The Lockdown Gang - carry on chatting ⭐️

Just popped my head around the door to catch up. Gosh what a shock for Kaimoana. If its all the injections which have caused it, its sort of good in that it doesn't sound as serious as it could be, but on the other hand unnerving in case it happens again. I do hope its all healing up fine.

Very spooky about your escaping board cover Doodle. My washing machine likes to pack the pillow cases and sheets inside the duvet cover if I don't fasten it up, but you had sewn it up. Eerie!

And what bad luck Grammaretto to have the leak in the same room where the last leak was. Has your house taken agin you? Are you haunted too? I hope it isn't too big a job. Old houses are so temperamental. A bit like us. Bits keep failing or falling off.

I'm determined to stay awake until at least ten o'clock tonight. I hate the clock change. I get jet lag!

I had another email from Kaimoana this morning who has managed to speak to a very nice doctor who thinks the problem is more to do with a rupture in a blood vessel in the eye due to all the injections she has had in her eye over the years. Kaimoana says she feels better having talked to the doctor so I hope she is now resting and recovering from the shock.
Grammaretto if I’d known you had chocolate bars I may well have made the journey myself to knock on your door ?
Being 2 floors up we didn’t have any callers.
We were really naughty today and bought a couple of cakes for after dinner tonight. I like a sort of pastry thing but DHs favourite is a chocolate gnash cake. Chocolate on chocolate on chocolate, too rich for me but he loves it.
I have been tidying my wardrobe today and found two pairs of trousers I’d forgotten I’d bought. Now all that remains is to try and fit into them ?
By tablet, do you mean some sort of iPad or kindle? Did you not get on with it?
I do hope you get your heating sorted and your anorak gets used for walking in your garden.
Well fancy that about your town being a prisoner of war camp. Your home sounds so interesting. I do wish those deeds would turn up.
Cherry good luck for tomorrow, I hope all goes well.
Hope all the gang, wherever they are, keep safe.

What a spooky washing machine Doodle
Playing trick on you.

I bought in some chocolate bars to give to anyone brave enough who came and knocked on my door but nobody did. It's far too spooky here.

I have wasted 2 days returning my tablet bought by mistake. At least I hope that's it now and I won't get charged for it.
While in town, I bought an anorak to wear in the kitchen in case I never have a warm kitchen again.

All the very best for the appt tomorrow Cherry

I don't know if they were Huguenots Mamissimo but it could indeed be possible that they were French seeing as our town was a prison camp for Napoleonic POWs and some of the buildings are rumoured to be more French than Scottish.
If only I could find the title deeds......

Grammaretto those are fancy chimneys indeed.
Are you really thinking of riding a bike? How brave. I wobble a lot as I walk, I am dreadful on a bike.
What a shame your roof is leaking again. All that effort to get your cornice replaced and the painting done. I hope there isn’t much damage and it can be fixed easily.
Cherry yes it sounded quite scary to me too. I think Kaimoana shielded her DGS from it so I don’t think he was aware it was happening at the time. I’m sure she’d love to hear from you.
Mamissimo that’s a nice message to Kaimoana
I’ve been quilting today too. On a small scale. I love the idea of memory quilts.
Isn’t it strange the effect some medication has on people. I hope you get MrM back to his usual self soon.
We’ve just had our Sainsbugs order delivered too by a charming young man. He’s on duty till 11pm poor chap.
I know it’s Halloween but something strange happened today.
I decided to wash my ironing board cover. It is quite large and bulky and has a padded lining which makes it quite thick. I was a bit worried it might disintegrate in the wash so I put it inside a pillow case and folded the flap over. As an extra precaution I sewed the pillowcase in the middle so the flap wouldn’t come undone. One wash and fast spin later I opened the machine to discover my pillowcase still stitched together in the middle ….and the ironing board cover completely outside of the pillowcase. I doubt I could have got the cover out myself if I tried so how on Earth did that happen ?. All seems well though and cover is still in once piece.
Hope everyone including Kaimoana has an untroubled peaceful night.

Good afternoon ?

Kaimoana that's not good news - and how like you to worry about DGS. He learned the life lesson that Grannies are awesomely brave and thoughtful and the stuff of legends. Take good care and do what the doctors tell you to do because that boy and Miss Gubbins need more life lessons from you.

The weather is so yuk that I'm back to quilting today. I'm rubbish at doing nothing so I'm stabilising all DS's old T shirts to make him a memory quilt of his mis-spent youth.

Mr M had a medication change three weeks ago and his GP has given him the exlixir of old age.......he's lost his mojo, gained an extra appetite for boring food with gravy and two veg and has started ambling from room to room and sitting somewhere different every couple of hours. He was on this stuff several years ago and it had the same effect so his GP will be hearing from me this week! It's not essential that he has this stuff so they can take out of the mix PDQ.

Was your house a Heugenot house Grammarreto? Those chimneys are interesting. maybe the deeds would have a clue ? I frittered away spent a fascinating hour on the inter web researching French chimnies and they seem to be as varied in style as ours.....but frenchified.

I must clear the decks.....Sainsbugs are delivering our Christmas booze order this afternoon. ?

Just popping in briefly to say thank you Doodle for letting us know what's happened to Kaimoana. I will admit to putting my hand over my mouth reading what she went through, goodness knows how scary it must have been for her and her DGS, of course. I'm having trouble with my emails so I have pm'd her to let her know I am thinking of her, I hope she gets it. Typical of me ?, I forget to tell her not feel obligated to reply - so I hope if she's not up to it she doesn't! Thanks again Doodle x

Doodle That is so awful about dear Kaimoana
I can't imagine how it will have been for her. Sending cwtches 12,000 miles.
And a prayer to Saint Triduana.
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/t/sttriduana.html

I found some of my lost post so here goes:

you make me laugh.
DH sticking the leaves back on the trees reminded me of DB who buried the potatoes so that his DGC could dig them up. You're all batty.

I am waiting in for a roofer. There is water dripping through the same ceiling which was so recently repaired and redecorated. I would despair if I had the energy! It isn't the same part of the room at least.

I bravely took my bike in to be repaired with the intention of riding it again. It would be better if it stopped raining first.

I am glad you are being upgraded on your cruise. Do you get cruise miles a bit like people got air miles?

We were once upgraded on the Harwich to Gottenberg ferry. We had a proper twin bedroom with a window. I had asked when I booked if we could please not be below the water line - as DH was claustrophobic and when we arrived to board we were directed to this posh cabin with wine, chocolates - and a tv. I can see why you like the cruising life.

I think Panache you mean we are all friends though some of us met on here when there was the first lockdown and we were all in the same storm - if not the same boat. We were shielding for ourselves or for others.

DMiL is being kept shielded still but I am hoping to take her out to tea next week.

I took a photo of the chimneys. They are separate with a join rather than a stack. It's to do with the wind blowing between them. Are they French?

Dear gang, I have received an upsetting email from Kaimoana this morning. It appears that she had had a bleed from one of her eyes that couldn’t be stopped for over 30 minutes.
Typical Kaimoana was more worried about upsetting her DGS who was with her than of her own situation.
The bleeding eventually stopped and she thinks it may be related to her BP and is hopefully expecting a telephone consultation with the GP will take place soon.
Kaimoana has asked me to let you all know that she won’t be posting for a while and is just taking things quietly.
I have sent her our love and said we will all be concerned for her.
Grammaretto losing a long post is so annoying. I have started copying mine as I go along to stop losing everything.
I know the Danish word Hygge too. A nice cosy get together.

Sorry about the leaking roof. We have had a terrible storm here this morning. Torrential rain and strong gusts of wind. Out balcony pots fell over so I had to go out in the rain to pick them up again.
Your house seems more and more interesting the more we learn about it. French chimneys indeed. I wonder how they differ from English ones? ? probably a little more chic and stylish.
Oh this dyslexia of mine does make for some interesting reading. I read your post about my cruise as “ I asked Doodle about her next cruise and was wondering if you get cruise missiles”. ?. I was wondering what sort of cruise you thought I was going on. ?. Having re read it I know now what your really wrote. We do get some benefit but only if we sail on the same cruise line (which we do) after 150 nights of sailing we get free laundry and a reasonable discount on all purchases in the ships shops. Oh thank you. The upgrade will be nice. A bit extra room and a larger balcony I think as well as the walk in wardrobe.
Hope you got your hot chocolate and had a good sleep.
Boadicea it’s lovely having you join us on the thread, nice to hear what others are up to just have a little chat.
Hope you have a restful day today.
Hope all the gang are ok and Kaimoana is resting and keeping safe. Take care all.

Popping in for a flying visit to say hi, and that I am in awe of the amazingly busy and productive lives of you all. The clever repartee and gentle humour of this thread are so therapeutic. It's been a very busy few days here, and I've kind-of run out of energy, so that's all, folks. Have a wonderful day.

Hello Lobstars,

I wrote a very long missive this morning but it went awol so I'm calling in now in time for hot chocolate please or maybe something stronger.

There has been much gadding aboot amongst the gang which all sounds wonderful and plenty of cwtches too.

I wonder if there is a Gaelic word for the equivalent.
I know my Danish family have "Hygge" which they refuse to let you translate but it roughly means creating a cosy atmosphere where you sit around with your close family and friends and talk about big and small things. A bit like we do on here
The Lowland Scots would be a coorie. - a cuddle but there is no cwtch in Gaelic I am sorry to say.

I probably told you I had yet another leak in the roof but I found a roofer who came and fixed it - with glue! He says it is a temporary mend and next time scaffolding will be needed.
He also asked me if the chimneys were build by the French prisoners in Napoleonic times as ours are like French ones apparently.
In my lost post I asked Doodle about her next cruise and was wondering if you got cruise miles a bit like air miles?
I also thought you very much deserved to be upgraded.

Night night my good friends.

Now Chery you always used to sneak in behind me. I thought I’d got you this time but now I see you came back twice which is why I missed the bit about your mammogram.
Hope all goes well and the results are fine. Just don’t get your Tigger tail caught in the machine. ?
Muse your poor DH is having his share of problems. I’m surprised he has been able to do so much work on your new home with a hernia or was it that that caused it? Hope it gets sorted soon.
Mamissimo we’ve been thinking of you and your DD. Hope the Cotswold Park does her some good,
Your meal sounds wonderful. I must look it up. What a lovely idea to invite your family there for a meal too.
Ooh I must curtesy Madame Chairperson. Sounds interesting. I hope your meeting goes well as does the planting.
Perhaps we should refer to you as The Lady of Shallot ?
Nfk sounds like a lovely time. Stratford is a nice place. I love the old houses. Glad you all got on well and had an enjoyable time.
It’s funny how holidays or times of rest seem to make you more tired than just being at home. You’ve got through your washing and ironing quicker than me. I’ve still got one more lot to go.
I think cats are quite intelligent creatures and know when they’re onto a good thing. I expect Fuzzy had no intention of being left behind. What a lovely thing to remember your Nan saying. ?
Ooh thank you for the cwtch. Never refused here.
Are you ok with the weather at the moment? Lots of flooding elsewhere.
Take care all

Afternoon All

We had a wonderful few days in Stratford upon Avon with the family - but its taken a bit of time to recover!! The house was perfect for all of us, with the all important en-suites in every room including the girls which made them feel very grown up. It didn't make them any tidier though. I'm still a bit shocked as to how well it all went after all the angst and Covid scares. Four nights in all so three days really. From our bit of Norfolk it was nearly a five hour drive but I'm really glad we live here and came back against the main flow so to speak. I'd forgotten how much of a holiday destination Norfolk has become!

We walked miles and miles (especially on the Tudor walking tour - which I can recommend, but take one of those NT folding seats!) I've now caught up with the washing and ironing and sleep! I haven't had a day-time nap today!! I can't remember the last time I felt so tired, but it was so well worth it.

I've been reading your posts, Muse did I read right? have you really transplanted that silver birch? It looks huge! Lovely though to have a nearly instant effect. Just like Chelsea!

My DMiL always had three cats BJ. When one died another would move in. They just appeared when there was a vacancy. All except the last one were strays. He moved in for a quiet life, from a large family nearby with young children and lots of noise. When she and FiL moved to sheltered housing and there was just Fuzzy left, she was concerned about being able to catch him and him being left behind. But there was no fear of that happening, he jumped into the removal van and wouldn't come out!

Many years ago before whole foods and herbal remedies were fashionable a friend tried MSM powder on her pony for arthritis in his hocks and it worked a treat. It came in an enormous tub. When her knees became bad and swollen she estimated the weight of the pony worked out how much she would need. It worked and the swelling went down - but I hate to think what her doctor would have said had he known!

I was wondering what a hug would be in Norfolk dialect and remember my little nan saying "Cum yew here moi bewty en hev a cutch." It was all enveloping! But my grandad was a stone mason working on big churches and cathedrals and spent quite some time in South Wales so he may well have brought the word home with him. Perhaps Jan knows.

Anyway, cwtch's - gentle ones - to all Lobsters who need one, and those who don't as well - just because.

Good morning ?

We have packed DD2 off to the Cotswolds Water Park for a week with a change of scene for her dogs and DSil . Mr M and I ran away for a night of utter indulgence to Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons and that put the smile back on my face. The food still fills my mind with wonder and the service smooths every single one of my frowns.

We enjoyed it so much that we have decided to hold a lunch there to say thank you to our AC and small people for all the joy they've brought us. We want to see their faces when they taste that food for the first time. they are all foodies and piglets like us. Really it's another excuse for us to go but with added smiles.

On Monday I chair my first committee meeting for years.....Our GP practice has asked me to lead the management committee but Mr M is concerned that they don't know what they're doing. He may have a point but it's a cause I'm interested in.

And now to go and plant shallots in the sun.....?

It's an inguinal hernia (low abdomen) CherryCezzy . Although he wasn't having a lot of problems with it, it is now becoming uncomfortable and he's standing holding it quite often. I'm glad he's decided to do something about it and the doctor and hospital have responded very quickly. All the best with the treatment and mammogram on Tuesday.

Just been reading about the dreadful flooding in the Lake District. Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater have flooded and merged and more than 12 inches of rain in the Honister Pass.
Hope everyone is ok around there.
Kaimoana you always have such thoughtful and kind words for everyone.
You like ironing ?. You are welcome to do mine.
Captains table. No thank you. We far prefer a small table for 4 where we can have a chat and get to know some people. We have met some really interesting people on our cruises. Some really quiet and unassuming types who have done some amazing things. I may have mentioned before, DH and I aren’t much into dressing up. We do it on the posh nights (about 3 in a fortnights cruise) but much prefer the casual nights.
How nice your DGS is coming to stay. Hope you are feeling better and you have a good time together.
Missimac we love the word cwtch because of the extra meaning it conveys.
It must have been a really hard week for you this week. I am so pleased your DH seems to be in a nice home. It makes such a difference. I hope the home isn’t far from you and you can visit easily. Having a room you can both sit in and chat will be lovely, Now you can spend some quality time together,
Take your time in deciding what you do and as you say don’t rush into anything.
Please do continue to tell us how you’re getting on and what’s happening. You are not “prattling on about yourself” just telling us about your day, which is what we do on this thread, just chat about our day and spend some time with each other.
You’ve had an unsettling week and if it helps to talk it over then we’re glad to listen. Hope you relax tonight and have a good rest,
Grammaretto I think you’re wise not to make any hasty changes but see how you feel a bit later on. Downsizing is a big decision and takes a lot of planning. We have done it twice and in the end we rented a large storage area where we kept things we couldn’t find a home for or couldn’t decide whether to keep or not. It took ages to clear it out and most of the stuff we didn’t need or miss. It’s making the decisions that’s hard.
Panache how lovely to hear from you. What do you mean “once lockdown friends”. You always were and always will be, one of our gang. Just like all who post regularly and those who only post now and again. Always in our hearts and minds.
We would love you to post, just as and when you feel you can.
Glad you’ve had your booster and flu and hope you are keeping safe and well. It will be hard for you going through this year of firsts without the lovely MrP and I’m sure Grammaretto knows only too well how you feel.
Take care and much love to you too x
Ooh thank you Muse. Nothing like a byrland or cwtch to comfort.
muse if you smile sweetly at Jeeves, you can have whatever additions you like to your Horlicks. ?
Really good news about MrM’s ulcer. They can be difficult to heal so really good it’s showing such improvement.
Cherry what a lovely post to Panache and so true. We all think of each other. Those posting regularly and those who just pop in now and then when they feel able.
Hmm Cotton Traders. Difficult question to answer. They do different leg lengths. I buy a 29” leg. I bought 2 pairs of the same trouser in different colours, one was 29” and the other just over 30”. I phoned them up and they sent me a replacement pair straight away and I sent the other pair back.
I think they are reasonably accurate in sizing. They do have a sizing guide which I think is helpful.
Talking of trousers. I have been turning up the hem on a pair of DHs trousers today. I know my machine can do blind hemming and I had a printed guide to follow. On about the fourth attempt I think I have done a good job of them.
DH and I went for a late walk tonight. I had a good crunch through the leaves. DH a bit cross as they had the nerve to fall off the tree before he had a chance to photograph them. I did offer to stick some back on with glue but he didn’t think it would help ?
Have a peaceful and restful night all.

Back again ? I meant to say, I bet it was lovely to see your DGD in the ballet cardigan you kniited for her Grammaretto. I hope you managed to get a photo or two ?
You're not far off the mark, I have 'suffered' many things in my time and some of them don't like predictive text. My current GP once said that I have a little bit of everything I indignantly disagree but I'm sure he exaggerated! I've never had mumps and I've still got my appendix so I'm certain I've never had a bit of everything, who said the Dr's always right ?. I'm still here to tell a tale and to swish a tail ?.

I have my 2nd post treatment check up and mammogram coming up on Tuesday and I'm reasonably optimistic it'll be fine.
Just so I don't scare them all at the department and because halloween is coming up and I don't want to scare all and sundry I had my haircut today. At least I'll look respectable.

Panache we continue to your Lockdown friends, even if you are not up to posting. I think I speak for all the GangStars that know you - you are never far from our thoughts. We care. It's so lovely to hear from you. Understandably you clearly still feel a little adrift - hence the lack of routine but by continuing to hold your head up high and getting out a bit I do think you're taking steps into your new land. Steps that will help you to face difficult times like christmas and your wedding anniversary. You're stronger than you're crediting yourself with. Love & cwtches from me x

Kaimoana or should I call you expert dream analyst ? You might be onto something! Not just about the dream either but also the ironing - that's more of less the way I do it ?. Embrace the feast, I know you will and thoroughly enjoy it too. ? poor Gubbins ... though I can't help one thought popping into my head .. what is it they say, some people would look good even if they were wearing a bin bag (or in this case a bread bag)and Gubbins is so cute ?

I agree with Kaimoana and Grammaretto Missismac. This is a place of support, warm, friendly and never ever any judgement. It's not obligatory to concentrate on what anyone else is doing and anyway you have demonstrated that you do care by the dint of saying what you have - if you see what I mean. As you say yourself, you are experiencing such a fundamental change it is entirely understandable that you need to share. As you recognise, the GangStars are a lovely group of people and will give you any support they, myself included, can. Yes, the word cwtch is fascinating as is it's origin and duality of meaning. So much more than a hug but different from a cuddle or snuggle. There is no direct translation of the word into English. I'm sending you one from me x

Great news about MrMuse's leg ulcer Muse. Where, if you don't mind me asking, does he have his hernia? Along the way I've known a couple of people who've had hernias, one suffered terribly but the other hardly had any symptoms. I hope MrMuse is in the latter camp.

I haven't bought from Cotton Traders for a long time Doodle but I have looked and I see that they do have navy cords. I have one question - would you say they are true to size, generous or skimpy? If you can answer this for me and they have my size I know where to go ☺️

Lovely to see you Panache and thank you for those warm greetings. We've been passing around byrlands and cwtchs, so here are some for you ? ?. You too Doodle.

Lots of agreement, me included, that this is the place where we can rabbit on, have a blather for as long as we want or just a little chit chat every now again. Whether we come regularly or not, someone will always spot you or say you are missed.

Horlicks is out sometimes for us Doodle. I keep wondering what it will be like with a tot of whisky in it.

I would have looked at a retirement village Missismac. A school in Derbyshire where I used to work in the 1980s was turned into the centre for such a village. The grounds were vast. Instead I met MrMuse and moved to Cornwall. Good luck with the search for a suitable new home and very pleased about the very caring care home for your DH.

The weather is a changing here Kaimoana. The rains have well and truly arrived. We hope to get a few calmer, sunnier days to get more winter preparation done. We, but I should say Phil, started to dig out for a new path around the cottage. It's work two days, stop two days for the rain water to soak away and carry on.

MrMuse continues to make such excellent progress with the compression bandage and the ulcer is half the size after only 10 days. He is now feeling brave enough to tackle the next medical item on his to do list A hernia. A CT scan is needed first, which is in 3 weeks.

Please learn some more words and try them out on us Grammaretto. That holiday sounds just the ticket.

Since retiring, I love a non-routine day or week even Panache. The next few months will be difficult but I hope you get out with your friends and drop in here when you need one of those cwtchs ?

Shamefacedly and long overdue,warm greetings to my once Lockdown friends.

Nothing exciting to bring you,just continuing to hold my head up high,am out and about a little,have had my booster and flu jabs,both without any after effects.

You are not forgotten,but somehow I still have no real routine.

Of course not only the dreaded Christmas around the corner but also our Wedding Anniversary on the 21st so am preparing to become surrounded by a wall of steel!

So good knowing you are all moving forward and by all accounts filling your lives with all manner of things.

Love and blessings to you all.

Missimac I agree with Kaimoana that this is the place for support and a sounding board.
As well as a distraction and an education

What a big day it was for you but very good that it went so well. The great food too. What a bonus!

As for downsizing. I realise I am not the right person to ask because I take ages to make decisions but I was advised not to make a big change for at least a year, if not 2 but of course look at options and enjoy the day dreams.

I plan to stay here for now but try to get the old house into better shape and less cluttered so if and when I need to move, I will be able to know what is important to come with me. If that makes sense?

Dear Missismac please don't feel you are prattling on, or that you have to talk about anything other than what's going on in your life.
It's what we all do. It's what we are all here for - to listen and support one another if we can.

Yes, it was a HUGE decision but how wonderful that you and your DH got such a fine welcome and...wow..Michelin chef starred food too. A bonus to be sure.

Gosh, 61 years in the same house; that's going to be another mighty decision for you isn't it?
But rest assured, we're always here to listen and help if we can and I'll put my spoke in if you need it.

Enjoy your lovely lazy day.
Grammaretto has just done the same and I am sure you'll both feel better for it.

Hello everybody - I’ve been catching up on all the posts (again),. I’m getting fascinated by the word cwtch - I wonder if it would be an acceptable scrabble word. I play online scrabble most days with people around the world, but mostly with my SIL in Australia. If I ever get the right opportunity I’ll try cwtch. (Every time I type cwtch the wretched auto correct decides I meant to type catch and alters it - how dare it think it knows better than me!
Yesterday was a day of very mixed emotions for me. My DH went into the care home. I started the day very apprehensive at how he would react to this huge change in his life and ended up almost euphoric because it went so well. My DD and I went over there to help him settle in and found him being treated like a VIP. They gave him a ‘welcome to your new home’ card and a selection of chocolates and nothing was too much trouble. His room is lovely and overlooks playing fields where they play football every Saturday, which he will enjoy. They invited us to have lunch with him, which was quite delicious - we were told they have a Michelin starred chef and on the basis of that meal I can quite believe it. All good so far - what a relief.
I’m now starting to think about my future. The house is too big for me and I’m inclined to think I should try and find a retirement village, where I can live independently but still have some support on hand if I need it, with facilities for socialising etc. I know my DD worries about me living alone and that would remove that burden from her. We’ve lived in this house for 61 years and I don’t really know how I’ll feel about leaving it, but feel I have to be practical about it. Anyway, I won’t make any decisions in a hurry.
I’m getting very good at lateral flow tests (whoever thought we’d have to do those). Every time you go into the care home you have to produce evidence of a negative result and of your vaccination status. The new test kits which I recently got are better than the originals - you only have to swab your nose, not your throat, so they’re really easy to do.
I’m still in bed at the moment - after a busy day yesterday I’ve decided to treat myself to a lazy day, so I’m starting with a lie in. I’ll probably go over and see DH this afternoon, but in his new luxurious surroundings, it won’t be the ordeal it was visiting him in hospital for all those weeks.
Sorry to prattle on about myself so much, but this has been a major change in my life and it’s so nice to have people to share my thoughts with. I’ll try and concentrate more on other people’s activities in future.

Hello all you twinkling stars!

Mamissimo it’s so good to see you.
My experience of supporting my children and g-children through severe trouble is that as long as they know they have a good foundation of unending love and understanding, it helps them cope.
As you and MrM are clearly providing that, they are sure to pull through. Heartbreaking in the meantime though, so my sympathies are with you all.

Cherry my interpretation of your dream is that you and your DH milk life for all its worth but still get swamped!

As for ironing, unless the garment is 100% cotton, a good whip-crack shake or 2 before hanging it up, works wonders; gravity and body heat later do the rest. As you can tell, I don’t iron, although actually it’s one of the few household chores I like.

Grammaretto it’s about time!
In this past year, you seem to have been like those jugglers who spin plates on thin poles, dashing from one thing to another to keep going.
I hope you enjoyed your well-deserved loll in bed.

I would certainly go ahead with the total immersion holiday.
Even if you only learn new nouns of things around you, or practice phrases from a book. You’ll have the technology to access resources and learning in that sort of happy environment is always productive and great fun as well as frustrating at times. You’ll laugh a lot.

As BJ has indicated, we too are having rain, with occasional drizzle and intermittent wet periods with showers and the occasional deluge interspersed with thunder storms.
But..♩ ♬ sumer is icumen in, lhude sing cuc-cu. ♪ ♫

www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5_ECf8INOo
(read the on-screen words. I never knew about the goat )

Doodle upgraded to a walk-in wardrobe indeed - you'll be at the Captain's table next
I hope you and MrD have a wonderful time.

First the famine, now the feast. My dgs is coming here later this afternoon and will stay until Sunday.
Good job I was able to get some extra foods although the list of 'not available' included butter, rice, pita bread and disposable nappies. None to be had of any brand apparently and the ones I keep here so the family don’t have to lug everything over, are gone. Ah well, we can always put Gubbins in a bread bag ]grin]

Cuddle up Gangstars

Never a bore to see what you’ve been ups to Grammaretto
Do you get to see the other people in your zoom Gaelic class or do you only see the teacher? If I were you I would learn a few more words if you’re going to rent a house, like “Where’s the gin and tonic”? Are you enjoying it and will you continue do you think?
We had a nice surprise today. We had a letter from the cruise company saying they are upgrading us to a delux cabin on our next cruise. Nothing wrong with the cabin we had last time but this one has a walk in wardrobe. I’m quite excited but now I’m wondering if I need to take more clothes ??
An exhibition sounds good. Will you be able to show us any of your pots? I would love to see some.
So pleased your DGD wore your cardigan. I can still remember taking mine to ballet with their little pink tutus and pink cardigans.
We had to go to the hospital today to collect DHs next batch of meds. I took the opportunity to return the walking frame he had at Christmas which has been in our hall ever since.
Surprising number of people around in the hospital without masks.
Went for a quick walk after but it was really chilly. I have a new knitted hat to keep my ears warm so I felt quite cosy at least my head did.
In a moment of madness today I downloaded an app (puzzle type mystery game) ) which featured in an article I was reading about good games you can do when not connected to the internet. It had many reviews with a woman saying her 5 year old loved it. I wish her five year old would come and show me how it works. It is the most frustrating game I have ever played. I have gone back to Solitaire now. ?
I hope all the gang are feeling ok. Jeeves is coming round later with hot chocolate. He’s just washing up Grammaretto’s supper things. ?

None of you have been in so I will bore you with what today has offered.
Rain, rain and more rain,
I went for a wet walk and had my Gaelic class, on zoom, where we decided that next year we would rent a house in a Gaelic speaking place and have total immersion Gaelic. Then we remembered we only have a few words "How are you?" and "would you like a cup of coffee" so thought our time together could be rather dull.

I hope things are settling down a bit now Mamissimo meaning that the acute stress is waning. DS is a bit better and you are really helping DD and DSiL through their trauma.

Cherry you have suffered almost everything there is to suffer with unpronounceable names

sending cwtches to you both xxx

Doodle I am making pots, not very many or very quickly but I am taking part in an exhibition which opens early next month, locally. Thanks for asking. One vase was drying too fast so I wrapped it in a damp cloth and it dissolved into a pile of clay.....mess

My best moment today was seeing my DGD wearing the cardigan I knitted which arrived today just in time for the ballet class.

Can you bring me my supper now please Jeeves!