The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

ixion, I wonder if we will have sore arms. I wonder if we’ll get a “I’ve been brave “ sticker? I wonder if we’ll get a lollipop after?

It's midnight! I must away to my bed....but here's the charmer 😍 I meant to post these yesterday! Good luck with the jabs in the morning....

He is, as my mother would say, all boy , isn't he🤣
Gorgeous❤️

How are you doing, Doodle? Sadly, no after effects from my flu jab at all, so it's business as usual after all. It was efficiency plus in the production line at the surgery. Whisked from pillar to post, it took me longer to fish out my upper arm and put it back than it did to administer the jab. No time even to ask for a badge🙁. Just a shame the efficiency and pleasantness can't be extended to their day to day running.

It's been a lovely warm day here. We have been sitting watching the birds. The lido is much in use - we can fit up to 7 sparrows in at any one time. It is on a gentle incline on the patio (improves drainage, Mr.I assured me as he valiantly slab-laid in the olden days.). Does mean they have a deep end for the proficient swimmers and a shallower end for the wimps more cautious ones.

I also put out some diced (cooked) butternut squash. To watch the crows, you'd think I was more Lucretia Borgia than St. Frances of Assisi. They have been circling it and standing at a respectable distance eyeing it with very the utmost suspicion.
No takers as yet .

I am getting up my strength, having ironed for England, to make a risotto for dinner. I hate meals that need to be babysat. My approach has been somewhat tempered by a nice bottle of Chablis I sourced from the wine cellar🤫. My cooking will be in the style of the late, great Keith Floyd. (One for the pot, two for me ...)
One reason for this early post.

This wine has gone down in the annals of family history. For my mother's 90th birthday party, my brother had ordered wine to be delivered by Sainsbury's to the house.
A delightful young man appeared at the door. I've got your Chablisse here he remarked. Your Merlotte is in the van .😍

Good evening 🙂 - Ixion for dinners just for us I now follow my daughters' lead and cook risotto in the oven - and if it's for posh I still do it in the oven because it leaves my hands free 🥂
We are all jabbed up and seem ok this time round but the Covid arm has a bit of an egg on it. Our practice was efficient today - all the teenage children of the staff were marshalling and clerking - and Mr `M was in charge of the car park. Bless him, he had a natty fluorescent vest and a whistle --like a real jobsworth--

I've taken delivery of a large envelope of Irish Latin wills and family documents for deciphering today. My client is a thespian and is hoping for something interesting to enliven a book he's writing. Tomorrow I will mail him to let him know who got his 9x gt grandfather's best cow.*

Tomorrow will be a lost day as we've been invited to an afternoon drinks party next door to say goodbye to our lovely neighbours of over thirty years. The incomming buyers have a pair of the sort of dogs that fit in handbags. 'Nuff said! Mr `M says I am on notice to behave.....hope he doesn't mean it!

Mamissimo, he’s so lovely and what a cracking smile. He looks a happy boy.
We must be the best vaccinated group on GN I think.
How clever to be able to decipher all those documents. I once bought a cow for someone…..but that’s another story.
Must be sad to lose good neighbours. Hope you manage to get on with the new ones. Just mind your ankles with the new dogs.
ixion, glad your arm is ok. Mine hurts a bit but DH is ok. Perhaps I’m just a wimp. 🥴
It’s been lovely and warm here. We went for a nice walk which means my legs ache tonight. Shame your lido isn’t any bigger so I could come and have a soak in the deep end.
if you have more than 7 birdies wanting entry at a time do you have to control the crowds by issuing tickets and have them wait at the turnstile?
im a great believer in the Keith Floyd’s school of cooking too……shame I’m not so good at maths….one for the pot, three for me. DH and I love a drop or Merlotte too. 🤣
Grammaretto, hope you’re safely installed in your hotel and you had a good journey. Is it a two day conference or are you going home tomorrow. Be careful of the weather. It sounds really bad in your area.
Kaimoana, hope you have packed. Is it today you’re going?
I managed to put a tissue in the washing machine with a batch of dark stuff. 😡😡😡😡😡. Need I say more,

Another disappearing post so a quick hello from me in my 8th floor hotel room with only peppermint tea and no merlotte. 🥺
No-one told me it was summer here so I haven't even brought sandals.
Glad there are no ill effects from your vaccines.

You once sold a cow Doodle! Do tell.

Trains may be cancelled so I could be staying here for sometime.
DD has sent photos of flooding at hers

Grammaretto, glad it’s not raining where you are anyway. Hope the conference goes well.
I’m sending Jeeves with his emergency trolley. Hot chocolate and Baileys or Merlotte or even Chablisse.
I didn’t sell a cow, I bought one. About 10 years ago my cousin was going to work overseas with a group helping people who needed animals like goats and cows to make a living and for their families. I asked if I could help donate something and she suggested a cow! Not quite what I was expecting but there you go. Cow duly purchased quite how it got there I don’t know.
It’s become quite a popular thing to do since then but this is the first time I’d come across it.
Hope your DDs home is safe from the flooding. The weather here is so mild and warm
Kaimoana, have you arrive at the cottage yet?

Just popping in to say hello before turning in.
I feared for Grammaretto's return when I heard that cross-border trains weren't running last night. Was it today you were due to return? I hope you can stay on in your present hotel if necessary.
Are your neighbours moving far, Mamissimo? When we moved here 4🥱 years ago, we were young, fit, keen and childless. All ready for our doer upper. Now we find ourselves in the mould of those old dears who surrounded us in 1979.

You are the true Cookery Queen, Mamissimo. Risotto in the oven😲. I never knew - but jolly well do now! It took forever to ladle 1.1 litres of stock spoon by spoon on the hob. I may even be moved to make one more often. I am eternally grateful!🌹. Thank you.

Thinking of Doodle, Kaimona and Nfk too as always.

Oh yes, our team drew this afternoon. Be thankful, we reckoned, for small mercies.

A cow, Doodle? How special😁
I built a lavatory not personally, you understand. It is a twin with ours.
Somewhere on the Steppes, IIRC

toilettwinning.org/product/twin-a-toilet-today#:~:text=Twin%20your%20toilet%20with%20a,to%20build%20their%20own%20toilets*

Oh dear, from your reports it really does sounds as if you are going to get a similar Dangerous Deluge for winter.
Spud is now a Baby Bird, mouth open, tongue out – food!

The weekend cottage was very picturesque. I think the owner had consulted Homes & Gardens. all very designerish and co-ordinated.

Extensive gardens with lots of flowers everywhere, nooks, crannies, arches, trellises and even a dovecot.

Gubbins loved the baby chickens and ducklings (all kept separate from guest accommodation) and there was a glorious view west to the Kaipara.
A rainy weekend had been forecast but other than a few short drizzles on Sunday it was dry. Cloudy though, so the famous sunsets did not grace our evenings.

I wanted to begin this story with good bits so you didn't think I was a moaning, negative old bat. Now, the rest of the Curate’s Egg.

There was no parking near the cottage so DS had to carry everything down a long, steep and very dangerous path. There was a handrail but with 2 metre gaps which made it dicey going from one to the other.

The circular and butterfly mosaics set into the path were proud of the surface which had cracked so flower seeds had been left to grow in the fissures. This was the first 'tripping hazard' well known to the elderly

The steps up to the cottage were not too bad and although the polished floors within looked lovely, I nearly went bonce over bumty on the rug which slipped as I put first foot on it. We rolled this and other rugs up.

The old-style metal bedstead was high and with a modern, deep (and comfy) mattress, it was very high indeed. DS bed was lower but they had put Gubbins beside it so we couldn’t swap.

Nothing in the cottage was geared to older or less able people. No non-slip mat in the shower for instance nor mention of the need to bring Sherpa bearers to carry from the road (where we had to leave the car) to the property way below.

When DS took Gubbins to the local playground the next day and later to do some posh-food shopping, I stayed behind, unable to face that path and climb.

Gubbins loved the cold outdoor pool and I longer for a spa but DS pointed out that the wee step up to it, still meant a heck of a stretch to get in - and out. No hand rail here either. I didn’t dare.

The owners were really kind and when we were leaving, allowed us to go through their garden so DS could bring the car nearer for loading.

I feel mean mentioni g these hassles but if you offer accommodation, shouldn't you try just a little harder at safety for all?

No table & chairs, but high bar stools to the workbench which didn’t have enough lip even for Gubbins’ knees to fit beneath.

I’m glad we were there only for the weekend because although it looked absolutely wonderful, no thought had gone into anything but appearance.

No freezer space in the fridge and the galley kitchen was so small if you wanted to use the toaster, you moved the kettle. A tiny induction hob displaced both when DS made scrambled fresh eggs for breakfast.

It wasn’t as disappointing as this story seems to imply: DS and I had time to talk and he was generous enough to say it was valuable for the obvious bonding Gubbins and I achieved.

Because it looked so nice initially, I had dreamed I could go back alone once I saved up for another weekend – now I know that just wouldn’t work.

All valuable knowledge.

And then, in gathering up Gubbins' books, I inadvertently walked off with their Information Book for guests about the local sights, menus and other guff.

I took a pair of slippers for the sweet lady owner and she was delighted - and gracious as it turns out she's an expert at the craft

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Well done not tripping on the trip hazards Kaimoana. 😲
A lovely cottage with lovely garden but not specially practical was it.

The Premier Inn was ok. There was a lift, hot water and a comfy bed but as Maggie Smith said in her best Edinburgh accent in the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie;
For those that like that sort of thing. That is the sort of thing they like!

I am home at long last. I thought of you as we came through Bradford but took a photo in Halifax.

I spent my extra afternoon exploring Headingly and Meanwood park where there's a memorial to Captain Oates.

The wee DGC are coming tomorrow to play. Their landscape is waterlogged and like paddy fields. We may yet to be growing our own risotto in Scotland.

I am impressed with your purchases of a cow and a toilet Doodle and ixion. I was once given a virtual goat as a Christmas present. I hope it helped

Here are the prospective paddy fields

Oh, my goodness, that flood plain paddy field looks rather too full for comfort! Britain is supposed to be a small island but the difference in the weather north /south is amazing at the moment. Are you safe where you are Grammaretto?

Between coughing fits, I've been making the most of the warm dry weather here to do a bit of light weeding and finish clearing the ripe compost heap. The weeds came out so easy, as if I was pulling them out of beach sand above the tide line. Rain is forecast here for Wednesday, if it doesn't, I'm going to have to get the hose out!

I'm not going on holiday until the end of the month. And will pick up my new little dog when I get back. She's eight so I want to give her time to settle in one place, it's going to be rather a change for her.

Now going to try to watch that Jimmy Saville drama. Not sure if I'll stay the course!

ixion, good of you to build a toilet. I wonder which is easier to transport, that or the cow.
Good that our team drew…..almost as good as a win.
Kaimoana, what a lovely place your cottage sounds but oh dear not really suitable for you or young ones it seems. I do Hope you did enjoy your time though. How lovely to have such a long time with your son and bonding with Gubbins is icing on the cake.
We once stayed in a place that was so pretty. Lovely touches the owners had put in. Nice views from the windows but totally impractical for a weeks stay for the two of us. No table of any kind so we had to eat on our laps.
The opposite of a high bed….. a low one we couldn’t get out of and the place was litters with ornaments that firstly I was afraid we would damage and secondly took up every inch of worktop or shelf. It was a most uncomfortable week.
Grammaretto, glad you’re home safely. Yes, we have stayed in Premier Inns too. Does exactly what it says on the tin with no frills but very useful for a quick trip.
Nice photos hope you enjoyed it
Oh no that flooding looks bad. I Hope your Dds home isn’t affected. Lovely to have your DGC over. Better get a good nights sleep you’ll probably need the energy.
Nfk, you’re right about the difference in weather. We’ve had 3 or 4 really hot days down south. T shirt weather.
Sorry to hear you’re still coughing. Hope you are feeling much better by the time of your trip
Be lovely when you get your furry companion. Hope you get on well with each other.
Opps better go, my nursing skills are required. One of DHs pill packets has brutally attacked him and cut his finger and he’s dripping blood on the kitchen floor… now where did I put my blue flashing light.🤔

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Nfk sorry to hear you're still coughing, hope it goes soon. You rlittle dog sounds zweet, . Poor wee girl, I'm sure you'll love and comfort her.

Glad to have you back Grammaretto Did you enjoy your conference? Were good things decided?

Doodle two things attack me as they have your DH: the sharp, plastic covers of audio CDs and foil wrapped tablets. The latter have cause some quite serious cuts - ridiculous really when we have staunch H&S rules

When Maori men make a speech, it is always followed by a song. Today, at Koro's 80th birthday celebration he followed his speech of welcome and thanks with a song to his late wife and had everyone in tears. They'd been married 62 years when she died last November. She was the sweetest lady and we all miss her but she had been ill some time.

I'd made him some Marae slippers in Maori colours.

There's a long and (to me at least) interesting story of coincidences between me and Koro but perhaps for another day.....

That wretched cough Nfk. I hope it eases soon and you can thoroughly enjoy your holiday and welcome little pooch when the time comes.

Sorry I forgot asterisks in my haste and weariness yesterday.

The conference moved us a little further towards decision making. I will now need to write a report. 🥺 I enjoyed meeting people face to face instead of on screen only. There are advantages to both so I'm not knocking zoom

It amused me when it was announced on the train that the WiFi wasn't working so cash only in the buffet car no trollies any more . Also we are encouraged to go paperless but I was then scuppered by having no paper train ticket so had to explain that it really wasn't my fault that one of my trains had been cancelled and nobody in England was interested in hearing about the floods in Scotland

I like the thought of a song along with a speech Kaimoana.

It turns out that my Gaelic teacher, from Wisconsin, is a trained opera singer and she can certainly sing!

I've NZ Helpx arriving fairly soon so I must make up a bed for them and remove clutter from their room also make a wish list of jobs.

I had a PM from Jan today. She is finding life a struggle at the moment and not feeling great. She wanted me to let you all know that she does read occasionally but is having trouble concentrating. Jan hopes to be back with us when she feels a bit better but for now sends us all her love. I have told her we all wish her well and send love back
Kaimoana, DH has lots of trouble with foil wrapped tablets too. The edges are so sharp. It was one of those that cut him last night.
What a lovely photo. I take it that’s Koro and his late wife. He must miss her a lot. Love the slippers.
i look forward to the coincidences tale when you are up to telling it,
Grammaretto, sounds like the conference went well. Hope you can remember what you need to for the report.
All this going paperless is well and good but some people don’t have phones (or have them but can’t use them). You have to download apps to park in a car park these days.
i feel sorry for those who can’t keep up with technology (me)
Hope your NZ helpers are good. You’ll have lots to talk about I’m sure.
Haircut for DH today and a little M&S shopping. Tomorrow is church in the morning and group physio in the afternoon. I haven’t been for weeks so I expect my report card won’t be good.

You sound like a real mover & shaker Grammaretto - best of luck with the report.

I've been thinking a lot about Jan so thanks for the update Doodle - I do hope she feels better soon. I guess the onset of winter doesn't help.

After we got back from Kaukapakapa, I couldn't find my walking stick anywhere but today I found it hanging on the recycling bin in the garage. Put there to remind me it was our fortnightly collection and to put bin on kerb. I forgot both .

I was supposed to have the dogs this weekend but really don't feel up to it.

Learned last night that Koro's niece, now living in Brisbane, flies over soon. Have known her since she was 12, often "stood in" for her mother, including at her wedding - and now she has grandchildren. How time flies.

Here's one of the post from her Facebook page.

Time does indeed fly Kaimoana
The lovely NZ helpers were small children when I began hosting helpers back in 2008

Tomorrow they want to watch the football - I offered ceilidh dancing but I believe NZ is playing Ireland on Saturday at something

They've been super helpful and have now gone for a swim at the local pool.

How nice that Koro's niece will be visiting soon.

Thanks for the message from Jan, Doodle. Thinking of her

Now I must do my Gaelic homework.

OK, so where's my post then? 🤷‍♀️ Disparu
I will just have to wish you all well, especially Jan and 🍒 and threaten promise to return tomorrow - when, currently, the day will unfold in very much the same way as today, I am sure!

Did Jeeves ever return? What does he have in his snoozing range of beverages?

Jeeves has been visiting me ixion so it may take him a while to get back to you.

He offered me a rather nice Lime/Linden flower tea or a Camomile brew but I can't stand the latter.

Of course there was magnesium as well and the old hot milk & honey (not good for diabetics), Valerian and Passionflower pills but these leave me too drowsy when morning comes.

I think he got a bit out of patience with my pickiness as I saw him pick up a pillow and eye me in a suspicious manner .

He said he was only plumping it up.

Kaimoana, 🤣🤣 you really are a tonic. Poor Jeeves
I do Hope you get to meet up with Koro’s niece. It will be lovely to talk over old times and of course discuss grandchildren
ixion, what Jeeves has on his trolley at any one time depends on what he’s been helping himself to as he goes from one place to another. I went weeks without my Baileys when it was his tipple of the month. 😡
How are you and Mr I getting on. Is he behaving and not crossing his feet (note to self uncross legs )

Grammaretto your NZ helpers sound like energetic youngsters which is what you need. Glad they are being helpful. Do you know the part of NZ that they come from?
Now remember, if you don’t want to be told off by the teacher, don’t use Google translate to do your homework 😊