The Lockdown GangSTARS still going

Hello Lobstars,

A day of surprises for me.
We were having lunch at the theatre café after class and I wondered why it was so busy.
There was a matinee of South Pacific and I enquired about a ticket. A woman approached me and offered me a spare ticket. Good seat front stalls. I accepted as my 2 friends were happy chatting.
It was great!
I looked at my phone afterwards and see that an American couple are arriving to stay next week!
I've met her before but having the couple well it may be twice as good?

I need to mop my brow

Kaimoana it’s a good thing you have something to do you enjoy so much. You are a very talented writer.
I hope your pension is ok now and there won’t be more problems on that front. Hope the Old Codgers were tasty. ? So pleased you had a good day.
Grammaretto sounds like you’ve had a good day too. Lucky with the ticket. Hope you enjoyed the show.
Did you invite the Americans Grammaretto or did they just decide to descend on you. ?. Hope they are good company and you enjoy yourself.
Mark had an unexpected treat today. My knitting needles didn’t arrive so instead I crocheted another paw for Mark (that word doesn’t look right to me but spellcheck think it is so who am I to argue) . Hope he doesn’t complain too much but one leg is slightly longer and wider than the other. ? goodness knows what the other two will turn out like.

What lovely surprises for you Grammaretto. I've never seen South Pacific, except for living in it
You'll enjoy your Americans I'm sure.

Doodle you're an inspiration. I'd have thrown that crochet/knitting down a long time ago.
When I was knitting, I bought all my needles from the local Hospice Shop and now intend to give them all back to the same place

I often get that thing where a well-known word suddenly looks unfamiliar. It's called wordnesia . This article explains the brain glitch.
tinyurl.com/mmkphj32

That link didn't seem to be 'live'.

Try this - it's a very good article.

www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/when-even-simplest-word-looks-weird-and-wrong-you-have-wordnesia-180954539/#:~:text=It's%20just%20a%20common%20brain,some%20researchers%20have%20an%20idea.

I can't sleep so have been on GN .
I didn't know that word thing had a name.
If I say a word over and over it sounds wrong. Maybe that's the same condition.

The American couple probably told me they were coming but it was ages ago and in the meantime, with Hansel and Gretel and all, it had slipped my mind.
I have too much going on but maybe they can help.
I have also invited a French girl for a few weeks so suddenly the house will be full. I may have lodgers by then too.
South Pacific is one of my favourite musicals.
I love the songs.
You got to have a dream, if you don't have a dream, how you going to have a dream come true.

Hi All. Just to let you know I’m in hospital. Had a stroke on Weds morning and have lost the use of my leg and arm - hopefully it’s only temporary. Waiting fo physio but can’t start yet as BP is high. To say I’m devastated is an understatement. No idea it was coming. DH reckons I will have 2 weeks in hospital. I’m so scared it will happen again. Been told to stop stressing but I can’t stop. I stress about most things and that’s just my makeup. All the things we have planned are now looking in doubt. Sorry to be a misery but it’s such a shock

Oh no Jan that's awful. Just out of the blue?
I hope you get back full mobility and don't have another.
Is that likely?
I don't know much about strokes.
Sending hugs galore and cwtches
xxxxoooooo

Dear Jan I’m so sorry. What a dreadful shock for you. DH had a stroke 13 years ago when we moved in here. He had a blocked artery which needed fixing. The important thing is you are in the right place to be monitored and checked. Don’t give up on your plans. My father had a stroke too and lost the ability to walk. He regained that and lived for many more years.
Of course you are worried as would we all be but I hope you get physio soon and start to re build your strength .
So pleased you let us know. You are not being a misery. Your reaction is understandable. Please keep in touch we care for you. Sending one of Cherry’s cwtches to you and your DH.
Kaimoana haven’t got round to watching your link yet we’ve had a busy day. Collecting meds, shopping walking and all sorts. Are you having any visitors this weekend?
Grammaretto saw a lovely photo of your hollyhocks on the GM thread. How pretty.
You are going to have a house full. You will have plenty of company. Glad you enjoyed the show.

Oh Jan, it must be so scary for you, You are definitely not being a misery. It's understandable that you're shocked, worried and afraid. It's really worrying to lose use of an arm or leg or in your case both and I get your fear that it may happen again. Not the same but earlier in the year I had a couple of episodes of Todd's paralysis (due to seizures) and temporarily lost use of my left leg and partial use of my left arm. It was scary as I'd never had it before and didn't know at first what it was. I'm fine now as Todd's is temporary.
As Doodle says you are in the right place and all the checks and actions you need to minimise the chances of you having another one will be done. Physio relatively early on, when the Drs consider that you are ready for it, should help you. Even if you only make small progress early on though don't be disheartened as sometimes even a few months later when you think you'll never fully recover, you can.
Sending you my very warmest cwtches Jan, please take care. We care about you ? xxx

Thinking of you Jan. What a dreadful shock, I am so sorry to hear this.
Wishing you all the very best for your recovery and rehab. We are all behind you and willing you on. ?

Dear Jan here's the good news:
You're in the best place.
You will be carefully monitored 24/7.
They have all the right medications for you.
You have all our love, prayers and good thoughts to add to those of your family and other friends.

If you were able to write that text yourself, or even dictate it, not a huge amount of damage has been done.

Chance are it was a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) or an Ischemic stroke, normally seen only as warning signs and pointers to hypertension (high BP).
If that's the case, all can be corrected and you'll come out fighting.

And....I have known at least 5 people who have similar attacks and all went on to live normal, active lives. I wouldn't BS you about this, it's fairly common, ask the staff.

Worrying is in your nature, it's NOT what caused the stroke; a stroke is a physical thing and doubtless you are now on blood thinners.

Go ahead and worry, it'll ease some of the tension and stress you are bound to feel. But please try not to see only the 'worse case scenario'. There are many good outcomes.

With much love xxxxxx

Jan, if you are reading I just wanted to say I hope you have been feeling a little less stressed today xx

I knew about the phenomenon of wordnesia, and have experienced it all to often so I took a look at your link Kaimoana. It's kind of obvious really when you think about it just don't go thinking too long about any particular word . So much of what we do is automatic and conditioned. This is something that strikes me particularly but not stupid Drs because I can do so much during my focal impaired awareness seizures even though I don't know I'm doing anything 🤨. Cognition is weird and amazing. Thanks for the link, I may investigate further .... 🙂

I hope you are enjoying your full house this weekend and getting to know your visitorsGrammaretto and it's not too much of a houseful 🙂

How's Mark Doodle or have you put him aside to have a quiet day today after your busy day yesterday? I wouldn't blame you if you have, he's quite demanding isn't he 😉

We've been sorting out some of our clutter today and at the pace we're going it's going to take until Xmas 😱 😁

Cherry I have had to pause Mark’s paws whilst I knitted a sheep for the Church nativity. In fact I’ve knitted two. As per my usual standard the first one had to be unravelled. For some reason when I attached the head to the body it looked remarkably like a sex toy 😱. (So remarkably like one that when I sent a photo to my friend ……well I’m not sure shes stopped laughing yet) I have tried to make the second one a bit more angular and less…….rounded.
That Todd’s paralysis sounds a frightening experience for you too Cherry hope it doesn’t happen again.
Ixion nice of you to pop in. Hope you are doing ok.
Kaimoana those are lovely flowers. How have you been this weekend? I’ve spent most of my day tidying up my crafting stuff and some new metallic paints that I got last week.
All went well until one of the tubes was a little difficult to open. In pushing the cap off, the contents came out all over the tube, my hands, the scissors and my worktop. Not too much of a disaster as it’s washable if you get to it quickly but I was covered in it. Bright puce, in case you’re interested 🤣
Jan as you can see, we’re all thinking of you. Hope today has been a better day.
Same goes for all the gangstars. We still think of you too. Take care all.
Grammaretto have you been preparing for your visitors today or doing your barista duties at the cafe?

Jan - I'm so, so sorry to hear of your health issues. I have everything crossed for you that the specialists will soon be on top of things and that you will be back to normal. Just snuggle down and enjoy being cossetted - no cooking!!

I just popped in after being in and out of hospital with the heart...home this morning after a terrifying episode last evening, when i seriously thought i was about to die. It was not pleasant. The health system has collapsed, rain is bucketing, the rivers are flooded, MrJ had an abscessed wisdom tooth out on Friday and is miserable, and I have a young relative from Gloucester arriving tomorrow for 12 days. I'm not allowed to moved from my chair. O me miserum and eheu.

It's lovely to see everyone although sad to hear of so many serious health worries.
BJ I hope you are well enough to enjoy your visitor.

Fancy that the dude had a heart attack and has recovered. Such good news.Doodle

I am wondering how Jan is today?

I have had an extraordinary long day.
I went to a woolfair in the Highlands, with my yarn group. I didn't spend too much money and then we called on DD and her family who entertained us with their dancing and scary costumes.
This evening I went to a show called 6 feet 3 shoes. A Fabulous merging of Scottish and Spanish dancing and later there was a ceilidh.

The Americans aren't due until Tuesday.

I am going to enjoy my extra hour's sleep.

Well, our bright puce friend, I shrieked quite loudly when I read about the sex toy and like your friend, I haven't stopped laughing since.

I know no one will believe me but cross my heart - I've absolutely no idea what a sex toy looks like and I dare not Google it as I shall then be inundated with salty offers.

I can just imagine your wee girls Grammaretto dancing and being endearingly scary, bless their little hearts.

Jan even if you're just reading, please know we're all thinking of you. You too BJ and Nfk. Sending love. xx

Cherry I'm glad the link interested you. I suppose it's the same phenomenon when we are desperately trying to remember something and can't but once we relax and do something else, it comes to us.

I've done very little today Doodle except talk to my friend in NJ as usual then printed out my journal.

Tried to get into book-writing mode but the Muse has flown.
I'll just plan the next chapter instead.

Made Sapa Sui, a Pasifika dish for tea last night and had it with salad for my 2 meals today as well.
Yummy.

www.food.com/recipe/traditional-sapa-sui-samoan-chop-suey-459380

Tuesday, BLV are having a BBQ at Point Chevalier Beach. 22 degrees and sun is forecast.

So much sadness, worry and suffering here recently to many of those in the little 🦞GANG. It is quite overwhelming to hear and my heart and prayers go out to all here who are troubled in body or spirit.

Today I am preparing to meet my virtual Match Buddy, to stand on the metaphorical terraces and yell obscenities at the Ref, where appropriate support our boys. Honestly, you'd be amazed at what I have learned from my MB - and not only tactics😉. Think it's the hip flask wot does it ...

I bake, as my contribution. Usually fairy cakes, though we can't call them that out loud in the macho crowd we stand with in polite company. We usually either eat them, or, if it's a 'bad bake', we lob them at the oppo.
One thing we never suffer from is a soggy bottom .

May today bring something good for everyone.

Baodicea lovely to hear from you even though things haven’t been too good for you. So sorry you have had such frightening episodes. Hope things settle down and you feel better soon. Sending good wishes to you and Mr BJ.
Grammaretto you certainly have some entertaining days. What a lovely day out. If I went to a wool fair I’d buy too much and then never use it.
Kaimoana I must confess that I too am not versed in sex toys but I thought it was a polite way of putting what my sheep looked like. Perhaps I should have said it bore a very close (very,very close) resemblance to a male body part. Too close for me to even post a picture of it. 🤣.
Hope you enjoy the BBQ and have a pleasant day with friends.
Ooh ixion are our team playing again today. Good luck.
Jan and Nfk thinking of you both. Have a good day all

Oh dear Boudicca so sorry to hear you too have been poorly. Hope you are feeling better now.
I am still in hospital prison. Have moved to a different bay which is much nicer and at least I’m not in the Acute medical ward. Cam to get me to take me for physio today but then couldn’t do it BP too high. Could have cried I’m so desperate to improve this leg and arm. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.
Doodle sure Mark will be pleased to have any sort of legs as long as they work properly! Can’t wait to see the finished boy!
Youngest daughter came to see me today. Great to see her. She lives locally so it’s easy to pop in whereas eldest daughter lives in Nottingham but is coming for a re days next week!
High spot of the day / I have just sat on a real loo after bed pans and commodes. Bliss!
Hope everyone is having a good weekend and keeping healthy!
Im just worn out doing nothing!

At least we are sure Mark is male.
Seeing what time of year it is Doodle I would guess you are creating your familiar
😉
Jan I'm very glad that you are out of the acute ward. Yay!

My attempts to buy an advanced train ticket have been thwarted by train strikes. Some tickets will be released nearer the time when they know if trains will run
I heard that another old friend has died so that's 2 in a week. I sat in the Quaker meeting and mourned them both

Now I'm off to the cinema. There are fireworks going off all around. Why is that? Poor animals.

Love to you all xxx

Dear Jan I can understand a bit of how you feel. DH has horrendously high BP and after his heart bypass (over 23 years ago) he couldn’t do exercises because of his high Bp too.
Are they giving you anything to lower it?
Being in a nicer ward helps. I have been a hospital visitor many times. DH has had numerous hospital inpatient stays for all sorts of things but it’s better now contact is available through mobile phone.
Hope you can get to do exercises tomorrow. Please keep in touch we would love to hear how you are getting on. What’s the food like? I hope you are eating a bit to keep your strength up.
Ah the bliss of a real loo. I know that, 😊
Grammaretto ah you’ve guessed my secret. My broomstick has been dusted off and I am doing a quick trip round the car park. Unfortunately Mark isn’t ready for such excitement so I am taking BaaBaaRa the sheep with me.
So sorry to hear you have lost another friend.
I think the fireworks are either late Diwali, early Bonfire night or just some personal celebration. They are going off here too as I type (could be a party that neither of us were invited to 🤔)
Have a good time at the cinema.

Good to hear you're out of the acute ward Jan, I'm really pleased for you. I agree it can be a boring place to be, in hospital. Whilst being bored is ... well boring, there's a positive in that, your brain is working well after your stroke. It's a positive sign. Keep your pecker up, we're all thinking of you x

Sorry to hear that you have been in and out of hospital Boudicca. Glad you are home now though and I hope it stays that way 💐

If you are reading Nfk, know that we are thinking of you too x

That's Sooooooo frustrating Grammaretto! You've got a voucher too haven't you, I hope that hasn't gone to waste as a result. I'm sorry to hear that another of your old friends has died 💐

I think the GangStars need a group 🤗

Our team lost, again, 1:0, again, Doodle 😕. Me and ixion cheered threw rock cakes to no avail. What a match it was though! Their goalie made a couple of worldy saves 😠. We didn't deserve to lose no I'm not biased .

Cherry by rock cakes do you mean the perfectly baked fairy cakes that ixion made? (Remind me not to go to tea at her house 🤣)
Sorry our team lost. We woz robbed. Glad you enjoyed the match though.
Count me in on a group 🤗

Glad to hear Jan is now in a cute ward, rather than an acute one. That's the spirit, Jan, good that you're eager to improve. You'll get there.

Grammaretto start walking It'll be quicker.

Oh, fizzbuzz, as we used to say at school, our team lost. Perhaps they need Alice B Toklas rock cakes?

Karen is sick again but valiantly said she'd pick up my waiting supermarket order as she needs to go to the nearby pharmacy. She's a good lass.

Here's a cheery picture for everyone.

For you, dear Jan - Flo the house chicken has taken up residence on the carpet. She's a sweetie, and the best nurse you could want. I hope she brings you cheer, and lets you know that we here in Aotearoa are thinking of you. Keep well, and much love. xx