🦞 Locked down no longer but still firm friends 🦞

I hope all lobStars had a good Good Friday 😁 and enjoy the rest of Easter.

It's lovely that you were able to see and spend time with your DS1 and family yesterday Doodle, and it was the perfect reason for Mr D to stay awake 😄

I love the homesick in the car Grammaretto, absolutely adorable.
I hope that long list isn't too long 😬 but I'm sure that however long it is you'll enjoy every minute even if you're worn out by the end.

I too find the Walk of Witness kind of spooky ixion. Fortunately, from my perspective, the local one takes place further down the Gower from where we live.
As for Barney's antics 😯 ... but I don't know whether to 🤣 or 😤. Perhaps he'll think again if he ever sees muffins again though🤞.

I spoke too soon when I said thank goodness for express delivery for our new washing machine. The delivery men went to the wrong address 😡. It had to be rearranged for two days later causing a backlog of washing. So annoying. We did get the delivery charge refunded though 👍.

Unlike recently, with all the injuries I've had, I've had a good couple of days. My arm is a lot better, I has a good walk in decent weather with my walking group and a nice lunch to follow and a lovely lunch with fabulous food with my epilepsy support group. Yesterday was interesting maybe not so good ... we nipped to an out of town shopping park 🤦. There was a long queue to get in and no way to turn round and an even longer queue to get out. Weirdly, the shops were quite quiet 🤷. Won't be doing that in a hurry on a Good Friday again though 😂.

Ixion Don’t think Theo is clever enough to try to open a packet of anything even Dreamies! My daughter and son in law have been here for a few days and they spoil Theo so much. He only has to look at one of them to get yet another treat!
It’s been a glorious day here but alas it looks like a one off! Tomorrow is forecast as okish but after that it looks like rain rain and more rain!
Hope you all have a great Easter and so pleased Doodle has had some good news at last.
Must admit I’ve had problems working out what the day is! My only consolation is that eldest daughter had the same problem. Was beginning to think I was losing the plot!

Grammaretto glad you’re feeling a bit better. Your DGC sound lovely. They’re obviously making you laugh. Have a good time, hope they don’t wear you out too much 🤣
Thanks Cherry we did have a good time with the family and also today when we had a neighbour round. I think DH and I are becoming very isolated by only going out to the hospital. **We need to get out and get some fresh air. Trouble is it’s been so cold and windy.
Glad you’ve had a better time recently and your arm is better.
Lovely to get out for a nice walk and good lunch. Do you have to walk back again after? I’d just want to snooze after lunch 😴
How strange you had such trouble in the car park of the shops but no one there. Did you buy anything nice?
Jan nice to have your family stay for a bit. Pets catch on quickly how to get what they want. I bet Theo doesn’t have to work hard for treats. He so good looking I bet they just melt.
You’re not the only one who doesn’t know which day it is. I’m particularly bad with Easter weekend. Kept thinking Friday was Saturday.
Kaimoana hoping you’re having a lovely family visit too
Been nice to have visitors two days running. Well you have to have cake when you have visitors don’t you 🤣
We both slept well last night, probably not used to so much talking

I love the bright spots in recent posts: Cherry having good days, good friends and good food - what could be better?

Jan you sound brighter too, lovely - and I join you in not knowing what day it is - these holidays throw us out of sync don't they?

Doodle it does everyone good to get out a bit, doesn't it and as the weather and DH improves, you'll be able to do more of it I hope.

Grammaretto how endearing your little ones are, do you write down these bon mot? I did with my sons and try to now when I see Gubbins because she chatters ten to the dozen.

"My doll is sick."
Daddy: "What’s wrong with her?"
Gubbins: "She was bitten on the head by a crocodile.'

During one game - played with Mum in the living room, ringing my landline from her mobile and Gubbins dashing to the extension in the bedroom, we heard how she was ‘on holiday at Grandma’s’ and had played an Egg Game (a gamer Mum helped her with earlier!).

Then our attention wandered, the phone rang and my son became hugely apologetic to the caller – Gubbins had phoned the 3 digit emergency number thn hung up.

Unfortunately poor DGS arrived with streaming cold and sore throat.
I had the choice but said I'd rather have the bugs and him than send him away. So he's slept a lot and been up in the night coughing but the worst symptoms were gone today.

I continue to improve on my magic Maori rongoa.

A happy and peaceful Easter all
Oh Kaimoana when I got to the point in your post where you said your DgS arrived with a streaming cold I thought oh no you’ll be so disappointed if he can’t stay. Glad you decided to go ahead and hope he’s on the mend now and you can enjoy your time together.
The sayings of Gubbins would certainly make a lovely book. That girl has some imagination……poor dolly🤣

How lovely to read your posts.
I too am glad your DGS is staying with you Kaimoana, despite having a cold. Gubbins is one to be watched!!

I didn't cancel having my DGC here even though I'm still choked up.
These viruses do the rounds.

We had a packed day yesterday so it is quite a relief to have DD here although I'm trying to persuade her to give houseroom to some of her old clothes including 2 bridesmaids' dresses, with little success.

They were up at first light even though the clocks had changed. The Easter bunny came and we sat outside in the sunshine drinking coffee (me) and eating chocolate (all)

I hope all of you are enjoying some sunshine

I have been vicariously sharing the pleasures that your DGC are bringing, those who are lucky Grandma Lobstars.

A couple of fine days, here at least, has lifted the spirits in many quarters and prompted me to have bought a large tin of wood preservative, Forest Green, to give the pergola its annual infrequent treatment before the greenery takes hold. The wisteria had a good going over in December so there are just stubby bits to manoeuvre around with the paint brush. I decided that it wasn't very appropriate to labour on the Sabbath, especially this special one, so have put it off until tomorrow. Yay🥳
I do miss the days of creosote and its heady aroma, I have to admit.

I too have a choccy bunny, Doodle. Sadly, greed overcomes any thoughts of sentimentality on my part.
I do, however, give someone a rolling pin and make sure I leave the room while the demolishing act takes place.

Reduced to rubble, it is no longer recognisable.

HTH😉

Oh Ixion, I’ve bashed mine too. Aren’t the ears thick chocolate 😋
We’ve got a pergola here too. Sadly it’s set in paving and doesn’t have anything growing over it which seems a waste to me. I love wisteria. There is a big double fronted house in a nearby town that has wisteria growing all over it. Such a thick trunk. When it flowers it’s magnificent.
Your garden sounds nice. Do you spend a lot of time gardening?
Grammaretto I’m glad your cold isn’t spoiling your fun with your DGC . I bet the little ones are having fun in your big garden. Were there any eggs hidden for them?

April 1st.
Did you ever play tricks on your siblings or parents?
I remember being completely taken in by a perfect holiday destination. It was a tropical island called San Seriffe advertised in the Guardian.

I love the sound of your wisteria ixion. You must send us a photo when it blooms. I have tried and failed with it here.

The filmmaker is coming today and bringing her photographer. I wish the roof leaks could be fixed

I am enjoying a birdsong identifying app on my phone. It's a new toy!
It doesn't work in NZ but here it can even id which blimmin' gull is on my roof!
http://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

The DGC found lots of chocolate eggs Doodle. They had to have the exact same number each so much counting was done. Do children ever get over the competitive stage? It's so wearing.

I hope all you Lobstars are enjoying a restful, painfree day.

merlin.allaboutbirds.org

🤣 I remember that stage too. Yes the same number of eggs. The same number of Christmas presents and the big wrapped presents (no matter what was inside them) were always in demand.
i can’t remember doing April fool myself but when I was in school, during the needlework lesson, when the teacher was out of the room one of the girls pretended to have fainted and lay on the floor with a packet of crisps strewn around her as though she’d dropped them while fainting. Needless to say the teacher (despite her initial shock) soon caught on and poured a small glass of water over her. Whereupon much shrieking and laughter from all. Girls eh!
How exciting having a filmmaker round. Do you know when filming would start?
Thanks for the link I will look at that app. Lots of birds here

Here they are setting off on the egg hunt

My goodness Grammaretto, you’ve got a big garden, they could be gone for days 🤣.

Oh no😱
They're not using the breadcrumbs Granny put in their baskets.

I must be a dull dog, never was competitive, still aren't.
I didn't care that my sister always got more and often better than me, it was expected. She was seven years younger and thin, so buying nice clothing for her was easy, whereas nothing fit me except ugly 'outsize' stuff.
She loved chocolates and I wasn't that keen and we didn't share any interests.
I was happy with my books.

Yet again, my appointment with the podiatrist will has been missed. I was due there 20 mins ago but transport didn't turn up.

I have just discovered the history books of Jodi Taylor, does anyone else read the St Mary Chronicles?
Very funny - hysterical histories perhaps?

Hello Lobstars,
That's so disappointing Kaimoana, another missed appointment. Would it be possible to have the podiatrist visit you?

Talking of visits. I am expecting a long awaited dreaded visit from 4 or 5 people to look at/over my house and to talk to me about the people who lived here 100 years ago. It's DH domain rather than mine. I think they are in some way related to the papermakers.

It's foggy, cold, & wet and the roofer is also coming to see why water continues to drip through the sitting room ceiling.

Enough of my moaning. How are you all today?

Grammaretto the one thing I know about you is that you're a smart woman you will be just fine with the paper makers.

And even in Scotland I don't suppose foggy days last all Spring. I bet your garden looks wonderful with flower blooms all over.

I've always wondered why roofers cannot paint a roof with heavy duty polyurethane sealant.

I rang the podiastrist to apologise for the no-show and the lovely lady said, 'Just come when you can and I'll fit you in.'

One of the kaimahi got me there about 11am and now I'm dancing on air.

Had an excellent lunch with the elders and next week we're going to the hot pools I'll be able to swim!!

That's great news Kaimoana. Oh ye with the dancing feet!

Kaimoana so glad you got your feet done. That must feel better. Ooh swimming in your hot pool next week. Now that is something to look forward to.
Grammaretto how did your meeting go? Your house sounds fascinating. Do you know much about the previous owners?
Hope you get the roof sorted soon.
Ive got backache. Don’t now why but it really hurts. I might have to leave DH to it tonight and sleep in the bed for a while.
We’ve got a problem with clashing hospital appointments and not sure how to sort it. I’ve got my pacemaker and my lungs to sort out and DH has his appointment for his op on his leg all within the same week. The pacemaker is the big problem ,because I can’t drive after and also have restricted arm movement for 6 weeks so difficult if I have to take DH to hospital or visit him. Hope we can sort something out that works.

No wonder your back hurts Doodle
It's often said that the back bears all our worries . I think there's truth in that. We tighten up when we are anxious and the result is an aching back. You have so far too many things to worry about. Sending hugs.

The wet weather doesn't help.
I put off the visitors. Actually I suggested they come when it's not raining through the roof. What a relief!

The roofer came but although he tried to stem the flow, it didn't work and I don't know what to do now. He'll come back.

I'm having an early night. Tucked up in bed seems like the best place to be.
Night night xxx

Night night Grammaretto. I’m going to sleep too soon. Early start for me. I have hospital appointment. I’m leaving DH at home and hoping he’ll be ok while I’m gone.
I think you could well be right about my back. I wake feeling anxious every morning. I improve during the day and am too tired to worry at night .
*I hope your roofer can sort something out soon. Hope the rain isn’t causing too much damage.
Sleep well all 😴

I hope all the lobStars enjoyed Easter, it seems like you did. Thanks for the wonderful photo of your dgc on their Easter egg Grammaretto. I hope they didn't get lost in your garden 😆. I hope, too, that Gubbins' doll has recovered from her crocodile bite 🤣. I also hope that your dgs has recovered from his cold Kaimoana, and you have recovered too Grammaretto.

I hope your back is better today Doodle.
By now you should have had your hospital appointment, I hope it went well for you. I know it wouldn't have sat comfortably with you leaving Mr D alone but sometimes needs must and I'm sure he was okay for while you were gone.
Why oh why do appointments always end up clashing 😤. Sometimes it can be one's own and sometimes, as in the case of you and Mr D, each other's. Next week me and my WP have a semi clash, he has a clinic appointment in one place and I have a dental appointment, they're 2 hours apart, fifteen miles apart and my WP's will take about an hour if it goes ahead on time., 🤞 we'll be fine. I hope you manage to sort your clashing appointments out 🤞.

I pleased that you managed to see the podiatrist Kaimoana, now hopefully you've got happy feet 💃. I'm pleased you had a lovely lunch with the elders too and great news that you're going swimming in the hot pools next week. Oh, before I forget, few days I was reading a transcript of one of your interviews about Trevor. It was a lovely interview too, so much so that I've kept it on my tablet to read again, and to show my friends who have young grandchildren.

Your leaky roof is proving to be a bit of a bu##*r Grammaretto 😤. It sounds pretty bad too! Ours seems to be behaving atm but the wall is still so damp. Water's coming in from somewhere but noone seems to be able to solve the issue. I hope when he comes back your roofer manages to solve your problem and fix it .

Today I finally had my dentist appointment to have impressions taken to have new partials fitted (hence next week's appointment). I saw a different dentist to the one I saw to have my original partials which never fitted. She was much more thorough the the other dentist, 🤞 when ready these new ones will fit.

Such a kind post Cherry 🍒 or Cheerie as I think of you
I hope your appointments work out . Logistics! I feel sure you will manage that.
I am also wondering how the Doodles got on today?

I need an ark here. It's really dreadful. The roofer says he'll come in the morning if it's dry if I haven't drowned

My df was round for tea today and was shocked by the state of the rooms.
I found myself calming her down!
And pouring myself a G&T as soon as she left.

How wonderful that you will be dipping into hot pools soon Kaimoana.

You seem to be having some warm autumn days.

Thanks for asking both of you. I got on ok. DH slept the whole time I was away 🤣.
I may be having my pacemaker fixed next week but they will let me know tomorrow if the consultant is happy to do it with my lungs in their current condition.
I’m hoping both sons will be free as I will need one with DH and one with me.
Waitrose delivery this afternoon…..why did I order so much.😮. Every nook and cranny filled and the fridge is heaving.
Cherry I hope you get your clashing appointments sorted. Your new dentist sounds a bit more clued up than the other one. I too hope the new ones fit well. My crowns on my front teeth (20:+ years now) have never felt like they belong to me. *More like they belonged to the Easter bunny 🐰.
I hope your roofer can sort your leaking issue soon. Is it making a lot of mess? Hope the G&T helps.

Just had recall to hospital tomorrow for urgent tests of heart. Not feeling like writing much at the moment as so much on my mind. Sorry all. Catch up again soon. x