🦞Lockdown friends still together🦞

Grammaretto how disappointing your application has been refused. I’m amazed you can’t fell a tree you planted yourself. Is it worth talking it through with them and seeing if you can reach some compromise?
Your friend must appreciate your visits, hope you enjoyed your dancing. The walk today was good and new people came too. Tomorrow I’m going for lunch at the garden centre with friends.
Ixion I’m waiting to hear how the six sofa redistribution went. I have visitons of Mr I getting wedged in a doorway. What a good idea about the collection. It would be nice to think someone gets some use of these items
Notspaghetti I have a lot of books k need to move too. Nothing particularly intellectual more computer based. They are DH’s and he has a huge bookcase of them. He never wanted to get rid of them as they might be of use. I expect they will still be there for a while.
Kaimoana I hope the discomfort with the spots is easing. Are you still knitting your slippers? Where do you get all the wool from ?

Doodle I buy my wool from the $2 shop, the wool is $2.50 for a ball large enought to make a pair of slippers with a bit to spare. This bit sits around until I have enough to make a nice, long multi-coloured scarf
There is a huge selection of colours in these shops but I usually go for the deeper red, blue, purple, green or multi because I can no longer see the pastels on the kneedle.

I don't charge for slippers or scarves but occasionally someone will give me a donation.
Mepa has just taken several pairs and a scarf for her family plus the new baby bootees she asked for. Her son's girlfriend will have a boy in June.

Mepa refused to accept them as my gift for all she does for me and was most generous with her donation.

They were originally Marae Slippers because everyone must take off their shoes, winter and summer when entering the Wharenui (main community meeting house) and so often the elders sit there in bare or stockinged feet for hours.
Not all Marae have adequate heating and the main door is always open during a meeting as a sign everyone is welcome at all times.

These slippers will slip into a pocket or bag and can be pulled on once inside.
As many Marae have polished, wooden floors, I always sew an anti-slip strip to the sole to prevent accidents.

I'm not sure how long I'll be able to continue knitting now my good eye is getting worse. 99% of it I can do by just touch but casting off or when I drop a stich, which I do more often these days, needs some siight.

I have just received the usual form letter from the hospital (it has taken 17 days to get to me, a distance of 12 km) saying I've been referred to Dermatology but the irwaiting list is so long.....te mea te mea te mea.
(Maori version of blah blah blah )
I didn't expect anything else.

My son, though parted from his family, says he is grateful to have a job in the UK as his ex-colleagues here say the situation is dire.

We videod the other day and he talked about his plans to get us all back to the UK. His partner and children in January and me to follow as soon as they are settled and can offer me accommodation.

What he doesn't realise (and how can I possibly tell him?) is that according to information from the airlines, there's no way I'd be allowed to fly with my cardio conditions.

There's a sad little box of brightly wrapped Christmas gifts in the garage; presents meant for Gubbins to play with when she visited. I haven't seen her since November and it's now clear I won't because my son's partner will not bring her.
She is very busy but because she has no feelings for me, she won't even try.
So I shall offer these dollies, cradle, pram and other things to a charity.

Sorry all cant post tonight, I’ve spent a large part of the day a garden centre and my hayfever is bad. My eyes are so sore I’m going to bed x

Sad to read about poorly Lobstars!
I hope at least you're getting a good sleep Doodle
That's rotten Kaimoana that you can't see your lovely DGD
As for the 17 day letter to arrive. A joke surely
I sent a book to my DS in NZ and it only took a week
It's the story of his friend the fabulous piper/musician Martyn Bennet who died 20 years ago aged about 30 but who is always remembered here in Scotland.

Another busy day with visitors and a farewell party. A farewell to the arts centre which is closing for ever next week everyone who had worked in the cafe or the craft shop or in my case both. It was fun catching up with people I'd not seen for years

Night night everyone

I’m still here folks. Just been away in the Camperbubble for a bit longer than intended. A few days in Peterborough extended to a few more in Broadway as the weather changed from freezing rain to brilliant sunshine. Kira came too and thought she was in Heaven as she gets to sleep on the bed – there being no room on the floor. The Cotswolds are magic. It’s such a shame though that the drive back involves the A1 and A14 which is like driving through a rubbish tip. I don’t believe the litter has been cleared since those roads were open.

So sorry to hear that your rash is no better Kaimoana. It really must be dragging you down and it sounds very much as if that the hospital are hoping that if they wait long enough it will just go away of its own accord.

I really must do something about Ancestry. I’ve been absent from it for quite a while and went back on to look at the more recent census’ (should that be censuses or censi?) only to discover that much of what I could access is no longer available – unless I up my subscription. Very annoying. So I have to make time to copy it all off before they dock a few more links.

I hope your arm is better now and healing nicely Doodle. There are times when being on your own and not being able to reach various bodily bits is quite a nuisance. Putting a plaster on a bit which you can’t really see must have been rather difficult. I have what I think is a corn which is being a pain but I can’t contort enough to be able to actually see what’s there!

I think I’ve caught up with all the news and wonderful photo and the story about Spud and Gubbins. It’s good to hear about little ones. And 58 years is a long time Doodle. I think it must be about the same as my first ‘date’ with my DH To Be. Only it wasn’t at all romantic and I don’t know the date as I really wasn’t expecting it to continue. But it was spring! When I left school I ended up working for a big insurance company and sitting opposite this bloke who I really clashed with. Then I broke up with my boyfriend just as he’d promised to take me to see Dracula. I must have moaned about it a little as DH To Be said “If it’ll shut you up, I’ll take you.” He didn’t expect me to turn up and I didn’t expect him to be there. And in the end we didn’t see Dracula anyway as he refused to stand in the queue. We saw Whistle Down the Wind in a small cinema instead – and I’d seen it before when it first came out! Then somehow we continued to see each other outside work - and still clashed quite a bit. No one ever suspected until things became properly serious. So, its 58 years or thereabouts for me too Doodle. It is a very long time isn’t it. Plenty of time to meld. No wonder being a One after so long being Half a Whole is so hard.

(I wrote that post last night, but it vanished into the ether - and I've just managed to recover it! I'm quite impressed at myself! But I've just read the last few posts properly and seen, Kaimoana, that you don't think you can fly anymore. That is awful, but surely there must be another way? Shorter flights at lower altitudes? Off season last minute cruise deal? It must be possible.)

There are people who go by ship to NZ. I looked into it once. It is very expensive but if DS has a very well paid job......
Never say never is my motto Kaimoana

That is a really romantic story Nfk!
I love it

I only knew DH for 51 years. Not nearly long enough.

*Our first date was at the cinema but neither of us could remember what
film it was* 😂

I'm expecting a visitor soon. My unfired pot which I made on the island last week was take home for its own safety by a woman who lives in Edinburgh *She's bringing it
here!*
Your trip in the camperbubble sounds great fun Nfk. Perhaps I should forget about houses and live in a van

I'd have to find an Alan Bennet to take pity on me

Just lost a massive post (again)... but there are (60 day) cruises from NZ to the UK. Expensive at £6000 but they do exist!.
Just say "when" and we will be waiting on the quay (with other(s) more important) for your liner to arrive!

🇳🇿🇬🇧🚢

Kaimoana I’m so sorry your DIl does not bring the delightful Gubbins to see you. I’m sure it’s a great loss to you both.
Pleased your son is making good progress in his job. While I understand the airline might not accept you for a holiday surely it would be different if you were leaving for good.
Lots of people have cardio problems and travel. The insurance may be quite high but are you sure they wouldn’t let you come home to the UK?
Those slippers are a special gift to all who receive them I’m sure?
Grammaretto what a shame the arts centre is closing. People need places to meet up and socialise.
I dont think any number of years is long enough to be with someone you love is it. I wish we’d had so much longer but then with all DHs health problems I was lucky to have him for so long.
I-hope you haven’t given up your plans for your garden build.
What news of the man who wants to buy it, is he still interested?
Nfk how lovely your trip must have been. I love the Cotswolds. I love picturing you and Kira snuggled up together at night. Was there a group of you travelling together?
My arm is still hidden under a large dressing plaster. Last time I took it off it was still raw and bleeding a bit. I will change it soon and see if it’s healed.
Yes you are so right. It’s really hard carrying on on your own. It’s hard to find things to be interested in or enthusiastic about but the only other option is to sit and be miserable all day.
Tomorrow’s excitement is a trip to the Christian Fellowship coffee shop in the morning and a garden centre on the afternoon. I’m looking for an outdoor rocking chair for my balcony so I can sit there with my knitting like the little old lady I am 🤣
Ixion and Cherry hoping you’re ok. Love to you bothxx

Doodle how awful about your poor arm!
I hope it's healing now

The music man is still determined to buy this house but DS says I have to give him a deadline as I am losing
* have lost my income from my lodger and from my potters too,
gradually.

I have had 2 nice invitations. My Edinburgh DGC are both performing in their school concert on Wednesday night and my df has a ticket for me to see Calamity Jane, next month

The woman delivering my pots today was lovely. She was widowed 3 months ago so it's very new and raw for her. I took her to lunch at our community store as thanks

Tonight the film was Felini's 8½ which I first watched about 50 years ago. It was still weird! 😅

*Night night Lobstars*🌙

Karen was back today after 2 weeks bereavement leave - we were pleased to see one another .

She's a keen gardener so took the two big pots I'd bought for Mila's sunflowers (which she never saw but I took photos) and will gradually take the plumbago, Black-eyed Susan, rose and the little tea tree which self-seeded.

We'll wait until the cooler weather (24 degrees today) as at least two will need to be pruned right back before they are moved. My freesia bulbs can be moved in their pots.

After this, the decks will be swept clean of leaves, spilled soil (the Blackbird fossicks in the pots for food) and all will be pristine back and fron of house.

She's designated next Monday as "Gardening Day"


Nfk you hit the nail on the head about this wretched skin disease and the hospital's attitude too.

In ancient times, people with pustular psoriasis were forced into leper colonies so I suppose I should be grateful.

Although it is still painful to wear clothing I'm going to brace up, find my stalwart Yorkshire spirit and go to the elders group tomorrow - they are doing ceramics.

I used to be a keen potter but it won't be anything as 'complicated' as a coil pot.

All with be revealed later

Moreover.....

Yes, you are right, there ae alternatives to flying and should it ever come to it, I'm happy to cruise .

Some time ago, I looked into freighter travel as they too offer a limited number of berths but not only do you need agility to climb the many steps between decks but owners of shipping lines have, in many cases, withdrawn this facility.

Prices are calculated on a daily basis, between 36 and 57 days from NZ to UK at approximately $US130 per day.
£ 100.

A cruise is approx £157 daily but when you consider it is 57 days holiday in luxury, not that bad.

However all this is academic because I'd need $10,00 minimum what ever way I travel and I'm afraid NZ Pensions (who have just reduced mine by $50 you'll remember) don't run to fantastic amount like that.

I'm stashing away all I can afford each week just to pay for a couple of fillings.

Nor does my son's good wage. He is trying to finance two households and must also pay for self and family air fares, possiblt two for himself as he will need to come over to help his partner with final arrangements before accompanying them all back to UK.

Hard reality and lovely dreams very rarely meet, whatever your mottos.

That's real pressure, isn't it, Grammaretto? I don't envy you. Is renting a possibility if you can sell painlessly to the Music Man and look can around once you are temporarily housed? I can see that his plans for your home would be a welcome and fitting alternative to what developers might have in mind. Heart over head, 'n' all that.
You have so much going on in your life at the mo...

Kaimoana, your sadness fills the page, both in your spoken words and unsaid between the lines. My heart goes out to you as you battle so much hardship and hurt.

Please keep a dolly -or two- back if you are dispersing Gubbins' presents.
She will outgrow a doll's crib and a pram in time, but she will, I am sure, come to treasure a dolly that her Granny had specially made for her, even as a teenager and beyond. And make sure your DS knows that Dolly is for Gubbins when the time comes. In the meantime, keep Dolly close to you and she will be that unspoken bond between you and Gubbins across the miles.
Maybe write a little private story about her and what she has meant to you, for your DG to read when she ultimately gets Dolly. That would be special.💐

Our old settees finally went, the day before the newbies arrived, tho' their removal had echoes of the Bernard Cribbins piano moving song. Lots of 'ooh, I don't know how we're going to get it through there' and sharp intakes of breath between gritted teeth. But all sorted now, and we positively luxuriate in the new comfort in the evenings

Talk of film going in early courtship reminded me of my experience with Mr. I in our very early days. Mindful of my mother's advice, passed on by her mother in law, never to pass up on a man's offer to take you out somewhere lest you never get asked again , Mr.I invited me to go with him to the pictures to see The Exorcist 😳😱😳😱🤦‍♀️.
I spent the whole time with my eyes firmly shut, pretended I had enjoyed it tremendously and wallowed in the warmth of Eau Sauvage wafting over.

Dior? Ooh, so well off Grown Up, I thought. 😍

Ooh Ixion...I've went to see The Exorcist with my first real boyfriend. I was so scared I wouldn't even go to the toilet on my own for 3 weeks🤣🤣🤣🤣.

Kaimoana knows my feelings about the situation with Gubbins There is no excuse for not making an effort to bring her to visit her Grandmother.

Grammaretto...I hope your architect can maybe speak to the council and get a better idea of what they will accept and you get your wish.

Doodle I hope your arm is healing...my skin is just the same...I peel like a peach. My legs and arms are so scarred where the dogs have jumped up or pawed me. I'm using bio oil at the moment to try and improve the look of them in case I want to wear a short dress/short sleeve for the wedding.

My friend is back down with me. The funeral was last Thursday. We both watched it via streaming. I am hoping that by her being here she will be distracted a little. We've been to Exeter today and trawled John Lewis for wedding outfits...I got bored and appalled at the price of dresses. I will be on a charity shop fest me thinks.

Grammaretto I hope things get sorted out about your home soon. If the music man buys the house will that include the part of the garden you want to build in?
Kaimoana glad you’ve got Karen back. Don’t overdo it next Monday. I’m so sorry for all the lovely things you’ve done for Gubbins that she won’t get to see. Such a shame. Wish things were different
Hope tomorrow is a pleasant day for you with the potters.
I do hope your son will be able to sort out something for you. I pray things get better for you soon
Oh Ixion that brought back memories. Bernard Cribbins and the piano. I loved that and The Plank. I think that was Eric Sykes though.
Goodness what a film to see on your first date. Was he hoping you’d snuggle up to him in fear?
Naughtyneine yes thin skin can be a big problem.
Glad your friend is back. Nice of you to be with her and take her out. Distraction is always helpful

Ive been to another garden centre today but avoided the flowers. I had a huge piece of cake so very naughty. Sit fit tomorrow so I hope to work some of it off.

I have never seen the exorcist I don't think by the sound of your experiences, that I have missed anything uplifting 😉

Great that Karen is back Kaimoana
But sad as sad that Gubbins and her brother are kept away from you

Remind me Naughtyneine, when is the wedding? I would hate to miss it. 😂

I agree that charity shops may turn up something wonderful and you can spend the money saved on more permanent clothes

Sorry that you and Doodle share sore arms. Hers was from an accident I think

I seem to be getting a cold. Feeling cold and with a sore throat. 😕

I haven't much faith in our Council but I will carry on jumping through a hoop or two, and resubmit my plans
with alterations

An auctioneer is calling tomorrow to tell me if I have anything he can sell

My vinyl records have gone to a dealer for the princely sum of £40

Tomorrow is our last Gaelic class before Easter and our homework is to write and perform a party piece

My DGS in NZ has written a poem . Perhaps I could try to translate it.

Not now. Early night for me

ixion I think it would break my heart to see the dolls every day and impossible (at the moment) to have one by me.
I have decided though that I won't give them away.

I believe my son has to come back at some time to help his partner pack and he will certainly bring my wee darling to visit. I'll let him decide.

Two really good things today at the elders group.
No. 1 There was an info stall with health pamphlets and our Practice Nurse (another Karen ) . I told her I'd lost confidence in Zarah and why and she said, 'Why not see Francesca on Thursday? She listens.'
So I am seeing a new doctor, same practice, at 11am Thursday. I've met her, she seemed calm

No. 2 Ceramics. There were several bisque fired items to choose from: dished of all shapes, coaster, jandals plates and jugs.
I chose a star dish.
Paints were given in all colours and I was able to mark out the dish centre and paint it.
Johny, our lovely girl who runs the group, neatened it up where I'd missed bits and then did the really fine work of outlining the colours.
The ceramics lady has taken them to glaze and fire and although we were only supposed to put our names on the base, she was kind and allowed, 'From Grandma for Mila'.


I can't begin to tell you what pleasure it gave me to do even this simple arty thing, even with help.

There is, I believe, a certain area of the brain which activats a feeling more than happiness, when you get your heart's delight.
It's like contentment, achievement and pleasure all rolled into one, warm glow.

Add to that the effusive welcome from the elders....spicy chicken and fritatta (g/f) on the table laden with delicious wheat rolls and cakes - and I was so happy I could have floated home.

Someone brought a karaoke machine (very popular) and each person could if they wished, pipe up.

I knew none of the songs although a few of the tunes were familiar, so I sang one I knew off by heart: You are my sunshine and was heartily applauded even though I must have sounded very wobbly in places.

The machine visits us again next week so I shall practice.

Oh, Kaimoana, it's great to hear you've had a wonderful arty day! Plate painting is very therapeutic. And I'm glad you've decided to keep the dolls. Hide them away for now, they will be important later I feel.

And well done Ixion for getting the sofas out. They don't like leaving home. DH took an axe to ours! (We'd brought them in by removing a window, but couldn't repeat that as we'd had the windows replaced in between!)

Have a good day everyone.

What an uplifting day you had Kaimoana!

I have been trying to translate the poem into Gaelic. I wonder if I'll get away with it. Our teacher hates us using Google translate but sometimes needs must. There's another site Babble, I'm told.
😂🤣

Oh Kaimoana it’s so good to hear you had a lovely day. So pleased you managed to make something for Mila.
Good News about a trying another doctor. I hope she can do something more positive to help you
Grammaretto I think you’re quite right about the exorcist not being a lifting film although I do remember levitation being part of it.
I hope your symptoms don’t develop into a bad cold. Have good fun at your last class before Easter.
Hope the auctioneer as able to come up with some good purchase prices for you
I think I’d better have another early night. I came in from the shops earlier and promptly fell asleep for an hour.

NfkDumpling. I've been thinking about your feet

I can onlt tell you what worked for me.
I can't see my feet either but both plantar warts (verruca) and corns respond to this treatment in time, with plain old salicylic acid, the same stuff sold for all skin blemishes: pimples etc.

Corn plasters seem relatively cheap but also contain salicylic but when you think you may have to apply one every day for a month or more, buying the plain old salicylic in a jar is much cheaper. I got a big tub from my doctor for $5 but it's otc stuff anyway.

Now for the practical application:

Lay a bandange, or length of narrow cloth on the floor by your foot. Using lint, clean tissue or a square of fabric, put a dollop of salicylic on it, smooth it out, lay it on the strip and gently bring up both ends to secure the pad to your foot over the corn/wart.

Salicylic doesn't harm the skin around the blemish and will soften and eventually get rid of the nasty bit.

I actually used a metre long crepe bandage to secure the pad more firmly to the affected part, wrapping it round my ankle a couple of times.

You can do this every day, after your shower maybe, persevere until you can feel the invader has gone. No need to do horrible things with razors or files as this is much kinder and gets to the root.

This method is for a nasty under your foot but is easily adapted for the side or toes.
Salicylic acid is the hero in the story

Naughtyneine - not sure about your "style" but I wore Ann Balon outfits to two of our children's weddings. I have also been to a wedding (as a guest) where the bride wore an Ann Balon. They hand wash, don't crease and are very stretchy.
Whilst expensive new, they are not expensive second hand - I like the 3 piece sets as I am more comfortable with things skimming over my lumpy bits!

www.annbalon.com/

Thank you Kaimoana. I have to collect a prescription today and will see if I can get a jar. I have plenty of bandage still in the wrapper from when the DC were in the Red Cross * years ago!*

I have not been sleeping well. I think it's a drug I've been taking. I've cancelled all morning appointments as I'm waking up at 3 -5 am still very tired and falling asleep at 7.30 to 8 mostly and waking again at 10.30 ish. I have booked a conversation with my GP. I also have had "dreams" regularly for the first time ever.

It's just making me feel very weary