Not Locked Down but may need to be locked up

Day by day dear Doodle, you are doing as well as can be expected and your beloved will be so very proud of you for fighting on and trying to smile.

I'm sorry to say I'm not okay, I wish I were.
My family is in crisis and I don't know when it will end.
And on top of the previous pension cut, the government has just taken another $50 from what was already a meagre amunt to live on.
However, I have contacted a Salvation Army advocate in the hopes she can help.

A sincere thank you for following up the issues which are affecting this country, and not taking negative press reports as gospel.

The Treaty Bill was/is meant to further disadvantage and has sprung from the growing confidence and pride of Maori through their "Proud to Be Maori" campaign.

The clear message from government is, 'we are the ones who say what you can and can't do and if Pasifika people follow your example, they'll get the same political kicking.'

What they forgot was that althougfh they may have the press in their pockets, the people, of all ethnic backgrounds, are sceptical and have come out in force and support, in a way we've never seen before, to fight this wicked Bill.

Not just for Maori but because, who knows who's next?

Some of you will know Pastor Neimoller's poem:

www.hollandcsd.org/cms/lib/NY19000531/Centricity/Domain/74/Holocaust%20Poetry%20packet.pdf

These are unsettling, scary times in Aotearoa.

Oh Kaimoana I’m so sorry about your family news. That’s the most distressing of all. Sending you my love and prayers for a resolution to your troubles.
Dear Cherry my goodness you have been in the wars. I hope you weren’t too badly hurt. Must have been a shock for your WP. Hope treatment at both ends is successful. Jeeves is on his way with bumper bundle of chocolate

Poor Cherry 🍒! What a horrid thing to happen. I hope your chocolate arrived. 🍫 😋

Is it really half a year Doodle?
It doesn't feel that long. I'm glad your boys will be with you.

My DS is coming north for his best friend's mum's funeral 😢 it means I'll get to see him at least.

Such a lot of sadness around.

I must be feeling better. I've had a lot of rest and a delicious dinner cooked by 2 Kiwi girls. Her friend is staying the night.

I had a very surprising visit this afternoon from my former tenants and their 3 under 5s. Good thing I have still got a box of toys. The 2yr old was beginning to play with my knitting needles.
I asked about school or nursery but was told no they don't go to nursery and mum is proposing to home school. Rather her than me, I thought.

Sorry to hear that you are worried about your family Kaimoana. I hope any problems can be resolved.

Must away to bed. I keep 🥱 yawning

I hope you are feeling better today, Grammaretto and Cherry.

Twenty six weeks, Doodle? Wow. Time won't slow for you, however much you want it to. Hang on to those memories in whatever way you can capture them. I'm sure you are.

Jeeves is a bit of a happy wanderer recently, isn't he?
I think he needs reprogramming.
Baileys and a walnut whip here please. And no inappropriate comments, thank you.
We're not in the Argy now .🤪

Now who told you chocolate wasn't healthy Cherry?
A little of what you fancy....

So very sorry that you are having these devastating seizures. Maybe it is the medication, as you speculated a while ago, as you seem to have more since taking that.
I hope the rest of the medical stuff goes smoothly.

I was taken to the Whau Ethnic Collective's Elders get-together on Saturday.

Lovely performances from so many cultures. I was glad the peaceful Japanese harps were played during lunch.

The lively drumming and wild dancing of the Cook Island's troupe got everyone clapping later.

These videos are noth from that event but just to illustrate.
.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yNuAopV4mE
Cook Islands.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE_S1kglbbA
Japanese Harp.

Grammaretto yes it is 6 months to the day (6 calendar months Tuesday) . It was nice having our sons with me at the hospice. We had a nice afternoon. They left about 4 when it was starting to get dark so I went and sat outside in the dusk on my own overlooking the lake. There was light rain but it didn’t bother me it was just a lovely quiet time with DH in my mind and so peaceful.
I do find it good that our children support their friends at these times. Both my sons had their friends at DH s funeral and it was lovely to see them being supported like that.
How nice to have a visit from the little ones. Bet that kept you on your toes.
Ixion I’m very tempted 🤣 but I shall refrain. My dad used to love walnut whips. I find them very sweet now. I will unplug Jeeves and re boot him and see if that sorts him out.
Kaimoana glad you had an outing yesterday. Sounds very enjoyable.
Cherry hope you’re having a quieter time seizure wise

Such a good image to think of you overlooking the lake and thinking of DH, Doodle Sending love ❤️

Another peaceful day here doing very little. I printed off the house plans so I can show them to people without having to find them on my phone screen. I made the Christmas cake. Packed the kiln and chatted to the potters. I showed the 2 Kiwi girls how to throw pots on the wheels. They both did very well. Tonight we watched a film on Amazon. A Scandinavian one called the worst person in the world it was highly recommended but it didn't do a lot for me or Kiwi girl, who had cooked again a quite delicious mix of leftovers. Who needs you Jeeves!

I hope you are alright Cherry. Good luck with medical procedures.

I'm glad you had an outing Kaimoana and what beautiful music it will have been.

Such a good image to think of you overlooking the lake and thinking of DH, Doodle.- I thought this too, Grammaretto.

I like thin rain when I want to be alone with my thoughts. Being gently touched by the elements whilst taking a moment to reflect is a truly precious thing.

When we stayed in Southern Ireland quite a lot (years ago), people in that area of the countryside called the thin rain "soft" as in "It's very soft today". It felt kind-of enveloping and strangely comforting.

*Thinking of you Doodle and hoping you were comforted
🙏

Kaimoana..It was good to read that you'd had a happy outing after the disappointments of last week. Gubbins will definitely remember her present hunt...and that's so special..building memories that they will always remember. I feel your anger re the proposed bill. One of the overriding memories of my road trip around NZ was the fact that the Maori people and their traditions were recognised and respected and incorporated into all aspects of life....a huge contrast to the indigenous people of Australia who are moved to 'townships' in remote areas like Wadeye in the Northern Territory and the situation spirals into violence. It's so heartening to see so many New Zealanders ( not only Maori) making their feelings known. I pray the bill will be thrown out.
Cherry...I hope this week is less stressful for you and fingers crossed both 'top and tail ' are sorted soon.
Grammaretto...you are amazing...how you did all that while feeling poorly...and little people visiting too. I'd have been knecking the brandy that was supposed to be going in the cake!!!
NFK...you are brave driving the Moho. Our Henrietta Moho is a beast and I have not driven her yet. It's not that I can't but as DH loves anything with wheels ( used to ride a motorbike ) loves cars etc and is very happy driving her...I therefore go along with the expression..'Why have a dog and bark yourself'. That's my excuse and I am definitely sticking to it.
Doodle... I'm sure that while you sat there by the lake you felt your darling man close by....and he was and always will be..just out of sight. Love never dies. Sending you a cwtch.
Now whoever is charge of this mythical Jeeves could they inform him that he has a gatecrasher to this wonderful little group and he is very welcome to drop round at anytime with goodies...tea, wine ( at any appropriate time after 6pm) Cadbury's Dairy Milk..Jelly Babies ( yes I know but somebody has to eat them).
Doodle....I hate to admit it and I am going backwards from now on but I am going to be 70 on Dec 9th😱😱😱😱😱

Dearest Doodle, I couldn't agree with Grammaretto and NotSpaghetti more, sitting by the lake at dust thinking about MrD, is indeed a good image, it sounds so peaceful. Sending you a warm cwtch. ♥️

Sorry to hear that your family are having such a difficult time Kaimoana, not easy for you and I'm sending you a warm cwtch too. I'm pleased that you enjoyed the Elders get-together though, the Japanese harp music would have been wonderful and I don't doubt you joined in the clapping. 😁

I'm glad you're feeling better, Grammaretto - coping with 3 under 5s in your house--is tricky enough when you're feeling well-- isn't easy when you're unwell. 🤯
Oh dear, the Scandinavian film sounds like should be retitled as the worse film in the world, I'm glad the kiwi girl is a good cook.

Naughtyneine, like your DH I used to ride a motorbike (not allowed now, of course)., something I think I inherited unfortunately not the bike from my father.
It's after 6pm so I've asked Jeeves to pop round with his evening trolley. 😁

I was quite bruised after falling in the supermarket Doodle In had a bump on my head the size of an egg but I'm fine now.
Kaimoana, I think you're talking about the medication that the consultant added to ,y existing medication a short while ago? I stopped taking it after a few weeks as I had horrible side effects again. The only medication I'm on now is one I've been on for years, it's the only one that hasn't caused me debilitating side effects. My epilepsy is refractory, unfortunately. I do have periods like the one I've had recently then it eases back never stops completely . I'm used to it.

Me and my WP went on a rescue mission yesterday evening. My niece1 a teacher had run out of petrol about a mile from where we live we were the nearest victim of her stupidity. We made her wait a bit for her rescue as we were watching the very last bit of the England ⚽ match (where one of Our players came on as a substitute and scored with his very first touch in the game 😁) that'll teach her. 😉 😂

70, NN?
A mere stripling.😁
Have a great time - in case I forget on the day ...

Doodle - I hope you can bottle that peace you found in the Hospice garden. Then release the stopper as and when you need, breathe it in and let it wash over you.
That memory will always be with you.

Kaimoana - you actually made it on an outing🥳. Thank you for the links - I had never come across Japanese harps. A bog standard harp is something I have always wanted to learn. DD had a school friend who was learning - requiring amenable parents and a large boot! Mr.I always maintained that the charisma-mobile Volvo estate wouldn't be able to accommodate one. I have my doubts - that would have been a first.

Grammaretto - that was one of your quieter days? Respect. It is beginning to sound exciting now you are printing off your putative new house plans. What do the DC think now? Do you gear up your pottery especially for a Christmas market?

Cherry - are you back on terra firma? Thinking of you.

Sometimes I despair that fashions have left me behind. I searched today for a new pair of jeans on the M and S website. Nothing fancy: Bog standard straight legged, tall.
Ah, did I want Skinny, Wide, Straight, Mom, Boyfriend, Bootcut, Cigarette, Horseshoe, Tapered, Carrot, Ankle Grazer, High rise, Medium Rise, Low Rise, or even Scuba Barrel joggers (sic). Needless to say, regardless of shape, the models were all 5'11" and a size 8. Why? Just why?

Aha, crossed posts with Cherry who is posting positively about her 🤕s, thank goodness. Yup, Our Team's captain proved his star quality last night with one of many winning goals. Not quite the deus ex machina but hey ho.

Funny how you (well, I do, at least) formulate visions of our virtual friends. Our Cherry, a biker?😱

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202411/medium-518485-1-cook-islands.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202411/medium-711555-ethnic.jpg

Congratulations Naughtyneine you are yet a spring chicken!
[chicken]

I, of course am an old chook and nearer to the next 0 birthday.

Mythical? Jeeve mythical? Hush your mouf.
He's been serving us for a long time and can be guaranteed to add something special to a nightcap when required.

Yes, Maori have fared better of late than the Australian indigenous people but I hope new generations will continue to change things.

The Big Question is for all people - why should they need to fight for respect?
As Shylock said in his heartfelt plea, "If you prick us, do we not bleed?" (aren't Jews human too?)

But this hikoi has stunned politicians and shown that New Zealanders of every culture are side by side with Maori in their bid to have equality for all.
Kia kaha Aotearoa
History is being made.

Back in my own little world, I'm hoping someone comes for me today (no, not men in white coats) so I can go to my elders' group. I have shortbread and chocolate truffles to donate.
Actually, these latter caused me a bit of sadness. I make them each year for my Dil who loves them, and that was their original destination.
Ah well. It is what it is.

Ten degrees this morning when I shivered to the shower at six am but we're promised 21°

Pictures from Saturday

Grammaretto are you intending to show the house plans to your family. Are you pleased with the design?
Did you leave enough brandy for the Christmas cake? Hope the fruit had a good soaking.
Notspaghetti thank you. Yes I was glad to have some peaceful time at the hospice. The dusk made it lovely alike a cloak around me and the rain surprisingly comforting.
Naughtyneine thank you for those words. I miss DH’s quiet companionship without him the silence is deafening (not so much the silence but my dreadful high pitch tinnitus )
I’ll make sure Jeeves pops round to see you and brings a cake on your birthday. If I started going backwards at 70 I’d be 65 now 🤔
Cherry thank you it was a special time. Do hope the seizures ease off now and let you have some recovery time. Your niece will probably have learnt her lesson by being made to wait a bit. Nice of you to help out though.
One of our players scored. Hurrah. Let’s hope he continues.
Ixion I do wish I could bottle that feeling I could have done with it today.
I sympathise with the jeans but I have the opposite problem. I have shrunk so much that while I am now too short for “regular” I and too tall for short. Either way I am turning up or letting down. Don’t get me started on the tapered leg, crop etc. Like you, just ordinary jeans. Without wishing to advertise have you looked at Cotton Traders they do different leg lengths.
Kaimoana I do hope someone came to pick you up. I can understand your sadness. Wish things were different but somehow we keep going on. I think you’re an amazing lovely person and I wish life treated you more kindly. Big hug. Xx

Where I was last night. It’s was actually darker than it looked but the sky was pretty.

Ixion your jeans' descriptions made me giggle. Thanks for that! 🤣😅

I bought a cheapish pair of boots today. It was minus 1 and icy. Kiwi girl bought some plants to decorate her new room. Before you ask, we were at a garden centre come department store.
There are 2 Christmas markets approaching fast hence firing the kiln often. There are also parties, pantos and lunches all squashed into a few weeks and sometimes on the same day.

My DC have all seen the house plans and are not at all happy with them either because the land is possibly prone to slipping and just due to the stress of such an unknown cost, time and snags. Ah well 😌

I am sorry about your sadness Kaimoana 😔 😟
I was telling Kiwigirl about Trevor the Daring Duck today. She didn't know!
This is a story for children written by Kaimoana and published. I bought a copy when I was in NZ early this year

You guessed right about the brandy Doodle it's almost finished.
Come on Jeeves!!

I can see why you find this so peaceful, Doodle.
Maybe have it on the home screen of your phone/laptop, so you can have it to hand all the time?

Oh Doodle, that scene looks so tranquil. 😍

Good God! Kaimoana, BBC Radio Four are reporting from New Zealand!

Well, don't bother to look for that report. It was no sooner on than gone! But at least it shows the world is starting to notice and that may help.

Your Hospice spot looks just what you need Doodle. I had a similar spot by the sea, but find that now, after a year has passed, I find the need to go there has lessened a lot. In fact in a way, I'm avoiding it much of the time. And I know what you mean about the silence (or lack of. I too have a high pitched ssshhhing scream to keep me company). Hence the dog. Bless her. We've been good for each other I think.

I'm still coughing nicely after my cold. Inevitable I suppose, and the change in the weather hasn't helped. I wish I hadn't just read back about hot chocolate and walnut whips - didn't they used to have a whole walnut? half inside and half on top? I'm trying to work out if I need to drive the car today. If not, a hot chocolate with a tot of rum in sounds the perfect cure for this tickly cough!
(PS: Have you tried Sainsbury's denim jeans ixion? I gave up on M&S when I found them!)

I don't think I have bought a Mars bar since they were 6d. I would compare costs against the price of Mars bars.

A walnut whip was a glamorous thing but probably, with a tot of rum, perfect for your cough Nfk.

My chat with the architect today reenergised me as he brushed all my worries away. His main concern is that the new site has doubtful car access and no parking place. Nothing insurmountable.

It is frrreezing here. Minus 5. Kiwi girl is quite impressed. She cooked anzac cookies which impressed me and the architects!

Lovely tranquil photo Doodle just the sort of space you need to renew your spirit.

Although it may sound as if life treats me unkindly, I only have the same kind of issues everyone else faces.

It's just that recently, they have all crowded in a little.

There are so many bright spots in my life: DS and Gubbins of course being the most important.
Unexpected outing to the multi-cultural gathering at the weekend was lovely.
I have a snug, safe home (when so many here are homelsess).

I certainly miss dgs as I believed we had a loving bond but teenagers don't realise the damage they do when they lie. He is actually a kind boy and we had years of closeness.

As for the latest 'disaster' the unsustainable reduction in my pension - the advocate from the Sallies has that in hand, so I'm not quite so despairing as I was.

Also there's a party for elders on Thursday which will be lovely
, and another at the RSA this Friday night, though I may not go to that one; noisy drinking clubs are not in my line at all.
Half of me wants to be with my merry-making friends, the other half cringes at the loud music, flashing lights and the idea of so many inebriated patrons as well as our large group in such a small space <shudder>.

If I had transport and could leave early, it might be bearable for an hour but I would have to rely on someone else, leaving when they do.

There are two more Tuesday elders groups before we break until February 2025, so still a lot to look forward to. This Tuesday we brainstormed Treaty Issues, so we all understood the wider implictions of the Hikoi, for everyone in Aoteaoa.

I've also been told by the girl at the Marae she is hoping to include me in their kaumatua meetings.

Currently all the elders' units on the Marae are being repaired and refurbished so the tenants are lodged elsewhere - but once they come back it'll all happen.

You remember my old doctor sending me for X-rays when I fell, then not telling me about the results?
My new doctor, Zarah, ordered new ones recently.
Here's an excerpt from Zarah's letter to me yesterday.

The Xrays you had recently have shown an old fracture of your left medial ankle. (another thing, like the broken toe the old doctors didn't tell me about)

The fracture shows some displacement but is still not joined well
They (Radiology) have asked me to organise further Xrays with special views and also to refer you to the orthopaedic clinic which I have also done.

Isn't she wonderful!? She goes on to say she can arrange transport for me if I need it.
I am SO glad I changed to a Waipareira doctor from a Practice which runs only for profit, not diligent patient care.

So there you go, many good and hopeful things in my life.

I shouldn't be such a Misery-guts

Grammaretto it is peaceful at the hospice. I was back there again early this morning (6 calendar months today) standing by the lake with my umbrella while it was snowing, spent a while there with my thoughts then went shopping with a friend today.
Good to hear your architect is sorting things out for you. Hope it all gets resolved and you can go ahead if you choose to do so.
I can understand your children’s worries and they are just trying to take care of you but sometimes we need things to look forward to. Some interest or excitement some change something new. I’m sure the architect will take account of the land and slippage etc. After all that’s why you’re paying him isn’t it?
i hope you get lots of good sales in the markets.
Ixion it is a lovely place. There is a sense of calm there.
NFK the hospice has a lovely café and shop so a nice place to go and meet people. I go there often to meet friends but Sunday and today it was just me on my own for some quiet time,
Yes you’re right about the walnut. Definitely half inside and half on top with really thick chocolate around the outside. My dad loved them
Kaimoana I hope today has been a better one for you. I am sad for all your troubles my friend. You have so much to contend with.

Ooh hello Kaimoana you sneaked in while I was typing. Pleased to hear someone is looking into your pension cut. Hope they can fix things for you,
your new doctor sounds on the ball. Hope she gets things organised for you
Nice to have some events to look forward to.
No one could ever accuse you of being a misery guts (that’s my job title). You have been through so much and still encourage and help others and always have time for some humour and good advice. You are a very special lady.

^that scene looks so tranquil^ - I couldn't agree more Grammaretto, That landscape looks the epitome of peacefulness, Doodle, I think there's something about bodies of water that provides that quality. I can understand why you went back there today. I think ixion's suggestion of having the image on your home screen is a good one.

Ah yes, ixion, a myriad of styles to choose from 😵‍💫 - except none are quite right. 🙄 🤣 I did find slim legs (not skinny) ones in M&S in my case not in tall that were alright but barrel jeans and, heaven forbid, flares been there, done that, wasn't that keen first time round - what's all that about. 🙈
Shame you couldn't fit a bog standard harp in a Volvo, did you never consider a mini harp. 🤣

What gorgeous photos, Kaimoana. I bet the dancing was wonderful. You have more outings/parties to come too. 👍
Yes, I agree, I think your new doctor is wonderful. I don't like the sound of what your recent x-rays have uncovered but I'm pleased that you've been referred on to the orthopedic clinic and I really hope they sort your problems out. 🤞
I agree with Doodle, nobody can accuse you of being a misery guts. You are worried about your family, missing your DGS and understandably concerned about how you'll manage with the cuts to your pension. More than enough to contend with. I hope Sallies advocate manages to help you, 🤞

Grammaretto, it sounds likebyour plans for a new build are becoming an ever more concrete reality. Your heart is quite firmly set on this, isn't it. I must say, it does all sound rather exciting.
It's been colder here too today, no snow though. You didn't say but - did you?

Nfk, sorry to hear that you're still coughing. 🤞 it clears up soon.