The Lockdown Gang - Just chatting ⭐️

Good morning LobStars. I'm ready to go out with various items of shopping to do. MrM has nodded (narcolepsy) so will wait till the?are over. He is wanting some hex screws but hadn't finished his sentence.

Mamissimo I hold my breath for my tomatoes. I've lost them the past four years. This year I'm growing them under 3 different conditions. So far, all's well.

Missedout. What an oven. I am so tempted. We need a new microwave for the new house. I'm quite a techi person so it really appeals to me.

Padstow's 'Obby 'Oss, was cancelled this year Kaimoana. Is the red light shining brightly? Tell them it means your bread is ready for sale. I used it live in a village near Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. and wondered why I would see the odd firework rocket go up in the evenings. Apparently, the drugs had arrived and were ready for sale.

MrM's few?are over. Need to order those screws.

Oh Lordy! I misread that post Muse as .....he is wanting some sex...... ?

It's technology day here with avengance. We are having fibre to the premises connected, a new digital phone service and we've changed mobile operators so the opportunity for chaos is huge.

Isn't it wonderful to have a breeze and a more sensible temperature today? This last week has been worse than snow!

H beagle escaped this morning and was brought home by a neighbouring farmer.......we told her off....she smiled and immediately tried to steal Mr M's breakfast.

It's one of those days ?

Hello gang. Not home yet. In Newcastle today. Wi fi it bad it a
Takes a long time to post so I will catch up fully when I’m back. Due home Sunday. Glorious weather today after thick mist around Scotland. We saw dolphins. A first for me. I was so excited. ?. Take care all. I’ve missed you. Be back soon.

Greetings to all my lovely caring friends whom have kept me sane when the going has been very rough indeed.

The immense heat has been a real trial and it has well and truly been the next bane of my life.

I honestly prayed that Tuesday would be much cooler,but my prayers were very much in vain.

However thankfully all the preparations paid off as the Funeral of my dearest went off smoothly, in fact many remarking upon what a really beautiful and uplifting day it had been.
All six of us met in the Dining Hall just prior to the Hearse and our car arriving.
.Outside sitting discreetly were a large contingent of residents.
There were tears when the Hearse bearing my man arrived, but with everything happening at quite a pace, I was more or less swept along.
Service sheets were distributed amongst the residents.
It was a very proud moment when the resplendant undertaker in top hat with staff led the cortege away from our home on its way towards the church.

The church was quite nicely filled with us six sitting together in the front,with my dearest just ahead of me.
The service was one of real thanksgiving for a life well lived,accompanied by singing in true hearty welsh fashion....a real joy in these covid days........those beautiful hymns chosen by my man himself.
Then the rather long journey to the Crem,a short service of committal and off to the nearby country hotel where we had our own large and airy room.
There followed a very pleasant afternoon enjoying cool drinks, refreshments and much mingling.
I rather think my man would be beaming with pride!!

Even my wreath of white roses,lilies,heather and greenery withstood the abnormal temperatures that day!......just!!!

Not forgetting the residents here,we brought back a selection of refreshments to distribute among them in the dining room

The evening and rest couple of days have not been the best,this immense heat and the aftermath of all that has gone on before truly meant I was at a low ebb,and needed simply peace and rest.

As a notable plus I also feel that I have made inroads into making some deep and lasting friendships with those that have kept close,even accompanying me on the day I needed them the most.

Another era begins.

Such a beautiful description of the day Panache - I could imagine it vividly. Thank you for sharing with us. We have all become close over these past many months.
I can almost hear the singing of the hymns.

I think it's cooling down somewhat. MiL came to lunch and enjoyed the change of scene. We stayed indoors but she and SiL admired the garden which was the right thing to do
My attempts at a vegan meal were passable but I completely forgot about ice cream and milk too. I thought SiL took her coffee black.

Panache. Good to hear that the funeral of your dear one was so comforting and also that you now have many good friends to support you over the days ahead.
Mamissimo I have to confess that I too thought Muse had said her husband was wanting sex! Must be our minds!

Good Evening ?

Thank you for sharing your dear man's day with us Panache We were with you in spirit and now we can picture how all your careful planning and thought made it such a fitting service. I'm so pleased that you are making some friendships - they will be a great help to you.

We're watching a lovely programme about Tebay Services on the M6 and the cheese is mouth watering. Because Mr M can't eat cheese at the moment we only have a bit of mousetrap in....or some cheese spread. Neither of these will do!

The new broadband is up and running and we're delighted so far. I thought I was in for an afternoon of faff and raffle but I was pleasantly surprised.

Tomorrow DS and his partner are cooking us a roast dinner for the first time. I remember DM telling me that DF was really surprised at how good the dinner was the first time we entertained them. I think she meant that he really enjoyed it....but I've been completely sure. She was the absolute master of the veiled put down and never directly praised anything. DS popped in to help himself to a cabbage and some carrots from the garden because he misses the veg. Is that a new term of endearment? ?

Tomorrow we will need to be all present and correct for the return of Doodle and the Dude !

Panache you gave us a wonderful description of the Special Day. Gosh, a man in top hat and cane too - just as they used to do in Yorkshire when I was a child - how classy.

You're right, peace and rest it is for you now because you worked yourself to physical and emotionl exhaustion fighting for every benefit for your man. It's your turn now to recover.

Hearing of tomato failures makes me wonder if I should bother this year. Planting begins in 2 months, so I'll scrub and bleach the old pots and decide later.

muse Since I came back to NZ, I've had to get my Obby Oss fix virtually.
In a recent docu-drama set in Padstow, the film company had a band playing the song on the quayside - and it wasn't even May . That's telly for you
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Yol4Y7rdew

A truly, madly and astonishngly perfect and happy even hilarious day at my house yesterday, feeding and farewelling our dear friend Mike.

Gubbins and DGS adored him and we were all (including the giant, weight-lifting AF playing males), in tears as we parted.
Next year, if he is able, he'll bring his son.
Jack wanted to come this time: "But Dad, I'm half-Kiwi!" protested the Atlanta-born 9 year old.
"Okay, I'll take the Kiwi half with me." said Dad.

Sending love to all and certainly, as always, thinking of and missing those who cannot be with us.

Your day sounds brilliant Kaimoana. I am really happy for you. May there be many like it. Sad to say goodbye to Mike, of course but at least you see the DGC.

I've just had an accident. Not too serious but not nice.
The local-ish family arrived unexpectedly and I brought tea and drinks outside. I plonked the tray on the table and plonked myself in the cane chair which gave way beneath me. It would have been merely undignified but I hit the side of my jaw on a wheelbarrow on the way down and it is very sore. I must have yelled because the folk next door offered to help.
I slathered arnica on my face and it's just swollen. Think Desperate Dan without the stubble
Later I was picking blackcurrants with DGD and ate one. Screaming pain as though the saliva glands are affected.
I have poured myself a G&T but without lemon and so far it isn't too bad.
The day was going quite well until then.

I really like Tebay services Mamissimo and always try to go there any journey south.
Fairly nearby is the absolute worst services in the world.

DS says it will rain all week so at least I don't have to water the garden.

.

Dear lobstars, I am back. What a trip.
The anxiety about passing the COVID test 1 hour before the cruise meant that we were just so relieved to get on board, the champagne bottle was opened and finished before I even started the unpacking ?
Lovey cruise but different from normal. Not getting off except on escorted trips meant we spent much of the time onboard. Quite enjoyed it but would have liked to walk round the local ports we stopped at.
Met many lovely people, had some delicious meals and relaxed in the sunshine are read lots of books which was so nice. One of the highlights was for the ship to be escorted by a group (pod ?) of dolphins. Firstly, we saw only the fins of the smaller ones but then the bigger ones kept pace with the ship and diving up and out of the water. I have never seen a dolphin in the sea before and was so excited.

Please forgive me if I don’t catch up with all the news. I have read through but can’t remember everything.
Panache such a lovely description of your DH’s funeral. It sounds as though it was well attended and you had your good friends with you. I expect we were all with you in spirit.
Hope you are finding some time to rest yourself now. The last few months have been traumatic for you.x
Grammaretto your poor jaw. Such a painful accident. I hope it is not badly damaged and the swelling goes down soon. Must have been quite a shock for you.
I’m glad you had a good holiday though.
Kaimoana pleased to hear you had such a lovely time with your son’s friend Mike. Hope he manages to come back again with his son next time.
You seem to be making good friends with young Gubbins. Skype is certainly a help for her to become more familiar with you. I bet your DGS loved his sleep over.
Mamissimo I’m so glad Honey beagle was safely returned. Does she escape often?
Many congratulations on your DS’s achievement. You must be so pleased. Your holiday must be coming up soon. Hope you enjoy it.
Nfk your trip to Wales sounds nice, we went through Snowdon on a trip during the cruise. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed off the coach for photos which was a shame as the scenery was lovely.
Jan glad you had a good holiday too but I’m so sorry to hear your friend has such a nasty accident and you’ve had to cancel your cruise. I hope she makes a good recovery.
Dragonfly the Peak District is a lovely place. I can understand your Dsil and DH buying a cottage there. Glad you enjoyed it.
Missedout you are always welcome. No need to slink in.
Sounds as though your new combi oven is cooking well. I have one too. I use it quite a lot for steaming veg etc. Mine doesn’t have wi fi or an app. Perhaps the next version in a few years time will link to the freezer and frozen burgers will get ejected out of the freezer, caught by a baking tray which comes out of the cupboard by remote control and placed into the combi oven ready for you to wi fi your cooking on the way back from the shops ?
I am so pleased you had a lovely time with your DGD and family. Sounds as though she enjoyed soaking her dad. ?
Our DGD used to love going round the garden with a small children’s watering can.
Hope you have a lovely time with your Northern gang visit.
Muse I too misread your post about your DH and his wanting sex. what is it about us all ? Hope all the building work is going well.
Cherry and Nortsat still thinking of you. Hope things are improving. Take care all.

Good morning - and welcome home Doodle ?

The just got real for us as DS has tested positive for COVID. As we had dinner with him on Sunday we are now testing the efficacy of the vaccines isolating and cannot go on holiday to Wales.

Mr M has gone grumpy but I'm more concerned about DS than a week in Wales. People are coming up with plans to enable us to avoid the pinging but I think that's not cricket. In fact it makes me cross.

I shall go and freeze some beans to cheer myself up....?

Oh no Mamissimo that’s such bad luck and can understand you’re worried about you DS. Has he had both jabs? Know someone who has Covid despite both jabs but after 2 days feeling really poorly she soon recovered. Fingers crossed your DS is the same.
Sorry to hear about your accident Grammaretto. Hope you’re feeling better now.
Pleased you had a great cruise Doodle. Did you get off the ship at all? We haven’t actually cancelled our cruise yet. Waiting to see if P and O cancel first. Then we will make a decision.
Hope all Lobsters are ok

Oh Mamissimo what a shame about your son. Hope he is feeling ok. Has he been vaccinated. Sorry you’ll miss your trip to Wales. Can you re book?
Has your son had a proper test? There is a lot of talk in the papers about tests giving conflicting answers. Hope your son doesn’t feel too bad.
Hi Jan. Yes we did get off in Belfast and at Holyhead but we spent a lot of time on the coach without getting off and didn’t enjoy it much. We decided we had a better time staying on board.
Been busy with the washing and ironing again today. Went for a walk late this afternoon and then watered the hanging baskets. I’ve been waiting for the rain all day to see if I could get out of watering them but it didn’t happen ?
Hope everyone is ok. Grammaretto how is your jaw today? Hope you are feeling ok.

Oh dear Mamissimo, has your DS had a proper test? There seems to be an awful lot of false positives with the lateral flow tests. It's worth having a P-whatsit test just in case. Such bad luck if you have to lose your holiday.

I hope your poor jaw is better today Grammaretto you must have given it quite a wallop. Should you get it checked over? Is it a metal wheel barrow?

I tripped over the pavement yesterday and did a slow motion flyer. Saw the wall coming towards my head and put my arm up to deflect. I've got away with just a graze. This falling over lark is a bit of a bind, but I think I'm getting better at the getting up bit. I don't need two firemen now. DH didn't batter an eyelid when I told him!

Spent the rest of yesterday and today cleaning the boat and making a start on all the list of jobs, like the doors which don't shut properly.
The weather can't make up its mind. The forecast keeps promising rain, but nothing happened. Until today when it bucketted down. All down to my having cleaned the boat windows.

Oh dear Mamissimo, it is getting too close to home here as well. My DIL has tested positive today as well. She is feeling poorly and our DS is doing his best to keep our DGD calm.

It is such a worry and we all feel so helpless. My DIL has some vulnerabilities too although she and DS have had both vaccinations. It is 9 days since the 3 of them stayed with us. I was feeling much more cheerful about my decision to just see my family but now.....

I'm glad you and 'the Dude' enjoyed your cruise Doodle although with some restrictions. It was good that you got away for a change of scenery and didn't have to bother about what you were going to cook! I think DH is nervous about asking me what we are going to eat these days.

NfkDumpling, why does it always rain after you clean the windows and make them look so 'splattered'? When we are on the narrowboat we should really clean the brass before we leave it but, if it looks like rain, well there is no point in getting out the 'Brasso'!

I hope you jaw is feeling better Grammaretto.

Take care all lobstars.

Good morning ☹️

DS has COVID....officially and so we have to isolate for ten days. He'd had his first jab and second jab due in two weeks. We think he may have got it at his graduation ceremony which seemed very well organised to us.

So now Jeeves can't bring bedtime drinks......

Dear Mamissimo........feeling your pain at this time and just sending a reassuring hug,hopefully this positive result turns out to be over in record time......and with the least damage to your DS .

Oh Nfk that sounds like a nasty trip. Glad you only had a graze but I expect you were still shocked. It’s so easily done. DH and I have had many more trips and falls in the last few years than ever before. Two firemen you say…….I may bear that in mind if I take a tumble ? Are you planning any more boat trips?
Missedout your DIL too. My neighbour’s DIL has also tested positive. I hope your DIL and Mamissimo’s son are not feeling too bad. At least your DIL has had her jabs. Hopefully she will not suffer badly. I also hope you don’t catch it.
I think we have all done what we can to keep safe so far. Life has to continue and seeing family is part of the life we have missed for so long.
Thank you Missedout we did enjoy our cruise and the food was wonderful. Back to reality and chicken again. ?
Mamissimo I hope your son is ok. Hope you avoid catching it. Don’t worry about Jeeves. I have fitted him out in full PPE from head to foot. (Actually he has his own. A full old school diving kit complete with helmet. Don’t be frightened when you see him ?)
Panache take care. Much love x

Good evening - and thank you all for your kind messages. Mr M and I have spent the day reading the endless stream of mail and messages from track and trace. It's simple really.....we stay in till midnight next Thursday. For lock down convicts like us it's like coming home.

DS is intrigued by his symptoms - particularly the changes in his taste buds. He feels very rough but is keeping the fever under control. Hopefully his single dose will have given him some protection. He's worked all through the pandemic in a public facing roll and I really wish key workers like him had been given jabs earlier.

We managed to claim on our travel insurance for next week so today's we've been looking for something to do in September. I want to go home to Ireland. ? Mr M wants to go home to Cornwall ? ......so we will probably go --to Ireland--somewhere else!

Do take care of yourselves!

In every garden are clouds of peach and apple blossom, blushes of cherry and the magnificent magnolia.
Spring is on her way!

Oh my goodness, your poor relatives Missedout & Mamissimo. What a shock for you both.

It's not just having Covid (at least it isn't here), but the psychological impact which seems to bring a level of fear in a way ordinary contact illnesses do not.

Welcome back dear Doodle & DH. Despite the restrictions, you seem to have had a jolly time - and some much-needed rest.

Grammaretto and Nfk what're you both doing , falling into wheelbarrows and turning somersaults over pavements?
I don't like to think of you falling. Please look after yourselves.

There are plans for my DGS to stay over again at the weekend. He enjoyed cooking so much he's booked me again

However, the decision will be last minute because although I haven't fallen over anything and I can't honestly say I'm truly sick - I don't feel well.
Remember that advert, "Do you feel one degree under?" Well I do. Was it for a tonic? Maybe I'll get one.

Mamissimo hope your son is feeling a bit better today. Losing your taste for things can’t be much fun. I hope you and MrM manage to avoid catching it. As you say, bit like the original lockdown.
Glad you got your money back in the holiday. Booking something to look forward to sounds a good idea.
Ah, there you are Kaimoana. I missed you ?
The garden flowers sound lovely. Have you looked in on the Dean recently and seen his wild meadow on Mondays. Beautiful array of red, blue, white and yellow.
Thank you yes we did have a good time. Nice to see the sea again and very calm so quite enjoyable,
I hope you feel better soon and you are up to having your DGS over, I know how much you love seeing him. I was with mine today. Wow, when did he get so big. Get even bigger hugs now ?
Panache how are you? x. Dear Cherry, Dragonfly and Nortsat hope you are keeping safe.
Grammaretto hope your jaw is ok.
Missedout hope your DIL is ok.
Nfk keeping both feet on the ground I hope.
Jan I have almost got to the bottom of the washing basket. Life is returning to normal post cruise. ?

Doodle almost getting to the bottome of her laundry basket.

How's your jaw Grammaretto? Can you eat ok? It did sound like quite a nasty wallop.

We went out on our little boat yesterday and had an idyllic day. Found a mooring where the fishing was good and no weeds or lily pads, so DH was happy. And I did a painting of a duck. Well, a bit of one and it still looks a bit like a platypus to me and getting a bit furry around the neck - but it photographs reasonably well!

It's raining here now, but completely still. Not a breath of wind. I suspect its on its way though. I hope you're all battened down in the west and the storm doesn't do too much damage.

Whatdyathink?