The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

A very Happy 'Kiwi' Birthday Kaimoana.🎉💐🎂🥳🎂 😊

Sorry I began the birthday greetings a bit early but I knew you were celebrating with the family Kaimoana. What a beautiful bouquet!

So glad you're on the mend Doodle.
Record high temperatures in the Highlands so perhaps I did send the heat your way and missed

Tooth fairy story is brilliant Mamissimo! DGS has lost 2 teeth this week and is building up a small fortune in tooth money. He was a bit shocked to hear that when I lose mine, they don't grow back.

We went to another museum today very interesting and I took them out to lunch. DS says it's expensive but I don't understand the exchange rate so it feels different.
Anyway they are putting up with me and giving up their bedroom so I think I can take them out occasionally.
DGS goes back to school this week.

Happy Birthday Kaimoana - whenever it is!! You seem to be having a lovely time, a 48 hour birthday does sound rather good!

I've just had a lovely day out with friends at Sheringham Park. Famous for it's rhododendrons its also very hilly. Fortunately they're Norfolk hills and, although very steep, the top isn't too far off. Its a bit early for the flowers but it was lovely all the same. We all took our campers to give them a run out (they need exercise or the computerised electrics sulk) and Keira had a lovely time. She rather likes the campervan as she can lay in her bed wedged on the front seat (harnessed in) and see out of the window without having to stir!

Happy birthday Kaimoana 🎂🎂🎂. Hope you are enjoying an extended birth day celebration.
Gramaretto, nice to be able to treat your son and family while you’re with them. I’m pleased you get to spend time with your grandson before he goes back to school.
Nfk you sound as though you’ve really enjoyed yourself today.
So pleased Keira has not only adapted to the campervan but actually loves her spot. Nice to be able to meet up with friends too
Im in agony today. I think I coughed so much yesterday that I’ve hurt al the muscles in my back and chest. I ache all over and am walking round like a little old lady. ( 👵🏻 which I guess I am).
Im worried that DH has started coughing. I really hope he is ok. He’s had enough infections recently. Tonight he’s on the sleeping tablets he had in hospital so I’m hoping he has a more restful night tonight (and me too…)
Hope everyone’s ok. Sleep tight

I'm pleased that you had such a great time with your family Kaimoana 😊. I hope that it hasn't rained for your birthday party and everyone enjoyed it, you most of all.

I remember seeing an item on the news about Mrs Seaman's knitted replica of Buckingham Palace, I'd completely forgotten about it, thanks for the links Kaimoana. I knew she intended to knit other replicas, wonderful aren't they. An exhibition back last year at the Waterfront museum in Swansea had a knitted house, bit like a dolls house - it had a sheepdog sitting on the doorstep, no sheep though.
Thanks for the photo Grammaretto, those knitted skeletons are remarkable, stunning in fact.

You're packing a lot in in this trip Grammaretto, as well as lovely trips to museums and pricey lunches out with your family it must have been lovely to meet up with an old friend who moved there.
I'm pleased that your phone has been found, I hope you're reunited with it on your return journey.

I'm glad you had a lovely day with your friends at Sheringham Park Nfk. I've been there once when the rhododendrons and azaleas were out, it was beautiful but I bet it's lovely any time of year. It sounds like Keira has really taken to the Camperbubble and is quite at home in it 😊.

Oh dear Doodle, that cough sounds dreadful. It's really unpleasant when you cough so much your whole body aches. Have you contacted your GP, maybe you need antibiotics 🤔. I really hope Mr D isn't coming down with it and I hope you both sleep well tonight.
I'm still sniffly and coughing but I think it's easing 🤞, I'm meant to be going on a walk tomorrow 😬.

Until you get a chance to see your GP Doodle your local chemist may be able to recommend a good cough supressant and throat spray. Didn't you also say that codeine helps as well?

Keira must think she's in heaven, bless her. I can just imagine her sight-seeing from her bed

I wonder if Grammaretto's posh lunch was at the famous seafood restaurant I visited years ago.
Phillip Mann, who wrote sci-fi fantasy books, twice took me to a wonderful place overlooking the ocean. The kaimoana was superb but I was jolly glad I wasn't paying.

Today has been totally wonderful.
Despite the fact I had already prepared heaps of food, people arrived with hot chickens, flash birthday cakes with 'Happy Birthday' on them and a truck load of crisps and dips and other goodies.
The weather was perfect, the gazebo went up; tables and chairs were set out on the lawn - and we laughed and sang and ate all day.
Couldn't have been a happier birthday. Six bouquets and so many gifts, including a flax kete (basket) made especially for me. This held a bottle of wine but I like the kete best.

My walking stick is decorated with butterflies but one guest didn't know that and presented me with a gorgeous scarf saying apprehensively she wasn't sure I'd like it.

It had butterflies all over it (as did the top I was wearing) and I explained my Dad used to call me 'Butterfly Brain' because I could never focus .

Some very nice (if a little blush-making) speeches were made, thanking me for my hard work and contributions to the elders group. So between the first guest arriving at 10am and the last leaving at 6.30 pm, it's been happy, happy, joy, joy all the way.

They even did all the washing up and cleaned the wreck of the Hesperus kitchen before they left.

I do have some very lovely friends.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

A bit late in the day if it is still the 30th in NZ ... but Happy Birthday Kaimoana x 💐.

Happy birthday to your DS too Grammaretto.

Sounds like you had the best birthday ever Kaimoana. 😀

We had Haggis and veggie sausages cooked on the BBQ, neeps and tatties, followed by homemade cake.
We went to the local cinema to watch Perfect Days about a happy toilet cleaner in Tokyo.
I can't remember the last time I was with this DS on his birthday. I do recall his 21st!

I have been shown round DGS school and met his teacher. It's refreshing to be in such a friendly and open environment.

I hope your cough is better Doodle and that DH has slept.

Your trip in the camper with Keira sounds perfeck Nfk.

I hope you were well enough to enjoy your walk Cherry.

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I'm so glad you're having such a wonderful time Grammaretto and your DS's party sounds wonderful. Neeps and taties, separate or together are one of my all time favourites and a regular winter meal.

Thank you dear Cherry it doesn't matter what date it is, I welcome your good wishes. As I write this, Uncle Google tells me its 8.30pm on 30th, so you did make it for my UK birthday

I've begun to worry again about the Doodles -the fall-out from the horrors of that hospital fiasco stay may well have one or both back in their clutches. Better have a wee korero to the ancestors again.

Pics: the flax kete made for me by Liz. It held a bottle of wine.
The tables outside next to the bush.

Grammaretto is right Kaimoana, it sounds like you had a fabulous birthday, lots of lovely food, lovely weather and even lovelier guests - sounds perfick to me 😊.

Your DS' birthday has been a memorable one for you both then Grammaretto 😊. I love the fact that you cooked a haggis on the barbecue and what an aptly titled film you went to see.
I'm impressed that you were able to be shown around your DGS' school and meet his teacher - I doubt that would happen in Wales unless you had guardianship. Very refreshing indeed 👍.

I was well enough to go on my walk today - I almost cried off as I didn't feel that great when I woke up this morning but I dragged myself out of bed shook a leg and went. I'm glad I did as I think the fresh air did me good and I don't feel half as bad as I did 🙂.

How are the Doodles today? I hope you're not still coughing as bad as you have been Doodle and Mr D is okay.

Hope the rest of the lobStars are all good.

Cherry I think I’ve been a bit better today. Not in so much pain but still getting these great urges to cough that build up into a terrible coughing fit. DH has bouts of coughing but I’m hoping nothing like mine. Glad you’re feeling a bit better. Hope you managed the walk.
Kaimoana, you quite rightly suggested the local chemist who came up with Benylin tickly cough syrup which does help a lot.
I am also having hot lemon drinks with my Manuka honey.

I am so, so pleased you had such a nice time on your birthday. You deserve it. It sounds as though everyone brought something and there was lots of fun and laughter and a good time was had by all. You are very special and you deserve all the kind words I’m sure,
Grammaretto you are certainly getting a lot out of your trip. A film about a happy toilet cleaner in Japan….well I never 😊
Pleased you could be with your son on his birthday this year.
Kaimoana any help gratefully received. 😊

Cherry I’m glad you made your walk. I do think fresh air helps. DH is coughing. Not a lot but more than he should be. I just hope and pray it wears off and doesn’t turn into whatever I’ve got. Sleep tight all x

So very sorry you are both still struggling, Doodle. Is there no light at the end of the tunnel? Always thinking of you🌹.

Kaimona, life is looking good for you, yours must be one of the longest birthday celebrations! I like the flax kete - at the risk of appearing ignorant🫢, will it last indefinitely? Do you need to prevent it drying out? I hope you remain buoyed up for a while after all festivities.

Aha, your walking legs, Cherry😎. How do you choose a route? Is it a decision democratically reached?😉.

Your holiday must be so exhausting exciting, Grammarett. I am envious of all that contact time.

I can just see Keira in the camper bubble. Mistress of all she surveys! Is she getting less clingy?🤞

Following broccoli and kale, I am keenly awaiting news of what the next scheduled tasting session will comprise for Spud. Any rejects thus far?

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I've just been sent a photo by a friend who bought my book for her new-ish grandchild. I just love him, so beautifully roly-poly and on nothing but breast milk too

Glad you're getting relief from the medication Doodle, each day is a healing day, take it easy.

ixion With care, all flax products can last a lifetime; it depends how you treat them and what kind of use they get.

They are exceptionally strong. Only a certain type of flax (harakeke) is used and the finished objects do usually change colour a little. Or are dyed to begin with.
There are hundreds of patterns and many, many uses. Clothing, toys, hats, cloaks, cooking utensils, roofing, flowers, decorations, screens and even baby cots, cradles and and carriers.
Kete come in all sizes from small purses to huge storage pouaka (boxes)

Maori relied heavily on their own crafts and still do.
As always, special prayers are said when gathering the flax and different ones when preparing it. Although you can buy them in some shops, to have one made for you is a very special thing.

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When I was 16, my great aunt gave me a woven 'suitcase' like the box in the picture but with another, slightly larger which fitted completely over it. Her father, like many other Northern country boys, took these 'suitcases' to war.
I kept mine until I had to return to NZ in the 80's. It made me sad to lose a family treasure.

Other pictures show different uses of Maori flax weaving but shows how alike we all are really.

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I promise this is the last

After a $1.2m research project by Dunedin University paediatricians, wahakura were one of the safest ways of cradling baby, including for co-sleeing.

Traditionally wahakura could also be hung from trees (most rural cultures do this) and now urban parents with gardens will often do the same.

Flax smells gorgeous, like newly cut grass.

ixion we’re ok. Still a lot going on but at least at the moment we’re home. Hope you and your PomPoms are keeping dry.
Kaimoana someone’s enjoying a good read. Each day is a healing day. I like that, thank you.
I’m enjoying your flax facts. I remember those cases with a top that was bigger than the bottom.
Ooh nearly forgot. I was doing some deep tidying in DHs junk room study when I came across a large old brown envelope. Inside was some of my family history that my brother had collected. One of my ancestors owned a brewery…….. hmm why does that not surprise me. 🤣

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better Doodle but you still sound quite unwell. Your description of the build up to your coughing fits and then the upshot is exactly what I've been experiencing too, I wonder if we've got the same infection going on 🤔. I felt so much better after my walk yesterday - but no the cough is still there 😤. I hope we both recover soon.
What a lovely rediscovery, I wonder if your ancestor ever made a malt tonic - a malty boost may be what you need 😁

Great photo of your df's grandson Kaimoana, he's giving Trevor a really close inspection 😄
I love the flax facts and photos. I particularly like the decorative fan in the lady's hair. It reminded me of something I'd totally forgotten. I was once given a giant fan (dyed red) made out of flax by my SiL but sadly it got damaged in successive house moves. It's a shame you've lost your family treasure.

The group's walking routes are decided democratically ixion - it's a serious business 😂. All suggestions are welcome within an ^acceptable¢ travelling distance and then voted on informally of course 😁.
May I add to Doodle's enquiry and ask if you've been practicing your routine for tomorrow 😉

Yup, Doodle and Cherry.
Sure have😉.

Great photo of you Ixion! 😊

I also hope that Doodle and Cherry get rid of their coughs PDQ.

* sends magic medicine via Jeeves *

I went into the city by myself yesterday to do a bit of touristy shopping and bought the last copy of Trevor in Whitcoulls, Kaimoana!!

Today we went to the botanic gardens and there were plenty of Trevor's relations living in the Peace Garden.

We caught the bus back and it was one of the buses decorated by DGS when he was 8. So proud and happy. We told the driver who then let us off paying the fare.

I am tired though. Wellington must be one of the world's hilliest cities and some streets are very steep.

We also spent some time in the oldest graveyard noticing plenty of Scottish names particularly from Shetland.
Some of the earliest settlers in the 1840s were fishermen from Shetland.

Those flax weavers are superb Kaimoana. I have been shown a few times how to cut and weave flax but never got beyond making a simple flower. Veranoa Hetet was my teacher when she came to Scotland for the Commonwealth games.

So your ancestor was a Brewer, Doodle. ☺️ How interesting. Any more discoveries?

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Wow! Whaea Veranoa Hetet taught you! I am impressed, what an honour Grammaretto
I'm sure you know this, but I'll add it for the other lovely Lobstars:

Rangimarie Hetet, born in 1892, grew up learning to weave and in her 50's set about reviving the art which was near extinction. With her daughter, Diggeress Te Kanawa, Whaea Rangimarie was renowned as an expert weaver and teacher.
All subsequent Hetef whanau keep up this craft through the Hetet School of Weaving.

And how amazing you should ride on your DGS bus.
In the old days, if you were over 65, you could travel free on all Wellington buses & the funicular too. That must have changed Did you go to the Observatory?
I once spent 3 consecutive days there - a fascinating place.
The stroll back down through the Botanic Gardens would have been a delight at this time of year.
I'm getting envious! I enjoy Wellington.

Yoo-Hoo, thanks for buying my book

A brewery eh, Doodle What a treasure to find family history in an old envelope.
And fancy you remembering those woven 'suitcases' ; I really wish I could have kept mine, and the Psaltery which also came from my g-aunt - but emigrating (twice) teaches you not to mourn for what is inevitable lost.

I'm off to a Writer's Weekend on 9th; as a student, not a teacher I hasten to add.
www.tewahiora.co.nz

I've been before but just as a guest not to a themed weekend. They are very nurturing; it's the ideal place to put a bit of pep back into a body.

Tomorrow I'll be back on the Marae to greet a group of young Filipino nurses who've just joined Wai-Health at Waipareira.
NZ may be losing 10,000 nurses a year but Waipareira is making sure our side of free health care doesn't suffer.


ixion and Cherry thanx to you both for the smiles

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Those of a nervous disposition look away now!

Roll up, roll up and guess the veg......

*Not all of these are pictured, but to date Spud has sampled:
Broccoli - a hit!
Banana - ok
Swede - a bit meh
Parsnip - a hit
Aubergine - favourite to date!
Avocado - not sure
Coconut milk yoghurt with prunes.....a smash!*

Now study the photos and guess the veg 🤣

We're off to stay with him this weekend so I'm taking him one of my best carrots...🥕

Please take care while I'm off duty, Matron x

Well we went to see a different consultant today and had a more positive discussion about possible treatment. Nothing now for 4 weeks which means DH has time to recover and gain strength. A relief for me as it might give us a chance to get rid of this dreadful cough.
Cherry you and I do sound as though we have the same bug. Mine is getting better I think but I feel so tired. My legs are really aching today. So pleased you got your walk.
The brewery by the way was in Wales.
Goodness me Ixion please be careful. You could do yourself and injury like that. I hope you’re wearing suitable undergarments. 🤔
Grammaretto so pleased you’re having a good time. How wonderful to have been in one of your DGSs decorated buses. I remember it at the time he won. You must have been beaming 😊
Kaimoana those young Filipino nurses will be a big asset I’m sure. Very caring people by nature. We know quite a few.
Mamissimo have a lovely time with Spud. Not sure about the carrot but I’d take a big overall with you if I were you. That veg looks as though it could end up anywhere.

What an absolute darling Spud is, and that hair is gorgeous too.
He and Gubbins are growing up in the 'ever-present-phone-camera' generation, quite at ease and happy to be models.

Now Gubbins reminds Daddy, 'are you photographing this?' Diva

Doodle I think I may have mentioned before that Floradix is a helpful booster after ill health. Fruity liquid or tablets.
https://floradix.co.uk/where-to-buy