The Lockdown Gang - Just chatting ⭐️

Cherry hope the kitchen is going well and you are coping with all the disruption.
I do feel so much better with my hair cut.
My knees won’t let me do too much Zumba. I have to be careful with them. I could never join a real class. I would always be the one going one way while everyone else goes the other. I was tell my DGD last night that one of the steps I find really difficult, it’s called the grapevine. Oh, she said, you mean this one and did it straight away. Mind you she has been doing ballet and dance for over 15 years ?
Hope you get a good night tonight and get plastered tomorrow ?
Grammaretto it might have been raining but the views from your walk are lovely. Sounds as though you had a good soaking.
I asked Jeeves to pour a little something extra in your hot chocolate tonight to warm you up.
Sleep well all.

Hello Lobstars,

I like the idea of keeping my hair long but in reality I don't look anything like these beautiful people so I must make friends with the hairdresser having growled at him a couple of weeks ago when he couldn't fit me in and see if I can make an appt.

www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/may/02/chop-and-change-a-retro-shaggy-mullet-will-be-the-hairstyle-for-summer
(ignore T Blair )

How is kitchen progress Cherry?
Doodle another confession: apart from being very energetic , I don't think I know what zumba is. Thanks for the initiation.

I knew it made you hot because the class before our yoga always left the heating off and opened the windows so I couldn't understand why the classes didn't swap times.

I discovered on the walk that people have these apps on their phones which measure steps/miles. Ofcourse you all know that but I wouldn't know whether 10k steps was a lot or a little.
DM , who loved shopping but not exercise, said it was 2miles to walk around one floor of Harrods!

I can betya Kaimoana is listening to her audio books.
I hope DH is ok after his small op Jan

Love and hugs for the Panaches xxxooo

Good morning ?
Mr M was purring away this morning so I guess his cycling wore him out. He wheeled it to the barn, disappeared inside with it and .....that was it! I think he loves the idea of getting on his bike but his knees have other ideas.

I had to let him out of the attic because I needed him to remove a screw or two that weren't loose. He made himself useful so I fed him last night.

The plonkers from next door (who ground feed birds) have done such a good job in attracting wildlife that for the first time I am being plagued by pigeons in my cabbages. They peck away every time my back is turned so I may get Mr M to sit in front of the cabbages with a shotgun have to make a scarecrow. Do scarecrows scare pigeons?

I have a meeting at our party venue this morning to see if their oven is big enough for 100 pasties at one go. I think I already know it won't be, but I'll travel in hope. We have a well tried routine for catering for parties....we only serve champagne cocktails or soft drinks.....food is a Cornish pasty in a serviette and cake in a serviette for dessert. I get the pasties from Cornwall by courier and there's no washing up! Simples.

Can't go without sending my thoughts to Panache . If I was allowed to be god for a bit I'd change a few things at the moment. I've given him my feedback......x

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202105/medium-891076-hawk.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202105/medium-126598-hawk2.png

Kia ora koutou katoa, ngā kōura ataahua

Grammaretto You won your bet. Having just finished The Santa Dolores Stage by W. C. Tuttle: a very funny western and beautifully read, I'm about to start Driverless: intelligent cars and the road ahead, Lipson and Kurman.
I regret this technology won't be up and running (a phrase I dislike but in this case is singularly appropriate) in time to benefit me.

It's National Walking Month too, so your efforts up the banks and braes was a celebration - even if it didn't feel like it.

Mamissimo Sorry you have a screw loose but I think we've all realised that from your hilarious posts. Please don't ask MrM to tighten it, I'd hate for you to be sensible and dull.
Did you know it's National Roast Leg of Lamb Day? nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-roast-leg-of-lamb-day-may-7

There are various ways to deter pigeons; this may appeal: Greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/pigeon-pie-recipe-mushrooms (with madeira!)

Some swear by shiny things, old CDs f'rinstance, strung across the brassica but I prefer the suggested silhouettes. Make a weatherproof hawk, hang it over your cabbages and as long as it's above the pigeons they won't go under it to feed.

Then I suggest you make up a leaflet mentioning all the nasty diseases pigeons communicate to humans, some of them life-threatening, and shove it through next door's letterbox.

Cherry hope you are not too disrupted by the kitchen remodelling. How's progress with your troubled neighbour?

Jan16 Hope your DH is doing well.

And of course, the Panaches - our thoughts are with you always, and as with everything else you've gone through, it's a matter of just persevering day by day.

Missedout I thought of you today when I asked Alexa to play me Jerome K Jermone's Three Men in a Boat -to say nothing of the Dog. I really do hope there are no mishaps this time.

Have a good day everyone.

Grammaretto I only know what Zumba is as I’ve been watching on YouTube recently. I think calling what I do Zumba is stretching the limits ?. Basically exercise to music is what it seems to me. The one I watch is slow exercise to slow music not quite the speed most of the people reach ?
That’s a dreadful picture of TB on your link. You’d have thought Cherie would have given him a quick going over with the clippers before he got to that state.
DH is one of those obsessed with his phone app when we walk. His counts steps but also shows the route you’ve taken via GPS. At some point in our walk his pocket talks to him and tells him how far he’s walked and at what speed.....but like Alexa, I tell her to keep quiet. ?
Mamissimo glad MrM has been released from captivity.
I can see MrM now in his new job, dressed like Worzel Gummage, running around between the cabbages and flapping his arms.
What a brilliant idea for a party. One I’d never have thought of but perfect. I love Cornish pasties and cake and bubbly........got any going spare ?
Kaimoana I hadn’t actually thought about the benefits of driverless cars but I see what you mean now. I would actually like one myself because I hate driving.
I missed the roast leg of lamb day. Tonight dinner will be.......a bacon sandwich. We were out walking the other day and out of the blue DH suddenly said, I would love a bacon sandwich. I just happen to have some bacon in the freezer so intend to surprise him at dinner tonight. I’ve also made him a chocolate cake so he will be well and truly spoilt.
Have a good day reading and enjoying yourself.
Cherry hope the kitchen is going well.
Panache any news on when MrP might be coming home? Hope you are taking care of yourself.
Dragonfly hope you and Dexter are ok.
We are off to Henley this afternoon for a walk by the river there. Might persuade DH to buy me an ice cream if the shop is open. Back later,

“Doodle” looked at Zumba today and thought it looked quite interesting but not interesting enough for me to take it up! Don’t think I would be much good doing Zumba on my own. Would need company! I do an “old people’s exercise class” but of course it’s been banned for months. No idea when it will start again. Like it because we have a chat and can talk to the person next to you -well talk and moan!
Yes DH fine. Dressing off leg too. That’s having to be dressed 3 times a week for 6 months! Good job we’re not far from the surgery! One on face doesn’t need dressing. Just need to get radiotherapy over now!
“Kaimoana “ you always make me giggle. Poor “Missedout” with a screw loose! Think we’ve all got the odd one loose at least!
And of course the *Panaches”. So hope things are a bit better now and hopefully Mr P will be home soon.
Been a glorious sunny day here so we had a ride to a very busy coast. Apparently it’s going to be very wet tomorrow then warm and sunny on Sunday. Fingers crossed!

If you’re interested in my very slow Zumba, this is the one I’m doing. Even I can cope with this ?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BH2ec1w-9Q
I’m sure it’s more fun doing it with other people but at the moment I’m more likely to knock others over by going the wrong way .
Hope your DH is doing well. That’s a lot of dressings. When does the radiotherapy begin? Hope you enjoyed your trip to the coast. I have my fingers crossed for a trip to the coast in the next week or so.
We had a lovely trip to Henley today. Treated ourselves to an ice cream as we walked along the towpath. I did notice an muscle ache in my nether regions ....I think my exercise routine is working.
My new trousers from cotton traders arrived today and I am very pleased with them. I bought a size bigger than usual and they are certainly more comfortable .

Hiya gangStars

We were well and truly plastered in the kitchen by lunchtime today ?. All the plumbing, which we expected to be done tomorrow, has been done too! These guys don't mess about. We're pleased with the quality of the work so far too. We finally bought our tiles yesterday too, I know we were cutting it fine but no harm done and are happy with the ones we chose. I'm sure they'll work well.
No work being done this weekend now ?. Some peace and quiet (shhh)?.

My neighbour has been very subdued, so much so it's been like she hasn't been in the house (much). We've seen her just the once and heard her maybe twice, both times very brief outbursts this week. Neither her ex or the girls have been to visit. The local PCSO phoned me yesterday following a message I had left her over a week ago and told me that she is arranging a visit to Jo along with the social services. The PCSO only works part-time so she couldn't tell me exactly when but she's hoping it will happen next week. She also said that trying to get the social services to do anything is almost like banging your head against a brick wall. She didn't need to tell me really, I know already. She also told me not to hesitate to call the police if Jo becomes disturbed, especially if she's "banging about" like she's wont to do as that means it is impossible to assume she is safe from herself. That's what I've done before and I've been ignored ?. I think there is a flashing light now though, albeit a small one with a bit of flickering, regarding Jo so I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed ?.

Cherry you’ve been at the booze ?
Good to hear the work is progressing well. Sounds like you have a good team.
What are your tiles like?
Good to hear things have been a bit better with your neighbour. Hopefully the powers that be are going to be more help in future.
The ladies in soop’s kitchen wanted a photo of my haircut so I thought I’d put one here for you to see too. I am so pleased to have my hair short again.......even if it does mean I have to wash my neck ?

Your hair looks fabulous Doodle and it in great condition, so sleek and shiny ?. I'm envious ?, your colour is very close to my natural colour but my hairdresser charges too much for me to go back to.

Grammaretto I was reading an article a little while ago that said the mullet was making a comeback ?. Will those '80s artificial ponytails for men make a comeback too do you think ?. Some things should never come back in my book ?. As for Mr TB's hair the less said the better.
If you like the idea of keeping your hair long why not do it ? I had mine long for years and may one day go back to growing it long again. My friend and neighbour, the one who died last year, kept hers long and it really suited her, beautiful silver grey (occasionally with a streak of blue) ?.

Aww Mamissimo, Mr M was purring away in the barn after you let him out of the attic to go on his bike ride. I hope he didn't wake up saddle sore aching after his ride and that he enjoyed it.
Kaimoana is right, shiny things like cds are quite effective at deterring pigeons but they scare other birds away too ?. They're not very keen on buzzards ...

Kaimoana how did I not know it was national leg of lamb day ?. Oh well, I haven't got an oven to cook one in at the moment ... I could have cooked half a leg in the slow cooker ?. Too late now. We had lasagna instead ?
National walking month too! Didn't know that either. I've got some steps to catch up with then ?

Jan I'm pleased that Mr J is okay ?. Six months three × a week is a lot of dressings. That must have been nasty indeed, I'm glad he no longer needs them. When I burnt my hand the first time mine was being dressed three × a week for about twelve weeks, then twice a week for four. I got thoroughly fed up with it but what the burns unit did was remarkable ?

Sending a cwtch to you Panache ?

Doodle you look about 15! What super hair.
I looked at the Zumba too. It's not at all gentle. It's very energetic.
I've had a very lazy day. I planted my tatties. It sounds impressive but it took about 2 minutes and then I watched the election results and knat. That's knitting in the past tense.
The painter came - a new one- who grumbled that other workers have carried on through the lockdown but he obeyed the rules.
What a result Cherry! I'm so glad your kitchen is almost done. Your neighbour has been quieter too.
I am so tired tonight. Too much inactivity.

Your party sounds fab Mamissimo
Night night everyone. I'm off for an early night.

Thanks Cherry for some reason my hair is more manageable now than it has ever been. When I was younger it was tight blond curls then it gradually went brown and has stayed that way ever since. The tight curls gradually became waves and with the invention of heated tongs I can tame it down a bit too.
I never liked men with those little thin pony tails. Not too fond of the mullet look either.
Hope you’re managing for food without your kitchen. Are you washing up in the bath? That’s what we did when ours was being done ?

You wouldn’t say that if you saw the front Grammaretto
Is a Knat and Nattered person one who has been to a knit and natter group ?
Have a good night. Jeeves is on the way with your hot chocolate. Sleep well

A little rant:
I'm astonished that all the driverless cars I've looked at, have wheels! Why?
They give only a forward or back motion. If they had ball-runners, they could slip sideways, into a parking space f'rinstance. Haven't we all wished that was possible?

They also need to be telescopic when not occupied.

Storage/parking is going to be a problem when this technology takes off, so a car which can reduce its bulk will be vital.
Seems to me the designers are still locked in to 'what is' rather than 'what works best'. They need to think so much outside the box that they forget the box.

As I said Doodle your hair is beautiful

Cherry plastered and plumbed - gosh, what fun you're having

Grammaretto Your dour painter has a point, it must be galling to lose out on jobs and then find others have been working illegaly.

All you Zumba Babes, how do you tolerate the racket?
I followed Doodle's link and within seconds the music had me desperately bashing the mute button. The damage done to my psyche by such ghastly sounds far outweighs what little good it might do my body.
The Zumba lady was wearing my socks!

Just sent a lesson on to my wee fellow in Korea as I shan't be able to teach him tomorrow with Gubbins coming to grizzle at visit me.

Jeeves me ole fruit, when you bring my fortified hot chocolate, nip in and get a couple of Mamissimo's pasties please. Just check they're not pigeon pasties first, there's a good lad.

Zumba away me hearties!

Thanks for the Maori greeting Kaimoana
I hope there was no grizzling at all from the beautiful Ms Gubbins. This reminds me we called DD Grizzelda when she was a bairn. Her brothers had nicknames too as babies. Jolly Bolly was one. He still can be a jolly fellow.

Knit and Natter Doodle is very polite. It's Stitch n Bitch around here although another group is called Crafternoon Tea. Ours is just the Yarn Group which covers most things.
It will be great when we can meet again at the arts cafe.

I felt a bit awkward explaining to the painter why I hadn't waited for him to come out of Lockdown and had gone with the semi-illegal guy. whose name I did not divulge It was vague because trades were doing emergencies and my ceiling had fallen in so it felt like an emergency. Interpretation of the law. etc..

I am hoping for the veggie pasty thanks Mamissimo with bored beans. Mmm.

Driverless cars. Yes it will be great. I haven't even got an electric car yet although my garden girl has an electric van and our vegetable delivery vans went electric years ago
www.facebook.com/eastcoastorganicsscotland/

Poor DH Jan all those dressings don't sound much fun.

I'm reserving judgement on the Zumba. I liked her striped legs and I didn't have the sound on but gentle yoga is gentler.

See you later gang!

☔️☔️????. And that sums up today! Plus tomorrow’s promised sunshine has now changed to cloudy! Grrrrr.
*Doodle” Just heard that the Old Folks exercise class starts back on 17th. Not sure I’d I’m pleased or not! Like all the chattering but boy we will be unfit!
Driverless cars? No thank you! I like to be in control. Kaimoana. We once had a car that parked itself. The steering wheel used to spin round on its own and was very scary. Did a good job though but only used it a few times!
Cherry pleased your neighbour has been quiet recently and that your kitchen is getting there. As I used to tell myself “it will be worth it when it’s finished” and it was!
DHs radiotherapy starts on June 1st but we have to go next Thursday to have the mask made. Then on 21st we are off to Yorkshire for a week then radiotherapy begins. Enjoy your Saturday everyone

Why oh! Why does everything seemingly happen to us?
It is more than a little tedious.

Yesterday whilst a Doctor treating my dear man in Hospital phoned, querying one of his medications he let slip my man had fallen.
It was as if a firework had gone off in my head.
I was dumbfounded.
After all the many months I have cared for him,mainly single handedly,he has never had such as a "near miss" because I fear so much of a fracture apart from all else.
Of course I truly went off on one,questioning non stop.
He offered to go and find all the facts...... which he did when `phoning back.

He had been examined from top to toe,there were no injuries,bruises or the like.
However I simply could not settle and although still strict "No visiting" I quickly changed, deternindly setting off towards the bus stop rather a distance away.
This `bus took me to the Hospital some 7/8 miles away.

On arrival and inquiring about visiting (despite the numerous signs) saying that my husband had fallen,and already a seriously sick man, so I needed to see him.
There were a lot of barriers ........but I was on a mission.
When asked to come to Sister`s Office near to the Ward I did not hesitate.
On meeting me and giving me a full account,I think the Sister realised I would not rest until I saw my man with my own eyes.................so I was allowed a 5 minute visit ........with curtains hiding me from view of others.

What joy.......and utter relief to see him there,unscathed and looking a whole lot better than the very frail man that left our home a few days earlier.
Yippee!! We had an hour and a half together,locked in our own little world!!

As for the fall,my dear man was equally responsable I have to say,he believes he is far stronger and able than he really is........at home I can curb this,but of course I cannot always be there.

It was another trip home on the `bus plus a longish walk...........the first time on a bus for some 50 years but good practise for my future for sure.

Today I am more than happy to rest,I am absolutely worn out!!!
It is wet and miserable outdoors too so I am in the best place.
As for my emotions..............I wish I knew how to control them.

Oh Panache what a tale. No wonder you were upset having taken such good care of MrP for so long.
I am pleased you found him in good spirits and had a chance to spend some time with him.
Not surprised you’re exhausted. Good rest today and I hope he’s back home with you soon x

Kaimoana I’m sure you’re on to a good thing, car manufacturers should take note. ?
Thank you for your compliment
Funnily enough I too don’t like the music for the Zumba so I have it very low. I feel I have misled you all about my exercise. I only do the first routine, not the rest, 5 mins is about my maximum ?
I bet you’re looking forward to tomorrow. I hope Gubbins is on her best behaviour.
Jeeves, I’ll have a couple of pasties too please.
Grammaretto my boys were peanut and Popeye ?
Ooh we must be posh round here we only have knit and natter who meet in the local library. Stitch and bitch is a new one on me ?. I think your yarn group is the best name.
Looks like it’s extra pasties all round.
I may move on to yoga ?‍♂️ but not the one where you wrap your leg round the back of your head. I would be stuck like that forever.
Jan I see you have the same weather as us. A day at home for us today.
It would take me a while to build up to an exercise class. I’ve been a couch potato for too long. (Does anyone grow those ?)
Hope all goes well with your DHs radiotherapy.
Your Yorkshire trip sounds good. Are you self catering, hotel, glamping?

I didn't know where your story was going Panache when I began to read but I am mightily relieved, as you were, to find him in good spirits.
Amazing what determination you had when it was really needed. Well done !!!
Now you have seen him and spent time with him it is so much better than not knowing.

I have returned from my walk a drowned rat. I'll resume watching election coverage and knit. I feel a little like one of the tricoteuse.--and probably look like them too--

Panache you are redoubtable! Never give up!

We are almost ready to paint in DS' old bedroom. I'm covered in dust and I've flaked a nail....a first world problem I know but all the way through this darned pandemic I've had great nails!

I'm keeping so busy to stop me worriting about DD2. Tonight she injects the trigger shot to release the eggs ready for harvesting on Monday. She's doing well on the surface but I'm not fooled for one moment. I want to cuddle her up and stick a plaster on it. ?

Tonight I shall drink wine......

It's grey, it's raining .... the perfect day to just chillax ?. Just what I've needed after what has felt like a busy week!
I see that yesterday you planted your potatoes Grammaretto but had an otherwise lazy day. My turn today. Doodle, today I have been growing a couch potato ?
I woke up late, had a lazy morning so lazy in fact that I didn't even come on gn, watched a bit of football (we play tomorrow), did some of my non art, watched a bit more football and ate a ruby for dinner. Now ... I'm sitting exactly where I've been sitting all day ?

Panache, just like Grammaretto I had no idea where the events in your story were going. I was really worrying. Good for you getting on the bus and standing your ground at the hospital and ensuring you got to see Mr P. I'm glad that there's no harm done from his fall. Nothing like the reassurance that seeing that with your own eyes I'm sure.
I'm not at all surprised that you are worn out, much of it must be due to emotional and psychological duress. I hope that you are resting. Watch, read or listen to something you know relaxes you if you are not getting some, clearly much needed, sleep x

Is all the painting you needed doing done now then? I think you're right, btw, a ceiling falling in constitutes a need for emergency repairs. Well it does in my book.
I don't think it can be said quite yet that my kitchen is almost done. The room is still bare ?. All the foundations of the room have been done now though.
I'll make no comment on the stitch and bitch craft group in your area ... there's one similar "down the road" from me. Your yarn group sounds infinitely better.

Doodle I looked at the Zumba exercises you are doing with the mute button on ?. I must admit I quite like the look of it but even though I haven't heard the workout music I'll provide my own if I try it ?
The tiles we bought are traditional white (15×15cms) and smaller (15×10cms) pale blue/grey Doodle. Because our white goods are actually black ? we wanted something quite light.

Mamissimo, would you like a Cherry special sandwich? I'm sending you one anyway. I'm sending you and your DD2 positive thoughts and vibes and wishing her all the very best.

Jan it'll be good for you to have the break in Yorkshire before Mr J's radiotherapy starts. May I ask whereabouts in Yorkshire you are heading?

I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day Kaimoana and you do get a smile from Gubbins.
Driverless cars? Not bothered myself but for those who would like one I think ease of parking and lack of bulk would be a good thing. I'm not sure that even when driverless cars are commonplace I'd be allowed to be anything other than 100% passenger.
How is the "boy wonder" getting on with his studies?

Grammaretto you made me laugh. I hope there are no guillotines for the losers in the elections.
You were brave walking in the weather today. It’s been raining here most of the day.
I have been turning up hems and sorting out alterations on some of my clothes today. Made me realise why I love quilting and hate dressmaking. ?
DH has been playing around with his new phone. He stayed up late last night and is so tired he kept falling asleep over dinner. I will have to put him to bed soon.
Mamissimo good to hear the decorating is coming on
I do so hope things go well for your DD. It must be an anxious time.

cherry are you following me around? That’s twice now you’ve crept in behind me. ?
We had a ruby for dinner tonight too. Lovely.
I’m sure after a hectic week a lazy day will have done you good.
I hope our team are in good form for tomorrow. No sex, an early night and no drinking. Should I send Jeeves to keep an eye on them.?
I am trying to do my zumba exercise every day. I know it’s not much but I can feel a slight difference already. I have at last mastered the grapevine and am able to do it without falling over or going the wrong way. Once I leant the routine I can put my own music to it.
Your tiles sound nice. I hope you are pleased with the finished result.
Sleep well all.