The Lockdown GangSTARS still going

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Good Evening Lockdown Gang

Earlier today I was thinking back to the Gang's inception and vaguely recalled my first post so I thought I'd take a look to remind me ....

... and of a few more posts 😆

Hello Lobstars,

Thanks Cherry for being so kind and compassionate even when you feel rotten.
I really hope you get better soon.

You are right ofcourse Kaimoana I should not let them get away with such poor service.
I may go back to CAB and let them intercede.
Before when she (CAB volunteer) tried calling the company, she sounded so direct and business like. It still didn't make things happen.

I hate the scam calls Doodle and wish the perpetrators were treated like the criminals they are.
It's the victims who are told to watch out when it ought to be the pests who prey on us all.

The Gaelic café was nice to exchange our learning journeys but a bit chaotic.
I took the orders in Gaelic, translated them to English and wrote them on the pad but still the Gaelic speaking waitress arrived with things nobody had ordered I had a pot of earl grey tea and a brownie I hadn't ordered. Was it yours?

On the bus back from Edinburgh a large party of Argentinian teenagers got on. I know because their teacher sat beside me. They were about to embark on a hillwalk in worsening and darkening icy weather.
I hope they survived.
In Patagonia, it is currently 45°C and I was shown photos, by the teacher, of her family trying to keep cool!
What is NZ like now?

The lost king is being shown at our community cinema tonight and my df is coming out to watch it. It's the story of finding Richard 111 in a Leicester carpark.

We have to get through January somehow.

So sorry to hear you are down in the dumps Cherry that's sad news indeed. I do hope something good comes along to help you be our Cheery Cherry again.

You're right about the scammers Doodle they are getting smarter but my son told me if I am in any doubt, just go directly to the website in question (Royal Mail, M&S, Amazon etc) and never click on the scammers link.
You'd think everyone would be aware of this by now but many are still fooled.

It makes me laugh when they purport to be your bank and yet include spelling mistakes and broken English.

Poor you Grammaretto but please don't let the world walk all over you. Quite often people will be sold substandard (or even faulty) goods on the very premise that the buyer can't be bothered, or dare not, take it back. Or delays like yours happen for much the same reason.
If we don't fight back, politely of course but with determination and repeatedly we support a culture of of substandard services as if t'were normal.

muse exciting news about your wee palace, I hope you get the sign-off soon.

All's quiet on this western front - dgs has gone.
Amazingly he wanted to make bread so we did and he's very proudly taken a beautiful loaf home.

How did we enhance marmalade? This actually applies to most jams and spreads.

It began for us decades ago when I could only afford el cheapo stuff, so with a grated (now a proper zester) and the juice from an orange, made it into an approximation of posh stuff .

Simmer the zest, or strips of citrus rind in the juice for a few minutes until soft, then add the contents of the jar, stir well, simmer again 2-3 mins and put it all back into the clean, warmed jar. You may need a half tsp gelatine if you are adding half a cup of juice.

You can do this with any soft fruit: raspberries, strawberies, apricots etc. and a compatible jam.


It never occurred to me to add whisky because I don't like it but I do have a miniature Cointreau from Christmas.

But do I really want to be banjaxed at breakfast?

Kaimoana if DH came home with glasses like that id think he was turning into Dame Edna Everidge 🤣
Sounds like you are having your usual fun time with your DGS.
How do you enhance marmalade then (dh has marmalade with whisky in it )
Grammaretto is there really no news of that loan. What are they playing at. Good you managed your collection without needing your handbag. As you say so easy to spend money these days.
I love the ease of paying without using cheques or real money but have to watch out for scams. So easy to get conned. We’ve had several phone attempts to get us to follow links purporting to be from Royal Mail, DPS and even HMRC. These con people are so clever in their ways.
Is the Gaelic Cafe your community shop? Are you still doing your barista duties?
Hello Cherry. Something about January that brings lots of people down. My neighbour was saying the same the other day. Just said she couldn’t raise the enthusiasm for doing anything much.
Hope you enjoyed your walkie talkie (did you have a tin can each connected by a piece of string? 🤣)
You are right about the fresh air and exercise plus chatting with friends being good for us. Glad you enjoyed yourself.
We had a visit from my nephew this afternoon . Not seen him since before lockdown. It was lovely to catch up on news of his family and various members of his menagerie.
After he left it was about 5pm and dark outside but DH and I felt we would benefit from a little walk so we just went for a quick stroll. Don’t usually go when it’s dark but it was good to get out.
DH got the fidgets early tonight so he’s been working on the computer trying to distract himself.
Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Afternoon gangStars

Definitely one with a touch of the January blues here Grammaretto , 'tis one of the reasons I haven't posted for a while. In the scheme of things no real reason for it either. True, I had a chest infection and that urticaria (which came back as soon as I came off the antihistamines) and I've had (still lingering) gastroenteritis but otherwise no reason just feeling sorry for myself. Yesterday I stirred myself enough to go on a walk and talk, a walkie talkie if you like, with a couple of friends though and that has helped my mood a bit. It's true what they say, fresh air, exercise and good company does you good 🙂
I'm sorry to hear that you may have to wait two years before you get your new hip and that it's stopping you using your favourite pottery wheel. I sincerely hope that it turns out that you don't have to wait that long.
Doodle your vision of Grammaretto riding her pottery wheel around her studio is shocking 😱 and funny 🤣.

Kaimoana you and your dgs' are obviously having a lovely weekend together again, he clearly loves spending time with his much loved grandma and vice versa 😊. You have a special relationship I think.

Thank you for sharing your message from Panache Doodle. She's clearly had a rough ride recently but she's one of life's warriors that's for sure. If you're reading our gang's thread Panache never forget that you are one of our gang and I hope that Spring affords you that eternal and delivers you Springlike reinvigoration 💐

Doodle, have you thought about teaching assertiveness classes 😃? Well done for standing up to the salesman (after all that's what he is) in the optician's 👍. I'm pleased that your DH will get the suitable glasses he wants 😊

Lovely to hear from you Muse and that you are settling into your wonderful new home. I hope it's not long now before it gets it's complete signing off and you can fully relax and completely enjoy 😊

Good on ya Doodle!!
Well done for not being fobbed off.
I need some one to fight my corner.
I'm still waiting to be approved for that loan. People tell me I should go to my MP to complain but I lose heart. If it was for someone else now, I could be a tigress with my cubs but it's hard when you are on your own .

I set out on a long bus trip to click and collect (something in a sale) and realised I had left my bag behind. Luckily all the details were on my phone and I even discovered I didn't need any money or even a bank card as I could use online banking. It's very easy to spend money isn't it!

I am supposed to be serving at the Gaelic café this afternoon.
Opportunity for all kinds of disasters!

Looking forward to seeing the ducks Kaimoana were you feeding them by any chance?

YAY! Let's hear it for bossy caring wives who fight their DH's corner so he gets what he wants and needs!
Well done dear Doodle
I've had glasses since I was 12 years old and fashions have changed greatly over that time. I have worn big round frames, rectangular, John Lennon style frames and much in between and it is my belief that whoever grinds the lenses to suit each individual need can fit them into any frame you want.
The person being bossy, and inaccurate, was the control freak in the opticians.

When dgs is here, we have proper meals Doodle not little snack as I tend to live on, so I’ve just prepared a lovely big stir fry for tea which dgs had with chicken and 2 minutes noodles and I had just by itself.

Today we’ve been enhancing marmalade
Dgs found a cave!
We also played a 'Guess the phobia' game which was great fun.

We were also mobbed by a gang of ducks - photo tomorrow I hope.

Kaimoana Funny you mentioning titanium. DH wanted titanium frames for his new glasses as they are so much lighter than others.
He picked a frame he liked and he went for fitting but the lady dealing with him had a problem with the computer and called in a male college. Male assistant told DH the problem is the frame he has chosen is too wide for the lenses he needs so he needs a different frame. Male assistant goes off and comes back with 4 other frames for DH to choose from. None of which are titanium which DH wanted.
I arrived in the shop at this point (been browsing M&S) .
DH is trying on one of the smaller frames selected by male assistant. Cue bossy wife who wanders over and tells DH the lenses are too narrow. We have had this problem before. DH cannot cope with narrow lens varifocals he needs a deeper lens. I also say the the assistant he wants titanium frames. .
Male assistant insists the non titanium ones aren’t much heavier and tells DH he won’t notice the difference once he gets used to them. He suggests DH puts the glasses on again and says these will be just fine. I say to DH I don’t think they suit you, they aren’t anything like the ones you wanted and they’re too heavy. Male assistant then said well I think they suit him and they will be just fine, he should go with those. He won’t get anything better.
(Please note I refrained from going back to M&S for a frozen leg of lamb but did deliver one of my very best frosty stares) . To cut a long story short, DH is waiting for his new glasses…….. chosen by his wife. Titanium frame, deeper lens and very similar to the ones he chose himself. He likes them. ……..don’t mess with my man 🤣
DHs elbow seems better today so hopefully that won’t mean a trip to A&E.
ooh I like the sound of your delicious meal. Bet you can’t wait to see your family.
Lovely flowers thank you.
Mamissimo I’m so pleased Honey beagle isn’t suffering.
Letting her continue her life quietly enjoying what she wants is good.
Your DD sounds like a good teacher. Being tiny shed need to have control.
Muse how lovely to hear from you. So glad you are now safely installed in your wonderful new home. After working on it for so long you deserve to be able to sit back and enjoy it now.
Grammaretto our neighbour told me tonight that he has been told he needs a hip replacement. He is in considerable discomfort and finds walking quite painful. Will it really be 2 years before they get round to you? I’m glad you’re not in too much pain but shame it’s curtailing your riding your bike and your pottery wheel (the vision that’s going round in my head now is Grammaretto with spurs and cowboy hat spinning round the studio with pottery wheel clamped between her knees twirling a lasso and shouting ride em cowboy). Yee ha!
Mamissimo my DGD would be over like a shot if she knew what you were eating tonight. She loves moules marinière.
Enjoy your meal and the film.

I'm watching Griff's great Kiwi road trip.
It's making me homesick.
imdb.com/title/tt12281146/

Mmmmmm, you are making my mouf water

I love mussels and it's just about the only shellfish which is cheap and plentiful too.

I can get a kilo (2.2lb) for £2) and love making soup, chowder, fritters (rarely) or just eating them lightly steamed as they cool from the pan.

As we have very large mussels 6-8cm each, they make a good meal with a nice crisp salad.

I like the female mussels best.

Now I want some and frustratingly can't get to the shop!! Aaaaargh!

Good evening 🙂

All is quiet in my camp shhhhh and no one has pinged us for at least an hour! We are taking the opportunity to have a lush supper of moules mariniere and an omelette and a very nice bottle of Sauvignon blanc. Mr M is even making eyes at me but I think it's the wine talking I'm planning on Death in Paradise and a bar of chocolate 🙂

How nice to hear from Panache . She sounds reasonably ok.
Considering it's January, it's not even mid month, no surprise that some of us are feeling a bit low.

Your DD's cravings are the opposite of mine, Mamissimo the first one anyway. I detested the smell of fried onions. were there a lot of hot-dog stalls back then? Also hated coffee and alcohol. I ate at least 1lb of satsumas daily.

I don't think the new hip will be titanium Kaimoana . It may be stainless steel and plastic. If in 2years I don't need an op then I won't have one but it isn't the pain so much as the lack of movement. I can no longer get onto my favourite pottery wheel or my bike.

muse how wonderful to be enjoying your new house so much.

I do enjoy Joyce Grenfell and Maureen Lipman!
There was a little girl in the café today exasperating her poor DM. She was refusing to put her shoes on to go out into the icy cold.
I tried being JG,and reminded her that she was 3 years old now and she seemed to forget her battle and proudly told me how her dad had tried to feed her to a Highland Cow when she was a baby!

I hope your lovely Dude is not too poorly Doodle and you are getting plenty of rest?

You have given me a nudge Kaimoana2. Apologies for my absence. Our new home delights me more and more each day. MrMuse has finished the penultimate task and he’s under instructions to get the last one finished soon so we can get our energy certificate and be signed off by building control. Insurance is due in March. No signing off - no insurance 😲.

Now I’m here , lovely Lobstars, I shall read of your news.

Dropped into the ‘kitchen’ earlier on Doodle and have left a thank you about Panache’s message.

Good evening 🙂

Delighted to see that Panache's determination to be has not declined. She is a tremendous fighter!

DD2 is very like Joyce Grenfell at times.....as was my DM......but both only reached 5ft in their bare feet and couldn't be described as skinny. My lovely daughter is a teacher, as was my mother, and she's rather strict.

....." don't do that George.....face the front Susan.......I'm sure you didn't mean to stab Tom with your compass Robert but that's what happens when you walk around during the lesson with it in your hand and trip over Alicia's bag. Don't cry, Alicia, I'm sure he won't die on the way to hospital. Now have you got your homework Robert?.....oh Tom has it in his bag and has taken it to hospital.......

Except these days all the pupils have very colourful language that can't be repeated here!

H Beagle is quite chipper Doodle and still chasing the 🐈‍⬛. She's in no pain but twitches in her sleep a lot more, eats less and less and is slower the cat now gets away. We don't know how long it will be before the growths cause more serious problems but we are prepared - and unready 😢

Bed time.......and `Mr M has forgotten to switch on his blanket....he can keep his ice block feet well away!

Yes Grammaretto I have a titanium hip. Perfected by Lancastrian, John Charnley, originally engineered by a Yorkshire firm but now (I suspect) made in China and has come all the way to NZ to ease my pain

According to the X-rays, I also have a bone on bone knee which, some years ago was very painful and due to be replaced but I started taking MSM and 6+ years on there's almost no pain (unless I drink wine).
The feijoa wine wasn't bad, sparkling and not really like the fruit, thank goodness. My knee ignored it.

Mamissimo my thoughts are with you and your family. xxx
No cravings with my first son but with the second it was wholemeal bread, Brie and a white wine called Niersteiner two of these now forbidden by the Food Police.

Cherry how are you?
And Nfk & DH you've been on my mind a lot lately, as has Missedout. Hope you are faring well.

Muse how are things with you - enjoying your cosy new home?

And ixion it's lovely to see you popping in…still watching footie?

Anyone heard from Nortsat lately?

Oh Doodle, your poor DH and you too; what a hard time you’re battling through. It won’t always be this way and I think that’s why we plough on sometimes, because we know ‘this too shall pass’.

And now poor Panache, what a sad little missive and her hope at the end of it brought tears to my eyes. Poor lass.

Yes, Doodle the family are staying for a meal when they drop dgs off.

I made my old favourite cook-in sauce of capsicum, tomatoes, onions, fresh Basil and garlic, then popped in some chops and baked the lot.

As it’s still comparatively cold here, we’ll probably have mashed potatoes, sweetcorn and carrots with it – but salad will always be on offer as an alternative.
Fresh cherries to follow.

I doubt dgs and I will do much this weekend; he likes to come here for the undemanding peace and quiet so will probably just flop and read

Sending flowers to cheer you all up a little. xxx

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Kaimoana is that true, can you not sue the medical profession if they make a big mistake?
Oh I bet you’re so looking forward to the arrival of that young man tomorrow. Have you got plans for cooking up lots of meals?
Maureen Lipman is one of my favorites. I read one of her earlier (first maybe) books and laughed a lot.
Yes she does a wonderful performance in Re Joyce.
To add to DH trials and tribulations, we have been back to the GP today again……. He fell before Christmas and grazed his elbow. A small scab appeared and that seemed to be it. A couple of days ago his shirt by the elbow had a huge wet patch on it. When we looked there seemed to be a tiny pin hole near his elbow that copious amounts of liquid were seeping out from and the arm was puffy with fluid and red.
We saw the nurse today who says it is infected and inflamed and he has a course of antibiotics (again!!) she drew round it with a big black marker pen and said if it gets any bigger I want you back and it’s off to A&E for an X-ray. Needless to say we are both hoping it goes down quickly.
Grammaretto what a shame. I had visions of your turning the parachute into a lovely item of clothing.
No replacement parts here but other Grandma has had both hips done and seems to have been pleased with the results.
Do hope you get yours done soon.
Thank you for asking DH (apart from the elbow saga) seems a bit better today. He is trying to change the times he takes his meds to see if that helps keep the irritation at bay in the evening. So far tonight he’s been for 2 walks just before 8pm and at 8.30.
Wow your DD has had her hands full with all those children. I hope she found a way of keeping them all amused.
Hope the gentle yoga went well. My nephew and his wife do hot yoga which sounds horrendous.
Mamissimo oh I’m so sorry about Honey beagle. She’s one of ours after hearing about her all through lockdown.
I’m glad it’s not UTI but hope she’s not in discomfort.
Hope your DD gets counselling help after the terrible treatment she had before.
I was amazed today to hear from Panache . I sent her a PM before Christmas but didn’t hear back and was concerned.
She sent me a lovely long message. I tried to copy and paste but couldn’t so I’ve attached two screen shots. Hope you can read them

Good afternoon 🙂

We're all staggering on in this family but the path does seem to be a bit rocky these days. It's H Beagles turn to cause anxiety again, leading to me charging round the estate in my PJs in the rain at sunrise to collect a mid stream wee sample. Pleased to report that she hasn't got a UTI but she's gently going downhill.

DD2 is calmer but we will feel happier when she has had some counselling to help her separate this pregnancy from the earlier one. She seems to be hooked on Baked Beans - which she never normally eats!

When I was expecting the twins I loved on pickled onions and fizzy orange, and DS is made of grapes and tomatoes. My mum had a fancy for crab in 1955 when she was expecting me and berated my poor dad who could only find her tinned sardines!

Ocado are about to come so I'd better hop off and weed the fridge......🙂

A busy time coming up for you Kaimoana . I hope and am sure you and DGS will have a great time together.
I wonder what Longfellow was thinking of!

It isn't my parachute. I am helping the clear out at the art centre after the flooding.
There have been various children's clubs where parachute games are played.

I had my orthopaedic appointment yesterday. It was very quick (no waiting) a very young younger than my DC
consultant showed me my x-ray and bent my legs as far as they would go and offered a replacement hip. I am a classic case of osteoarthritis with the cartilage worn away. Have any of you had replacement parts?

What with my eyes and my teeth all going I feel a total old crock.

I hope there is some good news from the gang,
How's the dude today Doodle?
I am willing your DD to be in a happy place Mamissimo

I must phone mine. She was looking after 7 DC on Teacher's strike day. She is the only SAHM in her group.

I am going to very gentle yoga today.

I am enraged as well Mamissimo and hope she accepts your offer for the baby’s sake.
In NZ we are not legally allowed to bring malpractice claims against health professionals but they now have 101 valid reasons for negligence since Covid.

My dgs arrives tomorrow for the weekend so I shall have to do a quick spring clean in his room and leave out fresh bedding.

Gramaretto £630 does seem very steep indeed and as you may guess I don't have that sort of money (what bliss if I had!). The dresser will soon belong to my DS and if he decides it's not worth it, so be it.
Why did you buy a parachute?

I do love Joyce Grenfell Doodle she was a genius performer. Did you ever see Maureen Lipman in ‘Re: Joyce’? She was brilliant too.

Your poor DH, I do wish they could find a solution.

Longfellow said, 'into each life some rain must fall' but he didn't say it can go on for weeks and weeks, especially in summer! No matter it's a gentle rain that droppeth, that stuff soaked me in seconds as I quickly picked a few fresh mint leaves!

Grammaretto yes the Winter walks was nice. I would try it. What was good were the drone pictures which give you such a good look at the whole area. So picturesque.
Your community store must be a boon to the local area I hope everyone makes good use of it.
Ah so you do have a parachute. What are you/they planning on doing with it. I thought it would be a plain old white one but what wonderful colours.
I have no idea why but looking at that photo made me think of the gown that Joyce Grenfell wore in the Stately as a Galleon dance. I’ve attached a clip
www.youtube.com/watch?v=clOdyzP9fcw
Kaimoana yes I think Selina is still going but looking older obviously. Still in good nick if she could do that walk though. 6.4 miles I think.
What a shame your dresser was damaged. Ahem…..that’s quite a repair bill. Beautiful piece of furniture.
That’s nice your DGD is coming to see you again soon. Does she live far from you? I seem to remember you two have been collecting herbs from the bush before. Nice to do something together.
Mamissimo your poor daughter. No wonder she’s upset.
What a dreadful thing to happen.
I do hope she takes you up on your offer and that it helps to calm her nerves. Not surprised you are cross and upset.
Poor DH has had a long day and has gone to bed. The irritation in his legs started early tonight but he’s too wobbly today to be able to walk round on his own, bed seems the safest place for him. Do hope we can find something that allows him to enjoy his evenings again.
Take care all.

Here is the parachute. I've brought it inside now before it ends up in NZ

Bloody hell Mamissimo How awful on every level.
I hope she does accept your offer.
Maybe a Doula too? My DDiL had one and found it reassuring. She really needs someone to fight her corner.

I went to the yarn group to find it starts next week. I missed an appointment with the chiropractor too.

.I am sorry that the gorgeous piece of furniture is going to cost such a lot to refurbish. Kaimoana it sounds steep to me.

Good morning 🙂

Sorry that I'm a bit absent at the moment - some of you may have read about the dire goings on with maternity care in East Kent and DD2 appears to have been a victim last year. She had her booking in appointment yesterday and the wonderful midwife has referred her for urgent help for probable PTSD.

We saw the NHS at its best yesterday but learned from her notes that the surgical dealing with her miscarriage last year was carried out with no sedative or gas and air or any level of support. She didn't realise that was abnormal but the midwife was utterly horrified.

So were we.

She can't stop thinking that this precious pregnancy will lead her to going through similar. Mr M and I have decided to offer to provide a private midwife and delivery but I doubt she will accept...... And a legal opinion on the previous surgery which I think her husband will accept.

Sorry - thats enough misery and anger from me!

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Blimey, is Selina Scott still going? I've been reading a lot about the Yorkshire Dales just lately, especially Amanda Owen's books. It’s beautiful up there.

And still in Yorkshire, I had a visit from a chap, brought up in Sheffield, who used to live near me in Waitakere. He’s a furniture restorer and such an interesting person. He gave me an estimate for French polishing a mahogany dresser (circa 1850) which belonged to my great-grandmother and has been round the world twice with me.

My dgs gave me a diffuser for Christmas and I left it on the dresser to perfume the room but the curtain behind it wafted out in the night due to the recent high winds, knocked over the container and the perfumed oil has 'lifted' all the surface.

It was damaged before but only slightly. This is major repair stuff.
If you sit down, I’ll tell you at the end of the post, the estimate for putting it all right.

Meanwhile, my dgd is coming over for Waitangi Day (Feb 6th) and after we’ve suffered visited the huge music festival in the park adjacent to my home, we shall soothe our souls by going into the bush to collect rongoa (Maori herbs for medicine).

I shall have to research the appropriate karakia (prayers) for that.


Okay - are you sitting down?

My dear old dresser will cost from $1,200 to restore.

I'm practising busking.

Ooh! Hello Doodle
I would enjoy the winter walks programme. I will look for it.

Yes, at the art centre where there have been floods, I was given a parachute to put on the washing line . I pointed out it was raining but was told it needs a wash so that's ok

Friday will be busier but the last shift of the day 3 to 6 is never very busy. There's lots of clearing to do, washing up and emptying bins.
Such a glamorous job.