The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

Just know that we're here in quiet support x

Doodle 🤞🙏❤️
We all hope DH comes home soon and that you can both resume some normality

Doodle
Always here for you
❤️

Doodle will be thinking about you. Hope DH gets home at the weekend and you get some good news soon. Lots of lov

Mamissimo lovely photo. What a lovely book they’re reading
Sorry all, not been a good day. Some very unsettling news and a lot for DH and I to think about. I think he’s coming home this weekend and we will find out more on Monday. Don’t really want to talk about it on GN.

I might be a bit quiet for the next few days but I am still around and will post when I can. Thank you all for your love and support. x

Magic ✨

❤️

Just for you Kaimoana ! Spud and his Papa with Trevor....DD asks for some guidance as to how to pronounce the 'Kiwi words' - she's sure they're getting it wrong 😑

Strange happenings at your house Nfk. Do you think Keira can sense your DH on the other couch? I've heard that's quite common.

That fireplace sounds like a work of art in itself.

Isn't it funny that in most art galleries (who should know better) huge, unsuitable gilt frames are placed round pictures which cry out for plain ones?

I've never been offered jam with a cheese scone anywhere and Artoa asked for it this time.

If one goes for a poashe Afternoon Tea in an hotel, one will be offered optional jam & cream. A Devonshire Tea it's called but not like any I ever tasted in Devon!.

I live in a poor area so we peasants can't afford such luxuries It's bad enough that a plain scone costs nearly £4 - butter extra.

ixion at least your cookery book didn't have the strapline "low waist recipes"

No, Cherry, Ray doesn't eat well now that his daughter has flounced out and the present homecare lady no longer cooks a meal for him (some won't or can't).

He says he just picks up anything handy if he's hungry.

As I make all my own soups (and meals) it's no hassle at all to make a bit extra and take something across to Ray. Not every day of course.

During term time, it's usually Waipareira's food I bring home for him from our kaumatua lunches.
I'm hoping when we resume our meetings in late January, he'll come along and can help himself to yummies.

Has it made a big difference Cherry not having your troublesome neighbour beside you?

I'm Skyping with a friend in Atlanta at 8am tomorrow. Chrissy and I were on the same Forum in the late 90's and have stayed in touch. Who says virtually friendships don't last?

They say that nurses are better trained than ever Doodle ... but where on earth was that nurse's sense are cricket bats allowed in hospitals because if I had my way she'd be out for a duck. I'm pleased that there's been a better result on the pain killer front, I hope that battle doesn't have to be refought 🤞. PALs had better carry out their promise if not I can send you a cricket bat in the post, it's bad that they have to do that and talk about training when it involves a basic of nursing care.

You made a valiant attempt last night Grammaretto, that's the problem being in pain and going without painkillers though isn't it - pain doesn't do sleep. I don't like the thought of you being in pain anyone being in pain really. Don't tell me that your Dr is reluctant to prescribe you painkillers too 🙁.
The uplifting bra Turner exhibition sounds wonderful, you are so lucky, I'd love to see those works. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I'm glad you had such a lovely visit from your dgd Kaimoana and those scones excluding the jam on the cheese one you and Artoa had when you were out sound scrummy. I've no idea if Parkinson's causes such severe weight loss but Ray doesn't sound like he's in a good way, is he normally eating okay do you know? You're being a good neighbour by taking him some nutritious food

It sounds like you and Keira had a lovely Xmas & New year's eve Nfk, even if Keira doesn't like the New Year fireworks 😊

I did have a great time, thanks Grammaretto 😊, tiring though. I have recovered now, I think. These seasonal birthdays are unreasonably timed 😂. It was lovely to see everyone we don't get to see often, as it's quite a way for my WP to drive because of his cps, and of course I can't drive and his sister (to come the other way) doesn't drive. We might take trains next time if the connections improve 🤔.

Ouch, Doodle. You couldn't make it up, could you? But you do seem to be a bit more upbeat tonight and I wonder whether an early posting means you are back home by now and an opportunity to rest a little?

A day here of unending deconstruction of Christmas decorations. Well, all but the tree which others want left in situ until Twelfth Night. Silent relief as this means a serious sweep and dust can be deferred a little longer🥳. Time, too, to revisit my lovely gifts before housing them appropriately. Musing, tho', as to why Santa felt the need to bring me a cookery book entitled Home Bird. 'Simple low waste recipes'.

Or, for that matter, a 'moisture meter' for my house plants. Not that I was aware that I struggled in either area, but it is great fun running round and spearing said house plants and waiting for the little dial to give you the O.K.

Your fireplace story, Nfk, reminded me a little of the pair of rather ghastly interesting pictures that my mother had inherited from her mother. Been in the family for yonks, some sort of ships under sail, which Mr..I took a liking to - unless he was just being tactful? Uncle Jim, it was staunchly proclaimed, had brought these back as a gift for his mother, having sailed the South China Seas with the Merchant Navy.

Mr.I wanted to replace the ageing frames, where, it was discovered, they had been purchased from a department store on Oxford Street. Must have been a rushed purchase for a forgotten gift, my mother remarked.

^Plus ça change^ ...

Spent today doing not a lot! I did go into town to buy a bit of veg and I'm convinced Keira has decided it's her responsibility to howl to show me the way home! She's asleep on the sofa beside me just now. Until last night she's not keen on being here with me for any length of time, but kept staring pointedly at the other sofa before going to her upstairs bed. And yes, DH did used to sit there. I explained out loud why I wanted / needed a dog and now she still looks at the sofa occasionally its ok now!

I arranged for a stonemason to come today to look at the rather oversized black Edwardian fireplace in our my snug with a view to renovating it a bit. And it transpires it's made of wood! We'd thought it was slate or marble with 'blood' marble insets - but it's all painted! He did say it was extremely well done. I wouldn't feel so bad except that my grandfather was a stonemason!

It's good to hear that Mr D managed to get a few more painkillers inside him today. I hope they helped. And, it would be good to think that any recommendation by PALS for more training will have an effect. But I fear it will end up on the wish list. Is the CT scan a regular requirement? I do hope it'll indicate that something can be done to gain a bit of relief.

On our trip to New Zealand we were given cheese scones with strawberry jam Kaimoana. We thought it was a mistake, but perhaps not. It was actually rather tasty. I have some cheese scones, I'll try it again tomorrow and see if it's still as my memory thinks it was.

Evening all.
Kaimoana a slightly better day today. Seemed just as busy but DH not in so much pain. Got one scan done and one to go.
Oh your scones sound a treat. I love cheese ones but would never put jam on them. Kind of you to look out for your neighbour poor man.
Grammaretto sounds like a good time in Edinburg. An uplifting experience in more ways than one. 🤣
Im sorry you experience so much pain too. Hope you have a better night tonight.
Cherry, I’ve been to Pals and told them DHs story, they are planning to write to all the wards concerned and talk about more training for nurses. Whether that will happen or not, I’ve done my bit.
Nfk glad you saw in the new year with a nice malt. Poor Keira. Fireworks are so frightening for dogs,
Yes sometimes there seems no logic to hospital methods. They stick to the rules no matter what.
DHs mum was diagnosed with end stage cancer. She was in hospital with a few weeks left to live and they put her on a diet because she was overweight. 😡
ixion, yes same hospital same pain team, same silly rules.
I think we are winning the battle but by bit. Today pain relief has been a bit more forthcoming . Unfortunately pain in DHs feet was increased when they tied his ankles together for his leg Ct scan and then the nurse patted his bad foot no long now!

I didn't realise your hip was giving you so much pain Grammaretto, that's sad. I hope you're able to cope with the long flight and the discomfort of 'cattle class' - have you ordered a wheelchair to be available whenever you have to de-plane anywhere? Invaluable, as I found out, as cabin pressure and confinement play havoc with muscles and bones.

You made me laugh when you were 'uplifted' by both Turner and the new bra

www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/turner-january

I hope you aren't affected by the junior doctors' strike Doodle. That might be an added complication.
I am glad that the nursing is good now but DH must be truly fed up with hospital now and you too.
Sending love and hugs 🤗

I managed a night without painkillers but I woke several times.

Yesterday I wanted to get out of the house so caught a friendly bus into Edinburgh. It stops at the stop beside the National Gallery so I popped into see the Turner watercolours which are displayed every January. Afterwards and uplifted by the 18th century skills, I crossed the road to M&S and bought a new bra!

It didn't rain and there are plenty of signs of Spring.

Maybe you should have taken Matua Ray one of those scones Kaimoana 😉

Slightly better news -than my imagination-- Doodle thanks for finding the time to post. We are all so worried about you both.
However, your priority is to keep yourself fit and rested in order to keep up DH's spirits. How he must hate being in hospital.
So please don't worry about us - just keep that leg of lamb nicely frozen and then pass it on to the nice nurses for their lunch when no longer needed

Artoa and I, after picking up pre-ordered groceries, went to a new cafe and discovered scone paradise

It's on the very busy main road with only a small amount of kerbside parking so not somewhere we'd usually choose (or be able to get to) but we saw a gap and nipped in.
The best scones ever!
Artoa had a cheesey one on which she spread jam (ugh) and mine was an orange scone which actually did taste orangey.
Soft, light and crumbly and baked fresh -perfeck.

I can rarely get through a whole scone and couldn't today either but the half I brought home made a good finish to my chicken-sweetcorn-potato broth tea.

I took a pot across for Matua Ray; I worry about him, he's skeletally thin now. Is that usual with Parkinson's disease?

Dentist on Friday, what fun

Sorry for yet another flying visit. Really late home tonight. So much going on with DH and trying to sort out dressings and air mattress cushion pain meds. It’s been a long long day.
DH ok but foot still cause of major pain . New drug regime tonight. Will see if that helps. Doctor I could easily have whacked with the leg of lamb and two wonderful nurses who have made the day better.
Promise to catch up soon. Love to you all xx

I hope you've had a great time Cherry.

I hope the new plan came to fruition Doodle or you've been able to accidentally on purpose stamp on the foot of any lead prescriber at the hospital and get them to reinstate the cocodamol or prescribe another suitable painkiller for Mr D 🤞. It's unbelievable that they can claim what they have on the notice board when you know full well it's not the case, I hope you have been able to visit the PALS office. Most of all I hope you and Mr D have had a better day today.

Sorry, I don't mean to ignore everyone else but I've just arrived back home having been dogged by delays on the 'old' Severn crossing. I hope to catch up with you all tomorrow 🤞

What a cheerful post Nfk. I am very glad to hear that you have been well supported by your friends. Friends are wonderful to have.

I've never been a huge fan of fireworks. I would prefer whisky in bed with Keira to cuddle.

My lodger came through for a drink and a chat yesterday but she's back to work today. It's a bank holiday in Scotland but everything is open apart from the banks.

Photos arrive from NZ which reminds me I am going there in less than 3 weeks.
The travel company send emails to remind scare me. Am I ready yet? Ofcourse not.

I hope that DH had a better night Doodle. I hope you did too.

Good morning All and a very Happy Belated New Year!

I've just about keeping abreast of Lobster Life, but have been incredibly fortunate to have invites out by my lovely supportive friends to make sure I didn't wallow in the post Christmas doldrums too much. Dog included. I don't seem to be able to break the half hour landmark of leaving her on her own.

I spent the actual midnight leap into 2024 sitting in bed with a very large glass of single malt which we bought from that distillery at the top end of Mull on our last holiday. It had to be a large glass as I was drinking for two! Usually the curtains would be open to watch the local fireworks but this year Keira insisted WW3 had started so I missed them.

I do hope you manage to get some proper painkillers reinstated for Mr D, Doodle. We had the same fight when DH was estimated to have six months to live if he was 'lucky'. Like Kaimoana, he spoke very quietly when angry, The Rules don't appear to cover people who really don't care if they become addicted and it's the least of their worries. This had to be explained very simply as to a young child. They re-instated the Co-codamol and added codeine! I still have a hidden stock pile.

Stan Walker is rather gorgeous and what a lovely voice. I do hope he goes far. I'm sure his background will make sure he stays well grounded. I shall try to surreptitiously introduce him to my DGD2 in the hopes that it distracts her from Lana Del Rey.

May 2024 be an excellent year full of good fortune.

I am not advocating a copy cat scenario Doodle but if this were me, and I knew heavy-duty pain killers didn't affect other meds, I'd be taking in the strongest I could find and feeding them to the patient in pain and be damned to the desensitised/insensitive doctor.

When my son was 22 he was attacked in the city by 3 drunks, taken to hospital for immediate reconstructive surgery on his face and jaw, the latter so badly fractured he needed a steel plate fitted.

When I heard and went rushing in, it was to find him grey and shaking with pain as all his teeth wired together so tightly he couldn't even drink water
This was, apparently, so he didn't develop an overbite! No pain meds had been administered post-op and just before I'd arrived he'd been denied them.

I took out my nail scissors and cut the wires (actually plastic) and a hysterical nurse, trying to stop me, yelled for a doctor.

He bustled across arrogantly thinking to intimidate me by saying he'd just re-wire them. I told him if he did, I would simply cut them again...and again if necessary.

And as anyone can, quite legally, discharge themselves from hospital, I threatened told him if my son wasn't given painkillers I would take him home (I wanted to anyway, my baby) and report all this to the Medical Council.

I was so angry but on my part at least, all was said in a subdued but determined voice. I rarely shout, cold fury works bter

The painkillers arrived and now, as he was able to drink, my son gradually gained colour and relaxed. A much better situation in which to recover from multiple trauma.

They didn't wire him again - he didn't develop and overbite.

ixion I have 5 grand-children; the one who visited is 31 and now a Quantity Surveyor and the only child of my elder son. Gubbins is the only child of my younger boy (he without the overbite ) The others are their siblings. All are my dearly-loved grandchildren.

Here is a song to uplift everyone (I hope) which seems to be sweeping the world.
'I AM' from a film named 'Origins'.

Stan Walker seems destined for global fame. Formerly just 'our boy' whom I've met several times. When I had my head "Shaved for a Cure" (cancer) it was partly for this boy.

I hope Hollywood doesn't spoil him.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK8OOpeYHC4

Grammaretto, I wished in the new year with my neighbour on our mutual landing. Both old ladies in our PJs with a small glass of wine and a chocolate (I didn’t have any coal). 🤣

Ixion, yes same hospital. It’s actually quite a good one and has good reports it’s just they don’t seem interested in the small stuff like bed sores
However , I have been walking round the hospital today looking at the notice boards. “Last recorded pressure sore commencing in hospital 300 day ago. Oh yeah. I’ve got news for you pal and tomorrow if PALS office is open I will pay them a visit. They can’t deny it started in hospital because they took photos for their records
Guess what, they want to take more. They want his dressing removed so they can take a picture for their records. It’s taken me three days to get that dressing put on. No way are they taking it off for their bl###y records. I m ready for action.
Been a long day today. DH didn’t sleep much coz he was in pain but they couldn’t give him any pain meds as it wasn’t in their schedule. We have had a big discussion about it today and have a new plan for tonight. We will see.
Sorry all, this is all about me and him indoors. I’m too tired to read much but I am thinking of you and promise to catch up soon. Lots of love Doodle.