Not Locked Down but may need to be locked up

I expect you have seen bra extenders to be honest!
Apologies!

MrS is recovering well. He's allowed to drive now so that's a positive. His stitches seem to have healed up and now he's trying to resolve an annoying itchy skin problem. The GP doesn't know what it can be

We both had a pneumonia vaccination on Friday and are "recovering" from that... but at least it's a one-time thing. If you have (say) spleen issues they say every 5 years but otherwise it works for life so not needed again. Good.

Grammaretto, I know it's early but I hope you have as perfect a Christmas as possible in your big house. I remember the last Christmas in our family home when my parents sold up and moved. We went back with our then quite young family for "one last" Christmas. I expected it to be moving and beautiful and evoke memories of my very happy childhood but as it turned out our daughter had a terrible sickness bug and did a lot of vomiting! .
She made it through the church service (just) but it did make Christmas Dinner a fairly chaotic affair!
Happy days (in retrospect,)!

No apologies needed NotS, it was kind of you to remind me.

Glad your DH is getting on well.

I don't know what I feel about Christmas this year.
The family will be away in UK until late January but I've already had clear indications there was not going to be the usual family get together, or in future, other than with my DS and Gubbins.

This will be when they come back. Probably a belated Xmas and 2 x birthday combined in February.

The 40th Anniversary Dinner was wonderful but for the big band jazz orchestra although the singer were fantastic.

The food, as usual, superb but I didn't get kaimoana as hoped but it was great to be celebrating with all my Waipareira whanau.
We got a lovely goodie bag afterwards with a tote, t-shirt, engraved commemorative glass, silver and diamante napkin rings and a dear little cupcke with the Waipariera tohu on top.

I was given extra for Gubbins birthday2 on Thursday.
She wants to be here for 6am, 'To have bacon at Grandma's".


I wish you could see her on the Flying Fox, auburn hair streaming behind her, shouting, "I'm doing it!" as she hurtles down the wire.

Ixion I haven’t been using my whizzy light. To be honest I don’t think it helps me. I’m not sad because I’m depressed I’m sad because I’m grieving. I’m going to lend it to a friend who is thinking of buying one.
can’t think how Jeeves missed you off his rota. I will send him over pronto to soothe your brow and make you hot drinks.
Hope you feel better soon
Thanks Notspaghetti. The weather certainly isn’t helping my mood. I went to the Remembrance Day service at church today and was ok till we sang Abide with me then I just cried through the whole thing. Good thing I’ve given up wearing mascara or it would have been all over my face, as it happens I don’t think anyone noticed.
Glad MrS is feeling better,
I had my RSV jab last week with no apparent side effects thank goodness.
Kaimoana I’m sorry about your Christmas. I know how much the family mean to you. Hope your DS and Gubbins make it special for you when they get back.
Sounds like a little girl is really looking forward to being with you on her birthday. Wanting to be with Grandma. That’s special
Been to DS1 today and spent the afternoon talking about DH and memories, it was lovely.
DHs brother and his wife coming to take me to lunch tomorrow
Grammaretto how did the firing go? I hope you weren’t on the late shift. Did you enjoy it?

Hosting family Christmases.
I was so lucky as a child as we always went to my maternal grandparents who hosted about 20 of us, their 5 children and partners and around 10 grandchildren (depending on the year!). Heaps of food, a vast pantry of homemade accompaniments (her pickled onions and horseradish were legendary), and, best of all, family parlour games from, I guess, the twenties and thirties. Tip-it, anyone?

I am sorry that times are a-changing for you, Kaimoana. Good reason for despondency🌷. But pleased your anniversary celebrations went swimmingly.

I hope that Doodle had a good day, that Cherry has surfaced in better health and that Grammaretto's firings went well. Was it an all nighter?

DS had asked whether I had booked my usual delivery slot with Sainsbury's this morning, 11- 12. He then pointed out that this might well jeopardise any attempts to honour the two minute national silence for Remembrance Sunday. How delighted I was to see the van arrive close to 11am, park away from the drive and sit, motionless for two minutes. Only a young chap, I queried whether that was company policy. Apparently not, he was always moved by the pomp and circumstance of the occasion and the deep significance of the respectful silence.

You've no idea, sadly, how difficult it is to find a channel, on line, to send bouquets as opposed to brickbats. In the end, I had to enter a 'complaint' to ask for this young man's thoughtfulness to be brought to the attention of his senior managers. I await a response, if any.

In addition to that, I turned on the tv to come across the last 10 minutes of the film 'War Horse'. That was me done for. Fit for nothing through the tears...

Kaimoana...I feel your bra pain. Below is a post I put on Facebook some years back.....
Buying a bra really is no fun anymore ...long long gone are the 32AA days when you had to check to see which way my head was facing to work out if it was my bust or my shoulder blades...my poor Mum must have thought her youngest daughter was incontinent as the loo roll diminished significantly with every visit to the toilet until she realised that my boobs grew bigger each time too. Going on the pill was an amazing transformation...in 3 weeks I went from 32A ( I'd progressed fractionally) to 34B...my happiness knew no bounds...neither did my uplift bra that tried it's best to contain and restrain its new contents instead of the 2 fried eggs it was previously used to... Things pretty much stayed the same for years apart from pregnancies that saw such dramatic changes that at one stage my breasts came through the door ahead of the rest of me. In my late thirties ( just a few years ago) things progressed to a 34C...no bad thing as it was cantilevered by my butt which at no time could ever have been described as petite ( apart from by Grandson Jack...but he was bribed ). The fountain of all things uplifting or flattening or flattering that is my best friend Ronnie began to mutter quietly ( at first) that my bra was too small and I should be wearing a 34D or even a 34DD...to me that stood for double dollop and was not to be considered and only the gift of a pretty red velvet set from aforesaid fountain saw me give in and accept that the ship was in full sail. And thus it remained..it went up to a 36DD over a decade and I happily popped into M and S once a year and picked whatever they had in that size as long as it had matching pants/ thongs ( that's another story ). A few years ago the fountain began to mutter again but I was having none of it. I had a very nasty experience in M and S in Cheltenham where I asked some skinny rat faced cow if I could be measured. .she looked down her nose at me and said loudly 'we don't measure ladies willy nilly you know' Unless it had escaped her notice it was neither a willy or a nilly I wanted measured merely confirmation that my bust was still containable in something labelled DD ....Only the fast approaching wedding of youngest daughter ( 6 days to be precise) saw me back in M and S...this time in Haverfordwest. ...the fountain who was in charge of keeping the Mother of the Bride sort of sane had metaphorically got my arm up my back and insisted that I be measured and purchase the correct fitting bra to go under my outfit. This time a lovely lady with a wonderful Welsh lilt took me gently by the arm into a cubicle and after a couple of twirls with a tape measure said 'I think you'll fit into a 'E' cup but not a 36...for a moment I thought I was going to pass out...surely to God I wasn't a 38E...I knew they weighed pretty heavy as when I'd put on a few pounds..I weighed them in the kitchen scales. ..that was a bit of a feat I can tell you...Anyway before I actually fainted she said ...let's try a 34E....or maybe an F.. ( I muttered something beginning with the same letter too when the fountain declared from the other side of the curtain....'I've been telling you for years that you've been wearing the wrong bra size'....you can go off people cant you?. Well 5 years on and 34E it's been but time being short I've not always tried on my purchases beforehand and although there have been some successes...much loved and much worn...there have been some spectacular failures too...latterly I bought a bra on line...it looked really pretty....lots of lace..a little crystal on a bow between the cups ( never to be seen on anyone over a B cup so I dont know why they bother). and it had the crucial matching accessories ( knickers to you and me). I excitedly unwrapped the package a few days later...and tried it on...turned round to look in the mirror and screamed...loudly...there in front of me was the body double for someone out of an opera whose name I can't remember but the female character has a large metal 2 pointed breastplate thing and a headdress with 2 horns on it and she is wailing at the loss of something gone forever....Dear reader. ..so was I...you have never seen anyone strip so quickly ( I might have been a tad quicker if Hugh Jackman had suggested a quick rumble..)... I flung the bloody thing across the bed and staggered downstairs for a reviving glass of Chenin Blanc..still wearing just the matching accessories...complete with matching crystal which was strategically placed to cause maximum pain if you made any movement that involved bending. Stand idly half naked by the fridge I spied the schedule for the local Horticultural show and my heart lifted....I knew exactly what I was going to do with the offending article... there is a Summer show each year and normally there is a category for 'flowers in the most unusual receptacle '
I'll plant the flaming thing with petunias and label it 'My cup runneth over'

Naughty - I was probably about 7 years old when/if I measured 32 chest.

A combination of genetics (both grandmothers 25+ stone), and repeated dieting (until I did the research, stopped and wrote two books about what I discovered), has made me a bigger person, although I am actually much smaller now than at my largest.

None of this has ever hampered me in any way. I'm a life-long swimmer (2 hours hard out exercise in the pool before Covid)
and a keen hiker - with full 40lb pack and a baby in a sling

Only in very recent years and due to illness have I ever been slowed down - but I still don't have granny naps; neither brain nor body will let me. So I'm a lucky lass.

Nor does it matter psychologically; I'm not ashamed of being fat at all and if people assume I sit watching telly and eating pies, that's their problem.

Only when it comes to buying attractive clothing and underwear which fits (hysterical laughter at the very thought of that possibility) do I get a bit miffed but it passes quickly (grin)

I recently ordered a bra from Triumph, not a cheaper brand but their largest size. I asked them to measure it before posting. It was 97cm round. I am 139cm round. So I guess it's more patching of the old ones - but I'm used to that.

It's just harder to do it these days with so little sight.

Meanwhile, here's a pic of me at the splendid Waipareira 40th Anniversary Dinner - wearing a garment I designed and was specially made for me by a dear friend, in lte 1999, for the launch of my first book in 2000.

Not too shabby really

Your bra trials have been amusing reading but uncomfortable wearing no doubt! 🤣😂

I am totally converted to wood firing for the main reason that it's so sociable. I have joined the group and hope to be part of a nearer group eventually.

Isn't that special Naughtyneine to find that the delivery lad was so respectful today.

Our U3A history group this afternoon was sharing personal family stories from both major wars, remembering that there are still wars going on of course.

Kiwi girl and I did an hour's decluttering this morning and she processed even more apples. She has gone to a concert in Glasgow tonight.

Red sky tonight.

Beautiful photo Grammaretto.
😍

Ixion we had lovely Christmases too. Not on the scale of yours as the family wasn’t that big but we always had a good time.
I did have a good day Sunday thanks. Spent a nice afternoon with DS1 chatting about DH which I love to do.
What a sensible chap you’re delivery driver to think of the two minutes silence. I watched War Horse some time ago. Very emotional.
Naughtyneine thank you for such a funny story, I loved the bit about the horticultural show, 🤣🤣
Kaimoana I love your photos. You always look so full of joy. Love your outfit too. My clothing troubles have been with jumpers recently. For some reason jumpers are now coming with baggy sleeves. I like a rib cuff on my jumpers so I can push my sleeves up when I’m doing something. Also now I have shrunk so much I find they are so long at least they keep my nether regions warm.
Grammaretto I’m so pleased you’ve found a group to socialise with and enjoy the firing. I know you’ve told us before but is the firing done in the ground?
What a beautiful picture. How lovely.
Hello to all our missing posters, hope everyone is ok

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For Doodle some photos of the kiln.
It looks like a normal kiln but is heated by a constant supply of dry firewood/pallets which are fed into 2 fire boxes, rather like stoking a steam train. I didn't stay up all night but others did. It will be cool enough to unpack on Thursday.

I think you'll be glad of longer jumpers around the nether regions come winter proper Doodle.

Marks n Sparks still do ribbed cuff jerseys, as does ebay tinyurl.com/2zxaafbb and and Wallis www.wallis.co.uk
I didn'tr look at Amazon but I suppose they will too.

I so envy your ability to get things from these huge places like Amazon.
Our nearest, 2,000km away is in Australia and either the items are marker 'not posted to NZ' or the postage is higher than the price.
I recently looked at something I really wanted for about $8 and postage was $35.

My Mum used to run a mail order catalogue hobby/business, they still exist?
I rember her arranging for even fridges and sofa's to go to the Hebrides to a work colleague who moved there

No one picked me up for the kaumatua group today
So I got busy making traffic light jelly and mushroom sauce and potato salad plus another large batch of chocolate truffles - mint and some orange ones with zest.

Aatoa and I will have a special Xmas lunch together tomorrow and the party stuff is for Gubbins Birthday2.

Naughtyneine oh my goodness I can’t stop giggling over your bra escapades! I actually hate bras and if I’m indoors with no expected visitors off it comes! - too much information!
Well youngest daughter- actually she’s 52 no idea how that happened - was transferred to Norwich hospital where they removed her thyroid and the horrible goitre. I did ask if they presented it to her in a jar but apparently not! All went well except they now can’t get her calcium levels to an acceptable level so she’s stuck in hospital until then - she’s already served 6 weeks. Now waiting to see an Endocrinologist (sure that’s not spelt correctly). Just hoping they get her sorted soon. Now catching up with everyone’s news having spent so long on the Bra Saga!

Jan16 - what a relief that it's mainly over! Hope the calcium problem is quickly sorted and she's soon home.

I hope she gets to see an endocrinologist soon
🤞

Good news Jan - I've been wondering how she was doing.

Kaimoana I’m so sorry you weren’t picked up for your group meeting. Do you know why? Gubbins will have a lovely time with all that jolly food. When is she coming?
*Grammaretto that kiln looks nothing like what I imagined, Does it have a door on it or is it just left open like that? Are the results different from your other kiln?
Good news Jan. Hope your daughter recovers well and is soon home again.
Sorry for brief post today, I’ve got a headache and am so tired I’m off to bed soon.

Goodness Jan, let's hope and pray the calcium levels can be sorted soon and she can get home.
Does your DD live near you?
I had a problem parathyroid gland removed so know all about endocrinology. It is a wonder that something so small can cause so much trouble if it goes wrong.

The wood kiln has a door.

Just catching up, admiring Kaimoana's wonderful video - you have a lovely speaking voice Kaimoana - laughing out loud at Naughty's bra adventures, feeling sad with Grammaretto who has every reason to feel sad and admiring Doodle's bravery in attending the Remembrance Service. And, wonderful news Jan, your DD is on the mend and is at the NNUH, so you have the joys of the car park? (Or pay extra for the multi-storey which I loved as there's always space on the ground floor and a hidden pay machine at the bottom of the stairs facing the exit. So no queuing! Although a little further to walk.)

It was my birthday today, although I celebrated with the family last weekend. I missed Best Beloved cooking me a special meal, so I went for a walk on the beach and lunch at the pub with Kira. The wild sea and sun lifted my spirits as it always does.

Pressed too soon. It's bricked up and then a steel panel covers the bricks.

My phone is playing silly bu**ers and the words keep dancing around.
There's a gremlin about.

I had better call it a day too.
Night night all of you .xxx

Happy Birthday Nfk !! I'm glad you enjoyed the day.

Naughtyneine I've sent you a PM not a prime minister although it seems that would be no bad thing.

♩ ♬ Hari Huritau ki a koe, ra whanau ki a koe, hari huritau dear Dumpling, ♪ ♫ Hari Huritau ki a koe.

On Friday I may be able to get to the sea, where it and the breezes therefrom will hopefully lift my spirits too.

Just back from a great day in the Big Smoke, me-time once more, will sign in tomorrow but just wanted to wish Nfk a belated Happy Birthday!
A bientôt.

It's all go for Gubbin's arrival with balloons and tinsel on the mailbox to greet her and a posh cake for after the bacon, sausage rolls and olive she's requested.

Video went well yesterday, though as usual I look as if I've been pulled through a hedge backwards, forwards and finally roughed up by a hurricane. Especially next to my host, the smart 83 year old Valetta.

It was hot and humid but we had to have doors and windows closed for the duration, so that didn't help.

Kia pai to po whanau

Pleased that Jan's DD is making progress and hoping that Endocrinology are resolving outstanding issues.

Have a great time with Gubbins, Birthday Girl, Kaimoana🎂 🎈. She's sure to lift your spirits. I do hope you get to swim in Friday, will your video go online? Hope so!

I spent a good day in London yesterday with the theme of lesser museums.
Back next month close to Christmas when I shall meet up with my (second) cousin for a festive time - various Christmas trees and lights and proper Christmassy shops - F and M, Hamleys, Liberty's, Selfridges ... Purely window shopping, naturally but great company. Giving Harrods a miss!

I think that, by the end of the day, I was just overtired, but, waiting for my train at the National rail station, the battered grand piano in situ for anyone to play (or should it be 'play'?) was being manfully grappled with by a reasonable player - who still couldn't avoid the out of tune keys. He had come as part of a duo, clearly: his young friend was the most powerful tenor whose voice soared to the top of the concourse. We were treated to the score of The Phantom of the Opera and he held a captive audience. I did wonder whether he might have been professional student getting used to singing in a challenging environment😁. Me? So overcome, I lost it and had to go outside to regroup.

Thinking of Doodle as the country glides into the run up to Christmas and acknowledging how difficult a time this is going to be for her and all those who cannot be with loved ones for many reasons. Despite the gloss, you don't have to look far to find those for whom Christmas will be less than joyous.

Nearer to home, thinking of Cherry, Jan, Nfk, NN, MM, Grammaretto and all gang. How's everyone?

Nfk That car park!! And we thought parking at QE was a nightmare! We must have spent an hour trying to just leave the car anywhere! Everyone was parking on double yellows so we decided to do the same but along came an Angel - no wings though - to tell us she was leaving and we could have her space! I very nearly kissed her! But what multi story? Didn’t see one. Would have paid any amount just to leave the car!
Pleased you managed to enjoy your birthday and sure Kira did too!