The Lockdown Gang - Just chatting ⭐️

Jan I’m so envious of your trip. It sounds lovely.
Nice not to have to cook or decide what to eat for a while. Hope the weather remained dry for you. Your DH seems to have enjoyed himself. I get a bit scared on the single track roads. You never know when you’re going to meet something coming the other way.
I will certainly give you a photo of my sun hat soon. I’m very pleased with it. Nice to have you back with us,

Hello Lobstars, yes we have been home for a week. I seem to have spent a lot of time working through piles of washing and carefully folding 'stuff' (I don't do ironing - but sometimes think it would be quicker). We had our annual 'hunt the clothes-line socket' before I could put up the whirly clothes-line. DH put a length of sawn-off broom handle down the socket to keep mud and water out over winter but the grass grows over it in the spring and it is almost impossible to find. The sight of two 'older people' feeling around the lawn with their bums in the air must be a comic picture.

I'm in anticlimax mode, a bit depressed really. I'm more or less still shielding and the various family members have made other arrangements for this weekend, so it's just DH and I [at home] again. We live in a tourist hotspot so there are crowds about and I'm uncomfortable. The local roads are snarled up too. I don't like to travel far, toilets (or lack of) are also a problem for me.

I have an important appointment at the hospital next week. Again, I'm nervous. It's an hour's drive away. I'm hoping I'll be OK because DH isn't coming with me. I seem to have lost the plot at the moment. I know things will get better but, just now, I'm seeing only the downside.

However, a laugh is never that far away, I enjoy your posts and humour although I hope the 'missing ones' are only that because they are enjoying themselves.

Congratulations to Mamissimo's DD, and here's hoping Cherry gets beyond sandwich-making in her new kitchen.

I've been watching the odd behaviour of a little bird (Dunnock) outside my kitchen door. On several occasions I've seen it jumping up off a patio slab into our lavender bush. I thought it must be after insects but there is no fly on the leaves. Yesterday, I was close enough to see what it was doing. It was actually using its beak to snip off 2-3 inches of lavender leaves into a little pile, 3 or 4 at a time, then scooping them up in its beak and flying off, presumably to line its nest with fragrant leaves. The Dunnock is obviously more house proud than me!

My thoughts are still with the Panaches.

Jan16 You sound to have had a lovely time in my home county. I bet you’re refreshed and fighting fit now.

Grammaretto Glad to hear MiL (and you) enjoyed the Highland trip to see family. I can just imagine your grand-daughter taking over the role of hostess – bless her.

Missed out I seem to have lost the plot at the moment. I know things will get better but, just now, I'm seeing only the downside.
I’m with you there – it’s not been a good week for me either.
Your wee Dunnock is probably gathering Lavender because she knows it keeps mites and parasites away.
Clever thing.

The family came for breakfast on Saturday, not entirely successful for a number of reasons, although Gubbins is getting more used to me.
I suppose the adults’ fractiousness was due to chronic lack of sleep (Gubbins gives them only 4 hours peace) and a few other things. I felt sorry for DGS who was told off and looked very sad about it. Me too.

A number of potentially expensive technical issues with appliances sent me miserable to bed and I dreamed I sent an e-mail to God. Subject Get me out of here!
This is absolutely true and not a joke, although it may be funny.
I hope he reads it.

Also like Missedout I have unpleasant health treatments this week, which doesn't do my mood any good.

I hope all our MIA are all right {flowers]

Hello lovely Lobstar pals,
We just have to hope the missing ones are having fun somewhere.
Jan your Yorkshire week sounds idyllic. I can just imagine those country pubs and strolls.
Looks like I will get the good weather next week in the Lakes. I am beginning to get excited.

Aw the dunnock Missedout What a clever little bird. My blackbirds don't seem to be back after I accidentally disturbed their nest last year in the thick bush, related to the honeysuckle (lonicera maigrin) whilst pruning.

After my chat grilling by to DMiL I have decided I will move within 5 years - so as not to be too ancient and to somewhere with a garden. I don't mind about the house really but a garden is essential.

What else did you ask God Kaimoana?

There's a big banner across one of the local churches which says "Try Praying". But now there could be "try emailing", it might work.

I hope your medical procedures aren't as bad as you are dreading Jan and K and the Royal Dentist is gentle Doodle

Here are my DGD chooks and baby ones, There are 5 babies but some are hiding. She loves to scatter the corn for them.

Missedout that’s the only downside of going away is all the washing when you come back.
Your description of you and MrDoubt searching for the hole for the clothes line made me laugh ?
Like you, we have lots of people round here at weekends particularly bank holiday weekends. We are not venturing out tomorrow. I know several people who are a bit down at the moment. I think this whole lockdown thing has had a profound effect on many. Some are scared to go out at all. Others don’t want to have people in. I’m a bit the same myself.
It will take some time to recover from all this I think.
Had a lovely day with DS1 and family today. So nice to sit with them again and have some hugs. First time for 14 months.
Hope your hospital appointment goes ok. It’s quite a long way to go. Is it a route you know well?
Your tale of the little Dunnock bird is lovely. What a nice nest it will have with those leaves. ?
Kaimoana there you are, back again and with more interesting information. I never knew that about lavender.
I’m sorry your breakfast with the family was not as cheerful as you’d hoped. Nothing brings me down as much as worry about my family. 4 hours sleep is not enough for anyone. Is Gubbins teething? I can remember similar situation with both of my sons. My youngest DGD spent years waking at 5 am no mater what time she went to bed or how tired she was, mum and dad took turns getting up with her. DGS on the other hand couldn’t go to sleep. We all get a bit fractious if we are tired. Hope things improve for them soon.
I hope your treatments go well too.
I am sure God will get your email one way or another Kaimoana. I have a feeling we’re all keeping him quite busy at the moment.
Grammaretto your MIL sounds quite a character ?
Maybe a house move would be a good idea. Your home sounds lovely but quite a lot for you to cope with in the house and grounds. We are happy we downsized to our flat (not everyone’s cup of tea I know). We have a communal garden which is fine by us as neither of us are keen gardeners. We love living here. It suits us well. We have had some nice houses (and a dreadful bungalow ?) but at our age this is the right place for us.
That little chick is so sweet. Bet you can’t wait for next week.
panache hope you are both coping x

Dear lobstars I have had a PM from our lovely Cherry who is having a few problems at the moment. She wants us all to know she is thinking of us and sending cwtchs and hopes to be back with us soon.
Mamissimo, Cherry asked me to let you know she’s thrilled about your DD’s news.
Take care all

I'm so sorry to hear about dear Cherry, I hope things even out for her soon.

Gosh, Grammaretto are you really thinking of moving?
That will be such a big job. I wish I were near enough to give you a hand.
It's very wise to move when one is hale and hearty; I'm glad I did.

Doodle it cheered me immensely to read of your lovely, family weekend - thankyou

I hope Mammissimo has similar, joyful news to share.

I have emptied half my wardrobe into a box for Hospice (they are always looking for good quality plus size clothing) and had every intention of delivering it today but road works right outside the shop prevented that.

I haven't yet found a solution to my recalcitrant printer; meanwhile, essential print/scanning jobs are piling up.

A parcel from the USA containing a gift of silver brooches and a resin model representing Gubbins, for which I paid £20 - has gone missing.

I was told the dentist with whom I have an appointment in the morning is in receivership (it's not but I had 15 minutes of panic).

I was invited to a 'jolly' and can't go because it's on the very day I had to rescheduled my eye jab after the driver let me down.

The fearsome IRD have sent me a missive demanding I fill out a tax return, which I can't do.

The 'technician' from NZBlind who rang to get Alexa casting - turned out to be a library volunteer who knew far less than my old blind self.

I am very anxious about certain family matters (you all know what that feels like

So now you know why I haven't been posting much - because I have only dismal news and an even more dismal outlook.
Thank whatever goddesses you worship, that you've been spared

I have you all in my thoughts: Panache, Cherry, dragonfly Nfk and those I can't remember but have not forgotten. (Yorkshire logic )

Kaimoana you have been busy. I have lots of things to dispose of. Some to charity and some to the dump. Why do we collect so much.?
What a time you are having recently. Printers are a real problem when they play up and your Alexa is being uncooperative too. I hope you get both fixed.. As for your lost parcel I hope it’s located soon.
Sorry you can’t have your trip out.
Hope all your medical treatments go well this week and the dentist is still in business. ?
Hope all the gang enjoy some sunshine today. We are being naughty and sitting on our balcony having a glass of wine with our lunch. Well, it is a bank holiday here ?

Good evening ?
A very busy few days here....new roof on Mr M's shed and the laminate flooring laid in my seeing room. We had DD2 and her husband to stay and DS and his partner joined us for dinner both nights. DSil loves a job so he got stuck in. Mr M loves him very much indeed!

It was so busy that we are going to have an early night. We don't seem to be as young as we used to be.....?

Mamissimo it sounds as though you’ve had a busy but lovely weekend.
Nice for the family to be together. Hope your DD is keeping ok. I hope you saw my post up screen with the message for you from Cherry.
We’ve had a very lazy day. Planned to do much but in the end sat on the balcony and watched the people on the river.
Tidy up day tomorrow. Sleep well ?

There's nothing naughty about sitting on the balcony with DH and a glass of wine Doodle - unless you're spitting on people below?

Predictably, my email to the printer chap got lost. I phoned (not easy these days) and will take it next Monday, a public holiday but the only day I have transport.

Dental appointment was a damp squib. He decided the extraction and filling should both be done together at some future date. The shuttle wasn't coming back for 90 mins, so a long and boring wait sitting next to a drunken person playing loud (revolting) music.

Is it me, or does everyone feel more anxious about little things now they are older?

One nice thing. Taking advice from that Swedish book, I decided to ask Karen (homecare) if she'd like a couple of rather elegant Lladro ornaments - gifted to me long ago - and found she collects them and didn't have the two I was offering. We were both delighted with that.

1st June and winter begins. My trusty gas fire, by govt decree must now have new, and expensive, fittings to make it safe.
Grit yer teeths Kaimoana this too will pass.

Where is everyone? I think Grammaretto's laking about now..

Oh Kaimoana. So strange to hear a mention of winter when here summer seems to have arrived at last. Really hot today. I’m off in a bit for coffee with a friend who sadly seems to have the beginnings of dementia. Haven’t seen her for 18 months mostly due to lockdown and me putting meeting her off as I’m such a coward. Just been told by her husband that she’s no worse but that she repeats herself. Well she was doing that 2 years ago! Just going to a lovely cafe a couple of miles down the road as DH and I have to leave again at 1.15 to start the daily journey 45 miles away for his radiotherapy. ?.
And yes Kaimoana as I get older little things now frequently seem insurmountable.Never mind onwards and upwards!
Hope Cherry the Panaches and anyone else feeling poorly sad or stressed feel a bit better today.
Sending a photo of Theo waiting patiently for the last dregs of DHs cornflake milk - but don’t tell the vet!!
.

Kaimoana wouldn’t spit on my nice neighbours......especially wine, wasteful ?
That’s a nuisance about your printer. Hope he can fix it then.
And your dentist too. What a waste of time and how annoying.
I certainly have become more bothered about things. Things I used to take in my stride when younger I now fret and worry about. We live such a quiet life, anything out of the ordinary routine causes me to flap a bit.
How nice to pass your things onto someone who will appreciate them. My SIL used to collect Lladro too.
Sorry about the expense but I’m pleased your fire will be safe. We need you in one piece ?
Yes I think Grammaretto might be on the lakes. Certainly lovely weather for it. Hope she has a good time.
Jan yes I’m hot here too. Sorry about your friend with dementia. If it’s any help, what I found out with my brother was to never ask a question, never say do you remember when and never correct. I know in his early stages my SIL would correct things he said and it would upset them both. As they say just agree with what’s said and talk about things that might jog a memory. My brother loved photos. If you have any you could take them too. It’s such a sad illness but nice of you to visit .
Ah it’s radiotherapy time. Hope you get there and back ok and things go well.
Your Theo looks very well behaved....and patient ?
Cherry missing you and thinking of you.
Dragonfly hope all is well with you too.
Nortsat you’ve not been forgotten either or Nfk .
Panache you know we are all thinking of you and hope you are coping.
Take care all the gang. Off to do some housework ?

Hello dear folk,you are all certainly living life to the full in varying capacities and always a delight to read.

However life keeps on being so problematic for us that I can but keep a low profile until surely there must be that very welcome break.
My dear man has struggled for weeks and quite frankly I was at the end of my tether when once again our GP refused a visit,suggesting we ring 999 because my man presented with obvious stroke signs.
Because of another dash for the Ambulances we had a long wait but an Advanced Paramedic was sent to sit with us because of it being a real emergency.
My dearest left again for Hospital late afternoon,not only presenting with obvious stroke features but a failing hearing aid.
My heart is breaking.
He presents such a pathetic patient now and quite honestly I feel I cannot take much more.
This is now his 5th Hospital visit since Christmas.
So far the only meagre news has been that he is in desperate need of another blood transfusion..............having had 3 already only weeks ago,this of course is yet very worrying and another complication.

I feel completely and totally defeated.

Panache though it's lovely to see you here, it's so sad to read your message.
You may feel defeated but I know, as do you, that you will find strength from somewhere, as you have in the past because it's love which keeps us going. and you have an abundance of that.

Jan16 I hope your trip to the cafe wasn't too challenging. How hard it is to see our old friends deteriorate.
I miss going to cafes. When I could drive, I'd treat myself to a nice scone and cuppa almost every week; trying out different cafes.
Now alas, if I can do it once a year I'm lucky.

Even today when I went to be poked in the eye with a sharp stick, I had every intentions of treating myself in the hospital cafe afterwards. The scones and tea are excellent there.
But the driver turned up 20 minutes early

I am heartened to see that others worrit for nothing, as I do. I worry about worrying

Tomorrow I must be up betimes for a 7am pickup. Apparently we are going to meet some Filipino elders and have a song time. It sounds fun.

Love to all

Good morning ?
Panache how hard this journey is for you both but Kaimoana has hit the nail on the head again - your love will make you strong enough to get through the days. ?

It was so hot yesterday that we turned to blobby jelly so Mr M has us up early to do more decorating....he's already put the bread on to rise, cooked and eaten his breakfast he likes to breakfast like a king, lunch like a king, dinner like a king and I've read the paper ?

This afternoon we are going out for ice cream as our favourite local ice cream parlour is relocating nearer to us. They make their own ice cream and sorbets, all from local produce and all organic......and make amazing sundaes. Today we will indulge...

Mr M loves a knickerbocker glory and I usually go for something with cherries in it....or coffee...or lemon.....but never chocolate because chocolate ice cream is wrong in my book!

I have bought a night sight trail camera because we finally found droppings from the rat.....and it's not a rat! It's more like hedgehog and near our log store. It will probably turn out to be something completely different but we are determined to know what's going on while we're sleeping!

Can I get you all a cornet while I'm out? ?

Panache I too can only echo Kaimoana’s thoughts. You will get through this with the love you have for each other. I am so sorry MrP may have suffered a stroke. He sounds so frail now. I hope he gets a transfusion again soon. Know that are thoughts are always with you. Much love x
Kaimoana I hope your treatment went ok and you are safely back home again. What a shame you missed out on a trip to the cafe. Hopefully, your trip out tomorrow will give you something to look forward to.
I wish we could turn off the worry switch sometimes. ?
Mamissimo I am envious of your ice cream shop. I love icecream but most of all I love a knickerbocker glory. Oooh how I envy MrM.
My BIL bought a night sight trail camera and found out his pond was being visited at night by a badger. Quite a clear photo. I’ll be interested to see what you have in your garden.
We saw a family with 28 goslings yesterday ?. What a lot of mouths to feed.
Right gang I’m off to be crowned. ? ?

I’m saddened to read your post panache. Your virtual friends are right, love will get you through, hopefully with the help of practical support My love to you both.

Hello Gangstars from a regular reader but (now) infrequent poster. I too enjoy keeping up with everyone’s news.
Panache, it’s good to see your post, whilst recognising how challenging matters are for you and your dear one. It’s remarkable how much you have borne ... I hope you find some moments of peace during your day. Sending you both my dearest wishes (and the last iris from my garden. My mother’s name was Iris and the flowers always have an emotional resonance for me).
Doodle, I saw a photograph of a duck with about 25 ducklings somewhere on the internet yesterday. I imagine 28 goslings will cause quite a racket, when they have grown a little more. Presumably the mother didn’t lay 28 eggs, but if they are Canada Geese, I think they often look after several broods, in a sort of crèche arrangement.
Mamissimo, yes please to an ice cream cornet - a chocolate ice cream 99 would just do the trick (sorry ... but yum).
Kaimoana hope you have a lovely ‘songtime’. I look forward to hearing more.
Jan lovely photograph. I see Theo does not employ subtlety when requesting the cornflake milk! He’s a super cat. We have a ‘tuxedo’ cat called Ollie, who is similarly unsubtle about his favourite little treats!
Grammaretto your DGD’s hens are magnificent, what plumage.
Cherry so sorry to hear that you are facing some challenges. I hope you find some space and time for relaxation and peace in your days.
Missedout sending you good thoughts for your Hospital visit next week. I loved your anecdote about the dunnock collecting lavender to line his/her nest. How wonderful.
Cornergran ?

I have been in bed for about 4/5 days but successfully ventured outside for a 20 walk today, so that’s an improvement. I have had some of my meds changed and am rattling full of steroids, which always gives a me boost.

All good wishes Gangstars from Missy (one of the mog-stars) especially to Theo and from me ? x

I can’t believe I keep complaining about going 45 miles every day with DH after reading Panaches latest message. It’s impossible to understand what they are both going through and add my good wishes to them both.
Norstat Tuxedo cats are special aren’t they? Theo was a rescue cat and is the noisiest cat I have ever owned! So sorry to hear you’ve been so poorly. As a relative newbie on here I don’t know exactly what’s wrong but hope you’re still feeling better. Love to Missy!
*Kaimoana”. Trip to cafe was ok. My friend didn’t seem to have changed much. She certainly told me the same thing several times and had somehow lost her sparkle and conversation was a bit stilted. So sad but will meet up with her again soon.
Mamissimo it’s so hot here today would love an ice cream please. Cornet with a flake would be great!
Talking of ice cream when the girls were small the ice cream man used to come round. We had a big clumsy Bassett Hound then and he knew when the music from the van was played he would get a small cone! 45 years on I’m still spoiling my pets! Actually it’s more than 45 years! How did that happen?!

corner thank you for popping in to give support to panache. Hope you and yours are ok.
Nortsat how lovely to hear from you. Still very much part of ‘our gang* . Beautiful flowers. I love iris
They are indeed Canada Geese. Thank you for the information. I didn’t realise they ran a chreche. Very brave of them
Sorry to hear you are still spending a lot of time in bed. I hope things improve for you soon.
My love and best wishes to you and MrN and the Molls. Keep safe and well.
Jan it’s a long trip for you both every day. I hope you are coping ok.
I too remember the ice cream man. Showing my age I also remember the coal man and the hot chesnut man and the rag and bone man. ?
Our dogs weren’t keen on ice cream but they love peanuts. Unfortunately, they went in one end and out the other.
Well gang, I have been royally crowned. An all in one session. 2 ¼ hours. I am exhausted. Not painful at all but keeping your mouth open all that time is exacting even for me ?
Dear gang you are all such special people. All those who have contributed to this thread and the previous ones.
I hope all out gang are ok.
I hope grammaretto is having a good trip.
Take care all x

Doodle, thank you. Lovely to be here again.
You are the most kind and thoughtful Thread Leader and deserve a gold star ⭐️ (With a glass of something expensive on the balcony - you Decadent ... the dictionary definition of which, incidentally, is an ‘indulgent or extravagant person’).
I now consider myself an honorary member of the Doodle Gang-Stars Decadent Gang (*DGDG*) woo woo. ???
(*Jan*, Theo and Ollie are Executive Members of the MDGDG. (Mog-Stars Doodle Gang-Stars Decadent Gang* ??).
I think I need to go to bed now ... I may be in steroid induced overdrive...
Goodnight gang-stars ?

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202106/medium-922605-1-glory.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202106/medium-267066-flax-from-back-deck.jpg

Jan I struggled with talking about my minor troubles when I saw major ones here. A wise woman told me there was no league table; all problems were valid and could be aired.
Theo waiting for the milk is SO funny.

Nortsat Lovely to see you posting Your steroid overdrive made me laugh, I do hope you feel better soon.

Also amusing was the idea of MrM being turned to as Mr Blobby Jelly. Poor soul.

Knickerbocker Glory (invented in the 20’s to honour a recently closed but iconic NY hotel) are unheard of here but I was determined to treat my DGS and scoured the OpShops for the proper glass – to no avail.

However, at 5, he didn't even notice the tall lager glass I used .
I layered it, tipping the glass sideways so the coloured jellies set obliquely, which fascinated him and added fruits, custard, nuts, cream, chocolate sauce, the works.
He loved it but I was unaware that pretty much everything in it was ‘not allowed’ so nevr again.
This is NOT a picture of our KG which was much neater

I’ve been going to a podiatrist for several years and had an appointment on 8th.
Today I received a letter from another firm saying they have the funding for my free, 3-monthly feets refurbish.
It’s puzzling but as the new jokers are just up the road and the old were 14km away, I’ll give the new ones a go.

I’ve just finished In sight of Yellow Mountain: a year in the Irish countryside by actor Philip Judge. It is extremely entertaining and if you can get the audio book, his soft Dublin accent adds lyricism.

Photo taken from my back door at dawn.

Stay well, peaceful and, if possible, almost sane, everyone

Morning All! It's me Nfk! I haven't read back all the posts I've missed out on as it will take so long I shan't get around to posting. So I hope you're all well - I shall check up and read back later! I did scan back a bit and notice that Mr P is back in hospital again so sending virtual gentle (((hugs))) and vibes of support to both of the Panaches.

We've been off in the camperbubble to visit wonderful Scotland before we need passports and the only thing I've missed is being able to browse GN and keep up with everyone. I now know that Mull doesn't have EE masts (my mobile) and Skye is sadly lacking in Vodaphone (his). TV reception was intermittent at best and I managed to break the touch screen on the van radio so it's been rather quiet. The weather being a bit on the chilly side was an advantage really as it meant we did a lot more walking than we normally would have achieved. We only ate outside the van once and the awning hasn't come out at all. But, we've been snug and warm and camperbubble (now named Margo by DD2) was a success. DH was a lot happier having all the facilities with us. Being able to lie flat when the back got too much plus taking your own loo with you everywhere is a very big plus! Its a very different way of traveling than with a caravan. Just turning up at a pitch and plugging in where there was electric meant we moved around a lot more. Parking of course, is the major drawback but we're learning how to adjust to that. If DHL can get in there - so can we!

The washing is now done and all aired in the heat which switched on as we drove back south. Not having to put stuff in the airing cupboard and straight into the wardrobes and drawers has highlighted that either I don't have enough storage space - or I have too many clothes. I suspect the later.

The garden flourished without us a bit too much. We seem to have taken part in No Mow May - the hayfield of our lawn has had a first cut! Now just have to make a bit more space on the computer memory so I can download all the photos we took.

I can't remember if I explained before why I don't say when we're off somewhere. Having been 'outed' when someone recognised the end of a house in a photo I put on and worked out where I lived, it brought home how easy it is to know when a house is empty. Having been broken into twice it makes me a bit nervous.

Posting this and then I shall spend half an hour browsing GN before DH stirs himself!

hello hello hello!
I am also home from my travails travels
It was lovely and very hot and busy in Englandshire but nice to be home.
Our paths may have crossed NfkD It will have been you in the campervan I saw.


I loved being with my DS. DDiL and their young teenaged family (plus puppy) and catching up with their lives.
I drove home via Kendal which meant driving over Shap on the old A6. It's a stunning road with a 20mph speed limit due to road surfacing so a real treat. I spent the heat of the day at the Quaker Tapestry museum and felt as if I could have been in Italy or France, where you have to escape indoors away from the sun. I was the only visitor but it was delightful and there was an embroiderer busy on a new panel.
I found a cafe with a pretty garden for my coffee and pain au chocolat so all in all I managed my first solo trip, ever?

I am also alarmed by MrP's deterioration and hope to goodness he is getting relief today, or yesterday and thus Panache can relax.

Ah well it's back to my new normal. Builders still out the back making it impossible to enjoy the garden but at least I have a garden. Counting my blessings today!