The Lockdown Gang - still chatting ?

Grammaretto I’m so sorry about your ruined clothes, what a shame. Moths ate quite a lot of my BILs carpet. They have wooden floors now.
Perhaps your next knitting project will be something for yourself.
We’ve been quite lucky with the weather recently. My son has a conservatory so we would have been ok if it rained but it was much nicer outside.
Sounds like your Archivist will be very happy with your DHs collection. Perhaps you’ve found a new lodger. ?
Jan what a lovely thing to do sponsoring the ponies. They look as though they are having a wonderful time. Have you been to see them?
NFK hope your DH is progressing well.
I’m a little concerned about our NZ members. Been a while since they have been in. Boadicea and Kaimoana are you ok?

Morning - well afternoon really! Just a joke! I know someone who sometimes opens her post by saying hello Gangstars - think it’s Kaimoana! This morning I received this photo from our local horse rescue centre of some Shetland ponies I sponsor. They are called The Gangstars!! Apparently they are a lovely little tribe and I think this photo is so joyous!

Nice weather makes such a difference. I wish we had some here.
A buffet in the garden - how lovely would that be!

The Archivist came yesterday and was like a child in a sweetie shop when he saw the things DH had rescued over the years. He has asked if he can spend a day in the room!

I pointed out he could move in as there is a bed in the corner. There is also a piano which once belonged to the writer S.R. Crockett. Archie the archivist is an admirer
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._R._Crockett
I suggested he might come across the house deeds.....

On a less lovely note, I have found moth in most of the woollies I thought were safe, wrapped as they were in vacuum bags. I will have to part with them now, they are beyond repair.

What's everyone's news?

Grammaretto yes we were in DS1s garden. My two sons only live a few minutes drive apart which is nice. They put on a lovely buffet for us and we had a great time.
What a shame Zuzie is moving on. Your meal sounds so nice.
What a small world that you have news of Cushie.
I wonder where your DHs papers will end up. How interesting. No chance of the deeds being among them is there?
Have a lovely time with your DMIL.
We have had a visitor here all evening who has just gone. I must go to bed soon as I can hardly keep my eyes open ……..nothing to do with the ? ? ? ?

I hope the NZers are doing well

Hello dear friends,
Your celebrations for the dude sound perfect Doodle with the family in the garden and sunshine. Did you go to one of your son's places? I know you are lucky that they both live close by.
Zuzie surpassed herself yesterday so when I got home from work there was soup and tasty vegan potato fritters , oven cooked waiting for me. Another potter who was here joined us and supplied homemade cakes.
Later Z and I went for a nostalgic walk to the community garden we no longer have but where she dug 4 years ago.
Z leaves today. I will miss her.
News of Cushie:. She is helping out at my df parents' farm in the north of Scotland.
I also laughed at your DD text Jan and I am glad it was only shut
I am expecting an Archivist this morning to take a look at some of DH papers/ collections to suggest a destination for them other than here where nobody can benefit from them.
DMiL is coming to lunch tomorrow so I shall have to make something special in my oven!

Grammaretto thank you. DH had a lovely birthday celebration with both our sons and their families. We were lucky with the weather and managed to be out in the garden all the time.
Yes I was running along the motorway chasing him with a rolling pin so I’m glad Sparky’s made his way home.
Nice you are having some family over at the weekend. Hope you have a good time.
Oh the comment about Marie Kondo made me laugh. I could do with her help too.
What a lovely find you made in the tidying up. I remember those style gym slips. What a great photo.
Sorry you still haven’t found the deeds yet.
NFK life must be difficult in the early weeks following a big operation. I think the body takes time to adjust. When my DH had his bypass many years ago he went from someone who was warm most of the time to someone who shivered constantly. In winter he would often have the lounge door open but after his op he had to be wrapped up in a blanket so he didn’t get too cold.
Glad your DH is feeling a bit better today.
Grammaretto wow. Wonderful news. Right we’ll all be over for a full on roast dinner at the weekend ?
You certainly do not monopolise the thread you help keep it going so that others can drop in and out as they choose.
We love hearing from you. Things are so interesting at your place.
Have you any more help coming soon?
Hello Jan nice to have you back with us. Hope you had a lovely time in Yorkshire. The weather was good.
Nice to have your family together so they can all catch up with each other.
Your misspelt text made me laugh too. Good thing it was just the cats asleep rather than an unfortunate incident with the toilet ?
Yes my son and DGS have hayfever. Mine comes and goes bu the pollen count is really high. Hope you are ok.
Been to hospital to collect DHs meds today then into town to M&S to return one thing and buy three another/s.
Coffee with some of DHs delicious birthday cake made for him by DGD2. Early night for us tonight. All this partying has worn us out. ?
Sleep well all.

Hello All. Well I’ve just finished reading everyone’s news and think I’ve caught up! We came back from Yorkshire 10 days ago and goodness where those 10 days have gone. Yorkshire of course was great and for once it was wall to wall sunshine. Pleased Doodle had a great day for the Dudes birthday. Can’t beat a family get together when everyone is happy. My eldest daughter and her husband are here from Nottingham this weekend so will be good to have both my daughters together. We are going to a brewery on Fri afternoon!! No I don’t drink beer and this is apparently “craft beer” which my husband hates but will put up with - and daughter and son in law love! It’s a family run business on a farm. However they do sell G and T much to my relief as I thought I might have to sit and watch everyone else drinking!
Nfk your poor husband. Not surprised he’s fed up and you too. It seems to be taking so long for the drs to sort him out. Poor man. Sorry to hear about your surgery. We are obviously lucky here as GPs have been seeing patients face to face for several months. You do have to be telephone triage first but then normally get an application. Really hope you get sorted on Monday.
Mammissimo you did make me laugh with your bird story! Must be horrible to be bird phobic as of course birds are everywhere.
Grammaretto what a great idea to build a small bungalow in your garden and sell the big house when you are ready. Suppose if your house is very big those deeds could be anywhere! Nightmare. If they are really lost I imagine somehow you must be able to get a copy but I’ve no idea how.
Kaimoana so pleased you sound so much happier. Great news that you will be able to visit Phil.
Just something that made me giggle. Had a text message from younger daughter. “Cart flap shit as they’re both asleep”. Eventually gave up trying to decipher what on earth it meant and when I asked it should have said “cat flap shut as they’re both asleep”! Just made me giggle like a child!
Good to hear Panache and Cherry are ok.
Anyone else suffering from hay fever? Seems really bad this year. All I do is sniff, sneeze and snort! Very attractive!

I am so sorry NfkD that you two are suffering. I never did like roller coasters - far too frightening.
No the deeds are eluding me. I am sure they will turn up when they are ready.

I now have a working oven - yay!!!! and Zuzie has cooked in it already. She made some potato fritters which we (a potter and I) enjoyed with a delicious soup. I will miss her when she leaves tomorrow.

I had to take "stuff" to the tip today which I did not enjoy doing. I have never been a chucker and it pains me to part with anything. This time it was mainly electrical stuff. Old DVD players and video players. I feel sure someone somewhere could use them but I was told that unless you have the relevant connections and scart plugs, no-one will want them. I was assured at the tip that they are stripped down and all the important components re-used. That will have to do.
I do hope all the Lobstars are ok. We hardly ever hear from Nortsat and Missedout how are you? and all the others near and far. I feel I monopolise the thread.

Happy Birthday for yesterday Mr D. Its lovely when a day goes perfectly.

Haven't you found those deeds yet Grammaretto? Have you checked that box in the Swiss bank?

DH had a good day and then walloped down again. BP dropped. Today though, after languishing all yesterday he's bounced back again today. They said it would be a roller coaster!

Happy Birthday Dude!! I hope you had a good one. It sounds perfect.
I would like to give you a Czech wafer biscuit from Marienbad. They are delicious.
I am excited because Sparky is here working away at the electrical boards and possibly finishing later tonight. The rest of the household has gone to bed.
So thanks Doodle if t'were you who sent him home from the sunny south??
He is a very brown sparky with tales of great heat, beaches and a boat trip somewhere near Boscombe.
Whereas poor Zuzie is heading off to Skye soon with a midge net and a tent.
She is funny: She said she might try taking milk in her tea like we do and then perhaps she would learn to speak and understand English.
She explained because she was born in the communist times, English wasn't taught in schools when now it is.
It has been quite cold today here with a harsh wind.
I spoke to all my DC on the phone today and next weekend I will see 2 of them.
Zuzie has achieved miracles a lot, in the guest room preparation though she did ask me had I heard of Marie Kondo
I came across some important papers and loads of old photos but sadly, no deeds. I lit a fire to get rid of tax forms and bank statements. I came across a paper ten pound note too. I find I always get a prize when I start tidying.
One of the photos shows the netball team at a school in Bootle Liverpool in the 1920s. My aunt was in the team! top far right.

I’m a lonely little petunia in an onion patch……..?
Hello my missing pals. DH and I have been out with the family today to celebrate his birthday. We had a lovely day. So nice to get them all together. DH enjoyed himself immensely.
After a rainy start, the weather was kind to us and we baked in the sunshine. Had a nice brunch and special cake made by DGD. A joyous day ?. Hope everyone is ok.

Mouse ? Eek! ? have you caught it Mamissimo ?
I am very impressed with your building skills. Having had many attempts at flat pack furniture I know how time consuming and frustrating it can be.
Hope your visitors appreciate the effort.
Your stove sounds nice as do the marshmallows. Enjoy your evening.
Grammaretto they are big trees but they don’t look unstable, Hope you get a good response from the tree surgeon.
Zuzie sounds like a good find. Can you understand each other?
Hope your dinner is tasty.
Kaimoana you sound as though you are having a wonderful time. All these get togethers seem to be just what you need after so much difficulty. You must be so proud of your DGS he is obviously a charmer. ?
Been batch baking brownies for my DGC today. Took pity on DH who was hanging round looking hopeful and have left out a couple for him to have with his coffee. ?
Have a good weekend all.

Good morning ?

We have been getting divorced assembling some furniture for a guest room. It's done, and we're pleased with it but need to work on separate projects today! My knees are rubbish but better than Mr M's and so I did all the kneeling stuff while he did drawer assembly.....apparently far more difficult and I was very slow building the bed and two chests for the drawers and a wardrobe and not technically skilled.

We have many guests over the course of the next three weeks so I will punish his crotchetyness by getting him to make choux pastry buns and other technically tricky French patisserie while I make scones ?

I recently bought one of those amazing solo stoves for the garden so tonight we're having toasted marshmallows and gentle chat in the garden under the stars.....and we won't smell like kippers in the morning.

Oh Lordy! Here comes Fergal with a mouse....got to run and hide ?

I am glad you celebrate Matariki and hope it never takes on the commercialism of Christmas or Easter.
Here is a photo I took of the "offending" branches. It is very high up.

Good evening Gangstars and what a lovely 2 days we've had celebrating Matariki.

Nfk is so right. Trouble affect one emotionally as well as physically and it's that aspect which threw me off kilter when all means of communication went dead.

I'd like to thank everyone who tolerated my moans and groans and offered comfort. You truly are amazing friends. Thankyou.

Yesterday our group went to Papakura where a beautiful banquet awaited us. We were entertained and dined royally and came away with gift bags and other goodies.

Today, my dgs and I went to a very posh High Tea, again in celebration of the very first officially recognises Matariki.
I've always thought we needed something jolly in these cold, often wet months and although some restaurants put on a mid-winter Christmas party, it's not a
real celebration and they are very expensive too.

After the high tea, we rang for a taxi. Do I need to tell you what happened? Thought not

Fortunately, after 45 mins waiting in the cold (but sunny) carpark, dgs saw a taxi pull up outside a shop, so nipped over and asked the driver if he was free to take us home, 14km away. He did. Phew!

Dgs was very impressed by the friendliness of the kuia (elder ladies) who all told him, or me, how handsome he was and how polite and courteous.

So a nice contrast to the days of angst

Hello muse. I imagine you have been very busy. Are you settled in the new house yet?
Nfk what a time you are having with poor DH. I'm glad you are now less worried and have time to play with your tiny trees.
They sound easier than my huge ones. I have contacted a tree surgeon who should be able to check on the offending sycamore and reassure the neighbours. It's very windy today which is a worry
Zuzie has a Czech friend coming here today and they are cooking tonight. I think I should invite more people to share the experience.
We went out for a meal and the theatre last night and never sorted the dreaded room though I did show it to Zuzie who looked a bit scared at the prospect. However the garden is looking good.
I hope Kaimoana and BJ are enjoying their holiday weekend.

muse we’ve missed you. How is the house coming along?
Hope the better weather means you can get on will all the unfinished bits.
NFK you sound more relaxed and positive about things now. Good that the nurse was able to reassure you both.
Good luck with your Bonsai. I have one that requires no work…it’s plastic. ?

We've had a call from a nurse at the surgery and all is now clear (ish). DHs blood levels (sodium and such) are low and he is anaemic but not horrendously so and he should 'level out'. Sleeping all the time is normal and so is the failure of the much flaunted rehab to remember to get in touch! He has to have diuretics to keep his heart happy, and at the same time keep his fluids up to keep his kidneys working as they should. Its a fine balance and it got messed up, but stick with it and all will be well!

Basically, that's all he needed to hear. Reassurance that all is as it should be. So, of course, he's now feeling a lot more positive and happier.

I'm now off into the garden to pot up a little yew tree which has sneakily grown at the back of a garden bed. Its only about eight inches high. I'm having a go at bonsai. I've already pruned and potted an oak which is about 18 inches high and not killed it. I suspect I'm a bit old to take this up as a hobby but who knows, I've been told the oak will start to look aged and bonsai-y in about twenty years. It maaay be possible!

Thank you for the news from Cherry and Panache, Doodle

?. Apologies again from me. May and into June have been full of so much. I’m starting to read and post more on GN again and wandering around and through the threads I enjoy. I need to recap on all the lobstars news. ?

NFK not sure I understand about the diuretic either but must be a reason. Hope your DH is feeling better today. Hope the blood results are ok and you can both relax a bit.
Grammaretto that’s a promising start with Zuzie. She sounds as though she will be a big help. Poor girl I bet she doesn’t have midges where she comes from.
Have a good day all

Morning all. Sorry for my brief message yesterday. I had been out early meeting some friends then out for lunch with BIL and family and we didn’t get back till late.
Kaimoana glad you liked the owl. I love them. Always look so wise and inquisitive.
What an elegant lady in the picture and lovely gardens. Nothing sinister about her. ?
Oh what doubly good news, phone back working and Phil in contact. I do hope he gets his wish to be closer to you. You must be a very dear friend.
Shows how cared for you are that people pop round to check on you. Lovely family visit to look forward to and a special time with your DGS.
NFK what a worry with your DH. That’s not good he was given the wrong strength medication. I hope his system recovers soon and he improves.
I too have never heard of the zipper club. What a good idea.
Grammaretto what an exciting visit. A wonderful idea about a house in your garden. Is that something which appeals to you? Not nice of your neighbours to all come at once, they could have sent just one person to talk to you.
Hope your new help will be just that and pleasant with it.
Sorry about your DD hope she can sort out the right appointment soon.
Mamissimo what a wonderful story. ?. The phobia of the birds is a difficult one to deal with but your story was wonderful.
Hope you and your family are keeping well .

Hello Lobstars,
Thanks for the update Doodle and NfkD and Mamissimo!
I don't like extreme heat or extreme cold but I guess with the cold you can wrap up whereas trying to keep cool can be hard.
I would have called off the u3a trip too.

I have given what do you call a girl from Czech republic?
Zuzana? several jobs to do and she is very efficient.
She also cooked supper last night and it was delish. She uses herbs a lot and my humble salad was transformed.
Today we must tackle DD's old bedroom and transform it into a beautiful guestroom. Not sure if that will be possible but we will try.

Poor Zuzie, she mowed the lawn and got eaten alive by midges.
I am very glad to hear Panache is coping with her changed life and that Cherry is OK too,
Love to you all.

Thank you for the update Doodle, it's always a concern as to how missing GNers are. So pleased to hear both Cherry and Panache are still hanging on in there.

DH spent most of yesterday languishing on either the sofa or bed according to which was cooler. It was so humid yesterday. But his appetite is slowly returning so the new diuretic dose is more suited. It's a mystery to me as to why he still has to take them when he's so dehydrated, but perhaps he has to lessen the dose slowly. Not for us to understand. And yes, Kaimoana the pharmacy did query it with the surgery and the dose confirmed, so he said he would phone in a week to see how things were. Luckily the dosage was changed! We're waiting on the result of the blood test he had yesterday morning. Should know by this afternoon - fingers crossed.

I should have been going on an u3a trip around Sizewell power station today but called off. Much too far and too long to leave Himself to his own devices. Not that he's doing much but ... I'm sneakily pleased in a way as it would have meant wearing big shoes, long socks, trousers and long sleeved top. They provide the gloves, hard hat and masks! Rather too enclosed on a day forecast to be even warmer!

I hope you feel more refreshed and rested today Doodle. No overdoing it!

Dear gang. I have been out all day and am really tired now.
I wanted to update you on the PMs from two of our missing gangsters but now I am having trouble keeping awake.
Hope you are all ok and I will catch up on the posts tomorrow. x