at the start by s picture of caught lobsters. They should be swimming free. I don't think the name thinks about those who are veggie or vegan. I won"t be staying. Enjoy your day....

Hello Lobstars.
What a great array of things to think about Kaimoana we learn so much on here. Whether I remember any of it is another matter.
What a dear little fellow Louis is.
I assume the girl in the lavalava is you.

I did dance along at last night's disco but when I left to cook my meal I noticed a few others did too. It was good to see my DS's grandchildren. They are so grown-up. 12 going on 21.

My df tackled the tree but he hadn't expected it to be so big. He's cleared it from the drive but I may have to get a tree surgeon.

I was glad that MrP is getting pain relief at last Panache

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202101/medium-915575-lava.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202101/medium-678180-louis-ataare-devlin.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202101/medium-379417-old-cupboard-door.jpg

Cherry Elephant Fayre was the 80s and I actually rode the elephant in 84.
I told a friend I thought could smell Gauloise (used to smoke them in the 60’s) and she hooted with laughter, "It’s MaryJane you idiot!”
“Who’s she?” I asked.
Definitely the best festival in Britain with art installations, theatrical performances, craft workshops and music…all spoiled by drug-taking thieves and vandals.
I understand it’s been re-invented.

Nfk, Cherry nearly right with the lavalava (a Samoan word). It's a rectangular piece of cloth, often brightly floral which can be worn as a skirt (by men too) but for many women is tied around the body above the bust.
In very hot weather it's the only thing to wear.

I hope your DS's tests come back negative Mamissimo that's a worrying situation for you all.

Doodle End of the list for jabs? Is your surname Zandowski or Zdablowitz then ?

Grammaretto I'm wondering what it can be in Rabbie’s book, that Social Service can object to It’s his 262nd birthday tomorrow.

I’ve seen Gubbins only twice since she was born on 7th November and not sure when the next time will be but my son sends pictures almost daily.

I bought her a noisy colourful pram toy and it was this, being held out, that spurred her into trying to crawl. She’ll be running about in no time. The cat will leave home

Do you all remember my young homecare girl who told me she was pregnant? She's just given birth to Louis Ataare Devlin and as his photo is all over social media, I can share.

Jan16 glad you are reunited with your DH. A scary time for you both.

Can you really get strawbs all year round, dragonfly ? I wish we could here. It's a very short season which begins just before Christmas and ends about now.

Panache much good news from Wales.
I wonder if the fiasco which is your health system, now highlighted by Covid, will result in better funding and staffing? I hope we learn lessons from it all because they are saying it could easily happen again.

Here's another piece of artwork to delight you. The Old Cupboard Door by William Michael Harnett. It's trompe l'oile so you don't really get the effect with just a photo.

Hope all the rest of the gangstars are thriving - wishing you peaceful days.

Take it easy Doodle x

Night night LobStars ?

grammaretto have a bop around for me will you ?