The Lockdown Gang - carry on chatting ⭐️

Kaimoana! Good Heavens, lady, what are you doing to yourself?? You must be totally knackered after all that effort - I hope you are relaxing with a small glass -or even a large one- of something therapeutic. Are you having "Trevor" translated into other Pasifika languages? What a great scheme!
Yes, those are Kaffir lime leaves, with many uses. It's always a little difficult to know which name to use to avoid offence - DH lived many years in South Africa, and so is very aware of the pejorative implications. However, people are so darned resistant to changing familiar names that it could take some time. Let's just call them "knobbly limes" between ourselves!
I hope you're sitting down and resting now.
Good morning to everyone on the other side of the world-I hope your day is perfect.

Hello Gang-stars
Bold Mamissimo into the fray, a modern day Gráinne Mhaol. We are cheering you on.

Karen No.2, the lady from Waipareira told me about a 15 year old who's just had a baby and is in dire need. My dil was getting rid of baby clothes so Karen is going to swoop across the city and collect them.

Before she does, she'll call in here and pick up a Cherry Cake (my dil’s No.1 favourite), a batch of Melting Moments with chocolate filling for my DGS to share; a big bag of specially requested chocolate truffles (dil again) and some freesias from my garden. Karen will deliver all this and more to the family I haven't seen (in real life) for weeks.

Also in the box are Father's Day gifts, a comically mishapen potato to amuse my grandson (yes, it looks like a bottom ) and some things I've been given which I can't eat.
I can’t eat my baking either

When it came to icing the cake, I discovered I’d used the last of the icing sugar but a neighbour (for whom I’ve also been baking) gave me hers. So kind.
I was also gifted 2 litres of sour cream yesterday, so that's been distributed too.

In between baking I've changed my bed and got the bedding washed, fielded phone calls, sent the book about Trevor the Duck off to be translated into Niuean; tried to organise the other book but was hit with writers' treacle - similar to writers block but instead of coming to a juddering halt, I can still write but it is turgid and uninteresting. It needs to be funny.
Must try harder.

So quite a busy - but thoroughly enjoyable - day. It's not over yet. I'm going to make shortbread to send in the box of goodies to the new Mum, poor wee lass.

BodiceaJones I looked up Kaffir Limes to see how to use them and learned it’s better to call them Makrut Limes as the word ‘Kaffir’ is hurtful and demeaning, something I didn’t know.
Tell me, were the broad, glossy leaves which came with them, from the lime tree? If so I can make a tisane as they’re edible.

I'm sorry folks, I'm just a bit weary so haven't read all your posts. Wishing you all well though; keep smiling.

Mamissimo Can we please have an update of the Battle of the Garage? Good for you, keeping your records so assiduously!
Grammaretto What a nuisance about the flat. And the plums, on top of that! Word gets around, I'm guessing, of an unguarded tree loaded with fruit, and it's a free-for-all. Sad about DD's corgi - they are very endearing dogs, as long as they know where they stand in the family pecking order! To this day, I never make beds with my toes under them - the result of being bitten so many times by my grandmother's corgi, who made the underside of beds her own private fiefdom. And that was half a century ago!
My colleagues in my last job used Hello Fresh, and used to rave about it. It just seemed so expensive, and I was eating Keto, so I never tried it. Interesting to hear about the calorie content, though. It just seems so much easier to whip up a cheese omelette and green salad that faffing about cooking. Or popping some cheap beef into a slow cooker and coming home to the delicious smell of comfort food.
Jan Theo sounds delightful. Rescue cats are always so grateful, aren't they? I will have to work out how to send photos - I'm a techie Luddite - well, with a DH who's an IT whizz, I'd rather spend my time in the garden on in a book than doing the tricky stuff. We have three cats at the moment. % years ago, when we moved to the Far North, we went to the SPCA to get a dog. We came back with 2 cats. We walked into the office to be greeted by an adorable kitten who bounded over to DH-it was love at first sight. And this is the man who doesn't even like cats! (so he says). The SPCA lady said "Oh, he has a mummy who needs a home." I said that we really wanted only one, but was persuaded to take a look at her out the back. There was a sad, dejected little waif at the back of the cage, looking horribly depressed. My initial reaction was that she wasn't socialised, and wouldn't settle well. However, she saw/smelled her baby and came running over, making those adorable little mews that mothers make to their kittens. So we took her home, and she settled so well, just loving having her kitten, from whom she had been separated, back in her care. I shudder now that I didn't notice that she had terrible teeth (she was less than a year old), the result of being abandoned on the streets, pregnant at only 8 months old. She must have been in agony, my poor darling. So to the vets, painkillers administered immediately, all teeth extracted, except her canines, for defence. A whole new cat-loving, devoted, happy. Sadly though, her kidneys were shot, and she went into a decline. We had to have her PTS when she was not even 3 years old. I miss her terribly. Don't think I'm crazy, because I'm very much a pragmatist, but she used to come and visit me at night for months afterwards...her light little body would land on the foot of the bed, and there would be a short time when she would sit there, then leave.
Her son, Pudding, is still with us, and is the subject of some amusing stories, which I shall save for later.
Sleep well, folks

What a long and busy day you have had Doodle I am glad you heard from Panache. I hope she knows she is in our thoughts.
I hope the FF arrives without mishap.

After all the nice things yesterday I had a couple of small setbacks today: The couple who looked at the flat, and whom I liked, have decided against it.
I was asked to pick the plums off a friend's tree as they are ripe and ready. He lives quite a long way away and is on holiday, but when I got there I couldn't see a single plum! Someone or something had stripped the tree bare.
I picked a few running beans and had them for my tea!

I wonder how Mamissimo's garage war went?

I don't have any pets now. 2 of my DC have dogs and luckily they seem very healthy but DD's lovely corgi had a tumour and died last year which was very sad. She hasn't been replaced.

Good Evening. Mamissimo so pleased Honey beagle is doing well. Pets are such a worry aren’t they especially as they get older. And yes I too remember getting pills down dogs but it’s so easy with cheese and even ham! The problem is when you need to get pills inti cats! That’s a whole different story! Boadicea Please can we have photos of your cats? How many cats do you have? We have a rescue cat called Theo. Love him to bits except when he catches birds and mice! Theo is going into a Cattery on Fri while we have a week in the Cotswolds. He’s quite a laid back puss and seems quite content there.
Missimac sorry to hear your husband is poorly. Do hope he’s getting his physio now and can come home soon. My husband has had a few spells in hospital during the last year. One was in a hospital 45 miles away - good job I don’t mind driving! Also so grateful for mobile phones - lots of texting went on! So much better than having to rely on phoning the ward and speaking to a harassed nurse!
Been a glorious week in Norfolk but unfortunately our week in the Cotswolds starting on Friday looks decidedly damp! Never mind. Change of scene and hopefully some good pub meals await!

Evening all from a weary Doodle. DH is snoring nodding off beside me. We have been full on today. Hairdressers, shopping, cleaning, walking, Waitrose delivery. We have visitors tomorrow for the first time since lockdown. Phew!
Good news, I have had a PM from Panache and she sends her love to everyone.
Kaimoana what a beautiful colourful photo of your fruit and veg. Lucky you. How lovely. Glad you won’t get scurvy.?
Boadicea how many rescue cats do you have? Animals are such good company. Do you have a big garden, you seem to grow lots of different things?
We live in a flat but our neighbours have planted a wonderful herb garden. Good to eat and good to look at, ?
Grammaretto had a call from JL this morning. FF due to arrive between 7am and 5pm next Tuesday. Our current one must be defrosted and dry for them to take away. Will have to juggle the contents around between now and then to make sure as little as possible goes to waste. Have a couple of neighbours I may ask to house a few things for me while the transition takes place. Just hoping the old one lasts that long. The door is making more banging noises every time we open and close it.
Your mention of tablet reminds me of Marydoll who talks about it on the Gm thread. Until then I have never heard of it. I gather it’s a Scottish treat. Good to hear your MIL is going out a bit.
Open studios, are you displaying anything yourself? Sounds very interesting. Wish I was closer.
Hope you have a lovely visit to your DD and family. Good idea to take the train. You can relax and enjoy yourself,
Nice to have a letter of thanks from the grooms mother. You seemed to have put a lot of effort into it. I hope it was appreciated.
Mamissimo I’m glad Honey beagle had a good night. Did you stay up all night mopping her head and soothing her fevered brow? ?. I remember when one of my dogs had a really serious op when she was very young. I lay in the lounge floor with her all night and kept an eye on her and her sister. When morning dawned and I saw her in daylight her tummy was completely purple with blood. I was distraught and felt sure the end was in sight. I rushed her to the vets only to be told it was just bruising from the op coming out and she was fine. What a relief. She went on to have many happy years with us.
Oh the joy of feeding a pet tablets. I remember it well. Cheese always worked for us too.
Oooh battle. Go get em Mamissimo . What a cheek. Well done you for keeping the service record. ?
I get cross with so called healthy options of things that are either loaded with salt or sugar. DH and I eat very simply (when we are not on a cruise) but on occasions look for something quick in a ready meal. We very seldom buy them because of the salt content usually.
Take care all. You too cherry we still miss you.

Good morning ?

The Beagle had a good night and scoffed daintily ate a few morsels of egg and rice this morning. Now I have to get one and a half tablets into her. Mr M is busy in making her a plate of cubes of cheese with half a tablet in each cube....should be simple? ?

I am going to have the best fun today - I'm off to war with the garage so it's heels, pearls and hair quaffed a la Thatcher. Yesterday they quoted £500 for some electrical work that we asked them to do a year ago whilst the car was under warrantee. They claimed that we didn't ask them last year and played a stunner by claiming we had invalidated our warrantee by missing a service.

Instant war! Mr M took the house to bits like Grammaretto looking for the deeds and emerged triumphant with the receipt for the 'missing' service, complete with their note saying we had asked them to fix the wiring......they picked the wrong old lady to tangle with......! It will be good sport ?

We are trying Hello Fresh to add some spice to our suppers.....both our DDs use it. I think I will not be ordering again....whilst the food tastes great, the veg etc are good quality...the portion sizes are huge and the calories huge-er. Makes me cross that people are using them to cook what they think are healthy fresh meals and they are going to put on a dress size in a year! DDs have been chastised ?

Now can I tempt you to a running bean or courgette surprise?

That is quite a bounty Kaimoana and Boadicea!
You have inspired me to order a veg box each week.
I haven't got round to it before because it always seemed a bit big for one person but now I am cooking again- just with the electric ring, no cooker yet- I know I should be eating fresh food.
I'll try it for 4 weeks anyway.......
Has your FF arrived yet Doodle?

I went to see MiL yesterday and took her some tablet (Scottish fudge) and her eyes lit up It is solid sugar but she loves it. She is back to the day centre twice a week. She says it's not really her scene but the food is good and it gets her out. It had been closed for 18 months.

I have booked a train trip to see DD and the wee DGC in the Highlands next week. That's after the open studios which is here this weekend.

I was sent lovely photos from the wedding along with a very nice letter of thanks from the groom's mum. It seems it was a success! but no I am not planning to host again

Fantastic that you had lots of goodies arrive on your doorstep! What a kind friend to go shopping for veg. I really hope that Level 3 is making a difference to your feeling of wellbeing. Confined for so long in Level 4 must have been incredibly grim. What a pain that the weather had turned again, so that you can't actually enjoy some freedom in the sunshine.
mamissimo - I really hope Honey Beagle is on the mend. Is there anything more soothing that the gentle snoring of a beloved dog? The Irish expedition sounds amazing. Fancy visiting the coffins! What an experience! I hope that your DS is coping with the long covid-it's a cruel blow to a young person to be laid low in such a way. It's also extremely hard on parents supporting their young 'uns through the torment of a lingering, debilitating illness. Kia kaha from us down under.
Thanks, Jan - another Norfolk lass! I hope the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness that Norfolk does so well is treating you kindly.
I'm so sorry to hear of the devastating losses some here have suffered. Life can be so cruel, and knowing that the penalty for loving deeply is eventually sorrow is one of those strange human paradoxes. Arohanui to everyone going through the pain of loss right now.
My tribe of rescue cats are lining up with hopeful little faces, so I consider myself summoned. They know about the fresh fish the lads across the road have dropped off in exchange for eggs. TTFN, and enjoy the new day/old day as the case may be.

Kaimoana that was quick! The misshapen-looking citrus are kaffir limes (I didn't know that! Maybe you did... ) and you may have used the leaves for cooking. Sorry the fruits are small, but the other sweet oranges weigh about 1 kilo each! Seriously! Huge and full of juice. These small ones should be very sweet though. Avos will ripen in your kitchen in a few days. There should be thyme, rosemary, sage and not sure what else. They're there mostly for the glorious scent. The chillies are the last of the season, but still lots of bite. We use them en masse - new plants just going in.
Enjoy!
x

Boadicea Jones - I definitely won't come down with scurvy now.

!! THANK YOU !!

PS: this was only a fraction of the wonderful things which arrived on my doorstep just after I'd told a friend I'd used the very last vegetable in my fridge.

Mamissimo thanks for the news of Honey beagle. Glad she’s ok.
Grammaretto, that’s us. A supportive under garment. Just don’t mention cup sizes to Jeeves, he’ll go all a quiver.
Sleep well all. ?

Evening all,

Happy to hear good news of Honey Beagle Mamissimo and all the other news ofcourse.
What a time you have been having.

I would also like to say a welcome to anyone who feels new here.
Doodle and Cherry began the thread at the start of Lockdown and such a lot has happened since. We've had a birth - the wonderful Gubbins Kaimoana. Sadly we have lost two DH. Mine and Panache's.
This group has been an uplifting support throughout.
oh dear I have made it sound like a bra

Never mind.
Greetings to Norfolk and to Wales.

Just time to have a hot chocolate please Jeeves before I crash out.

Beagle update.....she's snoring gently beside me, minus 5 lumps and one molar.......bit like Mr M really ?

muse how is Mr Muse doing is his leg getting better?
Hmm yes that will be an interesting visit. Perhaps they have decided to stay together. Your new build will be nice when it’s finished, how long have you been doing it?
Grammaretto I don’t think I have ever frantically felt the urge to do housework. ?. I do have splurges where my mojo is intact and I whip through things but I would always much rather read a book. I think most mums would be concerned about their children leaving the country. My DGD is only a couple of hours away but we are all hoping she is ok..
A memorial service may well be a lovely thing to do. I’m sure friends and family would like to meet. The lockdown brought such restrictions to everyone. Your husband had a lot to do with the local community I believe. There may be many who would like to pay their respects.
A bomb scare ?. We don’t get many of those these days. Hope nothing is going on.
Boadicea you are spot on. In our photo collection DH and I have a beautiful sepia photo of a very elegant old lady. It’s a small print on a card background with scalloped edges. Unfortunately, neither of us know who she is.
When my brother was suffering with dementia, my DH made a photo book for him of people and places. He loved sitting looking at it. Whenever he came across a picture of himself he pointed to it and said him, I know him.
You are certainly not an interloper. Yes we have been going since the start of lockdown but others have joined since and some sadly for personal reasons aren’t posting at the moment. You are most welcome. All we do is chat between us and it’s nice to hear someone else’s news.
Jan you are a very welcome addition to our little group too ?
Mamissimo and there you are ?. Lovely to hear from you.
Oh no. Poor Honey beagle. I hope she’s ok. Will you have news later. Such a worry.
Holding your DD in my prayers again. Hopeful for a better outcome this time.
I’m glad to hear your son is starting to show signs of improvement. I believe it can be like ME and fatigue is a real problem. Hope you get your car back soon.
Well the veg are doing well aren’t they.
What an interesting visit you had to Ireland. The visit to the church must have been interesting. At least 5x gt grandfather won’t be cold being in the boiler room.
Ooh I hope there is a video. I would love to see you all dancing ?
What a brilliant tip. Thank you. I am going to re cut that top again and I will certainly do that.
Please let us know how Honey beagle gets on. Is Fergal ok?
Exhausted tonight. We are having visitors on Thursday so went shopping today to stock the fridge (still the old one. No news on the new one yet) I went to the opticians to get my glasses repaired and we also hung pictures (copies of DHs photos) in our lounge and hall. For us that was a full on day and we are both collapsed with a ? now.
Take care all.

It's the AWOL one here.....?

I'm still reading and chortling but life has been throwing us lemons by the tree load....DD2, I dare to say it is once again pregnant until proven otherwise and struggling with the awful regime of injections and overactive hormones. DS still has long COVID but is showing some improvement, DD1 is stressed about her house purchase. The useful car is in the garage for a service but needs new tyres.....and dear old H Beagle is currently on the operating table at the vets.

The courgettes have taken over the world and even when I leave them at roadside with a free carrier bag they're still there at the end of the day....and 20lb of running beans are in the freezer.

Ireland was absolutely lovely as usual but being home has been exhausting. it's taken a whole week to heal my liver. We finally located my 3xgt grandfathers farm and a very lovely curate took us down into the crypt of Coolbanagher Church to see the coffin of my 5x gt grandfather. We were somewhat taken aback by the offer to view it but found ourselves following him.....into what is now the boiler room with coffins!

We needed a tanker of gin after that, and luckily my thirty or so cousins were happy to oblige. It ended in a family rendition of Riverdance.......and Mr M is desperately hoping that there's no video ?

Hello to all new inmates, sorry to have missed the wedding Grammaretto, sending courgettes to Kaimoana and a tip for Doodle......tack your slippery stuff to tissue paper before trying to cut it?

Love to Panache and all who remember me!

BoudiceaJones I haven’t been on here long either so I’m not one of the long standing members! And I live in Norfolk too but around 35 miles from very windy Sheringham!

Annual photo books-what a great idea! It sure beats all the heaps of photos everywhere that have to be disposed of because no-one knows who and what they are. Descendants would be very grateful, I'm sure, for some sort of organisation of family stuff to minimise confusion.
NfkDumpling We lived and worked in North Norfolk - near Sheringham - for a few years. Loved it, except for the grey sea frets and the endless misty, dreary winters. The summers were just beautiful, though. It was fascinating that our pub-quiz-friend, whose family back 600 years had been stone masons, could recognise the work of his ancestors from their unique style. The historical continuity is stunning.
Grammaretto - I understand your fears of your baby off in the hostile world...gap years are a mixed blessing, aren't they. My son set off around Europe and the Middle East by himself 25 years ago...before the days of the internet and emails...that was scary. But then, I did the same to my mother, 25 years before that, when even phone calls were prohibitively expensive, letters took weeks to get home and there was a long, fearful space of time between communications. Hasn't the world changed!
missimac - foot stamping is definitely called for in your case. How frustrating for you, and your good man. The sorting and tidying sounds very therapeutic, but what a shame that the lunch outing was unsatisfactory. Yes, Spring is really here, just in time for Kaimoana's lifting of lockdown -still draconian in its strictness, but way better than before. Here in the Far North, the figs are already forming on the trees, the vines are absolutely loaded with grapes, the olives are throwing out glorious new fresh green shoots, and the oranges have almost finished. The little avo trees are loaded, but struggling with the weight. A Neighbourly contact has given me a pile of bromeliad plants in exchange for bags of limes...good exchange! In Norfolk we had an old Bramley tree in the garden, and I made apple and blackberry crumble at least once a week. The blackberries on the roadsides near Holkham were incredibly prolific. I miss the Old Country .
Thank you for letting me join your merry band-I hadn;t realised that you are a gang of very long standing, and I feel something of an interloper - hope you're ok with my bursting in. Have a lovely evening/morning as the case may be.

Good evening all you gangsters,

I am so sorry Missimac that your MrM is so unwell.
I quite understand your urge to de-clutter. I always find myself needing to frantically do housework when I am worried about something.
When DD was off on her gap year. I cleaned her room to within an inch of its life, with love, but it was because I felt helpless.
She came back safely and had a wonderful time but somehow posting my baby off to South America, on her own suddenly felt reckless.
DH felt the same.

The service today was wonderful. Edinburgh was bathed in sunshine and all the tributes were lovely. She really was a special person. It made me wonder if I should arrange a memorial service for DH. It would be a chance for all his friends to meet.
I'm another who likes the autumn.

The only downside today was a long bus detour on the way home due to a bomb scare.

Mr Muse isn't too well either but at least someone else is now doing some of the labour on the house. That's right isn't it?

Missismac. Our surgery have told us to expect it when we get our flu vaccinations. We usually get a text at the end of October with a date. Stamp as much as you can until you get that answer.

Doodle. No - we won't be in for Christmas. Because we did a stop start for two years, the carpenter, electricity and plumber need to re-quote for their work. We have all the materials but it's them booking us in. The carpenter may be free in December but it's more likely January/February for him.

MrM had a long dressing change session today at the doctors and is now quietly snoozing having taken some painkillers.

We have friends dropping by tomorrow for a couple of hours. Last we heard from them was that they were splitting up. They almost live together?. The conversation will be interesting.

Crumbs Boadicea I’d have a problem downing a tankard of gin let alone a tanker ?. I often misread things due to being dyslexic (or slightly squiffy). I remember the milk tankers but not sure about the beer ones but DH does remember them. I thought you meant something like an oil tanker on the sea ?
Grammaretto I haven’t quite given up on the top I was making yet. Last night I was going over it in my head thinking I may re cut the top a bit and have another go. I don’t like being defeated. I may have to staple it to the table to cut it though.
I hope Sparky hasn’t left you in the lurch. We once had a tiler doing our bathroom who went to lunch and never came back ?. Wow the brides mother must be an extremely talented lady to make a wedding dress at first attempt. Did the bride look nice? I love a good wedding.
Ooh I say, that’s a bit naughty, leaving the boxers behind. Be a bit draughty in the under sporran region.
A hamper. What a lovely surprise. Does it contain lots of lovely goodies?
Well I’m a bit Welsh having both parents born in Wales so I could adopt you and give you a bit of Welshness back.
Missimac nice to hear from you again.
Sorry about your husband. I’m glad he’s been transferred to a local hospital but not if he’s not getting thr treatment he needs to get home. I would go and stamp if I were you. Sometimes that’s the only way to get things done. Sorry your meal was so disappointing considering you’ve not been out like that for a while it’s a shame. Nice to meet up with your Dd and friends though. Autumn is my favourite time. I love the colour of the trees and when the leaves fall I go out crunching through them, providing it hasn’t rained.
No not heard anything about the booster yet.
Nfk we’ve had a lovely day too weather wise. Went for a late walk and it was very warm. Lots of people out on the river paddle boarding. When we had a garden I always used to weed after rain showers too. Amazing what a difference it makes when the soil isn’t compacted.
What a wonderful idea to do an annual photo book. We have quite a few but they tend to be based round holidays or the children/grandchildren. Never thought about doing a yearly one. Do you take many photos? DH is a keen photographer but has been very limited in what he’s taken since lockdown started.
Have a good evening all

Its been a lovely day here in the north of Norfolk - after a heavy deluge or two early this morning! So its been gardening for me as the damp earth made weed pulling easy.

I've also made a start on my annual photo year book. I've done January, February and March and only used three pages. And that was a struggle. A couple of snow scenes of the garden and a few birds - in the garden. Last winter was really dire wasn't it!!

I’ve been trying to read through everybody’s posts every day for the last week or so, but haven’t really had the energy to get on and post something myself.

My DH is still in hospital, but a different hospital. Our big local hospital declared him medically fit but were concerned about his poor mobility. Even with two members of staff and using the same equipment we have at home they weren’t able to transfer him safely from bed to chair, so he had an OT assessment and they decided he should be moved to another smaller (but still local) hospital which is mainly used as a rehab facility, for physiotherapy. However he has been there since last Wednesday and still hasn’t started any physio, which is both annoying and concerning. The longer he stays in bed the more difficult it’s going to be for him to regain the upper body strength he needs for transfers at home. He is very fed up and desperate to get home. If his treatment doesn’t start today I’m going to have to stamp my feet and find out exactly what is going on.

Because I’ve had some time on my hands, I’ve been trying do some de-cluttering and have managed to get rid of quite a few things I no longer want/need via a local FB site. I unearthed stuff that I can’t remember ever buying but have kept for years without using (why did I ever buy it in the first place). Mind you, I blame DH - he’s a terrible hoarder. I can now swing a cat in my small bedroom (dumping ground) it’s quite a satisfying feeling.

I had a treat yesterday - went out for lunch with my daughter and two friends. It’s the first time I’ve been out socially for the best part of two years. The food I chose was pretty disappointing, but the company was good and I really enjoyed it. I chose steak and ale pie - the filling was nice but the pastry was actually tough and hard to cut through. It was supposed to be served with seasonal veg, but what I got was one spindly stem of long stem broccoli and three skinny carrots, all different colours and all tasting horrible! But it was a treat to get out of the house and socialise.

You people in NZ - I envy you just going into Spring. Although Autumn is often a lovely season in the UK, Spring is my favourite time of year. It’s a lovely day here today, but a couple of days ago I put the heating on for a couple of hours because the house was decidedly chilly.

Isn’t it difficult cooking for one. I seem to have been living on snacks the last little while, because I really couldn’t be bothered to do anything which required much preparation just for myself. Today though I have made a variation on a shepherds pie, which will last me for two days, so I feel a bit virtuous.

Everybody seems to be starting to get out and about again, which is good. Has anybody had the booster Covid jab yet? I’m waiting for the call up and will definitely have it when offered. Are you still in lockdown Kaimoano? The Government here are not ruling out the ‘possibility’ of another lockdown later this year if the NHS starts to get overwhelmed again. Let’s just hope the vaccination programme will obviate the need for that.

I must stop drivelling on. Keep posting everyone - I love reading all about your exploits, although I don’t have much to report myself.

Doodle - not just a whole tankard of gin, but a whole TANKER! Thinking of the old-style tankers that used to deliver bulk beer, just like milk tankers, but a little smaller. Perhaps you didn't have them back in the Mother Country?

Good evening lovely gang,

I can visualise that slippery material Doodle .You have reminded me why I don't make my own clothes.

Sparky hasn't come back today but I'll send him to you when he's done here.

The bride's dress was made by her mother who told me it was the first thing she had ever made. She watched Utube videos, apparently.
When I went in to tidy the loo this morning (the one I had asked the wedding party to use) I found a pair of boxers on the floor
I haven't told anyone yet and no one has owned up Do you think one of the kilt wearing men had second thoughts? or perhaps the elastic broke.

My big surprise today. I won a hamper in a raffle at the street fair yesterday morning.
My disappointment: Ancestry have "updated" my DNA results and I have lost my 2% Welsh. How can they do that?
I so liked being a bit Welsh.
Ah well. You can't have everything.

I was also amused by Kaimoana's description of being trapped in the dog attack suit but really it is a dreadful story and shows how strong a Yorkshire lass she is. I'd have been furious.

Off to bed. I have a memorial service to attend tomorrow.