Not Locked Down but may need to be locked up

*I'm sure that's a much better option, Doodle, given the
circumstances. A contemplative afternoon will be very much in order. I guess it must be a very fine dividing line between being swept along by well meaning friends who think they can distract one momentarily and the driving need just to be with oneself and one's memories. I will remember you both extra speshially tomorrow*🌻.

Are you getting lots of visitors to the exhibition, Grammaretto? Did your roof get looked at on Monday? And the washing machine? Have you another Helper lined up?

I wondered, Grammaretto and NotS, whether you took up your what must be time- and space-consuming hobbies when your children were young, or were they skills you developed and honed when they had all left home? The weaving looks beautiful too.

Nfk, we always keep an eye out in the media for the latest on the east coast landslips. And very impressive they are too . Such rapid erosion!
I have always been fascinated by that area since my father introduced us to Dunwich. I hadn't realised that he and his brothers were first evacuated there on the outbreak of war - hence, I suppose, his affiliation. According to my uncle, my grandfather (who I never knew) visited his boys there one weekend. He was horrified to see (and hear) bombing practice off and on shore.
He immediately announced that if this was the authorities' idea of a safe haven for his children, they would be coming straight home with him, thank you very much, to face the potential bombing of London as a family, all going down together...
(Their senior school, which my mother also attended, was evacuated later to Street, Somerset, a small town dominated by the Clarks shoe factory and one which we regularly revisited as children for the holidays.)

I hope Mr.J gets on OK tomorrow and that you can team up with a new professional you can really get on with.

Kaimoana - hey, a day when something went right for you! About flippin' time😆 ❤️

Cherry - are you back down to earth after your protracted birthday celebrations?
Not long til we have to start ⚽️ training again☹️.

Not an easy day for you dear Doodle. As far as we can be, we are with you in spirit and love.

Lost posts seem to be getting more common, perhaps GN's IT department needs a kick up the proverbial

When I was growing up and we saw someone had lost a lot of weight, we were justifiably worried because that's not how a healthy human body is supposed to react, even when the number are all good.
Alas, we are now (even doctors) thoroughly programmed by the lies of the diet & pharmaceutical industry, even though human biology hasn't changed one jot. Not that I’m worried, with any luck I’ll have vanished completely by the time I have to leave NZ.

I’ve been offered a free day (27th or 28th) at Te Wahi Ora, a beach-side retreat I’ve visited and supported for many years. It’s just a low-key session of merriment and relaxation, with a vegetarian lunch and g/f cakes How could I refuse?!

It was another good day today too ixion with an absolutely delicious meal at the Sallies which included Sticky Toffee pudding and ice cream. I've never had that before but could easily have eaten seconds and pretended I wasn't diabetic.

Bargains from their trading table included 3 more long, covered coat hangers and a new Toasty heat bag. Gubbins will love it. All for less than the price of a coffee.

Although it began damp with Tawhirimatea still miserably sniffing, the sun fought through and I got my laundry dry - these little blessings mean a lot.

You mentioned the Olympics Doodle but I hadn't realised they were this year. Paris eh? The City of Light and dirty pavements

......and dirty river water too until miraculously, the Olympian river god plus the Mayor of Paris declared it clean enough to swim in, and she did.

Kaimoana, your weight loss if unintentional, was large which is why I hope it's nothing to worry about.
I was told I'd lost 2ins in height at a bone scan, ten years after my previous one. I've not been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I think it may have been different equipment.

Ixion, I discovered clay at art school, worked with a London potter and then transferred to a craft college in Kent where I learned the trade the old fashioned way, over 3 years. I bought my first wheel, which I still use, and a kiln back then. I dabbled in other crafts as well which was useful when I worked with adults with additional needs, running the craft room . I taught pottery with community education for about 30years as well as in schools and in my own studio. I still run occasional classes but I love the freedom now of doing what I want.
I never dreamed when I was a, not very academic, schoolgirl who spent as much time as possible in the art room and whose careers teacher suggested I could possibly become a librarian librarians were not considered glamorous in those days that I would still be making pots and entering exhibitions 60years later.

I had tea with my old school friend yesterday so we had a lovely catchup.

The exhibition invigilating was fine. We only had about 20 people throughout the day but chatted to them and discussed the work. I think we sold ½ a dozen pieces yesterday. My teapot had a red spot so that was nice.

Back home and back down to earth with a leaky ceiling still. I spoke to the roofer who thought he'd fixed it on Monday.

Doodle, I hope your special day goes well. Feeling close to him in the church sounds perfect.
Thinking of you 🦞

Grammaretto.
Er, golly. I fear my questioning about your pottery life has come across as a bit, er, clumsy☹️.

Thank you for your kind and interesting reply. I didn't mean to diminish your work by sounding as if it were merely a nice to do, spare time hobby about which I was enquiring..

If I did, many apologies. You had no need to justify your achievements- I remain in awe.

Mea culpa. 💐

No need for you to apologise ixion.
I love any opportunity to talk about myself 😄 🤣

I was bitten on my hand by a dog this afternoon and have just spent the past ½ hour on the phone to 111 who told me to take a paracetamol.
So now I know.
It was quite a shock! The bite not the advice.
The dog is a rescue dog who has bitten before. I am fine but I am alarmed that a child could be bitten on their face as once happened to a df child.

American cousin has covid.

ixion you are right, I couldn’t have managed lunch today. I barely managed church but at least if felt good to be there.
We used to visit the Dorset coast for holidays for several years. The erosion of the cliff face there meant that over a 10 year period the cliff path we used to walk on vanished as did the land in front of 3 chalets that had to be evacuated and removed.
Kaimoana the beachside retreat sounds lovely. Hope you get to go. I’m sure Gubbins will be thrilled with her gift.
I love sticky toffee pudding but with custard rather than ice cream. Sounds a lovely lunch though
Grammaretto I loved learning how you came to your craft. So interesting to hear the background. Lovely that you still enjoy it.
good the exhibition is going well and you’ve sold a teapot
Oh dear I’m sorry about the dog bite. What a shock for you hope you’re ok. No I wouldn’t be happy to think of that dog near children either. Did you not need a tetanus jab?
thanks for all your kind wishes, not been the easiest of days

Grammaretto oh dear, how long ago did your cousin leave? Hope you don’t get it

She says she must have caught covid on the plane on Sunday. Do you think I should test? We don't usually anymore.

What an interesting history Grammaretto, in fact you have an interesting life, packed full of all sorts of lovely events, visitors and trips
Thank you for your concern but please don’t worry about me, I’m perfectly well and happy at any weight

Glad you’re through the ordeal Doodle

I don't think the Piha day will be happening, having just received a quote from them for two round trips by taxi, equalling more than my pension!

I've been fortunate in the past that my friend of 30+ years who owns the place, has collected me.
She lives on site, is very sprightly and still drives daily but now, in her 90’s, leaves admin to others, so won't know about the quote.

I’m not disappointed, when I was at the badly run Writers’ Weekend earlier this year a new and unpleasant anti-men bias emerged; not the values my friend has ever espoused. It doesn’t sit well with me either because I know many lovely men and enjoy their company.

It’s my sister Gillian’s 61st birthday today.

Grammaretto - my daughter's surgery has sent round a text message to say that the surgery is implementing a masks policy again!

There is a lot of Covid about it seems - we were both very ill with it and still not 100%

I read that once the plane takes off the air filtration is excellent and, especially if you keep your air vent on, you are unlikely to catch it on the plane - but the airport is another matter as is sitting on the plane "waiting" for take-off, taxiing and hanging about to get off

I have called off work and will pick up antibiotics from the pharmacy. My bite wound is now swollen, red, painful, oozy and smells. sorry TMI

I was going to dust down my mask anyway. It's definitely more common again to see people with them.

Sorry you were badly affected NotSpag.

My Kiwis have landed safely on their home soil, despite the IT outages affecting flights. So that's one good thing.

Are you due a tetanus jab, Grammaretto?

Get thee to a doctor Grammaretto! Soon, if not sooner! That sounds like a nasty bite. Even if your tetanus jab is current you may need another to boost resistance.

I've heard the same NotSpag. Sitting in somewhere like Heathrow waiting for a flight is a pandemic waiting to happen. So many tired, stressed people crammed together and wandering aimlessly. It's one reason for not travelling!

You did well to get to church Doodles. These anniversaries are hard. Sometimes, some anniversaries are personal to just you two and take you by surprise when you realise the date. I'm afraid I'm very antisocial and take myself off in the Camperbubble and walk the beach with Kira. Friends do understand and still care about you, especially if they've been there themselves.

How are you feeling, Grammaretto? I hope the antibiotics kick in prontissimo.

It's been a glorious day here. Usual inherited trick of drawing all the curtains to keep the rooms cool. DS2 mentioned recently that he recalls coming home from school on really hot days to find the house dark but cool.
Mr I and I had an ice lolly, found lurking at the bottom of the freezer. The ice lollies, not Mr.I. Goodness knows how long they had been there.

Dentist today. Has nobody ever explained to them in training that a two way conversation is impossible when one is the recipient of intricate dental doings?

Waving to Cherry, in particular, who seems to have been absent from us for far too long! Hope all is well with you - and everyone else, of course.

Oh dear Grammaretto that bite sounds nasty. Please if it feels worse over the weekend do go and get it checked at A&E *
If I was closer I’d take you myself. Did the doctor or nurse actually see it? Do hope the antibiotics work soon
if you feel ill you could do a test
Hope you feel better soon. Is your lodger around to help if you have difficulty doing things?
Glad your family got home safely. This IT thing is causing all sorts of problems
Kaimoana I’m sorry about your Phia day. What a shame they charge so much your friend would be upset if she knew.
I m not sure I remember you had a sister. Are you still in touch?
Notspaghetti yes there seems to be a lot of it about at the moment. It affected you quite badly I remember.
I haven’t had my latest booster as DH was in hospital
Im going in for my op in Wednesday so hoping I can avoid catching it in hospital
NFK I’m at the stage of not being comfortable at home or out.
When I’m out I want to be home and when I’m home I’m unsettled. I desperately want to get to a point when I feel happy at home, DH and I were so very happy here I don’t like feeling on edge or tense. My tinnitus is driving me mad at the moment I’m sure it’s stress.
Im so glad your have Kira for company. A quiet time in the camper bubble with her sounds ideal.
Ive had a better day today despite it being so hot. I’m very tired too which hopefully means I’ll sleep well
ixion oh yes so hot today. I don’t pull curtains but do have the blinds shut which keeps out some of the heat. We have a triple aspect room so the sun works its way round during the course of the day. Means it’s nice and light but can become so hot.
Cherry sending you love and hugs

Gramaretto I echo what others have said and the sooner the better with a weekend coming up. PLEASE seek professional help, even the pharmacist can advise.

And Doodle so much on your plate right now Sweetie and I hope the short time in hospital and the support of your family means that when you come home, you may be a little more settled. One more thing behind you. xxxxx
No, Gillian and I are not in touch. We are, in every single aspect, opposites. She was very abusive and treated Mum shamefully; one of the reasons Mum at 77 came out to join me.

Oh, you poor love NotS, have you fully recovered from Covid now? The after-effects seem to linger with some people.


Nfk Like you, I need time alone to come to terms with things - it would be far harder with people around.

Yes Cherry we miss you very much but know you'd be here with the pompoms and ra-ra skirt if it were possible. Love to you xxx cwtch.

ixion I’m just discovering how useful blinds (versus curtains) can be. My new ones let down to the floor so in winter are proving excellent insulation as well as stopping glare from a low and very bright sunshine when at half-mast.
Maybe the way I’m referred to now as ‘the blind lady’ is more accurate than I supposed

I intend replacing the Piha weekend with a birthday celebration.
I shall buy a gluten-free brownie, make a nice cup of Rooibos and wish dear wee Spud ‘many happy returns’.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202407/medium-27539-1000022321.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202407/medium-452509-1000022317.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202407/medium-851734-1000022318.jpg

Thank you everyone for your kind words about our recent bout of covid. To be truthful it was pretty grim but I thought it had gone and then it seemed to come back. The worst of it was the timing when our son was to visit.

I know how horrible infections are Grammaretto - I had to have antibiotics after my tooth was removed and that was a horrible thing to have in your mouth. Luckily they worked and I'm ready now to book another appointment with my dentist. Oh joy!

I just thought I'd share some photos of the glorious blooms outside our front window. The fragrance is unbelievable... I just wish you could smell them.

I almost can NotS they are very popular here too. Gorgeous photos.

I spoke to the doctor on the phone and she prescribed the penicillin. I suppose if there's no improvement after the weekend I will tell them. I've cancelled my plans. I was going to visit the friend in her managed flat.
That can wait.
My DS1 and his family are coming to see me today. DDiL is a nurse. My lodger has been kind. Her DM is in hospital and her 3rd DGC is due in a week or so.

NotSpag, those lilies look amazing.
Those of you further south are having a heatwave I believe.
Not here. It's warm but cloudy.
You have been through the wars.

Doodle I hope everything goes very well for you for your operation. I think your DS are looking after you.

Ixion I'm sorry but your dentist tales do make me laugh. It's so true! They stuff your mouth with cotton wool and then ask you questions.

Sorry there's no Piha weekend Kaimoana but I feel sure you'll find something to enjoy.

Cherry, Jan, Nfk and all Lobstars. Wishing you well.

Kaimoana I’m not looking forward to the op but at least I’m lucky enough to have family round me who will visit. My DIl says she wants to be there when I come round from the op. **That’s so nice of her.
Sorry you’re not getting to go in your trip. Your friend will miss seeing you.
Notspaghetti what glorious flowers, so pretty. It was so unlucky you having covid when your son was here. Such a shame. Hope you’re both feeling better now.
Grammaretto that bite sounds really nasty, I’m glad your DIL is coming hopefully she can offer some advice and check it over. Yes family will be looking after me. I am very lucky to have them
Sending love and a hug to Cherry

Some people, when going under, or emerging from anaesthetic, can use rather...er...ripe language and while I don't imagine that you are of that ilk, dear Doodle one never knows what naughiness drugs can cause.
So perhaps your DiL should be warned to clap a swift hand over your mouth in case anything other than 'Where am I?' emerges?

Tawhirimatea is still being a drip in the mornings but Tama-nui-te-ra fought through long enough to dry all the hand towels.

I like Maori mythology as unlike the Greek versions, women are never blamed for misfortune but are strong and often dangerous. Ka pai

Mepa is back! As usual, full of cold and wearing her mask beneath her chin like a false beard. I wore mine too but I very much fear the bugs have got me.

They say you learn something every day. It’s true.
Today I learned that if one urgently need to do a wee-wee, it is unwise to delay - then have a coughing fit.