The Lockdown Gang - carry on chatting ⭐️

Lovely to hear from you Nortsat.
and the mogs.
We had a cat for 20 yrs but although she came from a farm and was an excellent mouser, we still had mice in the house.
Cats are lovely, as are dogs but I wouldn't depend on them to rid this house of mice.
They come in in Spring and in Autumn. I have to put out traps.
What with the moths and the wasps, I sometimes feel under siege. I was ironing once and a bat flew in the window. That sent me flying like a bat out of hell! Birds down the chimney.
Slugs in the vegetables. I never feel alone

What a beautiful creature Grammaretto, what was her name?
You sound extremely competent at dealing with invaders.
Brave woman. ?

Just in for a few minutes to recuperate from a very energetic and sweaty (errmm...perspiring...errm...glowing) session in the garden, having water and tea, then out again. I just had to report on the latest visitors in our garden. There's a tui (see Kaimoana's earlier posts which had adopted as his signature call the sound of a mobile phone ring. They are such funny mimics! AND - the first shining cuckoos have arrived all the way from Siberia! For me, their song, the sound of cicadas and the vivid crimson of the pohutukawa flowers mare the sights and sounds of summer.
Back to the garden, and more soon.

BTW - the shining cuckoo goes by the wonderful Maori name of pipiwharauroa - the onomatopoeic sound of their song.

missismac have sent you a PM.

Grammaretto there are many human mouse catchers on the market and I was astonished to learn Scotland actually has laws about what you can use! Clearly they look after their wee timorous beasties.

Although I love birds, I'm never too thrilled to hear the Pipiwharauroa as it spells doom for the Grey Warbler chicks which live in the bush here. Up to 55% of Grey Warbler nest are predated each year.
And the cuckoo eats Monarch and Red Admiral butterflies too.

It's lovely to see some of our missing gang and as always I'm thinking of Cherry and Panache and all the others - hoping things are progressing as they should.

A very depressing 61 new Delta cases today. Christmas is receding at a rate of knots.
Stay cosy my friends.

Kaimoana I know about and have used the humane traps but I don't think they actually are.
I found a dead mouse inside one and it had been there for a while as it had pee'd etc in the prison cage.
I gave the trap away and the person I gave it to found even worse - a wee family of dead mice.
I prefer the quick bash on the head with the trap and that's it.
There are laws about particular outdoor traps in order to protect the wildlife but they don't extend to my kitchen.

DD is coming to stay tomorrow with the DGC. I have left the potatoes for them to dig up. I'm not doing what my DB did. He dug up the tatties and then had to bury them again to let his DGC find them!

I love to hear about NZ Summer approaching. We had a pahutukawa in our garden when I lived there. It was so beautiful.

Our cat was called Emily, Nortsat named by DD when she was very young. She came to us registered at the vet with the name askit. Apparently people asked what the kitten was called and the owner said I don't know - askit.

Oh, that's a ad shame Grammaretto.

This is the one I use.
It tips, so you can see immediately there's something inside.
I usually tempt the wee beastie with peanut butter and banana, experts say it's their favourite.
I only put out The Catcher in the Wry if they get into the house.

Good morning ?

How is everyone? Are we all at sea without Captain Doodle?

Is the pulley thing up? How are the DH?

I've washed my coat......

Hello everyone,

I am here but just coming up for air. I've had the DGC overnight and forgot how much energy they have.
They arrived with a list of things to do which always include the attic. My attic is legendary. None of the toys or dressing up clothes have been thrown out so it is a magnet for small people. There is a staircase so it's not like clambering up ladders.

There was pottery to do and get extremely muddy. They howked tatties and busied themselves in the garden, filling the bird feeder and finding cucumbers which I hadn't spotted in the greenhouse.

The pulley is now up! DS1 fixed it at the weekend with help from a YouTube video. Thank goodness for YouTube videos.

I hope our Doodle is having a great time.
That's me. How is everyone else?

Hello everyone.

I’m feeling more optimistic now about finding a care home for my DH. I virtually gave up on Social Services - they could only find me a place in one which was about 20 miles away from us, so I started ringing round myself and have virtually secured him a place in a nice home which is about a 10 minute walk from where we live. I’ve been to look at the room they are offering him this afternoon and it’s OK - not as big as I would have liked but they’ve promised to upgrade him to one of their large rooms when one becomes available. I’ve got to sign a contract yet, but I’m pretty sure it will all be OK. This is such a relief - I was beginning to despair.

Boadicea. Your mention of pohutukawa reminded me so much of our NZ trip. We saw these beautiful shrubs just about everywhere - they really are beautiful. I seem to remember having awful trouble pronouncing their name though!

We had mice in the house once. One evening there was one running round the living room with DH in hot pursuit - at one point he stepped backwards trying to see where the little perisher had gone and stepped right on it. That was the end of that one!

Grammaretto. I know what you mean about grandchildren being exhausting. When mine were small I used to keep all our birthday and Christmas cards so that when they visited they loved cutting them up and making pictures/collages on the reverse side of unused wallpaper - it kept them reasonably quiet for hours. Unless more then one of them wanted the same card of course, when all hell broke out!
Glad your pulley is back in place. We had one in our house when we first moved in but it was removed when we started to modernise the house. But if I built a utility room now (which I would dearly love to do) I would definitely include a pulley - they’re so useful.

I’m finding it so difficult cooking for one now that I’m living alone. I’m trying to eat properly with vegetables every day, although I’m very inclined to exist on snacks. I ordered a cauliflower with my online shopping this week and the one delivered is huge (the only drawback to online shopping - you can’t choose your own fresh produce) so I can see a cauliflower cheese coming up. If anyone has got any nice recipes for one person, I’d love to see them.

Missismac I'm so pleased you've been able to find a place for your Dh, what a load off your mind.
I can certainly relate to the thing about cooking for one. It took me ages to get used to that. Coincidentally I've just had a gigantic cauli delivered and I love them but not every day for 3 weeks! so I quartered it and blanched the other 3/4, now in the freezer.

Grammaretto as Missismac said, when we modernised, we sometimes lose useful implements so great that you got you pulley fixed.
I bet the grand-children go home saying, 'We had the most brilliant time at Grandma's.'
How lucky they are to have you.

Lovely to see you posting Mamissimo and hope you and your dear family are feeling a little more at peace. You've all had a horrible time so far this year, haven't you?

Boadicea and I are still under lockdown rules and whilst Northland may be released soon, I can't see Auckland following.

Skyped with the family yesterday and we are tentatively planning a Boxing Day dinner together...not all that optimistic though.

We've finished our Christmas shopping, both my dil and I finding so much is already listed as 'out of stock'.
This is either because it's genuinely sold out, or suppliers are forbidden to deliver replenishing goods across Auckland's boundaries.

Our family never really went for big, expensive gifts anyway, the joy for us always being in quirky little things which fascinated or made
the recipient laugh.

One of the stars of last year's stocking was a pair of cardboard glasses which made everything look like rainbows.

Best gift of all for me, if its possible this year, will be warm hugs all round.

Ahoy there Cap'n Doodle and First Mate Sending flag signal.

Missismac - so pleased that you have found a place for your DH. Such a problem as we, and those we love, age, isn't it. Specially when places are thin on the ground, and the fabric of society has been so badly frayed over the last 20 months.

As Kaimoana says, we're still in lockdown, with Northland continuing in level 3 until Monday next, at least, and Auckland probably a lot longer. The infection rates are rising exponentially, which bodes ill for the city. The lack of human contact must be so difficult for those on their own. I've been having so many more phone and zoom chats recently, keeping the networks going. Ain't technology wonderful!
Yesterday, my U3A Roman History group joined me on a zoom seminar with the University of Auckland - such an amazing experience to link up with academics at the Uni, from our remote position in the North, along with people from the USA and elsewhere. We are so lucky to have these facilities.
There's a cold snap going on, with snow in the South, and unpleasant cold winds. It's difficult to believe that summer is only weeks away. However, the garden just keeps on growing, as do the weeds. I see my first kumara (sweet potatoes) shooting, and the peaches, oranges and nectarines in heavy flower - just hoping that they are not damaged by the winds.

It's very worrying that schools will not be reopening next week, from the school holidays. This is the exam term, and the seniors are very worried about what's going to happen, after a year's work, much of it on their own. I guess you in the UK will have seen all this before. It's only 2 years since I was putting students through their Year 12 and 13 exams, worrying about them, feeling for them, and working my butt off with revision classes to give them the best chance...hard to break the habits of a lifetime. So, so hard on the young.

Mr J has been making a rather delicious-smelling chilli sauce, using our own chillies. Nothing like a sailor in the house to do practical stuff like this-and ironing my trousers with knife-like creases. Even if I don't them! That's dinner for the next couple of days, with pasta and/or veg - and of course, Kaimoana, you could always make cauliflower rice with your excess cauli! While he does the chilli, I do the garden - works well. Being out in the fresh air means such a good sleep, despite being beset by kitties on the bed, purring and snuggling.

We have a chicken called Georgette - named for a famous prison escapee of the 60s, named George Wilder - something of a folk hero. Georgette refuses to be confined in their very expansive park-like run, and wants to spend the day with me. She manages to escape, whatever precautions I take, as she does love a cuddle and helping me garden. She is a real sweetie, pottering about, clucking softly to me as I pull out weeds, just for her personal delectation, naturally. She stands at the French windows, looking in, but races off, terrified, if she spots a cat. The terror, however, is mutual. Grandchildren in the garden would be so much better, as so many of you lucky ladies have, But until we get to grips with this horrible virus, it just cant happen.

Have a great day, everyone. I hope Doodle is enjoying her maritime adventures.

I should add that Georgette is actually incapable of racing off anywhere. Rather, she wobbles off, hastily, as chickens do.

Can you put me out of my misery and explain the flag please Kaimoana?
My brain gets slower each day to get into gear.
Oh, just seen it is the flag signal. I thought it might be to do with cauliflowers.

My 2nd veggie box was challenging. There are no veggies I don't like but definitely some I prefer and parsnips are not on the top of the list. Luckily I gave them to DD before she left.
I introduced the DGD to lemon curd (on buttered toast). It was an acquired taste and funny watching their faces as they tested it. Older one didn't like it but the 4yr old kept coming back and trying a bit more.

They had an exciting day going on the top deck of the bus into Edinburgh

Good news indeed if you have found a good care home close by Missimac What a weight off your mind. I hope it works out.
It has taken me ages to get used to shopping and cooking for just me.
I feel like Miss Lonelyheart in Hitchcock's Rear Window if you know what I mean.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcO8whYFg-o

I love the idea of rainbow specs. Keep the ideas coming for amusing and cheap gifts.

I agree that hens have such different personalities BJones
Georgette sounds a real character.

I hope these lockdowns pass and the infection rates slow down and stop and everyone can get out and see family and friends again soon.

Good afternoon Gang-stars I am without the Molls this afternoon.
I hope Doodle is having a super time.
I have had a nice email from Panache, who is experiencing the pain of loss, but sends her love to us all.
Kaimoana well done on finishing your Christmas shopping. It’s concerning that so many items are ‘out of stock’.
I am about 60% complete with mine. I have bought the Christmas meats, too and arranged their delivery for 23rd December.
I too failed to understand the significance of your flag/photograph.
Missismac you must be so relieved to have found somewhere you are comfortable with, for your DH. Thank goodness and well done.
We like cauliflower cheese with bacon, onions and mushrooms added. Perhaps make a large one and then portion it up for the freezer. Sometimes it’s a comfort to have something tasty without the faff of cooking ...
BJ it would be lovely to see a picture of Georgette, then we can picture her pottering in the garden with you.
I do hope your fruit isn’t damaged by the wind.
Grammaretto all the talk of mice reminded me of an occasion at work, when our offices were in a Victorian Town Hall. One of the smaller offices had a team of three women in it and they began to see mice occasionally.
A mouse ran across the office floor one day, one woman screamed, the second stood on her chair and the third colleague dashed across the room and jumped on the mouse, killing it stone dead, instantly. The woman is Nigerian and she explained ‘That’s how we do it in Africa’.

I mentioned in my last post that we had been to a funeral. My partner’s cousin died, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. The funeral was rightly a celebration of her life. She was born in Ireland and came to England seeking work, when she was 18.
We followed the funeral procession and arrived at the Crematorium to the sounds of ‘Danny Boy’ piped by an Irish piper, which was very poignant.
There was much lovely Irish music at the Wake too, as many family members play instruments. My partner played on his father’s violin and remembered so many family occasions when his father’s fiddle came out and the music started ...
Laughter, tears, smiles and music were a fitting tribute to that lovely woman.

Thinking of Panache and Cherry and any missing posters. ?

Oh dear Grammaretto, I really did think that some of the Gangsters would know the flag, what with being sailors. It means 'Please communicate' - which Doodle said she'd try to do if possible.

I miss that strong hand on the helm.

BJ when we lived out in the country and kept chooks (of blessed memory) my son had a pet white one which sat on his shoulder as he did his homework.
It went for walks with him and every day when he came home, would rush and flutter into his arms.

Nortsat You took me back to my folk club days when 'Danny Boy' was part of my repertoire. I'm partial to sea shanties as well.
Oooh, I'd love a good sing-a-long, miss that dreadfully but these days I sound like a strangled frog.

Indeed it has become very cold and windy as it often does before seriously turning to consistent summer temperatures.

I've learned not to put away winter clothing before November at least, you cannot trust Tawhirimatea, the fickle god, who seems to have a permanently mocking smile on his face.

I've made good use of the chillies too adding it to my favourite melange of capsicum, tomato (tinned as there are none in the shops) onion and garlic.
This not only makes a wonderful cook-in sauce, the basis to stews and curries but a delicious side dish too.

Stay cosy y'all.

Another beautiful day in paradise, despite the cool winds. Mr J, from Manchester originally, still laughs when I describe temperatures of 17-18 deg c as "cool". "A hot Manchester summer's day!" he says. Not strictly true, I remind him. Anyway, the cooling breeze made my day in the garden bearable, though I still came in all of a lather after the morning cutting back wild cherries, which go crazy around here, spread by the birds. They grow feet every year - I mean in height, of course, they don't become quadrupeds out of the blue! I'm reluctant to get my chainsaw on the job, because 2 years ago, I cut a big branch off a frangipani -wood like iron- and it fell awkwardly, at an unexpected angle and hit me on the head. I was knocked out, concussed, and my face was black, blue and purple for a month. Such unbecoming colours when one's face is entirely affected! And rather difficult to explain how it happened, because I was stupid enough not to wear a hardhat...
This afternoon I stacked 2 cubic metres of lovely red gum firewood in the woodshed for next winter...a very good workout, that's for sure. Tim the lumberjack brings it, cut up into nicely-sized logs to fit our eco-burner, and Jim the mowing man comes once a fortnight to put the acre of lawns to rights. It's nice to play the old lady card sometimes, isn't it?
Still no sign of a lifting of lockdown in the Far North, and the exponential rise in cases in Auckland is a real worry. Again, stupid people are driving the health officials crazy with their arrogant breaking of lockdown travel. This time, two more alleged sex workers somehow managed to get from Auckland to the South Island! Business must be slow in Auckland, then. The South Island has been covid-free since last year, I believe.
Grammaretto - you seem to be having great fun with your grandies-lucky lady! Hmm...I really should be making some lemon curd, with the thousands of lemons just going to waste on the ground...thanks for the idea!
Kaimoana - is there no end to your talents, lady! A singer, forsooth! Your son's chookie sounds delightful - despite their dinosaur eyes, they really are quite endearing, aren't they!
Nortsat a sad time for you, and I'm sorry for your loss. The music sounds wonderful, and so very evocative. There is something so plaintive and yet so perfect about the pipes at a funeral. At my Dad's funeral, a lone piper played "Flowers of the Forest" as he was carried from the church - heartwrenching. "Danny Boy" is in the same mode, so sorrowful and yet uplifting in a strange way.
Missismac- you are having such a time of it. I do so hope that you are taking good care of yourself, and getting those recipes sorted and some good nourishment into your system. Do you have a slow cooker to make delicious stews to come home to after a long day caring for others? I hope everything is sorted with your dear man now.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202110/medium-982622-1-img-1447.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202110/medium-961697-1-img-1446.jpg

The first rose of Summer.

Beautiful Kaimoana
A lovely start to the day. I lit a fire last night and today we have a blue sky but icy temperatures. I must rescue the geraniums in their pots and see if I can get them to come again next year. Cool dark place? I was told but can't remember.
I'm half an hour too early for my yoga class on zoom.
Time management is not going well for me.
I hope Doodle and the Dude are enjoying the cruise.
I hope Panache is coping ok.
I hope Cherry is managing alright.
Mammissimo
Oh heck. Here's to all of us!!!

Afternoon Gang-stars, I am again without the Molls ?

Kaimoana beautiful photograph of the first rose of summer. What a lovely thought and a lovely colour.
Grammaretto lovely, cosy fire.
BJ do you pick the wild cherries? Cherries always feel like a bit of a luxury here in UK, so I can’t imagine dealing with a glut.

These are my birthday flowers from last week. They smell delightful.

I hope Doodle and the Dude are having a wonderful time.
Thinking of Panache, missismac and cherry and sending good wishes to all readers and posters.

Tragedy! Georgette has been killed by the big ginger cat next door that terrifies our kitties. I'm so sad...

Hello from the high seas (well quite flat seas fortunately) how are all the lovely gangsters?
Boadicea oh no ?. What dreadful news. How sad. I was just reading what you said about her liking to be close to you and having cuddles. You must be so upset she met such an unpleasant end. So sorry.
Kaimoana what a lovely rose, beautiful colour.
Funny to see you posting the ‘first rose of summer’ and then the following post is a picture of Grammaretto’s first winter fire. I didn’t understand the flag but as you can see I am here.
Hoping this will post. We are having a good time and have been lucky with the weather. Today is raining and very misty but Hope the sun will return soon.
Glad to hear you are still Skyping and hoping to be together for Boxing Day. Is Gubbins standing yet?
Grammaretto your DGC must love spending time with you. Your attic sounds just the thing for adventurous young children. As for digging up the potatoes and doing some pottery, they must have had such fun. I always loved going on the top deck of the bus. Not surprised they enjoyed it.
Nortsat and the missing Molls hope you’re all doing well.
Thank you for letting us know you’ve heard from Panache and she sends her love.
You’re advanced with your Christmas shopping too ?. I haven’t started yet. Will there be anything left in the shops I wonder,
Your story of the mouse made me laugh. ? poor mouse.
What a lovely send off for your partner’s cousin. The Irish music sounds wonderful and moving.
Mamissimo hope your DD is feeling a little better and coming to terms with her sadness.
What happened to your washed coat. Did it survive ok and return to its former shape?
Missimac good that you might have found a home for your DH. Somewhere close to your own home will make it so much easier for visiting and you will feel closer to him.
It will be such a relief for you when you feel he’s settled and comfortable.
Nfk Jan Dragonfly Cherry and Panache hope you are all ok and anyone else I’ve missed by accident.
Take care dear gang.

Hi Gang!
Great to see Doodle posting and enjoying herself on the High Seas. No pirates I hope?

Oh no BoadiceaJ such a sad story. RIP Georgette.

I eventually stopped keeping chooks . We began to see foxes throughout the day and it was either them or the hens because I didn't want a fenced in prison camp like Colditz so I now buy free range eggs from the storehouse across the road which is a cross between a farm shop and a health food store- mostly run by volunteers.
Although ironically, last evening the butcher called with a consignment of meat for the Storehouse and asked me to keep it to deliver in the morning which I did.
Despite so many vegans, vegetarians and those on special diets her meat disappears very quickly. If I was a meat-eater I would eat hers or something like that.
www.madeinhawick.com/business/food-drink/going-native-heritage-meat-co/

I had my covid jag(booster) today and was told by the nurse that I was to have plenty to drink (wine?) and cream cake.

The apple pressing has been called off so the afternoon will no doubt be wasted now. So much to do but no motivation to do any of it.

Where are the Molls Nortsat? I hope we remembered to wish you a happy birthday last week. If not I am wishing you a good year ahead and thanks for sharing the beautiful flowers.
Sending love to all our missing Gangstars. xxxx

Evening All

I haven't absconded, I've just been facing the horrors of my sewing machine. The amazing thing is, I remembered how to thread it. HATE it. With a vengeance. It was a present from my parents for my 21st birthday and not a bad machine, its just that I really don't like machine sewing. But, the pile of mending which would really benefit from machine stitching had started to collapse with the height of it, I'd said I'd make padded neck supports for the sofas - and I'd promise I'd make envelopey things for the plates and cups in the Camperbubble to stop them rattling on bumpy roads. So, I shut myself in my toy room and have just put the dratted thing away. For another ten years. In the end I adapted cotton napkins and they haven't worked out too badly. Just as long as no one who can use a machine looks at them. And my toy room is looking very neat and tidy!

But now I've caught up with all your news. Looked up and refreshed my memory on signal flags (I do remember some of them, especially D - I am manoeuvring with difficulty - stay clear! Wondering at Covid rates and how most countries are still failing really to stop the dreaded thing. And squirmed at the thought of jumping on a mouse! And now poor Georgette. My gran kept hens in her little back yard in the middle of Norwich, and one, a nine year old grey speckled hen used to come into the house and sit on the back of the kitchen chair. She too liked to be cuddled.

Poor Georgette, how terrible BJ. You must be very sad.

Nfk you often make me laugh and did again with your remembered signal. "I'm manouvering with difficulty stay clear" and thought what a great t-shirt it would make...and indeed there is one.

muse how are you? I hope things are a wee bit calmer. Wishing you well.

Also Mamissimo whose wry humour I sorely miss but can quite understand why it's on hold at the moment. Hugs to you as well.

Doodle lovely to hear from you and that you're having such a grand time.

Not a wasted afternoon Grammaretto, you could get wasted of course but a free afternoon is a blessing - put your feet up and read.

My Dil went for her jab yesterday and within a few hours was deaf in one ear and had tinnitus in the other. She was very scared before the jab and is now even more so.

My son is livid because our government has kept quiet about it. He researched side effects and that is not listed.
Once he searched 'tinnitus' though, up it came with hundreds of cases.

Under the weird new phasing rules, they have been allowed to add me to their bubble as I've had no physical contact with anyone for months.

So it was a great joy to see them all here for the day on Saturday and Luka stayed on.

We've had such a marvellous time together. Over breakfast we debated 'whether or not the myth/lie about Santa should be perpetuated. (He's gainst)

Then, 'is it feasible to live without lying when all around you the world is run on lies?'

He has strong views for a 12 year old but he also started a Debating Society at school, so offers cogent arguments.

After this we regressed a little and made potato prints on the masses of brown paper which comes as packing in every delivery.
We were pleased with our eco-friendly Christmas paper; doing our bit for the planet ....but guilty of wasting food

The house is so quiet without his lovely chatter. but I'm hoping he will be here for the long weekend coming up.

Most of you are starting a new day right now so I hope it's a good one.
Love to all our AWL Gangstars.