The Lockdown Gang still chatting

Ah, your DH is taking blood thinners prior to surgery Doodle I can be awfully dense on times. Then they'll have to stop them a couple of days before won't they, all takes time.
I hope you had a good night last night and weren't too sticky
Kaimoana I'm sure you know this but the UK has a reciprocal social security agreement, which includes pensions, with New Zealand doesn't it. I don't know what you're in receipt of in NZ but any NZ benefits can be paid to you in the UK. If you would like to return to the UK, especially since it's highly likely your DS is, it's worth checking out.

Sorry to hear about your dear friend Grammaretto. I'm with you that it's a relief, nay a release, dementia is such a cruel condition.
I'm glad your DMiL enjoyed the trip to the Botanic gardens even though it was a b****r of a drive for you, I'm sure you enjoyed it too.

I'll get the caravan fixed up soon Kaimoana it's all yours. Though getting in or out could be a problem. It's designed for a narrow person with a dog by the look of the bunk beds.

As you were born here you can't lose your nationality can you? Unless you pose a threat to the country.
My DB, who was NZ born, asked what he needed to live there or visit. "Nothing" he was told as he was a native.

My dear old friend has died. Her son phoned me. It will be a relief but he won't see it like that. He has been her full-time carer for the last few years. She had dementia and was very stubborn.

I think I will gatecrash your Cornish house party Mamissimo You'll never notice. It sounds amazing.

I took the in-laws to the Botanic gardens yesterday. The rain stayed off until the end when we had tea in their cafe .
DMiL said she'd had a lovely time so it was worth the hassle of driving into Edinburgh and out again.

I hope all Lobstars are well and keeping going. Sending my love.

Gubbins takes her time Cherry. When they first arrive she’s very shy but the longer they stay, the more relaxed she is.
You are the only other person I know with a bit of a hairdresser phobia. My DS2 used to scream blue murder when he was young, so we have photos of him with very long hair

Yes, indeed, DS is quite determined to leave. He will put Gubbins on his passport this week and facilitate his move to England. He's given up his job (though may do some short-term contract work) and has already had tentative offers from both NZ and English companies.

Doodle DS certainly will make sure they are not jumping from the frying pan. He’s a born planner, looks carefully at everything.

You and DH are daily in my thoughts. xxxx

Mamissimo I don't know what to do if I'm honest. Thirteen years ago, I chose to forego my UK pension and my health is such that I'd need the NHS as well. Would I be entitled? No idea. Fairy dust badly needed.

Emotional I'd have few problems; I've up-sticks so many times in my life that I'd be a candidate for Grammaretto's caravan

NZ isn’t the place it once was. We used to have our own culture but now it’s gone. Maori get angry (justifiably) about the effects of British colonisation and yet embrace the US Coca-colonisation wholeheartedly. Weird.

Hope all our stray lambs are well. Jan, Nfk & DH, and those I've forgotten Love to you all

Grammaretto yes a few more weeks but DH is on new meds which are supposed to lower his heart rate and they seem to be helping. Gp phoned at 7.30 tonight just to check how he’s doing. Amazing, I can’t fault his care.
Raining here too. Not much fun going out when it’s pouring down. Have you got any more helpers on the way?
Mamissimo I had a little giggle then. Reading your post about the compost which then followed closely on with “I feel that I should like to get on my broomstick and fly round sprinkling”………. I thought you were going to say compost over everyone. Glad it was fairy dust you had in mind 🤣
Many happy returns to your DGD? Sounds like she had a lovely party.
Wow you will be a big gathering. Hope you all have a lovely time in Cornwall.

Time for me to head off to bed. Just creamed DHs legs so the two of us are all sticky. The amount of attention those two legs have had I should put him in the glamorous knees competition.
Peaceful night all

Good morning 🙂

It's been soil improving time here and we're done in . Last year the hot bin produced 400 litres of compost so we're almost self sufficient.

I feel that I should like to get on my broomstick and fly round sprinkling fairy dust over everyone in this group - and get well sandwiches from Wales.

Kaimoana yet more unsettlement for you - would you consider coming back to the UK too?

Today is DGD1's 5th birthday so Mr M and I have been invited to singing and cake after school. Her party at the weekend had a man who put the children inside giant bubbles! I loved the thought - and their faces. Magic!

Next week we are all going to Cornwall for a week - our annual family jamboree and we've just learned that Mr M's sister will be there as well with 15 of her family......I think a pasty party in the rain on the beach will be essential. Mr `M can take his drone and get a shot of all of us.

I hope your days gentle and with minimal drizzle!

Ah I had forgotten about the blood thinners Doodle . So he will have to wait a few weeks.
The cwtches from Cherry will maybe bring Welsh magic.
I hope so.
You hadn't mentioned your DS possible departure for ages Kaimoana so I thought it wasn't happening.

At least you have many friends and a rich and full life so not dependent on him. You will miss Gubbins though.

Interesting about the barking dog! Could it be in kennels while they are on holiday?
I'm glad I went out on Monday. It's been raining solidly and looks to continue for the foreseeable.

Any news Jan? I hope your recovery is progressing well.

DH has had a better day today but as evening draws on his legs swell again.
Grammaretto Gp is keen to hurry things along but the hospital have made it clear DH needs to take the blood thinning drugs for 4 weeks before the procedure to elimate the risks of blood clots.
What a lovely day you had yesterday. Botanical gardens then the treat of seeing your DGC performing. I bet you were a very proud gran. That bus driver certainly went way above the line of duty in looking after the lost traveller. How kind not to just abandon him.
Kaimoana so pleased you had a nice visit from your son and Gubbins. “She’s going to be a joker I think”. I wonder who she could possibly take after 🤣🤣
It would be very upsetting for you if your son and his family moved to the UK. I hope he thinks it through well and not through rose coloured glasses.
I’m sure you look fine and nothing like a floor mop. Still as you say it will grow. We all have the odd haircut now and again. Ooh green and pastel blue. Lovely. I agree with Karen I like your green hair.
Cherry yes I think we need to be wary about these blood clots. Been a better day today but have a feeling cramp might be happening again tonight. I wish you could deliver that cwtch in person too. I’d return it with a big one back to you.
I’ve also sent people the same card twice running. Especially if you buy them online from limited stock.
That’s nice of you to thank the bus driver that helped you. I bet that doesn’t happen often.
I once went to bed with a headache and put a cold cloth over my eyes to ease the pain. I fell asleep and when I woke up I couldn’t see anything. Took me a few seconds to remember what I’d done.

I hope you both had a better night last night than the night before Doodle. I understand the Dr's point about making sure re. blood clots though and probably giving the diuretic treatment time is part of that. I really wish he wasn't suffering in the meantime and things were easier for your both, it's vastly unfair. I'm sending you a heartfelt cwtch, I only wish I could deliver it to you person.
The other grandma ended up with cards from you that acted as book ends then 😁. Not quite the same but ... to my embarrassment I sent my WP the same card, well in design anyway, two years in a row . Well, in my defence your honour it was a very very nice card.
I'm glad you had a lovely visit from your DS 😊

That was a lovely treat Grammaretto, in your shoes I'd be a #proudgrandma, you have very talented DGC methinks 😊. You did indeed have a busy day, but it sounds like a wonderful one.
Poor bloke on the bus, tourist maybe? What a lovely bus driver you had. Many years ago I had a seizure on a bus and had no companion to look out for me. The bus driver was amazing and went out of his way, literally, to look after me. The following day I went to the station office with a thank you present in the hope of finding out who he was and being able to get my thank you to him. The office staff were amazed that I wanted to do that, they happily checked the shift log and tagged his name on the gift. I know he received it as a few weeks later I got on his bus and he thanked me 😄
It'll be nice to see your cousins when they come to the UK in May Grammaretto.

Aww, Kaimoana it sounds like Gubbins is developing into a real character and if I'm not mistaken it seems to me that she's more comfortable with you ☺️
Your son is, I assume from what you've said, looking to move to and work in the UK then? I can understand you having mixed feelings if that's the case.
No I don't think noise cancelling headphones is a good idea for me as when I wake up after having a seizure I'm very disorientated and confused (post-ictal confusion) and I'd think I've gone deaf and panic. It's not something I can say I'd get used to, it. after it happening a few times, as post-ictal confusion never works like that.
Always nice to have your hair cut, unless you have a phobia of hairdressers which I almost have mine needs doing 😬

An eclectic day for you Doodle but nice things happening in amongst the worries. Good to see there is still kindness in the world; the tourist was
lucky to have a caring driver.

When I spent a few weeks in Paris, I consistently got on the wrong bus or Metro but as I wanted to see anything and usually had no specific destination, it didn't matter. I even enjoyed the Metro because there was usually a busker singing and I could join in The Parisians frowned at that!

How talented your family is, if they could get
together with Grammaretto's Dgc, they could go on the telly

My DS managed two whole hours here today and it wasn't Gubbins who caused them to leave; he had an unexpected appointment.

She was good as gold and very funny. She's going to be a joker I think.

DS and I chatted about his imminent departure to Australia for a long weekend to see an old friend and his planned, longer stay, in the UK.

He's registered with several UK recruiting agencies and has already had a London firm asking him to interview. I am assuming by Zoom initially. So he is quite determined to go.

I have mixed feelings about it all.

The dog has been silent for the past few days, not a single bark. I hope this is because they've found a new home and not something worse.

Have things settled down for you Cherry and are you sleeping better? I don't suppose it's safe to use noise-cancelling headphones, is it? My dgs has some and when I tried them, couldn't here anything, not even fairly loud music.

I Googled that 'Tah, Tay.. thing and came up with just one mention with this picture, so it is music and something to do with rythm.

I've had my hair cut again as I looked like a raggedy old floor mop; the first time I've actually disliked a cut.
Now it's very short but will grow.

It's been just white for a while and on Monday Karen said, 'You don't look like you without green hair!'
So I put a green and blue pastel wash through it.
Ah, that's better

Oh dear Doodle I hope you get a decent sleep tonight.
Perhaps a call to the GP in the morning would help to hurry things along?

I had a very unexpected treat tonight.
On the way to town this morning my DS phoned to say there was a spare ticket to the DGC school concert because their poor mother wasn't well enough to go
I hope she's not too poorly.

I decided to stay in town after my df left and went to the botanic gardens as it was such a lovely day.

The concert was superb. DGS played a piano solo and his DSis was in the band with her flute and in the choir.

I am so tired now. Too tired to sleep.
The bus was very long and slow.
A young man got on and seemingly he was going the wrong way and was lost. I think his English wasn't good. The driver stopped the bus and told him to call a taxi. The young man didn't understand so the driver got off the bus, called a taxi and we all waited until he was sure the guy was ok before getting back on the bus. Sorry about that was all he said!
I thanked him for being so kind but he just mumbled to say it was nothing.

Night night.

Grammaretto yes I must admit we are struggling with the wait. DH’s legs are so painful with the pressure of the fluid and are very tender. Gp thinks the tablets he’s on will gradually improve things.
Other grandma phoned today to say the second card has arrived. She has one each end of the mantle piece 🤣
That will be nice to see the cousins again.
I have read good reviews about that film didn’t it win an Oscar?
Have a lovely time with your friend.
I expect we will be off to bed soon for our first stint of the night. Coffee at 3 ish o expect then back for another go.
Hope all the gang are ok

I hope you both had some sleep Doodles?
The 4 week wait seems very long.
I am glad your son's visit happened and will have been a good distraction.

Two cards is better than none and the other grandma will have enjoyed the phone call.

I've just heard from my NZ cousin that they are calling for a few days in May on their last big trip to the UK. I must put that in the diary.
The Banshee movie Cherry is the story of a breaking friendship . Set in 1923 Ireland at the time of the civil war so an allegory on the tragedy and damage of war. Beautiful acting and scenery .....

I'm off into Edinburgh soon to meet my df before she disappears to warmer climes. We like to look at exhibitions together and drink coffee. and put the world to rights

Well we are up again but this time not RLS or leg cramps but leg tenderness. The backs of DHs legs have become very tender such that he can’t bear bed clothes. Possible side effect of diuretics, who knows? With the cocktail of drugs DH is taking the in fighting between them can cause all sorts.
Yes the 4 week wait does seem a while but on the other hand they want to make sure any danger of blood clots in his blood has been dealt with first so I can understand that.
Thank you Grammaretto and Cherry had a lovely visit with our son. We don’t see him that often as he works hard and has lots to do at home too it always nice to catch up with him. Both our sons are very caring and lovely people. We are lucky.
Now a story to make you all chuckle.
Saturday evening I suddenly remembered it was other grandmas birthday the following day, Sunday. We have had such a busy week that it completely went out of my mind. I hastily logged onto 🌙 🐷 and ordered a card to be sent asap.
Sunday I phoned to wish her happy birthday and apologised profusely for forgetting and explained her card would be late. I was stunned when she said it had already arrived and was such a pretty card. I told her I was amazed it had been delivered so quickly as I’d only ordered it the previous night. I was even more amazed when she told me it had arrived several days ago…………. 🤔. I asked if she was sure it was from us and she confirmed it by reading out the message inside. Apparently, she remembered it arriving because she thought it was so pretty with a lovely butterfly on the front…..
It seems my addled brain must have remembered her birthday the previous weekend and ordered a card to be delivered on time. DH and I had completely forgotten we had sent it so have now sent another. The funny thing is, despite the huge choice of cards available I appear to have sent her the same card twice 🤣. I’m obviously in a worse state than I thought.
DH is snoring quietly at the dining table so I think o might get him back to bed now, sleep tight,

The link works fine Kaimoana, I've watched but haven't listened to it yet, I spotted you though ☺️. Oh, I do hope $1m is raised and next week's Comedy Relief raises so much more. It's horrible to think about the losses, and of everything, that so many families have endured. Years ago I knew someone who's father lost his house to a landslide, one family's loss is bad enough!
How lovely to be back in touch with an old friend, will you keep it that way do you think?
Nope, never heard of Taah, tay, taffa teffi, sounds like a line from a nursery rhyme or something similar to me, but probably isn't 🤷

I hope the nurses/Drs can help your DH a little more when you speak to them tomorrow Doodle, four weeks must seem a long time at the moment.
Like Grammaretto, I'm too wondering how the visit of your DS' went today, I bet it was lovely to have him come to see you.
I'm like you with my pillow - it has to be just right or I struggle to get comfy. I like a soft squidgy pillow, almost flat in fact unlike the brick my WP likes 🤣

I know virtually nothing about that film Grammaretto but am intrigued by the title. You say it's not what you'd call cheery, that I can handle. Would you recommend it to a friend me?
I'm glad that your helpers enjoyed their stay with you and left such a lovely review, they were good helpers I think.

My neighbour was up to her tricks again last night 😤. Someone gave me a number to ring to report her for noise nuisance but that seems so unfair. I just wish she could be helped. I did get some sleep so last night wasn't too bad, just been a bit lethargic today. A good excuse to watch the International footie matches 😉

Sorry about the typos. I must be tired

DH dad (my DFiL) had a heart op some years back where something went in why through his groin. Perhaps it's similar to what they propose for the Dude?
It was very successful anyway. He had other health problems through being a smoker for most of his life. He made it to 94 despite everything and it was covid that did for him.

I went to see the Banshees of Innisherrin tonight. Cheerful it is not. It has some good lines and wonderful animals. I want a miniature donkey.

It was freezing cold here today with snow on the hills. It should be warmer by now.

The Helpers went off and left a lovely review in my visitor's book. My Scottish food was a hit. see
They enjoyed the city, saw the castle and they even found the Chinese porcelain in the museum
How did your son's visit go Doodle?
Mine called with his badly behaved dog and we had a long talk about religion..

I've run out of milk so it's herbal tea please Jeeves.

Cherry good to hear about your uncle. At the moment we’re a bit in limbo land. With the diuretics we can’t wander far from the loo and all DH can manage on his aching legs is to walk there and back. Thank goodness no stairs are involved.
Do you and your pillow have a close relationship. I do with mine. I find it hard to sleep without it. It is a special one. Stiff as a plank one side and slightly softer the other 🤣
What a lucky coincidence you met your cousin then.
Kaimoana no not Monday. The shock is in about 4 weeks. And the other thing a couple of months later. Sorry to be so vague my mind is addled. Haven’t really had a chance to take it all in yet. Thanks for the link.
How lovely to meet up with an old friend. Hope you continue to be in touch.
That’s a goodly sum to collect. You must all be pleased.
Sorry you’ve got me stumped there.
Grammaretto hope you’ve had a good weekend. Did your helpers have a good time in Edinburgh?

I confess that word 'shock' shocked me - so I just had to go look this therapy up. Yes, it seems your DH will be put to sleep Doodle.
Is this happening on Monday? All my love and good thoughts to you both.

www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/electrical-cardioversion#:~:text=With%20electrical%20cardioversion%2C%20a%20high,signal%20to%20start%20your%20heartbeat

Well, “I'll go to the foot of our stairs”, as my Auntie Minnie used to say. I too have been put in touch with an old and very valued friend from way back.

He's a lovely, lovely man, a Baptist minister, now in his 80s and his wife has had a stroke, not too bad he says but it’s affected her vision. I know the feeling, not just because of the current eye problem but I had a stroke when I was in labour with DS2 when I was 32. Took a while to recover and even now aphasia is a problem, bit of a bug** for a writer .

He sounded overjoyed to be back in touch and wants to keep it that way.

Cherry I chuckled at your pillow talk . The total is going to be close to the $1m predicted from just our concert. Our kaumatua group in the photo collected over $1,000 between us. If you have Facebook there’s a wee video. Not sure if this link will work.

www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=127314350182853&external_log_id=a5369a27-68e1-4420-b2df-beef9b49f5f2&q=maranga%20rise%20up

It's a nationwide effort so full totals will be a while coming in.
Next week, we elders are hoping to go to Comedy Relief to raise even more. Many families are still without homes, essential equipment and clothing.

I’ve had a wonderfully solitary day, so worked on my book since 8am but now, at 5pm am, like an old train, running out of steam.

But before I hit the buffer (and I don’t mean my neighbour) does anyone remember “Taah, Tay, taffa teffy”? It repeats and is something to do with music but I can’t remember what.

Kaimoana you minx, nah I didn't bother with the pillow talk. I could have told it off but the problem with these inanimate objects is that they're thoughtless and just don't listen 😉
What a great fundraiser! That's a very good total to have raised in that short time, I wonder what the final total raised was. Sounds like it was a very enjoyable day too, I love the photo.
I'm 🤞 that the weather is fine when you see your DS and Gubbins on Tuesday.

I've been wondering how are you doing Jan? You haven't said but I hope you are improving 🤞

Out of the mouths of babes they say Grammaretto With a great question like that your DGD knows more than she thinks!
Love it 🤣
Ah, so you made your loaf made for the Gaelic cafe then? I'll say one thing - it may have sunk but I see it went down well ☺️

Doodle it sounds like your DH is having the same procedure that one of my uncles had many years ago. He never said much about it but I know it worked for him. I hope it works for your DH too. Sorry to hear his blood pressure is low at the moment and that he's feeling dizzy and weak because of it. You're right ito talk to the nurses/Drs on Monday. Take care of yourselves meanwhile won't.

My cousin used to live around 10 miles away from me but moved to Cardiff many years ago Doodle. Her sister remained in that area until she died 9 years ago. She'd come to visit her grave and lay flowers, I'd forgotten it was 9 years ago this week. I bumped into her by chance in a cafe where she and her husband had stopped in before heading back to Cardiff.
That is, I agree, unlikely to be something that happens to you Grammaretto. Have you kept in touch in other ways?

Cherry I can’t fault the care DH has had in this last week. Both nurses have gone to great lengths to talk us through their thinking at every stage. Poor man is very tired. His Bp is very low today which probably accounts for his dizziness and lack of energy. I will chat to the nurses/doctor again on Monday to see what they advise. We were going to our sons tomorrow but he is now coming to us. Don’t think DH would be able to cope with his stairs.
Well what a surprise meeting your cousin. Does she live locally? It’s funny isn’t it as time goes by we lose touch with people without meaning to. Our lives just go in different directions I suppose. She must have enjoyed the catch up too.
Kaimoana not sure. They didn’t mention that. They did say he would be in a few hours after but I expect we will know more soon. I like your idea for Grammarettos cake ……especially eating the middle with custard.
What a fun day you had at the concert. The food sounds amazing. Now you have something nice to look forward to on Tuesday.
Jan yes you are quite right. DH’s heart is beating too fast and they hope the shock will re set it. I don’t think they are thinking of a pacemaker. They intend to inset wires through the groin to the heart and then jiggle them about i think (jiggle being the technical term 🤔) Thank you for your good wishes. How are you doing?
Grammaretto if it’s a loaf cake, can’t you cut the middle out and stick the two ends back together and pretend it’s meant to be like that.
I like your DGDs thinking 🤣

Grammaretto yes I think I’ll leave the shocking to the professionals. You’ve been having that problem with you new oven for a while. I baked a cake for DS2 s birthday today……I cheated, Betty Crocker.
Mind you even if yours has a sunken middle I bet it’s nice and will go down a treat at the cafe.
Your helpers are certainly enjoying a variety of entertainment with you. They must be lucky to be with someone with such an interesting social life.

I hope you are right Jan and the Dude's heart can be sorted with a pacemaker.

How interesting to bump into a cousin Cherry!
I can't imagine that happening to me as all my cousins are in NZ or Australia.

You have been having a grand time Kaimoana . That's a very effective fund raiser!

Thanks for the suggestion about the sinking cake but it's a loaf so a bit tricky to pretend it was meant to be anything else. It was enjoyed anyway. better luck next time

We had the Gaelic café this afternoon which was a reminder of how little I know.

I've spent the late afternoon and evening with DD and the DGC. The almost 8yr old asked her DGDad why she didn't know everything. He tried to answer her

Aren't children wonderful 😊

I hope everyone has a good night's sleep. Remember those of us in the UK lose an hour.

Doodle isn’t shocking the heart back into rhythm the cure for an irregular heart beat? I’m probably wrong but do remember Tony Blair having it done many years ago. Maybe the electronic wizardry is a pacemaker for the Dude. DH was fitted with one when it was found his heart was beating too slowly. I’m probably wrong again but just a thought. If it’s a pacemaker it’s a relatively simple procedure. Anyway fingers crossed they are getting him sorted at last.

It sounds shocking Doodle but let's hope it works. Will they tranquilise him?

I hope you've given that wandering pillow a good talking-to Cherry!
How lovely that you had a catchup with a cousin after so long.

Gramaretto Maybe you could scoop out a neat circle from your cake (have it with custard later) and fill the hole with grapes, mini marshmallows or chunks of pineapple? Tell everyone it was meant to be like that

I have just come pack from yet another huge music concert, a fundraiser for flood and cyclone victims.

It began about 10am and by lunchtime had raised $200,000.
It finishes at 7pm but a group of us weary old kuia came home at 3, having eaten so much wonderful food, we needed naps.

There were two huge, whole salmon, smoked beef, green salads, raw fish (my favourite) and prawn pasta salad on the buffet served at 2pm.

On our tables when we arrived, as you'll see in the photo: plates of sandwiches and fruits, bags of crisps, chocolates, cream scones, and more.
We were supplied with free drinks, fans, sunscreen and hats too.
They really do look after us kaumatua (elders).

My DS is planning to come here with Gubbins on Tuesday, so I'm hoping for sunshine so she can have her water play table outside.

Love to all.

The stellar service that your DH has been receiving is moving on to shocking treatment then Doodle. I've heard about this type of treatment but I have no idea what is actually done. The medical professionals are very matter of fact about procedures aren't they, it's something I've noticed a lot. As a patient or a loved one of a patient sometimes that's difficult to process from the other side. They are so adept at what they do and confident about what needs to be done I guess it is matter of fact to them. The heart nurse sounds like she's got real time for people Doodle, I'm pleased that your DH is being taken care of so well. Sorry to hear he's been suffering so badly, I hope you both have a good night.

Grammaretto, I remember watching a programme many years ago too many years ago about how Chinese porcelain was made, not a history as such but the process involved. I found that fascinating, so much effort but so worth it I think.
Shame about your cake, again perhaps you're getting the hang of making sunken ones . I'm sure it's because you're used to the way you did things when you had the old range. I'm glad your helpers enjoyed the ceilidh dancing.

I bumped into a cousin of mine that I literally haven't seen in years whilst me and my WP were out today. It was really good to catch up after so very long and interesting that she hasn't changed a single bit hasn't aged one jot, unlike me. It's left me feeling a bit nostalgic tonight, how close us cousins were whilst growing up and how lives diverge so much as the years pass. It's fine, I'm not sad, just musing.