The Lockdown Gang - still chatting ?

I’m typing carefully as I’ve painted my fingernails. I don’t often do that so I’m being careful. We are being taken out to dinner tomorrow and I don’t know where we are going or how dressed up to be ( to be honest I don’t really do dressing up)
Can’t decide what to wear yet.
Grammaretto must be nice to have such an engrossing hobby. You are obviously the family historian.
Ooh I hope you get to keep Cushie as she seems to be a hard and enthusiastic worker that you get on with.
I hope Sparky comes back soon if not I’ll send Jeeves round to threaten him with Mamissimo’s leg of lamb from the freezer. ?
Hope your trip tomorrow goes well. Will you be away long?
Kaimoana I think NZ has so much to offer apart from the snakes, spiders and volcanoes that you probably made the right decision to go there.
I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that you have led an adventurous life with the odd bit of excitement thrown in. It’s not for everyone ( me, I like a quiet life. Excitement is a chocolate eclair for tea ?)
I’m glad the drug gang lady didn’t go ahead. We would have missed all your exciting stories otherwise.
Gracious Baodicea what an amazing story. Such a moving letter to have been kept. I’m not surprised his relatives were keen to hear about it all.
What wonderful photos. Such a lot of history.
I like the biker brothers. A handsome bunch. I bet they had all the ladies after them.
Muse I think your plan to keep well away from others is a good one. We are going away for a week in three weeks time and will be isolating as much as possible in the last two weeks.
I bet you’re getting really excited now. I know we are.
That photo is lovely. That’s your land I assume. How wonderful. The cherry trees are beautiful.
I have settled on doing Quordle now and have given up the rest. I enjoy that best.
You must be so pleased to get up in the morning and look out at your view.
Off to apply another coat of varnish now. Sleep well all.

Sorry to have to report Karen is in hospital and on a ventilator, quite ill with Covid.

Oh no Kaimoana. I was just checking GN before going to bed and I saw your message. That’s dreadful news. You must be so upset. I do hope she improves and gets well soon.
What a shock for you. Hope you have some better news soon.

That's dreadful news Kaimoana . I hope Karen makes a complete recovery. I hope you keep safe.

I have been enjoying everyone's posts until now.
Thinking of all Lobstars and their friends and families xxxx

Oh Kaimoana - I'm so very sorry to hear that. Thoughts and prayers to Karen and her whanau. xx

Doodle - hope the nail-painting was successful, and that you have decided what to wear. How exciting for you to be planning your getaway!. It should be lovely weather then, I hope.
The advantage of NZ over Aus is that though we have volcanoes, we have no snakes and spiders, other than the very meek-and-mildly poisonous Katipo. Several years ago, it was reported that an Australian tourist had gone to sleep in the sand dunes on the west coast, home of the katipo...he made the mistake of sleeping au naturel because it was hot, and was bitten in a place most gentlemen would prefer not to be. He had quite a nasty reaction...
The photos all contain images of DGF and GtU Jack. The biker brothers are DGF on the right, with 2 of his 3 brothers. Quite a lot more civilised than their reincarnation as dinky-die bushmen a year later. Yes, they were very good looking, and popular with the ladies, I understand. Though DGF only had eyes for Granny once he met her post-Gallipoli, in the hospital in Exeter. Very romantic story.

BJ Is this the lady who featured in the art deco poster?

KM yes...my very much loved Granny.

Oops...Grand Harbour, Malta. Racy piece look at her, showing her knees. Though she did tell me that the nurses skinny-dipped at night.

And had many beaux

Brynmelyn School, Weston-Super-Mare, 1893. DGF the little cutie on left, dark suit, arms folded. On his left, his pal, little A Eddington, who grew up to be ...
Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington OM FRS[2] (28 December 1882 – 22 November 1944)

What fabulous photos BJ
Such a good looking family. I bet you are too!
I "know" Arthur Eddington as the Quaker astronomer. Another Quaker astronomer is Jocelyn Bell Burnell who was head girl at my school. She was, and is, an exceptionally lovely person. and also brilliant, it is not fair!

I just love the photo of Mya, collapsed on the track muse

Doodle I wish I could see you all dressed up and painted nails. Enjoy your dinner out.

Sparky hasn't been back but Cushie is staying on for a few days so she will be here while I'm away. We watched Searching for Sugarman last night beside the indoor fire -such a difference from last weekend when we were dodging heatstroke.

I will have to drive in the snow today and wear plenty of layers.
Take care all xxx

Kaimoana - any news of Karen today? She's no doubt having the best of care, and will be fighting hard. Thinking of her and her family. Shows Jacinda was right with her hardline approach right at the start, though...how much worse things would be had she not held the line until most of the country was vaccinated. Hope you have a lovely time with your DGS!

Muse - what a wonderful spot you live in! No wonder Mya is such a happy and playful dog, with all that room to run around with her friends. The weather looks great, too.

Doodle - how did your evening out go? Did you manage to decide what to wear to go with your glamorous nails? Yes, it seems a good idea to isolate when you have a planned trip. One of my French group is going to the Pacific Islands in a month’s time, and much as she loves her group session, is isolating, being vulnerable.

Grammaretto - how are you coping with the cold weather, after the brief heatwave? Has Sparky been back yet? Good that Cushie will be there while you’re away. I’d heard of Jocelyn Bell-Burnell, but knew very little of her. What an amazing lady, and what a beautiful, serene face. I can imagine that a man would have been pretty bitter about the Nobel Prize snub, and all the usual rubbish about a girl in science could have been very disturbing for a lesser character. A generous, dignified woman. Thank you for alerting me to her story. Interesting that two such outstanding scientists were Quakers.

It’s been very hot again, despite being well into Autumn. Yesterday, the French group came, and we sat outside under the pergola, supposedly the coolest spot…but the little weather station was registering 34 deg even out there in the shade. Despite the heat, we had another great session, doing lots of speaking practice, and reading an article about 10 things you can read in one minute that could save your/someone else’s life…such as, if you are charged by a moose, stand behind a tree.

Doreen has started doing her attention-seeking acrobatics at the window again, so I had better go and feed them all. It’s going to be another hot one.
Have a good evening/day, everyone.x

Hello gang. Quick visit from me tonight as have just got back from meal out and are tired. Been chatting all evening. Had a nice time
I decided on a loose flowing bat wing top in grey black and yellow and a pair of black evening trousers. Nails painted pail pink and only smudged a little bit ?
Kaimoana is there any news of Karen? Hope she’s ok.
Grammaretto hope you have arrived safely with your DD and didn’t encounter too much snow. Must be nice to have Cushie at home looking after things. Have a lovely time.
Baodicea well I never knew that. I always assumed you had snakes and spiders too. Now I know you haven’t, NZ sounds even more appealing. Ouch …poor man.. that will teach him to expose himself ?
I have to say your DGF was a handsome chap. How nice he met the love of his life.
Granny was nice too. Love the costume.
Wow what a school photo.
I love your tales of Doreen. She sounds such a character. Could we have a photo for her if she would allow such a thing?
Sleep well all. I am having trouble staying awake ?

No news about Karen :-( She's a smoker of many years standing and when she phoned me, sounded dreadful. We can only hope for the best.

I too have just had 10 minutes on my deck BJ feeding birds but as with you, it was really too hot to stay long.

Mind you, April & May have always been glorious.

I remember when my first grand-daughter was born in late May, 29 years ago and I sat cradling her on the deck of my rural cottage.
I had a swinging basket chair at that time as well as abed outside.

It was such a wonderful all-round experience: the sun, the total peace and this child of my child, bones of my bones in my arms.

Grammaretto I wonder if Sparky was doing after-hours work at your place in addition to his day-time clients? If so, he's probably collapsed in a heap on his bed - recovering

muse have you heard if 'Obby 'Oss is on this year? I usually go to a virtual gathering - and get teary eyed

My son is still muttering about going back to the UK and now looking at jobs/houses in Scotland.
I don't know where it (or I) will end.

Doreen. She was very coy about being phtographed, and we had quite a debate..."Nah, don' wanna", she kept telling me. Eventually, we came up with a compromise...I carried her around the garden to a pile of old branches and fern fronds that I was about to remove for burning, lifted them, and out ran dozens of crickets. Well, that sealed the deal..she flew at them and managed to down at least ten. Appalling manners, but she became quite mellow with all that tucker aboard, agreed to pose, and this is the result. She really is becoming something of a diva.

Doodle your outfit sounds very stylish..I bet you were a picture! I'm so pleased you had a pleasant evening and enjoyed your chatting.

Keep warm y'all. No need to urge KM to do the same...it's been so hot again today.

You can tell it's Autumn. I've had crickets in the house for a few weeks, looking for water.
Can I hire Doreen?

Last night I saw a Mama Praying Mantis, so no doubt one day there'll be the delicate and perfectly formed little babies. Totally enchanting.

Kaimoana DH and I walked round our local shopping area today. We had to bend forward to brace ourselves against the wind as we walked ……….not that I’m jealous of your glorious hot sunshine ?
Sorry you haven’t heard anything positive about Karen. Hope you hear some good news soon.
Do you think your son looks at being in the UK with rose coloured glasses? I had an aunt who lived in a beautiful part of Canada who always wanted to “ come home”. Do you still have any family in the UK?
Boadicea Doreen is a classy lady. Wonderful feathers and poise. Please thank her for her photo.
Not really all that stylish but it is a pretty top. I bought it on a cruise. I’ll post a picture of it tomorrow so you can see it.
Now I’m off to Google praying mantis to see what Kaimoana is facing.
Hope Grammaretto is enjoying her trip.

Gulp! ?

Poor Doodle

They're really beautiful but I admit look a bit grim close-to.

I usually do the glass and card trick to put them outside but nowadays I dare not risk it in case I injure one. They only come inside to have babies in Autumn.
The babies soon find their way outside, no doubt to be snacked upon by birds.

You sound to have been a real fashion plate at your dinner - so elegant.

I'll see your praying mantis and raise you...

www.bing.com/search?FORM=ZQSRDL&q=mahoenui+giant+weta&PC=ZQ02

Heavier than a house sparrow. Eeep!

Yes Kaimoana. Padstow Obby Oss Festival 2022 is on? . I looked up Barbara Tribe and found that she lived in Penzance. Sorry to ask but is Karen a relative or friend, Either way, I do hope she is off the ventilator soon.

From the lovely sunshine in my last photo, this morning I woke to a slight covering of very large hail stones that we heard hitting the cottage roof last night. The temperature, with that north front coming in makes it bitterly cold. I've enjoyed a Ginger wine tonight and will throw another log or two on the fire before MrMuse comes in. He is burning the midnight oil again with the new plumbing.

I think painted nails are on the cards for me Doodle, when we go away. I shall pack a posh frock, as well as the walking boots.

Doreen looks quite proud of herself BJ. What a feast she had. but I haven't dared click on your link yet.

Good night Lobstars ?

Ho ho BJ I've had those in my bedroom as well - it's livin' in the bush as does it (well next to the bush).
It was a weta I had stuck in my nightdress not long since, the daft little beggar.

Thinking of you and your whanau - all will be well.

muse Many years ago, Karen became my regular home support worker. When I had to give up my car, her daughter took me swimming regularly.

Karen is the kind of person who will go the extra 10 miles if necessary and rules such as "our workers do not clean fridges or polish furniture" are ignored in favour of a more humane attitude towards her eldlery clients whom she knows cannot do it for themselves.

Most of the time I can do the house work but no longer to the high standard I wish, which irks me as you might guess. I'll wash up but may not get things scrupulous - so Karen will check and discreetly re-do them if necessary.

We have a great deal in common so we understand one another completely after all this time.

We have the same sort of beliefs about the world and people; she doesn't react well to pharmaceuticals; doesn't like noise, especially for extended periods. She does not like crowds and has a great need for much solitude. Exactly my own foibles. We both take things very much to heart and worry too much.

The only way we differ is she loves cold, rainy weather (as does my son) and I do not.
So over the years, with her many extra kindnesses to me, we have grown very close.
When there's not much work to do, we'll go out for a coffee. Or if she's overtired, as often she is - I send her home to rest whilst the agency pays her to put her feet up . I don't mind this deception as they are exceptionally unfair to their workers and get a huge amount of money from the government for each client but pay minimum wage for very hard work ND often fall down on their own Safe Practice - to save money.

Hurrah for 'Obby 'Oss!!

Hello gang,
I am back from my trip . It was only an over-nighter sleepover
The ballet concert was great hilarious All the tinies were given medals and DGD kept showing hers to the audience.
Her DS birthday party today in the village hall. Poor DD was coping with their friends staying over to help. Quite enough without me there too.
I tried to trick the DGC yesterday by putting some soft toy puppets down my bed and announcing at breakfast that there was some kind of animal in my bed. looking worried
Alas it only fooled DD who was very relieved it wasn't a mouse! or a weta

Doodle what with you in your "posh frock" and Doreen in her splendifery, I will have to up my standards.
I had asked DD what I should wear to the concert and she just said "not wellies"

I have been roped in to do a shift at the community cafe this morning. I should have hidden and let people think I was away.
Your garden looks splendid muse. Mine is looking a lot better since Cushie has been on its case. She has cleared and sorted a mountain of wood, that which wasn't for the bonfire but for fuel.
I am thinking of Karen today KM

When your DS comes here he will realise how lucky he is in NZ. Maybe the hankering is to do with the lockdown in some way? Grass must be greener? My DS is coming for a much longer trip than usual.

It didn't snow last night but it is forecast. Sparky didn't come but says he will today.yawn
see you later

I typed a whole post earlier but didn’t press post and lost it ?
Start again.
Kaimoana nothing fashionable about me. I hate dressing up. I am happy in joggers and T shirt. I used to love high heels years ago but my feet and legs can’t cope with anything except flats now.
You and Karen have obviously got a strong friendship bond. I do hope there is better news of her soon.
It’s nice when you have a friend who feels like you do about things. I have one like that too.
You had a weta in your nightie……I wouldn’t have slept for months.
Boadicea are they really that big? I would be freaking out if I cam across one of those. I try not to hurt any creepy crawlies. I usually gather them in a glass and wish them a safe journey as I deposit them over the side of our balcony.
By the way I’ve included the photo of my blouse as promised.
muse I love all the photos of your woodland garden. It is so beautiful. I can see why you chose to build your new home there. So peaceful
My nails only get decorated when I go on a cruise or somewhere special. The rest of the time they are ignored apart from an odd encounter with the nail clippers. They very seldom meet with a nail file.
Grammaretto welcome back from your trip. Glad you had fun at the ballet. We have been to several with our DGDs.
I once told our son that his daughter must be the best dancer as she was always centre stage at the front. He gently explained it was because she was the shortest. Hmmm……grandma still thinks it was because she was the best. ?
Is it busy in your community cafe at the moment? Do you serve homemade cakes?
It will be lovely if your DS comes for a long visit. Bet you can’t wait to see him.
Have a good night all. Jeeves will be round soon with the drinks trolley.