The Lockdown Gang still chatting

Oh Cherry I do hope the antibiotics start to work soon. Very soon. A uti is the last thing you want. (should that be AN uti? Neither trips of the tongue naturally!)

Thank you ixion I never thought to use Amb**sia vanilla custard. I've only made the savoury variety of those puff pastry wraps using bacon, mushroom and cheese. You've widened my horizons!

I hope Mr D has stopped ouzing blood today Doodle. He may be on a blood thinner without realising it. My DH was on thinners which he was told to stop when he got the blood cancer diagnosis. It was several months later that he found that another medication which was for something else was also a thinner. (When he stopped that one off his own bat, the atrial fibrillation they wanted to give him an op for also stopped overnight!) I hope the weather improves and you can do more than dip a toe without getting swept away by the wind.

Are you sure the lack of cooked pasta was a misunderstanding Grammaretto? That Mr BZ had had coffee and bread rather sounds like he wasn't hungry and couldn't be bothered! And I promise I won't just roll up in Camperbubble expecting to camp in your field, that does seem a bit cheeky.

Yesterday, I couldn't make head nor tail of the fuse system in Camperbubble and the instruction booklet is out of date so I gave in and rang the garage where I bought her. And spoke to the wonderful patient Ady. After about an hour grovelling on the floor, struggling to get up and down and following instruction over the phone, Ady asked if I'd checked the master switch. Master switch? Under the cooker in a small low cupboard (which is the perfect size to take the electric kettle), tucked high up at the back and completely out of sight unless your head is at floor level, there is a press button switch. The Master Switch. I must have caught it when I put the kettle away. I learned a lot about modern fuses - and Ady learned to check that customers knew where this switch is! Much relief!

Hello Lobstars,

Poor Cherry that must be awful! I hope the antibiotics work.

Doodle I never know when to laugh or cry when you describe your adventures.
A bit of both is necessary. Is the dude on blood thinners? rat poison

Everything was going quite well yesterday. DGS got straight As
A letter arrived with an appointment for an assessment for the cataract operation.
Yippee! It's September but not so far away
I went on a lovely late walk and came back to find a strange couple in my garden asking if they could park their campervan here for a few days!!
It turns out their son was a helper here about 7 years ago. I could hardly refuse to but I am constantly surprised by folk!

I shall meet my pal in Edinburgh today and leave everyone to it!

More misunderstanding with BZ. I thought he was cooking last night as I pointed to the spaghetti and sauce ingredients. When I came home there was no sign of food but he said he was ok as he'd had coffee and bread!

The robot voice turns text into spoken language Kaimoana and sounds sexy even with my croaky voice. This AI is amazing.

Ixion you are welcome anytime. I love a CBA cook. After my own heart
😉

I looked at the thumbnail of your photo ixion and thought Gosh, she's made 6 pairs of slippers already.
The bigger picture of Apricot Danish look delish but I'm not sure where he Commonwealth Bank of Australia come into the story.

There are so very many things I can't eat (well, I can but they make me ill so I don't) and Danish (or other) Pastries are high on the list.
Nor can I dance. Like Doodle's DH my balance isn't good enough.
Moreover, at the first note of C&W music pre-Line Dancing - I take to tham thar hills.

I can't even soften these blows with alcohol Nfk as most of that, including wine, is toxic to my system.
If I am out at a restaurant with family, I may have a glass of Sav but (un)fortunately it's many years since we've eaten out together.

Chocolate may be a comfort to most but it gives me a lot of physical pain, mainly in my legs, but I can eat sugar-free chocolate which is nice enough but expensive when it's something I can do without.

This sort of restricted diet (and this is just a fraction of what I cannot eat) keeps me relatively pain-free, otherwise, with osteo and 2 other forms of arthritis, I'd be on daily pain meds. So there is method in my madness

Grammaretto I don't think any machine on earth could make me sound sexy. Perhaps you should volunteer for one of these 0900 number?

We've been promised a little sunshine today but there's still that steady thrumming on the roof of persistent rain.

Nfk I’m hopeless with electricals. I Hope you manage to work out what is wrong with the camper bubble. I know what you mean about needing a magnifying glass. My eyesight now can’t cope with the small print.
Kaimoana DH is ok thanks apart from last nights fiasco.
About 11 pm DH called from the bathroom and said there was blood on the floor. A strip search of his body found a wound on his elbow that has suddenly decided to spurt blood everywhere. 15 minutes of pressure reduced it to a dribble but what to do about going to bed. Of course not being at home supplies were limited. 3 layers of Elastoplast and some micropore tape provided the basics but what if it continued to leak. Always being able to invent something, I cut the bottom off a plastic bag and put it over the elbow, secured with tape. Then a double layer of bath towel on the bed just in case. And like that we slept till morning. All seems ok but what suddenly caused the problem we have no idea.
So glad your friend seem ok.
Do hope you could find somewhere to go with your DGS. Could you son help you with your search?
Grammaretto hope your DGSs results are what he hoped for,
Nice you’ve got family coming for a bit. Where are the BZ off to next?
No, no more falls today but purely by luck. The wind here is so strong we struggled to stay upright. A bit better this afternoon.
Ixion weather is not that great otherwise I’d have a paddle for you.
You are a cook/baker after my own heart. Your apricot Danish look lovely. I’d eat one…..or more.
Cherry lovely to have you back with us. Oh my goodness you have been poorly. I know UTIs can have quite an impact.
So glad you’re on the antibiotics. Please get checked again if you’re not feeling any better.
Double dunks are what I call chocolate digestives 🤣
Take care all

ixion, if your pastries are from the cba Cookery School then they don't look like it! They look 😋. Pass one over 'ere please 🙏

I am a little brighter, thanks Kiamoana just not by much. In the end it turned out that I wasn't suffering from vertigo after all but an advanced uti (accompanied by oral thrush 🤢). I'm on antibiotics now for both which are rapidly running out but so far I don't feel like they've made any difference. They must be doing something though because when I saw my GP last Thursday he said he was glad I saw him when I did as it was likely that, if untreated, by Monday I would have ended up in hospital 😬. It never occurred to me, my WP, a junior neurologist, two clinical nurses or an epilepsy support worker that it might be a uti. This is despite the fact there's a 1 in 12 chance of one with the new medication I've been put on, though to be fair neither I or my WP knew that fact. Makes you think doesn't it 🤔. It's fair to say I'm feeling worn out.

Your get togethers with first your family and then your friends sounded lovely Nfk. I hope you manage to get the electrics in the camperbubble sorted out 🤞

I hope you and your DH are having a lovely time bedside the seaside Doodle and your DH hasn't had any more falls.

That was a quick visit to the podiatrist Kiamoana, 👍 Karen.

Your conversations with the BZs are intriguing Grammaretto, I'd love to be a fly on the wall 🤫😁 Apart from double dunks (as I say for a teabag used twice) there must be so many intricacies that are a 😱 to get across in translation. I hope your DGS got the exam results he wanted 🤞

PS
Artfully displayed on my 50p charity shop platter!

Sending greetings to all.
Enjoy your seaside break Doodle . I have a well collapsed ankle and know full well that I will never frolic at the water's edge any more. Both sand and shingle are impassible for me now, even venturing up next door's gravel drive is a challenge -especially whilst retaining some sense of gravitas and dignity.
But at least Kaimona will have impeccable dancing💃 👣 .
I hope NfkD has her power reconnected. I can guess it must be a warm and welcoming cocoon in times of need, both practical and emotional.
Is Mr.BZ back to full strength Grammaretto? What do you have to do in these sort of instances? Can they call upon the services of a GP in extremis? Hope the exam results brought relief and pleasure.

This afternoon I have been in Domestic Goddess mode.
📣 All decent bakers please look away now 📣

I am a cook/baker of the CBA Cookery School.
I adapted a terribly poncy complex recipe for Danish pastries😲.
Roll of ready made puff pastry, tin of apricot halves and a small tub of Amb***sia vanilla custard. Simple but effective. In this household, you know your efforts are appreciated when the resounding chorus is -
Ooh, just like the ones from the shop! 😇
I wonder whether sharing this will make me an influencer🤔.

Waving to 🍒😊

Do you have a family WhatsApp group Nfk? If so announce you are disappearing into the workings of the camper should they be looking for you.

Oh yes Kaimoana we use every kind of translation gizmo known and I sound very sexy when my words are spoken by a Portuguese robot
It's the tiny things, the nuances, which we miss and which makes conversations interesting.
How to explain that I use my teabag twice so please don't throw it out before I've had a second cup
i'm a canny Scot
They are here until next Monday. Then my DSis and DBiL arrive.
I have booked for one concert in the festival but will trawl the programmes for something else.

My local DGS exam results come out today. I hope it's what he hopes for. He's staying with a school friend during the holidays.
I hope the Doodles are enjoying their seaside break with no more falls

I don't think my DH would have appreciated S Club 7 Mamissimo but I do very much enjoy line dancing. It's good when families do get together. Some are very close I know, but our children are very different and have little in common. On the occasions when they do come together it's lovely to see how well they get on and enjoy each others company.

I think I'd have looked for a reason (if one was needed) to get out of the video making session Kaimoana. Even without the agencies impolite and inconsiderate attitude to Karen, it sounds like an ordeal to me. I hope you feel better before long. If you have a cold and fever together I believe alcohol is the accepted remedy (at least in my book).

A large very scraggy young black bird just wandered across in front of my glass door with a big piece of bread in it's beak. Not sure if its a crow or a rook as it was such a mess! I shall now stir myself and have another look under the seat in the camper at the inaccessible fuse box. If you don't hear from me, I'll be stuck.

Oh Nfk how annoying. 'Let there be light!'

Grammaretto how long are your BZ friend staying?
When I was teaching ESOL many of my students had devices which, if you put in a word (Korean in this case) and pressed "English" it came up onscreen and a voice spoke it. Sentences too. That’s what your Brazilians need.

I uncancelled my podiatrist as dear Karen said she'd take me (on her day off). We left 9:30 and were back home at 10am.

I hope our Doodles are benefitting from hotel R&R and MrD doesn't fall again. As I become less steady on my feet, I'm contemplating getting the walker out. I don't feel safe any longer with just a stick.

Did I mention that after being told my friend Taanu was in the Hospice which made me fear the worst I went to see her and found her perky and playing Bingo?

Our elders group begins next week not today but I'm glad, as I still feel very much under the weather. Your excellent suggestion of preparing a feast, then ignoring it, made me laugh Doodle but actually, I have eaten very little since Friday.

Hope Cherry is a bit brighter.

I’m still trying to find a little winter break for the dgs and me old self but it is so complicated. Everyone is hooked up to some ‘special offer’ website you have to go through to book. When you go there, popups and flashes and distracting stuff makes an almost-blind old ladies use uncharitable language.
You can’t just contact a B&B and book.

Not being able to drive doesn’t help as so much accommodation is wrapped up with entrance to attractions which need a car to access. Grrr.

We have had some sun in between the rain today - is Summer on the way?

And tomorrow's challenge? After DD1 and Crew left this afternoon, I went out to Camperbubble to sort it out a bit and - no electrics in the back. Dead. I assume a fuse must have blown somewhere. I did have an instruction induction but I can't read the labels, Hopefully tomorrow with the double Dutch instruction leaflet, a torch and a magnifying glass everything will make sense!

We are at the seaside for a few days. Had a nice wander on the beach earlier and now back at the hotel.
DH fell over earlier but apart from a few bruises seems ok. His balance is so bad.
Kaimoana sadly I couldn’t see your film either. I don’t do Facebook.
Grammaretto I thought I’d remembered that about your DH correctly. I only really know one Taize song and that I find beautiful. I heard it in church one day. Oh Lord hear my Prayer. It’s stayed with me ever since and I often sing it to myself.
Glad Mr BZ has perked up a bit.
Kaimoana I’m glad you stood up for Karen. That is no way to treat people. No you are definite not a Corlinda. Sorry you are feeling that poorly. Please take things carefully and look after yourself. Feed a cold and starve a fever…….perhaps prepare a sumptuous spread and then don’t eat it.
Do hope you feel better soon.
Mamissimo not sure if that was a successful wake or not.
It is a shame that often families get together for funerals when it would have been better when the person was still alive.
Early night for us tonight. Up early for breakfast in the hotel restaurant……..i.e. i can’t have my breakfast in my pyjamas as usual 🤭

Good morning 🙂
NFK your gatherings brought to mind my late FiL's funeral. He had outlived his friends and most of his colleagues and had been in a care home near us for some time. All Mr M's siblings were scatted abroad and we hadn't seen them for between one and four years made me jolly cross when their father would have loved to see them again

All the rotters turned up for the funeral will reading and came back to our home after the ceremony. The Saudi mob were yabbering with the USA mob, the UK cousins were organising their next holiday......and Mr M and I were in the kitchen pouring drinks.

We re-entered the sitting room to find them rolling up the rug so that the USA crowd could demonstrate their line dancing prowess.......to SClub 7's Tragedy.

That's when I cried! How he would have appreciated his family seeing him off with a monster family hoe down! He taught them all how to have a good time and they had all learned the lesson well.

The silliness of it forged new memories and we are all closer now and see each other regularly....--but we've never lined danced again--

Nfk It sounds a wonderful way to keep up with and thank people. Glad you found the key.

Karen and I cancelled the online-video making session: I am crook and Karen has a horror of photos/videos taken of her. Unlike their polite request to me, the agency ordered Karen to be there and in the film. That was enough to make me rebellious; how dare they treat my friend like that?

The Repair Cafe video was hardly Oscar material: I wittered on and it seems the film and article referred to me throughout as "Colinda". Ye gods.

"Feed a cold and starve a fever"
What if you have both?

Sadly, I can't see the film either 😥

Your gathering sounds perfect Nfk. What a lovely thing to have done. Thankfully the weather turned out dry too and the keys weren't lost.

Thanks for telling me about the mysterious midnight flower.

You're right DH was the singer, not me, but the group still set out from ours so I went with them.

I don't think MrBZ can be too sick. Tonight he asked what our address is as he wants to buy football boots online.
I hope they arrive before they leave.
My specs still haven't which were ordered long before Skye.

Don't drink everything on that drinks trolly.

NfK so pleased you had your gatherings. People do appreciate the chance to get together and I think it’s a nice thing you are doing for family and friends.
Good you were able to be outside and it dried up for you. 28 is a big number to host anywhere I would think so it’s good you were able to be in the garden. So nice your family stepped in to help. Hopefully that left you to chat among friends.
Thank goodness you found the key. It would have been a worry otherwise. A few drinks in the company of family and friends sounds relaxing.
Must be useful having the camper bubble if you’ve got people staying. Somewhere quiet for yourself. Glad it all went well.
Grammaretto sounds like you had a houseful today.
What would you do without Google translate, except of course with a dog. No one needs translation to pet a dog. Glad they all got on.
Sorry Mr BZ isn’t well. Good you have someone who can translate a bit more accurately than Google.
Your DH used to sing with the Taize singers too didn't he?
Kaimoana so pleased your visitors came and you had a nice conversations with Gubbins. I have always thought she takes after you.
Ooh a film star in our midst again. Hope you get a good night and feel better tomorrow.
I’m just going to watch your clip.

I'm told that link doesn't work

Maybe this does, if you have Facebook.
www.facebook.com/profile/100048938785532/search/?q=repair%20cafe

Although you know my Tablet wasn't repaired in the end, here's the clip they made for Newshub about Repair Cafe.

www.newshub.co.nz/home/shows/2023/07/newshub-nation-grassroots-organisation-repair-cafe-helps-new-zealanders-fix-their-belongings-as-government-works-on-right-to-repair.html?fbclid=IwAR3rctmtRiMCBhe9CVwGz_VrVuDqntnXMYlOsaAx02BLwMDOfW09IF4_P2g

I was just a bit envious of your midnight flowering cirreus Grammaretto so Googled it. Apparently it brings peace to your chakra. Much needed by the sound of it if you're being attacked by boy racers.

Woke to rain and high winds this morning and a feeling of Ndread as there would be 28 of us altogether for DH's bbq. 28 in our my little house is a bit of a squeeze. But the sun came out and the wind dried off all the outdoor furniture and everyone had a relaxing, wonderful time. Especially me as the Offspring took over again and it all just happened as it should. One or two still had problems grasping that it was a coming together, big hug, thank you for being there all these months bbq rather than a wake or a memorial. No speeches or toasts. I did have one or two moments but no blubbing.

Then, after everyone had gone, I found I'd lost the front door key! So now, the hall is spotless where furniture has been moved out, all pockets are guaranteed empty of tissues, sweet wrappers and dog poo bags - and the keys were found in my car in the tray where I keep them! DSiL had intercepted me when I returned from the butchers with the meat yesterday so I didn't need them to get indoors! I fear I rather imbibed too much from Jeeves' drinks trolley over the last couple of days.

That must have been such a treat for you all Kaimoana Gubbins looks absorbed and happy.

A Portuguese lady came today to help me converse with the BZ.
She's coming again tomorrow.
MrBZ isn't well. Possibly under the weather. It has been very cold here as well as wet.

Much brighter today. I joined the Taizé singers until my croaky voice became a distraction so I walked around the churchyard. There's a healthy milk thistle growing beside DHs stone.

Because I felt ill, I gave DS and Gubbins chance to postpone but they have colds too so we went ahead. Gubbins didn't feel like eating, not even Apple & Apricot crumble or custard but her sore throat responded to ice cream

She's so talkative now wonder where she gets that from? and amusing: stands with hands on hips to emphasis a point

And she actually initiated conversations with me, a first. You did reassure me Doodle that it may take up to 3 years, you were right.

Tomorrow, the agency who provides my home care, is coming to film me. It'll go on their website.
And apparently I'm also in one for the Repair Cafe scheme; I'm trying to find out where.

I haven't been up to eating today either but I'm hoping an early night will see the lurgy off.

Pic of Madam and her ice cream and the chaos in my usually fairly tidy house when the toybox is pulled out. but she's very good at putting everything away before they go home.

It has rained non stop all day here.
The BZ enjoyed themselves but he isn't well today. hope I'm not overworking him!
DS1, DDiL and DGD came with dog, cake and fish and chips. They didn't know I had BZ helpers but got on well with them with Google translate.
Mrs BZ adores the dog!
The police didn't visit ofcourse not but I had a phone call from a PC who said there wasn't nearly enough evidence to convict.
Apparently there are 371 peagreen cars with those same 4 digits on their number plates. i find that hard to believe

Bring me sunshine Jeeves and strong liquor. Take some to all the Lobstars.

We've had mostly rain here too Doodle. It didn't matter too much as I had all DH.s close family here for a buffet lunch. Not too many left now so we all fitted into the garden room. It was quite cosy though and the noise level rather high. They don't come together much now! The Offspring were all here so a assembly line was formed to sort out sandwiches and all went well. Tomorrow is close friends day and we're having a bbq. Rather more of them so I'm praying for good weather. The aged relies appreciated a coming together so I'm hoping the friends do too. Now off to bed in the camperbubble. I'm quite enjoying my solitude out there! (And I'm crackered!)

Another day of mostly rain here. Brief dry interlude this afternoon so we popped out to the chemist for another truck load of medicines.
Kaimoana what a shame after paying for a new battery Phil’s Samsung couldn’t be revived. Oh dear I hope you feel better for the family visit tomorrow. Your poor feet. Is there no one who can take you to your appointment. Do you have a more reliable taxi firm who can help out?
Glad your afternoon was brighter. Hope you have a lovely day with family tomorrow.
Grammaretto so pleased you didn’t get run over. Why do people feel the need to go racing around.
Did you enjoy your trip to the festival? Yes I wonder what the BZ thought. Your flower is beautiful. Worth the wait.
DH has been asleep in his chair for the last hour. He’s very tired after our walk this afternoon. I will try and encourage an early night. Quite tired myself.
Hoping Cherry is ok. Sending a cwtch. 💕