The Lockdown Gang - Just chatting ⭐️

jaxjacky nice to see you. Hope your DGD is ok and not in too much pain.
Mamissimo DH and I went to Hampton Court for a day out some years ago. Loved it, I especially enjoyed the kitchen tour (although some of those metal cooking devices looked more like the torture chamber ?) Sorry I’ve just re read your post and see it’s the flower show you are going to. How lovely. I hope you have a good time. Take both would be my advice.
Surely buying is half the fun. Please let us know what you come home with.
I’ve been busy today packing for our cruise. I have copious lists and a packing plan but don’t seem to have achieved much.
DH and I both had a bad night. Nothing wrong just both of us restless. I fell asleep in the lounge about 6am. I think my mind was too busy concentrating on holiday stuff. Had a nice chat with DS1 this afternoon.
Ooh DH has just brought me a glass of wine….cheers all.

Dear Panache I wonder how you have been today. Please try and rest. You have done so much recently, travelling to the hospital every day. Good to hear your friends are rallying round. x

Spent time today looking for Count Arthur Strong clips online as my grandson loves him and I love watching DGS shaking with laughter.

He's coming over on 18th and will spend the night here and all next day. We'll have a cooking marathon. Looking forward to that very much.

My dil suggested I Skype with Gubbins so we've done that a few times recently.
Gubbins kept trying to pass me her toys or her snotty hanky.
She has a cold so wipes her own nose - and screams like a banshee if Mum attempts to do it instead.

Throwing themselves backwards in anger must be instinctive in all babies

Mammisimo I am relying on you to be The Rebel of the Credit Card.
Having just read a book about the Amish where women's whole lives are dedicated to serving and obeying men, I feel a desperate need to hear about a little anarchy.

Thinking about you dear Panache in these difficult days. Much love coming your way.

Grammaretto I miss you already!

Doodle good luck with the packing I used to start early because by the time we had to leave on the trip, the whole case had been totally re-arranged about 8 times !!

Kaimoana sounds like your DGS is going to have a good time with you. I always used to cook with mine too.
That’s nice you can Skype with Gubbins. Not the same as seeing her I know but hopefully it will help her to recognise you and you get to see what she’s up to.
Yes I’m not the worlds best packer. I have already had 3 goes.
I’m trying to find some books to download from the library for our holiday. I don’t know why but it seems so much more difficult to choose books online than in real life. I have found a few which should keep me going for a while. I’m reading a John Grisham at the moment. The Broker. I think I’ve read it before but I can’t really remember any of it.
Hope Grammaretto is having a good time.

Panache thinking of you too x

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For Matariki (Maori New Year) the Maori Language Commisssion encourages everyone to learn a new karakia/prayer.

In English: Welcome all things that have grown. Welcome all things that are good; may they be abundant and plentiful.
(in English that's tautology but not in Maori)

Nau mai ngā hua, nau mai ngā pai, nau mai kia nui. Kia hāwere ai.

If you want to see it in the 3rd official language of Aotearoa/New Zealand....
www.youtube.com/watch?v=g07SCqKPOes

May your New Year bring you peace, love, caring support and joy.

Other languages available just ask.

That’s rather nice Kaimoana . The more I hear from your about the Maori people, the more I think they seem to have deep feeling for the world around them.

A little message for you.
Kia pai to moenga. Unless the translator works better than I think it might that may have you guessing for a while. ?

I’ve just reverse translated it and I did not say eat beer in your bed ??

My first visit to the Lockdown Gang and it's lovely to see familiar names and lots of new ones to me.

I was so pleased to see a post from Panache and even more so with reading about your lovely friends. I am so glad the funeral is being arranged just how you want.

Hello Mamissimo. Did the rain stay away from your visit to Hampton Court Flower Show today? We have been drenched here in mid Cornwall.

Thank you for the Maori prayer Kaimoana.

Hello and welcome muse - you've made me homesick I used to live in St Columb and do dearly miss it.

Doodle I am shaking with laughter. The idea of eating beer is, in itself, hilarious, never mind doing it in bed! .

Were you hoping I'd have a good sleep? You wished me a good bed - and I have one. I love being snug in bed, listening to a book.

Kia means 'let it be so' as in Kia ora - let it be that you have health.

Kia pai - let it be good, or 'that's good'

Moenga - bed or sleeping place.

Although I said the kaikōhau was a prayer, it's more like an all purpose non-religious affirmation.
Welcome to the good things, let it be that we have all such things in abundance.

I have a good bed and blankets in abundance, thank you Doodle but no beer to eat!

Hello. We are 60 miles from home on the Norfolk Broads. Bit damp this morning but brightening up now. Off to the Deli next door for brunch in a bit. Had lovely day yesterday with friends for a long lunch then sat watching the boats in the sunshine with a glass of wine!
Good luck with packing Doodle. I usually pack and unpack at least 4 times before a cruise and then I don’t get it right!
Kaimoana love hearing the Maori language. I’m no good at languages. I’m one of those dreadful people who expect everyone to speak English!

Kaimoana my translation was supposed to be Let your bed be comfortably made ?. Something got lost in translation somewhere.
I am thinking there used to be orange juice sold under the name Kia Ora. Never knew what it meant.
Hello muse nice to see you. Our lockdown thread has been running since March last year I think.
Jan I confess I am the same. I learnt German in school but apart from the odd word or two remember nothing. Never learnt any other languages and just hope that sign language and talking slowly gets me through. Not good really. We once visited Algiers and have also been to Russia and on both occasions met with people whose English speaking was better than mine ?
Sounds as though you are having a good break. Sitting watching the boats with a glass of wine sounds a pleasant way to pass the time.
Hope Grammaretto is enjoying herself.
Panache x
Cherry still miss you and all the other long term gang members. Hope you are all ok.

Well I’ve had a big cleaning splurge today. Nothing like a holiday to spur me on to tidy up. I love coming home to a clean and tidy place. I was planning on including myself in the big clean up but ran out of time so tomorrow will be a session with the nail file, the tweezers, trimming my fringe etc.
I take it the football is on again as I can hear the cheers from the pub next door.
I must also tackle the new gadgets that is our video camera. Why I thought it would be a good idea to get a pocket sized one I have no idea. It’s so small I can’t see how it works. Need to study the manual and Hope I can work it out.
Sleep well all ?

Good evening ?

We haven't caught our breath for days it seems so I'm really late today.

Please remind me next year that the Hampton Cout Flower Show can be safely missed! You could buy fish and chips, burgers, tepid coffee, men's shirts, antique maps, kids pyjamas, jewellery and soap.....there were some plants....a show garden that was half an aeroplane crashed into a wheat field....some jugglers....and some awful loud music.

Stop being a grump I hear you cry....honestly it was probably the most disappointing RHS flower show I've been to. As it was preview night with fireworks etc we ordered a Fortnums picnic dinner to eat on the side of Long Water. Guess what....it rained. Mr M raised his bushy eyebrows and mouthed the words I longed to hear....."shall we go home early?"

I do hope her upstairs turns the rain off soon - there's enough water in the Lakes for Grammaretto, enough water in the sea for Doodles cruise. Much more of this and The Broads will stretch to Hampshire!

Welcome Muse - one of my favourite bands ? DS introduced the entire village family to their music and I've seen them live twice. Mr M thinks that this is a deliquency but he's several years older than me and our music tastes are poles apart at times.

Tomorrow I shall plants out the cauliflowers and harvest the garlic. It will be a good day!

Thank you for all the welcomes.

Mamissimo. I got into Muse ? at the age of 59 I’m now 71. I’ve seen them twice too. First time at Wembley - the Black Holes Tour. My DD and I had seats. Next time was Manchester and we stood! DD has been around Europe many times to see them. Fortunately I live in a very isolated part of Cornwall so the volume button can be high ?. MrM approves?

Kaimoana. I live about 10 mins drive from St Columb. When did you leave?

Hello Doodle. I’m branching out and love the chat on this thread. My fall has severely restricted my garden activities and Mya has missed her long walks with me. GN, my books and tennis have kept me occupied. It’s one week now since I did my back flip?. Swelling is still there but the calf pain is much reduced.
Panache. ?. Thinking of you. Take care. ?

Jan it all sounds so idyllic and peaceful, watching boats and drinking wine.
How different from the RHS life of our own, dear Mammissimo and not a hint of anarchy in sight.

I wish I could speak Maori fluently and I think I understand more than I can speak. I still have new words emailed daily but my old brain doesn’t soak them up as it used to.

Doodle Your translation was as good as basic Google can manage. It doesn’t seem to know āhuru = comfortable or comfortably.

Yes, I too miss Cherry, Nortsat, Missedout and Nfk when they can’t post regularly.
They all have lively but distinct personalities which adds something special to our lovely Gang.
Hoping Panache is still getting the much-needed support.

muse I lived in St Columb, in The Old Manse for 7+ years and worked in the Art Dept of Truro City Council, setting up an international sculpture exhibition and also painting wild-flower identification tiles for the Probus Demonstration Gardens.

Then went to Bodmin to re-designing all the natural history leaflets which are given out to tourists.

I came back to New Zealand with my sons in late ‘87 (followed by my Mum in 1990).

Picture is of the Manse in Fair Street which was sold by the Methodist Church after we left it and made habitable by its new owners, something the church refused to do all the years we lived there.
Nevertheless, they were some of the best years of my life.

Oh Mamissimo I saw a photo of that half a plane crash in the newspaper this morning, I thought there had been a terrrible accident.
Sorry the flower show did not turn our as you’d hoped. Perhaps next time a visit to Hampton Court itself would be better.
Oh what a shame your picnic was spoilt by the rain (having said that I would love to know what you had in your picnic basket from Fortnums)
I know you have lots of rain but I had to water the garden today as the promised wet stuff never arrived. ?
Well I never knew Muse was a band. I will have to look it up.
Good news for us today our DGD passed her driving test. We are so pleased for her.
Now come on Mamissimo cauliflowers and garlic are boring. In the theme of running beans and bored beans I want a better description than that. ?
Well Muse I’m not much older than you but as I said I have never heard of the band.
Hope your leg improves soon. Glad the pain is easing must be on the mend I would think.
Kaimoana I think you are doing well with your Maori. I must admit when I did my translation I though how can such a long English sentence be translated into such few words, I had to laugh when the word beer suddenly appeared, no idea how that fits in at all ?
You lived in such a beautiful house. How lovely. What an interesting past you’ve had.

I couldn’t sleep last night. Holiday excitement I think. So I was up learning about our new video camera which we bought about 18 months ago but have hardly used.
It’s light, compact, very small and……..totally baffling.
I am making progress but it’s so hard when the screen is so small and it seems to have a mind of its own. I am determined to master it before the weekend. I have always been ok with software so will just battle on till I figure it out. Thank goodness for YouTube. ?
Thinking of Panache and all the missing gangsters. Take care all.

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Doodle "Kia ora Aurora!" used to appear on cinemas screens and you could get orange juice or ice lollies from The Lady With the Tray a the front.
I longed to be that lady, thinking (as a child) she got to eat the left over ice creams .
That's not so silly, we didn't have a fridge and used to buy ice cream, very occasionally, in a bowl we took out to a street vendor. So in our house, left-overs had to be eaten up.

When I actually became one of those ladies, not only was I wrong but if some sneaky persons stole an item from the tray, the cost came from my meagre wages.

New Zealand has acres and acres of orange groves but Kia Ora (now owned by Coca-Cola), was made from California oranges.
Since Coke got hold of it, I've no doubt it's simply orange flavouring.

Now I'm sure we have some psychic connection I was wide awake at 4am, not worrying about packing but certainly thinking of the Gang.

Off to see my doctor tomorrow, accompanied by my son.
I think he may buy me lunch afterwards - fingers crossed

I'm still here but have been so upset by the news of 'freedom day' that I am struggling to be positive. I am going to have to shield again.

Without any Covid antibodies I am vulnerable and the dropping of distancing and masking rules means that I can longer go where most (vaccinated) others will feel able to.

I keep telling myself I can still see family, although travel is a problem and eventually, I will get protection via my treatment but I have no idea when that will be. If the pandemic infection levels drop I will take some calculated risks. But just now, I feel abandoned - just collateral damage.

I have just had some good news. My DIL (lives an hour away) has been in touch and asked if they can spend a weekend with us soon. Oh yes! Things haven't always been smooth, so to have the three of them (DS1 too) here and spend some time with DGD1 is a real bonus. I've just bought some bunting and coloured lights for our garden and some garden games too. Fingers crossed for reasonable weather. (I don't expect them to stay outside - just want them to feel welcome.) I'll need to think about feeding them too.

There is always a reason to be cheerful, I just needed to look for it.

My thoughts are with my fellow lobstars.

I hope Doodle has a lovely cruise, that Panache is still getting lots of support, chuckle at Kaimoana's bedmaking training (hope you get your free lunch) and just say thank you to everyone for listening.

A very quiet good morning from me.......I have a hangover slight headache and ennui. We met up with some dear friends for dinner last night and as we had nearly eighteen months of catching up to do the red wine flowed too well. ?

Don't despair Doodle - the running beans are up to the top of their poles! My DGD is in charge of naming vegetables so I'll give her a tour of the brassicas and see what she comes out with. My current favourite is the Achey Bot tree.....?

You ask what was in the hamper.....we started with chicken liver pate with port jelly and crackers, then prawns and Asian coleslaw. This we followed by rare roast beef, with a pasta salad, green bean, pea and asparagus with a mint salsa, and a potato salad. Then came a valrohna chocolate cheesecake with raspberries, and then.....cheese and biscuits. All washed down with a bottle of Australian Shiraz and water......it was fab!

Kaimoana - Mr M is a Bodmin boy by descent. His parents were married in St Petroc's and there are memorials to more ancient family members on the walls there. Scratch the surface in Bodmin and you'll find his DNA.

Missedout I really sympathise over this stupid 'freedom day' concept....I'm trying to treat it as manage your own risk day....we know that meeting our families if they have had both jabs will probably be fine....but I'm certainly going to avoid pub bars and places where teenagers hang out. We do need to live a little more of our lives so we're going to take it very carefully and wear our masks like a comfort blanket. We will continue to have most things delivered rather than shop!

Panache a big hug for you and wishes for sunshine for all!

Evening all.
Kaimoana I remember those advertisements from the cinema and the ice cream lady in the interval. There used to be such long queues. The ice creams came with a little wooden spatula.
I hope your Doctors appointment goes well tomorrow. I’m glad your DS is going with you.
Missedout have you spoken with your consultant about what you can and can’t do? I am so sorry you are feeling down and can understand why. When things are opening up for most people to be thrust back into shielding would be hard to bear. I know DH (who has blood cancer) is still going to be extra careful but we have had two meals out with out sons.
What lovely news about your DIL. I wonder if she realises how bad you are feeling. To spend the weekend with them and your DGD would be a lovely lift to the spirits. I think the ideas you've mentioned would make them feel welcome indeed. My DIL is very much into fairy lights, garden lights etc.
Thank you for wishing us a good cruise. I am excited and scared in equal measure. We have to pass a COVID test before they allow us on ship and whilst I have no reason to think it won’t be ok I’m still worried about it. We will just have to wait and see.
Mamissimo it sounds as though you had a lovely night last night and I’m sure the slight headache is worth it under the circumstances. ?
Ooh I love the Achey Bot tree. I am tempted to say I know how it feels but probably tmi. ?
Wow my mouth is watering. That is certainly some hamper. Sounds delicious. (You didn’t think of asking me to join you ?)
We too are not going to abandon all our safety precautions. Although, hopefully, we are going on the cruise, the precautions being taken by Saga are very good. No one onboard without two jabs, masks to be worn at all times except when eating or drinking or outside. Hands must be washed in newly installed sinks before entering any restaurant. We have seen Saga in action before with regard to Norovirus so feel quite safe in their care. We will not be going to the theatre or shows of any kind and have booked only 3 trips out of 14 nights. Hopefully things will be ok. (Mind you, I still haven’t started packing ?)
Thinking of Panache and Cherry and all our gang. ??

I am so sorry to read of your distress about so-called freedom day Missedout it really is a dismal prospect for vulnerable people, isn’t it? I hope you enjoy family time though; your garden sounds very festive.

Mamissimo The contents of your picnic hamper sound lovely, it made me realise I haven’t made chicken liver pate for ages. Ingredients will be going on the next shopping list .
Ah, Bodmin. My abiding memory, other than working for the Council is a deadly arrangement of 3 interlinked roundabouts, through which, at the height of summer and the town chock-a-block with tourists, I was taken by the sadistic driving test examiner.
I passed anyway.

My appointment with the doctor went well but for one thing, she’s leaving
I shall miss her such a lot.
She gave me a hug and said she's enjoyed getting to know me and I should visit her at the new practice, 14km away. That's unlikely.

Gubbins continues to enchant. As you know, when you talk to Alexa, you don't look at it. Nevertheless, Gubbins has worked out that when the keyword is uttered, it's directed at the unit and she turns her head to look at the blue light.
My Dil told me the wee tyant slept a mere 30 mins last night. I don't know how Gubbins can survive on such a small amount of sleep, it's incredible. Her poor parents are totally exhausted.

Going to the theatre tomorrow afterenoon.
www.iticket.co.nz/events/2021/jul/kupapa

Love to Panache and all our missing friends and those on holiday.

We will be on our way home later today. We’ve had a lovely few days at the Norfolk Broads. So much food - diet starts tomorrow! Found some great restaurants especially a fish one here in Horning. We were very lucky to get in as it’s booked up weeks in advance. Typically DH insists we eat out at lunchtime! Then home to pick up Theo cat who will be desperate to go out and hunt again!
Doodle hope you’ve managed to pack for your cruise. Expect Kure will go ahead but not heard officially yet.
Kaimoanna feel for you losing your GP. Dread mine leaving. He’s been so supportive during the last year or so. Just hope he will stay.
Missedout so difficult for you and al the other vulnerable people. Suppose you just have to do what you feel is right for you and take all precautions you can. Not easy while everyone else is charging around enjoying freedom.
Mamissimo sounds a great picnic hamper. Never had such a posh one. Ours usually consist of home made sandwiches and a packet of crisps! That’s if I make one. Usually into the nearest cafe/ pub!
Now leaving for the last coffee at our favourite Broad then off to lunch at another pub then home! Love to all

What’s Kure?! Sorry Cruise!!

Evening Lobstars. Having watched Novak Djokovic win the semi final I'm a wandering through a couple of threads before dinner. I was routing for Dennis?

I'm puzzled as to why The Lockdown Gang doesn't feature on the ACTIVE list tonight.

Mamissimo. It's a beautiful church in Bodmin. That's three GNers now very closely linked.

Kaimoana I have had a love of local history for many years. I've done studies of various places in Derbyshire (my home county). Cornwall's mining interested in my teens as the family holidayed here year in year out. I remember doing a study of mines when at school. After reading your post, I had a look for some leaflets still available about Bodmin. Found one that has lit that interest again for me. Bodmin Town: Conservation Area - Character Appraisal. April 2000. Some interesting maps.
The Council now occupy a grand new building on the road out to Wadebridge. The library and registration have moved into the same building.
Hope the doctor's appointment went well today.

Just read a post from Panache on the kitchen thread. Good to hear from her.

Enjoy the cruise Doodle.

We heard from MrM's son tonight. They live further south west in Cornwall. Wife and daughter have recently had covid and been very ill. It was rife in DGD's school. Son and grandson both negative. We've postponed seeing them all so many times but this has come as a shock. IT continues to run amuck. Numbers are still increasing here in Cornwall.

MrM has just passed me a G+T. I need to check the dinner. Stay safe everyone.

Kaimoana I dread roundabouts when I am driving. I have no sense of direction and can often end up going south when I need to be going north ?
It’s always difficult when you have to change doctors. We had two we were very close to who got DH through many of his illnesses. Having said that our new surgery treats us very well and we have no complaints.
Hmm I see young Gubbins is an intelligent young lady. I think her parents need to beware. Perhaps Gubbins may take to ordering what she likes with the help of her friend Alexa. Like the little girl in America who ordered an enormous dolls house without her mum and dads knowledge. ?
My DGD also slept very little. It’s hard work for the parents,
Hope you have a lovely time at the theatre.
Jan so pleased you’ve had a nice trip. Nice to eat out and have someone else do the cooking. I expect Theo will be pleased to see you home.
muse perhaps we’re all having a snooze and not very active ?
I too read Panache’s post on the kitchen thread. Lovely to see her keeping in touch.
I hope MrM’s son and family feel better soon. You are right it is easy to forget how much COVID is still around. We are still being cautious. Please ask MrM where my G&T is ? ?
Grammaretto I will probably miss your return from holiday. I hope you have a good time and I look forward to hearing about it when I get back.
Take care all you lovely lockdown gang, I will post whenever I am able, WiFi permitting and will wave at all in the UK as we sail past (hopefully we will pass the COVID test and be allowed on board otherwise I’ll be back Monday ?).
x

Good evening ?

We've had a busy day in the garden because they say it's going to rain for most of the weekend ☹️ It was shallot and garlic harvesting day.....and a bit of lovely compost spreading......I'm always content in the garden.

Bon Voyage Doodle and the Dude take your sun hat....the sun starts to shine on Wednesday ? I'll look after Jeeves while you're away.

Kaimoana you wouldn't recognisecthosecroundabouts now....they've gone all experimental! Bodmin now specialises in things that look like roundabout but aren't....they're shared spaces for pedestrians and cars and they were designed to confuse people so that they are aware of their surroundings and take more care......nope, you couldn't make it up....The jail is becoming a luxury hotel .....also quite ironic!

fb.watch/6EtcqBUnhX/

So you like history too Muse? I do the odd genealogy commission translating old documents from ancient English or Latin into readable text. I love digging up dead relatives for people ?

Do we welcomeGrammaretto back tomorrow as well as Jan.? It's all comings and going's.......sleep tight