The Lockdown Gang - carry on chatting ⭐️

Muse your new home sounds much more comfortable. Must take a lot of work to build it yourselves. When will it be finished do you think?
Grammaretto would you rent to a couple? Hope you find someone suitable soon.
Does your DS already live in Dublin or will he be moving there? You could go over and visit. DH and I have been to Dublin a couple of times.
I have a magimix chopper. A small one. It is great for breadcrumbs and nuts. Also whips cream and makes cakes too.
Yes I also hope the fridge freezer fits. It will be a tight fit. Just hope someone has measured it correctly.
The ancestry info is quite interesting. Is it all based on DNA?
Have you found out anyone else you are related to yet.
Yes it is coffee time. I have just made some. I will send Jeeves over with it now. ?

I just made coffee for the couple who viewd the flat. They are really nice and we could have talked for hours. I think living on my own I've become a bit of a bore and don't know how to stop chattering.
They pointed out that they have other places to look at and will let me know.
At least the flat behaved itself and was warm and I didn't notice any mice scampering.
Only a wedding to go now......

Grammaretto I doubt very much if you are a bore. I imagine the couple enjoyed chatting with you. I’d much rather be with someone who chats rather than one where you are desperately trying to think of something to say that breaks the silence.
Will you require the services of Jeeves in attendance at the wedding, he scrubs up quite well and has done silver service before? ?

Thank you Doodle.
The couple did ask about wildlife but I forgot to mention the mice.
I could certainly use Jeeves' services before and after the wedding.
Would it be beneath him to make sure the loo is spotless? I may need help putting up the marquee tomorrow.
The food isn't happening here. Everyone is crossing to a hotel for the reception. It's just the ceremony. Phew!

A very jewelled lot we are: emeralds, sapphires and I'm sure a whole lot of Diamonds. I forgot when it's appropriate to wear my pearls

I received a phone call early this morning, a voice asking 'Are you able to keep your hospital appointment today?' (jab in the eye).
'How can I, in Level 4? I'm not allowed to leave the house.'

It was explained that patients with AMD have an exemption because during last lockdown, so many people went blind. Of course, I've been worried about that too, so this was good news, as was the free taxi they arranged, to whisk me away some 15 mins later.

It's like another planet out there: no cars on the roads, all the shops closed; no children playing out, no patients in the usually crowded waiting rooms; guards and security personnel everywhere.
At the hospital I had to answer so many questions and stay within area.
I was already masked and sanitised but security had provision for those who were not. Mask, sanitize or you don’t enter – no exceptions.
What a performance but the only way to beat this devil Delta.

I'll try to read your messages later when I feel more up to it.

Kaimoana - I haven't RTWT, but was sad to think of you food-deprived. I'm in the Far North, and have so much fruit wasting ...if you would like to PM me your address, I can get some citrus (oranges, lemons, limes) and avocados to you by post. I have an egg mountain from my cheerful chookies, but of course, I can't post them! The Hass avos are still green, but not far from ripe. Let me know! x

Doodle
Interesting to know that about Colchester Castle. Didn’t know they had one.

I live behind Colchester Castle which was built by the Normans over the ruins of the Roman Temple.
Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town and also has a Roman Circus, Theatre and town wall. There is loads of history here and it's well worth a visit.

Hi Pitt. As you say there's so much to see in and around Colchester - we will be going back to the area, although not to the same campsite. Foolishly, I'd thought that Colchester Country Park camp site meant that it joined a country park, but there wasn't much. And that was on the other side of a busy road. The A12 doesn't stop!

Do you have treatment for your AMD Kaimoana? I know some people have injections into the eye which is so courageous. I hope they can do something to slow if not stop it.

Good luck for the wedding Grammaretto, I'm sure that with you in charge all will go like clockwork. Hopefully the sun will shine for you.

Nfk that campsite has a very misleading name.
You'd be better off on Mersea Island. There's a good bus service from West Mersea into town.

Kaimoana glad you are getting your treatment despite lockdown. Hope you are feeling ok and not too worn out by it all.
Grammaretto I’m sure Jeeves would be happy to clean the loo for you……just make sure he doesn’t use the same gloves that he uses for serving drinks ?
Is the marquee up yet. Good to hear you don’t have to do catering too. Hope all goes well.
Boadicea what a kind thought. No I wouldn’t post eggs if I were you. Sounds as through you are pretty self sufficient.
Pittcity please excuse my ignorance about Colchester. I’m afraid I’m hopeless about places (history and geography both being my worst subjects at schoo). It sounds a really nice place to live and well worth a visit. I shall look it up later. DH and I intend to do more travelling in the UK when the COVID situation is better.
Nfk some places are badly named aren’t they. At least you’ll know where to stay next time.
I have a really bad back tonight, I have been leaning over a table cutting out another pair of trousers and a top. We then went for a walk and I nearly didn’t make it back.
I am trying to anaesthetise it at the moment with some of my usual medication . ?
Take care all

Please can I moan at you?
The marquee is up, gate closed. people gone, but really. I didn't think I would be involved much but every few minutes someone was asking me for something. Eventually I told the brides's mum that I felt invaded and she actually agreed with me.

It seemed that all the guests for tomorrow were checking out the venue, dogs, children & all. I even found I was moving tables about and cleaning them.

I have started on the gin.
My advice: don't offer to host a wedding in your garden.

Unless I suppose it's your own family but even then. You live and learn.

2 df came round with cake and chocolate this afternoon to rescue me and one says she will possibly sabotage the event.

I agree that Colchester is a very interesting city. DH and I spent a night there in a hotel when our car broke down on our way to Norwich. We loved it and promised ourselves we would return but never did.
So sorry you have a bad back Doodle
Gin is the answer. Or maybe chocolate.

Jeeves has done a fairly good job of the loo cleaning. I may have to wipe the floor again.

I did a covid test today but it was negative so no excuse to avoid the big W.

Grammaretto a good moan is called for I believe. Did all these people just turn up to check out the venue for tomorrow?
What a cheek.
I hope you don’t wear yourself out with this.
Please May I have gin AND chocolate…..my back really hurts ?
Glad Jeeves was of assistance.
Our DGD went to Uni today for the first time. Can’t believe she’s that grown up. It seems like yesterday we were making daisy chains and running around in the garden. Hope she’s happy there.
Sleep well all.

Ahoy me fine beauties!
Welcome BoadiceaJones and Pittcity, nice to meet you. Boadicea I've PM'd you and am overwhelmed with your so kind offer.

In a former life, I once spent a week with the Army in Colchester doing a project on military design.
The soldiers were lovely and gave me a lot of information (some of it secret ) plus a section of zip from a military marquee, the biggest zip I have ever seen in my life. It had to be left behind when I came back to NZ

Doodle Oh, your poor, aching back. It needs some goose grease and a good rub down, perhaps DH will oblige? Hot water bottle filled with gin and a glass or two is the best remedy. You and your trousers!

Oooh, Grammaretto what bare-faced cheek! I don't wonder you felt invaded.

Yes, NFk I have regular injections in my eyes, this has, so far, saved my left eye enough for me to get about.

Over the years, the right eye has gone and I'm warned the left will eventually but I've had 12 years of sight I would not have had in the days before Avastin.
It’s a bit like a sandbag against a flood; it works if you keep up with it. Lockdown has stopped that, so sight loss is a real possibility for many.

Another book to recommend (audio as well as hard copy) “General Ignorance” by John Lloyd. Dispels so many common myths we all believe.

I wonder if Mamissimo's DS is any better; chronic fatigue is an awful thing.

Stay well everyone - Cherry hope you're soldiering on.

Spring flower from my garden to delight your hearts.

I wish I could also send the wonderful fragrance.....

Beautiful freesias Kaimoana thankyou.
Do they really grow in your garden.
I've been picking the last of the sweetpeas for the arrangements that the flower and fragrance lady is doing right now.
I hope your back is less sore today Doodle
If not I can give you the number of my charming Chiropractor.
Ah well better finish the tasks I began hours ago.

Kaimoana thank you for your kind thoughts although I might drink the gin .?
Back is a bit better today but now I have a stomach ache. An unusual occurrence for me. Plain diet today and an early night I think.
I never cease to be amazed at the things you have done in your life. Mine seems so bland by comparison. The Army indeed.
Of course we all believe the main attraction was the project and not the soldiers. ?
Your flowers are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
grammaretto I hope you are resting now and the wedding was successful. So you provided the flowers too. I hope they don’t leave you with all the clearing up.

Kaimoana - thanks for the welcome! The freesias are beautiful. The eye treatment sounds grim...I truly hope you are feeling better. Grammaretto (truly a name to conjure with!) -you are one very brave lady to take on such a task. I hope that you were given an entire tanker of gin for all that effort.

I think I lack imagination BoadiceaJones but the wedding was fine . The sun shone and everyone was lovely. I crashed out long before the end and came home for a lie down.

Now the electrician is here testing things, in preparation for fitting smoke and heat alarms.
Why he chooses to work at this time on a Saturday night - who knows! He finds my house a puzzle and he likes puzzles.

I am so glad your back is better Doodle but don't like the sound of tummyache.

There are no end to Kaimoana's talents. The ability to grow freesias is just one more surprise.

I wish this sparky would leave now. It is well past my bedtime.
See you all tomorrow.

Grammaretto Yes, the freesias really do grow here. They bring back memories: I bought them for my mother (her favourite flower) with my very first wage when I was 15.

I grow them every year and usually invest in new bulbs biannually.
I'm beyond proper gardening now but have tubs and pots on both decks (verandas)

I'm glad the electrician was able to fit you with new heat and smoke alarms I would not have thought Scotland had such weather as to need a heat warning.
What do you do if it goes off - jump into the fridge?

Doodle Having just recovered from a tummy upset myself, I have every sympathy and hope you feel better very soon.

I was forced to partake of a little Napoleon brandy and hot water to settle my tum.
Purely for medishnal purposhes you undershtand.

Jeeves and I shared a few giggles and personal stories but I've promised not to divulge details about him and the belly-dancer.

I think maybe he had a little more brandy than I. In fact I'm not sure he took any water at all.

Colchester I was a good girl in those days Doodle and newly married to boot (well, actually to Tim)

The handsome soldiers strapped me into a 'dog attack suit,' (see pic) something one cannot get out of without help. And then, laughing, went off to lunch.

Like Bibendum, I lurched after them, shouting - in a ladylike way of course - for the little rascals to come back and free me. They were all far too hysterical to obey.

You may remember that it was during this visit, I was also chased by an amorous Arab shouting, 'Come back, I like thick women!'

Which referred, I hope, to my portly stature rather than my intellectual capabilities.

Ah...happy days

To all the Gang-stars, stay well, be cautious, be happy.

Morning All

Looks like today may be warm again. A lovely day yesterday spent doing b****r all except sorting out the garden. It gets a bit blousy at this time of year and my fingers itch for a good clear up.

Thanks for the tip about Mersey Island Pitt, we were booking rather last minute and I think it was full for the dates we had but if the bus service is good that's a big bonus. Perhaps that's why it was full. I still want to get to the Munnings Museum.

Pleased to hear the wedding went off well Grammaretto. I hope your electrician managed to sort your wiring. I feel that electricians and plumbers are highly underrated. Their qualifications should have degree status.

If you haven't written your biography Kaimoana, you should. It'd be very entertaining - especially if you take medicinal Napoleon. (I'm trying not to imagine needles and eyes, but concentrate on your running in that suit after a load of blokes.)

Have a lovely day everyone. We're off to DGD's granny's tea party this afternoon. Other granny is decidedly loopy so it'll be a good party.

Morning Gang-stars from Ollie, Missy and me ?

It’s quite warm here in east London and the sun is shining. We ate our supper in the garden on Friday evening and the temperature was pleasant. However we needed the garden lights on and some candles because the evenings are growing darker.

It was also pleasant enough to have a pub garden lunch with friends yesterday.

Nfk have a lovely tea party. ?
Kaimoana the freesias were lovely. How lovely that you bought some for your mother, with your first wages.
They are my partner’s favourite flowers too.
Grammaretto so pleased the wedding went well. The weather was obviously kind.
Don’t people spend a lot of money on weddings these days? It doesn’t appeal to me at all.
I imagine you will be pleased to have a quiet day today (perhaps aided again by gin and chocolate).
Doodle you seem to have been a bit out of sorts? Hope you have a pleasant, restful day.
Has the new fridge freezer been delivered?
Pittcity I think Colchester is a fascinating town. Have only visited once but would like to return.
Boadicea what a lovely offer to Kaimoana. I wish some lovely person would offer to send me citrus fruit and avocados. Yum, I am imagining fresh fruit juice and guacamole.

I have done my session on the exercise bike today and am informed that since I bought it, I have cycled the equivalent of 400km. That means technically I am in Newcastle ( howay the lads).
My next exercise biking milestone will be Edinburgh, which is a further 170kms ... thus I might make it for Hogmanay.

Have a good day Gang-stars from me and the Molls ??

Thinking of Panache, of course, if she’s reading. ?

... and hello to Missedout, Dragonfly and Mammissimo. ?

It's almost lunch time and I had a lovely lazy morning. MrMuse insisted I had a lie in and I always do as I'm told?. He brought me up my usual Early Grey tea and I sat in bed reading all your posts and making my notes scribbles in my notebook. Memory pays havoc with me these days.

Grammaretto It's very eco. We have been off grid but decided last year to invest and have mains leccy installed. Lots of insulation - under, over and all around. Solar thermal for all our hot water. Back up boiler for winter though.
Still on the build Doodle. We employed a carpenter to do all the structural work and he brought in a plumber and electrician. MrMuse is doing all the outside work and currently battling with doing the switchover for the power supply. We struggled to find an electrician that knew about such things. With MrMuse's poorly leg this year we now have the lovely Phil to help with digging and laying of slabs.

Kaimoana.?for the taxi provided. ??for BoadiceaJones and the offer of fruit. Oh how I wish I could grow avos.

Grammaretto. Back again to say I hope the gin helped. Moans are essential.

Kaimoana My father had 3 small greenhouses and in one grew lots of freesias for my mother. Your vase brought back lots of memories of him bringing in bunches for her to put into vases. She had dementia and this activity brought a smile to her face. I agree - such a wondrous fragrance.

Nfk I too will try doing b....r all this afternoon but am afraid my itchy fingers will be busy. Yesterday I cut off all the sweetcorn in my polytunnel. Disaster. They haven't formed properly and I found lots of little earwigs inside them. I will try again but outside next year. I think Panache does read some threads on GN as I saw a lovely post from her on soop's kitchen (chat) the other week.

Coffee pot is bubbling so farewell lovely Gang-stars (I like that Norstat. Take care.

Good afternoon Gang-stars. Been a funny few weeks - not funny ha-ha - just me being me! No major problems and I have been reading your posts but just couldn’t get the inclination to post myself! However hear I am and catching up.
We seem to have some new posters so hello to Boat Pittcity and the amazingly named BoadiceaJones! Why did I choose such a boring name! Hope you will all enjoy reading.
Panache great to hear from you and good that you are seeing a Bereavement Counsellor. I don’t think such people were around when my first husband died over 25 years ago or if they were I didn’t hear about them. Remember the GP popped in for about 5 minutes and that was that. Think I would definitely have benefited from Counselling but bit late now!
Kaimoana you amaze me with all the things you manage to accomplish. You are such a clever and interesting lady. Bet if there was a competition for the best Lobstar we would like to meet you would win hands down! Maybe we had all better book a flight to NZ when lockdown finishes!
As for Grammaretto hosting a wedding well done. Bet you were worn out but also imagine it was a wonderful day.
We are off to the Cotswolds on Friday for a week. We are staying in what looks like an old people’s bungalow which is very appropriate! We wanted to be near Burford and a) everything was booked up and b) my goodness the cost!
We have two lots of friends within driving distance from Burford so are really looking forward to meeting up with them again. Must be almost 4 years since we have met. They are part of a group of 8 who met on the same table on a cruise around - oh gosh it must have been nearly 20 years ago- and we meet up at each other’s houses every year. What I mean is we take it in turns each year! But Covid has put paid to the last 2 years and the year before that we had to cancel.
Think I’d better shut up now. You’ve all probably gone to sleep anyway!

Boadicia “ an entire tankard of gin” you are woman after my own heart ?
grammaretto glad the wedding went well. We’re you left with the clearing up?
You’ve just reminded me we need a heat alarm too. Already got a smoke alarm. Please send your electrician round when he’s finished. Tummy is much better today thank you.
Kaimoana I can imagine you wandering round in a dog attack suit. ?. Oooh an amorous Arab. Like others have said, you really should write a book. I always enjoy your lovely humour.
NFK have a lovely time at granny’s tea party. I expect you will love a visit with your DGD.
Well we are deeply honoured to have all three Molls and their human with us today. Welcome Nortsat ?
I think it must be warmer where you are than here. Nice to eat outside though. And a pub lunch too. That sounds nice.
No, no news of the fridge freezer yet. Not too worried as we are still eating our way through the freezer contents but hope we hear soon I would like it delivered next week.
As far as your exercise bike goes,…..wait for me…..I am way behind you and still doing Cornwall ?
Muse glad you had a lie in. Nice to have a relaxing day.
Will you be in your new home before winter?
Jan nice to hear from you. I feel a bit lacklustre some times too. I agree a trip to NZ to see Kaimoana would be exciting.
Just think what goodies she would give us for lunch?
I love the Cotswolds and Burford is a pretty place. Hope you have a good time and enjoy your meet up with friends. Fancy you all meeting together every year for such a long time. That’s a lovely idea.

Well I’ve had a frustrating day. Up early and attacked my sewing project. Took me till about 3pm to decide another thing is destined for the bin (well I will probably cut the top off and use the material again in something else)
I bought some very pretty material to make a top but I now remember why I stick to quilting and hate dressmaking. It was like trying to sew liquid. It fell on the floor, looped itself round the chair, slid off the table. I couldn’t even get two edges to stay together long enough to get them to the sewing machine. I have never come across such slippery material. Back to quilting for me and plain old cotton. Does it for me every time. Been looking online for a nice evening top…..well trying anyway. Everything is geared for the slim, 20 year olds with flouncy frill and cut away shoulders. Everything seems really drab colours, very floral and lots of frills. I will have to wait for the next fashion trend maybe. Take care all.