🦞 Locked down no longer but still firm friends 🦞

Another "rescue" day yesterday son-in-law off work with wipe-out flu and granddaughter who should be at school on the cusp of it.. daughter at work. Was asked could I please drop in some bread and fruit "if anywhere near"

Of course no plans to be "anywhere near" but hadn't got anything planned that couldn't wait so off I went to buy bread en-route.
Decided to stop at a rather nice M&S food store to look for "sick person tempting things" which is close to my daughter's house.

Picked up several treats and went to pay and realised I had only a bank card that I don't usually use and one I'd put a "block" on last week (as it fell out of my pocket - in the car as it transpired) and I'd found it later and forgotten to unblock it. 😱
I was mortified and thought my short mercy mission was going to be real disaster. I live about 35/ 40 mins from my daughter but I'd spent an hour getting to M and S because of 3 lots of roadworks... the loaf of bread was becoming a marathon and possibly could be 3 or 4 hours or more if I had to go to-and fro several times! It would have been quicker to bake it myself

Luckily my lovely husband was just in from the garden so he found my ipad and I talked him through the sign in to my bank and he managed to release my card! Hooray! - admittedly it took some time but better than driving home and back again!

My son-in-law hates needing help - but succumbed to small edibles and a drink and I did lunch for their 4 year old.
I had taken an easy craft set over for my granddaughter which I'd had in the cupboard at home. It was designed for ages 3+ so not too taxing - she did some of it straight away so was distracted while i did lunch and something for her daddy and was getting the kit out again as I left.. . I made a fruit salad for later and left a ready-meal for my daughter so job well done

I know they can survive without me - but feel that if I can help I will. It was my fault re the bank card though! Note to self - learn the pins of your other cards!

Hope I don't get flu now... 🤞

Did have a good couple of hours in the garden on return so not all the day was lost. 👍

NotS you sound The Ideal Grandma ! What a day but ending with a calming time in your garden.

I'm like your SiL, hate to need help but in my later years I've had to come to terms with it and it'll get worse. Or better really as I have such a wonderful support network who step in whenever I need (and sometimes when I don't, bless 'em).

How's your back Doodle? Much better I hope.
Cherry I'm getting a bit worried about you. xxxxxxx

Mamissimo Young Kumara gets cuter and cuter, I LOVE these photos, makes me want to hug him. I can tell he doesn't just enjoy his food, but is a cheerful wee chap all round. What a lucky Grandmama you are.

I think Gubbins is either going to be on the stage or in politics. Mama made a video on the subject 'your favourite food.' Not surprisingly for a child who rarely gets it, chocolate was top of the list then a request for a (totally forbidden) candy cane..
‘And I’m hungry now.’ with dramatic gestures and determined eye contact with Mum.
‘What would you like to eat to fill your tummy?’
‘I’d like treats every day’
She settled for an apple but when Mum tried another non-food question, Gubbins the politician gave the irrelevant answer, Candy cane and please stop talking. now.’

Evening all. I’ve heard from Cherry tonight and she says I can pass on to you the reason for her not posting.
Unfortunately, Cherry had a fall and has one arm in a sling. The other hand is severly swollen and bruised due to her deQuervain's problem and she’s in a lot of pain. As soon as she’s better she will be back posting again.
I told her how much we miss her and sending love and best wishes hoping she’s back with us soon

Cherry. Bless you that all sounds so painful. Hope your arm isn’t broken and you are soon back to posting again.
Take care xx

Kaimoana thank you. I too hope DH can walk again soon. He spends so much time sitting down he’s lost all the muscles in his legs and walking on tip toes hurts so much.
Ah yes, sometimes the help can be a hinderance, well intentioned but better without.
Waipareira are certainly doing good things for both you and Ray, so pleased for you both. Poor man, what has he been living on?
My back pain is better today thanks only to be replaced with bad stomach cramps. I have been advised by my GP to take iron supplements as my iron levels are low due to the blood thinners I now have to take. I think it’s the iron that’s causing the pains as I took the first tablet yesterday and stomach cramps is a known side effect. It has been very painful. Think I might give it a miss tomorrow or talk to the GP first.
Notspaghetti we’ll be fitting you with a flashing blue light soon 🤣. I can imagine your despair at finding you’d not got the right card for your purchases. It’s happened to me before when I took my wrong purse. Phew! What luck your DH was able to help. That must have been a big help for your DD and family. Bet your DGD loved the visit too.

Thanks for the update on our dear friend Cherry - how awful for her on top of everything else.

And you too Doodle - some times I feel like gathering you all up and bringing you here where I can look after you and make you better.

I've been working quietly clearing up in my open garage today and could hear all the merriment and laughter going on over at Ray's as they did the same in his garage.

Now his precious car can go back inside. Alas he can't drive it now but its safe from thieves.

. They also cleaned the house from top to bottom (he has the same homecre agency as me with attendant problems) and filled pantry and fridge with food.

He wasn't claiming the benefit he's entitled to as a pensioner, so that's been set up and they will find him a good doctor locally and have a strong word about the lack of efficiency of his homecare worker.
All this, of course, is free.

Ray came across to share a cuppa and tell me, jubilantly about his Angels and we agreed we are both privileged to be granted miracles.

Cherry
I hope you are back to your usual self soon.
Doodle -
of course if I had a blue flashing light I might get through traffic quicker!

Thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughtful friendly posts.

Hello Lobstars,

Cherry if you can still read, I hope you are taking strength from all the messages. What a dreadful thing to happen! Thanks Doodle for letting us know.

I felt for you NotSpag on your exasperating mercy mission.

I am sitting here sneezing and feeling very rough. You'll be glad you're not in the same room as me.

I have cancelled all engagements, I hope. Although my df came over yesterday to hear about the trip and I didn't even offer him a cup of tea.

Gubbins is hilarious Kaimoana!

Grammaretto -
I do hope you are better than my son-in-law!

Get well soon. 🤞

Thanks for the get well wishes. I am a lot better after a morning in bed and sticking to cups of tea and toast and marmalade.

I hope your SiL is better too NSpag.

I only wish the Doodles could magically be cured.

At least your backache is better now Doodle. It must have been caused by lifting that wretched scooter.

The df who returned my car today also took a load of stuff to the tip for me including an extremely heavy printer which hasn't worked for years.

Oh, 🍒, you have been in the wars☹️. Please take care of yourself and hurry back to us.

Pleased you are feeling a little better, Grammaretto.

Ray certainly has reaped the benefits of your community's care, hasn't he, Kaimona? Was he just not a joiner before?

How are you both, Doodle?🤞.

You certainly covered some miles today, NotS, in your mercy dash. Then gardening?🤷‍♀️. Gosh. Have you got a large garden?
I expect the evening can't come fast enough for you both!

Tomorrow see the arrival chez Ixion of the 🐈 Big Fella. Nervous - and that's just us. We went to see him - or rather squatted down under furniture to catch the odd glimpse but we have every confidence that he will grow to like us. Better do, having bought up a large part of 'Pets At Home' this afternoon. Even the temptation of delicate morsels of cooked chicken wouldn't entice him out. However, a photo sent by his foster mum shortly after we left showed him asleep on her lap and as relaxed as could be.
She wept a tear for him as we said goodbye, so I wept too and we had a group hug🙄.
It will be a parting with mixed emotions tomorrow, that's for sure.

Kaimoana I’m so pleased that you and Ray get on with each other and can pop in for coffee together. You have brought some good people into his life. I’m pleased for you both
Gramaretto I wonder if you picked that cold up in your flight, good job you weren’t so ill on your holiday. Glad you are feeling a bit better today and you’ve managed to dispose of some things to the tip. I’ve got rid of some things today to and revelling in the free space again.
Ive found Jeeves. He’s been brewing you a medicinal cocktail and says he will be round later to read you a story to help you sleep…….i wonder what book he’s reading 🤔
Notspaghetti is your SIL feeling really bad? Hopefully with the weekend coming up he and your DD can have a bit of a rest.
ixion we’ve had a good day today thanks. Getting a hoist for the car so I can get DHs wheelchair in the boot. Ooh does that mean you passed muster and will be allowed to take your feline friend home. How exciting. Will we be allowed to see a picture of this handsome creature?
When you say big fella……you did have your specs on when you agrès to take him on didn’t you? I mean he’s not a 🦁 in disguise is he?
Cherry wishing really hard that you are on the mend. And sending you a big cwtch x

Oh poor Cherry, what are we going to do with you! I do hope you feel better soon and can get enough pain killers. xx

You too Grammaretto. A tot of whisky in the Lemsick works wonders!

I love the story of your day NotSpagetti, you make me feel wonderfully normal, although I'd have no idea how to unblock a card. I have a SiL like yours. You have to be very crafty about helping without helping don't you!

Did you manage to talk to the doctor about your stomach cramps Doodle? I hope you've managed to get something kinder to take. Does Mr D have a lot of exercises to do?

Mammissimo, that is a gorgeously scrummy picture of Spud. It'd make a wonderful birthday card! I hope Aoife has recovered ok. Dogs do like to challenge their humans.

It's been a lovely day here in deepest Norfolk so I took the opportunity for a walk on the beach. I've been wallowing a bit the last few days, and feel so much better now and Kira loved it. Thankfully she only likes to paddle. And yes, she is a weird spaniel. She still only makes a noise (howling mostly) when I leave her, doesn't beg, sits down in the bath and enjoys it - and likes the vet!

Kira at the beach.

*Aw bless her Nfk she’s lovely. What a gorgeous little face.
No not spoken to doctor yet but I’ve stopped the iron and feel better. DH does have chair exercises to do but it’s difficult for him to do much with his legs as he can only stand for about a minute at a time. I’d love a beach walk. I love being by the sea. Always does you good I think.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202402/medium-375184-waipareira-troops.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202402/medium-736865-getting-kai-out.jpg

You've just echoed my own sentiments Doodle - when I could drive I used to go to the beach (lots of beautiful and mostly deserted ones near here) and just sit or walk and breathe in that sea air. Nothing seemed so bad after that.

Gosh ixion how exciting, I do hope your dear cat settles down as well as Kira did with Nfk. Maybe the occasional visit from foster Mum would help or do the rules not allow that?
And seeing as you asked.....

The Matua Ray Saga feel free to skip.
Or jump or hop

Long ago, I gave him the Waipareira 0800 number and when he rang, he gave reception only his phone number and no surname.
Unbeknown to Cherri, the person who followed up the next day and subsequently many more times, he didn't know how to answer his new phone so she got no reply and didn't know where he lived or his last name

Then, as you may remember, his daughter moved in, along with her two small and lively children and he was fine.

She eventually got a house (after cross words unfortunately) moved out and from then on he deteriorated very rapidly. His daughter still doesn't visit or speak to him.

Before she moved in, I'd asked him to come to our weekly kaumatua group but thinking he'd had the brush off when no one got in touch, he declined.

I continued to take him a weekly meal from the group and seeing his car parked permanently outside and never moved, wondered if he could no longer drive. I knew he’d fallen when walking up to the park to celebrate Waitangi on Feb 6th, as he came to the kaumatua tent with plasters and bruises. So that was another clue he no longer felt safe driving.

I suggested my homecare ladies and I could always take him shopping or bring stuff back. Like me, he’s confined to the house without transport but he didn’t take us up on the offer.

Then, via his doctor, he got his own homecare lady: 2 hours twice a week but apart from making a simple meal, she did none of the required shopping or cleaning and left after 25 mins. (being paid for the full time of course).

Meanwhile, I'm walking the fine line between interfering and wanting to help. And in Maori terms, "treading on his mana" or loosely translaed, ignoring or imposing on his male pride.

It wasn't until my birthday when the whole, wonderful crew of young people sarrived at my house (it was a surprise) with the gazebo, tables, chairs and enough food to feed an army, that Ray actually saw what I'd been trying to involve him in for months.

Cherri observed him, saw how terribly thin he was; what a massive amount of food he ate and took some of the left overs to his home, where she saw an empty fridge and pantry.

After that, and with his permission, the whole Waipareira support team sprang into action.

It wasn't until this week when Cherri, did the full needs assessment, that she recognised his phone number and realised he was "the missing kaumatua” she’d been so worried about when he never answered his phone.

You can imagine how I felt, watching him go from a competent driver, weighing around 110kg and walk The Circuit in our local park every day, to someone who can barely walk, let alone drive and is now hardly even 70kg.

Cherri said, "I think we just got to him in time."

Thanks for the timeline story of Ray, Kaimoana. I had forgotten that his DD family had moved in. Great that you got to him in time!

Sleep is my best medicine. I have woken after 9 hours feeling much better.
I missed the Gaelic ceilidh which is a pity but I can't do everything.

I had an unexpected call from DS3 yesterday which made me very sad. You are only as happy as your saddest child so that's me. 😒

Kira looks adorable Nfk. I hope you have lots of fun with her
Ixion, I would love to hear more about your new arrival.

Ooh, I meant to tell you maybe I have? that I went to a football match in Wellington. I thought of you and Cherry. I also spent most of the first half cheering for the opposition because they had the wrong colours

I miss that bright sunshine Kaimoana.

So pleased you're feeling better Grammaretto. Hopefully you caught it before it got worse, even if you did have to miss the ceilidh.

And thank you for the timeline Kaimoana. It's wonderful that it's all turning out well in the end. It's so easy for small misunderstandings to have dire consequences.

Would one of those sitting bike peddlers help Mr D Doodle? I had one after my knee operations and would sit in a comfy chair, peddling away, going nowhere, watching tv. It should be possible to pad the peddles with foam so the pressure is in the best place, although it may have to wait until he's improved.

Thank you for your heart warming account of the kindnesses shown to Ray, Kaimona. I obviously don't know the chap but I am thrilled that he is now in the fold . I'm sure you will see him filling out, as they say, with good and regular food and companionship.

I'm sorry you have been saddened by family news, Grammaretto, especially after the joy of seeing other family so recently.. Kind of takes the edge off it a bit, doesn't it?☹️.
Hoping all goes well for you- and that you continue on your road to recovery.
Fancy cheering the wrong team🤦‍♀️. They'd have made short measure of you over here if you were sitting in the wrong end!

Lovely cat dutifully collected this afternoon along with his papers and documentation, a shopping bag full of favourite food and biscuits, flea and worm treatment, cream for a non healing neck wound and some special toys.
He spent the whole journey home sitting pertly in the cat carrier, inspecting all around him, not a squeak. All our others have yowled and been quite distressed.
I was surprised by how slight and slender he is. Family point out that this is a normal cat physique, one not yet enhanced by treats and leftovers.
Mr I had an unexpected workout, sprawling on the floor peeping under settees, side tables and behind furniture hoping for a glimpse.
He's had his dinner (special newcomer's treat of being served on the carpet adjacent to the radiator in the sitting room.). *He is now continuing exploration of the house.
We hope for great things and years of companionship and pleasure.

How are you doing , Cherry? I will cheer us on per pro you until you are fit again.

Thinking of everyone, as ever.
*Small, but perfectly formed. That's us*

All good things come to those who wait ...
Or:
He must be there somewhere🥱

I really like cats ixion, but would never be able to stand the stress of living with one again. My worry gene is much too dominant. They're far too independent and agile. We did have two in our menagerie when the DC were little. One of them had a liking for weekends away and short breaks. It accounted for many grey hairs. The other liked to leave his kills, or parts of them, under furniture and behind sofas.

Mind you, I have now bought a tracker for Kira. Just in case!

(I hope we get to see a photo of your new friend soon!)

Kaimoana I remember some of Rays story but like Gramaretto I’d forgotten his daughter moved in. Shame they’ve fallen out. How lovely he has had such help at last. Hopefully they will be able to build up his strength now and keep an eye on him. He is lucky to have a friend like you looking out for him.
*Glad you are feeling better cold wise Gramaretto but sorry to hear your son has problems. We always continue to worry and care no matter how old they are. I do hope things work out ok.
Loved your football story 🤣*
Nfk I’ve heard those bike peddlers are quite good, unfortunately DHs foot is so tender that even the slightest pressure causes pain. His foot is heavily bandaged with soft padding but very sensitive. Thank you for the kind thought though.
*ixion I’m so pleased you have your new companion. Sounds quite a character. Are we allowed to know his name?
Have you found him yet? Is he hiding behind the sofa?

Nfk I know what you mean about cats wandering. I could never settle at night till mine came home.
Cherry don’t know if you’re reading or not but I’m sending you healing vibes