The Lockdown Gang - Indomitable Lobstars ?⭐️

I wonder how you were still awake at the time you posted yesterday after your uphill struggle walk Missedout. We live on a hill , surprising in Wales ?. My body doesn't like taking me up it unless it's in the car ?. Honestly, it sounds like a satisfying experience, all the more so because it was challenging. The view sounds wonderful, you've told us what you were carrying with you - I hope you took plenty of photos on your phone ?.
When we go out for a walk these days I don't tend to bother with a bag, we take the door keys and the phone. Our walks these days haven't been that long though.

Kaimoana I'm exhausted after reading about your family camping days ?. When I think back to the days of carrying camping equipment etc across fields or wherever I think we got off lightly, no babies or small children and all their stuff to carry too! Sturdy baby you carried too ? ?
That video really did make me laugh so much and I laughed again over Kay Neilen being a man when I thought he was a woman ??. I remembered the lovely 1940s book my mother had and the fantastic illustrations but couldn't remember who they were done by so I checked it out. My assumption ?. He did do fantastic illustrations though.

Thanks for the flowers Grammaretto. I hope something can be done too. When the police came (twice) this morning and hammered on her door she didn't answer. I feel like me and my WP are alone in trying to get help for her and protection for her twins ?
Yes I think you will have to be a little hospitable from Friday onwards, you'll thoroughly enjoy it really, really you will ?

Going to get something to eat now before I fade away ?

Evening all. Wet and cold here today. Such a change from yesterday. We stayed in.
Our long walk yesterday produced a heavy sneezing bout last night and red and puffy eyes today so the pollen is still with me.
Kaimoana yes the dyslexia is true also for my son and my grandson. My DGS cannot read anything that is black and white but can read if the words are on a coloured background. He wears specially coloured glasses (at £400 per pair ?) that help him to read.
My spelling is atrocious. Computers help a lot but I am getting worse as time goes on. Many words I cannot spell and can’t even look them up in a dictionary as I have no idea how to start. DH and now Alexa help me. ?. Hope you can help the you girl you are tutoring.
My dyslexia is not too bad, my DGS, pretty bad. My son describes it as follows:
When getting to the end of a line of writing, he cannot then find the beginning of the following line.
When he looks at a word it moves across the page
Word become blurred as he looks at them
Words are outlines, silhouettes on a page.
Long words are easier to read than short words as they have a different kind of outline e.g. he could always read window but not this, that, or then.
As each word is seen a separate thing reading isn’t enjoyable as
it’s just words.
Loved the Wonky Donkey ?
Lovely photos from your camping trips. The closest I come to ‘roughing it’ is a caravan.....with central heating ?

Jan my DH is absolutely perfect. He tells me if he is ill or thinks there is something going on but doesn’t ever complain about it. Medically he has been through some awful things but puts up with it all. All he ever asks is that he can get home as soon as possible,
Missedout your walk sounds lovely especially the views.
DH and I only stroll around so just keys, phone and tissues usually.
If we are going for a longer walk away from home or without the car, I have a cross body bag. Not one with a thin strap but a wide band that goes over my shoulder. The bag bit is small enough to be very lightweight but has numerous pockets for bits and pieces.
I can’t wear a rucksack for long. I am quite round shouldered and find that my back and neck ache quite a lot if I wear one for an hour or so.
I like your DHs idea that you can pick up the shopping in your rucksack on the way. ?
DH has one of those fitness apps on his phone too. She speaks from his pocket as we are going along.
Grammaretto I too thought the baby wasn’t much into the story. His granny enjoyed it thought ?
I would have to start a frantic cleaning schedule before I let anyone in our home again. So used to it being just us.
I like the idea of your lady cycling round and knitting or crocheting landmarks. ?. A unique hobby I would think.
cherry I haven’t read the GM thread yet today but assume there has been more action regarding your neighbour.
I too hope those girls are safe. At least you have tried to do something.
Please eat lots, we can’t cope with an invisible Cherry ?

I've just had a look at your link to your friend's book Grammaretto, ahem - heractivity by the side of the road ?. What was it I said the other day, gn you've got to go ... ? ?
Her yarn work looks interesting. It reminds me of the saying that you can't knit a teapot, except you can ?. A friend of my DS(in law) used to knit cottages and inspired by that saying went on to knit teapots, cups & saucers, sugar bowls and plates with cakes on ?.

I think I've said this before Doodle but my WP has dyslexia too. The one thing that helped him the most was a typewriter, the tap tap tap of the keys allowed him space between one word and the next when he was writing and he prefers to read off a screen than a page as he can reveal the text bit by bit rather than seeing it all in one go where it appears to jump around.
Sorry to hear that the pollen has affected your eyes again.
Yep my neighbour has been disturbed and disturbing again. I didn't get to sleep until 2am and she woke us both at 6am. We rang the police, as suggested by C.A.L.L. They treated what we told them as a domestic. They came and hammered on her door. She wouldn't answer. They rang us shortly after asking us if she was actually still there (when they knocked her door she went quiet). We confirmed she was, as soon as they'd gone she started again! They tried her house again but again she went quiet and didn't answer the door. She's "savvy" enough to go quiet when it suits her, why can't she manage herself a bit better for her children? ?
You've given me a chuckle Doodle, we can't cope with an invisible Cherry. Can you see me now? ? Sorry, couldn't resist ?

I hope tonight is an improvement. Cherry Could you try social services?

When our disturbed neighbour was shrieking expletives at me and DD, she herself suggested SS. She taunted me. "Go on then, phone social services". It hadn't occurred to me before she mentioned it. I didn't but called the letting agency who explained some of her circumstances. The council had an arrangement with the agency to house desperate families. Didn't bother to tell us! The person on the phone was super sympathetic and something must have happened because she quietened down a lot. Six months later she was like a different person. She had been given a council house and her life was transformed. If only your neighbour could be magically looked after too.

It must be very trying to be dyslexic Doodle. Your poor son and DGS. It seems surprisingly common. Some of the most creative people I know have dyslexia. Is it inherited?

NZ son phoned yesterday as DGS was doing a school project and wanted to know all about my gt grandfather. I suggested I would look out stuff for him. No time I need it now! so I had to rack my brains to think of some key things from this man's life. He was a mariner and drowned off the wild west coast of NZ where even now there are notices saying you can swim there but don't bother taking a towel.....

Sleep well all Lobstars. Good Night and Special thoughts for Panache

I've never had the privilege of this sort of partnership but it sounds lovely.

“What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life? To strengthen each other in all labour, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting.”
George Eliot Adam Bede

Doodle It's interesting to learn I share some of the challenges with your DS.
When getting to the end of a line of writing, he cannot then find the beginning of the following line Yes
When he looks at a word it moves across the page Yes
Word become blurred as he looks at them Yes

I wonder if a black window (not black widow ) would help? This is black card, approximately the size of a paperback book, from which is cut a 'window' the length and depth of one line of text.
It lays on the page and one moves it down as one reads (or tried to) .
It's helped me and I'm going to trial it with my student today. I'll let you know if it help her but of course we are all different

Cherry ah, there you are. Cooee ? ?
Hope last night was more peaceful for you.
I don’t remember you mentioning your DH was dyslexic. There’s a lot of us about. Certainly it is easier for people now with iPads, spell checks etc.
My dyslexia is not bad, helped in many ways by being an avid reader. I don’t have issues with blurred lines but my spelling is awful and I misread and misunderstand a lot.
I have seen a knitted cake stand full of knitted cakes. I’m amazed at the talent of some people. I look at Pinterest every day and just scroll through what people have made sewing, knitting, crochet, painting. Such a wealth of talent. I get inspired and defeated all at the same time ?
Grammaretto dyslexia can be hereditary. Certainly I think it is in our family.
Good job you have done some family history and we’re able come up with something on your great grandfather. I wonder how many in your DGS’s class will be able to provide such information an their ancestors.
I couldn’t tell you much about my grandfather let alone my great grandfather on either side.
Are you potting today? I plan some painting given half a chance.
Kaimoana that’s a lovely quote.
Interesting, does that mean you have dyslexia too?
Thanks for your suggestion.
My son had intensive one to one help from a specialist dyslexia teacher (our GP’s wife) who improved his reading ability no end. He also married my DIL who loves books and inspired him to read at night which he now enjoys.
Unfortunately, my DGS is far more interested in computer games. I don’t think he can understand the joy of reading a good book. One other thing you could try with your young girl is to print out words on coloured paper.
The difference coloured lens glasses makes to my DGS is unbelievable. If he is given anything like black on white he has to hold the page touching his nose and reads one word at a time slowly. With his glasses on he can read at normal distances quite fluently.
Very sunny here today but a fierce wind. I can hear it gusting around the buildings.
Waitrose later then a windy walk I think. ?

Good morning ?

I've just booked tickets for Tim Minchin in November.....whoop whoop!

I've booked a seat for Mr M in case I haven't murdered him he's feeling better by then. He's currently scoffing a boiled egg so I don't think he's as whingey poorly as he was yesterday.

I've been immersed in early Irish Quaker records for the last few days. My family is mentioned in them quite a lot but I don't think they were Quakers. They were tax and tithe collectors for the English and were not universally loved.....but I'm quite fond of their dastardly spirit. It's the beauty of the handwriting and the clarity of the books that I've enjoyed.

H Beagle has just enjoyed a fresh mouse from Fergal - I came out of the loo to find her with its tail hanging out of her mouth like a floppy cigar....and Fergal walking away with a distinct air of dejection.

It's interesting reading about your dyslexia trials....DS has dyspraxia and because his mind races along he can't write quick enough to keep up. He was allowed to type all his exams from GCSE to a master's - good job because no one would have read a word of his handwriting.

I must away but not without sending my hugs to all missing ones....

Hello again Lobstars,

I was going to do all sorts of interesting things today and yes Doodle the nice warm pottery called but I was thwarted.
I received a letter from DH bank saying that direct debits had been stopped and why was that? I thought it had all been dealt with but no. I phoned and half an hour later spoke to a series of females who passed me around until I spoke to Zoe in Bereavements.
She took details and has closed down the account (I hope) but she needed the death certificate and the name of the Registrar. There was no name only a totally illegible signature and she had me desperately trying to decipher this signature. I failed. lfa....dss really?
Oh that it was some Quaker manuscript from the 17th Century Mamissimo it would have been a doddle.

Also an odd thing today. I looked out and the flag was gone from the flagpole. It has been flying at half-mast since he died and I thought it had probably blown off in last night's storm.
I went outside and there it was neatly plonked on the front doorstep. Did it land there by itself?
Am I going bonkers?

A warm greeting from an extremely blustery Wales.

Such good humour here and I would love to join in,however am still oh! so very tired despite the helping hands.
Although blessed with an overnight carer it is impossable to sleep,furthermore my dear man now only seem s to want me to aid,whatever his need.............and naturally I am there in a moment.
We are coping but it is getting evermore heart breaking seeing this lack of strength and even a dip in spirits........and I can offer nothing.
But I am happy and thankful for the help on offer,such kindness and understanding shown us.
We can but take each new day and make the best of it.

Here`s hoping you are all in good form,we certainly cannot be morose for long when Mamissimo is around!!!!

Have yourselves a peaceful and perhaps even a productive day dear friends.

Panache.I’m sure you are giving so much of yourself to your man. Giving him much needed comfort at this time. Hoping you have good days among the bad and that you get some time to rest.
Don’t think there will be much productiveness in this house today. Was awake a lot in the night as we’ve had horrendous gales here and it’s still so windy. At 5 am we were awoken again by anguished cries from our cat who was obviously desperate to go out. Theo is usual kept in at night but it was obviously an emergency. Went downstairs let him out and then lay awake worrying what he would get up too! He returned at 630 announcing his arrival loudly! Now have a throbbing headache!
Mamissimo it’s quite a while since Theo has brought us a mouse. Usually they are intact but sometimes with a head missing! Ugh!
It’s interesting doing your family tree isn’t it? Got a shock several years ago to receive a letter from someone who told me my father who I never knew was also his father - so I now have a half brother! Tony was living in Greece at the time but we did meet up once when he came over on holiday. However it was nothing like that Cilla Black programme- can’t remember the name! - where people sling themselves Ito each other’s arms! But we got on ok and had a nice chat.
Grammaretto Sorry you’ve had bank problems. When my first husband died I had the same. Pleased your flag was ok. Expect someone found it and kindly put it back on your doorstep.
Sorry to hear both Kaimoana and Doodle have dyslexia problems. Very lucky in our family as no one has that problem. Must be awful not to be able to enjoy reading. I read a lot especially in the last few months.
Hope everyone has a good day

Mamissimo glad you’ve got your tickets and have something to look forward to. Glad MrM is feeling better, if only for his own safety ?
Your reading matter sounds interesting. Whilst not interested in my own family history so much, I do like historical things.
How nice of Fergal to make sure Honey beagle is having a varied diet ?
Grammaretto a strange happening. Do you think the flag blew off in the wind and was rescued by some kindly neighbour and returned to you. It’s odd you didn’t find it wet and soggy in some corner of the garden. Glad you’ve got it back though.
Panache you say you can offer nothing when in fact you give everything you have and I’m sure MrP knows that.
I am sorry that even with someone there, you cannot sleep.
I expect MrP gets such comfort from you being with him.
I’m glad those with you are kind. Hope you get some chance to rest yourself.
Jan it’s been very windy here too but probably much more so where you are. I was up really early today too. I wonder if it was Theo’s cries to be let back in I heard ?. Glad he’s home safe. Hope your headache wears off soon.
Well we have put all the Waitrose delivery through the wash and dry cycle and are now braving the wind for a walk.
Back later.

I may or may not be back later. At the moment I am stuck to my chair, I have eaten too much and don’t have the energy to move.
Normally I only eat fruit after dinner but DH wanted an Apple strudel. Seemed mean not to join him so we both had one with a carton of double cream ?. Went for a walk earlier and got rained on. At least it wasn’t too cold. The wind seems to have died down.

Cherry does all that activity actually result in some help for your neighbour and children ? Why don't the cops hide and wait for her to kick off, if they doubt you?

Doodle No, I'm not dyslexic, but it seems the AMD mimics some of the symptoms.

I've tried the coloured backgrounds for my student (her Dad also has dyslexia but in his childhood, nothing was available to help) but she's not interested.

Nor will she wear the very expensive blue glasses her parents bought.
She tried the black window I made but shrugged at it.
I think she'd just rather not bother reading, rather than do anything to help herself.

Meanwhile, her teacher has suggested we discuss the curriculum content - they are doing Myths and Legends- so we tried that last night. Very little response.
I'll persevere.

Panache Don't sell yourself short; you are doing everything possible just by being there all the time and loving your dear man. Love and care is what he needs most of all.

Grammaretto
That's what happened - the flag blew off its pole and some kind soul put it on the doorstep.

You would think, would you not, that my being at the opposite end of the world and in late summer, the weather would be different? Nope, we've had wild winds here too. Not today, mild and calm but I think we got the tail end of a hurricane earlier.

Every cricket season (the insect not the game) I find at least one in my bed. They hop over my hair at night and are the very divil to catch.

Had to look up Tim Minchin - rather weird.

Unexpected call from friend Shilear (daughter in law to Kamal - some of you will remember him)
This is the first time I've heard from her since he died in September 2019.
She's taking me out for coffee.
What a mad social whirl I'm having this week - and just as I'm practising to be a hermit too

Wishing everyone a peaceful night and as Captain Tom Moore says in his autobiography (I've just started it) I hope tomorrow will be good day for you all.

Panache it's good to hear that the help is good but they'll never be able to offer the special care that you can. You have more strength than you know.

Kaimoana I had you down as an educated and cool lady! Many educated cool ladies of all ages have a soft spot for the razor sharp weirdness of Tim Minchin. There is something feral about him that stirs a sense or two - and he has a steady hand with the eyeliner. He highlights the cant and the hypocritical and is a very clever musician and commentator. A night in his company is joy.....and Mr M likes him too.

DD's MiL has sent us the jigsaw that DD gave them for Christmas----I may be gone some time.....

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202103/medium-397244-img-1247.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202103/medium-914793-img-1246.jpg

Mamissimo Oh my goodness, I can assure you, I'm neither of those things, far from it and having never heard of Minchin before, I went to YouTube and watched part of "Prejudice"...couldn't stand to watch the whole thing.

I have a particular dislike of the affectation by singers of non-US origin, who put on fake American accents. Most Kiwi singers do it too - it drives me mad. Does Minchin talk like an American in conversation I wonder? If not, why sing like one?

I wouldn't know what he's like with the eyeliner !! (not as good as Boy George I trow) but he obviously hasn't washed or combed his hair since about 2003. Feral doesn't appeal to me at all... I can just imagine the smell yuk.

But then, to be perfectly honest, I can't think of any musician/performer I'd actually go out of my way and pay to see. Blame it on my Yorkshire heritage.

Great trip out with Shilear today, nice to catch up with her after all this time.

My son's coming over again tomorrow (Yipee!) as Shilear's husband is his mechanic and the car is due for its WOF (MoT).

We'll have breakfast together (without Gubbins) and I'm going to knock up a batch of butter shortbread for DS to take back for the boys in the workshop.

Hanna brought a little padded dress for Mila; originally purchased for a friend's child but Mum rejected it, how sad. It'll be a few years yet before it fits the lassie.

It's from 'Organic Mom' and according to its label cost 130KW. I just hope my dil doesn't reject it as well.

Brilliantly sunny and hot all day.
My doctor is driving down with some Vitamin K for me and has made me promise to ring for an ambulance if I have any problems over the weekend.
That's scared me more than the health issue
What an exciting life I lead. hee hee.

I can't keep up with you busy people!
Doodle on the subject of knitted teapots. I know a potter who makes teapots which look as though they are knitted.

Not functional but perhaps beautiful or in the words of Miss Jean Brodie "For those who like that sort of thing,” said Miss Brodie in her best Edinburgh voice, “that is the sort of thing they like.

I'm reserving judgement on Tim Minchin, Mamissimo
since I know nothing about him.
I am very glad you have the good humour of MrM back again.

I have just navigated my garden land in the company of a man from the Council to discuss the water problem.
He said he was Environmental Health. I assumed it would be someone from Environment/Landscape dept etc but perhaps they are cutting down on staff. He didn't have much of a clue and told me he was about to retire. I suggested he got some quotes for drainage work, which the council could pay for, to keep my neighbour happy and also to look at the land registry to see who owns what and who is responsible for what.
We'll see.....

Lucky Gubbins Kaimoana her first kilt! I'm sure she'll be in it in no time.
I was disappointed to see that cardigan number 2 barely fitted DGD. Yet the sweater I am knitting for my friend will be down to his knees.

Panache you are an uncomplaining, loving soul who is doing the utmost for your beloved. That is all we can do as partners. I miss mine every day.

I hadn't realised you had been widowed too Jan but some years ago? How intriguing to discover a half brother.
A similar thing happened to my DB, who lives in Denmark but was born in NZ He was in NZ at the whale watching and wrote his name in the register. As he did so, the booking lady said that was her grandfather's name. My DB said it was his too. Ah but mine came from here. Yes so did mine....The upshot was my dad had a half-sister he never knew about. More recently on a trip to NZ we met this other side of the family. Grandpa had fathered a child before he married DGM. I wonder who knew? I'm sure plenty.

Grammeretto. I was widowed in 1995 very suddenly. My husband had a heart problem and was called to the hospital for a stress test. While he was on the treadmill he collapsed suddenly and they couldn’t revive him. I was obviously devastated but carried on on my own till a friend introduced me to my now DH. That’s my sob story!!
Kaimoana. Oh dear - hope you stay well over the weekend and the vitamin K does you good. Wouldn’t get doctors here delivering medication!
Chrrry. Hope your neighbour gets the help she obviously needs but more so hope the children are ok..
Doodle All that food!! Not a lover of cakes or puddings but love savoury nibbles!

Evening all, wild and windy here.
Kaimoanait looks like you will have your hands full with that young lady. Sounds a bit like my DGS. I always think of that expression ‘you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. I love him to bits by the way.?
Nice you have had a catch-up with Kamal’s DIL.
You must be so exited to see your son tomorrow. I know how much you love your chats.
That’s a cute little outfit. Hope your DIL likes it.
I had never heard of Tim Minchin either. We all have different tastes and humour is one that can be quite varied.
I’m amazed your GP came with your tablets, I hope you are ok. It sounds a bit serious if he’s worried how you will be over the weekend. Hope you are ok,
I’m so excited for you Mamissimo. How thrilled you must be to have another lovely jigsaw to drive you round the bend spend happy evenings on together. ?
Grammaretto I think I’d rather have your pottery knitted teapot that a real knitted one. It’s very nicely done.
Doesn’t sound as thought your Environment chap really knew what he was doing. Hope you get the problem sorted.
Shame your cardigan is a bit on the small side, amazing how quickly these little ones grow. Perhaps you should give her the sweater instead. ?
Interesting story about your brother and finding another member of the family. What a surprise they must both have had.
Jan so sorry about your first husband. What a terrible shock that must have been.
I love savoury food too. Far more than sweet things really. It’s DH who likes his puddings I just join in ?

Hello lovely Lob-stars!

So sorry Jan that must have been a dreadful time for you . I am so glad you are happy again.
My DF died suddenly when I was 5 and my poor DM was left with 3 of us to bring up on her own including a baby of 8 weeks. She never found anyone else.

My onion sets arrived yesterday and I think they will go in the raised bed. The kale in there has been eaten by something in the last couple of days. Pigeons?

I hope your visit from DS and Gubbins went well Kaimoana .
DMiL is supposed to be being driven to see me, in the garden, today. I wish it were warmer or she could come indoors.. The sun is not shining and it is forecast sleet showers with a fresh breeze, maximum temp of 6° Brrr

I wonder if Mamissimo is doing her jigsaw

I will pop in later to see how you are all doing.

Good morning gang ?

DD2 has taken delivery of her new puppy and very cute she is too! Her senior dog, a beautiful German Shepherd, is getting on a bit and as she's so well behaved they decided to get a puppy so that she can teach it how to 'dog'.

It made me think that if Mr M took a similar view he might introduce a younger wife into the household......and he'd get more than he bargained for! I would be far too cunning to teach her the right way to fit in.....maybe dogs are different?

It's now very definitely sowing time....this weekend/week I will be doing parsnips, beetroot, turnips, lettuce, parsley, brocolli, nicotiana and potting up dahlias. The bored beans are coming on a treat and so are the garlic....rather a lot of garlic...and the shallots.

Mr M thinks it's sewing time and is trying to persuade me to get a machine out and make 2 double sheets into fitted sheets for our daft bed. It's German and the two mattresses are a strange size. I can buy sheets of sandpaper cheap sheets from IKEA but I can get the sateen finish 800 thread count his delicate sensibilities require. The sun is shining so he hasn't got a hope!

If you fancy some time pottering around with compost do drop into the greenhouse - it's lovely and warm and there's a bottle of Sherry under the staging good for the soul ?

Gosh Jan losing your first DH must have been one hell of a shock! It certainly brings home Live for the Day.

Mamissimo Our DD1 has ordered a second dog for next autumn! Dog number one died last summer and although dog number two seems very happy being an only dog, he needs a pal for when they go back to work. He's the soppiest spaniel ever (and rather dim) so being left alone is purgatory for him. The breeder is a friend and thinks she can manage to arrange puppies for the autumn! All this is because we've said we don't 'do' puppies and we're the free dog sitters in the summer! Granddog sitting gives me my dog fix so I'm quite looking forward to another dog in the family.

(((Hugs))) Panache.

I'm now off up to my playroom to start sorting all the boxes of photos we've got which aren't in albums. There's rather a lot!

Now let me see ... testing my brain function .. slightly iffy but acceptable. Had to be sure before I try to post ?

Grammaretto I'm struck by the similar family circumstances we both had when we were young. My father died when I was 6, leaving my mother with 3 of us to look after on her own. One difference is that my father didn't die suddenly. Another is that we were all school age. Like your mother my mother never found anyone else either, she never wanted to.

You asked what about contacting Social Services re.my neighbour. That's the first thing I tried, virtually zero interest from them. Social Services in our area are very hit and miss depending on who answers the phone or who's on duty. Some accuse you of interfering in something you shouldn't, some see you as a busybody, some tell you it's normal for mummy to shout at the children and that there's no law against shouting at your children and some (rarely even in normal times) tell you that they'll investigate and thank you for your concern.

I hope it wasn't too cold and you got to see your DMiL today. It's so frustrating not being able to see loved ones properly, if at all, and especially to have to sit outdoors when it's cold.
By the way, I love that teapot!

Kaimoana, it sounds like the young lady you are trying to help doesn't want to learn. It could be that she's been so put off she's negative about learning and any proposed method to help she is sceptical about or afraid to try. Perhaps she's so disheartened from past experience she has given up or it could be that she really doesn't care anymore and resents the fact that she is being made to have outside help. Whilst her teacher has suggested you discuss the curriculum that's not usually the best place to start is it, at least that's what I found when I was teaching basic skills. We nearly always started with something the person was interested in or passionate about.
I'm glad you had a nice time catching up with Shilear ?.
I love the dress Hanna brought you for Mila, I hope it doesn't get passed over this time, it's cute and she'll look cute in it all too soon.
I hope you have a fabulous day with your DS. Breakfast without Gubbins - does that mean you won't see her this time round?

Oops, brain cell breakdown absolutely ridiculous ?, a break I think ?

It went really well thanks. It could have been warmer but this is Scotland not the S of France and we were suitably clad and blanketed.
I was nervous being hostess to 4 and there was some carting of chairs downstairs and outside but half the sunken cake was left and I made scones. They brought champagne and we toasted our little matriarch.

Later DS came over unexpectedly with his entire family, including puppy dog, which I wasn't expecting. Surprise!! Surprise!! (wasn't that the Cilla Black programme Jan?)

Now I need a nap after all that socialising.

Yes Cherry our families were quite similar. It must have been very hard for our DMs. Mine never wanted anyone else although she was lonely sometimes.

? *Grammaretto. They bought champagne and we toasted our little matriarch put a smile on my face and then I read DS came over unexpectedly with his entire family put a grin on my face ?
It was definitely hard for my mother, her life was generally a hard one. She was one of ten and her own mother died when her youngest sister was a toddler. My mother was one amazing woman.

Panache, your sense of powerlessness is clear; I can offer nothing. It is not true, you give the most important thing any human being can give, you give your love. It's not an offer to Mr P, it's given freely. I hope you've managed to get some rest and are having a gentle weekend together x

I haven't seen a picture of your DD Mamissimo but aww to say, very cute she is too is a lovely thing to say about her except you were talking about the new puppy ?
? is Mr M trying to avoid your new jigsaw by trying to encourage cajole you to get your sewing machine out? Clearly you have the other type of sowing in mind. I think I like the idea of your type of sowing better, especially the end result - the world just wouldn't be the same without broccoli ?

Dyslexia obviously runs in your family Doodle. It runs in my WP's family and mine too. In his case from on his mother's side and in mine on my father's. My WP's dyslexia is quite mild, his sister is more effected by it. I follow my mother and don't have dyslexia.

Now what ... I will return.