The Lockdown GangSTARS still going

Ooh so exciting Mamissimo!!
I hope you are fit enough to enjoy your adventures.

Same applies to Doodle and the Dude. especially the Dude

Kaimoana has been a superwomen.
And Cherry 4 hour walks!
Are you watching the footie I wonder.
I was force fed all weekend so am quite relieved to be able to not watch.

I had my hair "done" today. Oh dear, he's a lovely guy but always overdoes it.
I was telling him about Hamish, my DS's tortoise who is about to hibernate in the salad tray of the fridge. He thought I was joking.

I wasn't.
Franglais last night so we're opening wine. They are cooking. I shall miss them. It may be French onion soup.

Kaimoana when you mentioned you were feeling perky my mind suddenly went back years to those two puppet characters Pinky and Perky. Do you remember them?
You sound as though you’ve been busy today. Washing, cooking, wrapping presents. You’ve had a full on day. Glad Phil’s tablet is still working.
Mamissimo I did laugh at the thought of you and MrM taking your suitcases for a walk. I hope both cases are properly housetrained and didn’t dash out into the road when you weren’t looking. 😊
Hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy the scenery and northern lights if the skies are clear.

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Oooh, you're off at last Mamissimo (not the milk) you've worked hard to get yourself 'holiday fit', well done. No treading on any ice, you hear?
I'm sure you'll find lifters in Iceland to aid the return journey. Here's to a wonderfully clear Aurora borealis

Yes, Grammaretto the style isn't quite you somehow. Never mind, it'll grow out and at least he didn't incorporate a hibernating tortoise.

My social life is exhausting but interesting at the moment. Tonight yet another AGM at the marae (we go for the excellent dinner served afterwards!)

Then tomorrow it's our elders Christmas Party at another marae.
Te Mahurehure Marae run a professional catering company so it will be first class.

There will be Entertainment, possibly provided by Synchronised Eructation after lunch accompanied by ten 80 year olds on ukuleles.

Meanwhile, I can share with you what is, for me, the best part of Christmas this year. See picture.
She didn't quite understand it all last time.
Now she does.

At my house no tree but I strung some Christmas lights about and unpacked the olive-wood Nativity I bought 57 years ago from SPCK in Bradford. It was made in Bethlehem.

Grammaretto thank you we are doing ok.
Glad you got home safely and had a pleasant evening with your new tenant.
Is your DGSs tortoise really in the fridge 😱. I hope no one mistakes him for a crusty pie.
The Franglaise seem to have been a good help. Not surprised you will miss them. Is anyone else due to come soon?

Crossed posts Kaimoana. My goodness that photo made me jump. Quite scary.
Hope you have a lovely Christmas dinner tomorrow and enjoy the entertainment. I love the photo of Gubbins and the Christmas tree. I bet she likes all the lights.
The nativity set is nice. A touch classier than our church’s knitivity with its flock of sheep 🤣.
Mark now has four legs, body head and tail……but not all in the same place. Time to sew him up tomorrow.

Kaimoana it's good to hear you've been able to do so much puts my efforts to shame, I was worried about you.
Thanks for the picture of Grammaretto channelling her inner punk rocker 🤣. The photo of Gubbins beside the xmas tree is beautiful, it expresses so simply the wonders of xmas through the delight a christmas tree can bring a child. I love it 😍. Btw, I hope you enjoy your Christmas party.

You're clearly going to miss your helpful Franglais couple Grammaretto. I hope you all enjoyed their last evening with you. I know you said, if I recall correctly, that you already knew your new tenant a bit. Now the Franglais have left and your tenant has had a couple of days to settle in I hope you are getting along well with one another and that it's a comfortable arrangement for you both.
Hamish isn't a Galapagos tortoise is he? I hope not, apparently they are were meant to be very tasty and keeping him in the fridge may not be the right place 😬. I see Doodle was similarly worried about his fqte.

How is the Dude Doodle, you too? I hope you've both been able to sleep easily. Oh, Doodle, does the fact that Mark is preparing to be stitched up I know he hasn't exact played ball but does that mean he warrants being fitted up for something mean that we can meet him properly soon? 😀
You know that me and my friends didn't actually walk for four hours don't you? We did include two stops equalling 2 and a half hours... 😁
It's not my finger I have a trapped nerve in, though I can see why you thought that, I wasn't exactly very clear about as clear as mud in fact. I've trapped the nerve in my neck/shoulder and it's having a knock on effect on almost everything I do that needs me to use my arm/hand I feel quite a bit better today though 👍.

Went for another walk with my friends yesterday, we met up in a cafe/bar and intended to walk a planned circuit and end up back where we started. We didn't do that ... can you guess what we might have done 😂

Hello lovely folks,
Your stop at a cafe/bar Cherry reminded me how much I love English pubs, especially country pubs so I wanted to treat the family myself but first I forgot it was winter and second the place they chose had a dress code!
No sports clothing allowed so DGD had to go home and change
So different from my idea of an English pub.
Is your nerve still trapped? I hope not

It will be fun to meet the complete Mark, stitched up or not. How's it going Doodle?

I was told what kind of tortoise Hamish is but I can't remember. I think they are from Spain or Africa. They live about 100 years. He doesn't speak English if that's a clue.

Tomorrow we, the potters, are setting up our Christmas market stall.

The hot drink toddy was lovely tonight Jeeves. You're getting good at this

Well poor old Mark the cat has been in trouble again. I was hoping he’d be finished today . I followed the patterns instructions for sewing up his legs and attaching them to the body but when Id finished he just looked so messy and uneven. I decided drastic steps were needed so I had to get his legs off (to save those of a nervous disposition I won’t describe how I achieved that). He has recovered well and now has three new legs which look much better. One more leg and tail to go then his head. He and I will both be relieved when he’s all in one piece.
Cherry you are so right, that picture of Gubbins and the tree was so lovely.
You certainly will meet Mark when he’s finished. As you’ve all been so supportive of him throughout he will be making a grand entrance when he’s finished.
DH is doing better thanks. Yes we both sleep well thank you.
I put some tinsel in our Amazon shopping basket but didn’t order it as it wasn’t exactly what I wanted. When I was out shopping I found some thin tinsel which I want to use to make some Christmas decorations. I forgot about the Amazon order.
DH (ever helpful) spotted the said item in the basket and ordered it for me…….. Anyone got any ideas what you can do with 20 meters of massive gold and white starry tinsel 😱
There’s me thinking you qualified for a medal for long distance walking 😀. Sorry about your neck. Yes I did think you’d trapped a nerve in your finger. Hope you feel better soon.
Hmmm….walking a circuit….did you get lost or just keep stopping for another coffee and chat? 😀
Grammaretto you must have gone to a very posh pub. I don’t know any round here that have a dress code. Hope you had a good meal though.
Mark is longing to meet you too. He keeps complaining that I am not working fast enough.
He doesn’t speak English 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Poor Hamish. I don’t believe he comes from Spain or Africa. Does he have a Sporran, eat haggis? If he likes living in the fridge he must be used to a cold climate I’m sure he comes from Scotland.
Ooh wish I could see your Christmas market stall. I love a good potter. 🤔
Hope all goes well.
Kaimoana hope the Christmas party went well and you had a good time.

The picture of Gubbins looking at the tree is one to treasure. Gorgeous. Kaimoana

Doodle I fear we may go the same way as that Lady in Waiting if we keep asking where Hamish is from. no grace and favour retirement home for us

Were you a surgeon or a butcher in your former life Doodle? poor Mark

I'm refusing to get stressed about the craft market. Too much of that. Lucky I share the stall with 3 other potters.
have just remembered there is the funeral this morning. Best get going.

It's the first day of Summer here and it's a chilly 14degrees with more wild winds and torrential rain.

I had a marvellous time at the party. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOgyq3opK5k)

As expected the food was superb and once again the kaumatua were all given lots to bring home (it can hardly be described as a doggie bag, so I won't)

Lots of dancing, organised and free style and live music got everyone c'ept me, jivin'.

I took my camera and although I can't see the view, just pointed at the colours and sparkle and hoped.

I came home with 34+ photos, some of which I was going to share with you but although they were clearly there on the app, all but one got lost as they were uploading.

I spent all evening trying to get them back but alas, unsuccessfully.
But it was a very, very happy day and reminded me yet again why I love being a part of such a friendly group of people.

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Hello all. Mark here. Sorry it’s taken so long for me to find you but it’s been a bit of a journey. Head on, head off, new head, legs on, legs off 😲 the only part of me that’s the original is my tail which I quite proud off. Don’t ask what she did with that piece of wire she she shoved in there but it seems to work.
Sorry to dash off but I’m a bit sleepy. Might just have a nap here one the radiator where is warm and cosy 🥱 Bye for now.

Aww, Mark❣️. Our Doodle put you through the mill, you gave her nightmares - no wonder you're feeling sleepy I bet for Doodle it's a relief to reach the finish line It's lovely to meet you and I have to say you're a pretty fine cat 😺. Got there in the end Doodle, it's been a labour of love labour of something and I must say you've done a great job 😊

Are you taking orders for Christmas , Doodle?
Please may I have a red, white and blue stripe one? And my friend in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 might like one in national stripes too?
He is but gorgeous❤️
PS You could now do a family - Mum, Dad and little kitties ?

I love Mark 💕 does he have fan club?
Well done Doodle
I take it all back about being a butcher. You are no such thing.

The funeral was very sad. His DC broke down reading the eulogy. It's strange how little I knew about him. He was a very modest man.

Setting up the craft market was fine but now DD wants to visit on Sunday and I may be busy.
I am glad your celebrations went so well Kaimoana and that Summer has arrived.

No sorry no orders no more cats No more please.
So glad he’s finished. Not perfect but the best I can do.
Not been a good day here today. DH was very poorly this morning and I really wanted to call an ambulance. His breathing was bad and he had a very high temperature. He persuaded me to wait half an hour and things slowly improved. He was very shaky and unsteady on his feet but seemed much better this afternoon. Not sure what caused it but I imagine the chest infection is still there. Did a Covid test which was negative so pleased about that. Had some disappointing news this afternoon which has upset me a bit so feeling a bit miserable tonight. It will pass I hope.
Thank you Cherry Labour is certainly the right word. Hope he looks ok.
ixion you tease. I couldn’t face doing another. The crochet was bad enough but the sewing together was dreadful. Give me a sheep any day. 🤣
Grammaretto sounds like a sad day for you too. Sorry for his loved ones. Glad your market stall is ready. Hope you have lots of visitors and sales. Perhaps your daughter could help you on the stall.
Kaimoana so pleased you had such a good time at the party, so sorry you lost your photo pictures but hope the happiness lives on in your memory. Sounds like a good time was had by all. 😊

Dear Doodle what a sad and scary day for you, not at all what the doctor ordered. I hope things improve soon, on all fronts.
Mark is gorgeous.

Funerals are always sad Grammaretto but that's the price we pay for loving. It's worth it.
Even sadder when no one turns up at all.

We don't have pubs here, well, not like the British style ones, which I miss too, just clubs where drink is imbibed. There is always a dress code though, based on the perceived reputation of the club itself.

It’s been like Piccadilly Circus at my house today: home care, people picking up Xmas gifts and food parcels and multiple phone calls. Good job it’s not a writing day

G'day gang,

No dress code here, thankfully.
How hard for you both Doodle. I hope that scary time has passed and you can both breathe easy again. in both senses
This cold raw weather doesn't help either.

Your summer season is hotting up Kaimoana
Do you sometimes miss the lockdown time? I do.
Now everyone seems to be rushing about, chasing their tails. me included

I have found my diary, which was mislaid, so can now see how many things I am supposed to have done.
Beginning with writing a review for the Franglais. They were so nice.

I hope Mamissimo is seeing the Aurora Borealis and I hope she sends photos!

When I saw them it was midnight in Scotland and I just wanted to stay and stare.

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I don't know about 'hotting up' Grammaretto, I put my electric blanket on last night.

I do hope Mamissimo and DH get to see that skittish beast the Aurora.

Originally the country was called Garðarshólmur, then an unfortunate man named Flóki came to visit and lost not only his daughter but all his cows in the harsh winter.
Grief-stricken he returned to Norway but one of the chaps on his ship told everyone it was a wonderful place, so rich that butter dripped from blades of grass (I think maybe he'd been smoking the stuff).

This began a huge rush to the re-named Iceland by more astute immigrants with no idea of PR.

It's not exactly icy here but this is where I live, in the foothills of the Waitākere Ranges.

Various ideas why it's called Waitākere but one, 'cascading waters' is particularly accurate this week and all last month.

This photo taken by Robin Capper, is from Puketāpapa one of the many volcanoes in the city, looking towards the foothills. Somewhere in the far distance, is my wee hoosie.

I miss certain elements of lockdown Grammaretto for sure. Mainly being able to work in peace, knowing no one is going to drop by. I valued that security.

I typed a long post then DH asked if I could do his eye drops for him. When I got back the message was gone 😡
Kaimoana Mark is preening himself at your compliment. I am now crocheting a snowman/snowball for the Christmas tree. No arms or legs or body just head. What could go wrong……😊
You do sound as though you’ve had a busy day.
I didn’t realise you got so cold in NZ. That photo of the aurora is beautiful. What a lovely place to live.
Grammaretto DH much better today thank you. I’ve been to the chemist for another lorry load of meds so we’re well topped up. I keep shooting DH with my thermometer gun but he’s been fine today. No idea what caused yesterday’s flare up but I’m glad he seems better now.
Tomorrow we are off to hospital for a nerve test (not sure if it’s mine or his they’re testing) might involve sticking pins in him……I hope they realise he’s a bleeder (and I mean that in the nicest possible way 😊)
I agree, it’s strange but there was something calming and peaceful about lockdown.
So pleased you’ve found your diary. Deeds next.
I too found the Northern lights amazing but for me it was the millions of stars that got to me. I have never lived anywhere remote enough to see that many. I couldn’t believe it they were like thousands of snowflakes in the sky.
Let us know how the craft market goes. Hope you sell some things.
Jeeves is on his rounds with hot chocolate tonight with a little medicinal added extra 😉

That must be such a relief Doodle to have DH back to his usual self and you get your nerve tests tomorrow sorry to grin but it does sound funny

I had another attempt to tackle the heme energy loan by making a phonecall. It was going well until I was asked to post one last thing by email.
I got embroiled in converting Pdf to Adobe acrobat so that I could fill in the firm and will never know what happened to my post because by the time it was done, the office was closed until Monday.
For solace, I invited my df for supper, lit a fire, opened the gin, and we settled to watch the Crown 👑
Today's another day!

Thanks to Jeeves I'm dosed up enough to make a brief post. I must have pick up one of the myriad of viruses that are doing the rounds; coughing, sneezing, shivering, aching and not being able to keep awake for long except when the coughing stops me sleeping . I slept for Wales yesterday 🤣

Your friend had a warm send off at his funeral Grammaretto. It's interesting, I think, how we meet and get to know people in life and yet sometimes we can find out so much about them that we didn't know about after they have gone.
I'm pleased you found your diary, deeds next I hope 🤞. I hope your market stall is doing well, I love a good market I wish I could look around 😊 I've got my fingers crossed 🤞 that your form went through as it should.

I'm so pleased your DH is much better after his scary set back. I hope his nervy appointment goes well tomorrow sorry, like Grammaretto it made me laugh too. Seriously, I do hope it does go well.

Is Piccadilly circus quieter today Kaimoana? I hope you've found time to write, I know it's important to you and clearly, as all the gang know, you're good at it 😊

Off to forage for some food for my WP to cook whilst I'm still awake. Hope I stay awake long enough to eat it 😂

just read back ... how on earth did I leave your name out when I was writing about your DH Doodle. I must still be half asleep 🙄. Sorry!

To Doodle, MrD, Gram, Cherry, ixion, Jan, Nfk, Missedout, Mamissimo and everyone I can't quite remember right now

I'm hoping all ills and bugs fly away and you can all enjoy a clear run to Christmas. It's a hassle when you have so much to do and stuff gets in your way.

Cherry I've more or less given up on the writing for now. I can't sit here for long without some little goblin sneaking up on me and sticking knives in my hip and back.

I'm hoping in the New Year things will be better as I really want to finish "It's Funny Being Old" even if no one wants to publish it. For me, the writing itself is the joy.

A full week coming up: Coffee with the elders on Monday, plus home care and fresh veg pickup. Tuesday the BLV Xmas lunch; Wednesday the hospital to be poked in the eye with a sharp stick (not as bad as the goblins); Thursday is event free so recovering from the eye jab; Friday is DDil birthday and homecare; Saturday a Kawe Mate (memorial service) at the Marae for all those lost to us during Covid.

On Sunday, like the Almighty, I plan to rest but there is so much prep for his son's birthday that I probably won't manage much.

And I may not get back here to keep you informed of how the busy week went.
But I will be thinking about you all.


Stay happy

Your week ahead is making me tired Kaimoana
Please be gentle with yourself.
I would love to read your book.

I have just heard that DMiL has covid. The doc is going to call and assess whether she has to go to hospital. I am very sad. She has avoided it for so long and at 97 she is extra vulnerable.

Otherwise the day has been ok. I gave a tour of my garden to show the holy well to a couple of women and met my new lodger there too. They were all interested in the history.
The craft market was fine and not too busy but busy enough.
I am sorry you are feeling rough Cherry. Could it also be covid?
I'll send Jeeves round as soon as he's finished here. with medicine.

Grammaretto you do sound cosy with your fire lit and the gin with a good friend for company. I hope you find out that your application has been accepted.
Sorry to hear about your DMIL I know you are close. Hopefully it won’t be a bad bout.
Glad the craft market is going well. Hope you make some sales.
Oh poor Cherry I’m sorry to hear you aren’t well. Sounds like you have some of the same symptoms as DH. Both my DILs have had bad coughs and colds so there is something going around. S’ok Cherry I knew who you meant. I will tell you all about the nervy thing at the end.
I will make sure Jeeves is on standby tonight with plenty of hot drinks and kind words. Hope you feel better soon.
Kaimoana I would love to read your book, just from the title alone. Wow what a full on week you’ve got. Please don’t overdo it though. Sorry those pains are still causing you to have trouble on the computer. Hope your poke in the eye isn’t too painful.

So back to DH and the nervy thing. First thing the Consultant asked was did he have pins and needles in his legs. DH replied no, at which point the Consultant started sticking needles in him 😱. Actually it wasn’t as bad as it sounds and DH said it didn’t hurt at all.
He was being tested to see if he had a problem with his nerve connections in his legs. The outcome is …..yet another diagnosis to add to the long list. Peripheral neuropathy. Apparently that is what is causing his balance issues and him being more prone to falling over. DH is quite pleased in a way to know why. Now we wait for the geriatric dept to let us know what if anything they can do to help.
Interesting to watch the testing. DHs legs when attached to the machine we’re moving whenever a pulse was pushed through them quite out of his control. Bit like bionic man which, incidentally, is what our last Gp used to call him. 🤣
Have a good weekend all.