🦞 Locked down no longer but still firm friends 🦞

You're not just dealing with bereavement, tho', are you, Doodle?
You have an operation looming, something that we would all be fearful about. And you are facing going through it all without the person who means the most to you.
How can you start to 'move on' with this immense hurdle in front of you?
You need time, family and friends.

One step at a time🌻

I lost my post 😤 and can't face writing it all again 😟

Sorry to hear you are feeling miserable tonight Doodle. We all deal with things differently, grief is not a leveller. You and Mr D were together many years, it's still early days, there are bound to be days, even days on days, when you feel your loss keenly. What of the church and your bereavement group, have you had any more sessions? Sending you love and my heartfelt cwtches 💐 xx

I, too, have had a problem with last hour and last day on the site, There is a thread. I don't know if everything has been completely resolved but if you're back in properly now Doodle then it well might be

Take care lobStars, night night 🌃

Finally got back into GN ok .what a relief.
ixion my SIL broke out toilet seat in the cloakroom years ago.
* it was a concealed cistern unit and to get to the toilet seat fixings the whole unit had to be taken apart and re tiled. Cost us a lot of money. Since then I’ve refused to have concealed cisterns in any of our houses,*
Mamissimo that was my problem too. I think they’ve fixed it now so hope you’re ok.*
Ive had an awful day today. Can’t shift this sense of despair. I keep thinking about other people who’ve managed to keep going and tell myself to get on with it. Today it’s not working
Im sorry I’m such a misery tonight.

Good evening - I can see you all but GN has gone peculiar! I can't access my messages or see the last hour list or today list....I'm on an IPad too Doodle so snap! I will message them!

in case I can't message them please could one of the Lobstars start a thread asking whether anyone else is belong shut out of bits of the site? Two of us having similar issues is a bit odd.....

I feel your sadness, Grammaretto, at loved ones' farewells. At least DS1 is not fazed by nay sweetly tolerant of his Mum weeping copiously over him in Departures. I am sure your American cousin will provide a welcome distraction. What sort of companion will she be on your house viewing? On your wave length?
Is the timing of the ceiling repair dependent upon the integrity of the new roof in a monsoon?🤔

Re: loo seats. Despite a degree of bemusement by Mr.I, I began to keep the receipts from successful purchases so that I always had a record of what it was we were setting out to buy. We have only one, D-shaped, which is ill fitting now.
Cherry, without meaning to pry, how do you break a toilet seat during one of your 'episodes'? 😳Don't answer if you don't want to!

Wow, Mamissimo, a tester on Ancestry software. Do professionals have access to a more sophisticated an alternative range of options to the more modest amongst us? If you could get UK default settings, that would be a bonus, but highly unlikely😆.
Do let us know how Spud's first day went.

Kaimona, your GD remains a sassy dresser!❤️. Do I detect a green Trevor tee shirt?

Doodle, it's no good. Big knickers have to stay up. Eating will not only keep said knickers up but will greatly enhance your post op recuperation. We need you fit for the winter season ⚽️.

I’m sort of here but can’t access much. GN are aware of the problem.
Kaimoana what a lovely photo of Gubbins. Such beautiful hair. She obviously likes being at your place. Glad you had such a nice time. So your son is still planning to move to the UK. Do you know when?
Grammaretto it will be quiet without them. Sounds like a lovely time was had by all.
just read your American cousin is coming, perhaps not so quiet after all. Good luck with the house viewing. Let us know how you get on.
ixion I certainly need those big girl pants. Mind you they might not stay up. I’m struggling to eat at the moment as feeling quite nauseous.
Cherry good luck with your corms. Have you eradicated them yet?
Nfk what a lovely time you had with your DD. Sorry about the cystitis. Hope you are feeling better now. How lucky to have the camperbubble for it’s convenience 🤣
Have a good day all

That's so funny Kaimoana! Gubbins is a tonic and sounds a lot like my mischievous redhead
.
The Kiwis have left rather later than they meant to as the hire car had a puncture.

We spent their last night at the seaside eating fish and chips.
I am very sad.

Our American cousin is arriving later today and I have arranged to view another house.

The roofers are back so the place is still busy. They say I should wait for a monsoon before beginning on a new ceiling.

Your latest excursion sounds perfect Nfk. I do like English village pubs.

I hope Doodle is back on board soon.

Great day with DS and The Tyrant.
If they leave sooner than she wants, there's a fuss, so they stay as long as they can.
When she gets tired she announces she needs to go home.
After 4+ hours hilarious play she did just that.

However, DS and I were talking about their move to UK so she was (sort of) ignored but very patiently put all the playthings back in her toybox as we yattered on.
.
Eventually it got too much and with great purpose she asked, "Daddy, why are we still here?"

I have a pair of Big Girl's pants which my dear friend Rangi bought for me in a sale.
I don't wear them often as I fear them falling to the ground as I walk but when I do, they always remind me of the line in Beyond Our Ken.
"She'd been an exotic dancer in Big Nick's for a long time..."

My 'puter seems to be talking to GN ok Doodle. I hope your's is co-operating now. I'm pleased your consultant suggested it's ok for you to put your op off until you have maximum son help. It's reassuring. I would add to Ixion's offer of Big Girls Pants / Girls Big Pants which I'm sure is what you require rather than the Big Girls Big Pants which is what I have.

I've just returned from a couple of days with DD1 and family in Buckinghamshire. They took me to the loveliest village with a thatched pub with a live group playing. It was a warm sunny evening and all rather lovely and I was fed Pimms with lots of fruit and salad in it - so it was healthy. Just what I needed. Especially as I'd come down with a rather bad dose of cystitis on Thursday which kept me up most of the night. Managed to get a short course of antibiotics on Friday morning which started to work amazingly quickly. So, I took the camperbubble on Saturday. There being a lot more lay-bys than service areas with toilets en route! It proved a God send!

I can lend you my antique Ewbank Kaimoana, but cannot actually give it as DD2 made me promise it to her as her inheritance. It's still very efficient, although the brushes are getting a little fluffy at the ends.

Little ones are prepared so well to leave their parents and they trot off to Nursery with such confidence now it seems. It's just the parents which need support!

I am now concerned as to what I should do when my loo seat needs replacing. DH always knew what size and shape to get. I have no idea. I shall probably have to move house.

Sorry you are being shut out of GN Doodle.
That's rough 😒.

I hope you get in again soon.
Last day today. The wee lassies left this afternoon with a few tears. The Kiwis are off tomorrow when I will be bereft.

I made pancakes under instruction and all 3 made pots.

Tomorrow I am viewing a house for sale and my American cousin is arriving for a couple of weeks so plenty to distract me.

The roofer still hasn't come back but there is no water in the buckets.

Sorry can’t get int GN properly. Having problems. Contacted GNHQ but no reply. Is everyone else getting on ok?

Welcome back Mamissimo
What a merry child is young Spud. He will love nursery school - so much to learn. Mum might find it hard to leave if he's tearful at first.
Gubbins' day care sent videos to reassure Daddy (still in the carpark) that she'd settled immediately.

Never do I wish more fervently that I could still see than when I come across pictures of artworks like those breathtaking frescoes (?) History, talent and emotion all rolled up in one magnificent piece.
Not too sure I like the sound of greasy Italian leather though yuk.

Doodle you might ask your boys to put any pictures from your iPad onto external storage and get rid of unwanted files - this may be what's slowing down the device.

Grammaretto You sound to be having a lovely time with your treasures - I'm glad you now know how to make pasta bless her.

Thankyou Nfk

As I had no homecare on Friday (Public Holiday) and Aatoa was called away early and Karen's back is too painful for her to use the vacuum cleaner, my carpet looks as if someone (me of course) has strewn confetti all over it. Where does it all come from?

I'd love to have my old, efficient Ewbank, I could manage that but a long handled brush sort of works. Fortunately I can still bend to pick up the detritus with dustpan and brush. But what a hassle.

Hope everyone has a peaceful week.

I love the sound of Gubbins Caff on Tuesday Kaimoana - all the right ingredients are there - Gubbins, your DS and you ☺️.
Im impressed with you knitting whilst lying down. You're certainly not sleeping on the job are you. I think it's wonderful that you're knitting for the nurses and I'm sure they'll appreciate it.

You have been busy Grammaretto, you said seven stayed last night so you obviously cooked for more than that yesterday 😳 - and thoroughly worn yourself out enjoyed it I bet. I l9ve your DGD's attitude to the duvet & cover 🤩.
You and you DGD definitely the right idea whilst the footie was on 😁 - it was one of those 🫣 games 😉.

🤣 Doodle. I do have a corn but unlike the Crocosmia corms how I wish there was only one of them it is only the one. I don't think digging it out is the solution 😬. Unlike a wart I don't think I can sell it either 🤣.

If Jeeves is about I'll have a nice strong cup of tea please 🙂.

Good to hear from everybody - news, photos, lots of family 'doings'. Life remains quiet here, apart from an enjoyable trip darn sarf pounding the barren wastelands gentrified pavements of Hackney and Befnal Green.

Agreed, Doodle, much the best plan to defer surgery until your 🦆s are in a row. Post op support will go a long way to aid recovery. I hope your date is with a hospital you are comfortable with and which doesn't hold painful memories of dear Mr.D's stays. If the latter, let me know and I will send you an additional pack of Big Girls' Pants.

Or should that be Girls' Big Pants🤔.
❤️

I'm glad your holiday was lovely and I am very happy to hear stories and see pictures. Not boring Mamissimo.

Littlest and I are cooking tea while the footie is on. She has taught me how to make pasta with tuna and sweetcorn.
Now I am on bedtime duty.

See you all soon. xx

*Mamissimo so pleased you had a lovely holiday. Can’t believe Spud is old enough to go to nursery. Will be hard for his mum.
Ooh new software to be tested. That will keep you busy*
Kaimoana you are a complete knitting factory. Those nurses will be grateful I’m sure
my iPad is playing up no end. Everything is taking ages to appear on screen hence shortness of post sorry.

Cherry a quick glance at your post made me think you were digging out your corns and I was going to ask if you’d come and do mine too🤣
i have no idea what this plant looks like but it’s obviously causing you a lot of work
Well I always thought toilet seats were the same size, just goes to show. Hope your nether regions are now comfortable on your new appliance.
My goodness Grammaretto you have been busy. With so many visitors you’ll need a rest next week. How lovely for you to have your little DGD with you
*Kaimoana lovely to hear your DS and Gubbins are coming for a visit. I’m sure the fruit crumble will go down well.

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Good morning ☀️

We are home and the washing's on and at least it's warmer than when we left!

I won't bore you with the tale of my travels but they have given me memories to treasure and to revisit many times. The sun shone steadily, the Etruscans were amazing, the Italian leather is still butter soft --and Mr M's wallet is now an echoe chamber--

This week will be hectic as Spud starts nursery tomorrow and poor DD2 will need some shoring up as she returns to teaching. It's a whole week of birthdays in the wider family, culminating in my DDs' birthday on Saturday so we will have the entire tribe for a gathering --and five dogs--😳

I'm finding it hard to focus on the now because Ancestry has invited me to test drive some new software for professional genealogists - every time I open it it's like lightbulbs flashing all round me. I reckon if it becomes available to all eventually it will be a complete game changer for those of us who are passionate researchers. A total treat.

Doodle - that's a sensible decision to wait for support to be available - you've saved your DSs a lot of worry. Stress hinders healing so this should make everything go better.

NotSpag - we did indeed spend time with the frescoes - and the monastery was in Cortona - what an amazing place!

The bored beans are harvested, the running beans are twiddling skywards.....and we now have six sheep in the back field....but more of them another day

it's good to be home!

Lots to make me smile in your posts today.
I remember those 'pot luck tins' Cherry, my Mum used to get them just after the war.

Builder's 'scrap' yards (do they still have them?) often had recycled things from older buildings (doors, window frames, toilets and seats etc), worth asking about?

I had a new, automatic one fitted which managed to bite my thigh everytime I sat on it. I thought it was the wrong size but in fact it had just been incorrectly fitted.

The tinned peaches, plus fresh apple will be amalgamated and made into a large fruit crumble, enough for DS and Gubbins to scoff take home on Tuesday.

They are coming for breakfast, Gubbins has requeted bacon.
I simply cannot see the crumble escaping with two of my family around, so a Bacon and Fruit Crumble Breakfast it is at Gubbins Caff.

And how lucky that I'm not going to the elders group on Tuesday (though I would have cancelled anyway to see DS & daughter).
In the afternoon, the new Chaplain is visitng again, so not a quiet day - but a good one.

Last night, although I was tired, I didn't want to stop knitting as I still have orders from our shivering Filipino nurses to fulfil.
So now I know it's possible to knit while lying almost flat on your back. Feels odd but it works.

Added bonus was Benedict Cumberbatch's melifluous voice trying to explain quantum mechanics and loop theory to me, via 'The Order of Time' by il Professore Carlo Rovelli.

Audio book, Carlo wasn't in my bedroom, though he looks very sweet.

Only loop theory I know are the ones I pick up wiv me knittin' nedles.

Hello Lobstars,
I agree Doodle if it isn't urgent and possible to delay it makes sense to have help at hand for when you are discharged from hospital.

I have been very busy today. Lots of cooking and preparing. 7 people staying tonight, the others have left now.
I was trying to fit a huge duvet into a small cover without much success. DGD aged 6 tells me it's OK because her bed at home often looks lumpy like that
.
Tinned peaches on toast Kaimoana. That's funny 😁 but wouldn't be nice.

I love the sound of your mother's potluck and shake tins Cherry. How exciting 😀

The saga of the toilet seat is not so lovely. I have a round loo and seat which I expect would be hard to replace. It is shorter than the usual ones to leave more space in the little room.
I hope Jeeves has done his rounds tonight.

Its eminently sensible to delay your operation under the circumstances Doodle. I agree with NotSpaghetti, I would have done the same.

🤣 Kaimoana. Question is though 🤔 did you have them on toast 🤣. It reminds me of the days when I was young and my mother used to get pot luck tins from the shop where the labels had come off. She used to do a shake test which was fairly reliable but I do remember one time strawberries and cream being broad beans and cream 🤣 - at least corned beef was reliable 😁

Today I have been ...tackling yet more Crocosmia 🙄. It is strangely satisfying seeing those corms dug out even if I know I won't have got rid of all of them.
I haven't spent the whole week doing it though as we had to go shopping ... for a toilet seat because it broke when I sat on it 🫢. What a nightmare that turned into! We went into one reputable retailer and approached a member of staff to enquire where exactly they were. The member of staff pointed us in the direction, told us there was a good selection available then asked us what the measurements of our toilet were 😱. We had no idea. Apparently, we should have ... because toilet seats come in all different sizes 🤨. We toddled off home to measure. Take two - shop one, no good, none the right size, shop two, no good, none the right size, shop three, no good, none the right size, shop four, no good, give up ... and buy a toilet seat that isn't quite the right size 🤣.
I've also had my haircut this week, at least that's the right size length now 😁.

I hope Grammaretto is having lovely time with her family and the rest of the lobStars are having a nice weekend.

🤣🤣🤣 Oh Kaimoana that made me laugh. My mum once gave DH and I a tin of soup for our lunch except when we opened it it was rice pudding
Nfk yes I feel happier if both our sons are around.
Hope everyone has a nice weekend

I think that's a good plan Doodle,
I would have done the same.

It's a very cold morning, so I though a few carbs might warm me up. Baked Beans on toast sounded good.

Put the gluten free bread in the toaster and opened the can....

Tinned peaches on toast anyone?


The perils of poor eyesight - hahaha!!