The Lockdown Gang - carry on chatting ⭐️

Hello everybody. It’s so long since I posted that I got ‘locked out’ and had to find this page again. I mustn’t leave it so long in future, but I’ve been having a rather traumatic time of it.

My DH is still in the rehab hospital but unfortunately has made no progress at all and the OTs have now said it’s impossible to improve his mobility, which means he can’t live at home with the equipment we currently have. I went to the hospital yesterday to have a demo of a type of mobile hoist which can be used in the home, but would need two experienced carers to operate. Our current care company have some experience of these things and don’t recommend them, in our case mostly because my DH is a big man, also they don’t have the capacity to send two carers four times a day. So, after discussion with my family we’ve pretty much decided that a care home is the best/safest option for his continuing care. Sadly, due to his dementia I haven’t really been able to have an in-depth discussion with him about it, but I do think he now needs 24 hour professional care. It’s been a horrible few weeks and I’m not looking forward to the next few either.

Kaimoana. I was very interested in your experience with MSM and intend to try some in the hope of relieving my arthritis. We visited Bay of Islands during our tour of NZ - it certainly is lovely. We didn’t do anything as exciting as swimming with dolphins, but we did have a trip in a glass bottomed boat which was lovely. What a shame that Covid has raised its ugly head again in NZ when you were doing so well. Is the whole country in lockdown or just the cities?

I had my flu jab at the beginning of the week and my Covid booster yesterday, so I’m all jabbed up. No reaction to either so far. I went out to lunch with my daughter yesterday, which was a nice treat and we’re going out for Sunday lunch again tomorrow - I feel thoroughly blessed to have family support at the moment.

I’ve enjoyed catching up with all your activities - will try and keep in touch better in future.

Hello gang,

Missimac what hard decisions for you to make alone. Do you have family to help? make decisions

I came home to a posted invitation for my flu jag and covid booster next week.
I had a lovely overnight stay at DDs despite leaving my case on the first train on the return journey. Had a civilised lunch and chat with DD in an excellent cafe/gallery in Aberfeldy.
www.aberfeldywatermill.com/
Picked up the girls from school and took them to ballet where I committed an arch crime of taking a photo other peoples children!!

Despite living in NZ until the age of 10, I never went north of Auckland nor south of Christchurch, nor even on my visits since. But DGS won with his amazing drawings and stories a weekend snorkelling at Poor Knights Islands.
www.newzealand.com/int/poor-knights-islands/

I think we can safely agree that our DG mothers were made of stern stuff!

I managed to retrieve my case after an extra round trip to Glasgow but arrived home very weary, but to find the drain had been cleared in my absence..

Missimac nice to hear from you again.
I’m sorry your DH hasn’t improved. I know how hard it is to let loved ones go into care. My brother had dementia and my wonderful SIl did everything she could to keep him at home until the time came for him to go into care. Both of them were very upset and it was a very difficult time. However, my brother adapted to the home and my SIL visited him every day. They sat in the garden together, went to the local pub together went out for coffee. Watched snooker on the TV together. It wasn’t perfect but it did allow my SIL some time to herself and the ability to leave the house again.
I am so sorry you are going through this traumatic time. It will get better.
I’m glad you have supportive family. It will make all the difference.
Glad you have had both your jabs, booster and flu. DH and I are waiting for both.
Not everyone can post every day. Some post when they have time, others when they feel up to it and some only read as they are unable to post at the moment. Just know that you, like the others, will always be welcome here and thought of with kindness and caring.
Grammaretto another going for the double jab. That’s good news.
Sounds like you had a lovely visit with your DD and granddaughters. You are just like me. I sneaked photos of mine dancing too even though it wasn’t allowed. Managed to take some when others weren’t in shot. Do yours wear tutus. I remember mine at that age, they looked so lovely and concentrated so hard.
Sounds like a long journey with the lost case. Just glad you got it back. Time to rest tonight I think. I will send Jeeves with extra special hot chocolate. ?

missismac A very sad and difficult time for you and I'm glad you have such wonderful family support.
Don't forget that the care home, means caring about you as well as your DH.

Doodle is quite right and it was true for my friends as well, all of whom were able to visit and really enjoy their partners' company without the exhaustion of caring for an invalid.

In addition, the stimulus of company with other residents and the comfort of staff brought a new dimention. So take heart

I hope MSM,makes a real difference for you.

NZ is at Level 2, which is cautious but able to go about one's business, school etc whilst masked and distancing.

Auckland however is totally cut off at Level 3.

No one allowed in or out without special permission. Military and police roadblocks ensure this, or try to. People have been caught travelling up railway lines to avoid the barriers .

Gatherings, including funerals must be no more than 10 and they must be part of your 'bubble'. With summer coming, many couples are hoping postponed weddings can be re-scheduled.

No school, work from home and for elders like me it is strictly "stay at home".

That wouldn't be too bad, I do that anyway, but I have had all homecare withdrawn too, so getting essential supplies has been something of a problem.

However, neighbours who formerly were all working and we never spoke, have bought milk and as you may have read BoadiceaJones couriered fruit - which I fell on as if starving.

Oranges from the Bay of Islands are the best in the world and when they are but 2 days off the tree, fruit of the gods.

I've also eaten a lot of porridge and tinned food over the past few weeks

Auckland is hoping for reprieve on 4th October but some worrying news about Delta-Covid in gangs has just emerged.

Typically, gang members don't trust authority (and vice versa ) and Delta is spreading within their families. If schools re-open then we could see yet another total lockdown.

Gramaretto-paparazza Was your phone confiscated or did they allow you to keep pics of your grand-daughters? They sound cute.

Bitterly cold here and thunderstorms forecast for tomorrow but my garden tubs are full of blossoming freesias so I'm happy.

Stay cosy everyone.

Missimac
When our df 's dementia became too difficult for his DW to handle , she reluctantly found him a place in a local carehome. Their DD is a GP and friends in social services "voted" it the best.
It was a relief all round. She could sleep again and had more energy. She visited him every day and DD and friends did too.
It's a place close to the High School and the orchestra would give concerts . The pet therapist would call. All that sort of thing. He lived another couple of years but df occasionally said she had lost him years before

Good morning (evening) Gangstars from me and the Molls, including naughty Minnie.
Oh missismac, what challenging days for you. Sending all good wishes to you and your DH.
It’s lovely that your daughter is offering such support. I hope you enjoy your Sunday lunch, something delicious that you haven’t cooked, might tempt you to eat. It’s so easy in the midst of such challenges to forget about your own needs, when you are focused on your loved ones needs. You DD is obviously keeping a good eye on you, bless her.
Do take heed of Kaimoana and Doodle’s wise words.
My partner has an aunt aged 91, who also lives in a Care Home, she settled in well and is thriving.
Grammaretto so pleased to know you recovered your suitcase.
Aberfeldy Watermill looks lovely. Seeing the bookshop made me yearn to wander around one and then have coffee and cake.
Gosh, speaking of cake ... yesterday our neighbour appeared at our front door with a chocolate cake for us. Her son is at college and has a part time job in a supermarket. There were chocolate cakes at their use by date, in the store and they were distributed to the staff, to bring home. He was given two and elected to give one to us. We tried to give him some money for it, but his mother insisted it was a gift.
I have asked Jeeves to deliver some slices to the Gangstars.
Doodle as ever you are so kind to everyone on this lovely thread. I hope all is well with you, the Dude and your family.
Kaimoana it seems counterintuitive to withdraw all homecare during the lockdown. How are people supposed to manage? I hope you are in reasonable spirits.
As previously discussed, those tears can lurk just below the surface. I seem to become tearful at all sorts of things ... a burned finger ... reports on the television news about violence towards women ... an act of kindness (like the chocolate cake). I am much more emotional than I used to be, pre lockdown.
Porridge and delicious oranges sound like a lovely diet. I could eat some of both of those right now.

I am having a pre-birthday lunch with friends tomorrow, so looking forward to that.
Good wishes to all Gang-stars, both the posters and the readers. ?

Good morning ?

The sun is shining! ? My DSis has gone home ? DS is beginning a phased return to work tomorrow ?

Sadly DD2 has been definitely proved to be not preganant. She and DSiL went away for a couple of days and have reached the conclusion that they tried too soon after the first cycle and need to recover more mentally and physically before trying again.....and to explore further whether they want to go through it again. The whole process has abused stress and distress to them both and I'm pleased they're taking time to reflect.

Mr M and I are going to a hog roast at the GPs at lunchtime - it's a gesture of thanks to all who have stood in the car park being bossy helping at vaccination clinics. I suggested to him that as he is endlessly told to loose weight by them - and swears that he takes great strides to do so - he should not eat too much in their presence.......his answer was to cook himself a big breakfast to keep him going! ?‍♂️?‍♀️

The running beans are over, the courgettes have stopped proliferating so we can begin to put the garden to bed for the winter.....and plant the garlic, shallots and broad beans....there's always something to look forwards to with veg!

Kaimoana I have been reading up on my breathing issues and read that your lungs need water too. Like you and my DH have been telling me for a long time, I need to drink more water. I am trying but it is difficult as I tend to forget about it.
I have also downloaded a free app which helps you practice deep breathing. Simple but more effective than just trying to count my breaths myself.
Wow your lockdown really does sound like you’re under curfew. Sorry they’ve stopped your homecare again. Nice of the neighbours to bring you milk. Are you running low on things? Can you get anything delivered?
Been quite blustery here too. I have tied my planters to the balcony railings to stop them falling over.
Grammaretto the home my brother was in had pets visiting including a pony who was allowed to walk round and let people stroke him. There were also singalongs and dancing among the more able.
Hello Nortsat and all the Molls.
Your mention of a bookshop reminded me of two things. The book I am currently reading, The Secret Book and Scone Society, set mainly in a bookshop. Also a shop we used to have in my town when I was growing up. It was always known by the locals as the Cromwell B Ockshop, having lost its second O. It was a local point where people used to meet, browse and have a coffee.
Ooh I love chocolate cake. How nice of your neighbours son to share with you. When my son was 16 he worked in a supermarket at weekends. He was always bringing home loaves of bread and bits and pieces discounted at the end of his shift (paid for I hasten to add not stolen ?)
That’s nice of you Nortsat. Yes we are fine thank you. As mentioned up thread I am at bit breathless at the moment but DH is doing well. He is still very stooped after his fall and broken ribs so has bought himself a back brace to try and help him straighten up a bit. We had a picture taken the other day with our DGS who towers over us both. I did look at it and think who are those two little old people ?
Your pre birthday lunch sounds nice. Are we allowed to know the day? Hope you have a jolly time.
Mamissimo I’m so sorry for you all. Must be as upsetting for you as your DD. We never stop worrying do we.
I think taking some time out is a good idea of theirs.
Good your DS is starting work again I hope that means he is feeling better.
Hope you enjoy your hog roast and the weather was kind for you.
Why have I got visions of your bored beans with little nightcaps on being covered with a duvet and gently tucked in. Do they get a bedtime story too……….Jack and the Beanstalk perhaps ?
Take care all

Just popping back Doodle to comment on your breathlessness.
How long since you had an Asthma Review?
I find my oxygen levels fall on windy days and at certain times in the autumn.

The Harley Street Respiratory Consultant I saw, explained that the increased ozone in the air on a windy day can negatively impact on asthmatics lungs.
The moulds on the trees as the leaves die in autumn are also a cause of allergic reactions and reduced oxygen for many asthmatics. Thus medication may require adjustment.

Perhaps consider requesting an Asthma Review?

I hope you get some relief soon. Breathlessness can be exhausting. Take care ?

Nortsat thank you so much for your concern.
I have had asthma badly since I was 25 (a long time ago) my medication which I used to take in the morning and evening was discontinued so I was put on montelukast which I am supposed to take last thing at night. I have spoken to the asthma nurse about my difficulties and she has made some suggestions but now is the time I must confess my difficulties today are my own fault. I forgot to take my tablet last night .
On my old meds, I could last a good 36 to 48 hours without experiencing any problems. With this new one I obviously need it every 24 hours. How silly I am.
Thank you for your kindness. I had thought my asthma was well under control but it just goes to show how much I need these meds. I hope you are keeping well. It is upsetting when you can’t breathe properly.
Before you mention it Kaimoana I will still try and drink more water ? and I’m going to do those breathing exercises my mum always did and wanted me to do years ago.
Poor mum had emphysema and did all she could to keep well. I should learn from her example.
Thank you for caring ?

Nortsat I can understand why homecare is withdrawn - it's not safe for either worker or client.
Workers go from house to house and all clients are vulnerable, disabled elderly. The 'stay home' policy is to prevent contact.

We have to jump through official hoops to prove our eligibility for help, so being without it for 50+ days now is quite hard - but it's in a good cause. It's very much like war, privation is all part of the game.

Mamissimo I am very sad for your family who had such high hopes. They are incredibly courageous.

You might like to point your GP to the following website. If he prints out the abstract, he could give it to all those damned impertinent people who feel they have a right to tell him what shape and size he should be.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/027273589190128H

Or he could buy my books, written after 10 years extensive research and in consultation with some of the world's leading obesity experts.

When we lived in Cornwall, summer meant Ram and Hog Roasts at all the fêtes. The boys and I revelled in the rural traditions, some of which went back hundreds of years.

I loved the hay rides and singing all the traditions Cornish songs. How I miss those days.

Storms were forecast for today but it's been beautifully Springlike and warm.

I hope Cherry and Missedout, Panache and dragonfly are all well. Nfk and Jan too, muse, Pittcity and Maria 59 you're also in our thoughts, hope you can post soon and let us know how you are.

I made sugar & egg free banana bread today (a Vegan recipe) so I'm off to have a slice with a cuppa.

Hello lovely Gangstars,

autocorrect keeps trying to correct my spelling!

Kaimoana I still don't understand how people you are supposed to go from having help to having no help whatever the cause. Are you just supposed to wait in bed for ever, starving?

It's true that for MiL her option when the careers had to leave - for the reasons you gave - were either a care home or what happens now : her AC take 3 week turns staying with her and looking after her needs. She can still climb into and out of the bath which is amazing at 96.
The day centre has reopened at long last so twice a week a minibus comes to take her for a day there, a hot meal and some entertainment. She says it's not really her scene but the food is good.

Horrible to hear how you suffer from asthma Doodle and Nortsat .

Mamissimo I am sorry DD is again disappointed. I am sending my love and good wishes for a happy outcome.

The Raku firings went well yesterday. The rain stayed off and the sun came out. A fun way to round off open studios. We, the potters, had made a lot of "blanks" tiles, leaves, birds etc and visitors could glaze a bisque fired tile and watch it being fired (elf n safety) outdoors and because it is immediate, once plunged into sawdust (smoked) and cooled in water they were able to scrub the pieces and take them home.
I will find a photo from yesterday without people in it.

Then after everyone had gone and I had downed my G&T and was cooking my supper the electrician called to say he could come and do some more wiring. He stayed until after 11pm. He worked away while I watched a BBC4 programme about Jacqueline du Pre.
Here she is on youtube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_yxtaeFuEQ

Today I'm up with the lark to make sure the bins are out. Now I'm on my own they don't fill very quickly so I am liable to forget them altogether.

And yes we should all drink more water!

Good morning ?

Sorry that I'm not fully engaging at the moment. DD2 has crash landed from the IVF and her mental health is ?. Im reading and thinking of you all ..... and while Im in mother mode....hope you're drinking plenty Doodle!

? The cat crept in
then crept out again ? ?

Sending cwtches

Hello Cherry dear. and cherio! ?

Did I imagine it or did Cherry pop in.
I am so sorry not to have been around. We have been minding Dexter again so my days are taken up with walks and floor washing.

How sad for your DD Mamissimo. I hope you can help in some way. I know how hard IVF can be.

No I don’t believe it! ?. Just clicked on the I’m on tab and whose name should I see at the top of the thread.
How happy am I too see you Cherry . A whopping big cwtch from me to you too. How wonderful ?
Hope we might see more of you when you feel up to it,
Kaimoana I understand what your saying about home care but it must be hard none the less to cope. As you say, if you didn’t need it the help you wouldn’t have been eligible.
I hope you’re not struggling with changing beds and getting food.
How many books did you write? Must have done a lot of reasearch.
I feel I have missed out somewhere. Never having lived in a rural location I have never had a hay ride and I have never had a hog roast either.
Your bread sounds nice. I love bananas but recently have found that they seem to upset my stomach. I don’t know why so I’m sticking to apples and grapes at the moment.
Grammaretto I got so fed up with autocorrect trying to change what I have written so I turned it off. If I make mistakes now it’s all on me.
I didn’t realise your MIL is 96. Amazing.
Aha, I’m learning. This time round I don’t need to look up Raku firings, I remember from last time. How has the open studio been going? I like the idea of people having things to take home. Nothing like having a go yourself.
Good job you feel comfortable with your electrician. That’s dedicated working till 11pm. Has he finished now?
Well I have just been given my 4th large glass of water today. Not as much as I should have but a big improvement for me as I’ve been making a conscious effort to drink more.
Mamissimo I’m so sorry for your DD. It’s so hard to see your children disappointed and sad. Worrying for you too.
I don’t think I can do anything other than echo Grammaretto’s lovely words and am sending love and good wishes.
Take care all.

Wow, dragonfly you too. How lovely. Hope the gorgeous Dexter is doing well.

Thank you for your thoughts Kaimoana. I'm tired but well. My daughter has been with us for three and a bit days. She went home yesterday and I feel a little lost today. It's a long time, since we spent so much time, just the two of us. MrMuse is her step father (seven years now) and he calls her "his girl".

I'm half way through reading all the posts since my last time. Hello Missismac. I'm glad you have that family support and they have helped towards the decision about the care home. Now I read about your DD. We never switch off from being in mother mode. Take care.

The raku tiles look great Grammaretto. My DD would be admiring them too. She did a lot for her ceramics degree. At one stage she used a dustbin in my garden to fire a bowl.

I'll be back soon as there's so much more to catch up with you all.

Cherry comes in on little cat feet....and did not visit the crypt whilst here
Lovely to see you posting, such a hopeful sign for your eventual return.

dragonfly I was going to ask about Dexter. Nice for you to have him for a while, unless that floor-washing indicates a doggy problem?

Doodle do you think sparkling water would be more appealing? My dgs will drink gallons of that in preference to still.
I wonder why effective medication is withdrawn and replaced by inferior stuff? Asthma is so debilitating. I didn't mean to be bossy about the water but I do worry about you. Take care

Ah, muse that's so sweet of your DH. So often 'steps' find it hard.
I'm glad to say my dgs rushes to my DS (his step father) the minute he comes home, to give him a hug. It took time

Grammaretto your electrics fixed at last! is it the plumber next?

We didn't go down to Level 2 today, which means no home care for...well, who knows?

Quentin Crisp did no housework at all, didn't think it important. Visitors observed thick dust on every surface.
Home support workers here are not allowed to dust furniture, though I've had a few who defied the rules and did it anyway.

I'll just soldier on. When Boadicea's parcel of goodies arrives, the world will seem wonderful again.

Doodle What Kaimoana has failed to mention is that we are in the presence of greatness. I have found TWO of her books on Book Depository!! (tugs forelock, attempts bow, waves old shopping receipt and pen for autograph).

Tired Doodle today. Got up early to get ‘things’ done. DH wanted a walk but we had to wait till Waitrose delivered. they were an hour late ?. Lovely chap though. I think he was new and a bit confused. In the end I sent DH off in a circular route and after the delivery went out to find him.
Been ironing and turning up hems on trousers and preparing tonight’s burgers. Even though I say so myself they were very moist and tasty. I added a slice bread chopped up with cooked carrots and herbs and pepper. Made a change from chicken ?
Muse I know that feeling well. We once had our children and grandchildren on holiday with us. When they went home I felt bereft. How lovely Mr Muse has such affection for his step daughter.
I didn’t know your daughter was into ceramics too. Does she make things these days?
Kaimoana I wondered that about Dexter too but thinking about it I assume dragonfly meant muddy paws after a walk.
My DGSs puppy still has excitement accidents but is so cute no one could be cross,
Funny you should mention sparkling water. I have been considering this. For a long time I have been drinking low cal tonic water. My teeth have been feeling a bit ‘on edge’ recently and I wondered if it was anything to do with the tonic water. Seems that carbonated drinks can make an acid that affects teeth, even soda or mineral water. I have decided to stick to plain water for now and am doing my best to remember to drink throughout the day.
Lovely lady I know you aren’t in any way bossy and your thoughts always come from a caring heart x
You are wonderfully stoic amid the lockdown.
Ooh an author in our midst.
Boadicea wow you have been busy in the book place. What is the book depository? Is it an online library?
. It’s lovely to have you here with us and so nice for Kiamoana to have a fellow NZlander to chat to.
Hope all the gang are ok. Thinking of you all posters and readers. Many cwtchs.

Touching base on a very busy morning which began in the dark dark. Mr Jones supposed to be having long-awaited surgery this morning, at the northerly hospital, 1.5 hours from here. Cancelled at the last moment, as has his specialist appt at the southerly hospital, also 1.5 hours from home. Specialist is isolated in Auckland, so won't be available for ages, with all the catch-up appointments he will need to do. Meanwhile, poor Mr J is driven crazy with psoriasis which we thought we had finally defeated after 12 years - monthly injections at $1,000 a month! (we don't pay, of course) Can't renew injections without specialist say-so, no specialist, ergo no relief.
Tomorrow, back to U3A, relatively normally. A few of our very elderly have opted not to come until Level 1 - sensible, even though we have had no infections in Northland since April last year, when we had ONE case! I teach Roman History in the morning, and French conversation in the afternoon, so a lot of preparation. So today is all go, specially as I've been slacking and not getting housework done for the last few weeks - so many interesting books from the library, and from the Book Depository! The B.D. is an online bookseller, if you wish to register your disapproval of Amazon, but for us, it's much cheaper, as we don't pay the exorbitant postage to the uttermost ends of the earth.
Quentin Crisp had it right about housework, except when you have an invasion of visitors.
You folks are all so busy, and have so many worries and anxieties. Sending xx and oo until I can express my sympathy to each of you. Keep strong, kia kaha.

Boadicea sorry to hear about your DH and his cancelled appointments. It has happened to my DH before too. You get all psyched up ready for something and then it is cancelled at the last minute.
If your DH needs these injections is it not possible to have a telephone appointment with his consultant? My DH has had phone consultations with 2 of his consultants who he hasn’t seen since before lockdown started.
The psoriasis must be very debilitating. Hope you can find a solution soon.
So you teach at U3A. That’s interesting. Have you been doing that long?
Take care yourself.

Hello Gang,
I was sad to read about your poor DH BJones . It must be awful to have surgery delayed and appointments cancelled.
As for housework when expecting visitors, that made me giggle. The only visitors I had yesterday were a mouse in the kitchen and moths. A beautiful table runner, a gift from Bhutan, has been completely eaten away..

The rain was relentless and I tried to ignore the puddle beneath the skylight.

The electrician has not finished. When he left late on Sunday he said he wouldn't be coming yesterday as he was on a mercy call to a broken shower.
I hope another would-be tenant will come up trumps soon as I need the income to help pay for the accumulating bills.

Today I have to have 2 teeth out. Sometimes I quite like face masks.
I will come back later to see if there is any good news.

.