The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

A photo of Keira's smart new puffa jacket. It was a bit less smart underneath where she'd splashed through puddles and mud!

What a lovely, happy, kind looking person Karena is Kaimoana. He looks the sort of person from whom a hug makes everything alright. (Is hugging allowed?)

Gubbins looks so very huggable too Mamissimo. The outfit really suits. The Carol's sound absolutely wonderful, despite the cold. What an honour to be there. I have some handwarmers in the drawer for such an occasion!

I'm not having a Christmas tree this year. I have a large Garia Eliptica with a branch which needs removing before the whole thing collapses sideways. So I'm hoping for a dry day next week to saw it off. Not sure how I'm going to mount it, or even where to put it. These things always look bigger once they're indoors. It now appears I'm having a Christmas family gathering next weekend as that's the only time DD1 and family can make it. Large chicken has been ordered as chicken is the only thing everyone will eat (apart from DD2 who's veggie). I'm now about to turn the computer off and finish my cards. Christmas is sneaking up on me again and I must stop being sidetracked.

Keira looks very fine in her puffa jacket Nfk! What a busy time you are having. I hope it goes really well

I am so glad that your absence was only computer problems Kaimoana. I'm sure the treasure hunt will be fun. Gubbins is old enough to properly participate this year.

I'm not doing very much here. Just being waited on. 😊 We walked the dog in the drizzle and met several doggie pals.

The footballer came back from the match having won 14 nil. I feel sorry for the other team

I'm planning to take them out somewhere tomorrow - maybe a pub lunch or a stately home or both.

Hats, scarfs and gloves sound like good presents to me Doodle, I don't know what it is at the moment but I can never seem to get warm. What a lovely young man to carry all those bags from the boot for you. We've got one bag we've been meaning to take to a charity shop for months, it's sitting on the top of the wardrobe my excuse is that I can't reach it to take it . Oh, that's so annoying, and my trick too - you see the perfect gift, don't order/buy it and when you go back it's dearer than it was when you first saw it (or not available at all). Did you order it anyway or have you found something similar or something else completely?. Yes, we've got our tree up too, it's looking rather nice this year 😁

Kaimoana, what an infuriating time you've had with the computer updates. They're supposed to make things better not worse 😤. I'm just glad that was the only reason you couldn't post. Yes, I remember you telling us about your xmas present hunts, Gubbins will love it this year won't she and I'm sure she'll love the angels as much as the gifts underneath 😊. I'm glad you enjoyed your xmas prom so much.

I love the idea of a branch of your garrya eliptica for a xmas tree Nfk , usual but lovely. Keira looks nice and cosy in her puffa coat 😊

Nothing wrong with being waited on once in a while Grammaretto 😁. What, 14:nil. Well done 👍. Nah, don't feel sorry for the other team 🤣. Our team also won our match, a derby match, but not by that margin! A pub lunch tomorrow sounds good 👍

I'm sorry, but while copying and pasting my incomplete post to document form - as I sensed incoming heebie-jeebies, I have lost the lot.

I am tired and dispirited so will ask to be excused for the evening. Thinking of everyone and taking in your news, back tomorrow instead.
Grrrrr.

Kaimoana, that young man was just made to be hugged. He looks so lovely. So pleased the prom was a big success.
The gift of the stone is a lovely idea. I’m sure all the decorations and buttonholes etc made it a lovely event.
What a fun time your grandson and Gubbkns will have tracking down the clues. Love the little angels, you are so clever.
Nfk, Keira looks nice and cosy in her new coat. Her hair colouring on her head is lighter than I thought. She looks lovely,
Nice you’re having the family round. You’re going to be busy getting everything ready.
Grammaretto I’m sure you deserve a little pampering and being waited on. Wow that was some score. As you say, the other side won’t be happy. Nice pub lunch tomorrow sounds fun.
Cherry, like you, I feel I’m always cold, unless I’m wrapped up like Michelin man.
No I didn’t order the item it’s too expensive now. I’ll find something else,
Wow our team won again. Well done the Pom Pom girls.
ixion, of course your excused, it’s happened to us all. So frustrating. Hope your ok.
Im struggling to stay awake. I keep nodding off as I’m typing
Better sign off for the night before I type something ride by accident 😱

Morning all,

I had to Google garrya eliptica. It looks so decorative!

I may take myself off to Quaker meeting since the family here are too hard to pin down change their routine
I don't think any of them want an outing with grandma so I won't push it and just go with the flow.

Sorry you lost your post ixion.
I'll post this quickly.
Thinking of you all, dear friends.

Doing it 'in rough' today, as they always used to advocate at school.

Lovely to read of all your doings.

Your Christmas angels, Kaimona, jogged a dim but happy memory of when I was at primary school and my father cutting out, with infinite precision, white cardboard wings to adorn my mother's angels she was making for me to take to school for the Christmas party! I do recall that if/when the pipe cleaner in the cone came adrift, their bauble heads dropped alarming forwards onto their chests as if nodding orf, a gesture with which I am all too familiar in our household ...
I think it may have been a 'Woman's Weekly' craft idea🤔 - as so much was from that august publication in the 1950s and 1960s.

Keira looks proper posh in her quilted coat, Nfk! Does she tackle all weathers now? Do you think that was the sort of family activity she missed out on, being a breeding dog?

I was wondering how Eoife took to Spud, Mamissimo? Did she know other babies previously, or Spud, dogs in general? Loved the green babygro photo! What a dear little chap😍

Pleased that you are getting on top of the present buying, Doodle. You've driven out?😳. Take care how you go! I am wondering how you got the charity bags down to the car? (I recall you have steps. = broken ribs, one Christmastide👎).
If you couldn't get those favourite sweeties, you could always make a nice I.O.U note for your ?DS. I'm sure it would be appreciated and just as 'special. Or run him up a pair of knitted slippers?😉

Grammaretto, your trip south seems to be one of mixed fortunes. I hope the return trip proves less stressful and that you don't regret the adventure experience
I had a similar experience with my mother when she was 90. I took her to meet another old friend over the Pennines. An ambitious plan (One of those rueful 'well, I don't suppose I'll ever see her again' moments. I ignored the bit about 'she lives with her son now, she's got a lovely little annexe').
On the train back from York, our First class carriage was inundated with intoxicated blind drunk race goers, which I actually found really intimidating. I couldn't get through the throng to find a guard, and wouldn't have left Ma alone anyway with a dodgy 💔. Order was only restored, not by the quaking Customer Service Manager who had locked himself away, but by the trolley lady. About 5', took no nonsense. I think she was an extra in Prisoner Cell Block H 🗝️🔗. Either that or she'd brought up teenagers.
I think the thing that grieved my mother most was that they were actually racegoers. I blame watching My Fair Lady too many times.

Keeping warm, 🍒? Don't forget that perennial hip flask as Our Team play again today😉

As soon as I was in the door from the Quaker meeting, the table had been booked and they were all in their gladrags waiting for me!
It was a very nice meal but I ate far too much and vow to do something healthier like exploring a nature reserve next time!

How is Aoife getting on Mamissimo?

Your description of the train trip was very apt funny
*Ixion.
I hope that by going back on a Monday morning I'll avoid the drunks*.

Christmas cards to write when I get home and a week of Christmas lunches

Grammaretto, I hope you’re enjoying your visit. Have you been to the Quaker meetings there before? How lovely to be treated to a meal out but I know what you mean about eating too much. I always vow never again too 😮
Hope your journey home is quiet and uneventful.
ixion, what a lovely little story about your mum and dad,
Ah yes we do have steps but we also have a lift. 😊. I dragged the bags to the lift and into the hall then met up with one of our lovely neighbours who helped put them in the car for me.
I am ok driving. Been able to do so 7 days after op having notified DVLA. Unfortunately my son’s chocs are only on sale at Christmas. He won’t mind one bit if I don’t get them but I’ve been buying them for him for years and I would love to see if I can find some.
Yes we’ve been in a train with rowdy party goers before too. **Not nice when you’re just looking for a quiet journey.
Did have one Christmas trip when we came back from London in a carriage full of school children aged about 7 to 10. It was fascinating watching how the boys behaved compared to the girls.
Hope our team win (and you’re sober enough to notice)🤣

Keira looks so smart and best of all it's helped with her anxiety about rain.
Goats hate rain too and many people tether them on grass verges to avoid mowing but goats, unlike sheep, are browsers and do not live on grass alone so this practice is very cruel and unhealthy for the goat - like restricting a human to only bread.

I wonder how Aoife is doing?

How awful to be trapped in a railway carriage with drunks.

It's been such a relief over the weekend and today, not being forced to churn out crafts to a deadline.

It was supposed to have been divided between us but didn't turn out that way. Taught me a valuable lesson though : I can't do now, what I used to do so easily a few years ago, even if it is work I enjoy.
I was totally exhausted but didin't take long to bounce back

I cheated ixion the angels were party hats, so no cutting out as in the old days.
Trevor set off on his long journey to you today. Hope he arrives safely on Ixion Island.

Yes, Karena is a very huggable young man and it's lucky that in Maori societry everyone hugs as a matter of course - it's our normal greeting. can get a bit wearying if there are 100 people to hug

The only crafts I will be doing now are LED lights inside bottles, for our family buffet table on 23rd. Won't take long and Gubbins & Bro will be able to switch them on.

I've never believed in killing a tree for Xmas, or supporting those traders who do but the beautiful Manuka outside my house is in sore need of pruning, so a fragrant branch from that will provide he rakau Maori for Kirihimete.

So now I'm just a quiet old lady sitting knitting and lstening to the birds. Bliss.

Hello friends,

I am not on a train with drunks this time but on an overcrowded train.
Someone was in my seat so I found another but then some more people came on and wanted my new seat so I had to shift the other person out of the original seat.
Apparently a train was cancelled as there was no driver. This train has only 4 coaches and the aisles are packed with standing room only.
Never again!
There's my rant for today.

I had a nice time despite the rain but I hardly glimpsed my oldest DGC. I guess at 17 you would rather spend time with your friends than family.

Good to know Trevor is on his way to ixion Kaimoana. and that you are pretending to be a quiet old lady. 😃

I appreciated your train story ixion. I have memories of my own DM who became anxious when about to board a train rightly so and the time I was so busy helping her to her seat that the train departed with me still on board!

Good evening 🙂

So it looks like the Great Lobstar Duck Race has begun! Mine, which is destined for Spud, left Kaimoana's nest last week....will he be overtaken by Ixion's Duck.....or will they land together? Place your bets ladies.....

We are utterly done in smitten with Aoife and are remembering why people in their sixties and seventies cannot have children! We have dealt with the phantom pregnancy and know that while she has received good training in her previous home, she has no great inclination to put it into practice.

*The only words we utter are down, down, quiet, stay down, quiet....but I will not be defeated. Not. Ever. This pretty girl has met her match! in the stubbornness department

so far she's eaten the lighting controller, 2 memory sticks, one timberland deck shoe, a Kevin the Carrot dog toy....she's carried a significant wood pile home and has a healthy respect for Fergal. Fergal looks at us with such disdain we know he thinks that we're eejits. I've upped my step count to about 12000 a day and I've lost 1.5kg yomping up the hill

Mr M and I haven't laughed so much for ages. The dog's a keeper! 😍

Kaimoana, it does sound like bliss after the hectic time you’ve had. I hope all your hard work was appreciated. I’m sure it was.
I love lights in bottles I’m sure Gubbins and her big brother will enjoy turning them on and in Gubbins case, I expect off and on and off and on 🤣
Grammaretto what a shame you haven’t had a peaceful journey either way. I’ve been on a train back from London like that with people crowded on standing next to me. It’s very oppressive.
I’m hoping you’re safely home now and unwinding after your journey. Nice to see your family. Yes 17 year olds do have a busy social life.
Mamissimo my duck will be bringing up the rear. I’m must sort it out with you Kaimoana now that you’ve finished with all the crafting.
Im afraid it sounds like Aoife has you wrapped round her little paw. Not surprised, she is gorgeous.
Im so pleased you’re having fun with her. Obviously Fergal knows who is boss so they should get on well. 😊
Well at least she’ll keep you fit !
Dh and I have been to the podiatrist today to see if she could help his heels. Apparently it’s going to take weeks ☹️. DH isn’t happy. He feels the hospital could have done more to prevent this happening. Podiatrist said that in certain people bed sores could start to develop in only an hour. He’s to keep off his feet as much as possible. I am searching the internet for ways of levitating him from chair to bathroom without his feet touching the floor 🤣

I don't believe you Mamissimo - just look at those big brown eyes and butter wouldn't melt in my mouth let alone a remote innocent expression.

He's made it Kaimoana!

Trevor made a crash landing through the letterbox this morning - thank you so much for such a lovely message and splendid service 🥰!

We managed to get to the mat before Aoife - so far this week we have been doing post jig saw puzzles every afternoon. Mr M is going out later to get one of those basket things....

Grrrrr.
And I had all my troops lined up to be the first spot him.
Lucky you!

I want a like button! 😄👏😃
My copy of Trevor will be bought in NZ.

I am beginning to get excited now nervous and need to find some summer clothes! we don't do summer in Scotland

It's very wet again today and dark already. I should be doing my Gaelic homework. I think it's the last class this term.

Sorry to hear about the Dude's feet Doodle. When I worked in a hospital, bedsores were treated with honey. Is that a possibility? Very sticky I guess.

We had our last Pictish art class this morning. This time at the museum.

Aoife is just the cutest dog Mamissimo. I hope training doesn't take forever.

My df whose dog died recently, is adopting one from Romania. He's 9 years old and already has a name which she doesn't like. I told her she should change it, the dog won't mind 😂

Pace Kaimona, The Tree has been selected (using the Goldilocks Selection method - too small, too big, nah, just right), erected and decorated, an eclectic mix of rather tasteful decorations interspersed with playgroup/kindergarten/primary school offerings. A great excuse not to have to dust for a while, but am slightly disappointed by the swoosh of dropping needles on day one.

I am hoping to see a picture of Mamissimo's floating candles this Christmas. I was captivated first time round! Any chance, svp?

I am totally captivated by Aoife, 'who moi'? I'm sorry that I don't recall her provenance. How old is she? Does she have a crate at night?
Our (late) elderly, delightfully soppy, neighbour always had Newfies. When the last puppy came, it cried and whimpered at nights. She was quite happy in her 80s to crawl into its crate to sit with it til it slept...

It's so disappointing to hear about Mr. D's heels. I'm so sorry. They are not generally taken lightly in secondary care. In some hospitals, they are reportable as Incidents and are reviewed with ward staff weekly by the Executive Board.
I fear you may have to resort to a fireman's lift😟 for transferring.
Any joy with the special sweeties?.

Waving to Cherry. Everything OK?

Aoife is beautiful! I wish she could get together with Keira. She could perhaps teach her to play. Poor Keira just looked alarmed when I rolled a ball near her and she's no idea what a dog toy is or what it's for! She did however, steal a sparkly tree decoration today and destroyed it. My reaction was all wrong - I was so pleased!!

I've got Open Reach coming early tomorrow morning. I'm paying for full fibre which I've just learned only goes as far as the cabinet so not exactly Full, and my router keeps switching itself off and reboots a minute or so later. An inconvenience not a disaster, but it always seems to happen so I miss a vital clue or something, and never, ever in the adverts.

Hurrah, Trevor has arrived, now I want my copy.
Ixion, when I first looked at that photo I thought it was men with hunting rifles………..that’s not the way to welcome Trevor I thought 🤣
Grammaretto, yes honey is still in use. They are using iodine to dry the sore out with honey round the outside for healing.
How soon is it till your trip? No wonder you’re excited.
ixion, oh yes I remember the floating candles. Wonderful.
That made me laugh the thought of your neighbour in the crate with her new dogs. Some take to crates some don’t.
Mostly they like company. My son’s dog, when the family bought him was ….not going to be allowed on the sofa, not allowed upstairs, certainly not allowed on the bed. Son and DIl now sit at each end of the sofa with the dog laid out across the middle. When they turn off the lights he’s upstairs and in the bed before they get there, 🤣🤣
Yes I trudged into town today and managed to get to M&S and buy my son’s chocs. Flushed with enthusiasm I went on to buy Christmas cards, chocs for the rest of the family, jumper for DH to give me, new pyjamas for me to give him (to replace the ones the hospital lost) and a packet of his favourite chocolate biscuits. Fluffy socks for the girls and nice biscuits for other grandma. I was so pleased with myself that I forgot the time………I’m now waiting for a bill for overstaying my parking 😡

NFK I’m so pleased Keira has found a new home with you, poor dog doesn’t sound as though she had much fun before.
Ah a little bit of mischief. 😊. She must be so happy to be with you. Hope you get all your connections sorted

Love the dog stories.
Doodle - fact is, if you love dogs then you're far too soft to enforce rules you made before they came into your life.

Glad your DH is being treated. My friend in Loughboroug, whose health seem to mirror DH's (even to the fall) says his nurses don't put a medicated dressing on his leg, just a plain pad. He's seen 5 different nurses, none of whom seem to know what the others have done. A right rum do.

I have the offer of a swim on Friday but with temperatures as low as 10degrees and a wind straight from Antarctica bringing wind and rain, I think I may decline. And yes, it IS supposed to be summer but also an El Nino year so goodness know what we'll get.

All the UK Trevors have arrived safely.
ixion yours was posted later than the others so may take a few more days.

Do you remember the competition for an anthology 'Flying Solo' that I entered?
My short story has been accepted.

The editors write : "Something for you to look forward to in the new year will be attending a certain book launch where you will be one of the honoured guests! "

That launch will be July/August but dates have not been finalised.

I'm quite pleased about that.

Well done to you Kaimoana !! Another story in print. Another book launch ❤️

We were sent terrifying pictures of a tornado and storms in Wellington. Houses down the etc. My DGS was traumatised on his walk home from school.

Last night's final Gaelic class until January. I shall miss it but not the homework.

Glad you managed to find the right chocolate biscuits Doodle. 🍫

I'm sure I still have things to buy. Most importantly a loo roll holder as mine has broken.

I must gather my knitting and butter 🧈 to take to yarn group. Everyone is bringing something for the coffee break and someone volunteered me to bring butter. I'll let you know when I find out what it's for. 😂

Kaimoana so true. My DILs bakes a special cake for the dogs birthday and bakes treats for him to share with his friends at doggy day care 🤣
Oh your poor friend. Obviously wounds need dressings to help them heal, only when the healing process has begun does leaving them open to dry help.
Shame it’s not warm enough for you to have a swim. I know how much you enjoy it. It’s hard for me to imagine at the moment though. I went out to put the rubbish out earlier and the wind cut through me. My thoughts immediately turn to the homeless and those without heating of food when it’s like this.
What wonderful news about your story. Not surprised you’re pleased 😀. Well done.
Grammaretto, I hope your NZ family are ok and keeping safe. Can’t imagine how scary it must have been for your DGs.
I must admit I thought taking butter with your knitting to yarn group had me puzzled. I know Kaimoana like coleslaw with her knitting but not heard of buttering the yarn first. 🤣

Hello Lobstars,

I hope that DH heel is healing Doodle
Honey, butter or whatever works. My favourite is warm sunshine but we haven't seen much of that recently.

The butter wasn't needed after all as someone else had already buttered the scones by the time I arrived.

I was very late because I popped into the new chiropodist to see if I could book an appointment and to my astonishment I was asked if I could come straight in as there'd been a cancellation.

The next available was the end of January so no deliberations necessary.😄
I my poor old feet had a treat!

I was intrigued worried that the man at the desk is also a medium and spiritualist who will read tarot cards as well. I didn't have time to chat to him which is probably for the best.

I think the storms in Wellington blew over quite quickly and their old house is still standing. 😊

It's the last yoga class this year so we'll go out for coffee afterwards and make polite conversation. It's not a chummy class normally or maybe it's because I live in another town people are slow to be friendly. Very different from your experience Kaimoana with the Maori get togethers.

Hope all Lobstars and their doggy pals are well. Keira will learn to play for sure in your tender care Nfk. And I hope Aoife hasn't destroyed too many shoes.