Not Locked Down but may need to be locked up

How's it going in your damp field, Grammaretto? Jeeves has no sense of direction, so it looks like you're on your own, sadly☹️*.

Freesias were my DM's favourite flower, she had them in her wedding bouquet and they still hold continuing memories.

Hope Doodle had a good birthday celebration- is that your oldest DGC? Did the late night prompt a decent night's sleep? Fingers crossed that today has been a Good Day too.

Nothing from our Cherry still, I cut a lonely figure on the terraces this afternoon Not strictly true as I only just caught the end but we scraped a draw.
Better than a slap round the face with a wet fish as my DGF used to say🤷‍♀️.

Today saw the tedious, but necessary, decluttering of the kitchen drawers. You know the score - lots of nifty gadgets which seemed like a good idea at the time but whose purpose now escapes me.

Should I get rid of this angled spatula cum cake slice?, I asked visiting DS.
I wouldn't, he replied. It comes in useful for scraping the burnt bits off pans.

Kaimoana those frésias are Lovely. What beautiful colours
So pleased your son is getting on well and has secured such a good job. What a relief for you
Hope your weekend is going well
Notspaghetti nice for you to see your mother today. I agree with her your flowers are beautiful
Grammaretto difficult to get on if you’re not happy in your work but sometimes it has to be if you have children to care for. One of our sons spent time before lockdown in a job he wasn’t happy in. At the end of it they made him redundant then realised they couldn’t cope without him and kept him on for a while on a contract basis but had to pay him a lot more money,
Ok so you’re spending the weekend in a cabin in a damp field. I must admit to being curious. What are you up to?
ixion I had a lovely time with our grandson and family. No he’s not the oldest I have one older and one younger.
Ive had a very busy day today and am amazed at all the things I’ve done, craft market, petting a donkey and some goats, getting my friend into a fire engine, lunch outside by a lake then visiting an artist gallery, church and home for coffee. Phew!

My Mum as well ixion.
When I started work at 15, one had to turn over that little brown paypacket intact and, if very lucky, got spending money for essentials like stockings .

That first week I asked for some money - and bought freesias for my Mother

What a lovely day you had Doodle and what a lot you did The donkey and goat sound interesting, was it a farm park?

Yes, I got my quiet, uninterrupted weekend but unfortunately spent most of Saturday in and out of bed. For some reason suddenly hit with exhaustion despite a good night's sleep. Sunday a little better but still weary, so got on with the knitting until I fell asleep over it then went for a Granny Nap abouut 2pm. Most unusual for me. I may lack iron.

I hope Grammaretto came to no harm in her damp field.

Karen is sick again so goodness knows if I'll get any homecare tomorrow.

When I photographed those freesias, I notice my collection of Netsuke need a good wash. So that's on my list for Monday along with the eternal laundry....and the forecast is 4 days of rain.

Wishing everyone a hearty day

Flowers and Mums, Kaimoana?.
My early solo steps, when I was 6 or 7 possibly, was to visit the barrow boy at the top of the road. From our front gate, my mother could watch me all the way there and all the way back.
One day, I decided, on the spur of the moment, to add on a bunch of wallflowers for her as a nice gesture.

Doubt did set in as I returned, money being very tight in those days. I can remember saying ^I hope you don't mind ...^
Gentle lecture followed, thanks but with a little caveat about spending other people's money.

Same barrow boy was he who looked after my brother safely, my mother having completely forgotten that she also had a pram on her return home.

I bought my mum and dad a clock out of my first pay packet,
Kaimoana no the animals were from a rescue centre, they look after any animal that needs care basically.
You do sound very tired I hope you’re ok. Please get checked out. Oh dear Karen not well at the same time is not good. You need some help
Ixion I love your story 😊 what a lovely tale. Good job your brother was rescued.
Cherry I’m hoping you are doing ok but am worried about you. Hope you’ve had a good weekend
Grammaretto how’s your day been have you been helping out in the store?
Nfk I’m wondering how you are too. Mamissimo I know you’re busy. You too Jan are you having a good weekend?

Ko tenei te Wiki o te reo Maori.
It's Maori Language week.

We have different weeks throughout the year promoting languages which are perilously near to being lost.
This includes all Pacific island languages; from the same root usually but very different in usage and pronunciation.

I'm fine Doodle really I am. I ferreted out the iron tablets and will see if they make a difference.
Preferable to eating meat anyway

Seeing the oh-so-charming cardiologist tomorrow. No doubt he'll be cross that all the tests he ordered in 2022 didn't eventuate.

Cherry you are in my thoughts, as ever, wishing you better days, free of dratted seizures.

Hello Nfk, are you there? Busy perhaps? Hope you can pop in soon. Jan I'm hoping you too are feeling a little more settled.

Jeeves my man, nip out and check on them all will you and have the ready for when Mamissimo is back among the bored beans.

I'm here Doodles! I'm fine! I've only caught up with the last page of news, I haven't read the rest yet. I gather poor Cherry is suffering again and has burst all the bubbles in her bubble wrap so not bouncing at all. It really isn't fair.

I've been away with my lovely campervan buddies to South Wales, right as far as St David's with four nights in the Cotswolds on the way back. Lots of walking, lots of laughter and no time allowed to mope. No internet on most sites and no tv. A real break. Kira came too as DiL had to go into the office too often and long to keep her company. She really loved it was as good as gold - except for the incident in the field full of of seeding wild flowers which was full of partridge. It wasn't for long. She proved she's very good at putting up game! I was very grateful that she was wearing a tracker, and that it worked. I could see the line of her progress on my phone and watch her turn ninety degrees towards me when I called her back - and she actually heard me. We did a lot, saws a lot and she's now a much travelled dog. And a very tired one. (And I am too!) It does get better Doodle. Certainly more controllable. It's over a year now for me and I now understand the custom of a year of mourning. It's about right.

Oh Nfk so pleased to hear from you. So glad you’re out and about in the camper bubble. I love Wales and St David’s. Cotswolds too. Sounds a beautiful trip,
Glad you had Kira for company and that you have a tracker for her. That’s a good idea.
Thanks for your encouraging words. It means a lot
Kaimoana I can’t believe you haven’t had those tests. Hope the cardiologist realises you’re not being looked after properly and does something about it.
Good idea to send Jeeves out to round everyone up. I might need to get him a tracker too
Grammaretto hope you had a nice weekend and you didn’t get cold or wet. Did you enjoy your stay in the cabin?
I spent the afternoon sitting in the sunshine by the river having coffee and a chat with some friends. It was very pleasant. Walk tomorrow and returning some items to Amazon
Sleep well all

Your afternoon sounds perfect Doodle and so does your Welsh adventure Nfk.
Did you bump into our Cherry when you were there?

I am still losing posts so I will just say the weekend went well but it was very nice to sleep in my own bed.

My new Helper arrived tonight. She seems nice but very young.

She is German but with an English father and seems to be fluent in both plus French where her DGM lives.

I've not seen Jeeves in ages.

I too am still losing posts Grammaretto - it makes me quite fed up as they are always the longer ones

I might try doing several short ones instead...

The Spaghetti household has been busy with family the last few days, spending (more) time picking apples with my mother-in-law, looking after three grandchildren- one on her own and then two sisters together.

At home the squirrels are eating ^all our figs^
I am SO fed up. There were some beautiful fat ones just waiting for a sunny day but now they are all gone! There are a few not-so-fat ones but they may never ripen. And of course you can't ripen them off the tree as they glue themselves up with a sort of latex
😕

What a nice picture you paint, NfkDumpling of the lovely dog, the fields and wildflower seedlings. I love being out abd about with nothing important to do. Dogs are such lovely creatures and really "comfortable" companions.

My daughter's boyfriend's dog is fairly old now and has spent a fortnight or so not well at all. He is perkier now but inspite of several vet trips nobody really knows what was wrong except that he was perhaps in some kind of non-specific pain (he was given pain killers with small meals for 5 days). He had a scan and blood and urine tests and didn't respond as if in pain during manual examinations.
His heart, lungs, kidneys etc were "those of a younger dog" so it's entirely a mystery.

I was deeply troubled with his illness and so was my daughter who brought him here during the day as her boyfriend was away working during some of this.

Anyway, he is a lovely caring dog and if anyone is upset (even with a film!) he immediately goes over to them and puts his head or paw on them.

I have really grown to love him ❤️

Yep, just lost the lot too.🤬
Going to lie down in a darkened room for a bit and then, when recovered🥃, post and cut 'n' paste.
Back later.😤

Grammaretto glad you had a good time at the weekend. With all those languages your young helper might be a hit at the folk club nights if she goes with you.
Notspaghetti what a shame about your lovely figs. You will have some very fat squirrels in your garden. Your daughters boyfriends dog is obviously well loved. Hope he’s ok.
Ixion poor you I hate losing posts so annoying hope you had a good weekend and all is well in the Ixion household.
Is there any footy on soon. I’m in need of some Pringles?
Cherry hope you’re doing ok. Sending hugs
You too Kaimoana
Been a bit of a bumpy day for me today. I’m so tired I’m off to bed soon. Take care all.

If at first you don't succeed ...trying again.

How did you get on with your Cardiologist, Kaimoana? What did he say about the absence of tests so long ago?
I hope you are able to find transport assistance for your appointment at the end of the month. A case of so near and yet so far☹️. Any plans for Gubbins and Daddy (and you!) to meet up again in the near future?
I was interested to read about Maori Language Week. How many are we talking about here? Are there numbers for native speakers? Are some nearing extinction?
Are languages readily understandable between the islanders?

I'm so pleased you had a good time away, Nfk, with your camper buddies. Do you not always take Kira away with you? Don't you worry about security without a four footed friend - however soft?😁 Do you deliberately 'close down' and lay up for the winter or do you need periodic trips out for the battery etc?
We used to hire a neighbour's caravan in Anglesey occasionally when the children were small. Those days were always the best - so restful, no domestic jobs or distractions, just clear breakfast, open the door, chuck the kids into the field to play with their new found pals, clear the beds away and the day unfolds in front of you.

What plans do you have for your latest helper, Grammaretto? When is your exhibition- or have I missed it? Hopefully not. You say she is young, is she quite independent?

Doodle, we need you on Saturday. Playing one of the Big Boys, so bring Pringles by the sackful and get your singing voice prepared, especially if 🍒still isn't match fit. I will send a copy of her lyrics fyi. --Will make your hair curl.--

Waving, 🍒, how goes?
Thinking of you and hoping things are getting better ❤️‍🩹

ixion, Anglesey was my happy place as a girl and then my parents retired there and visiting them made happy memories for my children.
Next year the whole family are going (just for a week) to build sandcastles and (I hope) have the best of days once more.
🙏

I do so envy your Camperbubble Nfk and the freedom it gives you. Glad you had such a wonderful time.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE TUTORIAL FOR ixion

How did you get on with your Cardiologist, Kaimoana? What did he say about the absence of tests so long ago?

He was cross but after the ECG showed not much had changed since I was first referred in 2022 he was a little more sanguine.
I am to go for an echo-cardiogram soon. Is that the thing you play, ‘Little Sir Echo’ on?

I hope you are able to find transport assistance for your appointment at the end of the month.

So do I. Can’t get a straight answer from the infuriating official shuttle dispatcher even after multiple texts over 3 weeks but Waipareira are trying to organise a taxi chit for me. Fingers crossed.

Any plans for Gubbins and Daddy (and you!) to meet up again in the near future?

I may see Gubbins and dgs on 29th if DiL needs her nails done again.
Gubbins will fly, with Mum and brother to see Papa in October.

As for me, I probably won’t see him until 2026, if I’m lucky.
Once he’s settled in this job, with a proper routine, we will be able to video call but at the moment, he’s here, there and everywhere, talking to everyone involved in the enterprise he’ll eventually take over.

I was interested to read about Maori Language Week. How many are we talking about here?

Weeks or languages? There are 11 separate language weeks for the different tongues.

Te reo Maori, the language of indigenous people of Aotearoa-NZ is now spoken fluently by about 50,000 people here. I understand it was once down to fewer than 2,000 and some of those lived in the remote areas where it was and still is, the first language.

Those who, like me can understand more than they speak but get by in conversation, number around 20,000, not all of whom are Maori of course.

Some kaumatua who were legally forbidden to learn or speak it in their youth, began learning as a result of the Maori Renaissance 1970-2000+ when willing and enthusiastic Maori volunteers of all ages decided to uphold and uplift culture and language. Both are now thriving. Te reo became an official language here in 1987.

^Are some nearing extinction?

On sparsely populated islands like Tuvalu (where Mepa comes from. 9,000 people on six atolls and 3 island reefs) and Niue (pop 1,800), language is in danger but there is a tendency for migrants from Tuvalu, Samoa, Niue Tonga, Chatham, Cook Islands, etc., to continue to speak their own.

There are day-care centres specifically for the promotion and preservation of each Pasifika language but once the children get into the school system, where English is spoken throughout, it’s more of a struggle to maintain that.

Only NZ Maori have a full immersion education system from Te Kohanga Reo (The Language Nest) through primary (Kura Kaupapa) and on to senior schools/college (Wananga) there are about 100 across the country all of which are privately financed.

Are languages readily understandable between the islanders?

Generally they are with local variations but that’s a bit like saying American is understandable by the English.
I was listening to an Americn audio book last week and had to give up as I barely understood a word

Hello Lobstars
That's so interesting, Kaimoana. Thanks for asking, Ixion.

Luckily we have English subtitles on all the films we show at our community cinema. *The American
ones as well as Foreign language films*.

You asked me what plans I have for my German girl. Well, she cooked a nice simple supper for us of vegetables and rice, then we chatted over decaff tea and marzipan chocolate, a gift from her. Her DGM is from the former GDR, East Germany so grew up under that regime and literally had to run away when she had the chance but feared she wouldn't see her parents again.
She is very proud of her mum.

As for work. I make lists. Wish lists of indoor and outdoor jobs. Apple processing today but also as it's so sunny we may go for a walk and pick brambles.
The greenhouse needs a good clear out and clean.
Then the pottery studio wants its floor washed oh yes, my list gets longer by the minute.

We have yarn group this morning and community lunch. I hope she'll meet some friendly locals. She didn't want to go to folk club so we didn't.

It's my littlest DGD birthday today and I hope to see her at the weekend when they are collecting their new puppy. I guess they won't stop here long!

Thanks Kaimoana, those were questions I was wondering about too. It's interesting about the different island languages and the similarities between them. But they are completely different languages? For me here, the Glaswegian and Newcastle accents are a different language I once went on a tour of Bamburgh Castle and didn't understand a word!

Perhaps the family will bring new puppy to show you Grammaretto? I love other people's puppies.

Hi Ixion. Ooh playing the big boys I’ll definitely be there. Just lubricating my vocals with some 🍷.
I too am hoping you’re ok Cherry. Sending a big cwtch
Notspaghetti I’d have loved to live by the sea. What lovely times you must have had with your parents and children
Kaimoana I’m glad the delay in your test hasn’t caused you any harm. Well done Waipareira. At least you can rely on them.
Well I hope you get to see Gubbins and your DGS soon but not seeing your beloved son for that long would be really hard for you. I hope you don’t have to wait nearly that long.
Thanks for the info and what good questions Ixion
Grammaretto I often have subtitles on when I watch American films. I can’t understand them otherwise.
nice to have different people to chat to when you get your different helpers. Hope you get lots of the jobs on your list done.
Ooh will they be bringing the puppy with them? That will be fun 🤣
Nfk we have a little Yorkie who comes to church most weeks. Makes absolutely no noise and sits quietly at the end of the pew . Needless to say she gets lots of strokes and cuddles from us all after the service.

Thank you for the big cwtch Doodle, it should be me sending you one 🤗. Indeed, thank you all so much for caring about me💞.

I haven't quite disappeared of the edge of the earth but I haven't been doing very well. I did see the nurse yesterday who ran some 'obs' but couldn't exactly do very much except tell me that she thinks I've got a mild infection. She's put in her report to the GP and said the Dr might contact me but then again might not 🤔. I'm not sure whether it's the infection that's led to my having more seizures or not, the nurse couldn't answer that one, but I'm still having more than normal and struggling with my words 😤.

Sorry that you haven't seen Jeeves Grammaretto, I admit to keeping him rather busy🤭😁.

I am thinking of you all x

*

Oh, Cherry, I do hope the doctor does get in touch soon and has a solution. I hope Jeeves can satisfy your every whim until that happens.

My grandparents used to give all enveloping cutches. Is that the same as cwtches? If so, I'm sending a big squishy one.

Jeeves will stay with you as long as you need him, Cherry dear.
I hope that won't be too long though and you throw off this bug!
I doubt they'll show the pup to me. They'll pop in on their way to pick her up so the girls will be far too excited. They want to get her home and settled in. She looks very cute in the pictures.

I'll be busy on Saturday anyway. We have open studios in our town so
mine is one of the 6 venues.

I have the kiln on tonight.
It's been such a sunny day here. Very unusual.

I hope you get your lift organised Kaimoana for your appointment.

I've been making appointments.
The window cleaner will come on Monday. The car will be looked at the week after next and my new denture will arrive in October. 😬

I had a fitting yesterday. you'd think I was having a dress made but when I looked in the mirror, the 2 new teeth were miles higher than the ones on either side. "Oh" says the Dentist, "Do you mind?" Ofcourse I mind. So she's sent it back to the lab to have it altered.

The indignities we suffer 😢

I don't understand how they could have got your teeth wrong Grammaretto they took a mould didn't they?

When my son lived with me temporarily and brought his TV, he once called me to come and watch (laughing all the while). The interviewer was talking to a Yorkshire farmer and there were subtitles!

dear Cherry I do so hope this is just a passing infection which clears up soon. It must be dire for you poor girl. Sending much love.

You are so right Doodle it's already hard not seeing him (though he does send messages). I have to remember Australia is where he lives and works now and how grateful I am that it's so.

Yes, Nfk they are completely different languages but still have a few similarities. Understanding across the Islands is no problem as English is usually taught in schools.

Here are some basic differences in wishing someone a pleasant day. The casual, shortened greeting is underlined and used by itself between friends.

G’day - (Good day) – Strine = Australian

Kia ora - (May you have good health.)
In the last few years, this next phrase has become popular and said when you are parting, Kia pai to ra (May you have a good/pleasant day) Maori.
Kia is an imperative, so you better obey it .

Kia Orana i teia ra (‘May you have good health on this day’) Cook Islands Maori.

I a manuia le aso (May your day be good. Samoan. Manuia is also used informally as ‘Cheers!’) The casual greeting in Samoan is Talofa (tah loaf ah).

Ofa ke mou ma'u ha 'aho fakafiefia (Enjoy this day) Tongan with glottal stops; casual, Malo e lelei

E mahana maitai teie (It’s a good day) Tahitian and if you’ve ever had a Maitai cocktail, you’ll know which word means ‘good’) Ia ora na

For most of these greetings, the words are run into one another. Ia ora na for instance is more like, Yorana. Kia ora is Kyorah.

And at the moment I'm trying to learn a few phrases in Cebuana which is one of the Fillipino dialects our nurses speak.
I hope to be able to say thank you for all their hard work for us elders.
Every Tuesday they take our blood pressure and check other vital signs - and are such absolute sweethearts for whom nothing is too much trouble.

Okay, back to English:

Toodle-pip

Wow Kaimoana2! So many options!