The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

Your DH's new ward sounds more conducive to recovery Doodle, what with a pleasant view and having something in common with the other inmates patients to talk about. It's good to hear that he's eating better and moving his legs, 🤞 they'll have him sitting out on the ward early next.

Those velvet curtains 😬 Grammaretto. If I recall, your DMiL was quite a formidable character too ....
Very interesting about the poppy seeds. I wonder if other seeds do a similar trick. What I could do with is something magical to make my Yorkshire puddings rise like they used to. I don't do anything different to what I've always done but in the last couple of years they come out of the oven like pillows*🤣 *You enjoyed the sculpturing weekend then, it'll lovely to have the sculptures on display at the school

The time circle was a lovely idea Kaimoana and now you've explained it and I've looked at it again I feel sure I've seen it and stood in the centre of it, if not then I've stood in the centre of something very similar. Making paper flowers for Christmastide sounds lovely, it's such a delicate art form in more ways than one I think.

I gave up making my own curtains long ago too ixion. I only have one pair that I made myself now, the ones currently hanging above the landing window. 10' drops! Crikey, no wonder it's challenging to find readymades.
I agree with you, trunks, hampers, blanket boxes whatever you call them do have a distinct tendency to become immovable. We have a couple, one old wooden one inherited from an aunt. It's a lovely piece of furniture but once in place laden with as you say, tutt it's contents then it's a bit of a stubborn beast .. unless the said contents are removed 😬

I had the same problem with my Yorkshires Cherry - I was told, "it's the flour'" At the time, NZ imported flour from Russia.

My Time Circle was made in 1984 for an exhibition the following year. As far as I know it stayed in situ until

Mamissimo, I can’t believe how grown up Spud is now. He’s really a lovely little chap
You are a talented lady being able to make such curtains. As I said to Ixion, mine would end up all wonky.
You must be delighted your DD has at last realised her dream of becoming a mum. So happy for them all
Im doing well with my pacemaker I think thank you. I had a look at my scar yesterday and quickly slapped another dressing on it. It is quite unsightly but that doesn’t really bother me as long as it does its job. I think it’s working as I feel so much better.

Ixion , you and Mamissimo are obviously the family historians.
I like my F&M hampers full of goodies (not that I’ve ever had one, I did have an M&S one last Christmas …but I don’t think that’s quite the same 🤣)

Dear Cherry, the leg moving is really the most encouraging. DH was completely unable to move either of his legs at all for days. the pain was so intense he couldn’t bear anyone to even touch the skin and he couldn’t use his muscles to move them even an inch. To see him raise each leg off the bed without any trouble now is an amazing difference.
Whilst reading about your curtain making I suddenly remembered that I actually have once made a pair of curtains. They were made from a cotton towel and had Velcro attached at the top. They were for hanging on the bathroom window in our caravan at night time.😊

Grammaretto , I’m longing to know if you went for tea. Are you happy with your sculpture? A nice change for you to do something different.

Kaimoana I llove Yorkshire Puddings as do all three of our DGC. We always had to make loads for Sunday roast. It was their special treat.

What a lot of interesting reading on here!

I hope DH is continuing to improve Doodle. I'm glad your pacemaker is doing its job too. You have both been through the wars. You really have.

The visit to the old cottage was very nice thanks. we had coffee and croissants My df was so pleased that I invited myself 😃 her gt gt several x ggp lived there about 1800. They had 13 children and died young. Here is a photo of the back. All other photos have people in them.
I went to see Barbie at the community cinema tonight. It was very pink!

Spud looks very advanced Mamissimo!
Such a joy for you all but specially for his mum

What an absolute Poppet - just look at those bright eyes, bless him.

Just nipped in to see how you all are - am now humming the ear worm which I am too considerate to repeat for those who missed it.

So pleased Mr D is now on a nicer ward and progressing.

Now off (feeling broody after the Spud photo) to have a chest x-ray. Just a precaution by the doctor as I've had it for several weeks (as has happened many times before). Keira is off to spend time in her other house as it'll be too long for her to be alone. When I come back I shall peruse Ikea curtains as the ones in our snug seem to be disintegrating.

Spud is as bright as a button, isn't he! I wonder if Grandpa is lining him up for cricketing or rugby stardom? Delighted, of course, that Mr.D continues to improve. And that Doodle had the chance of a breather before shooting off to visit yesterday. Is he still on purées and yoghurts? Are you still happy with life with the pacemaker?

Good luck with the Xray, Nfk. Is Keira's other house her former (kennels) home? It would be good if she were able to have a familiar second home in the future to enable you to go away guiltless!

I have been pushed into persuaded to set aside my moral stance and sign up for Amazon Prime's free month's trial, in the knowledge that I will can cancel whilst still reaping the benefits of uber-fast delivery, free of charge, for three+ weeks.

I am away to see what else I need want.
Never let bargains slip past!

PS🤫 (Whispers) I have just booked a collection on 13th January for our Christening tree recycling scheme😉

CHRISTMAS tree. Oops.

Oh ixion don't let the mass marketers know there's an angle they haven't thought of to part us from our money.

A Christening tree is such a great idea, in fact, for birthdays and other commemorations I've bought friends and family a Kauri tree (seedling)

You/they get a nice certificate with the person's name and know the tree, properly cared for, has the potential to last 1,000+ years and replaces some of the thousands mown down to provide ships' masts and linoleum (from the gum). And of late, 'kauri die-back'.

kauri2000.co.nz

Evening all.
Grammaretto, pacemaker seems to be doing a good job thanks. I’ve been marching up and down hospital corridors at a speed I wouldn’t have managed a few weeks ago and my legs haven’t felt tired. Thank you for asking. DH still improving bit by bit. Maybe see physio tomorrow.
The cottage looks lovely. What a nice place to visit for a cuppa.
I’m not sure I fancy the Barbie film myself but yes, I imagine it is quite pink 🤣

Nfk thank you for thinking of us. Hope the chest X-ray is all clear. What does Keira think when you drop her off at her old house I wonder. I bet she’ll be pleased to see you back

Ixion no we have moved onto more solid food now tempted by the fact that on last nights menu was bangers and mash 😮
I am pleased with my pacemaker. The scar isn’t pretty but the least of my worries.
We have Prime and I must admit make a lot of use of it. Particularly useful in the Christmas period.
I can still remember the Christmas of Bella the Ballerina who was due to be delivered for DGD 2s third Christmas on around 10th December. She finally arrived on December 24th in the evening. Hard to say who was more frazzled me or Bella.
Good idea about the recycling. Ours is recycled back into its box for next year 🤣

Kaimoana, how are those paper flowers coming on?

Kaimoana I’ve never heard of a christening tree but you’re right it is a lovely idea,

A christening tree sounds lovely.
I planted a tree when DH died. It was grown from an acorn from the famous Birnam oak and is now about 2ft tall.
There are lots of things in the garden I will be sad to leave. I even have my dad's gravestone.

I had the lovely news yesterday that DS and family are coming here next summer

U3A history group was ghost stories today. And I've volunteered to take a party of us oldies down some scary vaults in Edinburgh next year.

I'm so glad the dude continues to improve and you are skipping down the hospital corridors with your new pacemaker Doodle.🤸🏃🤸🏃

Don't forget to cancel the Prime, ixion when your free month is up. It can be expensive. knows from bitter experience

How did you get on with the x-ray Nfk? Was Keira ok in your absence?

My new helper arrives tomorrow a day early so I must get her room ready. I've arranged to meet her in Edinburgh as I'll be there at a class tomorrow.

Good to know that your DH is continuing to improve Doodle. Wonderful, too, to know that your pacemaker is working so well that you have been able to race^ up and down the hospital corridors like Paula Radcliffe. It's heartening 😁

An interesting idea - a christening tree, sounds like it should play a part in an old fashioned fairy tale but it also sounds like a great modern christening gift.
I think your gift of a seedling kauri tree as a present for friends or family is a lovely one Kaimoana
Gosh Grammaretto, I remember you planting that acorn, has it really grown two feet. That's amazing, and wonderful

I hope Keira was settled okay whilst you went to have your x-ray and fine when you came back Nfk and I hope your x-ray result comes back fine.

ixion, I agree with Grammaretto, unless you intend to keep the Amazon Prime don't forget to cancel .. I won't relate any cautionary tale but Grammaretto's on the right track

Wonderful news about next summer Grammaretto ☺️
Meanwhile ... may I ask where your new helper comes from and you you have lined up for her to do?

I took advantage of Amazon Prime free months trial a couple of years ago. And still have it! As my tech knowledge grows and our internet improves I'm still slowly learning the advantages other than next day postage - which in my neck of the woods is the day after tomorrow, but it's still much quicker and more reliable than most other methods. Music on my phone and films. Although I've yet to find many films I want to watch.

Keira's other back up home is my DD2's. She recognises it now and has formed a bond with my DGD. SiL works from home so he's there to keep her company.

Dropping the dog at DD's and then driving to the hospital took a lot, lot longer than parking the car and getting the x-ray! It was all very quick and efficient. I don't expect anything dire as I've had this cough before after an autumn cold. It goes away on it's own about the end of January! My mum suspected that I had TB when I was about two, but as I had a mother and resident (well, next door terrace house) granny to fuss over me, the doctor decided to keep quiet and let them nurse me at home. I've always been 'chisty'!

Lovely to hear that Mr D can lift both his legs off the bed - quite a feat, I'm not sure I can! I hope his recovery continues apace - home by the weekend?!

Hi all.
Grammaretto, that tree sounds a lovely thing to do. Something substantial. If you did move could you not have it dug up and moved with you?
What wonderful news about your son’s visit next year. So lovely to have that to look forward to.
Hope you had a good time at U3A.
Where does your new helper come from? Is it someone you’ve had before?
Cherry, yes I’m pleased with the pacemaker. Mind you I think I’d have a job if I wanted to send it back to Amazon 🤣
DH had physio today and was happy but exhausted when I came in.
Nfk we have Amazon Prime too. We find it very useful but like you don’t watch many of the movies
Aah I think we all thought Keira’s back up home was the place you got her from. So very pleased to hear it is with your DD. That is reassuring for her. So lovely she has a bond with your DgD too. Sounds a lovely set up for her.
Hope the results of the X-ray are ok
Yes today DH was standing up with aid of a gadget on the ward. He was very pleased to be out of bed even if only for a short time

Yes, I have ordered more today on my Amazon Prime account and am nagging persuading rabbit's friends and relations to take advantage. I think that, by Week 2, I shall be exploring stuff I do not need, but fancy I would like. My children still recall a very patronising Air Hostess approaching them with the offer of snacks (they were sitting together over the aisle to us. Hooray). They refused and the dear lady said "It's free, you know." A scenario which has gone down in the annals of family history.

How lovely that Keira is expanding her family circle with confidence! That will be a great help when you can't take her with you. Hope the Xray prompts no further action🤞.

Bilateral leg waggles and then standing up, our Mr.D? Brilliant news!
🎶One small step along the world I go🎶.
I hope this means you are coming home less tired these days -and catching up on your beauty sleep, as my mother used to say.

I hope you met up OK with your new helper, Grammaretto, and that all goes well. I recall once meeting our new Norwegian au pair at Arrivals. From the picture, she looked a nice, fresh, wholesome young girl. When all the passengers had filtered past, only one or two remained. That can't be her? we whispered amongst ourselves. A very soignée, slim and glamorous young lady, pastel pink cashmere coat, pearl earnings and one of those huge silk scarves that those in the know can wrap effortless and artfully across neck and shoulders😡. Indeed, 'twas her.

I loved the recounting of Christening trees, Kaimona. From what you tell us, N.Z. seems far more steeped in Nature and its connection with it. Sorry, that sounds a bit twee but hope you understand what I am trying to say!
The recycling of our Christmas tree (along with 6000+ others locally!) is run by volunteers and last year raised over £150,000 for our Hospice. Plonk it at the end of the drive, donate on line, job done. None of this sawing cutting it into little bits and adding it to the green garden bin for the council over the weeks🤭.

Cherry, are you still on Walkie-Talkies? Do you ever give up for bad weather? Not sure if Doodle and I are up to knitting gloves for you yet. We'll see how the slippers go. Hope you can wait🤞.

That's great news that your DH has been out of bed and standing up Doodle. I'm so pleased that the physio came and that he was able to do that. Understandable that he was exhausted after the physio, exhausted but by the sound of it happily so. I'm sure he'll sleep well tonight and (🤞) hopefully he'll have another good day tomorrow. I hope you sleep well tonight too.
What? ^Send you pacemaker back to Amazon^😱. Yes, you'd have one heck of a job and not to be recommended.

Yes, Doodle's right, I think we did all think that Keira's second home was the place you'd got her from Nfk., I certainly did. I'm pleased to know that I was wrong and that it's actually your DD's where she will be treated like one of the family.

🤔 Didn't someone once say that the NHS is brilliant when it works well but useless poor when it doesn't? Yesterday I had to phone to book blood tests at the hospital a couple of miles away from where I live. A couple of years ago and probably since the inception of the NHS here you could just walk in with the forms and wait, usually about 15 minutes. No, not anymore. I rang, 20th in the queue 😱. I waited for 40 minutes before my turn ... and was 14 seconds making the appointment. How on earth did it take so long before it was my turn. 🤷 Anyway, all booked and hopefully I'll be seen to promptly ... as long as I've written down the reference code properly 😬

Hello Lobstars,
Things don't sound too bad in Lobstarland I'm pleased to read of great strides tentative steps from the Doodles, an appointment for Cherry,
successful hospital visit for Nfk and Keira enjoyed her time with her foster parents.

My Chinese helper arrived but we didn't manage to rendezvous in Edinburgh. She is settling in. She seems nice enough except that she says she eats everything but ate a tiny amount at supper and insisted on drinking her own tea
I'm going to ask her to help declutter and clean to begin with. She is doing some online courses in web design whatever that is perhaps she can help me with computer things.

I enjoyed my Pictish art course and nearly stayed awake.
I made it to Gaelic tonight which was great fun as usual.
She, our lovely teacher, gets us to write and perform short plays in Gaelic. It's hilarious.
The weather has been foul.

What's it like where you are?
Is Jeeves about? I would love some hot chocolate.

"One more step along the World" and what brave steps they are after all the drama, traume undoubted shock - and not being at home with their beloveds.

All these things sap one will to fight - but the brave Mr & Mrs D have done it.

Did Doodle borrow the leg of lamb? Did she threaten to cut off his supply of Yorkshire pudding? Who know - but we DO know it's been a loving team effort. Bravo the Doodles

I was absolutely sure I sang 'One more step' lustily at primary school ixion but I woz rong.
Sydney Carter didn't write it until 1971.
So it must have been at the schools of my sons where it was belted out with enthusiasm.

New Zealanders are, in general, quite eco-conscious (helping the natural world survive) and love to get out into the bush with the many environmental groups but sadly, as governments cut down on funding (using our taxes for their own ends, as with our NH's) keeping such groups going is hard work.

Maori, having never had government funding to any great extent are totally involved, it''s a lifestyle and not a choice. The mauri (sprit) of everything: tree, animal, plant, even water is, so to speak, allied to our own.

When I was little, perhaps 5-7 or so, I used to think like this; my parents thought I was crazy.

When I came here, I fitted in so completely with Maori thoughts and attitudes in a way I never had in England. Odd isn't it? And yet, as far as I am aware, I have no Maori ancestry at all.

New Zealand is, however, inexorably sliding more and more into plough up sacred land, cutting down heritage trees and more because avaricious Councils see only one thing $$$$$

There a saying, 'the people who genuinely care, don't have the money or power to substantially change things. The people who hold that money and power and could change things, don't care.'

Good Morning 🌞

The gods are on side today, the stars aligned and the sun is shining - yippee! I had a very early hospital appt at a facility 30 miles away.....no traffic, arrived early, parked easily, straight into appointment - twenty minutes early - free parking as I was quick, no traffic, so home before I left 😁

Yesterday I treated myself to an eyebrow tweeze, a manicure and a haircut so I look almost presentable today. Mr M is prepared to be seen out with me so we will go to the pub out to lunch

Tomorrow I have tickets for a tiny venue to see Robert Plant live - I last saw him fifty years ago on the Led Zeppelin IV tour and it was the best concert of my yoof - and quite a contract to the Faure's Requiem we went to on Saturday. Live music is a joy.

Ixion I'm on the edge of my seat for the challenge because it will get me out of helping Mr M with the giant paperwork cleansing it's all to play for! We could find lots or nowt but the it's the chase I love - those dead relatives have rarely left no trail

* And so to the garden - the shallot, onions, garlic and bored beans are in so today it's bulb planting and moving some herbaceous stuff around ready for the hot gardener to do his thing with the mulch next week. I shall of course be watching closely....😉*

Mamissimo I am truly jealous of your sunshine
I had to give in a bring the washing in for another spin. It was dripping 💦

Valuers sp? came today. They were like a comedy double act. One kept trying to shut up his colleague from pointing out things and asking if I'd had planning consent for my shower 🚿 *room. *Then when he suggested there was a nice bungalow new on the market, I made a 😈 face and he said I can see you are going to be difficult. I wish I'd quipped back with I can see you are being difficult

The Chinese girl has been hardworking and tidied a room . Only another 15 to go!
We are going to a Gaelic concert tonight where my teacher is performing

I'm hoping that the dude is even more back to normal today fingers 🤞

Mamissimo My goodness, alert the media! That trip to and from the hospital must certainly go down in history. Possibly a one-off nationwide since about 1955. All my UK friends tell me they tour the carparks for hours, wait for hours and hit traffic there and back.
Indeed the gods are smiling on you.

It's Spud, he's a gods whisperer

Grammaretto what rudeness, don't they have 'how to sweeten up potential client' courses?
Clearly he has no soul when he can look round a fine old home such as yours and then babble about new bungalows. Sheesh!
If you are having other valuations, borrow The Leg of Lamb'.

I am away in 5 mins to a boring but probably necessary meeting. I'm taking my knitting to keep me alert.

Doodle I promise when I get the paper flowers back, I'll take a photo. I made some table centre settings as well - they too are away for 'valuation'

They may be appropriate for a new bungalow

Doodle great news about the Dude. So pleased he’s on the mend and hopefully he will be home with you soon. My DH has a pacemaker- his will be 10 at the end of this year which means he will have to have a new one! And remember no going through ships scanners once you return after being off the ship!!
Hope Nfk scan was ok and lovely to hear Keira is settling well. She’s a lucky dog as she couldn’t have found a better home. Do miss having a dog. When we come past the woods near us where we have walked several dogs I feel quite sad that I will never walk in there again due to my very dodgy knee. Asked for a copy of the MRI report from the surgery and actually wish I hadn’t! Can’t understand a word of it but it’s obviously not good. As there is an 18 week wait at least before you even see a Consultant it looks as if I will be digging into my piggy bank in the future!
Kaimoana it looks as if all hospital car parks in this country are the same. Ours is a complete nightmare and can only get worse as they have started building us a new hospital- old one literally starting to fall down with props holding the ceilings up in places - and as the new one is to be on the same site as the old one the mind boggles! (What does mind boggles) actually mean!!!
Grammaretto I can’t imagine you being difficult - stupid man! Hope your Chinese lady fits in well. Can imagine she doesn’t eat much as most Chinese are so tiny aren’t they?
That’s enough of me. Love to All including those I haven’t mentioned

ixion I would like to say I am more rested but as usual with long hospital stays it isn’t smooth sailing.
DH told can’t sit in chair because of blister on feet…nurses say need to sit in chair to make blister better.
Physio says nurses will get DH into chair nurses say they can’t do it, it has to be the physio.., so of course no one is doing it.
😡. So frustrating.
Wow your au pair sounds really classy. Did it end up with you running around after her?
Gloves Ixion….😮. Whatever are you thinking. Mittens maybe but gloves…. They have fingers 🤚
Cherry yes alas all is not going to plan for the getting out of bed. Yes your blood test system is like ours. Woe betide you if you need an urgent one,
Grammaretto just make sure your new helper keeps an eye out for those deeds. Glad you enjoyed your course. Anything else coming up soon? You seem to be trying your hand at various things. You obviously are enjoying your Gaelic classes.
Kaimoana we are plodding on. I am taking the leg of lamb with me to hospital tomorrow……doctors and nurses beware.
I think it’s lovely you engage so well with the Maori culture. To be so accepted by people means your genuine interest must show through.
Mamissimo, sunshine, what’s that. How nice to have a little pamper session and pub lunch to follow.
Hope you enjoy your trip to see Robert Plant. I’m sure I’ve seen him on stage with another band at some time but I can’t remember who.
Grammaretto, we all have different ideas on where we want to live and the type of property. Can’t see what’s being difficult about not wanting a bungalow.
I wonder what your Chinese helper will think of the Gaelic concert,

I am so tired I’m off to bed soon. DH keeps telling me not to go in so early but I know he is just waiting for me to turn up in the mornings. I’m happier being there where I can organise him and make sure things get done……..I’m sure I see the nurses hiding when they see me coming.