The Lockdown Gang - carry on chatting ⭐️

Best of luck with camping Missedout - I used to love it.

I was thinking of Cherry last night, I do hope she is feeling better. Glad to hear Panache has some excelletn support.

Oh poor you, dear Doodle it's dreadful when you burn your mouth. The remedy sounds 1st class
Do you remember 'The Remedy' from the Walton's TV programme

Grammaretto I'm envious.
The dental work I had booked, the 2nd instalment of 3 very necessary repairs, was cancelled when lockdown hit. Who knows when I'll get me teef fiixed now?


Also on hold is the issue with IT... the replacement of my modem and router as it keeps dropping carrier. The new modem is waiting on the technician's ability to visit and install. Not until we are back to normal.
As more cases are discoveed, I see Christmas retreating into oblivion.

The cookery book is coming along fine.
It's amazing how many recipes can be made with just 2 or 3 ingredients.
I'm excluding those, mainly from the US, which count a tin or packet as 1 ingredient .

After the easy stuff, I'll start on his favourites. Melting Moments is top of the list
Well, it keeps me off the streets......

My DS sent me a little video of Gubbins, merrily bouncing up and down in her cot at 2am. She is so endering - easy for me to say, I haven't had 10 months of broken nights.

I've doctored the picture to conform with their wishes and don't think there's any harm in showing you that Gubbins is trying to walk.

I mentioned the pattern on her onesie is Fly Agaric an hallucinogenic fungus.
My son said just living with a baby who doesn't sleep is quie enough hallucinogenic for him, thank you.

Stay well everyone.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202109/medium-205805-kumeu-floods.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202109/medium-632811-floods.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202109/medium-934423-waitakere-flooding.jpg

What's happening in my area today.

I am on higher ground and the stream beside my house is unlikely to flood.

Oh No Kaimoana how dreadful. As if the Lockdown isn't bad enough!!
I am very glad you are on higher ground but sorry for all those affected.
Stay safe, warm and fed xxxx

Are Gubbins and her family alright?

Good morning ?

It's so chilly this morning that I'm thinking of getting some socks on - I hate socks so much but my feet look blue...

The ADC have returned from their camping trip and we were absolutely right not to go! DD2 of the ivf had chemically induced PMT on an epic scale and 2 German Shepherds, DD1 is in the grows of instructing estate agents and has 2 toddlers. Both DSiLs had their share of the above plus end of working week itis. Add to that DD1 arriving to announce that she'd actually hired a yurt to be more comfortable and the youngest dog running amok in next doors pitch and you will see why we demurred at the invitation ?

Not one of them has said that they had fun!

We're going home to Ireland next week for the first time in nearly three years and I am very excited! It's laundry central for me as before we go we have to collect DS and go to Kent for a couple of days as DSil2 will be having a very sedate 40th birthday lunch.

I pruned the Achey Bot tree yesterday and continued to harvest the bldy* running beans. DS is veg and dog sitting next week so hopefully he will forget to attend to the beans. We have 15kg in the freezer now! My how Mr M loves those beans ?

Doodle your poor mouth brought to mind my late grandmother who used to crack all nuts with her teeth. One day she absent mindedly put a roast chestnut in her mouth and it exploded......the poor old thing lost her sense of taste and it never returned. She was the tiniest old lady I've ever met having only reached the height of 4'8. I thInk old ladies tend to be bigger now ?

Keep warm and dry and try to behave!

Good morning Gang-stars from me and Missy, the Gang-stars Moll.

I have dropped a line to Panache and hope to hear how things are, when/if she feels up to replying.

kaimoana that flooding looks dreadful. So pleased to know you’re on higher ground. I can’t imagine the heartbreak of having a flood in your home.
The borough of London where we live is bordered by the River Roding, the River Lee and the Thames. To date we have not been affected by flooding. However, couple of weeks ago, after heavy rainstorms, one of the nearby Docklands Light Railway Stations was running with torrents of floodwater.
How lovely to see Gubbins walking ... she looks tall ... bless her.
Mammissimo your Ireland trip is drawing near. How exciting.
Your story of Honey Beagle and the stolen chicken dumbbells was very funny.
Missismac it must be lovely to Zoom with your siblings every week. My dear sister died in 2003 and I think I would give anything for a weekly Zoom with her. I still miss her terribly.
Grammaretto, will we hear more about the garden wedding?
What an interesting website about Mavisbank. I also look forward to hearing more about your walk.
Missedout where abouts in Norfolk are you camping? The weather looks relatively settled for the next week or so, though it seems to be growing chillier. Your new warm sleeping bag will be a good investment. Have a lovely time.
Doodle sorry to hear about your mouth. I agree with your approach to anaesthesia ?.
Once on holiday in France my partner and I both ordered French Onion Soup, which under the large cheesy crouton was absolutely molten. I’ve never forgotten it and also seem to remember that we both had cause to resort to a lot of anaesthetic ??
Dragonfly having Dexter as a guest when family arrangements require, must be a joy for you. However, I did begin to wonder whether there is much grooming and hoovering involved?

I have admin and organising to do today and a short spell on the exercise bike to reduce the wobbly-ness (sorry team, I am not even sure if that’s a word, but it’s certainly a condition) in my legs.
Good wishes to all, especially anyone I have missed out. ??

That looks dreadful Kaimoana. Presumably it was caused by heavy rain. How widespread is it? I’m surprised we haven’t seen anything about it on the news here. Thank goodness you’re on high ground and therefore safe. Water is so essential but can be so destructive.

Autumn seems to have arrived right on cue here - it’s now very chilly morning and evening. In fact our heating has come on a couple of times this week because the temperature has dropped.

Mammissimo. I envy your glut of runner beans - my favourite vegetable. A plate of runner beans fresh from the garden, with maybe some bread, would be a gourmet meal for me.

Hi Everyone. I also wonder where Missedout is camping in Norfolk? It’s so dull and dismal here at the moment and was so cold a couple of nights ago we put the heating on! Next weeks weather charts do show a bit of sun so fingers crossed!
Mammissimo I too love runner beans. Could easily eat a whole plateful! And they’re not fattening!!
Kaimoana. Oh dear don’t like the look of those floods. Very little rain here. Just so dull. Very depressing. Gubbins looks lovely but don’t even your son and his wife those broken nights!
We had a good weekend in Nottingham. Enjoyed our Indian meal and were taken to a couple of “micro pubs!” My son in law is into “craft beer”! Hope you all know what that means cause I don’t!! Well I’ve got a rough idea but my poor husband likes his “proper beer” although he seemed to enjoy what he had! I stuck with my usual Chardonnay! P.S we’re honestly not alcoholics!
Dragonfly46 Dexter looks so gorgeous. I’ve always had dogs but after we lost Sophie almost 3 years ago we decided that was it. I miss having a dog enormously but know it’s the right decision although DH weakens every so often I’m being firm! Yes I remember the bread shortage and also remember having a go at making my own - don’t think it was very successful!
Missismac. Gosh I had no idea that carers doubled their fees over bank holidays. Can see that they would increase but doubling sounds extortionate.
Doodle I used to make all my daughters clothes when they were little but think I’ve forgotten how to use a sewing machine now!
Maria59 don’t think any of us lead exciting lives! But we would love to hear from you.
Would also love to hear from Panache and hope she is coping and meeting up with her new friends.
Right will stop “running on* about nothing much now and go back to reading my book in a very gloomy Norfolk!

kaimoana I used to love watching the Waltons. Just the earlier series. Now you mention it I do remember the remedy.
Mine seems to have worked though, my mouth is better today.
Such a shame you are in lockdown again and not being able to get things fixed.
Lovely to see Gubbins on her feet. Won’t be long now I’m sure.
That cookbook will be a lovely gift for your grandson.
I didn’t realise you had such bad flooding there. Hope you and the family are all ok.
Mamissimo your description of the two DD’s camping trip sounds like you were well out of it. Hope they all came home in one piece. ?
I know how much you are looking forward to going to Ireland. Do you have many family members there? The birthday lunch sounds nice and it’s good you have your DS house sitting.
Perhaps he will eat all the beans while you’re away.
Your grandma sound a bit of a gal but the exploding chestnut must have been awful. Poor woman.
Nortsat hello to you and all the molls especially Missy as she’s joined us today.
Nice of you to write to Panache I’m sure she will be pleased to hear from you.
We live very close to the river but being two floor up I think we are safe. I do feel so much for those who get flooded. It’s not just the water it’s all the muck and rubbish that comes with it.
Have you had your exercise bike long? We bought one recently. Why we didn’t buy it at the start of lockdown I don’t know. I have bad knees and DH like you has wobbly ness (good description) in his legs. Ours holds an I pad in a clip at the front so I can watch some country scenery as I go. I am currently part way round the Cornish coastline ?
Missimac it is very dreary weather at the moment. Do you spend much time in your garden?
Jan not the weather for camping here either. Well I don’t know what a micro pub is unless it’s a small one. Craft beer …something brewed on a small scale locally perhaps. I don’t drink beer either but I would have joined you in a glass or Chardonnay. Glad you enjoyed your weekend and meal out.

DH and I off for a walk soon hopefully to return before it rains.
Beds stripped and in the wash. Dinner sorted. Half the hoovering done so when we get back I can have some time to myself for crafting.
Somewhere else on GN someone mentioned a new BBC1 series called the Vigil and said it was good. I watched the first episode last night and enjoyed it. Set in a submarine, so with my claustrophobia it was quite scary.
Hope all the gang have a good day. Still missing you Cherry

My family are completely safe Grammaretto and Doodle, thank you.
They live approx 35km from me at the other side of the city where floods have not affected, although they do live close to an assumed extinct volcano .

Mamissimo you had a lucky escape. The Camping Trip From Reinga sounds appalling and no kind of holiday break for any of the poor souls.

missismac the area where I live slopes (in general terms) from the Waitakere Ranges through several, tidal river valleys.
It is these which flood, so fairly localised damage.
It is heartbreaking to know that for some of those businesses it is the last straw.

The Earthquake Commission, insurance companies and the government's Covid Support scheme will pay out but that's just money.
I imagine many have lost heart. As soon as they get over one crisis, along comes another.

Doodle I did pretty much the same as you today but not as efficiently Changed my bed and laundered the bedding.

Talking about TV series, has anyone watched 'Grace' based on the excellent Peter James police procedural books?

Where are you Maria59 shall we send Jeeves out to find you?

Thinking of all our missing Gangstars.

I think if I'd been one of Mamissimo's camping family, I would not have stayed long.

We are going near Wells-next-the-Sea. We have been going there on and off for nearly 20 years but others have been going camping together annually in Norfolk from their youth. We know the site, they know us but the huge advantage is that we all have a common interest - maintaining and using our old cars.

We will be a fairly big group of adults who haven't managed to meet up for over 2 years, so there will be lots of laughter and gossip. We're mostly pensioners so creaking limbs when waking in the mornings is a shared experience. Because we are visiting much later this year, the visit will be be much more leisurely. Normally there are so many places to go that we have a busy schedule.

This year we are taking our smaller tent - it has 'air beams' so needs a foot pump to inflate it. Putting it up takes no more than 10 minutes. We know how to make ourselves comfortable. There is always someone who will help if something goes wrong. The weather forecast isn't too bad but if it is cold in the evening, I can sit in my sleeping bag.

Oh Kaimoana, melting moments were the very first biscuits I ever made in my domestic science lessons in my secondary school. I've always remembered them but hardly ever baked them.

I think we will be taking plenty of 'medicine' with us Doodle. I'm glad it helped to heal your mouth.

I will still be following your posts while away and hope that Jeeves can supply hangover remedies as part of his brief.

Hello gangsters,
I have a cautionary tale about an inflatable tent Missedout but I don't suppose you want to hear it
The walk from Roslin along a disused railway line to Scotland's oldest papermill and onwards to explore Mavisbank. (It's behind a high metal fence but the vandals still get in) was magical.
Also long. About 6 miles.
A man walking his dog (a golden retriever ?) looked familiar and then I realised he was a local celebrity in the folk world. I lagged behind the group to chat to him chat him up? his wife was with him and when asked if he still performed he said: sometimes when there's an " I thought they were dead " concert
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgEOZGYML1w

Now I am making beds ready for my onslaught of visitors.

I'm sworn to secrecy about the wedding Nortsat but here's a picture I took of the poor old Mavisbank.

I am very glad you weren't washed away Kaimoana and I hope your help continues.
I wonder if Mamissimo is off to Ireland yet. I am looking forward to hearing about it.

Is it time for hot choccy yet?

Kaimoana glad you’re safe from the floods. I’ve just been watching New York on the news and it’s awful. People in trains in the subway with water up to their knees.
I haven’t seen Grace I will look out for it.
Went to our local shops today. Amazed how many closed shops there are. Hardly anyone around. Very sad.
Missedout your get together with friends who like cars sounds as though it’s going to be fun. Be lovely to meet up after such a long time. I think you’re very brave to go camping, although the thought of sitting round a camp fire does appeal to me. Hope you enjoy yourselves.
Grammaretto sounds like you had an interesting time and meeting up with a celebrity too. ? I’ve not heard of them but they sing well.
Mavis bank is looking a little run down. I trust your visitors will be more comfortable with you.
Quite exciting really.
I will send Jeeves round with the hot chocolate right away. ?

I had a PM from Panache today. Finding things hard without her beloved DH. Particularly the bank holiday weekend. She has had a couple of trips out with friends though.
Panache sends her love to all the gang including you too Cherry ?

Dear Panache. I am glad her good friends are rallying around.
Keep doing things, is my advice, and he is still there with you ❤️

Good evening ? I'm still here......

We're off next week and DS will be house sitting....so I've been frantically filling cupboards with snacks and delectable things veg. Unfortunately the GP told him today he has long COVID so he's not his usual sunny self. He's taken to doing Bob Ross paintings.....I don't think that is healthy! He's still sleeping up to 14 hrs a night and a 'short' three hour nap in the afternoon.

Mr M has been weed killing - he does this whenever we go away so that he's greeted by a weed free drive when he gets back. Funny things, men......I'm just hoping for a mould free fridge. I have never recovered from forgetting to bin a cucumber before heading off for six weeks.....

My DSil2 is celebrating his 40th this weekend so we will all get together......near Margate! I'll have 24 hours back at home before we go to Ireland and I could use a week. The gardens need much input! Will DS remember to pick the running beans?

I'm tired tonight so please could Jeeves put the dog out, give her a treat and close down the kitchen?

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202109/medium-278836-arthur.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202109/medium-4540-the-octagon.jpg

Grammaretto will know this but Dunedin, in the South Island, is the old name for Edinburgh, named by Scottish immigrants.

One of the suburbs is Roslyn and I used to work at Roslyn Mill as a Spinner, changing the bobbins as they ran out, or joining broken threads with a Weaver's Knot, which had to be done very swiftly as the machines didn't stop.

I then moved to the much quieter department where the woollen blankets were folded preparatory to being sent all over the world.

The workers' bus picked us up at 6am in The Octagon (central square, Dunedin) and dropped us back in the evening.

The original owners had many liberal ideas, similar to the social welfare benefits of Cadbury & Fry the famous Quaker benefactors.

Did you ever visit Dunedin Grammaretto - if so, do you remember the illuminated neon figure of Arthur Barnett jogging up and down on his horse? My little boy used to love him, I think all children did.

Today I discovered what "an embarrassment of riches" mean
A call from Matua Albie told me I would probably get a delivery of vegetables from Waipareira next week. It arived an hour later with a box of dry goods as well.

These will come in handy as I have volunteered to join the army of elders, baking for the kaimahi/workers, as all the bakeries are closed and these hard working young souls are craving sweet stuff.

So that will fill my weekend gloriously.
Flapjacks, Orange and Anzac Biscuits and currant cupcakes. It'll all be collected at 9:30am Monday.

Then, just as I was sorting things out in the kitchen I heard noises at the front door and there was another box, from whom I cannot guess, full of tins and tea and sugar and breakfast foods.
The van driver was away before I could ask who sent them and there is no ID on the box.

Happy birthday DSiL2 to Mamissimo life begins in Margate at 40!

And for the poor 'long-hauler' - be kind to him, his symptoms are very similar to ME/CFS. Maybe he'll benefit from sleeping through the house sitting, poor soul.

www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/long-covid

Off to bake !!

Anyone have any quick and easy recipes?

Good morning Lobsters - what a busy lot you are!!

Pleased to see your mouth is better Doodle - I was going to say sore mouths are a pain!!!

The camping trips do not sound so appealing to me Missedout and * Mamissimo*. We used to camp with a Dutch trailer tent and had fridges, hairdryers, beds off the ground and an area off the ground to sit if necessary. It wasn't quite glamping but near enough.
Meeting up with friends though is a joy. I hope you have fun.

Nortsat Dexter goes to the groomers every six weeks but only moults in spring. I tend to comb his underfur every day for as long as he will let me. I find it quite soothing. My DD has tiled floors throughout and Dexter spends a lot of his time in the garden.

Missimac runner beans are my favourite vegetable too. When I was a little girl I used to save them for the end and my Grandma used to tease me asking what I would do if the house burnt down before I got to eat them!

Jan I can sympathise with you losing Sophie. Losing a pet is heartrending. We are often tempted by the thought of having our own dog but try to resist. It would be a tie and it would not be so easy to mind other people's dogs which we love to do.

I am in awe of your long walk Grammaretto. It is a long time since I walked so far. It is interesting to find new places though.

Your floods look horrendous Kaimoana. I have a fear of water. I have had the plumber here for 2 days trying to find a leak in the house. Eventually we found it by me sticking a screw driver through the ceiling and shining a torch up the hole. I now have a dry ceiling but a black hole!!!
I admire you cooking for such a good cause. I don't have any easy recipes for you though as I prefer to cook dinners than bake.

I have good news. My DiL is getting better. The headaches have almost gone and her eye is almost back to normal. She is now taking the children out on her own again.

Pleased to hear news of Panache and would like to know how Cherry is - I miss her Tigger tail!

I somehow feel safer here than on the other threads at the moment. I had a feeling I was being stalked on the GM thread so I am avoiding it for the moment.

Botheration! I just lost my long, exciting letter.
I wanted to say to Kaimoana that I am glad you have an embarrassment of riches. You deserve it.
When I heard about the supermarket attack in Auckland , the first thing I thought of was your Mepa.
It must have been terrifying for anyone who was there.

I have never been to Dunedin but the McCalmans sing another song called
Scots Abroad which is quite funny.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_qoJj1asmo

Must get back to making beds, packing kilns etc,

Mamissimo I’m so sorry your son is suffering such fatigue. Perhaps the painting just give him some relaxation and pleasure. Is he any good? At least the GP has acknowledged his illness and hopefully be able to help. Like Kaimoana I too have heard the symptoms are like ME so he probably doesn’t feel that great at the moment. I do hope he feels better soon.
I also have the urge to make everything tidy and clean before we go away so we come back to a tidy house. No need for weed killer here though.
Have a lovely family time in Margate. Nice to get family together (although sometimes it’s difficult to get them all to be free at the same time) Hope your dear SIL has a good 40th. I remember mine …..just.
Jeeves will be on his way.
Kaimoana what an interesting life you have led, I didn’t know you worked as a spinner. How quick you must have been to keep the machines going all the time. Sounds like they were long days.
So a baking frenzy for you. What a nice idea.
I wonder where your other box came from. A friendly neighbour perhaps.
Good luck with the baking.
dragonfly your idea of camping is the same as mine. All mod cons ?. Dexter could come with me to the hairdressers. I go for a trim every six weeks. He certainly is a beautiful looking dog.
Oh such good news about your DIL. What a relief. Hope she is fully recovered soon.
I think we all miss cherry and wish she was back with us. (Are you reading Cherry. We miss you x)
Grammaretto I have just read about that attack . How awful for all involved.
Hope you don’t overdo things.
Good luck for the wedding. Hope all goes well.
Missimac will your daughter be round this weekend? Hope you have a good one.
Take care all

Missedout Wells next the sea is only about 25 miles from us. We go quite often but only in Spring or Autumn as it’s so busy during the popular summer months. We are promised some sun next week but Norfolk has been under a big grey cloud for a few weeks now! Sure you will have a great time whatever the weather! Enjoy

Jan16, I've been keeping an eye on the weather forecast for the area of the campsite, it doesn't look too bad - fingers crossed!

Although I will have to use the campsite showers and toilets (they keep them very clean, I take an early morning shower before others are about), I will be spending most of my time outdoors. I'm doing my best to stay safe by camping and it will be good to have a completely different experience in the company of others after shielding for what seems forever.

I daresay all the campers are away now. I hope the weather is good for you.
I would say that good weather makes or breaks a camping holiday. It's supposed to be warm and sunny next week at least in England.

2 of my easy recipes are a lemon drizzle cake (Loaf) and a Jamaica Cake. JC was DH's favourite. Its flavouring comes from ginger and Jamaica pepper (allspice)

Our American cousin arrived today and we have been talking nonstop. We may go to the Great Tapestry of Scotland tomorrow as we can't find another free day.

I put the heating on for her but she is cold. She mentioned air conditioning so I guess our temperatures must frighten her.

I was impressed to learn you were once a spinner in a mill Kaimoana

Sorry about your poor DS Mamissimo. I hope he makes a complete recovery.
I haven't heard how my df's BiL is. He was unconscious and on a ventilator the last I heard.

I had a chat to the manager on the site next door, the restoration job which is taking so long and he was able to let me know it's supposed to be finished in November. It's taking a long time, materials are hard to get and very dear, and that he's the 4th project leader since the start. He told me he gets a good view of my house and garden from the top of the scaffolding.

I am so pleased your DiL is getting better now Dragonfly. You can relax again.

Night Night Lobstars. xx

Yes, indeed Doodle I have had a very interesting life.
It springs from 2 things:
1. the fact my parents would not allow me to follow my passion and go to art school (in the 60's they saw it as disreputable beatniks; I saw a rising industry in advertising, fashion, graphics and design) so after that, what did it matter how I earned my money?

2. But also an avid determination to get every drop from life, learn everything I could, try as many things as possible and with any luck, master some of them them.

So I have done so many jobs over the years, often menial work just to earn enough to feed my family but all have held some sort of magic. I've been very lucky indeed.

Today I had a little clue about the mystery box of food. A wee sticker "The Fono".

Fono is the Pasifika version of the Maori welfare organisation, Waipareira.

Now, who do I know from a Pasific Island who might have added my name to a list for a box of emergency food?
Dear Mepa.

And so it was. When she arrived this afternoon for me to sign her time sheet, she asked if the food had arrived. What a pity I could'nt give her a big hug

I didn't know about the local supermarket attack, or that the terrorist lived near me. A bit scary.
I've been to the mosque where the police are currently doing forensics; nice, hospitable people.

I've spent all day baking: shortbread, peanut butter cookies (plain & chocolate); brownies; cupcakes and Bliss Balls. More tomorrow.

I do hope the happy campers have a dry and sunny time.

Grammaretto I loved that song and it struck me yet again that the Scots are the only singer who never adopt a phoney Americn accent, a habit I deplore.


Stay well, be kind.

Good morning Gang-stars from Ollie and me.
I had a nice email from dear Panache, who is facing the reality of her loss, but has support from good friends.
Dragonfly, sorry to hear things are awry on the Good Morning thread. That’s not good nor in the spirit of the thread. I know Marydoll is having a break from the thread, because she dropped me a message, as has another regular poster. Any unpleasantness had passed me by, because I only post intermittently there, now.
It’s always lovely to see you here.
Grammaretto, I imagine you are having a good time with your American cousin. I had to google The Great Tapestry of Scotland, as I didn’t know of it.
Wow, it’s really lovely and so interesting.
I love tapestry and do stitch one, from time to time.
Visiting the Bayeaux Tapestry Museum was one of the highlights of a holiday to Normandy, a couple of years ago.
Mamissimo a family birthday celebration and then your trip to Ireland, how lovely. Have a wonderful time.
Missedout we love Wells-by-the-Sea. It seems the weather will pick up this weekend and into next week ... which may be perfect timing for you. Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures.
Kaimoana I hope your baking sessions were successful. I repeat my offer of tasting samples for you, purely for reasons of ticking Health and Safety boxes, you understand.
It’s good to know that you are replete with groceries from the ‘lockdown’ boxes.
We had box deliveries (funded by the Government) in the first Lockdown ... sometimes with strange combination of foods. We were very grateful and simply saved up things we don’t/couldn’t eat (for instance there were many boxes of breakfast cereal) and donated those on to the local Food Bank.
Doodle regarding your exercise bike ... are you watching a specific programme of countryside views as you pedal. Do please tell me more. I listen to music from the 1960’s and ‘70’s as I pedal. The early Beatles seem to be the fastest... so I cover extra kilometres listening to them!
Jan hope the weather in Norfolk brightens up this weekend.
Maria I concur with other Gang-stars that we just chat on this thread, I often don’t have anything very interesting to say, and I am a bit of an intermittent poster, but everyone always welcomes me warmly. Do let us know how things are going in your life, when you feel like posting.

We have spent an inordinate amount of time this week checking energy suppliers. Our current tariff ends at the end of the month and if we renew with our current supplier our monthly costs will double from £100 to £200!!
We have checked Compare the Market, Money Saving Expert and Which and the best deal is an increase of c50%.
I am appalled at this increase and fear some people may not quite grasp that such a surge in energy costs is in the pipeline. This is before the Energy Price Cap comes off on 1st October.

I have also changed my grocery supplier from Tesco to Sainsbury’s and have spent a goodly part of the week on the iPad, researching this and that.
A takeaway and a film for us tonight.
Out for a nice dinner tomorrow night.

Wishing all the Gang-stars a pleasant weekend. Thinking of Panache and Cherry and anyone I have missed out.
Greetings from me and Ollie (and Missy and Minnie who have now joined me and are indignant that as senior Gang-stars Molls they might be missed out of the greetings) ???