The Lockdown GangSTARS still going

You cheer me up Mamissimo Glitter pink sand indeed.
How dastardly and underhand.

Village life. So you are going to exchange that for the Favelas?
Seriously though, it sounds like a major undertaking.
Well done on the 46 years and on the running beans. What was your prize?

I know just what you mean NfkD about learning the new words. I was really up on immunotherapy, pazopanib and all the horrible drug names when DH was attending the hospital.
I don't miss those days but I do miss him.
I am glad you can spend some lovely days by the sea.
Thankyou for the delightful views of Barton Broad.

It was Eleanor of Castile not Aquitaine but either way I thought that 12 large crosses to mark her last journey was an act of devotion. Here is the one at Geddington in Northamptonshire one of only 3 remaining.

Grammaretto hope you are feeling a bit better. Sorry your helper hasn’t been able to come. I never knew that about places with the word Cross at the end. I’m always learning new things in our lockdown thread. Thank you for the photo. It looks beautifully carved (sculpted ?)
Kaimoana I have never seen a mechanical elephant anywhere. The closest I’ve come is a ride in a Noddy car.
The children in the picture do look a bit unhappy but very well dressed. I like the little girl in the beret.
Nfl like you, we hadn’t had Covid until we went on our last cruise. Restrictions were more relaxed and I think more people caught it.
What lovely photos. Thank you for sharing with us. Looks so tranquil. Oh I do love a paddle myself. The last one I had was when I wasn’t prepared and the tide suddenly caught me out. Walking home in wet socks and sandals wasn’t fun.
You are learning a whole new vocabulary. Trimming off a few stray bits sounds like me tidying up after a sewing session. I hope your BB is feeling ok. I’m sure your outing did him good.
Mamissimo many congratulations to you and Mr M.
Hope you had a lovely meal tonight…….roast lamb?
Brazil, my goodness that’s a lovely idea. Will you stay in one place or travel around?
Congratulations also on winning the running bean competition. Thoroughly deserved I’m sure. Next year the turn of the bored beans. I thought these things about village etiquette were only on in scenes on TV like Midsomer Murders. Fancy you using the wrong sand.

Lots of things to smile about in today's readings.

Nfk you made it all sound so idyllic, sailing, snoozing and taking it easy at the end of a fraught summer for your healths. Just what you needed.

And Mamissimo - you always make me laugh!
I have many connections with Brazil, I'm sure you'll enjoy the trip.

My 2nd appointment with the Dog Lady is on 20th - come what may, I must not hirple!!

Another picture of Gubbins. One of the best things about her is the absolute delight with which she greets new things and experiences.

What a pity we (sometimes) lose that sense of wonder and excitement as we get older.

Hello Gangstars,

Gubbins is just adorable Kaimoana. Thanks for sharing. There is nothing better than learning about the world through the eyes of a tiny child.

I can't remember those mechanical elephant rides. They do look fun but not if you were expecting a real beast.

Fingers tightly crossed for your 2nd Dog lady inspection. It sounds terrifying to me but then becoming a dog owner would frighten me too. We learn our limitations.

I no longer have covid. I tested today and there was no line at all but I am still finding everything an effort. Perhaps when I am allowed to see people again (now?) I will forget about my own troubles.

A couple of friends went to pay their final respects to the Queen at St Giles yesterday and said it was a moving experience.

My amazing Burmese flower bloomed at Midnight. It only flowers once a year and always at midnight. By this morning it was wilting.

Busy day for me today. Church this morning and trip to the hospital for DH bloods this afternoon and then to the charity shop to drop off some items. Some ironing and online shopping and it’s evening again already.
Kaimoana I think Gubbins is mimicking the statue. I can certainly see an actress/ dancer/ museum curator in the making ?. Everything crossed for the 20th. I hope all your bits are in full working order then.
Grammaretto hurrah you are no longer ‘unclean’. When we had Covid I read that if you had two negative tests on consecutive days you were ok to mingle. I too found it took me some time to get back to normal. Even though I had mild Covid, everything was too much effort and I was very emotional (I cried at the Lionesses winning the cup and I don’t even like football ?)
Some of my friends went to Windsor to see the flowers there. They said it was very beautiful but lots of people there.
What a beautiful flower. I’ve seen one before when I used to watch the Deans Garden Congregation service. They had one that bloomed at midnight too. Such a shame it doesn’t last longer.
Mamissimo hope you had a lovely meal out last night.

Congratulations on NOT having Covdi Grammaretto - but don't over do it with work, will you?

Oh that Burmese flower how gorgeous is that? Did you sit up at midnight to see it flower?

Doodle you are quite right, Gubbins will certainly be a drama queen of some sort

Have you heard what The Dean is doing these days?

It was our kaumatua hui today and I'm afraid all this 'point of order Madam Chair' and 'Can I raise a point through the chair strikes me as pretentious and comical at the same time.

However, my nice new neighbour drove there and everyone was, as expected, very kind to him so he will pay his fees next month and become 'one of us'.

This fee will make him eligible to travel on the community van, which may be needed in future as he has Parkinson's

Did my walk with no trouble this evening - yipee!

Well done on your walking Kaimoana!
But don't you have to leave something for the VAD to assist with?
I was up at midnight filling my water glass. The virus has made me very dry so I m drinking gallons of water. Still no appetite but that's not such a bad thing. I daresay a detox was required.
Have you heard what the Dean is doing now Doodle ?
Have you heard from any missing Lobstars?
I'm supposed to be organising the next U3A walk and need to do a reccie. I really haven't the energy yet.

So pleased to read that you're now 'clean' Grammaretto. At least you know now that the little viri / virus' / viruses are nearly all deceased so you can now concentrate on recovery. I've just booked my Covid/flu jab for the next available appointment. The 22nd of October. It's about right I think as I should then have full cover over the winter period when infection is likely to be worst, before immunity starts to wear off again.

What a poppet Gubbins is*Kaimoana*. It's the best age.

Good Evening ?
Hip Hip Hooray for Grammaretto and for foot soldier Kaimoana !

Mr M and I shared a disappointing meal on Tuesday night. Everything tasted the same....and a peculiar same too. The chef had a thing about roasted yeast which was in the butter and blobbed about all over the plates.....so I had a lobster cooked in a tandoor oven, which should have been stunning but tasted of marmite.....and marmite duck. We won't return. went home and had toast and marmite

Today however was a different kettle of fish. Up early to get the hovercraft over to Ryde, taxi to Bembridge and then three hours in the company of a giant seafood feast and the company of a nice Chablis couple of dear old friends. The sun shone too. Couldn't be bettered.

Following our bereavements we have learned today that all the funerals are next week, and if you count The Queen we have one four days running. We have decided to change our modus operandi from living each day well to living each day very well indeed!

Brazil has proved too complicated to contemplate just now so hooray for......North Devon ? We need some peace more than a Tango!

Another early start and busy day for me so I’m now relaxing and planning a day to myself tomorrow.
Kaimoana I am not sure but I think the Dean is still in residence in Canterbury. I don’t think he has a permanent replacement yet so probably may not move till all the provisions for the various animals have been settled.
I’m glad your new neighbour is nice. Be lovely to have someone you get on with. Glad he gave you a lift. Sorry to hear he has Parkinson’s. Not a good thing. Hopefully he may have some help.
Oh just read your last comment about your walk. Yippee! Well done.
I haven’t heard from anyone except dear Cherry so no news to report. I just hope everyone is ok.
I dropped a full glass of water in our lounge today. The glass just slipped through mu fingers and landed on the table. Fortunately it didn’t break but threw its contents all over my curtains and carpet. At least it was only water and not red wine.
How far do you usually go in your U3A walks? You should be able to find something good. You always have such lovely photos from your walks.
NfK good plan to get your jab before winter. I am now over my aching arm and have forgotten about it. I think we have had one of each kind now Astra Zeneca, Pfizer and now Moderna. Surely that combination should keep us covered. ?
Hope your DH is feeling ok. Any more trips planned?
Mamissimo what a disappointment about your meal. What a shame on your anniversary too. I really like marmite but not sure I would like it for my anniversary meal.
Ah wonderful a much better day today. Nice to have a catch up with friends. Good idea to live life as well as you can.
Devon is a lovely place for a holiday. Sometimes peace and quiet and a rest are what’s most needed.

I have (had) decided to crochet my DGD a cat as she likes them but can’t have one I’m her lodgings. I haven’t picked up a crochet hook for at least 20 years but that didn’t stop me buying the pattern, wool and hook. Easy pattern for beginners. What could go wrong? Cramp, arthritis, print in pattern too small except with magnifying glass. Stitches Ive never heard of. Will I give up? No. I can’t hold the wool like you’re supposed to anymore so I will knit my crochet. You tube is brilliant for reminders how to do the stitches. Copious coffee will give me the energy. Will the end result look like a cat? ……….. I wonder how she feels about starfish ?

Sorry the middle but of my post is in response to Grammaretto but I forgot to type her name in ?

I'm sure your crocheted/knitted cat will be adorable Doodle . What a kind grandmother you are.
I love your enthusiasm
My water glass spilled over my book last night so snap!

Oh dear Mamissimo about your anniversary meal.
But the IOW in a hovercraft and a feast with dear friends will make up for the disappointment.
Your mention of Bembridge took me right back to my early childhood. I attended the village school there for a few weeks for complicated reasons and lived at the vicarage.
The walk to school took us past an amazing houseboat on the beach like Peggoty's which made me want to live in one. it was midwinter .
I digress.
I am sorry you have a week of funerals.

I have planned the walk and will do a reccie on Monday.

My DD1 took up crochet a couple of years ago Doodle and is addicted so I bought a pattern (for a teddy). Like you I have touched a crochet hook for donkey's years and was confused by the pattern. It transpires it's an American pattern and their stitches are a bit different - our doubles are their singles. Or viki verki. I got confused. It's in the cupboard now waiting for her to come to stay long enough to give me a refresher course.

Four funerals, four days running Mamissimo? That's either good or bad planning depending on how you look at it. Two in one day may have made life challenging! Such a shame about your meal. Did you report it on Trip Advisor that it wasn't to your expectation? If you're not a lover of Marmite it good be a place to avoid. It's a good thing yesterday's feast gave you a late celebration.

DH has a blood test this morning in preparation for another blood top up transfusion tomorrow. The last one lasted him three weeks and gave a bit of normality until a couple of days ago when he took a nose-dive back into weak and wobbliness. Still, it should last him until we see the haematology specialist.

I can conceive of no great disaster than a Marmite Lobster.

It seems to me modern chefs go for gimmicks, rather than taking the time to think through why the classic recipes are still popular. Lobster dishes should contain no ingredient which overwhelms the delicacy of the seafood.

However, the transport of delight which blows air from its nether regions was probably a hoot.

At one time, savoury yeast was popular here. It's not like Marmite but a fine umami flake. In this article which may or may not be in English, all is explained.
www.loveandlemons.com/nutritional-yeast

Oooh Doodle when you've finished crocheting/knitting the cat, will you make me a dog?
My knee is giving me merry hell today as a result of my moronic walk. Well, it would, wouldn't it when a person with no brains takes it out to rub bone on bone and further add to its degeneration.

Will those persons who keep throwing water on themselves and surroundings, please stop it?

Nfk Yes, Gubbins is a darling but I do wish she'd decide to stop screaming several times a night. She's talking quite well but not enough yet to tell us why she does this.

My dgs is off to Noumea soon and is very excited.

I signed the book contract yesterday.

Love to all our MIA Gangstars.

Thinking of you Cherry.

Grammaretto I have spent a lot of today trying to master the art of crochet. Either it’s so loose it has no shape or so tight I can’t get the hook through. I am persevering and things are improving a bit but at this rate my DGD will have a cat of her own before this one is finished.
Sorry about your book. Hope it’s dried out. My carpet and curtains have.
How nice to have a little memory trip about your time in Bembridge. I’ve always fancied a houseboat (except in winter)
Hope your walk works out well. How far are you planning on going?
Kaimoana I once had a hamburger with fennel. Whilst I like the flavour of both, the combination of the two was awful.
I have a feeling my cat when it’s finished could easily look like a dog…….or a rabbit….or anything you wish really. ?. We shall see. In the meantime I have everything crossed that you’ll get the real thing soon.
Do you have some sort of knee brace you could use. My son had one when he tore the ligament in his knee and couldn’t walk for weeks. He still has to be careful.
Ooh aa signed contract for you book. That’s so exciting.
Do you know when it will be published?
Poor Gubbins I wonder what it is that upsets her so. Such a lovely little lady.
Hope all the gang past and present are ok. Still lots of coverage
Of the Queen on the TV. So many people waiting for hours to walk past her coffin.

Dashing in and out again, so sorry dear friends. A difficult few weeks. Taken off the beta blocker, because it seemed to be dropping my heart rate down to less than 35, and then of course the Afib kicked in again. Now, without the bb, heart rate still dropping into the 30s, accompanied by fish and birds flapping in my chest. Awaiting urgent consult with cardiologist for pacemaker asap. Not allowed to do anything remotely strenuous. My dear cousin, whose DH has terminal cancer, has just been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Hearts are a weak point on both sides of my family. Bummer.

Doodle you're like a calm, understanding Auntie to us all

I shall try a wheat bag on my knee. I used to have a knee binder thingy but it only made it worse.

Publication is scheduled for September 2023.

I was so angry with myself yesterday and tearful and out of sorts.
Karen, feeling the same, took us to a local cafe to have a pleasant break and cheer ourselves up but that all went terribly wrong as well.

It's a long low building, even longer than you can see and usually we sit outside but Karen was only in very summery clothing and there was a cold wind, so we had to sit indoors where a group of inconsiderate people (Karen said all in gym gear) at the far end made so much noise, talking loudly all at the same time so that K & I at the very opposite end could not hear each other across a tiny table.
Nor could we talk over what was worrying us.
Even people at the next table, celebrating a happy birthday had their song drowned out by the raucous cacophony.

We only had 45 mins and some of that was travel time so neither of us felt any better after that fiasco.

My 'problems' are slight compared to hers, so I was angry on her behalf too - she's such a nice person.

Mepa didn't come yesterday due to a family emergency, so that's worrying me as well.

And, as you know, the Salvation Army (my landlord) are making life as difficult as possible for me at the moment.

When I was younger, none of this would have bothered me, now every molehill seems like a mountain. Is this just aging? Does anyone else feel like this?

A very, very busy week coming up and that should stop me dwelling on my First World problems

I DO know how very lucky I am and I try to remember that but sometimes it all gets a little lost in the myriad tiny, niggly issues.

Must Try Harder

Dear Boadicea I am so sorry to hear your news. Things seem to have been piling up for you and now this latest problem.
I imagine not doing anything strenuous would be a difficult task for you with all you have to do every day. I hope they get your pacemaker sorted soon and that it helps things settle down. AF isn’t a pleasant sensation at all.
I’m sorry for your cousin too. What a lot is going on.
I hope Mr BJ is improving. Do you have anyone who can help out a bit at home? Please take care x
Kaimoana an upsetting day for you and Karen. I can picture perfectly the sort of place you describe as DH and I went for dinner in such a place recently. Even though we sat opposite each other at a small table we couldn’t hear what we were saying. Such a shame as you both had troubles to share.
I too can’t cope with things like I used to when younger. I think we reach a certain age when we want a quiet life.
Big hug from me and hope things look brighter tomorrow.x

Sorry to hear about your health problems BJ and I do hope you get that cardiology appointment soon.
How's CPO doing?

Please don't over-tax yourself by trying to keep that huge garden in check, there are plenty of willing gardeners in your area who can weed and trim until you are feeling more the thing.

I'm trying to see the world in a brighter light Doodle.

I shall know on Wednesday if I'm to be evicted after 14 years as an impeccable tenant.

Another friend whose son was in Court, tells me he's not going to jail after all (they were sure he would) so that's a relief.

Mepa tells me the emergency was her son being sick, so had to be taken home. He's doing fine.

Worries are like skittles aren't they - we have to hope they get knocked down

Morning All. Am sending my biggest sunflower to try and cheer everyone up a bit. So many of us with problems.
BJ so sorry to hear of your heart problems. DH has a pacemaker and has been fine ever since - touch wood! Just a yearly check. Hope you get your appt very quickly.
Kaimoana so many problems for you too. Be careful with your knees - don’t overdo it. Why are you possibly being evicted? What a nightmare for you. Hope everything pans out ok.
Nfk so pleased you managed to get out on your boat. We enjoyed our holiday at the Broads so much and hoping to go back next year. Our favourite is Ranworth. Love sitting outside the little cafe with a coffee or sometimes a glass of wine!! Never been to Barton Broad. Sorry to hear your DH isn’t too good. Fingers crossed he feels better soon.
Mamissimo 4 funerals in as many days must be so depressing. As you say we must live each day the best we can. Can’t remember if I said earlier that my friend found her apparently healthy policewomen daughter dead in bed a few days ago. She was 44.
Gramaretto so pleased you’re feeling better. Covid certainly dragged me down. Having 5th jab on Weds. what a beautiful Burmese flower. Never heard of one before.
Doodle bet your cat will be lovely. I used to crochet and knit and sew my daughters clothes when they were little. Don’t think they would appreciate that now!! Eldest daughter is 53 today. How on earth did that happen?
Cherry if you are reading this I hope you are ok sending love.
Hope everyone has a good weekend. It’s sunny in Norfolk but we have a very cold wind blowing. Should get the washing dry!

Too many adversities for our lovely Lobstars right now . Please find some help BJ. You have too much to cope with alone just now.
Why are you to be evicted Kaimoana? I must have missed summat.

And you a published author n all.

My DS was robbed yesterday at a cash machine and is very shaken. This is my local DS not the NZer.

I think I shall take a leaf out of Doodle's book and pick up some wool and crochet.

Kaimoana what’s this about being evicted? ?. Why would they do that and where would you go? Is this something that’s suddenly come up? I’m so sorry I hope it doesn’t happen.
Glad Mepa’s son is ok. How are your poor knees?
Jan that is one magnificent sunflower. It’s huge and very cheerful. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s daughter. What an awful shock, she was so young?
The crochet is a work in progress as they say. I am using an American pattern and have found out I was using the wrong stitches. I did a tension square and mine was three times the size it was supposed to be in height. Something made me think I was doing something wrong ?
Grammaretto how awful for your son. What a nasty thing to happen. I hope he wasn’t hurt. It’s so shocking isn’t it.
My son got punched in the face once by a man in the street because my son complained about him nearly running him over.
I hope you’re more successful with your crochet than I am. I think my cat is having kittens……she’s got an awfully big tummy. ?
BJ hope you don’t have a long wait for your pacemaker. As Kaimoana says the housework and gardening can wait. Your health is more important. Take care.

Jan I LOVE that gorgeous, sunny flower, thank you, it made me smile.

Oh my goodness me, how truly awful for your friend to find her darling daughter like that. Do they know how she died?

I never knew there was a difference between UK & US patterns Doodle, lucky you discovered it.

A few years ago, I was learning how to make crochet square - the beginners first task - but the first one turned into a skullcap.
I still wear it

Unexpected call from DDiL asking if she could bring the children after they'd done a coastal walk nearby.
So we had a wonderful afternoon together.

Fortunately I'd made two banana loaves and some potted meat as well as a feta, egg and tomato salad, so no one went hungry.

It seems my poor son is very ill and unable to keep anything down - but still determined to complete a security paper for his uni course.

I hope he also got some sleep with everyone out of the house.

It's been a glorious day and not cold at all, one of those days which make you feel Springtime is really on its way.

Jan your and my posts crossed yesterday. Yours was so reassuring re pacemakers and gentle holidays on the water..
Kaimoana what a worry about your DS. I hope he's better soon.
My DS seems to have recovered from his fright .
He'll have a day off for tomorrow's funeral.
I am planning my walk reccie in the afternoon.
My walking pal is off on her travels soon. I am very lazy if left to my own devices.
Today I'm going to a lovely walled community garden where some artists are exhibiting.

www.amisfield.org.uk/