The Lockdown Gang still chatting

Poor Doodle I am so sorry your arm hurts, I hope you manage to have a good night.

You know those cartoons where someone is so b***dy angry that they go bright red and steam comes out of their ears? Well, that’s me right now, although I am also in tears of frustrated disappointment as well.

After a series of 4 lost letters, a lost contract and so far, non-payment of my promised advance, Scholastic (international publishers, not some hole-in-the-corner affair) have decided, without telling me, to change the title of my first children's book from something I was quite proud of to something I wish I could disown.

It’s the story of a duck which was (supposedly) blown from NZ to Niue, a picturesque Pacific island.

Trevor the Duck goes to Niue was the title we agreed upon – until the marketing “experts” stuck their oar in.

In their infinite wisdom aka boundless stupidity they decided on what they say is a snappier title to attract buyers.

‘Trevor the Stuck Duck.’
Can you imagine anything worse?

It’s lost all its essential Pasifika island flavour and is now a marketing gimmick.

I can’t see how I could ever promote it now, I’m ashamed of it. That lunatic title has spoiled the whole thing.

Posted a long message earlier but it has disappeared. Too tired to repeat it now. Arm is playing up a bit but I’m off to bed now.
Back later

It's lunchtime and I'm still in my dressing gown. I don't care.

Cherry what makes you think I wait until the shortbread is cool to test it?

Gram are you sure you don't need an archaeologist rather than a skip?

Hope Jan and Doodle are progressing well. Nfk how are you?

Cold but sunny here; must hunt out the winter clothing.

Dogs tomorrow

The Raku pieces are fabulous Grammaretto. Not sure which ones I like the most, I think the tiles are beautiful but the penguins are adorable - they're all fab.
Wow, a skip full of rubbish unearthed from your garden! I think I like C&L (and your lodger) 😁. Can I borrow them to come and sort out our garage the decluttering has bypassed it so far 🤣 Not entirely convinced by their soup even though it didn't contain cocoa as I'm not a fan of fennel. What will they cook tonight I wonder 🤔.
Btw - love the view from your walk.

From your description of your hair Doodle I think we could be twins 😁. My hair is very fat thick and if I wore it too short it would be quite unruly. I don't know about you but one trick I do to keep it tame is to put a little conditioner on my fingertips, run my fingers through my wet hair and leave it in. I'm glad you've got the feeling back in your arm 😁

Odd about Karen Kaimoana but maybe Grammaretto is right about her feeling guilty.

Still not feeling too good and I'm meant to go on my walk tomorrow - we'll see...

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I'll let you know when I fly over Kaimoana it's still a very long way off.

NZ is a long way off too

I wonder why Karen has gone AWAL?
Maybe it's the guilt she feels about not loving her dad?

That's super Doodle that your DS are looking after you..

I was on a walk today while C&L ill be calling them that worked like slaves in the garden.
I have hired a skip to be delivered tomorrow to remove the enormous pile of rubbish they and my lodger have unearthed.

And they are cooking again later so I can go out to yet another AGM.
Here are some photos of the walk I love May

Yes Gram, none of it was in our plans but that destiny which shapes our ends clearly had other ideas. I wish I could see your raku pieces; they are just a blur now

Doodle what a loving, helpful family you have. If your dgs is anything like mine, he'll enjoy being your guardian angel for a while. A nice project for all.

Jan if you don't stop thinking of yourself as a wimp, I'll fly over there on my broomstick and smack your legs!

I am just like you inasmuch as I have to be careful of every step now. If I am with someone who doesn't realise just how blind I am, it is really scary. That's not wimpish, it's good common sense.

The driver, a sweet little man from Alabama with a pleasant, southern accent, who ferries me to and fro for the Sallies lunch, walked ahead of me across the church’s potholed car park to courteously open his car door for me.
Meanwhile I shuffled with fairy-steps, very frightened that I'd fall.
If I did, it would mean crawling to something I could hoist myself up on.
Typically, people rush to hoist your arms and heave upwards. All this does is damage my arthritic shoulders. Very embarrassing and totally useless. So caution is better.

Karen is still away, not sure why this time. Last Monday it was because her father died but as she absolutely loathed him and often wished for this very outcome, I doubt it’s grief.

Grammaretto I am in the flight path of some planes so perhaps I'll lie a white sheet on the lawn and paint a saltire on it, and wave as you fly over

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Broken arms held by concrete.
Falling down flights of concrete steps.
All this messy hair! What has happened to the gang.
This was never in the plan.

The Raku firings went mostly well today apart from an exploding tile.
Louis et Camille had a day out and enjoyed a drive along the Tweed with a few hours in Melrose. The abbey was closed due to falling masonry.
There's a lot of it about.
Cocoa soup sounds awful so luckily it wasn't. Fennel and coconut so quite unusual.
The film tonight was Japanese -Tokyo story. Soporific so I dropped off.
Here are a few of the pieces we fired today.

Grammaretto yes a world of difference between cocoa soup and coconut soup. I could have come with you in your trip. I love the seaside ……..and fish and chips.
Jan you’re not a wimp. You’ve had a shock to the system and are cautious. I went with DH to the hospital today and I was nervous. Trying not to bump into any one or trip.
Glad you had your break but can see why 3 days was enough,
Home feels more like a safe place.
Cherry the lethal weapon is a little more controlled now. I’ve got the feeling back in my arm so can move it better. My fingers and thumb are still numb so very little movement in them. They are still like sausages attached to my hand.
My hair is rather thick and strong willed ( bit like it’s owner) it’s not short as in cropped close but not long either. It does need a fair bit of taming which is fine with two hands but one will be a problem.
Oh Cherry do take care and keep safe. Hope you’re ok.

It's great that you're feeling more like yourself Doodle 😁. Have you got to grips with your lethal weapon cast, especially when sleeping?
When my hand was bandaged up like a boxing glove after the burns I was so glad I had a simple hairstyle in truth no style as I could literally just wash and go. Washing it was the only awkward bit because I could get away with avoiding blow drying it. Do you normally blow dry and style your hair when you wash it?
Aww, that's so good of your DGS 😁.

I can imagine your reaction to the idea of cocoa soup Grammaretto 🧐. Do you think it might be a bit like Jeeves makes 🤣. I'm glad Camille meant coconut as I don't know about you but I don't fancy a savoury version of cocoa in a bowl. I'd have tried the fish & chips though, shame Camille & Louis didn't.

Jan don't go calling yourself a wimp, your trepidation and self doubt is understandable. It's not just the physical difficulty and the sheer effort to make progress is it but the fear of what could happen, especially since your set back, because it is so difficult. Whilst clearly I can walk, after all I even joined a walking group, I have to be careful because I can have a seizure anytime and that can be dangerous when I'm walking anywhere. In 2009 I fell down a flight of concrete steps 😬. For a couple of years I avoided steps, unless it was only one or two, because I feared what could happen. I think you did well to go away 💐

I had a freaky focal awareness seizure a little earlier and I still don't feel right so I'll love you and leave you this evening.
I hope you enjoyed your family visit Kaimoana.
Night night lobStars.

Doodle. Pleased you are starting to feel better. I’m not brave just terrified of having a GA! As for hair mine is a complete and utter mess! DH has to help me wash it! Having it cut soon thank goodness.
Grammaretto No we’re back now. It was only 3 days which was long enough. I enjoyed bits of it but quite honestly it was all a bit of a strain. We had to make sure there were no steps into restaurants etc. I know I need to make more effort but it’s so scary. DH has been amazing but he’s stronger than me and if it had been him who had the stroke he would be walking everywhere minus a stick, running up and downstairs and probably jumping through hoops! Whereas I’m staggering round the house leaning on my stick, managing just 2 steps and am petrified of walking outside. What a wimp.
And you’re off to NZ? We went once several years ago and loved it. Suppose you will be too far away to meet up with *Kaimoana? That would be great though.
Mamissimo. How lovely to be in Norway. Think it’s my favourite country. So beautiful.
Cherry Love the sound of your walkie talkie group! I’d be good at the talkie bit but useless on the walkie bit! Agree with us about portion sizes nowadays although I think a lot of it is to do with getting old!! Can remember going out to dinner and polishing off 3 courses no problem. Now we struggle with two!
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Sun is just coming out here

Good evening Lobstars.
Good to see you are more yourself Doodle😄
Keep getting better.

I hope you had a great time with DS and those DGC. Kaimoana I am rather sorry that you have stopped writing your book.

Cherry and Mamissimo how lovely it is to garden in the Spring sunshine.

I was indoors on this gorgeous day but after tea I drove Louis et Camille to the seaside and we walked along the path to the best fish and chip van around. However my abstemious visitors said they weren't hungry. 😕
We marvelled at the brave swimmers in the North Sea.

Camille is cooking tomorrow and asked me if I like cocoa soup?
Hmm not sure said I. I like most things but...
Turns out she meant coconut.😂

Are you still on your trip away Jan?
I hope you have a fab cruise Mamissimo and those boys behave themselves in your absence.
Night night all.

Evening all.
I’m beginning to feel a little more like myself again although this lump of concrete hanging from my neck is a nuisance. Fingers numb but can move them a bit.
Grammaretto how are Louis and Camille working out. Are they a couple? How is your MIL today?
Kaimoana did you have a good time with your DGC?
That’s a lovely photo.
Jan glad you managed your trip to the coast. Good to have a change of scene. You are brave. I’m afraid I opted for the GA and slept through it all. It’s hard to know what to do with it at night. They said put it on a pillow which works ok but it’s just so heavy. How on earth do you do your hair with only one working arm? I’ve managed a few things with DHs help so we are getting by. Had a chat with DS2 and DIL today who offered all sorts of help with everything and DGS offered to come round every day. Both my son and DGS have broken their arms/wrist so know what it’s like.
Cherry good news about our team. Hope they’re still doing well. Could we see some photos of your flowers please?
I’m on paracetamol. It’s been enough so far.
Mamissimo how lovely. Hope you have a wonderful time. Where are you going after Bergen?

.....and today we gardened in the sun! All neat and tidy so tomorrow all we have to do is pack our bags ready to set off at 7.40 on Monday. Next stop Bergen, where we pick up the car and then head north......--but not before I've been to the silver dealers--

DS is coming to Fergal sit so I've filled the fridges and they will have an exciting week of dinners and lunches that I've procured for their delectation.

Can I trust you all to behave while we're away? Do take great care of yourselves.

I'm so glad you had your few days away Jan, I know you were wary about going at first but you did 🙂. I'm pleased the weather was good, did you enjoy yourself?

That's great that you've booked to go to NZ Grammaretto 😁. I can imagine that you are excited, your NZ family will be too I'm sure!
Camille & Louis sound like good workers 👍. I hope they enjoyed their time in Edinburgh.
So sorry there's a such a marked change in your MiL. I hope she's comfortable at least.

I'm pleased that the meal went ahead Kaimoana. Everywhere these days seem to do such huge portions of food! I'm always amazed by the portion sizes many of the places I've visited with my walkie talkie group. A lot of the time I don't order any main courses because they're just too big.
Enjoy your breakfast with your DS and both your DGC. Your DGS' birthday presents sound lovely. I bought the eldest of my three great nephews a colour changing touch lamp for Christmas and he loved it 😁.

Sorry to hear that you're in pain now the nerve blocker has worn off Doodle, I guess it was inevitable you would be 😔. I hope the hospital prescribed you some decent painkillers to take.

The weather has been glorious today so we've been doing a bit of gardening okay I'm rumbled, my WP did most of it. Now that all the flowers are out I really should take some pictures as it looks quite pretty.

Stil feeling not quite with it today. As you say grammaretto now the block is wearing off it’s becoming more painful.
How did I do it?
I went to lunch with friends ( I was driving, tonic water only) and when we came out of the restaurant I slipped on the wet paving and fell on my wrist and my eyebrow. I knew it was broken straight away I could feel it.
So pleased about your trip in January. Bet you can’t wait.
Sorry about your MIL. Hope she’s comfortable.
Kaimoana have a lovely day with both grandkids tomorrow. Hope your grandson enjoys his gifts.
ixion 🤣. Breeze block would be right. My arm still feels like concrete.
I’ll try and be a bit more communicative tomorrow

Our neighbour maintained she had had a breeze block.

Bier's Block not Bears Block . Same difference 😞

I've just been to see DMiL.she has gone downhill. It's sad to see.

I am glad you had your days at the coast Jan I am sure sea air is good for you.

Sending hugs to all Lobstars. Get better soon all you poorly ones

Hi Doodle how well I remember the uncontrollable arm! Like you I had a nerve block and listened to the Drs sawing and banging but I didn’t want a GA. I had a lot of pain afterwards - worse than childbirth!!! Doing things one handed is virtually impossible as I am finding yet again! We are just back from our few days at the coast. Weather was glorious but horrible today.

I hope you are well drugged Doodle, if your experience is anything like Grams I think you'll need the strong stuff.

I hope your Mil is up to going out with you, even if it's just for a garden visit or coffee.

Yes, Cherry the lunch was fine but I shall definitely ask for the small version next time. I used to get that at first but think the server has assumed that because I'm a big person, I must need the bigger portion. Nothing could be further from the truth andI don't like wasting food.

DS is coming for breakfast with both dgc tomorrow. It's dgs 14th birthday as well. I've bought him a touch lamp and some comedy socks.

I've given up on the book. I shall wait to see if the publishers ever get back to me and if they do I shall decide then whether to carry on or decline.

My thought go out to all our sad, struggling and suffering gangstars.

Picture is one taken this morning by my friend as she walked her dogs. Thought I'd share the beauty with you.

How did it happen Doodle? Dare we ask?
When I broke my wrist I had a Bears Block anaesthetic which sounds like what you had. Then it wore off.......agony.
Strong painkillers required.
Are you getting some help?

I've just booked to go out/come out to NZ next January. I'm very excited and so is DGS. He wants to show me his favourite places.
I'll only have a couple of hours in Auckland airport Kaimoana but I can wave to you.
Back to today. Camille et Louis will be exploring Edimbourg. They will be going by bus and are quite apprehensive.
I'm working in the store and perhaps taking DMiL out somewhere if she's up for it. The doctor visited her which was a good thing.

Yes * Grammaretto *. Well and truly plastered. I am wielding a deadly weapon. I had a nerve block in my shoulder and my arm is like a dead weight from the elbow. If I lift it up it swings around in an alarming fashion I nearly biffed myself on the nose. Although I have no sensation in my fingers and thumb and can’t move them, I have the strangest feeling that my thumb is touching my middle finger. It’s no where near it but it feels so strange.
Glad you’re getting the gardening done.
Cherry. Thank you. No not in pain at the moment just completely numb. Not sure I’ll be quite so cheerful when the anaesthetic wears off 😊

Wishing you a very good night sleep Doodle
It's good that you had the operation. Are you in plaster?
Comfrey oil on the affected arm will help. it you can access both arm and oil

Louis et Camille did mote gardening today but I've allowed them a day off tomorrow

Just seen your post Doodle. I'm pleased that they operated, you have the best chance for a good outcome. I'm not surprised you're groggy! Get some much needed sleep 😴. I'll send Jeeves but not to sing a lullaby, not with his voice to make you a nice hot soothing drink and fluff up your pillows x

Drat, I've just lost my post 😤

If, as it appears was happening, they have operated on your wrist Doodle I hope it went well and you're not in pain. I hope too that you and your DH are being well taken care of/receiving help and support.

It's a shame it bucketed down yesterday Grammaretto and you weren't able to to the seaside. Are your helpers still working on the new garden for your lodger or did you have them helping to tick something else off your wish list?

Did the lunch go ahead Kaimoana?

I've had another day doing mundane jobs and still haven't got the recycling bags! Yep, we forgot to pop into the main Council office to collect them. We drove past the office when we were out and about today! I knew it would happen, I knew we'd forget 🤦
My team won the first leg of our European league cup semi-final tonight. I hope we can win again next week 🤞

Dear jan. Thank you. I’m quite pleased they did the op.
I’m home now but groggy.. I will be looking to you for tips on how to do things with one hand 😊
Take care all x