The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

Did you hear/feel that great rush of air from NZ? It was me (and probably Gramaretto) breathin huge sighs of relief.
I'm just sorry that you have such a bad cough Doodle but re-read my emails about building up your immune system. Pro-biotics for sure.

Do I dare believe that the suddenness of the hospital's decision was something to do with that spiritual kick up the backside I demanded from the ancestors?

Wonderful Doodle! So very pleased you're both back in your nest and all cosy. I hope you're both recovering from your ordeal and that your cough, Doodle, was a stress cough and has subsided. Have a lovely evening and a relaxing night.

Well we finally got home around 8 last night. Too tired to do much other than settle down for the night but so nice for us both to be in our own home.
I have got a hacking cough. So pleased I didn’t have to spend the day sitting in a hospital chair, I feel quite rough but at least I’m in my own home.
We’ve just had a nice dinner and relaxing now.
Thanks all of you for your kind wishes. I do feel you have been egging us on to get home. Such a relief at last. Couldn’t believe how quickly it happened when they suddenly said you can go home today. I feel utterly exhausted now. Still woke up at the crack of dawn today thinking I had to set off to the hospital. Such a nice feeling to settle down again and go to sleep.
Hope you’ve all have a good day, much love to all xx

Are you home, Doodle, or do we need to send out a search party?
I am hoping 'yes, of course' and that you have had a decent day doing very little between you.

The winds here have finally dispersed, to the presumed relief of Russell and Cheryl, our resident corvids. They continued, throughout the back to back storms, to teeter on the chimney stack opposite watching for movement in the kitchen. Russell lets out a distinctive four note squawk when food goes down, swoops down and Cheryl scuttles along behind him. They really are comical to watch, even if we have to stand, catatonic, while they eat.

I hope the Lobstars and their properties have emerged unscathed from the storms, rains, acts of God, whatever and that our Antipodean chums are enjoying life in the sun.

Yay! Best news of the year. Welcome home dear MrD.

Wonderful story Mamissimo - I think all boys must have that 'blind to consequences' gene but thank goodness in this case if made uch a splendid story.

I have heaps of aprons to hand (Nfk is that one jewelled and lacy?) but when it's 30+ degrees, far too hot to wear another layer.
I'd have been better off wearing the cozzie all day but for the advent of the Electrician.

Fortunately, said heat and sun dried everything in 10 mins of being pegged out.

Busy day today (as was yesterday) with Artoa here in a few minutes, then Cherrilee my Maori herbal practitioner and amazingly caring support person.

She's bringing a learner who's at the beginning of her 3 year course. The first thing they learn, even before identifying plants and how to use them, is the people they'll be helping.

If you can't understand the many diverse characters and reasons why people need you, there's no point in going into the bush to get the herbs.
People always come first before the actual, practical knowledge and because this is the basis and not $$$, perhaps the most powerful aspect of healing (Maori or otherwise) it time to listen and help. If your supporter learns (for instance) you used to love the beach but can no longer get there, then that's one of the therapeutic threads they may try. A couple of hours by the sea each week may go a long way to healing.

Anna Jang, my long-time friend (30 now but I began teaching her English when she was about 12) is coming on Saturday to share, as we do every year, our birthdays.

On Sunday, my family will be over for much the same reason.

Happy Happy Happy in all corners of my life now thanks to the dear Doodles' news.

Yippee Doodle! Sleep tight!😴

Kaimoana, I was so glad that last night, when I couldn't sleep, that I was downstairs when I read your post - as it meant I didn't disturb my WP when I was laughing uncontrollably 🤣. It's not funny really, actually rather annoying (well I'd be annoyed before seeing the funny side of it) ... but oh so funny. Did you find your swimming costume 😁

I went on another non walk with my walking group today, if this keeps happening I think we'll have to rename ourselves .... maybe to stationaries🤣.

Brilliant news Doodle. That transport will come, not long now ... 🔜 🆓 😊. I'm so pleased to know Mr D is well enough to go home. It'll feel great to have that first out breath when you step inside your front door 💕.

That's twice today I've nearly had an accident laughing so much.

And, fantastically wonderful news Doodle! Home time! Why is that it always takes all day to get meds sorted? But hopefully you're on your way now - Or home! (I hope you left the heating on!)

Frabjous day, Doodle.
We have all been waiting for this!

But sadly not time enough for us to put the vacuum round for you😏

Kaimoana, you sound just like me. DH reckons I can’t eat unless I drop food down my front.
Made me laugh too. 😊
Nfk that looks just like my mums “pinny” morning one for cleaning, afternoon one for cooking and evening one to be tidy.
Mamissimo love that story. I can just see you DS trying to cope with all the foam.
Cherry & All, …..drumroll …………. We’re on our way home. Well sort of. We’re waiting for transport. Can’t believe the day has come. Rubbing salt into the wound now keeping us here all day waiting for meds and transport but we will get home I’m determined.

oh Kaimoana thank you! I laughed and sloshed my coffee My much loved Granny used to always wear a housecoat in the mornings whilst she tackled essential light chores. I think she was wise but I am not because I'm dispraxic and stubbornly refuse to wear a pinafore . I do a lot of laundry too 🙂

DS has his moments too. When he was at that lovely stage of grunting that adolescent males go through, Mr M took him into town in his lovely new car to show it off. DS declined to accompany him to Waitrose and opted to wait in the car and listen to his audio book....

Mr M returned to find people gathered round his car laughing...and brown foam pouring out of the passenger window. DS had decided to see what happened if you put a mint in a bottle of coke! He told his Papa that the foam started immediately so he put his mouth over the bottle.....mouth couldn't cope so foam coming out of nose......needed to gasp so removed mouth from bottle.....

The foam covered the roof lining so he opened the window to throw the bottle out but missed and hit the window as it went down, spraying a passing pedestrian.

Mr M was still crying with laughter when he got home with DS. I don't understand men - I would have been still clouting him with something frozen tearing him off a strip 🤣

Happy days!

Thank you Kaimoana ... The dog just actually got out of her bed and came downstairs to see if I was ok, she'd not heard me crying with laughter before!!

Magnesium Cherry not to send up a flare for Jeeves; it's supposed to relax the muscles and "aid restful sleep". .

6am: up and dressed, clean t-shirt and skirt.
6:30: made cup of coffee. Sneezed, cup jolted, spilling coffee on clean t-shirt & skirt.
6:45: Changed into clean t-shirt and skirt.
7:00am began washing up left by some lazy person from last night. Cleaned pan which had held turmeric-coloured curry. Dirty water splashed up my white t-shirt causing yellow stains.
7:30: changed into clean t-shirt and skirt.
7:45 Electrician arrived to fix range-hood lights. Kept my back to him as, moments before he arrived, getting beetroot from fridge at 7:44, I’d spilled the juice all down clean skirt.
7:50: changed into clean T-shirt and skirt.
After he’d gone, wiped working surface, forgetting I’d put the still dripping dish of beetroot on that surface prior to getting changed. Beetroot juice jumped from cloth onto clean t-shirt.

8am: changed into clean t-shirt and old skirt which I only wear in emergencies.

8:10 Heard on podcast that the human bladder can hold between 400 and 600 millilitres.
Unfortunately the 77 year old mechanism which sends the ‘Dash to the bathroom NOW!’ kicks in at 200.

The backup musculature which used to allow just a little delay after the warning, is like very old elastic, so the 200 millilitre of coffee…..

8:15 Changed into sarong and eyeing the now empty wardrobe, fossicked about for the swimming cozzie.

8:30: filled washing machine.

Have a lovely day everyone

Are you saying what I think you are saying Doodle - that Mr D was well enough to leave the ward and have Sunday lunch with you in the hospital canteen? If you are, that's a really good sign and I am so pleased if that was the case. I hope the news that you have soon is the news that we all want - that Mr D can soon come home 🤞.
I know Kaimoana has said that 🍒s are yummy but 😱 ... you've just about cracked me up 🤣

I'm impressed with your cataloguing Kaimoana. I really need to be more organised as my method leaves a lot to be desired is non existent.
I'm also impressed with the fact that you are able to trace back your ancestry on your mother's side all the way back to 1379.

I hope you sorted your door knocker Nfk, I don't know what the winds were like down where you arr last night but if they were anything like what they were here then it might hqve flown off if you didn't 😬. Our little outdoor cabinet got thrown about, our food bin was in the other end of the garden and as for a hanging basket ... oops 🤦.

Is Jeeves about? I hope so as I am in need of something soothing to help me get a decent night's sleep as (again) I didn't sleep well last night 🙄

ixion yes getting some good ideas thanks. I’m saying nothing……..but I might have some news soon.
Gramaretto hoping you’re enjoying being with the family and relaxing.
NFK yes we tried to make yesterday better. Sunday papers followed by Sunday lunch in the canteen. DH enjoyed it apart from the lack of 🍷 😊

Oooh, I very nearly missed your birthday Jan! I do hope you've had a lovely day.

Sitting and reading the Sunday papers together sounds wonderful Doodle. A definite positive step. (It just takes a bit of imagination to visualise your sitting room.)

Have a really lovely time Grammaretto. It sounds bliss. I can hear the tui bird in my head as I type. Sigh!

I'm now going to have another go at taping down the front door knocker which keeps breaking it's bonds and rattling in a most disturbing way. I hate high winds but at least my little pond is now defrosted.

Happy belated birthday to Jan. What a grand weekend you have had!

Glad you've found us, Grammaretto, but I fear we wouldn't have gone far in this weather! Your reunion sounds the stuff of dreams. Warm weather and welcoming family😍. I just hope you are speedily reunited with your missing item(s?).

Doodle, I hope you are getting some good ideas from the plethora of suggestions posted on your 💪 building thread. Gransnet at its very best. Hopefully you are on the countdown to home.

Looking back I realise that somehow I missed a page of posts when I posted my last message. I was wondering how everyone knew it was Jan’s birthday so scrolled up and saw I’d missed a lot.

Firstly, Happy Birhtday Jan 🎂🥳. Hope you’re having a really good day. Lovely to have your DD and S’il making a fuss of you. Hope the rest of the day is just as good and you have a nice time with your youngest daughter and your friends.
Kaimoana I wish I was as organised as you. What a good idea to copy the lists. I love all your family histories.
Thank you for putting the word out. It would be lovely to go home. Not sure how much longer either of us can cope being cooped up here.

G’day Grammaretto. How lovely to hear from you. How annoying about your phone. Glad you’ve been able to borrow one and we can keep in touch.
I bet your heart leapt when you saw your welcome committee.
Been in the sea already. Wonderful. Hope you have a really great time.
Cherry those cherries do look delicious but if Kaimoana comes anywhere near you licking her lips……🤣
Thanks we’re really hoping things are getting better.

A bit late in the day ... but Happy Birthday Jan 💐🎉. I hope you're having a lovely day.

Thanks for the pic Kaimoana, it's much appreciated ... and those cherries 🍒 look delicious 😁

That sounds promising about Mr D, Doodle. I hope the Drs are very happy with his progress when they're back tomorrow and he can come home asap 🤞

Aww Grammaretto, I feel your delight, I don't doubt it was a wonderful sight to see them waiting to greet you on your arrival ☺️. I don't doubt they were equally delighted to see you. I am so happy for you 😊.
Annoying about the phone, especially as it means you've lost important numbers but 🤞 you'll get it back.

G'day Lobsters,
From a campsite and a different phone on the Kapiti coast north of Wellington.
I survived the journey just but my phone didn't and is probably with other lost property somewhere in Qatar. I have reported it missing.

Unfortunately I didn't follow advice to keep a note of all the important numbers etc
I was resigning myself to managing without technology but l have borrowed an old phone from DDiL .
I found you!! And not only that, I read that the dude is sitting up and reading and surely ready for release soon.
It was a thrilling moment to see those 3 people waiting for me at the airport. DGS holding up a handmade welcome to NZ sign. I am being looked after royally.

Kaimoana is right. It's hot but plunging into the ocean yesterday was cooling. I'm listening to birdsong. A flute-like sound. A tui?

Sending you my love and a happy birthday to Jan.

Kaimoana, fortunately it’s warmer here too now so I’m not so envious of your temperatures. Have a good day sorting.
Oh Cherry that must have hurt. Hope you’re ok. Have you an idea of what you’re looking for or just whatever takes your fancy when you see it?
DH and I are sitting reading the Sunday papers. He is certainly looking better but we will have to wait till the Docs are back Monday before we know anything.
Hope Grammaretto is having a wonderful time

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN

Hope you have a really lovely day wih the rellies.

I do so agree with you that one gets tired sooner as one ages.
I am still sure I can do a full days work with impunity but my body doesn't agree. Suddenly its as if I'm a clockwork thingy which needs winding up.

I did get another storage box catalogued today though, despite 30 degree heat (a three shower day).
Then I realised that if my family need to find something specific after I have shuffled off, they'd need to read each individual inventory taped to the box, looking for it.

Back to square one. I photocopied each hand-written list and slipped that into a clear file with the box number.

The original inventories are still taped to each box.
So all they have to do now is look at the file first.


Oh Cherry poor you I wish you didn't have this awful thing. Sendinga pic for you. It's cherry season here and they are so yummy.

Your WP should have taken advantage of the drama and asked for a discount. You could have been driving a Rolls at Ford Fiesta prices

My sons have Irish ancestry too ixion through their father. His parents grew up in Yorkshire but (I think) my FiL was born in Dublin. I have so little on the Family Tree from my DHs side and now the eyes are so bad, no real chance of improving that.

Whereas from Mum's side we can go back, accompanied by
hundred of verified ancestors, all working on the land in one area, to the 1379 Poll Tax. Not strictly verified that last chap, who objected to the Tax imposed to pay for the Hundred Years War.

He lived in a village which before and after, was home to most of my confirmed family, so fairly sure - and I'm not a purist

They were a wandering lot too and by the 19th century were in Canada and Australia but not, as far as I can discover, New Zealand.
I would LOVE to find an ancestor who came here.
It might explain why I felt so at home the moment I landed.

Karen, you may remember, stopped smoking last year after decades of trying everything. She puts her success down to spiritual help from her life-long best friend who died about the same time.

Nothing ventured...I've given the hard word to my own spirit friends to get these health professionals moving so MrD can come home asap.
I don't think effectiveness depends on believing but if it was good enough for Jesus and Karen, it's worth a try.

I always visit the Gang at weekends these days with some trepidation, in the knowledge that Doodle and Mr.D are devoid of decent medical support when needed. But do I detect a hint of positivity now? Are the Vascular bods talking to anyone now following your kick up the proverbial? I hope you, especially, are keeping warm, fed and watered and getting adequate rest🤔. That's important.

I hope it's a case of happy landings for Grammaretto, cozzy on yet?😎.

Cherry, so sorry to hear of your thumps in the car showroom. Must have shocked the salesmen😉. Do you have to get yourself checked out after these instances or just get back to the safety of your own home? I hope you are well enough to support Our Team tomorrow.

I have been plodding through more recent ancestors today. Paid off, as Mr.I took it upon himself to clear the ironing basket of his shirts, unbeknownst to me deep in the basement. My heart sang when I discovered that I had a lawyer in the family. Being of a cynical nature, I delved further and then confirmed not a lawyer but a sawyer. Cursive handwriting has a lot to answer for. Back to my wood turning roots ...

The charity van did indeed arrive - at 07.10😳. No such thing as a subtle collection. The clunk of the hydraulic tailgate undoubtedly woke the sleeping neighbourhood, luckily it was too dark for them to make out the charity's name on the side plus, writ large, a sign pronouncing HOUSE CLEARANCES.

Trust the neighbours didn't think we were doing a runner.

CherryCezzy Oh dear what a disappointment just as you thought you were feeling better. Fingers crossed you are feeling better now and can get back to find a new car. Love looking for a new car - not that it happens very often!
Doodle good news about DH. Really hope he is home with you soon so you can spoil him and feed him up! It’s been a long journey for you both.
Nfk Keira sounds gorgeous and she’s so lucky to have found you and I bet you are grateful that you found her. Having a dog gives you something to get up in the mornings for and adds a meaning to life. We miss our little dog but know we couldn’t look after another one in the present circumstances.
Mamissimo Aoife* is beautiful- love the photo of her watching David Attenborough. Hope she will soon be able to do without her jacket bless her.
I am absolutely shattered tonight. It’s my birthday tomorrow and eldest daughter and husband are staying. They came yesterday and cooked a meal for us which was lovely. This morning we nippedinto our local pub for a quick glass of wine came home and did nothing! Just back from a meal in Prezzo and it’s just all too much! Wasn’t like this before the stroke but now tired is a permanent state! Tomorrow we are meeting for coffee with youngest daughter and then having lunch with friends and after that I think I will go to bed!!
Hope you all have a good weekend x