The Lockdown Gang still chatting

Oh yes Jan I can just picture you outside that pub, with a glass of wine 🍷
watching Charlie's antics in your Floatie summer frock. Just above the ankle so you don't trip!

D German sent his dissertation off and is now cooking us dinner. A much happier young man. He has moved out of the downstairs room to make way for DL's friends. It's a couple with a child. They are her friends, not my helpers.
I don't have any helpers booked until August unless the Frenchman comes who I've not seen since before lockdown.
My next guest is the American cousin next week.

I have offered to dog sit for my DS but they don't trust me!!
They think I'll let him escape onto the road. To the extent that they would rather not go on holiday. I am insulted but actually a bit worried about them and their anxiety levels.

I hope your car can get fixed soon Cherry . What happened to garages which could do repairs. My garage man does most things himself apart from MOTs. and maybe tyres.

I hope the cooler weather suits the gang.
Mamissimo's DD will be hot in her condition.

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I seem to have a passion for arches and steps Grammaretto but Paris has so many little alleys and secret corners, I could have taken many more photos!


The arched window, I was told, was once part of the stable block where Napoleon kept his horses.

Wrought iron gate on Hotel de Ville (Townhall)

Unfortunately you can't see the arches very well in this one but the windows and doors were all arched in this lovely walk of gorgeous trees which all grow into one another.
The shop behind the white railing were fashion boutiques and antiques shops.
I think I took it more for the symmetry.

Evening lobStars

Yippee 😁, we've found a garage that actually does the repair our car needs. We've got it booked in for a two weeks tomorrow, they couldn't fit it in any sooner as they're very busy I'm not surprised. Fortunately the repair needed isn't keeping our car off the road, and yes it is roadworthy but won't be if we don't repair it. The great thing too is that the mechanic said the job can be done the same day and will be cheaper if we pay in cash. It had better be!

👍 To your dGf getting his dissertation in Grammaretto. I hope he gets his doctorate.
Thanks for explaining about the NZ couple and child coming to stay, that they're friends of your DL 😁. I hope they enjoy their visit.
It will be lovely for you to see your American cousin next week, is s/he staying long.
That's a real shame if your DS and family don't go on holiday because of their concerns about a dog sitter 😕. Are they worried that you won't manage because it's a dog that needs a lot of walking or is very strong do you think or is their dog the nervous type perhaps? Could they kennel it perhaps 🤔

Fantastic photos Kaimoana. Beautiful architecture too. I know that you, like me, are interested in the preservation of buildings of historical importance, which these clearly are (and beautifully preserved too). Currently there are restorations of a number of beautiful buildings in the county where I live, which have been long overdue. I'm pleased that it's finally happening.

I'm curious Jan, did you find what you were looking for for your new wardrobe when you did your online shop 😄

I hope the Doodles are having a whale of a time on their cruise and ploughing their way through those 67,000 calories 😁

Will you get my post or won’t you? 🤔
Internet is very on and off at the moment. We are at sea and completely surrounded by mist. Can’t see a thing.
Kaimoana so pleased you have heard from Nfk please send my love and hope they are doing as well as they can
So cross about that editor messing you about. You stick to your story. She sounds odd indeed.
Hope your foot is feeling better now and not so painful.
I like arches too. We have a bridge spanning the river near us. It has 13 arches much to my surprise. DH and I thought only 5 but the remainder are hidden by bushes.
Grammaretto I think it’s so nice that you and your lodger can adapt your accommodation to take extra guests. You will miss your German friend I think.
Good you will have American cousin over for a change. Maybe it’s not so much your DS doesn’t trust you to keep their dog safe more that they can’t bear to oars with him. I only ever let my dog go to kennels once. I found the whole experience too traumatic and from then on either tte dog came too or we didn’t go. (PS I am not suggesting that being with you would be like being in a boarding kennel 😮)
Lovely photo.
Cherry yes got the new duvet and it’s much better.
Glad you’ve found somewhere to get your car fixed. Hope it can be mended in one day. That would be good.
Talking of whales, we saw some two days ago by the side of the ship. Blink and you miss them but there were at least three.
As for all that food…..you could say we are doing well and there are some whales on board now too 😳
Jan come to Norway. You won’t be hot here ☹️ we don’t pay any extra for anything on board. All the food and drink is included and you can eat where you like when you like.
Nice you are having visitors…especially the kind ghost take over the cooking.
Glad your splint is comfortable. I have one on my wrist. I find it better than the cast.
Hope you have a nice trip to the broads.

Oh dear. Didn’t spell check before posting as posting takes so long and is slow.
Bear to oars…..bear to part
Jan I hope your cook isn’t of the ghostly variety even if it’s a very kind one. 😣😱

We've had rain all day here. Just like a normal Scottish summer.

The Aldi popup is still driving me mad . I have lost the post I wrote a few minutes ago .

The dog is a sausage dog and unlikely to pull me over but he might trip me up. No I think DDiL won't part with him. Everything I suggest from posh kennels to house sitters they reject. He was her lockdown baby.

Glad your car will be fixed Cherry although it's a long enough wait
I'm also glad that whales are trying to get aboard the ship Doodle perhaps they can smell that speciality restaurant.

I love arches too Kaimoana I live through one. Delivery vans sometimes can't get through.

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More arches

I hope the mist has lifted Doodle and you have clear horizons now. I'm glad you got to see the whales, hopefully you get to see so much more.
Sorry, very naughty of me but I couldn't help laughing at what predictive text made of your typos, especially when you started your message by saying you didn't know whether we'd get your post. I've heard of bearing arms before but not oars it may make sense to sailors but I've never heard of ghosts being invited to come and cook in someone's home I wonder if they do that on a ghost ship 😱 🤣. We did get your post and I understood your post but still laughed . Predictive text has a lot to answer to 😁

That Aldi popup is a gift that keeps on giving then Grammaretto 😤. The same thing happened to me about two, or even three, years ago, though of course it wasn't the Aldi one. I'd write my post and pop there it would be blocking the post message box. Incredibly annoying, especially since the longer my post was the more likely it was to appear, because of course you have to type quickly and post to 'beat it' but it felt like it thrived on thwarting long posts . Don't ask me how I got rid of it because I didn't, GNHQ had to step in if I recall.

It's been raining all day here, the first real rain we've had since early May. It's great 😃. We've spent the day mostly indoors so I decided to spend time in the kitchen and made a cheese and mushroom quiche, plum tarts and mini muffins. We are now, of course, stuffed 😁

'So when you chanted, 'Rain, rain, go away.' The rain god said, 'Get stuffed.' Cherry?

It's nice to see you cheerful. [smile

I too laughed at the typos Doodle I sometimes wish spellcheck wouldn't correct them, they are so funny.

Whales in the Mist sounds rather romantic - at least it's not gorillas.

I had a feeling, a good one, about Mamissimo's girl last night which made me think maybe wee Spud' had arrived early. Probably just a whimwham on my part; I'm prone to them

Apart from the neurotic reaction Grammaretto I wonder if an unaccustomed sausage dog darting about under your feet might be a hazard? Content yourself with a delicious vegetarian sausage and mash and avoid the real thing

I'm full of cold today so with mask and gloves, I'm going to do some baking as I have a house full of visitors tomorrow. One of our elderly Kaumatua has taken a shine to me (don't worry, he already has a girlfriend) and is coming for what he said is my expert opinion on his zip!

Okay, stop laughing, it's on his favourite jacket, has broken and he wants to know if we can take it to the Repair Cafe. Yes we can...on 7th July.

I used to be a dab hand at sewing in zips and doing buttonholes, loved doing buttonholes and darning.

Ah, the old days.

Hee hee

Cherry you did do a lot of cooking in the rain. No ghostly cooking for you!

One advantage of my not being very good at things like baking cakes is that there is not too much disappointment when I can no longer do it at all! if you get my meaning

Kaimoana my feelings exactly. I have offered to care for the sausage and now I shan't have to and I won't trip over him. Win win!

Df went off on the train today. Sad to see him go. He's a lovely person. He has promised to come next year and catalogue the books.
.
I had lunch with the NZers who are nice too. Their young son seemed a bit bored but we'll behaved. I love talking about NZ. They are Aucklanders and grow avocados.

I had better stop before that popup appears.

Grammaretto I thought as much. Not that they don’t trust you with the dog more she can’t part with him. You should perhaps send the young bored NZlander on a search through the nooks and crannies for the deeds. Nice your friend is coming back next year.
Cherry mist hasbeen rolling in and out all day. Sometimes we couldn’t see anything off the side of the ship at all.
We had plenty of rain here last night. I will willingly send you some if you send us some sunshine.
Kaiomana love your arches. Always lend themselves to thinking I wonder what’s through there.
Gracious, for a minute there I thought you were suggesting Grammaretto had her DD dog for tea 😱
Ooh I thought maybe there were some sexual undertones in the Kaumatuma. I’m relieved it’s only a jacket. 🤣

I hope you managed to get the baking done, used some of it to feed your cold Kaimoana and you're feeling better now. I must admit one of my eyebrows raised over your expert opinion on a zip being sought by a gentleman 😳 😹.
I take it your visitors were the Kaumatua, I hope they enjoyed your baking.

I read earlier today that GNHQ were still trying to get to the roof of the problem of the Aldi popup Grammaretto. I hope they've sorted it out now it's certainly a persistent little s*d.
You really enjoyed seeing your dGf and I'm sure he enjoyed seeing you, I'm sure he'll keep his promise and return to catalogue the books.
I'm pleased that you are getting on well with the NZers and enjoying their company. You haven't said how old their son is .... but as we all know children can become bored so easily. Would he be interested in some pottery do you think? Pinch pots ....

We haven't had much sun here for a couple of days Doodle either, though we've avoided mist. It did come out today so I've tried sending it to you, hopefully you've received it now and can keep hold of it 😁

Evening All! Trying hard not to nod off - nothing new there! Met up with friends for a 2 hour coffee and chat and came home exhausted! Then had another friend call in this afternoon so I’m now doubly worn out! Soon be bedtime! Daughter and son in law here tomorrow for the weekend so goodness knows what I will be like by Sunday evening. Poor old soul - just can’t stand the pace!
My dress hunt is going fairly well. Trouble is with this “thing” strapped to my leg nothing looks right plus everything needs to be a reasonable length to cover - or almost cover - the offending object!
“Doodle” Hope cruise going well. Think I know the company you are sailing with. Suppose it’s swings and roundabouts really. You either pay more for everything including or pay less for the cruise and then add on extras! To be honest I don’t think I could trust myself if all drinks were included. Sure I would be permanently inebriated!
Hope everyone is ok and has a good weekend. I’m so flipping shattered I’m off for an early night! 😴😴

Oh Jan I am SO proud of you. It doesn't seem 2 minutes since you were so poorly and so despairing over ever being right again - and now look at you !
You are such a fighter, bless your heart. I'm glad you're shattered in a way, shows you're enjoying yourself again.
a
Having read that Flapjacks (the English kind) keep well, I made heaps, wrapped them up and decorated the packages for Matariki. They are now safely at the back of the fridge for our fundraising stall. Two batches of shortbread are destined elsewhere.

I love oaty flapjacks so 'safely' in the fridge may be a misnomer !

Hello Lobstars,
I agree about you Jan . You are definitely a different gal!
Plenty of socialising is what's helped I think.
How is the cruise Doodle? Cold and wet or misty and romantic? I know the food is good.
I'm booked for my jaunt to the Isle of Skye next month. Travel is bus, bus, train, ferry and taxi and apart from the taxi is costing me a total of £14.50.
I've already paid for the Gaelic course I hope
I am nervous now.
I haven't booked the journey home.

Before that I have the cousin coming who I love and we will do some nice things together. I call her the cousin. She's DH cousin whom I have inherited.

I wonder if your premonition about spud was right Kaimoana. I do hope everything is ok for the Mamissimos

Thinking of the Nfks xxxx

Oh dear Kaimoana. You wouldn’t be proud of me if you met me! I’m a whining moaning despairing old lady! I hate that I’m wearing this “thing” on my leg and that I can’t walk without a stick and my language can be quite colourful at times! I watch other people strolling by and think why do I find walking so difficult. Grrrrrrrr! But yes socialising does help even if it wears me out! Slept solidly last night and woke up about 730 to hear DH going to make a cup of tea and then fell back to sleep again!
Hope Doodle is enjoying the cruise and that Mr Doodle is staying well too. It’s turned really cloudy and windy here this afternoon - really not a bit like summer and the forecast isn’t looking too good either. Hope the Nfks are coping and managing to enjoy some days in the campervan.
Better get on with checking all ok in daughter and son in laws bedroom before they get here although don’t suppose that will be much before 5! Love to all

Ha ha Jan Moaning, whinging and strong language?
That's exactly like the steam from a pressure cooker.
When it's all over, there's still a beautifully cooked meal inside.
Letting off steam is necessary.

A bit like flatulence.

Grammaretto You haven't booked your fare home? Do you intend staying on until you can speak the Gaelic fluently? Not so strange an idea if you make the right contact while you're in Skye.

It's always been my dream to go live for a week or two in a Maori speaking household. Seeing the language used in real time is far more effective than books or videos. I'll do it one day.


Yes, Nfk and family are on my mind daily, as is Cherry and recently Missedout.

Some of the Lobstars from the past now post on other threads but I only come here, so don't keep up with how they are.

Bitterly cold here; the wind changed and is coming strongly from Antarctica - and it's still raining

Think I'll make more flapjacks since my guests ate or took home the last batch. Maybe ginger ones today to keep out the winter chill?

Good afternoon 🙂

Grabbing a minute to let you all know no panics or alarms but stupidly busy charging around the countryside. I seem to be living behind the wheel.

Mr M went sailing so I took him to Kent, then had to go north to help sister for a few days. Got a call to say DD1 had a kidney stone so came back south to help with DGDs. DD2 put in a bid for some company whilst her husband was working away so off to Kent again.

Just got home when Mr M's shipmate developed the galloping gourmets so please could I nip up to Essex to collect him. Tonight we're babysitting the small people....and next weekend we are throwing a family party as it's the twin's 40th.....tired yet?

In the middle of this I landed a huge genealogy commission so I'm armpit deep in dusty docs researching a family from Barbados who had so many children they obviously knew what to do!🤣

And Spud will be arriving on July 31st apparently....they have a reservation and all's going well. He's a big chap - they reckon min of 9lb.....DD2 has finally relaxed a little and she's absolutely glowing.

I think I have a few more weeks of madness to come.......

Good gracious “Mammissimo” Im worn out just reading all that!
Ive had an interesting morning and if anyone wants a laugh carry on reading! Eldest daughter and son in law here for the weekend. They went for a long beach walk this morning and we were to meet them in a local pub. Now remember Im still not brilliant on my feet! Parked car got out and staggered through shingle to the front door. Athletically climbed the 4 steps to the front door and found 4 more steps into the bar. By now Ive decided I could climb a mountain so do my version of a sprint up the steps and fall flat on the floor! Immediately upmteen men come to the rescue and pull me up. DH eventually appears from wherever he had vanished too and eventually daughter and son in law arrive. But all is well nothing broken and I am just feeling soooo stupid!
Fast forward 3 hours and I realise I have lost one of my newly aquired NHS hearing aids! Hunt round the house DH goes back to the pub but no one has found it. Another fruitless hunt of lounge then cue DH asking stupid questions. “Well didnt you know it wasnt in your ear?” No I ….. didn’t! Minor domestic occurs but I am still one hearing aid short. Jeeves - large glass of red please!

Oh Jan I have started on the gin just reading your post!
I'll bet there was some relief knowing you hadn't damaged anymore body parts.

As for Mamissimo only you could throw a 40th birthday party right now with imminent arrival of spud and a million other things going on

I went to a 3yr olds party once when her mum went upstairs to give birth to her little brother halfway through. Just saying 😉

I'm not slacking myself. I've been making soup for the Quaker lunch tomorrow and may bake bread too.
Then tomorrow evening I'm taxi for DD and family to the airport as they are off to Denmark to my brother's. And Legoland no doubt.

Oh Drat Jan that's so annoying! I wonder where the hearing aid has got to. Outside the pub perhaps or is it possible you didn't put it in at all, especially since you weren't aware at first it was missing. I'm hoping that it'll turn up in your house somewhere. Sorry to hear that you fell on the steps just inside the pub. I'm glad you didn't hurt yourself. Easier said than done but don't feel stupid I fall so often I've given up feeling stupid long ago. In my experience other people are only ever concerned when they witness a fall and usually their only thought is to help, as you found with those men. As Kaimoana and Grammaretto have similarly said before me, I think you are amazing 💐

The flapjacks didn't quite remain hidden safely enough to last long enough to reach the fundraising stall then Kaimoana 😆
If you've made another batch perhaps it would be a good idea to freeze them if you can, they keep well in the freezer.
Winter has well and truly arrived now then? Time to batten down the hatches and wrap up warm!
I only post on our thread now too, I have no idea how the majority of past posters of this thread are doing. I hope that they are all okay.

Am I mistaken, didn't you have a theatre trip yesterday (or was it the day before) Grammaretto. Did you enjoy it?
I'm booked for my jaunt to the Isle of Skye .... I am nervous now. I haven't booked the journey home . I'd be nervous about not booking a return trip either I know that's not what you meant, or is it 😱🤣. This is the trip to the Gaelic 'school' isn't it? You'll be fine I'm sure. I think you'll really enjoy it. I must say I think you got a bargain on your travel cost 👍

If you are going to fall....then into a pub is definitely the best place Jan.

My freezer is not even the size of a microwave so no chance of keeping flapjacks there Cherry. The ones I made for guests were not part of the batch I made for fundraising.
Quite a lot went home with Artoa whom you may remember has 5 children and works all hours.
She goes out of her way to help me - and won't take the petrol money to which she's entitled. So baking for her and Karen who is similarly good-hearted, is the least I can do.
Besides, I love it.

Knitted 2 pairs of marae slippers, also a fundraiser, and listened to Richard Osman's sequel and a book about Maggie Smith.

It's amazing how much you can get through when you're not trying to write your own book!

I hope to get back to that anon.

Turas sàbhailte a bhith agad Grammaretto