The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

Hello Jan we must have crossed posts. Yes I have a lot to learn about the pacemaker dos and donts.
DH and I also feel a little sad about things we sont get to do again but at least we’ve experienced the joy in the past
Your poor knee. It’s always a struggle to work out what these reports really mean. Is it very painful?

Good to see you posting Jan but shame about the knee. Did you ask the health care team about MSM?
Just this morning another person I recommended it to came back with effusive praise for it.

I looked up Boggle and here's what Webster's dictionary said...(even though they are Morocco bound)

Etymologists think that boggle likely comes from a British dialect noun, bogle, a goblin or spectre. In the past (it goes on to say), ghosts and goblins were very real and deeply feared so if you were confused and panicky, it was because a bogle had got into your mind.

Now here's the solution to those packed carparks, long waits and tedious journeys:

www.hinz.org.nz/news/634686/Virtual-care-model-piloted-at-four-marae.htm

Glossary:
Kaiarahi - responsible people in the family prepared to be trained, mentors, counsellors et al.
Te tumu whakarae: - CEO, prominent leader.
Whanau: - family
Whare Oranga: - clinic, surgery particularly based on a Marae.
Kaumatua: - elders
Kaupapa: - philosophy, thinking, policy.
Marae: - community and spiritual (not religious) centre for the community.
Motu: literally 'island' but in this case - target area.
Whanau Tahi; family first.

Please don't be put off by the occasional Maori word, it really is a fascinating article and an indication of how doing things 'the Maori way' can often be better than old-school service delivery.

Kaimoana there is a move towards remote monitoring here too. I can have my pacemaker checked remotely after the first check up. I have heard of others who have a kit at home to monitor their health as well. Such a good time saving idea.
Despite the frustration of yesterday, I came in this morning to find DH sitting up in a chair and doing physio.
Apparently, there was a mix up in what the physio wrote and what he meant. All has been sorted now and the team are back on board again.
Hope all have a good day.
I am so tired today and may well go home early.
Take care all

What a heart warming scheme for Care in the Community Maori-style.

I hope you don't continue working relations with that particular Valuation company, Grammaretto. There must be nicer companies out there to relieve you of your savings.
You sound increasingly committed to interested in the possibility of downsizing. I don't know if I could bear to live so close to my former home. The new family who occupied our family home when M moved (round the corner) invited us on many occasions to 'pop in' and 'see what changes we have made'. Nah. Have to say they adopted M from the start and were really keen to learn about her 50-odd years there.
DH said we should have gone round, if only to see how they had managed the ominous-looking crack in the hall ceiling.
M was bemused that our old 'sun lounge' was being rebuilt as an 'Orangery'. Par for the course, sadly, round there ...

Yesterday's Prime membership bought a fast charging plug for my Ipad. Along with the fast charging cable which came the day before. Judging by the number and variety of emails I now receive, I reckon they are thinking they are on to a winner here. Tee hee.

Said plug packaging helpfully explains that This product will have a slight fever, which is normal phenomenon.

Hoping Doodle has successfully negotiated the stand off between Nursing and Physio disciplines. I am confident 🎖️.

Kaimoana. What is MSM?! Sorry but no idea. Have new physio next week so will ask about Cortisone injection. Appranntly sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t!
Doodle only time my knee is painful is when I put weight on it. I’m not overweight but it’s painful to walk and also worrying when it sort of buckles and feels as if it will give way.
Went to see our neighbours this afternoon and had a couple of glasses of wine. One day I will realise that I can’t drink alcohol as I used too! Not sure I will still be awake at 8 o’clock!!

Hello lobStars

A very quick message from me just to say that I'm pleased to see that your DH has been having physio and has been sitting up in a chair on the ward Doodle 😊

and to say to Jan that I hope your new physio next week helps you*🤞*I also wanted to say that yes, you're right, sometimes cortisone injections work and sometimes don't. I've had three in my time, two worked really well (one brilliantly) but one didn't help very much. I have a theory that if the injection is given with pin point precision it's brilliantly effective but if it's not exactly where it needs to go then it's effect lessens, just a theory 🤷

I'm having minor issues with my worbles so before they all go to pot I'm off to get some much needed sleep. Take care lovely lobStars, I am thinking of you all. I'll have a hot tonight chocolate please Jeeves. 😁

I'm also glad to hear the dude continues to make progress and the physio's handwriting has been deciphered

Doodle needs a good rest

Poor Jan. It must be so frustrating to not be able to move easily. I hope your injection helps.

I hope you're enjoying your chocolate Cherry. I had ginger and lemon tea with a chocolate digestive. just one

Chinese girl, I'll call her Tang, came ceilidh dancing tonight. She joined in so well though she had never done anything like it before

I've had a radical haircut. I felt the need to change

Good night Lobstars

Jan I've been recommending it for several years now as it prevented my having a knee replacement (X-ray showed bone on bone).

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a chemical occuring naturally in humans, as well as some green plants and animals. Used commonly for osteo and other arthritis; pain, swelling and many different conditions

It's worked wonders for all but one of the many elders I've told about it (I should be on commission ) and its popularity has grown enormously over the past decade, so others must swear by it too.

It's available in many UK chemists: search "Where to buy MSM" and it will give you a map (it did with me anyway) but it's definitely available in Boots & Amazon UK.
Many different prices from £5, I take 2000mg, 2 capsules a day. It usually makes a difference within a few days but can take a month.

I always suggest speaking to the health care team but if they don't know it, here's a website which links you to evidence-based trials.

www.healthline.com/nutrition/msm-supplements

Ixion, we pay flying visits to look at our old homes sometimes. *Just from the outside. We were furious when the beautiful copper beech trees we planted at one house (which we had trimmed regularly by a tree surgeonj ended up being shorn to half way up the trunk and having the top taken off so they ended up looking like two large cocktail umbrellas.
Ive just had a battle with Amazon Prime about the fact their drivers often leave our parcels in the wrong block of flats meaning I have to track over to fetch them. The last one was in a 3ft high box (not heavy but cumbersome). . I engaged in a chat correspondence with them and they offered to refund the cost of the item which I thought was fair enough and gave us a £5 voucher too.
DH has been out in the chair today without a problem and no sight of physios. The nurses did it all.
Jan, I have a bit of a wonky knee too. Like you I’m scared it might fail when I’m walking.
I do like a glass of wine but find now if I drink at lunchtime I’m asleep by 3pm and don’t feel right for the rest of the day.
Dear Cherry, take care of yourself and hope you had a good nights sleep. Hope Jeeves turned up on time.
Grammaretto, you’re right I do need a good rest. I have been nodding off in DHs comfy bedside chair today. Trouble is I know DH copes better when I’m here with him.
Your Tang sounds a delightful young lady. Hope things work out well between you.
Ooh a radical haircut. Do you like it, is it easy to do? I’ve often been tempted but too scared to have too much taken off.
Kaimoana I know you’ve recommended MSM to others before . So glad it helps you,

I was so knocked sideways by those horrid house agents maybe that's why I went for a severe haircut. No messing with me! It's had one or two compliments so can't be too bad.

Ooh DH is out of the chair Doodle and the nurses are doubling as physios. Aren't they good. I hope you've had a good night's sleep.

I fall asleep after lunch wine or no wine .
I dozed off in the U3A meeting yesterday. It was a talk on bird flu. Important yes but too academic sciencey for me.

Tang is cooking tonight. My df is coming so it's a dinner party.

The MSM sounds good Kaimoana I might try it for my sore hip. I asked for Trevor at the bookshop but was told it was only available on Amazon.

I drove my car today having first had the seized up wheel fixed. I hadn't driven for ages because I couldn't see properly.
Tang says her family have an electric car. She lives in China's 4th city with a population of 21 million. I can't imagine so many people.
I find Edinburgh too busy.

I hope the Lobstars have had a nice day

Kaimoana MSM tablets on order! Watch this space!!

Hoping Mr. D has no setbacks in term of pain or absence of physio this weekend while everything slows down on the ward.

Just returned from our village Christmas lights switch on, with associated stalls, kiddies funfair, 'street food', brass band competing with 'turns' of varying expertise on the stage at the far end of the high street..
I bought Mr.I a treat of a Nutella tiffin. I was deeply impressed that he had sought out a special little treat for me.
A truckle cheese, how lovely, I remarked.
Then I looked at its name.
Old Hag.

Grammaretto pleased you’ve had some nice comments about your hair. Those Agents can be a difficult lot to deal with. We’ve had our share over time.
im dying to know what Tang cooked for your meal. Did you enjoy it? Hope you had a nice time with your friend
Hope you managed your driving ok. Is it good to be behind the wheel again and a bit more independent?
Dh out in the chair again today. He’s in a new ward and I don’t like it (staff fine building not so). He was cramped in a tiny corner in his chair looking miserable so I tackled the nice young man who looks after him and one of the nurses and between them they re arranged to ward to my liking and DH now has his chair in a place with room to move and a view. 🤣
Jan , let us know how you get on
ixion, DH still being got out of bed into chair which is good, his feet are still sore but nothing seems to be happening in that front
What, Christmas lights already 😱
Im not ready, I’m still in October, not even a thought of tinsel or turkey has crossed my mind
Oh dear, Mr I, watch out for the frozen leg of lamb 🤣🤣🤣

Hello Lobstars,

That's good you have found a better position for DH Doodle. I hope he's continuing to improve

Tang made a noodle dish with egg and tomato. It was quite simple and went well with the wine I chose 😁
Df and I quizzed her about life in China.

I was so tired this afternoon that I have missed going out and am slumped on the sofa.
I did an extra shift in the store as they are very short staffed
I was up early glazing pots and packing my kiln which is now firing up. I hope it is done before midnight.

I had hoped for a visit from DD as she's down my way visiting their new baby cousin. I can see the attraction 😄

I should ask your advice about selling agents. Have you moved house several times? Not having moved for over 40years has its disadvantages.
We sometimes pass our old house and note the changes. Trees have gone and there are fancy gates. I think the same people are in it

Ixion oh dear. Old hag indeed. How very dare he.
I'll be back later to check on you all.

A change of wards again for your DH then Doodle. Well done you for negotiating a better position for him on it👍.

I hope the MSM tablets Kaimoana recommended work for you Jan. Kaimoana you really are the font of information amongst us.

I'm not surprised you're tired Grammaretto, up early glazing pots and two shifts in a row at the community cafe.
I can't really give you any advice about selling agents, we've lived in our house for over 20 years and I imagine much has changed though I'm sure one thing hasn't and that, I'm sorry to say, is that they act in their own interests. I've been wondering, did your plumber ever turn up? Our shower packed in on Thursday and we've got to wait until next Thursday for a plumber to fix it, he'd better turn up.
Shame you didn't get a visit from your DD, understandable that she wanted to spend time seeing the baby cousin though.

Shame on Mr I ixion 😯, Old hag how dare he, unbelievable. 😆 Revenge? Why don't you buy him some Old git gin 🤣

Well, I had that much needed sleep on Thursday night and woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed on Friday ... but since I've also had a few seizures hence why I went to ground ^. On Friday I did manage to go on my ^walkie talkie and afterwards me and my WP went shopping for Xmas presents but ended up buying new bath towels 🤨 as the old one will get sodden on the bathroom floor because we've got to wash in the sink for a week in anticipation of our new shower.

Been sitting on hospital chair today for hours and now I’ve a pain in my shoulders. Paracetamol and bed soon I think.
DH has also been sitting out of bed for hours. He’s been doing exercises and standing up. Really pleased with him.
Grammaretto that sounds like a nice light simple meal and some good company. Not surprised you’re tired you seem to have been very busy. In the café and with your pottery,
We’ve moved a few times and for what it’s worth here are my points:
Get a few valuations, some agents inflate the price, some come in low for a quick sale….dont forget they’re in commission.
Difficult for you as your house is unique so hard to get comparative valuation from elsewhere.
When it comes to selling don’t do the viewings yourself. Get the agent to do it. The number of time wasters you can get are amazing. We had a couple come round at 6pm (dinner time) one evening because the agent said they were “really interested and keen in seeing the property” yes they were interested but not in buying. Their “friend” had moved into one like ours up the road and they wanted to know what it looked like inside.
Our house had a steep terraced garden made perfectly clear both in photos and narrative. The number of people with young babies and small children who thought there would be a flat garden for children to play in was unbelievable.
Dont rely on anyone. People will lead you on in how keen they are. Just what they’re looking for…..until they find something else and drop you like a hot potato.
Don’t be so desperate to move that you get caught up in the whole process and lose sight of what you’re doing. If it doesn’t sell for what you think it should take it off the market and have a think about it.
I hope it works out for you and you get what you’re looking for
Cherry, Old Git Gin, I love it 🤣🤣🤣. Sorry about the seizures again. Glad you managed your walkie talkie though. Did you go somewhere nice?
Next time you go Christmas shopping please will you get some ideas for me. Can’t believe it’s coming up so soon.
Kaimoana, what have you been up to this weekend?

Grammaretto if you do get to the stage when your agents shows people round, don't leave anything portable out which you don't want to lose. People will steal anything.

Be aware that some people (even nice, innocent looking elderly) are there to 'case the joint' and may come back to scame you or send an associate. It's 20 years snce we sold Mum's house and those issues have got worse.

So glad to read of MrDoodles continued progress and Doodle's reputation for going into battle if her darling doesn't get the best. who needs the leg of lamb?

I've been up until the early hours making paper corsages and buttonholes for our Grand Ball on 8th.
And knitting. And my home support people, although arriving on time, were each too ill to work. So no help in the house - and none next week either. Welcome to the (glittery) Wreck of the Hesperus

Scholastic's showcase calendar for 2024 features Trevor the Daring Duck along with other gorgeous books.

Do you have The Wonky Donkey in UK? Hilarious.

They tell me Trevor is unlikely to be marketed in UK as postage from NZ for a consignment cannot be recovered on the price.
So it looks as if Amazon-Oz is the answer or I could post privately.

Back to the paper mill - I was up at 4am cutting and glueing.

Thinking of you dear Cherry

Hoping for a good outcome Jan

NfkDumpling what's new in your world?

Is our wee Spud walking yet? More photos please.

Doodle (the warrior queen) we're counting the days until MrD is home. Thinking of you both.

My son came up on Saturday and finally, after several years, moved the 'temporarily' stored things belonging to my DdiL
I can now spend all summer going through my own storage, ruthlessly discarding (to Hospice) things I used to think worth saving. Sets of wine glasses, historical papers, books I can no longer read....

My first craft session with the kaumatua today. I hope to have photos

absent friends

Evening all. Quick visit? I’ve got a real pain across my shoulders again tonight. I’m sure it’s sitting in a hospital chair all day in a draft (i think that should be draught but I’m too tired to check) I’ve had gloves on all day to keep my fingers warm.
So, so tired I’m off to bed soon. DH walked for the first time today. He used a zimmer frame and did a lap of the ward. I was so impressed and he was delighted. Can’t wait to get him home.
We live so quietly normally and the ward is like bedlam. Only 4 beds and DH and the guy opposite hardly say a thing but the other two. Music, phone calls, shouting, it’s chaos
one guy was on the phone for 3 hours today. I need to get my man home.
Staff amazing. So kind and caring.
Kaimoana I’m so sorry you didn’t get any help. Well done Trevor .
The Wonky Donkey was my Grandsons favorite programme when younger
I do want Trevor . I must figure out how.
Looking forward to photos of your crafting.
Sorry all I’m off to bed. DH has been asleep for hours I think (Hope he ate his dinner first) . I am so sleepy.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202311/medium-829526-img-20231120-120341356.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202311/medium-57956-img-20231120-103932887-mf-portrait.jpg

Thanks for all the advice on estate agents.
I had more advice today on my walk
U3A walk was through the graveyards of Edinburgh. From Sir Thomas Bouch, engineer whose bridge over the Tay, famously came crashing down. Immortalised in a poem by McGonagall who is also buried in Edinburgh.

It was fascinating and so much knowledge from others in the group.
Then I bussed to Morningside to a lovely concert but now I am whacked.

How wonderful Kaimoana that you'll be able to find treasure in the depths of your home now your DS has collected their stuff

I'm glad you managed your walkie-talkie Cherry.
Wonderful progress by the dude Doodle and well done you for being his advocate tigress

Lemsip for me Jeeves. I'm fighting a cold.

I hope you're all snuggled up and fast asleep by now Doodle 😴. Your shoulder pain could well be due to sitting in one of those hospital chairs, not the comfiest to sit in are they. From what you say the ward does sound somewhat noisy but I'm so pleased that your DH has been walking around it today 😊.

Well done Trevor! Do you know which month he's pin-up boy for Kaimoana? I thought I'd found Trevor available in the UK, I saw that he's available via Scorpio books but unfortunately it's in Canada. They had a great write up about him though 😊.
Ooh, a case of you shall go to The Ball then. I'd love to see some of the corsages and buttonholes you've been making.
Ah, that age old story of temporary storage always lasts longer than anticipated doesn't it. I have some stuff stored for someone who said they'd collect it when they got themselves sorted in their new home during lockdown, the only reason I agreed to store it 🤦. I'm glad your son came and moved your DdiL's things.

I'm still a little out of sorts, haven't had any more seizures, just feeling a bit blugh 😕. Maybe it's just the fact that it's getting dark so early or maybe because I feel like a member of the great unwashed because washing in the sink doesn't feel clean enough 🤷 😆

Wot ho All

I've just had quite a busy weekend with invites out to lunch and long (wet) dog walks. Very enjoyable. Keira is shattered and has decided she likes the car. I had to haul her out.

I've been getting MSM from Healthspan for several years. I think it helps but daren't stop taking it to see if it makes a difference!

So pleased to hear that Mr D is upright at last - and that he now has a decent lodging and view. It makes a big difference. I feel so sorry for folk who don't have a terrier relation to fight their corner for them. Well done Doodle!

I had heard of McGonagall and his literary notoriety, but felt minded to explore him further and have greatly enjoyed reading the Wiki article.Was the cemetery you visited, Grammaretto, that which was immortalised by Greyfriars Bobby? I cried, as a child, reading Eleanor Atkinson's book. You always pack so much into your days. I am so impressed😳.

The only storage I seem to house is that of Mr.I, who shows a marked reluctance to getting shot of anything which may come in useful, you never know ...

Looking forward to seeing Kaimona's crafts. Again, you have been supplied with help not fit for purpose. . While I do feel desperately sorry for folk who have to turn up for work regardless or go unpaid, it obviously does you no favours. What happens when you report back? Is there no sick pay, is recruiting and retention so difficult? Is it easier for unskilled workers to get more, er, attractive, jobs for better pay elsewhere (e.g. supermarkets?) as over here?

Doodle - our very own Warrior Queen (sic). Not 🤮. Thrilled that Mr.D is doing his circuits. I can understand you wanting and needing him back home. Baby steps. We don't want you wearing yourself out. We could make out a rota to help. I daresay we all have a wide and varied portfolio of skills. Just don't ask me to cook🤦‍♀️.

As for the shoulder, have you got a shawl/wrap/pashmina-type thing you could take in to ward off the draught, and get nice and snuggly in DH's comfy armchair? It is your second home now, after all.

Hoping you - and all the Gang - sleep well.

How are the Lobstars tonight? or this sunny morning DS has just sent me sunny photos from his garden in Wellington.

I excused myself from Gaelic and I'm sure everyone will be grateful. My cold is still streaming. Instead I have been hollowing out the head I sculpted. I first chopped off the back of his head. 😮 Most satisfying.

How are the Doodles? Did DH do another lap of the ward? Have you any news about a likely discharge time?

Sounds as though Keira is settling in well Nfk.

You were quite right ixion. William Topaz McGonagall is buried in Greyfriars where there is a new gravestone for Bobby.
There is also a vast mausoleum for the remains of "Butcher" McKenzie who was very cruel to the Covenanters. We were told that tourists often experience strange happenings on the ghostly tours.

I look forward to seeing the results of your craft sessions Kaimoana.

Early night for me. I have found a job for Tang. She has been working in the community store which she loves.

Good night everyone.

Sorry all. I’m in agony. I have pain across my right shoulder due mainly I think to spending so much time sitting in the hard visitors chairs, I’ve got a hot water bottle on it now bu I’m finding typing painful so just dropping in to say hello,
DH went for 2 long walks with the zimmer frame today and we ar both very pleased with his progress.
Hope you feel better soon Grammaretto. Jeeves I’ll have the same with a whisky chaser,
Cherry hope you feel better soon
Nfk glad you and Keira are getting out and about
Ah Ixion. Mr I and DH seem cast from the same mould. He won’t throw anything away either. 🤣