🦞 Locked down no longer but still firm friends 🦞

I hope your Quaker meeting proceeded without any visible or audible fallout, Grammaretto and that your chappie turns up tomorrow. What a good job you weren't in NZ at the time.

Yes, Our Team won just. Extra baton twirl for Doodle and Mr.D. Still thinking of you and hoping things are moving in the right direction. As others arealways saying, it is vital that you get your acute issues sorted asap so that you are in the best of health to care for Mr.D with his chronic comorbidities💪.

Great plans for sorting out the herb planters this morning were pleasantly thwarted by an unexpected FT call from Oz family.
More Hey Nana pearls from the 6 year old.

Look at this, Nana. It'll blow your eyeballs out 🙄

Thanks for your concern Cherry. Sparky is here. I was hoping for the roofer but I got sparky instead!
He may repair the hall lights.

My helper has called off until later in the week.

At least the sun has shone today. 🌞 🌞
Hooray our team won!!

Happy birthday to the Centurian NotSpag. 🍾 🥂

Spud is a poster boy supremo!
I love that he was given a Teddy instead of a chocolate egg.

DGD had birthday bread instead of cake . A rather glamorous looking loaf.

I hope that Doodle is getting the treatment she needs and deserves at the London Hospital.

Nfk you sound upbeat after your Easter hols. 😀

Kaimoana I hope the next couple of weeks turn out well for you and some calm knitting is done.

As for books. Don't start!
I love books. I have far more than I could read in a lifetime but as soon as I look at one memories come flooding back of when and why it was bought or received.
A couple had to be ditched when the falling plaster pushed them into the water bucket and that was a little sad.

There are some I can part with but it is slow work.

I hope Jeeves is doing his rounds.
Cough mixture and gin?

Oh heck Grammaretto 😬. I thought buckets to capture the water was bad enough but for a part of the ceiling to come down! Thank goodness you had your lodger to help you clean up even if that was cursory. I hope the wind abates and the roofer comes asap. Regardless of your cold/cough no wonder you retreated to bed. A big worry for you. You've a lot to contend with, what with the filming going on next week too. I hope your new helper arriving is a big help and there's a big uptick for you tomorrow, including your call from the GP. Sending you cwtches💐.

It's heartwarming to know that you are clawing back Kaimoana, I hope the supplement helps.
I don't know why some of the old remedies have been sidelined, although there are a few that are definitely not to be recommended on safety grounds. In my surgery we do have a locum that does suggest some might, depending on the problem obviously, be helpful albeit often with caveats. At least she's willing to admit that many older and alterbative remedies can still be helpful.
Thanks for your suggestion to advertise locally to get rid of my piece of furniture. I did think of, and dismiss that though as I know people aren't interested in this type of furniture anymore. A friend from my epilepsy support group put up adverts before xmas to get rid of her mother's furniture, she's had no takers. Charities aren't interested either.
That's the thing about letting books go isn't it, they have been read and frequently 'tis the case -reread, they are as you say old friends and in my case there's a bit of a gulp letting some of them go. Now you've done it, I immediately want rescue some I've put in the dispose piles 🤦🤣
I hope you manage to get time to yourself during the break from the elders group so you can get on with your knitting or anything else you want to do.

Wow NotSpaghetti, what a milestone your DMiL has reached. You haven't said when her birthday is (or has she had it by now 🤔) but I'm wishing her a a very Happy 💯 Birthday 💐.

I hope Mr I's tinkering didn't smudge or muddy things io unlevel anything 😳. I'm sure the carpet fitters will keep him out of the room whilst they work.
Nail biting game yesterday weren't it, but that pom-pom shaking did the trick. Yes Kaimoana, we won 😁. Hope there's something left of the pom-poms for the European match on Thursday, we're going to need them against a team who hasn't lost so far this season 😬.

I'm pleased that you had such a lovely Easter Nfk 😊.

Thinking of our Doodle 💕.

Bear looks just like the 'Tatty Teddy' I have here and which Gubbins ignores
Spud is the adorable young man we all know him to be (and Mummy is sweet too)

Grammaretto your lodger is a woman after my own heart. Ramsons/wild garlic and honey is a good remedy.

Doodle if I said your sons were useless, I hope you'd spring at my throat because you know full well they're not - you brung 'em up better.
So please try to tone down your worries on that score at least. Sending love and calm. Camomile & Linden flower tea?

Cherry I mourn along with you for your books. I had to leave hundreds behind when I came back to NZ. My wild flower and bird books; legends from Norse, Greek and Roman mythology; Shakespear and other classics - and much, much more. Not 'display only' books either, these were old friends, read and enjoyed.

There's just one thing to remember when planning a 100th birthday NotSpaghetti.
After you've tossed your MiL up in a blanket 100 times, as is the custom, you are probably going to get a clip round the ear for being such a cheeky young whippersnapper.
Congratulations to MiL

Mrs. Ann Brokenbrow, wanted to be arrested for her 104th and was - but contented herself with tea and cake for her 107th.


Did we win ixion ?

Wot ho All

Just a quick Hello as I've spent so much time reading to catch up that my battery is nearly flat (story of my life).

So many poorlies here at the moment, I can only send ((((hugs))))) to all of you. Including the worried well as I'm one of those folk who do like to hug. There's not enough general platonic hugging in the world. Healthy vibes in multiple directions! Perhaps Spud could go on tour, I feel sure that gorgeous happy face has healing powers.

The family all descended here for Easter and we had an Egg hunt in the garden using cut out (and laminated) eggs so as not to worry about missing real ones being found by one of the dogs. The Darling Offspring all contributed to the feast so I didn't really have to do too much. We decided when they first started getting spouses that we'd have Easter as our proper family get together so there wouldn't be any fights as to who visited who over Christmas. And the weather is so much better too! It all went very well with lots of laughter. Another first time without off the list.

There's a little red cross on my battery symbol. I'm off!

Honestly, I turn my back for a week or so whilst enduring enjoying a holiday in Snowdonia with all my family and dogs but no Wi-Fi and you lot descend into awful chaos!

Doodle - you have no choice but to surrender care and control to your DS. Let them step up and do what they must - the young are ready for the responsibility and it is offered with love. Their care is beyond price and shows how much they care for you both. It's time for you to get yourself sorted - for all of your boys!

Grammaretto - sounds like you need to rest too - and as for Kaimoana....🙄

Mr M bought Spud a new bear for Easter as he can't have chocolate - I reckon the bear will be a long time partner.

Another post has bitten the dust grr.
A big lump of the ceiling came down this morning dust there too and after a cursery clean up, with my lodgers help, I have retreated to bed to watch thè brewing storm outside.

The roofer did not reappear but I daresay being on a high roof in high winds is worse than heavy rain.

Hope our team is winning ixion!
Both you and Cherry have written such kind posts. Thinking of the Doodles.

Dear Doodle, try not to be more anxious because you are being treated further afield. Your LHA obviously want you to receive the very best treatment, that is a good thing. Mr D will be very well looked after by your DSs, just as he has been in recent days when you've had to receive treatment. We will be all thinking of you, we care ❤️ Xx

I write this from the position of the worried well. Well, cos I am fine, worried for so many poorlies here.

Hoping that Grammaretto gets advice and support on Monday and that her new helper really proves to be one. As for the filming, could you coordinate that with the potential arrival and work on your leaking roof? 🤔
Will pray for a dry spell for you --tho' fat chance there--.

Kaimoana sounds more back to her usual self, which is a relief. Are you still suffering your ghastly home help until a replacement is found? How are Karen and her son? 🤞

I hope Doodle's being 'sorted' with the utmost speed and efficiency at this most scary of times. I think, tho, that you will be pleasantly surprised amazed at how people will rally round and keep the home fires burning - as 'twere🤦‍♀️.

Good luck with the birthday plans, NotS. Has HRH delivered his signed card yet? Not quite same as getting one from the Queen, tho, is it? I wonder whether people of that generation feel the odd twinge of sadness that it's not her.

Mr. I is true to form, Mamissimo. An foray upstairs yesterday found him tinkering, to put it nicely, paintbrush in hand, in the newly decorated bedroom. Just completing a few bits and levelling the curtain rod ... I shall lock him away when the carpet fitters come.

Our Team play this afternoon. Must dust off the pompoms

It sounds like you are to get the best specialist treatment Doodle, which is good news.
We'll all be thinking of you.
I know its impossible but try not to worry too much about what will happen in your absence
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

A 100th birthday! Goodness. How are you going to celebrate? NotSpag

Too many of us Lobstars are under the weather. I agree about simple remedies Kaimoana

I was given some delicious syrups by my lodger which I am sure have soothed the relentless cough. She was out collecting wild garlic yesterday too for her various potions.

I managed to get a doctor's appointment. Someone will phone me on Monday!

My next Helper is due on Monday too so I hope she can be useful especially as the filming will be happening all next week.

On that note I shall gulp my tea and go back to sleep for half an hour
😉

I keep starting a post and getting called away as have been involved in a 100th birthday event for my mother-in-law!
Sending good wishes and positive thoughts to all

As they say "I'll be back"!

Cherry how about placing an ad in a local shop/library/newspaper/community centre? "FREE sofa must collect as too heavy to post!"? . There must be people who can use it. How about Women's Refuge? They help set up new homes for women who need a fresh start.

Jan I hope you get that weird feeling sorted out but I don't have a lot of faith in GPs these days. Prescribing machines is how my old doctor described herself before she left.

Oh Grammaretto give yourself a week off work/everything and just recover.

Thank you ixion, I took a turn for the worse so didn't want to add to the substantial and serious awfulness others are going through. I am clawing back though and have sent for 5-HTP to give me a kick up the bum boost.

Ray has conjunctivitis so I've been putting drops in his eyes every few hours as he's too shaky to do it himself. It seems to be abating.

I can hardly believe what our so dear Doodle and DH are going through, one dreadful thing after another. I hope and pray things begin to straighten out so by the end of Springtime, life is looking more calm and hopeful. Sending love as always.

My old friened in Loughborough, sick of weekly visits from nurses, none of whom knew what the previous one did for/to him, told them to stop coming. He treated the open wounds on his legs with Boracic Powder (remember that? They dried up (after 12 weeks still weeping) and he's on the mend.
Modern medicine is wonderful (if your NHI provides it) but sometimes, the old ways should be considered as well.

I'm hoping for a very quiet weekend but I doubt I'll get it it's been like Picadilly Circus all week.

We'll be having a 2 week break from the elders group from 10th and I will use the break to get back to knitting - a slow process for me now but quite relaxing if I'm left alone

Love and hugs to all.

Jan DH is on pregabalin. Takes a bit of getting used to.

Quick update. Heart problem needs fixing at London hospital not local. Worried about how DH will cope but sons being firm that they will manage and not to worry. I must admit I’m a bit scared about the outcome but have no choice in going ahead.
Sorry don’t really feel like writing much but maybe next week when I find out what’s going on. Love to all of you x

I hope you're feeling a bit brighter this evening Grammaretto. This cold/virus lurgy is lingering far too long 💐.
Ah, you're familiar with the type of furniture I'm trying to get rid of. You'd think these solid heavy lumps of wood pieces of furniture would have a retro appeal by now wouldn't you 🤨 😉.

I've been trying to sort out a mountain of books today to give to charity. It's difficult to part with some of them I hope I don't regret it but I've decided to be ruthless. I will keep some favourites and ones that I know are useful perhaps, when I've finished, they won't be spilling out of every corner 🤔.

Heartfelt cwtches from me Doodle x

That can't be easy for you Jan. Perhaps you should broach matters with the GP again, or better still contact the Neurologist's secretary and see about getting another appointment. Since the medication is unsuitable you should be given one. Pregabalin is a great medication for some but it does have a controversial reputation and doesn't suit everyone. I know there are other alternatives that could be prescribed 💐.

Oh no Doodle. Your problems really are never ending. Fingers crossed for you both.
Few problems here too. Since my stroke I have had this really weird feeling in my head. Like a tight band round it and feels like my head is in a goldfish bowl. GP referred me to neurology and doctor there prescribed Pregabalin. And that’s just caused more problems. Head is just the same but medication is just knocking me out. GP prescribed a lower dose but this just has the same effect. Somewhat p….d off!

Dear Doodle. Hugs xxxxxxx

Sorry all. Be missing for a bit . Heart problem needs sorting I have too much to organise. Will be missing a while love to all.xx

Good solution Grammaretto - the podiatrist visits my mother-in-law - but glad you got there anyway. Dance your socks off Kaimoana2

Hello Lobstars,

I have cancelled both today's commitments and returned to my bed after a really bad night cough, nausea, diarrhoea

The roofer didn't come and it's now raining again.

On the bright side: the birthday lunch at the other DGP was lovely and the pottery class went well.

I hope the furniture goes soon Cherry. I don't know how I can ever dispose of mine. No-one wants big brown victorian sideboards.

I hope Doodle is coping with everything life throws. Sending love and strength 💪

Drat Grammaretto,. Perhaps giving the benefit of the doubt the roofer had prearranged work today. I hope he does return.
Sorry to hear you've still got your cough - laughter is meant to be the best medicine though so I've got my 🤞the pottery class today helped. Still hope you manage to get hold of your surgery though.

What is it with these redefinitions of roles ixion 🤔. Fortunately, my GP practice still has please hold for a receptionist on it's message but it seems that all our LA departments have agents 😬 and all calls will be recorded by those agents 🤫😉

I've been ringing around today to find someone anyone to come and take an old piece of furniture away. No charity wants it 🤷, we're unable to get it out onto the street for LA kerbside collection and most house clearance companies don't want to know because one item is not worth their while. We did 🤞 eventually find one company who might do it but I have ring them back on Monday . Anyone got a chainsaw 🤣

Not surprised you don't feel like writing much Doodle, such a worry for you. Soonest checked/tested, soonest mended though. Sending you a warm cwtch x

So sorry to hear Doodle's news. So much to think/worry about and plan for. Love to you both.

Hoping to hear from Kaimoana idc. Something reassuring about logging on in the mornings and looking out for you ...

Are you confident that your roofer chappie will, in fact, return, Grammaretto, or could he vanish into the sunset?

We have, apparently, a new telephone system installed at our surgery. Anything will be an improvement on its totally inappropriate predecessor, smugly announcing all our advisors are busy at the moment. Advisors? No thank you. Just someone who can man the booking system.
*It used to sign off we're here for YOU *🤮.

Oh no dear Doodle. Such worries.
I thought the plan was to fit a pacemaker? Maybe it's being brought forward. I wish they would at least let you know.
Sending you hugs xxxx

Here it has stopped raining but the roofer hasn't been back.
So no progress on the hole in my roof

I had a pottery class today which was good fun though I coughed every time I laughed.

I must try to see a doctor about it. I phoned the surgery today but there was the engaged tone.
Perhaps the number has changed!
The same number for 50 years and now they change it. One way of putting off patients.