The Lockdown Gang - Just chatting ⭐️

Doodle yes P and O have very similar precautions. Plus we can only eat with friends we are linked with which is fine for us as we are going with friends plus there seem to be a lot of rules regarding booking for events aboard the ship on your mobile. Haven’t studied it as we will wait till it’s definitely going! We are going to Spain and Portugal.

Oh sounds nice Jan. Hope you get to go.

Hello lobstars, I'm still here, but an infrequent poster. I haven't been out much and have had very little to say.

However, last weekend DH planned to go to a fete where there was an open invitation and free entry for those with unusual or rare vehicles. I decided not to go but the sun shone and I changed my mind, packed our tiny camping chairs and table and a few sandwiches and drink. Our 'Old Girl', now 90 years old is very small and we (by that I mean DH) are a tight fit! I thoroughly enjoyed myself - we joined our friends - the owners of 4 other similar, ancient vehicles (plus some other friends in assorted means of transport) in the shade of the trees and, socially distanced, chatted non-stop. I also fielded questions about the cars from interested passers-by and finally succumbed to an ice cream. The others went round the stalls and had cream teas but it was very busy and I stayed with the cars. The 'Old Girl' behaved well and got us there and back home without a problem.

I also have been trying out a new treatment in hospital. I am being trained to use a new technique so that, instead of having to inject myself daily, I treat myself at home just every 4 weeks. It means that I can go away for up to 4 weeks at a time without taking a suitcase of medical equipment with me! However, I'm finding the whole process exhausting, I have to build up to being able to cope with the larger 4 week dose. The hospital is an hours drive away, I have to get up early, and I just don't seem to be able to cope mentally with such a radical change in my life after 14 months of lockdown. I just hope the old 'me' resurfaces soon because I don't much like the new 'me'.

Having read about plans for cruises, perhaps I could go away on one as well, as long as it was less than for 4 weeks. I'd just have to convince DH that he wants to go too!

I miss our family a great deal. Our Northern Branch have suggested visiting us for a week during August. I have said I would love it if they came. However, a little voice in my head keeps asking if I can cope - as I say, the old 'me' wouldn't think twice. It's not as if I have any physical problems, I'm still quite strong and mobile, I just seem to get disproportionately tired. I think the answer will be to plan everything very carefully.

I keep thinking of Panache and how she must be feeling. I also hope her friends are there to help her. It is so good that this group is here for support. I read the comforting and wise comments on here when one of us posts of sadness and worries and learn from them too.

Missedout. It’s good to make the effort to go out isn’t it? You feel so much better after seeing friends and chatting. So pleased you had a good time. Think we have to learn to live with Covid and life just won’t be worth living if we just hide away all the time. Just have to be sensible and not take too many risks. Sure the old “you” will soon be back to normal.
We’ve just had almost 4 weeks of doing a 90 mile found trip for DH to have radiotherapy. It was exhausting both mentally and physically.
Know what you mean about having visitors. My daughter and son-in-law come every 6 weeks or so and like you I’m still ok physically but I’m worn out by the end of the weekend!

Missedout how lovely to hear from you.
The fete sounds like fun. Lots of people pursuing the same interest. Glad your ‘old girl’ behaved and got you there and back.
The change in treatment would be a benefit I imagine if you can learn to cope with it. We seem to reach an age where new things take a time to bed in.
Tiredness can have quite an affect on our ability to cope with things in general. In itself it is a form of illness and can affect our daily living. Don’t make light of it.
I can understand your delight at the thought of a family visit just try and arrange things in small doses so you get a chance to rest in between.
I have received a PM from Panache tonight and she does indeed have friends around her and lots of flowers and cards.
Jan I’m glad your round trip hospital visits are over now. It must have been wearing.
I find now that any change, even visits that I look forward to, take a lot out of me. This lockdown has had a big impact on our ability to cope with things I think.
Been for a walk this afternoon then I watered the garden for about half an hour. When I went to turn the tap off I found a mini flood in the dustbin store so had to set too and try and clear up. Not my turn tomorrow so will leave a note for the next one to say the hose connection is leaking.
Take care all our gang members posting or not you are always with us.

Hello Lobstars,

I am very glad to hear that Panache is with her friends .
Great that the cruises are going ahead too. Both you Doodle and Jan deserve to have a lovely holiday.

I wrote earlier but it must have been in preview only as it has disappeared. No matter.
Just to say I am thinking of you all. Oh poor Doodle with the flood to clear up.

I went on a long walk (5 hours) over the hills today so am pretty tired.

Just a quick drink and an early night for me.

5 hours ?. I would never have made it back. No wonder you’re tired. I will send Jeeves along straight away.
Sleep well. ?

Thoroughly enjoyed the hopeful and optimistic posts from Jan16 and Missedout.
Lovely to hear about your various jaunts and the happiness they're bringing thank you for sharing.

I know that feeling of not being able to cope but I believe the reason is because I'm still trying to do exactly as I have in the past and age (plus circumstances) won't let me.

In my case, I have to force myself sit back and let others take some of the responsibility, at least part of the time.
It's hard when you've been a conscientious hostess for decades and struggle to keep up the standards.
The answer, for me at least, is to accept my limitations and not beat myself up over what I can no longer cope with; it's just the way life goes as Doodle wisely said.
It's a work in progress for me

I'm glad to hear Panache has support, I do hope it continues because she will need it for quite some time. The fact that they live in a complex seems to indicate other residents are nearby, so that's good.
I suppose for all newly bereaved partners, night-times are worst. They were for me and my boys were a blessing.

It's pretty cold again today: winds from the Antarctic, which is just round the corner really, are icing the lawn like birthday cake. I'm going to put seeds out for the birds who have been singing bravely every morning.

Doodle unbelievably, I dreamed I was paddling about in a little flood last night (or early hours)! Gosh, was that thought-transference?

I tautoko Doodle's parting remarks. Yes, indeed, Lobstars, even when you don't post, you are still in our thoughts, still part of Our Gang and old Jeeves is on call for hot chocolate and squidgy cakes at any time.

Good evening ?

I am nursing a coffee in my sister in law's house having seen her safely through another day. In her mid eighties she has come through her operation in remarkably good shape and I'm worn out trying to keep her under control support her recovery. Hope I'm that spritely in twenty years time.

Kaimoana I love Mongolian BBQs - we go to one in Dublin whenever we're there because it's a complete antidote to the standard Irish hotel menu. We like the freshness and the control we get there over what we eat.

Jan have you ever been to the radar museum in the Broads area? We went last year because they had a display of some of my father's boring books radar development notebooks (!) - I'd like to say it was fascinating but it is certainly one of England's quirkier museums from a lost era!

Mr M has gone back to home duties because the beans won't look after themselves so tonight I will spread out and snore my socks off. I bet in the morning I'll wake up on 'my' side of the bed and not sleeping on my back because I'm not encouraged to do that!

If any of you need a nurse for a few days I am open to offers....but apparently offering a bone dry martini as an aperitif isn't quite the right approach according to the community nurse. I was shocked! ?

If that's a martini offered to your SiL, then if t'were me, I'd ignore the community nurse Mammissimo - when a sprightly lady gets to her noble age, she deserve whatever she fancies.
But if it's for you - do you really want to be found drunk in charge of the elderly?

Is this what they call "a lightbulb moment" ?
Grace's creative bedmaking explained: she was 'trained' by Hanna

BTW, I inadvertently used a Maori word in my previous post; so easy to do when my normal conversation includes so many.
'Tautoko' means to support or agree with. Sorry.

That’s 2 posts that appeared on the screen and when I just came back to have a look they had both gone?!

Good evening gang,

I am off on my holidays early tomorrow so will be gone for a week. I'll think of you often.
Df will be in the house for part of the time and another df will be here when I get back.
I had a surprise visit today from a df who moved to Cornwall a few years ago. She loves Cornwall but has enjoyed catching up with her old friends and her MiL who still lives here.

I wonder what was going on with those disappearing posts Jan

Kaimoana I decided long ago I couldn’t do what I used to. I have learnt to pace myself. I run out of steam quite quickly.
My breathing isn’t what it was so I try not to over do it.
Yes I’m pleased that Panache is living with others around her. I hope it will help a bit.
Well it seems we have a telepathic connection. You could have popped your wellies on in your dream and helped me to clear up ?
I’ve just read that Grace was trained by Hanna. Not sure trained is the right word but it does explain a lot ?
You can use Maori words whenever you like.
My Danish SIL used to swap between Danish and English so often. We always managed to understand what she was getting at.
Mamissimo sounds like your SIL is a force to be reckoned with. I bet she’s glad to have you helping though.
I’m with you on the martini. Bet your SIL wouldn’t object either. ?
Jan who’s been stealing your posts. That’s not on. I’ll get Jeeves to keep a look out.
Grammaretto hope I’m not to late to say I hope you have a good holiday. Hope you have a great time. Is this another one with your family?
Good you can relax knowing someone is keeping an eye on your home while you are away. Take care and safe journey.

Having another go! Mammissimo - yes we have been to the radar museum. DH wanted to go and Idid quite enjoy it until as we were leaving we were accosted by one of the over enthusiastic volunteers! We just could not get away bless him!
Kaimoana think I’ve mentioned before we visited New Zealand 15 years ago. We were taken to all the usual touristy places including going to see some Maori people. When we got there we had to rub noses with a Maori lady! I hated it! Bet they don’t do that now - great way to spread Covid!
Grammaretto hope you have a great holiday. Can’t remember where you’re going - must pay more attention!- but hope we both get great weather although it’s looking a bit damp but warmer. Enjoy!

Good evening ?

I'm home again and dear Sister in law has rung to ask if her son can have my martini recipe, so I think the medicine worked ? I love her to pieces.

Mr M cut the grass twice today because he skimmed the top off to keep it tidy and then looked up the weather forecast. He went straight out and scalped it because it will be the middle of next week before he can do it again. He's a bit pooped.....so I made him a restorative....martini. ?

We've done our chores and have no visitors this weekend so it's Wimbledon on the telly for us....bliss. I'll. makes scones in the morning so we won't starve. They'll go well with the clotted cream and strawberries.

Happy travels grammaretto and a good evening to all.

Doodle I'm going to try and dream of Spring cleaning your apartment - tell me if it works!!

My lovely lockdown group of friends.

A very warm thank you Doodle and dear husband,also all you ladies whom sent those meaningful cards with beautiful
messages,they truly touched my heart.
Ever since Monday (and a few days prior actually)I have been freezing cold as well as numb,almost an ice maiden.
Your cards certainly broke the ice!
I am overwhelmed by the real show of support whilst the sitting room is filled with lovely blooms and cards.
Some friends actually have been most astute,bringing me fruit instead and yes they have lured me into eating!!
I rather think that had been their idea.
The one small fly in the ointment has been the funeral date,however I refuse to hassle.
It is Tuesday 20th July.11 am at our Calvary Church,commital in the Crem and refreshments in the local Hotel.
5 friends from here will come in the hired car alongside me so from utter despair I can see God`s hand working overtime.
In amidst the planning which seems to be exactly as I have wanted,following a mixture of my dear one`s wishes alongside mine.
Furthermore I have a great inner peace,whilst also seeing my beloved`s face amongst it all.

The darn paperwork though is a right headache!!

How lovely to hear from you Panache. Wonderful you have that inner peace and can see your DH’s face. You are constantly in my thoughts.

We have just got back from a few days in the Peak District. We stayed with my DSiL and husband. It was so nice to get away.

Interesting about the radar museum. I knew nothing about it. My DH’s father was one of the scientists who discovered radar during the war with Watson Watt.

Jan difficult when you get trapped isn’t it. I have been caught like that in NT houses where I’ve asked a question only to be there half an hour later. One of the best chats we had though was with an old man at Corfe Castle. So knowledgeable and interesting we nearly got locked in as they were closing ?
Mamissimo I had a lovely relationship with my SIL too. After my brother died, I phoned her every day. Despite the sadness she was a cheerful lady and we had lots of laughs. She came on holiday with us for a couple of times.
Sounds as though your Martinis did the trick. Perhaps they should be on the NHS. Enjoy the tennis. Scones for me too please. ?
Kaimoana oh I wish it were so
panache how lovely to hear from you.
I am so glad you have friends to be with you and support you at this time. I’m glad the funeral will be as you wanted and that great inner peace is a blessing,
Please try not to overdo things now. You need to rest.
Much love as always x
dragonfly glad you had a nice break. The Peak District is lovely.
Take care all.

Dragonfly my late father was the first radar instructor in the RAF.......he taught the first crews how to use it. He was a physics lecturer in real life. ?

Yay!!! 4 - 0!!! Go England!!! ⚽️⚽️⚽️

Lovely to hear from you panache, and that your friends are making sure you look after yourself. Crafty move bringing tempting fruit to nimble at.

I believe my father did a lot of work on the phone system at RAF Neatishead when it was operational before it became that radar museum. Although I went to school in Hoveton which is only a mile away, and although we drive past regularly, I've never actually visited. I really must!

I hope you have a lovely break here on the Broads Jan - and the weather improves. It feels as if we've been sitting in a rather chilly cloud a lot of the time just lately.

Mamissimo that’s an interesting fact about your father. What a coincidence. He must have been a very clever man.
Jan amazing score. I’ve been deafened by the shouting from the bar next door so I guessed we’d won ?
Nfk you should pop down south for a while. We’ve had sunshine today. I’ll put some in the post for you ☀️ ?

Panache I’m very pleased you are finding some peace and have the kind support of friends, I’ve thought of you a lot.

Good evening ?
I've been dodging the showers today and you'll all be delighted (?) to know that the bored beans are finished and out, their bed has been topped up with a load of hot bin compost and once it's settled I'll be able to plant out the broccoli, cavallero Nero and cauliflowers.

Tomorrow we are off to the Hampton Court Flower Show preview and the big question is Mac or sunglasses? Suncream or wellies? I think it will be sartorially challenging. Mr M says I can only look tomorrow.....no impulse buys. Flying ? ? ? s!

Panache I'm so glad your friends and neighbours are rallying round. I think you could us one of my martinis but they don't post too well. ?

I've just realised that it's bung the meat in the oven time - where did today go?