The Lockdown Gang - Just chatting ⭐️

Great news from Panache. Hope Dragonfly is soon home and feeling better. Palpitations are really scary. I had a bout of them a couple of years ago but it was put down to stress.
Had a lovely morning with friends sitting outside with coffee at the cafe of our local garden centre. It was so warm.
Tomorrow the forecast is not so good but hoping to get another coffee in the morning with my daughter and her partner! Then we have friends round in the afternoon but will not be having coffee! ???instead!
The traffic going to the coast today was horrendous. We didn’t go far on the coast road but when we left the garden centre it was nose to tail. Goodness knows where they parked when they got there! One benefit of getting old - and there aren’t many! - is that we can go to the coast when it’s quieter during the week.
Who’s watching Line of Duty tonight? Do hope there will be another series but it sounds a bit doubtful. So hard to find anything decent on tv at the moment. Spend more time reading.
Hope everyone enjoys the rest of this long weekend and anyone feeling poorly or sad improves quickly

Kaimoana that is one of the most beautiful trees I’ve seen. Gorgeous.
I’m sure you’re likely to get Plumbago if you go climbing trees ?. Your mention of the cowboy book made me remember my lovely dad. A quiet gentle man but one who had a big passion for the Wild West. He loved a good western and the only books I remember him reading were cowboy stories. ?
Grammaretto I see there is still more work to be done. When my SIL had her lounge decorated the decorator took down all her ladder Scandinavian wall units to paint behind them. The units were combinations of drawers and cupboards that hung on the ladders. When it came to putting them back, he couldn’t remember what went where.....and despite living with them for over 30 years, neither could she ?. We spent ages trying to remember, in the end I managed to find some photos that showed the lounge prior to decorating and we got them back in the right places.
Lilac is one of my favourites.
Now here I have to confess that I am guilty of naming one of my sons the same name as my cousins son. We did think long and hard about it but it was a name I loved for its meaning I really wanted for him. My cousin and I, at the time, didn’t see each other much and the families moved in different circles. I did ask if they minded and they didn’t. I am so pleased we gave him that name as it really suits him.
I’m glad you clarified the DS as dear sister. I was getting a bit confused ?
Panache I am so pleased to hear that MrP is able to enjoy his snooker. So pleased for you both in fact. Long May it continue.
I saw on the GM thread this morning that dear dragonfly is in hospital with palpitations. I do hope she’s ok and back home soon.
Take care gang and enjoy your weekend.

Hope you are all enjoying some sunshine this Bank Holiday,I guess here in our corner of Wales we are preparing to batten down the hatches as there are storms and a real deluge forecasted for monday!!
That should make our gardeners happy!!

I have a fully occupied other half,enjoying as much of the snooker as he can possably digest!!
It is indeed such a pleasure seeing him thus occupied,may it long continue.
For once I am quite contented being a snooker widow!!

En joy your weekend my dear friends,I hope to have some oppertunities to catch up on the back log of posting.......wish me luck!!

*DS is sister in this context

Look at the beautiful Jacaranda tree Kaimoana. It's stunning.
I don't have much success with blue trees. The ceanothis which was doing so well in the shrubbery has just been declared dead. Californian climate v Scottish. I guess that's a clue.
Maybe I should have a lilac again. I removed one years ago because it kept sprouting new suckers and produced weedy flowers.
This is the gardening thread, isn't it?

In answer to your question about my room being finished Doodle No I am sorry to say. The books must all go back on the shelves, pictures on the walls and I should probably make or buy curtains. SiL got sidetracked by the books yesterday. They are very weighty tomes. A family bible which could land a fatal blow if dropped on a family member.

Talking of families: My DS announced they are to become gt grandparents. Sort of. Their adopted son's partner's DD is pregnant. The baby is to be given the same name as one of my DGD. Not sure if this matters but it is odd. In a world with so many names why choose one which someone else already has when you don't have to.

I am waffling on. It must be time I moved myself.
I'll see you later.

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Hiya Gangstars
Last message was written 8-10 hours ago and I've had a full-on day but I'm still bouncing as if I was the one with Cherry's Tigger tail.
She needs a break that poor lass; what she goes through is heroic.

dragonfly I'm another gardener who loves blue flowers and we have many here.

I particularly like the Jacaranda trees which you often see in NZ gardens but become too big for my wee plot.

Also Plumbago the climber, which I had when I lived out on the farm. It went absolutely wild but was very beautiful.

Blue hydrangeas of course; easy to turn a pink one blue by adding alum to an alkaline soil.

I recently had the bluebells on my FB page and, with the delicately unfurling, translucent Beech leaves above, looked heavenly.

Made myself a delicious plant-based lunch with produce from this company. How different from the years-ago TVP we used to have to tolerate. www.morningstarfarms.co.nz

I'm off to put away the mountain of laundry which dried in today's hot sunshine May is such a gorgeous month). Then settle down and listen to a cowboy book. Yee-haa!

Good morning everyone.
How nice to see you dragonfly, I do hope you get that Brighton trip in and spend time with family.
Grammaretto that meal you made is typical of wha you'd get at my house. In fact I made carrot soup when I was in Tauranga. Unbelievably, they'd never had it before.
Mum Jo made onion scones to go with it.

Doodle Are you sure that following the links to 'Obby 'Oss, displaced the 'pinking shears' from your brain?
Wishing and hoping you all have a peaceful weekend
Love to all

Ooh Grammaretto your lunch sounds lovely. I really like rhubarb crumble. Don’t have it coz DH doesn’t like rhubarb or crumble. Bread and cheese lovely. I have a savoury tooth.
Are you happy with your newly decorated room. Is everything back in its place now?
Glad you had a good time.
I have continued my sorting out phase this afternoon and came across several boxes of photos. I may spend the rest of the weekend going through them and sorting them out.
Just watched the penultimate episode of Line of Duty on catch up before the last episode tomorrow. I have no idea what they’re on about half the time.
Easy dinner tonight, I made a lasagne yesterday for today. DH likes it better after it’s been in the fridge overnight and set a bit. He doesn’t like it sloppy. Other half tomorrow maybe.
Hope all the gang ok. Just heard my second DIL has her first jab next Friday which is good news.

Oh dear poor Cheery. It will be partly the kitchen, I am sure. It will be all right in the end but a huge upheaval during. Sending cwtches. Thanks Doodle for letting us know.

The family have been and gone. That was quick!
It was really lovely to have them here even for such a short time. They had lunch. I made carrot soup and rhubarb crumble. The first served with bread, cheese and salad. The afters served with ice-cream. A bit of playing and pottery while the furniture was moved. It was mostly successful apart from I couldn't find the vital screws to fit the mirror onto the sideboard. I put it in a very safe place.............

I think I realised Missedout that you weren't going to be in the boat the entire time. My experience hardly any of canal holidays is that you don't travel very far in a week.

It didn't rain today but it wasn't very warm either. We explored the garden and I offered plants and cuttings to DD for her new garden but since a pheasant laid an egg inside a big pot I gave her (It removed the plants first) She doesn't think anything is safe from wildlife. I think she should get a polytunnel or a greenhouse. I offered her a Birnam Oak but she is sure the deer will nibble it.

Dragonfly you sound lovely and upbeat with your visits possible at long last. I will be thinking of Dexter on Tuesday.

Love to you all and hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend

Hello Dragonfly I didn’t know you could get blue geraniums I thought they only came in red (gardening knowledge zero ?) I like blue flowers too . We saw our first Bluebells today.
Hope Dexter is ok. Is it Tuesday his op?
It’s nice to be planning some outings again.
Missedout it was probably me. I get things wrong all the time. I understand now. It’s obviously quite a long journey so staying overnight in your boat is certainly a good idea.
Perhaps you and MrDoubt should do what I saw a couple doing on our towpath today. They had one of those electric scooters and were riding tandem on it ?. It looked a bit wobbly.
Boat on the canal and only 20 minutes from the sea. I am envious although as we have our river right outside our door I certainly can’t complain.
I get taken for walkies too ?
Had a PM from Cherry yesterday saying she is having a bit of a break as she is feeling a bit worn out at the moment and not feeling too good. Hope the kitchen upheaval goes ok.
Panache hope a relaxing weekend is in order for you both

It's good to see you Dragonfly, I'm a blue flower person too.

I'd like to correct an impression I seem to have made. We are going on the narrowboat, we are seeing northern family during our holiday on the boat but we are not travelling to see them in the boat! The boat (HMS Redoubtable) is moored in a marina closer to our northern lot than us, so it makes sense to drive to the boat, load it up, sleep on it overnight, then drive to see family for a couple of hours before returning by car to Redoubtable and casting off for our canal travels.

Unfortunately, the canal does not go anywhere near DS and gang and once on the boat, we have no means of transport other than Shank's pony to go further afield when moored up. Canal towpaths can be overgrown and difficult to reach from the road and definitely not suitable for a lively, wilful toddler (DGC3) to spend time on.

However, I admit to living in a most beautiful part of the country and being lucky enough to have a DH who likes to makes sure I exercise every day. (Why isn't there a 'wry face' emoji when I want one?) All our recent walks have been country ones but the seaside is only 20 minutes drive away. I'm looking forward to being able to stroll along the prom but think it will be just too busy for comfort for the time being.

I've been taken for walkies already today so now it's the exercise bike or Pilates!

Welcome back Kaimoana. I am so pleased you had a lovely time.
We are planning to go to Brighton via London at the end of the month to catch up with the family. Hopefully we can get Dexter back to where he belongs before that though.

Not doing much this weekend although I sent for some blue geraniums which need planting. I love any blue flowers and I seem to have lost the ones I had.
Tomorrow we have booked to have coffee with friends in an outside tent so hope it is not too cold.

Have a good weekend everyone.

I have never heard of Obby Oss Kaimoana. Since starting this lockdown thread I have found out so many new things. I think my brain must be getting bigger to hold it all in ?
Grammaretto I miss the sea too. Hope for a quick visit next week or the week after.
Hope you have a lovely visit with DD. What are you making?
If we were to have visitors here, it would take me a month to tidy up first
Having said that, I am having a mini organising session this weekend. I have decided to sort out all my sewing and quilting things and put them in some order of how I use them.
What a shock. I didn’t realise how much stuff I had. Apart from the sewing machine, cutting board, rotary cutters, scissors and rulers there’s loads of materials, different colour threads, ribbons, elastic, Velcro, zips, pins, needles, crochet hooks, knitting needles, wool and a huge pair of pinking shears.
Earlier I was making a note of what went where and the word pinking shears just would not come. Zig zaggy things, edge cutters....... I just could not drag from my mind what they were called. I started typing this and straight away the word came to me. I need a sat nav for my mind ?. Have a good day all.

All these beautiful seaside views Gang how loverly.

I do miss the sea but when I lived a mile away I didn't go all that often and preferred the peace of my own garden.
If I ever move (which is a distinct possibility) remind me how important a peaceful garden is.

I only came on here to see how you are getting on and to look at a recipe . DD is coming at lunchtime, and I am very excited.
I keep seeing things through someone else's her eyes and realise I must hide away some of my clutter abject squalor and put any dangerous the most attractive things out of reach of small DGC.

Imagine visiting your family by boat. Missedout apart from accidents, your life sounds idyllic.

I usually 'go to Padstow' for 'Obby 'Oss on 1st May but for the 2nd consecutive year, it's been cancelled.
www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-56239534

Missedout I am sooooo jealous. What a lovely view.
What fun to visit family by boat. Perhaps you could have one of those awnings I have seen other boat users have which attached to the boat and then is held up by long poles. Yes please take a first aid kit but even more important, don’t get your hands trapped. I’m not surprised you’re a bit anxious.
That’s a bit of a disappointment about your antibody test. Do the vaccines not offer you any immunity at all?
A new top will lift the spirits. ?
Cherry hope you are ok. Any football this weekend.?
Peassandcues not sure if you’re still with us but wondered how your gardening is coming on.
Wishing a happy bank holiday to all who pass through.
For those who know Maw. I hear from soop’s kitchen that sh has a lovely new canine friend by the name of Rosie. So pleased for her.

The recent posts seem to be good news. Like others, Panache's post cheered me up, I'm so pleased that Mr P is more comfortable and that Kaimoana's absence was because she was enjoying herself and not blighted by IT problems.

Mamissimo, your family party sounds wonderful. Over the years I have accumulated so many glasses, I don't have room to store them all. I should probably take some to the charity shop.

I have attached a photo from today's walk - it shows the rain storm that was heading our way!

There isn't much going on here though except planning for the imminent narrowboat trip and online shopping. (Must remember to take decent first aid kit with me.) DH and I will see our Northern family while on the boat. At one point, we will only be an hour or so from them so they will meet up with us, they won't be able to come on to the boat though so we hope the weather will be OK.

My Covid antibody (spike) test was negative despite having had both vaccinations. Perhaps it was a mistake to find out but I will just have to live with the Covid threat and carry on being careful. I may have to start regular lateral flow testing when I start mixing - just like those who are not vaccinated. I will ask an 'ologist' or GP when I get the chance. I've felt a bit low but nothing has changed and I'm getting fit again after the last infection and robotics. I've sent off for some expensive skin creams and a new top. I'll keep my distance but at least be looking my best.

Kaimoana you’re back. We’re so relieved. We wondered what had happened to you and all the time you were having a lovely holiday ?. We’ve missed you.
It sounds as though you had a wonderful time. I love the photos. You look very happy, as you should.
Open plan loo ? that’s a novelty.
Lots of good company and good food. So pleased you had a good time.
Grammaretto NZ looks a lovely place. It would be nice to visit your family. So tomorrow is furniture moving day for you I think. If you’re any thing like me, it will have to be rearranged many times before being satisfied with the placement. Be nice to meet up with your potters again.
What do you call a gathering of potters ? ? A potty party perhaps not!
Mamissimo you were very brave to tackle house renovation with baby twins.
Your toilet story made me laugh. What you can cope with when you’re young ? a camping toilet over the front door. Bet that was fun when you had visitors.
A party ? how lovely. Something to look forward to after all this time. Great idea about the glasses. That will save on the washing up. Is it to celebrate anything in particular or just a get together?
Hope Sainsbugs don’t catch you in your birthday suit ?
Have a good day all and a good sleep Kaimoana

There you are Kaimoana! What a wonderful treat and to be with your loved ones too.
I was asked yesterday if I planned to go back to NZ. I said maybe but after seeing your pictures it is a definite yes!
Those warm pools.... heaven and to see the family where they are. When I was last there, DGS was a baby.

Mamissimo We bought Ikea glasses and have enough, despite breakages, for all eventualities. When we were doing the "bar" at the local art centre, it was simpler to bring a crate of dirty glasses home and put them in the dishwasher than to persuade the punters to roll up their elegant sleeves however much fun it can be washing up together

The open plan loo situation sounds dangerous for all kinds of reasons

Good morning ?

What an uplifting post from Panache - a time to treasure indeed!

Kaimoana welcome home! Your mention of the facilities reminds me of when we bought this house many, many years ago. It was condemned as being unfit for human habitation but we decided to take a punt on it as it was a glorious wreck and a bargain and moved in with our baby twins. It had an outside loo, no bathroom and no hot water. On their first day wiTh us the builders demolished the outside loo while I was out, to enable them to begin building the new wing...--can you see where this is going?-- and leaving us with no loo at all.

They hastily built a platform over the stairs where our en-suite was eventually to go, and plonked a porta potty camping toilet on it. This platform was directly over the front door and had no wall so that anyone coming up the stairs had to keep eyes front, and anyone using the facility had to whistle......we lived like that for three months. And loved every minute!

I discovered yesterday that all the supermarkets have stopped doing glasses hire for parties. We are having a huge party at the end of July to catch up with all our friends and family. We've hired a venue and it's now getting like organising a wedding....I'm going to IKEA to buy glasses because it's cheaper than hiring them! One company quoted 78p per glass and IKEA sell 6 champagne flutes for £2.50. Everyone can take their glass home as a souvenir and we won't have to wash them up! ?

I must go and get some clothes on before Sainsbugs arrives....

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What wonderful news to welcome me home Panache - long may it continue. I've been thinking about you a lot.

Grammaretto TWO holidays! I hope both go as well as mine just did.

My grand-daughter (28 -not Gubbins) and her family thoroughly spoiled me and I particularly enjoyed family dinner each evening: 7 round the table with Mad Mike my grandsons keeping us all laughing.
After the meals we had 20 Trivia questions.

I was able to go swiming and managed a full hour which made my shoulders ache so the next day it was a soak in one of the many mineral pools in the area.

This photo was taken on the sea front at Tauranga where Hannah and I were enjoying sun, importunate seagulls, salads and for me Gorilla Greens from Tank. www.tankjuice.co.nz/product/gorilla-greens

The only tiny drawback was that my room on the ground floor, which normally has bathroom en suite has building site en suite instead as Dave is remodeling the house.
I had an open-plan loo!

Hannah and I ate out every day a great treat (she's a student) and today, she and Mike drove me home, stopping at Waharoa for....are you reading this Mamissimo ? Venison and garlic spicy sausages.
.
Four days have flown by but every one an absolute fun-packed gem and I didn't realise just how much I needed that break.

I'm too weary to look at the accumulated emails, or do the laundry - but tomorrow is another day.

Love to all.

Hello Lobstars,

I am getting worried about Kaimoana too.
I hope she is too busy having fun to write on here.

The dog in the picture looks bigger than the one I met which belongs to the vet so perhaps she has people who help with grooming.

I sense that there is a certain restlessness about the place - not here but in general. People that's me are feeling they somehow ought to be doing things but are quite enjoying not going out, not spending money and not having people round.
Having said that DD is coming briefly tomorrow bringing her strong man and they can tackle the heavy furniture. This is probably wishful thinking. I do a lot of that

I am glad you had your blood tests yesterday Doodle with the nice phlebotomists who presumably know what they are doing unlike the doctor who thinks they can take blood but after 3 false attempts runs out of the room calling for a nurse....

I am firing another kiln today. My potters have been busy. On Sunday we are meeting all together for the first time, because we can!

Grammaretto that is some fine beast. I love the tail. Be a nightmare to wash and blow dry I imagine ?
Hmmm feather duster you say, I wonder if he/she would be any good at housework. ?
DH and I both been for blood tests today. We were the only ones there and ended up in the same room together with two lovely phlebotomists. We had a nice chat about how they were managing etc. Went for a long walk when we got back.
I am wondering what Kaimoana is up to. I have emailed her and got a very witty “out of office” reply. Trust her ?
I hope things are ok. I am considering sending Jeeves to NZ to search for her ??‍♂️

I am very glad to hear that the transfusion is doing its stuff Panache and MrP is really able to enjoy the snooker.

Good luck Nortsat for the 2nd jab. I had no discernible after effects at all from mine. DS3 has both his booked already. This makes me feel A) very old or B) sure that England is way ahead of us with rolling out the vaccines.

I hope that Dexter gets through his op and is much improved. It must feel quite a responsibility being Dog Gran.

On my walk today I met several dogs (I always do) but today it was a new one on me a Wetterhoun (German or Dutch for water hound) She has the most beautiful tail - like a feather duster. This isn't her but found online.

I've also completed my will at long last and will post it back to the solicitor. One thing per day. That's what I hope to achieve.

Thanks for the beautiful flowers Nortsat

Hello all .
Grammaretto sorry I made you spill your coffee ?.
Are you pleased with your room now it’s been decorated? New curtains would be nice.
I’m sure the birthday gift will be much appreciated by its recipient.
I too am a little concerned about Kaimoana . Lovely sandwich thank you ?
Mamissimo the make up look seemed so delicate in the paintings . The slight touch of cheek colour. Not sure I fancy one of those heart shaped black things on my cheek though ?
Could you put some vinegar in a plastic bag and tie it round the shower head to help it clean instead of taking it down.
We love Cumberland sausages but DH doesn’t like mash so we have ours with chips. Twice as naughty.
Hope you manage some time in the garden after DH’s passion has had its health check ?
Nortsat how lovely to hear from you and such beautiful flowers too. They really are cheerful. Some of my favourite colours. Thank you for sharing. Hope you and DH get over your jabs soon.
dragonfly you here too. How lovely. A busy day in the lockdown gang.
I think Cherry always has a supply of sandwiches (cwtchs) at the ready. My spellchecker suddenly came up with cwtch sandwich all by itself ?
You must be worried about Dexter. I think he may be having the same op my little yorkie had years ago. Sounded horrendous but worked well and she went on in good health for many years after. Do hope it all goes well. Will be thinking of you. Please let us know how he gets on, after all, along with Honey beagle, he is one of our lockdown dogs ??
Panache as well. How wonderful to hear from you and with such good news. It is such a joy to hear the transfusion has helped and MrP is pain free. Treasure these precious days. So lovely he can enjoy the snooker. Much love to you both x