🦞 Locked down no longer but still firm friends 🦞

I'd never heard of Skagen Grammaretto, so Googled it. That's a fantastic beach. Sea Palling in Norfolk has a row of those rock defences (are they berms?) but the effect isn't as good as that and there aren't as many. They make wonderful swimming bays, but care has to be taken at certain stages of the tide as the gap causes a rip tide. Just in case you were thinking of swimming! I think I'll have to add Denmark to my Places to Visit list. Have a wonderful time with your family.

I'm pleased you were able to fix your tablet Kaimoana. It must have been infuriating! Young, fit people often really have no idea.

I have problems with loud music and noise as well. Crowds of noisy people trapping and clamouring. It makes me feel quite ill. I have been wondering if my DDiL has been trying to tell me something about my apparently different outlook on life. I wonder . Am I a bit autistic?!

I fear Doodle, that music, although often able to lift the spirits, can also catch you completely unawares. Bright Eyes was played on Desert Island Discs a week or two ago and caught me completely off guard. Another fast retreat to hide in the loo! I am finding myself more able to cope with this very different life. Very different. Be gentle with yourself Doodle dear. There's no hurry to get through all the paperwork, no rush. Take your time. xx

*Grammaretto have a wonderful time. Safe journey.

Well done Kaimoana! 👏 IT star to add to your accomplishments.

I shall be going to Skagen, Doodle. I've not been before and I'm looking forward to walking along that famous beach. DB says bring wind cheaters.

I must get a move on and not forget anything.

Because my last message was a sack of gloom tied up with a misery string, let me add that using my PC and gritted teeth, I have finally succeeded in restoring all the settings on the Tablet.

So I am now knitting placidly and listening to the History of Water and being grateful

First World problems eh?

Spoilsport Do I have to behave myself Gramma?



We were married in that most romantic place, Bradford and my parents were determined to spoil everything about our day - and succeeded beyond even their wildest dreams. So no happy memories there I'm afraid.

The noise "problem" (I use inverted commas Doodle because it is only I who seem to have an issue) is that we have moved to a small room. The youngsters who organise it love this loud, thumping American music, even in the car on the way there.
We now meet Next to our room a huge Zumba class meets so as well as our own cacophony (30 old people, helpers, mothers with babies) all trying to talk above the music) the floors and walls are vibrating to even more loud, American music and shouted instructions from 11am to 2pm when we are taken home – in a car playing music.

Music scrambles my brain and makes me feel unfocussed and uncomfortable. Many loquacious people in a small space adds to my discomfort and worst of all, there is no escape - unless I stand in the carpark in the wet and cold.
It's easier not to go.
Friend Marge says I should say something but I have no right to impose what I want on all those people who clearly enjoy the lively atmosphere.

This is a life-long thing, Doodle and although I can tolerate and even enjoy a certain amount of live music and singing and if the room is large enough, even a group of talkative friends, I simply cannot handle this. I believe it's quite a common autism thing.

James, brought my repaired lamp and because he fixes computers/laptops at the Repair Cafe, I asked f he could stop an annoying pop up on my Tablet.
When he left, 4 hours later I discovered he'd made almost every function on the device tiny and impossible for me to see. And he hadn't fixed the pop-up.

I couldn't even listen to my audio books - the only purpose of the tablet. I shall try to fix it all today if I can stay calm enough.

The lamp works perfectly but then it's another chap who does that sort of repair.

Decided not to go to the book launch after all. Several reasons: it's held in a drinking club on a Saturday afternoon, with all the same issues as the elders' group - plus multiple large screen televisions showing sports and raucus commentary interspersed with fatuous adverts.
(no pleasing me is there? )

More importantly, it would mean DS cutting short, or cancelling Gubbins' swimming lesson. I simply don't care enough about the book to deprive my darlings of this enjoyment.

It's rained thunderously all night (I was awake most of it, anxious about my Tablet, so I know) and continues to do so.

I’m lucky I can stay at home. Dear Mepa will pick up the weekend veg.

Hello lobStars

Music is so evocative I think Doodle, that's the thing. It can lift and it can lower our emotions in equal measure. I'm sorry that you found it such a difficult part of your visit to church and you're finding this week hard. On another day music in the church will serve to lift you I'm sure xx

It's such a shame that all the free courses have all but disappeared Kaimoana. That young man sounds like he's got the sort of entrepreneurial spirit who would benefit. He also sounds like he'd be an asset to many an employer, it's wrong that somebody doesn't give him an opportunity to demonstrate it.
Like Doodle, I'm wondering what the noise problem is at the Elders group 🤔. It's a real shame if it's stopping you from going.

That's a shame about the fish Nfk. Dealing with them would-be a problem for me, nor dealing with the frog but I would be quite sad 😔.
No, I've no real idea what's causing the tingling/numbness in my foot but I suspect a trapped nerve somewhere. I haven't ventured anywhere near Mr Glib my GP as I'm pretty sure he'll just shrug and tell me it goes with the territory of injures due to seizures 🙄.

When you've battled your way past the Tarten Army I hope you have a fabulous time in Denmark Grammeretto. It will be wonderful to see your DB and to meet his youngest DGC for the first time.

This is only the second time I have typed anything on my new tablet, yes I finally got a new one yesterday and it's taking a bit of getting used to and ages to type 😬. Maybe by this time next year I'll have gotten used to it 🤷‍♀️ 🤣.

I hope you managed to enjoy your anniversary Kaimoana. Were you married in England or NZ.?
Well done knitting all those slippers
The French lass, who left today, came to yarn group and was taught to knit.

I'm flying the Maori flag to greet the Kiwis who will arrive while I am still in Denmark. Another friend will be here and gone before they come and to add to the mix the roofers are due to start the repairs.

I have just realised that the Tartan Army will be heading for the airport at the sane time as me. There's a football tournament in Germany starting tomorrow and Scotland is playing in the first match. 😳

My DB has lived in Denmark for most of his adult life so I have been there frequently. It will be wonderful to see him and his family again. I haven't met his youngest DGC.

Oh ixion, I gave away my bread machine for the same reason as you. It took up space and I suppose was a constant reminder that I hardly used it. I don't eat much bread now that I'm on my own.
I do like your use for tinned artichokes!
I may check in on you all while I'm away so behave yourselves.

Nfk I found church ok but it was the music that got to me. I know many people who find solace in music but I find it makes me sad.
This is my hardest week so far I think. Hoping tomorrow will be a better day. I don’t want to be a misery.
Sorry about your fish. I don’t like handling dead things either.
Hope you and Keira have a relaxing evening after all the work in the garden.
Kaimoana how lovely to have your lamp repaired. That young man sounds lovely. Hope he finds someone who will employ him soon.
Im sorry I’ve missed what the noise problem is with the elders group. Is it stopping you going? That would be a shame.
Like Nfk I hope for some sunshine for us tomorrow.
Grammaretto have you done your packing yet? Is it tomorrow you’re going. Where abouts in Denmark are you going. I’ve been to Skagen. Wonderful yellow houses with red roofs .

Hugs for you Kaimoana. A melancholic day. I hope the sun shines for you tomorrow to lift your spirits again. xx

I think 'getting upset' is what anyone does when life changes so radically, Doodle - allow yourself that comfort - church will still be there when you are up to going.

Allow yourself this too.... A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." That's a sweet promise which reminds us that eventually we will come through it all.
Hold onto that hope when you are sad.

I'm looking out at yet another dull, damp and miserable day and telling myself the sun's up there somewhere and one day, I know, it'll shine.

A few weeks ago a friend took my lamp to be repaired at the free Repair Cafe and as my computer booted up this morning I wondered if he'd had any result.
Lo and behold, an email says he'll bring it, fully repaired, this afternoon.
He's a sweet boy (29) and desperate to work. He's talented, knows computers inside out, but he has trouble articulating as he has Cerebral Palsy, so employers are not brave enough to take him on.

There used to be quite a few free courses teaching all aspects of running your own small busines but the sharks got in on it during Covid so the freebies are no more

Still not sure what to do about the problem noise at my elders' group as I miss them. That too will work out I suppose.

I have always wanted to go to Denmark and when I had an unexpected windfall, way back in the 70's I planned to go but had no child care for our wee boy - so paid for my DH to go instead.

Today would have been my 54th wedding anniversary.

You were brave going to church Doodle, those first outings on your own are hard even though you've done it alone before, it isn't the same. I remember it was bad enough walking into town for shopping as DH had usually done. It's a small friendly place and I never realised quite how many people knew him. I was forever pleading for "no sympathy, else I'll dissolve!" Sitting by the water is the very best salve.

Do you know what's causing your tingly hurting foot Cherry?
It must make getting around harder. Good news that you can at least focus properly now, it makes such a difference.

What is the feather duster for Ixion? Do tell, my mind is working overtime!

I'm pleased that your leg is getting better Kaimoana. Even if too slowly. My dad said everything happens slower when you're getting on a bit, except time. That speeds up.

And, is spread the same as marg? I have wondered. Is spread just "up-marketing"?

Enjoy your trip to Denmark Grammaretto, I hope the weather improves for you. I have the heating on again tonight.

I've been trying to reclaim the garden from the soggy jungle I came home to. The changeable weather - or their spawning - resulted in two dead fish in my little pond. I cannot cope with dead things. Especially dead fish floating belly up. But, I was very brave. Opened the lid on the bin first and scooped them out with my long handled net. However, I've wimped out at the belly up frog spread-eagled in the back of the flower bed. So, I've upturned a pot over it to keep Kira from bringing it indoors (she has some horrible inclinations), and shan't touch it until autumn when I hope it will have been eaten by worms or something!

Kaimoana I’d forgotten that add. Nice you had a get together with a friend.
I’ve been busy doing more paperwork. There is so much to do. Didn’t think about all this before DH died that so many things are in his name. .
sorted out the car today. Had to hold on the phone for over 30 minutes to speak to the insurance company
Went to church this morning but I am finding it very difficult at the moment. I get upset so easily
You’d be more than welcome Grammaretto
It’s nice to sit here and watch the water and see boats going past.
Ooh you’re going to Denmark. Are you travelling alone or meeting up with anyone? Have you been before?

Hello Lobstars,
I hope the paper work wasn't too onerous Doodle.

I had a lovely solicitor who talked me through everything. Unfortunately, due to covid, I never met her and she has since retired to be replaced by that horrible man who told me my house is worth more demolished. 😢

Please may I join you on the river?

The French mlle leaves tomorrow but may return later this year to house sit for a friend.

She is good company and prepared to listen to me droning on with stories. She also cooks and enjoys a glass of wine.

I leave on Friday for Denmark. I should pack.

Paperwork Doodle? Ugh but I suppose it needs to be done.

Had a visit from my good friend Marge today and we had a catchup.
Her name always reminds me of the old Stork ads, 'she can't tell marge from butter')

Otherwise I am still a knitting machine and manage to knit at least a pair and a half on a quiet day. Especially a dull, wet, cold day like this.

Been busy today ploughing through a mountain of paperwork.
Quick trip out to Waitrose for some salad . Don’t feel like cooking at the moment
Cherry sorry you’re having problems with your foot. Does it make walking difficult? My new reading glasses aren’t right. Glad your glasses are ok though.
Grammaretto I quite like the seal in the kayak. Were there lots of good entries. Glad your garden party went well. Food looked nice.
Kaimoana I hope you’re taking care of that leg and it really is on the mend. Scarves and slippers now. Is there anyone in the community that doesn’t have your slippers 😊
ixion you can all come here and go boating on the river. We could take a picnic hamper and have some bubbly cooling in a bucket 😊
Ok, I can understand the tin of artichokes (weight lifting perhaps) and the stretch band and towel and ball but the feather duster? Is that for attacking the cobwebs you spot whilst laying on your back on the floor?
Early start for you then 🤣

Aha. A Garden Party, Grammaretto. It looks sublime - I think we should add this to our Lobstars Itinerary next year, if we may?
Visits to Spud and Gubbins, to Mamissimo's Garden of Eden for tasting plates of 40 fruit and veg. Anyone else in the line up?

I have enlisted the help of my gym-going DS to go through my shoulder 'rehab' programme. The latest additions are positive killers - unless I am doing them wrong. He only has to lie there while I hold the iPad showing him what to do and you can see all the well toned muscles moving in synchrony😡.My sewing room has been transformed in a home gym, at no additional cost - photo attached for your amusement. Missing only the 2 metres of broad knicker elastic for low row with band (sic). Knew the -expired- tin of artichoke hearts would come in useful one day.

I decided, albeit reluctantly, to donate my bread maker to Charity. It took up space, I never seemed to have suitable flour and yeast available in date, children have flown and Waitrose, with its shelves of exotic breads, freshly baked daily, is but a stone's throw away. And I'm lazy.
I rang the BHF store which covers a wide area in free van pick ups.
I hope, I joked, that they don't come at 7 am like last time.
Oh no, Madam, she reassured me, they wouldn't do that.
Phone message left on my mobile this afternoon.

Hello, we will be collecting from you between 7am and 7.30am tomorrow morning. 😳

A garden party? How grand Grammaretto I hope you wore a big hat and lace gloves .

Doodle nice to hear you and the family had lunch together.
I used to love a roast dinner in the old days.

I think you should adopt one of our family traditions. Whenever they visit, they always go home with a takeaway box or two. Being too full only means they can enjoy pud at home later.

Good news about specs from Cherry Cove When you can't see well, it throws the whole world out of sinc doesn't it?

Yep, this leg is taking its time and I'm constantly being told "at your age" I can expect no less but it really is getting better and I think this month will put it right.
Then no doubt I'll go bonce over botty again

I've been listening to the legend of Blodeuwedd, a girl made from a sapling and many flowers.


Miserable weather here over the last 4 days - dismal low cloud, mist and wet stuff falling.

Gave me -- an excuse-- chance to stay home and knit as I have an order for more pairs of slippers and scarves from the Filipino nurses who already feel the cold, poor loves.

Only 11 days to The Shortest, always a hopeful sign

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I pressed post instead of preview.

Hello Lobstars,
It's been a very long weekend but I'm now tucked up in bed.
Although you don't really tuck duvets.

*Thanks for asking after the garden party. It was very nice but a bit chilly¹ . I may have a photo without people in it. Just food!&

Potfest was also a success and I resisted buying any more pots. I bumped into plenty of people not seen since last year. The competition was won by this seal in a kayak.

I'm glad you are enjoying time with family and friends Doodle*.

I'm also happy that your glasses have been sorted Cherry.*

I'm pleased you had lunch with a friend yesterday and have been at your DS1's for a lovely roast dinner today Doodle, shame you couldn't fit in a pud' 😅.

I, too, have been reading about your garden party yesterday Grammaretto and am pleased it went well. How was your visit to potfest today? I hope you enjoyed it.
Is your Alpine helper still with you?

Sorry to hear that you're still having problems with your leg Kaimoana, it does seem to be taking its time to heal 😕. I hope there's been some improvement in the last few days 🤞
I love the picture of Gubbins and her daddy 😍

I'm pleased that you had such a lovely time in Scotland Nfk

There's been mixed fortunes in Cherry Cove, still got numbness/tingling in my foot but, at last, my glasses have been sorted out. Yay 😁.

Grammaretto I’ve been reading on GM that you’ve had a garden party. So pleased it went well. Shame you didn’t get any offers on the house.
Hope you’ve had an enjoyable time at potfest. Are you still there?
I’ve been for lunch with DS1 and family. Had a huge roast dinner. So full that sadly I couldn’t fit pudding in too. 🤣
Hope you all have had a relaxing weekend.

Kaimoana it sounds as though the editor has a very high opinion of her own writing skills.

Thank you all. I’m still very tired today. I went for lunch with a friend today and going to my sons tomorrow.

So pleased the day went well
Thinking of you and your loved ones Doodle

I'm so pleased you had a warm and sunny day yesterday, Doodle and that you were able to pay fitting tributes to Mr.D.

Your tales from the river bank will create, too, lasting memories of many happy years.