The Lockdown GangSTARS still going

Grammaretto you are coming along wonderfully with the Gaelic - well done

"They were about to embark on a hillwalk in worsening and darkening icy weather."

Good grief! How many times have we heard Mountain and Fell Rescue Teams warn against this sort of foolishness? Putting those youngsters at risk was utter folly.

In my part of NZ it has dawned a bright, dry and sunny 16 degrees but with the promise it'll reach 22.

I'm hoping to have my poor painful feet done today. I had an appointment before Christmas and the nails were like talons even then.
My tussle with Covid intervened and today is the first day they are back at the clinic.

Cherry I vividly remember that escapade of yours. We took it all so seriously in those days, didn't we?

I am missing the morning hug and, ‘Did you sleep well, Gramlyn?’

Kaimoana you are right about the scammers but sometimes the text ones catch you unawares. The first one we had was from Royal Mail telling us our delivery was scheduled later for that day and to click in the link for tracking. Authentic in every way and we did have something on order being delivered by Royal Mail. I almost clicked on it until I realised the item had been delivered that morning. I did wonder if someone on the inside was involved in that how did they know we were due a delivery. Anyway I reported it and it was a scam.
Glad you had a good time with DGS. Nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread,
I hasten to add DHs marmalade come with whisky as bought…….I doubt there’s much in the teaspoon he has with his toast. I haven’t seen him rolling drunkenly from the breakfast table.,……. Or have I 🤣.
Oh dear. DH has just informed me his tooth has fallen out. I think a trip to the dentist is in the cards tomorrow.
Grammaretto I too think you should fight for your loan. It’s not fair they keep mucking you about.
Oh the Gaelic cafe sound fun. Yes please brownie over here and DH will have the Earl Grey.
DH and I once went to a community cinema in Switzerland to see a film of the building of the Jungfrau railway. The guy narrating was the photographer who asked if anyone in the audience didn’t speak German. Two sad little English folk raised their hands. We were the only non locals in the cinema. The kindly photographer did his whole dialogue in both German and English for us. It was a fantastic evening even if somewhat embarrassing for us. Hope you have a good time tonight.
Ooh Cherry that really made me laugh. Funny seeing those old posts. I had to laugh at mine thinking for one minute that we would be able to see our carpet in he study after lockdown. So many years later and it’s still covered in DHs paperwork and folders etc.
So glad you twisted my arm suggested I start this thread. Think of all the lovely friends we would have missed if I hadn’t. 😊

An early hello from me.
I must get up and prepare for the walk today.
Over trousers, walking poles and picnic!

I've taken your advice Doodle and written to my MP about the lack of loan.

I'm not holding my breath 😂

Thanks for those early posts Cherry what an age ago that seems now. Are we older and wiser? It reminds me what a wonderful support group this has been.
Thank you ❤️

Well, I had a reply from the MP! He his secretary has said they have written to the company and will let me know when they get a reply.
Result!
Very icy on our walk today and there was a nasty incident.
As I was cautiously planning my next step, a female cyclist rode up behind me ringing her bell. I turned as if to say "slow down. I cannot move out of your way. This is treacherous"
Too late. She braked and crashed off her bike.
She didn't seem injured and was more concerned about damage to her bike.
A bit later one of our group slipped and fell.
It was minus 11 degrees centigrade.

What news on your DHs tooth Doodle, that poor man has so much to deal with right now. Good that he has the lovely you to support him.

Scams: Because I use a PC , I can hover the mouse pointer on any e-mail address and it pops up, so spotting a scam is comparatively easy.

For instance, I'm guessing a genuine Royal Mail might be, "[email protected]" but if it's a scam, the address will be something like, "[email protected]”
I'm not sure how you would do this with one of the swipe-type devices.
The majority of scams are automated now with little or no human intervention once the program is in place.

How wonderful that your MP did something quickly Grammaretto at least that will tell the loan company you have big guns at the ready. The CAB person sounded excellent as well.
Silly cyclist, I hope she takes the near miss as a warning, next time she may not be so lucky.

Yesterday was a case of 'best laid plans'.
As usual on Mondays, I had so many: grocery collection, fresh vegetables/fruit to buy, library book return, podiatrist appointment and a hair cut.
Of course ALL these are totally dependent on my having home care - which didn't turn up.

Grocery pickup and feet were time dependent so I wasn't looking forward to cancelling and being charged for both as a 'no show'.

But it worked out eventually with vegies, hair and library being cancelled and food and feet just delayed.

I shouldn't get so anxious when this sort of thing happens but I'm not yet relaxed about the 'aft gang a-gley' bit, especially last minute glitches, so I was awake until 2am trying to calm down, lecturing myself for being so foolish.

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The Old Birdfeeder.

Eventually we had about 30 gathered round us, all tame enough to take food from our hands. Ducks have no manners and are not gentle when snatching food.

But this old duck likes to see them.

Grammaretto I trust you mentioned in your letter to the MP that you are a founder member of the Lockdown Gang and if he doesn’t come up trumps he risks the wrath of the gang as far away as NZ too. Good news he is contacting the company concerned . Hope that puts a rocket under them.
Was it another U3A walk today? I hate it when people creep up (or cycle up) behind me when I’m walking. It’s always such a shock when they suddenly appear. Glad the cyclist didn’t knock you over. It’s obviously very icy. Hope your walking pal who fell was ok.
It’s been bitter here down south today so no walking for us…….or was there…….to be continued.
Kaimoana DHs tooth turns out to be a crown complete with screw. We have an appointment at the end of the month to have it fixed. He’s not in any pain so that’s good.
Such a shame when you are reliant on the home care for help and it doesn’t materialise. Glad you managed to sort out most of it without being charged.
I love your photos. Living by the river we have lots of ducks. I find them so funny. Their little antics when they show off or chase each other to get some tasty morsel.

Well news about our going for a walk. Our treadmill arrived today. Very unexpected as it’s not due for another 2 weeks.
Seems quite substantial but compact. Couldn’t get it to work to start with (ok so I just assumed the remote control would come with batteries) . Even at its slowest speed it took some getting used to. We have both had a little go each but need to work out how to fix the handle securely before we have a proper go. The instruction leaflet seemed very short of …instructions. I have emailed the company.
We have placed it by the window. Not sure what the neighbours will think if they see us gradually gliding past whilst walking on the spot. 🤣🤢

I should have had you proofread the letter Doodle but you would have been on your new toy treadmill much more fun.

Feeding the ducks looks like great fun Kaimoana and the sunshine looks so lovely.

I've been on a zoom meeting all evening so definitely deserve hot chocolate don't I
What's everyone else wanting?.

Double shot of chocolate with marshmallows and cocoa dusting for me please Grammaretto. Got any cake 🍰?

I shall have to settle for cocoa without sugar as when dgs was here, I was weak-willed and fell for biscuits and orange chocolate.

I was going to buy a lettuce on the way home this morning but the cheapest is $6 = £3+, same for most veg, huge price rises every single week.

Eggs are now $18 = £9 if they are available at all.

The excuse? On Jan 1st., NZ banned battery eggs but producers were warned in 2012 that this would happen, so that excuse is lame.

Were lettuce and cauliflower battery farmed as well?

It's no wonder desperate people are now stealing food. how do families manage?

And where's Wat Tyler when you need him?

Hello Everyone. Yes I’m still here and struggling but not as much as before! The good news is that I’m now walking around the house with a stick! I’m a bit wobbly and slow at times but at least it’s progress of sorts. I’m still so tired it’s unbelievable- I even wake up feeling tired! Apparently it’s normal after a stroke and it’s the brain rewiring itself! Personally I think my brain is making a very bad job of rewiring otherwise it would have sorted my very useless arm and leg by now! The NHS Physios have been amazing. Can’t fault them at all. I get physio twice a week and an occupational therapist on another day. After physio this morning I was shattered- nothing new there! - but she did make me work hard.
Mamissimo your poor daughter. What a terrible experience. Hope she decides to accept your offer of help.
Doodle your poor DH does seem to have so many problems. I’ve probably missed the news but has he had the result of his headscan? And a treadmill? Think they are good as long as you’ve got something to watch while you’re pounding away otherwise it could get very boring. But by the sound of it you can watch whatever is going on in your road although it’s probably not very interesting!
Kaimoana2 Hope you are having a great time with your visitors. We have lots of ducks around here. Trouble is they have no Road sense and the mums will cheerfully March across the roads with 10 or more babies following behind! The Parish Council have put up signs saying Slow - ducks crossing - and there were much fewer fatalities last spring and summer. Just hope it continues this year.
Hello Gramaretto oh dear sorry to hear about your dodgy hip. My DH had a hip replacement several years ago and it’s lasting well - touch wood! Mind you he did his exercises every day and forced himself to walk each day too. He is very determined and is now my second in command physio! Insists I do my exercises on non physio days and barks instructions at me! Bless him.
I read Panaches message which was sad. Bless her. Hope she will be more upbeat now
And CherryCezzy. Sorry to hear you too have been poorly. Think it’s our age. Not much fun in getting old but as my daughter says “the alternative is not very good!
To all of you and especially those I’ve missed out hope you are all enjoying life as best you can and Mamissimo meant to say how sorry I am to hear Honey beagle is poorly. Hope she’s feeling a bit better. Our pets break our hearts at the end don’t they?

Good evening 🙂

Jan I'm so pleased that you're seeing the fruits of your labours - and I bet your DF is too 😁 he sounds remarkable!

H Beagle is stable at the moment and has settled well on her gourmet home cooked diet. I am unstable however because she picks any vegetable morsel out and puts it on the floor in front of the door to the downstairs loo. We have underfloor heating and walk around in bare feet or socks......now with added peas and carrots.....

DD2 is so anxious it's heartbreaking. She's seeing a PTSD specialist at the end of the week and hopefully will begin the journey towards understanding and coping with her experience in time to enjoy some of her pregnancy. She has her 12 week scan coming up in a couple of weeks and will be off the monster hormone jabs. I can't help feeling that they aren't helping her mental state - some described the IBF hormone infections as being like having PMT extra continuously. Can't be helping!

Doodle do be careful on your treadmill- I've heard that they're hard to get off...... Have you ever seen the donkey wheel at Carisbrook Castle on the the Isle of Wight? I imagine a treadmill is about as much fun......can you connect it to the grid so that you don't have to walk?

Hope your evenings contain chocolate.......

Are we older and wiser? I'm not sure I can give a definitive answer to wiser Grammaretto (but maybe I'm just answering for myself) 😉, older on the other hand ... we're all time travellers going in one linear direction ➡️ but I'm fine with that.

What I'm not fine with is crumbling teeth, is that an age thing which is definitely a thing as I'm getting older and stopped wearing my gum shield at night. I should never have followed modern medical advise contrary what I instinctively believed. I keep thinking of the Pam Ayres poem, I can't happily do this 😁 any longer (and definitely shouldn't do this 😬 because they may all fall out) 🤭. I have a dental appointment on Thursday .... I may or may not return home with any many teeth left. Oh, what a moaning Minnie I've become of late, sorry. I'm pleased that your DH hasn't returned from his visit to the dentist in pain Doodle.

Definitely a wise decision to get your MP on the case of loan company Grammaretto and what a quick response from him too. Now I hope they do the decent thing and stop messing you about!
I hope the lady who fell on your U3A walk didn't hurt herself, you didn't say so I'm assuming she's okay 🤞.

Yes Kaimoana where indeed is Wat Tyler? Too many singular causes today do you think? Mind you, the way things are going in the UK with the Crime & Policing Bill any uprising would be thwarted before it had any chance to take hold!
Shocking prices for eggs! They're being rationed in Wales at the moment but when they can be gotten hold of they're not costing that much!
Are all your deliveries and appointments that you had to cancel or delay rearranged now?

You have a treadmill Doodle! They always remind me of flat escalators but instead of riding gently to your destination my mother was scared of them though you have no choice but to move quicker than they do 🤣. Doesn't surprise me about the instruction leaflet, a present I bought for my WP last year came with a large instruction booklet ... only one sentence was in English and none in Welsh, not that that would have helped him .

Jan, it's so good to hear that you are making progress 😊. It really is the best of news. Oh, and your DH ... he's a keeper !
It's understandable that you're tired and yes it's normal after a stroke. You are working hard despite that though, you are amazing, don't forget that 💐

Evening all. What a day. Been battling with setting up the new treadmill (it may have to go back). The handle wobbles and there seems a way of fixing it but it’s too stiff to move. No reply to my email yet. Also even at its slowest speed DH is struggling. From what I’ve read it will be good exercise for his legs and ankles but obviously not if he shoots off out of the window.
Kaimoana I love orange chocolate but I like the bitter dark stuff with orange peel inside. Those food prices are high. I can buy 12 eggs for £4.75 and a lettuce for 90p.
I can understand a bit about the eggs but vegetables in a country where they grow so well seems nonsensical.
Jan that is such good news thank you for letting us know.
Wonderful you are walking again albeit with a stick. Not surprised you are tired but all that physical effort must be helping though. Your DH is a star. Your own personal fitness coach.
Thank you for thinking of DH. No not got the results from the brain scan yet. I phoned today to chase the assessment unit so hope to hear from them soon.
Please take care and hope the improvement continues.
Mamissimo that made me laugh. The thought of you with squashed peas between your toes. Honey beagle is probably thinking I can’t understand why mum hasn’t cottoned on yet.
Your poor DD. She’s certainly going through it. Do hope she is progressing well though. An anxious time for you all. The injections sound awful. Good they will be finished soon.
Love the photo. I think the treadmill might be more successful if I got DH to ride on the donkey.
Cherry your poor teeth. I don’t have many of my own (actually not sure I have any original teeth left) mine are all crowns, bridges, filled or out.
We went for a week or two before Christmas with shortage of eggs but shelves seem stocked now. Can’t believe you are being rationed. I could send you some from here but only if you like them scrambled.
Hope you and your WP are looking after yourselves too.

I was making our breakfast for tomorrow, oats soaked overnight in yoghurt, when I realised the plastic container I keep the oats in was nearly empty. Got another packet out of the cupboard and opened it ready to pour the contents into the plastic container when I dropped the box……😱. The open box hit the floor and the kitchen I were covered in oat confetti. Oh joy 😳
Have a good night all.

Rejoice, rejoice! How well you’re doing Jan and every day an improvement. I’m so happy to read your news. Keep going, it can only get better.

Cherry you and me both, the Moaning Minnies but not without reason as I too am going through a negative trough but really I should look for the positives.

Today that list has been completed: library visited and my hair was cut yesterday, in a strangely mediaeval style, despite the fact I took a pic of me before Covid with short hair to give him an idea.
I’ll get used to it eventually.

*The positives*: homecare admin actually sent someone to fill in at the last minute to do grocery and feet appointments.
Fings is lookin’ up.

Also I am 76 in a few days and I’ve only lost 2 teeth (except impacted wisdoms removed, which explains why I’m unwise; no crowns, some fillings but good, strong gnashers. My son tells me it’s genetic.
He didn’t even have a filling until well into his 30’s.

Eggs and here’s where I descend into the realms of Cons-piracy Theory.
There is a world-wide shortage of eggs according to the media. So NZ going non-battery can have nothing to do with it and the co-ordinated storage of eggs (like the butter mountains and wine lakes) guarantees exorbitant prices when they are eventually released. Just another singular marketing ploy as Cherry has pointed out.

I should not laugh and indeed I’m sorry I did so as I am very fond of your brave DH but dear Doodle the idea of him flying out of the window like Peter Pan, made me giggle.

The answer to the ever-rising prices and why they are charged when there isn’t a shortage and the produce is local is partly because ‘they’ know they can get away with it as we are all reliant on the retailers.

Growers and producers are fighting increases, as fertilizers and transport costs rocket but it's the supermarkets who push up the end-user price, so their shareholders benefit.

I hope the birds got the spilled oats.

Peas Between the Toes sounds like one of those excellent self-sufficiency books doesn’t it?

I hope Honey Beagle is still enjoying life – who wouldn’t on gourmet dinners?

Out of respect form Grammaretto I won't tell you what I had for lunch but it was delicious.

♩ ♪ Tofu for tea.... and T for tofu ♬

Anyone heard how Nfk and Missedout are?

Mornin' all,

Mamissimo Honey Beagle depositing veg to share with her people is the best image today. She knows how much you like your veg.
I hope DD2 anxiety settles down once she's past that scan day.

Doodle I am full of sympathy for the Dude. Send back the treadmill.
The walker who fell was probably bruised but she got up and continued.
I am impressed with my MP his office . He has had a reply and they are looking into my case and will let HIM know within the next few days. Hmm.
DMiL used her new stairlift to be taken to the podiatrist yesterday. She said it will take getting used to. It goes round a bend.
I must see it.

Jan you are doing so well. An inspiration!
Great that DH is supportive and encouraging.

Cherry and Kaimoana you are allowed to grumble. Especially to us Lobstars.
You have had plenty to deal with.
I can't believe the cost of eggs in NZ!
I must ask how DS is coping.
I haven't heard from NFKs or Missedout
Perhaps they read this. I hope they are too busy to post

Wednesday 19th is International Winnie the Pooh Day.

And is there hunny still for tea?

Yes Kaimoana, you're right, it is Winnie the Pooh day today (courtesy of A A Milne's birthday 18th January). I'll celebrate, as long as I don't have to climb a tree as I'll only need rescueing again do any of the lobStars actually own a poncho 😉

I'm pleased that your homecare did provide you with a helper in the end Kaimoana and that you've managed to get everything on your list sorted 😊.
Ooh, you're lucky to have a such good teeth, though I doubt it's just luck - you've obviously looked after them. A lot of my problem I think is down to the fact that I chomp away during seizures and during sleep 🙄

Have you managed to sort out the handle on the treadmill Doodle or have you concluded that it has to go back from whence it came? Shooting out of the window is not really the goal is it (🙃). Sorry but I did laugh at your oat confetti, your choice of the phrase I think. It's so annoying when something like that happens! I nearly, but fortunately didn't, have a worktop (and possibly floor) covered in sugar earlier today. How I reacted so quickly to avoid it I don't know normally I'm so clumsy I'm not likely to be so lucky ever again 🤷.

Thanks for being so understanding Grammaretto, I could hug you for that but because I'm me who else would I be I send you a cwtch instead.

Kaimoana medieval style haircut, is it like this? Bit posh for day to day. 😊
Thank goodness you’ve had hell and got your shopping and feet done. Don’t like to think of you with an empty fridge.
You have good teeth. My younger son does too. In his 40s and I don’t think he’s had a filling. Used to drink pints of milk every day until he moved on to pints of beer instead 😊
We’ve noticed subtle price increases too. Things like Waitrose chicken dishes 2 for £7.50 now 2 for £8. Also notices the contents of packets getting smaller. Just small increases over everything but it all adds up when you come to pay the bill.
I’ve never had Tofu anything. What does it taste of?
Grammaretto I’m so pleased your loan case is being investigated. Hopefully the fact they will report back to him means they shouldn’t muck you about anymore. Keeping everything crossed.
My dear SIL had a stair lift. Said she felt like royalty gradually rising up the staircase with her evening nightcap in her hand.
(Nightcap as in hot drink not the sort you put on your head)
Like you I would love to know how the rest of the gang are getting on.
Kaimoana I love Winnie the Pooh. Always reminds me of our dear friend with the Tigger tail 🐯
Well I typed that without looking at the next post and who should it be but the lovely lady herself. Hello Cherry
My dentist wondered if I grind my teeth during sleep as that could bring about the tinnitus I suffer from. However, she doesn’t think I do, they are just very poor teeth 😳
Still no reply from the company about the handle. I’ll give it a day or two but as you say, it may have to go back.
We went out into town today so DH hasn’t used it as his legs were so tired anyway. We will have another go tomorrow.
Ooh sugar would have been bad. So difficult to clean up. At least the oats were able to be sucked up by the vacuum. The worst one we had was a glass bottle of orange juice which I dropped in the kitchen floor one night about 10pm. We had a tiled floor and the glass shattered into minute fragments and went everywhere. Also being orange juice it was sticky. Our sons we both little at the time and I was so afraid of them cutting themselves we spent hours trying to get up each little bit.
I went to church this morning. Lovely service but it was so cold outside. We all sat round after clutching our coffee cups and trying to get our hands warm.

Kaimoana I hope you haven’t had hell but had the help you needed 😊

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I'm lucky with me teefs, especially as I have problems with Bruxism when I'm anxious when am I not?

No hell here today Doodle

Tofu is bland so, like rice, is best served with something tasty. I had firm tofu, dried it with kitchen paper, sliced it and sprinkled it liberally with cornflour on both sides, which crisps the outside if you fry it. Then I sprayed a pan with oil, added garlic and fried it.
Threw mixed vegetables, balsamic vinegar and ABC soy (naughty ) into the wok, with half a cup of Vegeta Gourmet stock, cooked for 2-3 mins and - voila! Un repas parfait

Your price rises don’t sound too bad. Here, in far too many cases they can and do, double in days.
I don’t think there’s a single item on my regular list which hasn’t increased by a dollar or more and will again.

Alas no, my hairstyle is not so glamorous. The old cobwebs grew very long, below my shoulder blades but so thin that the whole of it was no greater than thumb-thickness and broke continually.
So - off with her hair!

I do hope you get a full refund on your treadmill Doodle. I wondered if perhaps one of those pedal thingys might work? It exercises the legs but you’re safely sitting.
Of course you may have tried that too.
Perhaps your DH could lay on his back on the bed with his legs in the air, like we used to in gym and ‘bicycle’ like mad?


Sorry I typed the wrong date for Winnie Day - fat fingers.

I have a friend with a stair lift which goes round corners and it’s such fun to ride on Grammaretto, like being at the fair.

A lovely thing happened today. A Russian penfriend of 27 years (she is 56) wrote to tell me she's had 40 stories, 2 books and now her first children's book published.
I was so very pleased for her success. She left Russia when the Soviet state fell and it took a long time for her to not live in fear.

She also has a new grand-daughter.

I was in shock today and almost fainted!
It was good shock. The loan came through at long last.
Obviously a coincidence that the MP had intervened. I have paid my debts .

How lovely to be in touch with your Russian penpal Kaimoana and she's a published author like you.

I was celebrating with a glass of red wine and spilled it on the carpet. Salt? Water? What's the antidote? I've tried all 3.
Not as bad as your glass orange juice breakage Doodle.
My worst was being 8 months pregnant, DH sick in bed with flu , I was bringing the shopping up in the lift to our top floor flat and the bag broke. A bottle of ribena broke in the lift. It was rush hour so each time the lift stopped long enough for me to wash the very sticky floor, someone would press the button!
It's funny now but wasn't then.

Have you made a decision re the treadmill?

Kaimoana the treadmill might be staying! I had a brainwave this afternoon and tied the handle on the treadmill to our dining table. Our table is solid and so heavy neither DH or I can lift it therefore it’s quite stable to use to support Dh on the treadmill. Works a treat. He feels much safer holding onto the handle and has been on it three times today. Even increasing the speed from one to three at one point. He’s very shuffly and doesn’t pick his feet up much but that’s part of the condition. Hope fully practice might mean his muscles get stronger.
Whilst I’m sure your meal was tasty, I think I’ll stick to my chicken. 😊
Your friend must be so pleased by her success and a lovely new granddaughter. Any news on when your book will be available?
I’m sure you look lovely whatever your hair is like. Mine looks a bit odd at the moment. I think the hairdresser cut my fringe too short. I’ve tried stretching it but to no avail. Like yours, it will grow. 😊
Grammaretto that’s great news. What a relief. You must be so pleased. Well done MP (shame they just couldn’t have sorted it out without the extra pressure.
Like you we’ve had accidents with red wine. Soak it up as quickly as possible and then soak in plain water and use a white towel to mop up is what I’ve been told. Still left a mark on our carpet…….I’ve put a rug over it 🤣
Oh your story of the Ribena made me laugh. I can just visualise you trying to clean the floor in between passengers.
DH has just had another 5 mins on the treadmill. He was saying he was surprised what a difference it made to his confidence and balance by holding onto something that was so solid. Mind you, we both have to be careful when we get off it as it makes your legs go wobbly.
We had a phone call from our bank this morning saying DHs credit card number had been used on three transactions in America (?) fortunately, the bank was on the ball all blocked them. The card has been cancelled and a new one will be issued.

Great news Grammaretto - you'll certainly sleep better now your debts are paid.

And you now know your MP scares the living daylights out of recalcitrant companies carries a big stick for any future issues.

Doodle You are a woman in a million and your price is above rubies. Thank goodness you thought of that solution as it seems to have got your dear DH raring to go.

I have no exciting news today, it's just an ordinary Friday with the excellent Mepa putting all in order.

I'm never aware my carpet looks a wreck but somehow, after it's been vacced, the whole room seems neater!

It's so hot today that I was able to get two lots of laundry ( 2 sets of bedding plus garments) dry in record time. And that's the most exciting thing in my life right now.

The book is scheduled to come out in September Doodle they like to catch the Christmas market.

The day we spoke about Maureen Lipman, I did a library search and came up with a radio programme on CD called 'To Hull and Back' in which she stars.

It's beautifully written and acted, extremely funny but heartbreakingly poignant as it's true of so many people who struggle to improve their lives but don't have the luck and get nowhere.

Listening to it is a mixed pleasure-pain experience as I feel incredibly sorry for them.
Swap Hull for Bradford and it could be me - only I did have luck.

Jeeves brought me a delicious drink this afternoon. You can either call it a creamy chocolate milkshake or cold cocoa with a dollop of ice cream, depending on how much you value marketing!

Sending love and healthy vibes to all our Gangstars

Good morning 🙂

What is it about hairdressers and fringes? Mine asked about the fringe length I wanted and laughingly said.....not too short then or you'll look like that bloke from Slade or an art student.....yup...I currently look like the bloke from Slade!

All is well in our tribe and Kaimoana wins a prize for saying that the DH of DD2 will get another job.....he's done it! It's actually really good news because he will get his redundancy payoff and start the new job straight away so they can bank the payoff. It's brought a smile to all of us.

MPs are jolly useful people when you have a genuine gripe with another government department. Mine rose to the occasion with aplomb when my hospital wanted to withdraw an amazing drug for my condition. In 24 hrs he had it sorted before I had to resort to my other proposed tactic of standing naked on the hospital steps when the PM came to visit during the election run up 🤣

This weekend we are helping DS and his partner to assemble two IKEA wardrobe with fancy pants insides......in a room that's too small to build them flat on the floor......shall I film it?