The Lockdown Gang - carry on chatting ⭐️

Kia ora koutou e hoa ma.
Nortsat Mya is a pretty name for a beautiful dog.

Ah, so that's why the rabbits have pained expressions!


muse Warm or cold, I love pork pies but only have them once a year, Christmas. Sadly, not this year, unless I decide to make one. I'm thinking about it. I've had pork pie on Christmas morning for at least 72 years and it'll feel odd not to have it this year.

Nfk I love those teddies and if I were nearer I'd snap up Cinderella for sure. You're so clever.

Oh Grammaretto what a shame you won't see the grand-children - guzunder shards in a Parisian box are no substitute are they?

I tried to get my booster shot this week and the $100 grocery voucher that goes with it but when we got there, the person before us had used that last dose

My dgd No.1 visited yesterday with friends who've just had their first baby, a dear little boy - Kaihautu (it means Leader). He's a placid baby who sleeps 10 hours a night.
I daren't tell Mila's parents

My dgs brought bags of fruit as her Xmas gift to me and I've already eaten the plums. The mangoes I shall save as my dgs loves them.

I think the Floradix is working, at least I didn't feel like going back to bed at 11am, although I was at my computer at 4am.
I'm currently re-listening to "Emma". Jane Austen was such a comedic writer.

Hello gang,

What not got your booster Kaimoana! that's shocking. No pork pie, no booster but at least you are getting visits from the DGC.

I will see the older DGC, I hope, but the tinies are at the other DGP this year. I just hope that nothing else is cancelled. The "rules" change so often around here.

Those teddies are very sweet NfkD. I bought a felt brooch at the craft market but for the life of me I can't get it to stay on. I shall turn it into a decoration for the tree.

I did look up the Paris company Doodle and it seems they sold dear little silk and velvet bonnets, possibly similar to the kind Emma herself might have worn. though this one has seen better days

How did I know it was a chamber pot? I am a potter so I can see it was thickish porcelain and the curve suggests it wasn't tall enough to be a jug.

It is unlikely the deeds are up there but there could be more things from ages past.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202112/medium-979566-d94c6d6d-4df2-4de0-9ff7-136bcbcd24d4.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202112/medium-575443-a859c566-8019-4163-a010-658dc201e676.jpeg

Good morning Gang-stars, I have Missy, Minnie and Ollie with me, who are sending you seasonal purrs.

I have had a better few days, so things hope it continue in that vein.

Kaimoana, it’s an interesting idea to give people a grocery voucher with their third jab. That will be a help to people who are struggling. Sorry to learn you didn’t manage to get your jab yet.
Gosh, I could just eat a bowl of mango now.
Grammaretto interesting finds in your attic.
We found a large framed photograph of an Edwardian gentleman, a set of leather bound legal books and an Art Deco poker in our loft, when we moved into our house!
Doodle I love your light up houses from M&S, they look like they came from Norway!
Thinking of Panache as ever.

A friend had sent us a mini Christmas tree with the mini decorations. It was fun to decorate and is now sitting on the mantelpiece alongside our Norwegian Nisse (which protects our family and animals from misfortune and evil). I attach a photograph of the Nisse (to bring all of us good fortune and to dispel evil spirits) along with seasons greeting to all Gang-stars from me and the Molls ?‍⬛?‍⬛?‍⬛ ??

Sorry team my post is full of typing errors and I read it over twice.
My partner disturbed me, mid post for an important conversation about the bathroom door knob! So it’s his fault, of course!

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202112/medium-940406-solstice.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202112/medium-875031-merry-xmas-30.jpg

Meri Kirihimete me he Tau Hou Hari.

Nortsat - God jul.

Nadolig Llawen Cherry wherever you are. We miss you.

Nollaig chridheil Grammaretto may the Xmas fairy help you find those deeds.

Wishing everyone good health and peace and many joyful days in 2022.

Well good evening all.
I went to church today for the first time since the beginning of lockdown. I have to say it was lovely to sit for a while in beautiful surroundings in the peace and quiet. I realised how much I have missed that.
Kaimoana the only pork pie I have ever had is the one that comes in wax paper (Melton Mowbray) and most certainly wouldn’t be eaten hot.
Your pie sounds much more exotic. I wouldn’t dream of eating one Christmas Day (Boxing Day when we usually have cold meat that would be ok)
Sorry you didn’t get your booster and missed out on your voucher too. Next time I hope.
How lovely to have a visit from you older DGD and her friends, and their little boy. What a thoughtful gift for you, knowing how much you like fruit.
Grammareto I wonder what the hat was like and who it was for. Quite an interesting find really. Are you not tempted to go up there and have a good root around.
I wonder why they chose to keep a broken chamber pot though?
Hello to you Nortsat Minnie Missy and Ollie my we are honoured by all of you being present ?
Good to hear you are feeling a little better,
I love your little tree and your Nisse. I will share a photo of mine when I’ve finished this post.
Didn’t notice any errors in your post perhaps the ? has affected my vision or is it that I appear to have now attached a French keyboard to my iPad and am used to having wrong letters pop up. ?
Kaimoana like your pictures. I will generate a suitable (hopefully) reply later ?

Meri Kirihimete to you and all Kaimoana
My little Norse men send greetings to yours Nortsat

I want little Norse men too!!

A lovely Christmas story from the NZ Blind Foundation newsletter.

Guide Dog Zoe, a Poodle, recently gave birth to a record 14 puppies.
The team didn’t want to put any extra pressure on Zoe to feed all 14 so when we heard that Detector Dog Isla, from the New Zealand Police also had a new litter, we arranged for 4 of Zoe's puppies to be fostered by her.
She took to them immediately.

They flew Air NZ in a special insulated box with heat pads to keep them comfortable.

Thanks to NZ Police, Air NZ and Massey Vets, who all took great care of our future guide dogs.

Here's Isla looking very pleased with herself.

Dear Gang, I have been briefly dipping in and out of the thread because so much is going on. Enjoying your photos of decorations and lights - thank you for that.

DD in Adelaide in despair because the daycare has a case, and they have to isolate for a minimum of a week, and the 2 little ones for 14 days because they are not vaccinated. They have no food in, the testing queues are 6 hours long, and being new to the city, their only friends, daycare parents, are also isolating. Oooh, the lovely Kaimoana has just sent me a link to emergency help in South Australia! Wonderful!

Have a great Christmas everyone, keep warm and well. xx

Good morning ?

No Norsemen here.....just Mr M who is hanging onto life by a thread refusing to make a total recovery just yet. If I ever get to meet my MIL in heaven I'm going to have a very tough conversation with her about her indulgent nursing of poorly boys! He told me yesterday that his hot water bottle was too heavy for him to either fill or to carry upstairs......--but he managed to lift a mince pie or two--

This is my last day of peace before the mob start arriving. Mission command is set up, the plans are written.....Thunderbirds are go for Christmas!

Hark! I hear a bell....could it be Santa...nope. It's Mr M in bed and requesting, if it's not too much trouble, a slice of toast with some of that nice marmalade.......?

Morning/afternoon Gang,

I just popped in to say Muse is having her scans today so good luck with that.

Ah Mamissimo mothers-in-law everywhere have a lot to answer for.
one of my 3 My DiL complains to me about my son. I cower in remorse and apologise profusely, thinking please don't leave him, he might come home to me!

Please pace yourself over the weekend.

The Christmas stalls have more or less sold out which is good but the anxiety levels of both stall holders and public were running high.

There were some gorgeous felt gnomes which I resisted but if they are still any left tomorrow, I may succumb.

If I go to Norway again I’ll try and get you one Kaimoana ?
Aw those puppies look so sweet. Lovely Isla too.
Boadicea oh your poor DD. Hope they get some help soon.
Sounds as though you have a lot going on. Hope you are feeling a bit better. Are you staying home for Christmas?
Mamissimo you make me laugh. Poor MrM is not a good patient is he. Obviously the mince pies are for medicinal purposes only. ?
Have a lovely time with your family.
Grammaretto thanks for letting us know about muse hope she gets on ok.
I love Christmas stalls/markets. We went to the Christmas market in Bath many years ago. It was like winter wonderland. I loved it. I’m like a child with fairy lights, going oooh and aaah whenever I see them.
Glad the stalls have sold lots of items. I hope it wasn’t too crowded. Oh I wish you’d bought a little gnome, they sound fun.
DH and I have just had Christmas dinner. Our turkey was delivered to day and rather than put it in the fridge I thought I’d cook it straight away. Seemed a shame not to have some before the rest went in the freezer so I put in some sausages and stuffing in the oven too and we had that this evening.
Yes ok Grammaretto I’ll own up…..we had Christmas pudding and brandy cream after too. ?

Good for you Doodle - Christmas comes but once a year.

There's a party going on just over the fence.
It began quietly enough at 9am (it's for a birthday) and proceeded to entertain with beautifully harmonious singing until lunctime.
Clearly there was drink taken and by 2pm the harmony had given way to "My Way" where volume was the main feature and even keeping on note was impossible.

It's now 7pm and the singalong which began at 5pm and included the National Anthem in 2 languages and ‘Advance Australia Fair’ sung at 120 decibels, has faded to relatively peaceful taped hip-hop and happy conversation.
I suspect the original singers are under the table.

My dear friend Kathy came for morning tea. Some of you will remember how upset we all were when she was diagnosed with cancer and treatment was horrific.
She's now looking really well, her hair is long and lustrous and she sees the Oncologist only once a year. Thanks be to God.
She brought some beautiful toys for Gubbins.

I paid $38 for a folding table last year and just sold it today for $41. Does that make me an entrepreneur?

Or just a canny Yorkshire lass

Glaedelig jul, gang, That is Danish for Merry Christmas.

My Danish niece still hasn't named her new baby.

There are a surprising number of Scandinavians living in this town and I even had one inspecting the flat recently. We must make a decision before the end of the year so she can give notice to her current landlord.

So I see you are a European too Doodle. Celebrating on Christmas eve?.

How lovely to have a visit from Kathy, Kaimoana and looking so well.

I can see I shall have to buy that last gnome.

Love to you all.

So many lovely photos?

Little trees are perfect for us too Norstat. No floor space or table space but our window sills are very wide.

MRI went well thank you Grammaretto. The scan technologist was the same one I had last year. She remembered me. All went smoothly but very noisily, as MRI’s are inclined to be. The only concern I had, was that I was pushed rolled into the scanner head first! I usually, go in feet first. I am claustrophobic so my eyes were shut tight until the bed stopped moving. Fortunately, I was able to see a little bit of the lovely ceiling which is painted as if looking up through trees and blossom to a blue sky. The fortunes of being tall.

Following the hospital’s instructions I wasn't wearing any metal. I half expect her to whip out a metal detector gadget (as at security desks) to be on the safe side. However, there is quite a bit of metal inside me that I have to declare! The night before I took out all my piercings and made a mental note to get the clasp on the right nipple adornment sorted out. ?

I have no results until the neurologist looks at the scan and calls me. No change would please me. Four years ago a growth(mass) 7cmx3cm was discovered behind my womb close to the sciatic nerves. Biopsy showed it was benign but removal would involve difficult and potential dangerous surgery. A history of growth was needed! 6 MRIs later, have shown that the mass hasn’t grown and because it continues not to trouble me, it can stay where it is. I hope it remains that way but I know a man I trust to help me, if needed.

MrMuse mentioned New Zealand to me the other day BoadiceaJones. We had planned a walk with Mya tomorrow and on my birthday but heavy rain is due. If so, I plan to have the laptop up and we will start our research for the holiday when it arrives. 2023? Do you have any suggestions on what should be on our 'must do" list?

Doodle - next Thursday ? ?

Although I may not be with you daily,please know you remain in my thoughts.
Wishing you all a very blessed and peaceful Christmastide,one that each of you can enjoy in whatever way you personally feel,and that fits in with your particular life style.
For all of you,especially those facing any hardships,may this New Year bring you good health,and a good,happy,fulfilling life in the direction of your choice.
May you all have a new hope in abundance.

Love to you all.

Wishing all the lockdown LobStar GangStars as good a christmas as you can have no matter what you are doing. May there be some joy and peace, I wish that for each of you.
Love & cwtches ⭐s xxx

A very, very happy Christmas to you all, from a warm South Pacific- 7.20 am, and already 23 deg – our local prediction is 29 for today, but my guess is that it’s going to be a real scorcher, as it was yesterday. Guests left last evening, after 2 days, to spend the day with their children. It was lovely to see them, my dear cousin and her husband, who is very ill with cancer. MrJ does a very good line in spoiling guests, and we had a fabulous barbeque out under the vines in the afternoon, complete with a bottle of Moet. Cousin’s DH is a lovely man – a real Kiwi Bloke, farmed 2,500 acres of sheep, used to shear 400 ewes a day, built boats in his spare time, and won medals in international sailing competitions, now reduced to a pain-racked shadow of himself. But he and MrJ chewed the fat, spun yarns about their younger days, warmed themselves in the sun, and had a great old time. Such good news about Kathy, Kaimoana! And I loved the story about the puppies – mother love conquers all.
After yesterday’s mega-feast, we’ll just spend a quiet day together, eating all the yummy things that didn’t get eaten over the last 2 days, even though I had sent the cousins away with a carload of goodies for their young ‘uns. The chickens had a special Christmas Day breakfast of left-over steak and salad and cake, so they’re set for the day.
DD managed, after almost 6 hours waiting in the blazing heat of Adelaide, to be tested. After seeing her struggling to change baby dgs in the boot of the car, she was eventually shown to the front of the queue! Fortunately they are such good and patient little ones, provided they have books and a drink. She also managed to get a food delivery, so they will at least eat. DD sent a photo of little Bella doing a twirl in her “magic dress” – she’s never seen sequins before, and was fascinated by their sparkle in the South Australia sun. The prospect of spending their much-anticipated holiday isolating at home is quite dismaying.
Good news about your scan, Muse - you are very brave going through that procedure in The Tunnel. I’ll draw up an itinerary for you for 2023!
Grammaretto - you absolutely have to have a gnome! Give a gnome a home, I always say. I really enjoyed the chat about the Norsemen, too.
Mamissimo - you are hereby awarded “Nurse of the Year” for your patient tolerance of impatience.
Time for breakfast and opening of a rather interesting parcel on the table… ?
Have a wonderful evening and a blissful, love-filled Christmas everyone. xx

Lovely to hear from you Panache and Cherry
Wishing you all a happy time from the frozen north to the south pacific.
I feel a warm glow from all your kindness . or it could be the red wine
Your Summer picnic sounds just the ticket BJones
It is so nice to watch others enjoy themselves. I am sorry about your DD and the family though. That is tough.

That's over with Muse ! Now you can think about your birthday walk on the beach.

The gnome had gone!! It just wasn't meant to be. .

Late in tonight, I’ve been batch baking brownies. I’ve only got one suitable tray so have to wash it after every use. Four lots done now so that should keep them happy.
Sounds a raucous party next door Kaimoana I hope they could hold a tune.
That’s really good news about your friend Kath. How lovely to hear she is feeling better and looking good too.
Grammaretto I hope you get someone nice to take on your flat. My Danish SIL used to have all the family round on Boxing Day for smorgasbord. It was wonderful. Her family would send over all sorts of things not normally available here and we always had a lovely spread.
If you do buy that gnome, may we have a picture please?
muse good to hear from you. Glad the scan went ok. You are very brave to go through that. I hope the results are ok.
? no, really!! Ouch. Does it hurt.
I do hope you get a holiday. NZ would be wonderful
Now you’ve got me wondering about next Thursday…. Something has passed me by. ?
Dear Panache it’s nice to hear from you . What a lovely message. It will be a difficult time for many. I hope you will spend some time with your friends. Take care and my best wishes to you too. Much love x
Ooh and Cherry a lovely message from you too. . So wonderful to hear from you both. Love and cwtches back x
Boadicea 29 ! It’s pouring with rain here.
Sounds as though you made your guests very welcome and had a lovely time. Sorry to hear about your cousins husband.
Well I always thought the Dean at Canterbury pampered his chickens but I bet they don’t get steak and cake at Christmas ?
Hope your DD and family are ok.

Pssst ? don’t tell Jeeves but DH bought me a hot chocolate maker for Christmas. We had one each at lunchtime and it was delicious.

I will pop in tomorrow but in the meantime I would like to wish all the Lockdown Gang a very Happy Christmas
Missedout Nortsat and the Molls Nfk Dragonfly Jan and everyone. Take care, keep safe and hope you relax and enjoy yourselves. xx ??????

Oh Grammaretto I’m sorry you missed out in your gnome.
Here is one for you from Norway.

Thank you for the gnome Doodle
Here are the ones I failed to buy.
Funny, it is raining here too

Oh they are really cute Grammaretto perhaps next year.
What are you doing for Christmas? Are you visiting anyone?
Mamissimo I hope you have a rest this Christmas and the frozen leg of lamb doesn’t need to be brought into play.
I don’t know why but suddenly an image came into my mjnd of Mr Bean with the Christmas turkey stuck on his head and the thought , I hope MrM behaves himself. ?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WChnJht1hzk
Mr Bean and the Christmas turkey incident.