The Lockdown Gang still chatting

My two sisters in law are thinking to escape the predicted earthquake in their area of Turkey on 7th March. They have been offered accommodation with a brother in Baghdad where they are from but they will be required to follow the tradition of giving presents to around 20 relatives all so looking forward to such a treat from their sisters who escaped to Turkey!, This has so stressed them out that they are thinking to sit out the predicted earthquake with their cousin who has a ground floor apartment. All fingers crossed for them. Last time I visited them we experienced a minor earthquake and I found it very scary.

Grammaretto I made an appointment this morning for DH at the end of March. Not as soon as I would have liked so I was very pleased when we got a phone call this evening offering us one in two weeks time. At least that’s something to look forward to when we’re up and around at night.
I’ve watched the Da Vinci Code too. Can’t remember anything about it now. I do like Tom Hanks though. I think he’s a good actor.
Kaimoana my eyes kept being drawn to the photo. What a delicious looking cake. What a lovely story about your Great Aunt. I had a great Aunt I used to visit occasionally when I was a little girl. She had a corgi. Not a very pleasant creature but at the time I so wanted a dog and loved having the chance to hold the lead when we went for a walk.
Mamissimo DH is very envious if you are situated anywhere where you can see the lights. He was talking about it earlier this evening. I wonder if you will get to see them…….Jeeves has put a double tot in your coffee
I can remember years ago when we were much younger, going to a big IKEA store as a day out at the weekend. I think, these days, like you, I would be busy. 😊

Good evening 🙂

Doodle I am so sorry that you and your poor Dude are having such a rough time. I think you're wise to get a private consultation if you can manage it. It sometimes leads to faster solutions. 💐

Mr M took me to IKEA for a treat today. He wanted a new standard lamp and he bought a bag full of random bits, a meatball lunch.....and we forgot to look for a lamp! He says we can go back later in the week but I think I'll be busy!

We're going to turn off all the lights in a moment and go and see if we can spot the Northern `lights. Our forecast says between 10 and midnight will be the best time for us so I have my fingers crossed.

Please ask Jeeves if I can have a good Irish Coffee tonight as it will help me to see the lights 🙂

Oh Doodle I do wish your health professionals could get to the bottom of this horrible suffering. When you can't sleep, it affects all manner of other things in life, from physical to emotional.
You must both be heartily sick of it.

You found your ring Cherry! I bet you gave a great sigh of relief.

When I was young, we used to visit an elderly great Aunt and arrived for tea one day to see her tearfully crumbling what had been a beautifully decorated cake.

She explained she'd lost a ring, "looked everywhere" then fearing it had fallen into the cake as she mixed it, decide this was the only way to make sure no one choked.

My mother, her niece said we'd all look for the ring later but meanwhile, why didn't we go to Betty's Cafe as a treat to cheer her up? She agreed and fetched her coat.

As she pulled on her gloves.......

We still went to Betty's Cafe and I had a Palmier, even now, 70 years later, one of my favourite cakes.

I am sorry to hear that you are having such a tough time Doodle. Let's hope the GP can hurry things along and you get an appointment soon with the neurologist.
I also hope the night is bearable.

You will have to show us your paintings!

The film was the Da Vinci Code.
I'd seen it before but completely forgotten it
At the time of the filming at Rosslyn Chapel I saw Tom Hanks jogging on the path I was cycling on. Such claim to fame!

Sparky came while I was out and disconnected the clay mixer. He still has a key.

Will it Bedtime Tea, Vanilla rooibos or hot chocolate? I'll let Jeeves decide if he can be spared from his coaching duties

Cherry I too wonder how effective phone appointments are. It remains to be seen.
Budding painter 🤣🤣🤣 I’m on par with a 5 year old with no talent. But I do find it fun to daub some paint on a canvas. We followed a video and used a fork in the paint to make grass and cotton wool buds dipped in paint to make flowers.
You found your ring! Wonderful, how lucky you used the gloves again and felt the ring there. Our team won! 😲 4 nil.
I knew Jeeves coaching them would help. 🤣
Grammaretto glad it’s not Covid. You had a good time with your DGC. It’s nice when they don’t want to leave,
Hope you enjoyed the film.
Don’t know what we’re going to do tonight. We slept for about 2 hours last night but from 2.30 onwards we were up with DHs RLS. We had breakfast at 6am but both of us had a nap for an hour or so in the afternoon. Not sure what tonight will bring. I’ve already had the ice pack on his back to try and get rid of the irritation. I am phoning the GP first thing. We need to see a neurologist asap. We will have to pay. DH can’t put up with this any longer. Sleep well all

That's super news about your ring and your football result.and
thanks Cherry it was not covid just snot
I didn't visit DMIL today because DD went before she came here and had to produce a proper lunch. The DGC were lovely and didn't want to leave neither did I want them to. We shared our germs generously.

Sparky is supposed to be coming to disconnect the clay mixer today because I have sold it. I hope he doesn't appear at midnight.

Your dog sharing plan is coming along nicely Kaimoana. Those two look adorable.

Well done on coming up with suitable names eliminating unsuitable well in advance Mamissimo.
Unlike my DN who took months to come with one (you can in Denmark) and came up with a name more suited to a dog! My DB and his DH were horrified hoping for something wiser

A film tonight. Can't remember what it is, but it will have been chosen by someone.

Kaimoana there was an earthquake in Gwent, inland and to the east of where I live several days ago, measured 3.7. Apparently it was felt as far away as Birmingham but I didn't feel it here.
I'm not a dog person but I have to admit those dogs look (and sound) adorable. The rent a dog seems like a good scheme and maybe looking after a dog/s part-time will prove to be better for you. Not the same as having a specially trained BLV dog but adorable companionship.
The only record of my seizures is a seizure diary my partner keeps. All my consultants (past and present) have requested a record be kept to aid review in clinic. Not easy to keep an accurate record as he can't witness every one and I don't have focal awareness seizures, sometimes called auras, anymore. Not sure how a review of the record is going to work over the phone .
Gubbins sounds a bit shy to me Kaimoana, rather than anything else. I'm sure as she gets older this will fade. I bet she did look adorable in her fairy dress 😊

Sorry to hear that both you and your DMiL are still under the weather Grammaretto 💐 I read on the morning thread that you're concerned that it could be covid and are doing a test. I hope it was negative and you could see your DD (it was your DD wasn't it?) as planned. Hope you feel better soon.

Ooh Doodle do we have a budding painter amidst us? It sounds like you had a lot of fun with your friend. Will you do it again, maybe dabble a bit more?

A bit of minor fortune in Cherry Cove, our footie team won 4 nil yesterday and more importantly I found my ring! You'll never guess where it was ... it was in a pair of plastic gloves I only use when I hand wash woollens. Just goes to show how often I do that 🤣

What a lovely looking pair of dogs Kaimoana . Looks as though that might be something really beneficial for you and the owners. So pleased for you.
Sorry I didn’t mean Gubbins coming with just her mum but my DGD was always more relaxed with us if her mum and dad both were with her rather than just our son and her on their own. The way to Gubbins heart…..through her tummy.😊. I can see you teaching her to bake soon too.

Gubbins never comes here with just Mummy, Doodle.

When DS told her yesterday they were going to Grandma's, she said, 'Ooh, for yummies?'

I met Lily and Ritchie this morning as well as their owner and her lovely teenaged son.

We got on tremendously well, had a lot in common and as they are not desperate for care but like to have a full day out at museums or galleries, are more than happy to leave these two adorable wee dogs with me.

Lily came and asked if she could sit on my knee, so we were both in our element cuddling.

Ritchie wasn't going to show he was quite so soppy, at least not on a first visit but loved having his ears scratched.
I was assured he likes to be a lap dog too

So that will work out nicely I think and they live only 6km away.

Funny how things work out isn't it? I was so upset when BLV turned me down but I'm now sure this is a better option.

Wow Mamissio that’s an interesting list of names. I have never heard of a child being called Science before. Hercules would certainly be something to live up to but I too think Freddie is a winner.

Kaimoana it’s a very interesting idea. With our last dog, our neighbour used to have her during the day while I was at work. It was companionship for them both and they had a real bond. I hope you find a suitable match soon.
Does Gubbins respond to you more when her mum is around? My DGD felt safer when her mum and dad were both with us than if it was just her and her dad. Things can change as she gets a bit older.
Grammaretto have you been working in the store today. I read on GM that you take flowers in for the tables, that’s a nice idea.
You are quite right. We are in a difficult place with DHs meds.
Too little and his body irritates him too much to rest or sit. Too much and he is unstable on his feet. There doesn’t seem much scope between the two. Last night was dreadful. We were up at least once and hour for about 10 to 15 minutes. Think we managed about 2 or 3 hours sleep in total. So tired today.
Sorry both you and your MIL are not feeling your best. Must be hard on your MIl not being settled somewhere.
I hope you feel well enough to enjoy tonight’s concert.
Mamissimo what wonderful news. Not surprised tears were close to the surface. Nice to have the chance of a chat with your son. Hope he enjoys his birthday trip.
Have a lovely time with your other DGC tonight.

Our family has been blessed in the past by a string of Pentecost, a line of Congellus, three Jehonadab......and a girl called Science....there has been a Hercules and most recently we are up to Ernest the fourth.....we therefore think Freddie is relatively charming!

.......Today they thought 'Freddie' - full name Frederick Paul 🙂

What joy Mamissimo !!


I am so happy for you all, he is a miracle indeed.

Is he going to be Barney or Benedict, Oliver or Hugo, Sebastian or Seth? Jake or Josh?

He's no longer an avocado but a baby boy - oh the wonder of it. and double grin !

I've heard that those teddies can help babies sleep.

Such lovely news Mamissimo
I'm quite emotional too!!
A Summer baby too. Life is good.

Good evening🙂

It's going to be a baby boy!

Today I drove to Canterbury and back to attend DD2's latest scan and they opted to be told. She's over 16 weeks now and the avocado sized foetus seemed through my suddenly watery eyes to be in fine fettle. I'm so utterly utterly delighted for them. I bought them a teddy with a recording of the baby's heartbeat in it because I'm gullible and over emotional

DS came with me and we yabbered all the way there and back and it was great to have an in depth catch up. He's thirty next Saturday and doesn't know that his parter is taking him to Athens for five days tomorrow. She was packing while we were safely out of the way. That girl is a keeper!

And now we have to drive down the road to babysit the smalls while their parents go to the theatre. A full on day but I can rest tomorrow. 🙂

Dear gang,

I have been reading your posts eagerly as usual but don't have anything much to report from here. Finding the deeds was enough thrills for me
I am sorry Cherry you have bumps and bruises without even knowing. I suppose you have already considered a padded cell?

Doodle that powerful anti RLS medication could affect the Dudes balance but perhaps it's a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea.your crafting sounds good fun.

I hope you find the perfect arrangement to suit all concerned Kaimoana
An elderly lady near me has a puppy she was a puppy in the story after her old dog died and her energetic 70yr old neighbour walks the dog every day, returning her quite exhausted. So that's the other way around but it suits them.
I also wonder why people rescue dogs if they then can't be with them . But they do.
My DS and family bought a pup during lockdown but now it's down to DDiL to be main carer and she says she wants to go back to work so I don't know what will happen. I took him, the dog, for half an hour once and he stared at the door and whined the whole time.

I'm still feeling a bit under par today. DMiL is not yet getting back to the flat and she is unwell. O me miserum.

Gaelic café later and a concert tonight so such a lot I could do.

It goes like this Doodle
Members put up profiles: owners who want care 'borrowers' as well.

More often it's the borrower who contact the owner.

There’s an indication of how far away they are from you and the nature of the dog and what it needs.
I ignored all those who are energetic and need lots of beach walks.

I’ve made it clear I don’t drive and am looking for a quiet dog who just needs company during the day, but not every day.

I’m astounded by the number of people who say they have a rescue dog, some of them rescued very recently – so why accept an already vulnerable animal, only to palm it off on someone else?

I am hoping to see a dog owner tomorrow but they have two medium-sized dogs who look like King Charles spaniels. I didn't want two but they were litter mates and it wouldn’t be fair to split them up, they'd fret.
Of course, the owner may not think I'm suitable. We'll see.

DS and Gubbins arrived but only for breakfast because DS was taking his car to be serviced.

It wasn’t the weather for gardens and butterflies, so we just had a meal – Gubbins looking very cute in her fairy frock.

I sang, ‘A Mouse Lived in a Windmill’ to her. I’d made it into a book with mousey illustrations from the Internet and laminated the pages. Although she asked me to sing again, wouldn't come to look at the mice, sticking close to Papa throughout.

She took the book home so Mummy could sing it. How archaic the words seem now

She played a little with her water table and managed to drink most of the liquid

She’s still very wary of me, doesn’t smile or respond much when I speak to her (although she chatters endlessly to Dad).

She’ll allow me to kiss her cheek if she’s in Daddy’s arms and will rapidly hug my legs if asked, but only on her way out.
I don’t think it will ever change.

Kaimoana that spiced loaf cake looks delicious. I’m sure the family will love it.
Well what a lovely thing to happen. A free table delivered to your door. That’s a result.
Well I’m not surprised the rent a dog team were impressed with your profile….you are an author after all. 😊 Do you know when they might find a rentable dog for you?
Oh not more rain. I do hope you keep safe but like you feel so sorry for those enduring flooding.
Cherry I’ve heard of “things that go bump in the night” but that shouldn’t be your poor head. Hope you are ok.
How interesting about your mother, I never knew that about vertigo. My tinnitus is on the quiet side at the moment which is nice. It’s only there when I think about it.
Thank you for asking about DH. He is getting on ok with the physio but questions whether it will be of benefit or not.
He really wants to improve his balance but can’t see how the exercises will help. He does do them though. He is having a particularly “wobbly” day today. His word. I’m wondering if it’s due to increasing his medication for his RLS.
Goodness Kaimoana how scary. (Well I know it doesn’t frighten you sos much but it sounds scary to me) . I often think you live in a wonderful place but it does get a bit frightening at times. Cyclones, earthquakes, floods…..please keep safe,
I’ve had a nice afternoon. Visited my crafting friend and we decided to try our hand at painting. We watched a video on YouTube and tried to copy it. I don’t think either of our artistic pieces would make it to an art gallery but we did have lots of fun and giggles. We were using cotton wool buds dipped in paint to make flowers. When you’re doing something like that it’s hard to stop. You just keep adding a few more. We both ended up with quite a prolific garden 🤣
Grammaretto hope you’ve had a good day.

"The last earthquake in New Zealand occurred 1 hour and 15 minutes ago: Minor mag. 1.8 earthquake 68 km west of North Island, New Zealand, on Saturday, Feb 25, 2023 at 8:01 am (GMT +13)."

In the past year we've had tornadoes, cyclones, record floods and Covid.

We seemed to have missed out on the plague of rats.

The only thing left now is an angel with a fiery sword!

I'm still here. not washed away but the house just shook with an earthquake (?) I don't know what else it could be, there was no noise.
;
Oh dear, another bump Cherry thats sad. How do you deal with the injuries once you realise they've happened? Do you have to report them?

My tinnitus is exactly like cicada - in fact during the day, I'm not always sure which IS the noisy insect and which my inner ear

My mind is still with Mamissimo photographing The Big Five in South Africa

My DS spent some time in Jo-burg a few years ago with friends who own large tracts of land and have restaurants in the National Park.

The animals may be amazing but you cannot stop at crossroads or traffic lights, for fear of being attacked and robbed and no one ever drives in an unlocked car. Most people are armed.

He was invited to Sun City to holiday with the family and was appalled.

It looks as if we may get our visit to the Butterfly House after all as the forecast is for sun later. Fingers crossed.

Oh, by the way - how's your DH's physio going Doodle and how are you getting on Jan?

Didn't have the best of days yesterday, woke up with another large bump on my head (happened a few days ago too) but no inkling that I'd had a seizure 🤔 but I must have.

Sorry to hear about your photographer friend Kaimoana and very disappointed to hear that your friend Rangi's family has done what they've done. I hope she manages at some point to let you and others know her address so you can remain in touch.
Oh heck, more warnings for flooding. I sincerely hope this is the last and doesn't prove to be half as bad as the earlier storms, that lives and homes aren't devastated! I'm glad it doesn't seem likely you'll be caught in this one.
It's got a bit ridiculous now hasn't it, how if you don't have a mobile phone you become excluded, even worse if you don't have decent internet access and an email address. It's great that the hardware store not only gave you free delivery but a free table to boot. Result! As for sometimes the world loves me - how could it not 😊

Doodle for years my mother was misdiagnosed with tinnitus but when she was having hospital treatment for something else, completely unrelated, she was reassessed and was diagnosed with vertigo. She was amazed because she'd always thought vertigo had something to do with dizziness and heights. Neither condition is pleasant and I think both can cause noise sensitivity, and have other symptoms in common. It can't be easy for you on times.

I don't like the sound of what you had to put up with on your train journey Grammaretto. By the way, I was thinking - won't you be entitled to compensation for the detoured journey you had to make?

Here we go again. All the emergency sirens have just gone for flooding and evacuation.

I don't think it will affect me but I feel so sorry for those who are still struggling.