Not Locked Down but may need to be locked up

Forgive me all I’ve been out a lot today and met up with both our sons. Just got back and am so tired I can’t write more tonight. Catch up tomorrow. Sleep well all.

🤣 NotSpaghetti, eventually I'd be a very very short blade of grass.

Joking aside, apart from the nightmare of finding out exactly which way you needed to go to reach the correct department following useless instructions the appointment itself sounds pretty positive Kaimoana 😊. Your blood pressure was probably higher than your normal range because the whole experience was stressful--including misdirections, and the taxi journey--, wasn't it. When mine was checked in clinic recently mine was higher than normal too. for the first couple of readings.
As for loss or height and weight - loss of height is one still not a good one thing but losing weight, especially if quite quickly, is another, unless engineered Kaimoana. Was neither of these things commented on? If not then I guess it's not something to worry about, even if it spooks.

I hope you enjoyed your time in your happy place ixion.
We having other anywhere in our new car yet - we collect it from the dealership tomorrow.

I hope today has been a relatively good day Doodle.

NotSpaghetti 😅🤣😂

^DGs patiently waiting while I was weighed (more weight lost) and height (2 cm lost – where has it gone?)^

Oh no, Kaimoana2 - that is NOT a good way to lose weight! Eventually, if that was me I'd be very very short and still pretty fat ... and then I'd be like a puddle!!!

Oh dear Kaimoana. I realise it's serious but can't help laughing at your tale of woe 🤣

And as for Karen. Who is caring for who?

I hope the raised BP is a temporary result of your fast lane lifestyle.

What a joy that DGS was able to help you. I'll bet he was glad to.

I'm just back from taking GH German helper to the airport.
She was/is a gem.
Saturday night we had a Scots night with haggis etc and then settled down to watch the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie on YouTube. in honour of Maggie Smith who has died.

Last night we went to the cinema to see The Piano. It's 30 years nearly since it came out. I found it far more watchable this time.

Enjoy your happy place ixion
I hope today is one of your good days Doodle

I'm off to get my final tetanus jag.

Sending love and hugs to all the Lobstars xx

Poor Doodle my heart aches for your sorrow, and there is no short cut either but I know we are ALL sending very positive and loving thoughts.

I was jolly glad Dgs was with me today. Instructions sent with letter meant for sighted people. “Take the Orange lifts to the 6th floor, then turn left and follow the signs”.
I had ominous feeling in tummy so decided to sit in back seat of taxi in case this was a premonition.

Long and scary trip on motorway with cars and trucks whizzing by on all sides. Eeek.

Dgs found Orange Lifts, we ascended – and there was a blank wall to the left. We walked ahead for about 4 miles (no signs for Vascular clinic) and eventually came to it – on the right

Chris, Vascular technologist said my GP was worried about the slow healing of my leg, still painful and a little swollen since being bitten by the Sallies van in early May…but definitely heaps better.

I was shackled to various machine which read blood flow to/from big toe, calves, knees, fore and upper arms. All readings good.
Not so happy was BP higher than it’s ever been but the weekly checks on Tuesdays show a consistently normal number so Chris was reassuring.

DGs patiently waiting while I was weighed (more weight lost) and height (2 cm lost – where has it gone?)

On leaving, Dgs and I came to Blue Lifts, thinking they would take us to the exit. They didn’t, because we hadn’t walked 4 miles back.

Two members of staff, loaded with take-away lunches, advised walking on to the Green Lifts and exiting at Level 4, which is actually the Ground Floor. Is it any wonder we were confused?

Taxi home didn’t crash and Dgs was picked up as he was due to stay with friends for the next few days. Next week he’s off to Surf Camp at Te Arai to improve his skills.

All quiet on the western front for about 10 minutes until Karen arrived, asking woriedly where I was at 10am.
When I said ‘Auckland Hospital’ she was shocked, ‘Have you had an accident? –quck glance at floor confirmed I hadn’t.

She and I had spoken several times about this appointment and I’d followed up with texts giving details, a reminder and also that we had a supermarket pickup today at 1pm.

When I showed her these and her replies she had absolutely no recollection of any of it.


Ropu Kaumatua 1tomorrow, so I made a lime cheesecake, plus the special order shortbreads.

And now, having been awake for 18 hours I'm going to settle down with "Documents Which Changed the World" a book/BBC documentary which show that sometimes Conspiracy Theories are accurate.

I think someone nearby is knocking a wall down with a sledgehammer, there's so much banging and hammering. It's dark outside so I can't see. There's a lot of whistling and maybe a dog howling and I swear I can hear the sea. But I live up the hill from the sea 🤔.

It's blowing a gale out there and the rain 🌨😲 !
There probably won't be many leaves on the trees tomorrow, I think they're all piled up outside our back and front door. That'll be fun when we open the door in the morning 🫣😉.

Interesting Grammaretto, I didn't realise there'd be such a significant difference between the effects and results you get from a gas kiln as opposed to an electric one. I definitely prefer the idea 9f the gas kiln, it does sound exciting not knowing exactly what the final result might be when you kill the oxygen.

It's great that you've got your DGS with you Kaimoana.

Enjoy your happy place tomorrow ixion

Doodle, a few months after my brother died my DSiL expressed things in more or less the same way as you have this evening and told me that "^this grief is a peculiar business^". In time 💐. It's good that you've got a nice number of lovely people to meet up with and spend time with, it is helping somewhat I think.

If you're about, I'll have an extra special hot chocolate tonight Jeeves.

All Souls, Langham Place, I meant🙄.

It's St.Martins-in-the Fields with the cracking crypt café and gift shop🤦‍♀️. Apols. Another one on my little list .

Kaimoana so pleased your lovely boy is with you and will be able to go to the hospital with you. Hope you’re having a good time.
Ixion ooh I love Foyles. Hope you have a good time. Sadly, lots of churches are no longer open during the day for people to go in. A sad sign of our times.
I am very lucky in that I seem to have acquired a number of very nice people who I can meet up with or have a coffee with. Yes you’re right I am doing better. I can cope with having meals out and chat with people. Music is still a very dodgy area and the wrong tune can affect me badly. Supermarket shopping is still fraught with memories of things I used to buy for DH. The big problem is that the longing for DH seems to be getting more and more as time goes on. Can’t remember if I said this yesterday but the good times are better but the bad times are worse. I still cry every day sometimes lots of times. I still can’t believe he’s not here. I miss DH so much. I do realise I’m far from alone in this and so many out there are feeling the same. Your lovely gift to me is in good use daily. Thank you so much
Treasure every moment with MrI. Take photos and videos, don’t know what I’d do without mine.
I do feel ok in myself so I’m hoping the X-ray results are fine too.
Grammaretto the word Liberty’s of course made me think of the bodice. Perhaps because I’ve been so cold today.
i wonder what delights your kiln will have for you when it’s opened. Good to hear sales are going well
Take care all

Who mentioned Liberty's? Was it you ixion? I love that place.
I can't afford to buy anything there but u love the incredible fabrics. Peek at the price tag of some Chinese embroidered silk and find it's in the hundreds per metre or do I mean thousands

I fire my gas kiln occasionally because I love the effects. The electric kiln produces a fairly predictable result but I prefer the surprise of not knowing what will happen especially when the oxygen is cut off and as fire needs oxygen to burn, it takes oxides from the glazes which changes the colour..
Also the electric kiln is being unreliable again .

A good day of visitors and sales but I was at a memorial service this afternoon for a friend who I hadn't seen since her DS wedding but I think the family were pleased to see me again.

I'm so glad you've been feeling more like yourself Doodle, apart from when you don't

So many things learned on here about things I never knew
Thanks Lobstars.

Good afternoon! Apologies for a couple of days away with writers's block. Dunno why, maybe I should try one of Doodle's whizzy lamps. Never mind, I am off to my happy place tomorrow for the day, technically researching but mooching round Liberty's, for sure and meeting an old friend in Foyles' iconic (sic) bookshop for a catch-up. Now on the site of the former Central St.Martins School of Art, it is very impressive but a long way from the rabbit warren of dark and cluttered little shops we used to frequent in our university days. One might have gone in armed with a reading list, but always came out with at least one extraneous book.

I was really hoping to visit St.Martin's in the Fields church, adjacent to the BBC, but it is only open on Sundays or for church-organised meetings, it would seem. It is the church where my mother and siblings were baptised as they lived 'round the block' it would seem and she spoke warmly of attending Sunday School there.

I hope, well I know, that Kaimoana will be having a wonderful time with her GS/escort.
Cherry, have you been out with the new wheels?
Grammaretto, treat me kindly why do you need to fire up a gas kiln? Is it for a different purpose or just your normal one restarting after a rest? You will see I need The Great Pottery Showdown to run another series, so that I can mug up accordingly☹️.
Doodle, would I be right in thinking that you are having some better days recently? I hope so, but it looks like you are surrounded by lots of good friends to help you along. I'm glad you're physically feeling well in yourself, so hope the results of your X-ray comes smart-ish.

Thinking of everyone present and absent.

Hello Cherry those pins are issued to serving police officers only but I wear mine on this day and think about the families who lost their darlings. One of DS's friend gave it to me, asking me please not to wear it in public or he'd be questioned

The date chosen is St Michael's (Archangel) Day as he is patron saint of serving police officers.

My mother used to recite a short nonsense poem which ended "...and take the baby'sbottom off the counter". [smile)

In (old) Yorkshire it was acknowledge that one did not sit on tables or anywhere food was served and it's a very strong social taboo in Maori culture as well, along with not putting shoes, combs, hats or brushes on a table.
To me, it's a basic and glaringly obvious hygiene rule which still makes me shudder if I see it abused on film or TV.

Yes Doodle my darling GS is here with me now and will go to the hospital with me (what a relief) but will leave for home immediately after as he's taying with friends.

So I am valuing every precious moment with him and not only because today of all days, I'm reminded how quickly some grand-children can be taken from us.

Hey Cherry you crept in behind me while I was typing. Yes I am a bit more settled. I appear to be happier when I’m ok but sadder when I’m not if you see what I mean. Both emotions seem to be heightened but I’m plodding on. Had a really nice afternoon and was determined to have a relaxing evening. The tears did come but I’m ok now.
Knit and natter is only 8 of us (one is the Vicar) so it would take a while to raise enough to mend the church roof
Oh dear we’re not doing well at all. Perhaps we should play and the footballers could cheer us on and eat the Pringles?

Notspaghetti my that’s an early start, no wonder you’re pleased you didn’t have to go.
Oh what a mix up with your cards. I can imagine the panic.
What a lovely lady to help you out. Some people are so kind.
What a story about your son and borrowing the car. It’s amazing how when you’re trying to hurry all sorts of things go wrong. Hope you enjoyed your lie in 🤣
Grammaretto why do people plonk children in counters. I’ve seen it done so often. As for the dog sniffing the bread I wouldn’t have tolerated that either,
Did you flounce out? I love a good flounce 🤣
Kaimoana is your DGS coming over soon?
ive had a nice day today. Went with a friend to visit another friend and we had a very enjoyable afternoon together. Does me good to have a good day. Still tears and sadness but overall a good one.

I've seen one of those pins before Kaimoana but for the life of me I can't remember where or who had it. I had no idea what it represented and didn't like to ask at the time. Now I know, thank you. I hope your dgs does come to stay with you for a few days, I know you enjoy each others company and it would be good if he could be there for you at the hospital.

Sorry to hear that your DS has got the dratted cough too Doodle, it's a gift that keeps on giving.
Your art skills are improving then well done. You're enjoying it too I. Think. Oh dear, the church roof 😬. Why am I immediately thinking a fundraiser event could be on the cards - involving sales of scarves and hats and probably a lot more besides? Remind me, just how many people are involved in your knit and natter 😆.
It is good to hear that you are feeling more settled in the evenings, whilst I realise that you are still restless in the day it couldn't be said that you were settled at any point just a few weeks ago 💐.

Im glad that your DD has been reassured about your DGD by the optician Grammaretto and that reassurance from you has eased concerns about your DGS.
The behaviour of the dog and the people at the community store sounds infuriating. Unacceptable. Not nice to have to deal with at the best of times, less so when you are tired. I hope you had a decent night's sleep as it sounds like you've very likely had a other busy day today. Open studio? Oh, by the way I ❤️ your cup, I'm sure the Chinese lady is very happy with it. It looks great with the other one she has.

Oh heck NotSpaghetti 😬. All's well that ends well though I hope your son hasn't caught a chill. It was incredibly good of and trusting the young lady to come to your rescue at the petrol station. I'm pleased that you enjoyed your cuppa in bed this morning 😁

Did someone mention holiday 🤔 - yes please, I could do with one purely because our club is currently led by a donkey 🫏 with players who are playing like 🫏s and we can't win a match. Another game today we didn't win, I'm considering binning the pompoms and eating pringles whilst sunning myself on a beach 😉.

Grammaretto - I think you would be wise to come with me on my holiday 🏝

NotSpaghetti 🙃😂
You sound as though you need a holiday!
My lack of sleep caught up with me yesterday.
I work on the till on Friday mornings at the communitystore.
First a big dog was sniffing the unwrapped bread for sale and then a small child was placed on the counter . I was rather short with both the people in charge of pets and
offspring and announced I was going home before I lost my temper.

The lady with the yellow nails is Chinese Doodle

Another busy weekend and hopefully a bit more relaxed next week.

...then I heard from my son that if he could borrow my car I needn't do the gymnastics run. 🎉
Bonus!
I messaged to say I'd be a few minutes and would pop over with it if he'd run me back home - but would buy milk on the way.
So I pop in to Tesco, obviously buy more than milk 🙄 ... because of all my shopping I queue behind a man and his son on one of the actual "belts" with a real person. He is soon paying... with his phone which dies on him mid transaction. Needless to say, he runs out and after a few minutes he comes back with someone (presumably waiting in his car miles away (it is a Tesco after all) and that person pays instead!

By now I'd been ages of course and my son was shivering outside in stupidly thin clothes? WHY?
Well because his super-sensitive ring doorbell wakes his children. 😁

Anyway... my tea in bed was very nice this morning

Have a lovely weekend ☺️

...but I hadn't remembered that it was switched off so had 2 attempts to pay and then remembered and tried to decide what to do. The petrol station was closing in 20 mins and I live too far away to be back in time so the attendant got out a massive form for me to fill in.

Then a lovely young woman behind me just stepped forward, "let me do that" and paid!

I took a photo of her bank card and when I got home I paid her back - and i did remember to switch on my card whilst I was there!

Hello, Doodle and others
You ask what I'm doing... well, currently I'm SO relieved I was "let off" the task of taking my lovely granddaughter to gymnastics today!💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿
Hooray!
I'm not a morning person - and I would be waiting in the car park at her class by now instead of lolling in bed still with a cup of tea as she has to be there at 8.30.

Yesterday was bank card chaos day! I had mislaid my debit card somewhere in the house - and using my easy bank app on my iPad I switched it off!

Of course I then found it fairly quickly and rushed off to swimming... On the way back I went to put petrol in the car and couldn't find it. Luckily I looked for it first (i thought) I emptied my gym bag out onto the passenger seat item by item as I knew I'd taken it, I searched the car but no luck. rang the gym - which was now (of course) closed and then spotted it on the floor.
Hooray!

Yes, you guessed, I had only snatched up that one card with which to pay. 😬 - without having switched it on again!

Sorry I completely missed another page of posts
Glad your DGD was seen at least checked over by an optician.
I like your cup. Very nice but my eyes were drawn to the yellow nail varnish on the hand holding the tray. 🤣
if your kiln doesn’t get up to speed till midnight does that mean you have to stay up thill then to put your pieces in?
What are you cooking this time? Are you ever tempted to pop a casserole in for dinner whilst it’s hot?
Notspaghetti hope you have a good weekend too. Are you doing anything special?
Kaimoana it will be a few weeks before I hear about my X-ray but I’m hoping for good news as I feel ok

Kaimoana I hope your DGS can go to the hospital with you. It would be good to have that handsome young man looking after you.
Im still not reading much. I just seem to have lost the ability to sit still. I’m ok after about 6pm when I have my dinner and watch the iPad before going to bed but other than that I’m so restless. Strangely I still put off doing the housework 🤣
Cherry our younger son has had a cough for weeks now and doesn’t seem able to shift it. So many poorly people about.
how exciting, a new car. Where will you go for your first outing?
Grammaretto has your helper left now? You will still have a houseful with your friends staying too. Do you take turns in cooking or do they look after themselves?
I’ve been out for a curry tonight with my neighbour. Very nice but also very filling so now I’m tired. Might head off to bed soon.

Cherry lovely to have you back with us.

Nfk gosh you're a hard worker good to get it done before winter though.

A few things resolved Grammaretto - you must be relieved.

I agree with you NotS re schools.

We have been locked into the idea that if our children don't get top exam marks they are doomed.

And yet the thinking which put such pressure on our young at the very time of their lives they can least concentrate shows how wrong the system is.
Major hormonal and neurodiversity changes all milling around, it's a miracle they survive the pressure - and on this hangs their futures?

No wonder only 52% of graduates every actually use their degrees.

How are you Doodle? I hope the hospital results have come back - nothing worse than waiting, is there?

Sunday is Police Remembrance Day here and commemorated by services all over NZ.

The pin represents a Huia feather, from the most sacred, and now extinct, bird of Maori tradition.

Grammaretto - it's a lovely shape cup!

...and pleased the family are feeling a bit less stressed
🤞all will be well

Hello Lobstars,
Thanks for your concern for my worries. I just wish I could do something useful but I think my reassurance that DGS will be OK even though I worry and that his dad was similar at that age, will have to do.
DGD was seen by a high St optician yesterday as both the GP and 111 on the phone were useless. Their nearest
A&E is Dundee, over an hour away. I think DD is reassured.
Someone came for the wee table I had advertised but it looked too small for her needs. Instead she bought one of my wee cups and sent me a photo of it with her other one.
Mine is the one with the handle.

I have been up since first light
lighting my gas kiln. I use it so rarely that the knobs have seized up and I have to use a hammer and a wrench!
I miss DH at times like this.
It's lit but won't get to top temperature until midnight.