🦞🦂 Lobstars 🌟 still shining bright 🦞🦂

Doodle

Thanks for asking all. I’m back home now. Quite painful but tolerable with meds. Can’t do anything with it though so the poor left arm and hand is rebelling against being used so much

Notspaghetti I hope your mother in laws care improves and she gets the help needed.

Feel better soon.

Thank you Doodle
I'm hoping it will be better after the bank holiday.

I'm glad to hear you have survived that painful op Doodle and are safely home. X

NotS I seem to remember she lived alone so is she being assessed for outpatient home-care? Sometimes they arrange someone to come in every day for domestic, food prep and health jobs such as showering and then physio.

Or maybe a week or two rest home care until she can be safely home?

Hoping for the best outcome for you all.

I too would be concerned, NS, about the commitment to intensive rehab to be found on an elderly medical ward. Particularly the opportunity (or the will) to promote mobilisation over the long weekend. 'Sat out in chair' (and left there all day) really isn't good enough.
Have you tried the Stroke Association helpline? They may be able to help with managing your and your MIL's expectations for ongoing intervention in the acute setting.

You might find these links helpful, if you haven't already.
They will give a benchmark for best care in the hospital setting.
I wish you all well x

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng236
Looks at intensity of stroke rehab, care interventions and transfer guidance.
(Ignore the section on Return to Work programmes😉)

www.strokeguideline.org/app/uploads/2023/03/2004-National-Clinical-Guideline-for-Stroke-2nd-edition.pdf
Looks at specialist service provision in the NHS

I hope you had a good night, Doodle
and that your pain is well controlled. Good that you have family and friends close by for support.

Grammaretto, how did your arboreal inspection go? Favourably, I hope. The exhibition sounds really interesting.

NN- how is the wedding outfit coming along? Any chance of a picture or two?
Any options we could vote on for you? I hope that by now, all is safely gathered in.

Last match of the season for Our Team today. Teetering very close to the drop zone for ages, here's hoping for a miraculous transformation next season.

Entertained by DGSs on FaceTime.
Boys (6 and 9) are learning sign language at school.
Ooh, says I. Show me how you sign your name. This is an I, says the younger.
Helpfully adding - it's like the rude finger sign, but upside down.

Like Grammaretto, I took am glad you have come through that painful operation Doodle and home you had a reasonably comfortable night x.

Thanks, Grammaretto, with one thing and another, including having to type on my phone which I find very difficult with gammy hands because my tablet had a hissy fit, got set to jail and has been sentenced to life I have been AWOL for so long.
I was sorry to read about your friend and am sorry that I'm sending my condolences to you so very belatedly 💐 x.

Similarly, Kaimoana, I'm sorry to hear that you too have lost a dear friend and that you are struggling to post 💐 x

It's good to hear that your MiL is improving NotSpaghetti but your concerns about where she has been placed now are understandable. I think *ixion"s links are definitely worth looking at and could be helpful 🤞 Don't give any ground, I know you won"t, keep standing up for her rights to decent care and rehabilitation and I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry x.

ixion, I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to the last game today or will be relieved when it's over 🙈. I may have to use the sign language or a version of it your DGSs have been learning 😉.

I hope the rest of the lobStars are okay.

Evening all I slept well thank you. Feeling rather low but that could be the aster effects of the anaesthetic.
Arm not to painful but very little movement in the thumb and fingers. Hope that improves
Thank you Norah
Cherry lovely to see you posting again.
Notspaghetti hope you find better help for your MIL
Ixion not in much pain to be honest. More numbness
Grammaretto any news in the house front?
Kaimoana hope you are keeping ok. Any news from your son
Take care all xx

I hope the numbness wears off soon Doodle. I am glad the pain isn't too bad.

I've had a busy for me day, ending with the film Conclave at our local cinema. I enjoyed it.
Then my DS and DGS drove out to see me. DGS is taking his driving test soon so he's practising. I got in the car and he drove around the area.
I felt very safe with him. He had run a half marathon in Edinburgh today too.

House plans are progressing. We're submitting the revised plans this week and will have to be patient.

I am going to another funeral tomorrow for a very nice friend/neighbour who'll be much missed.

I seem to be at funerals far too often.

Good night everyone. Please send Jeeves round. I could do with a cup of herb tea.

Thank you Kaimoana, Ixion Cherry, Doodle and everyone.
I have looked at the links and already challenged the placement in the "Elderly" ward and not the stroke ward but they are insisting that this is normal after the initial "stabilisation" phase is over.

The good news is that the physiotherapist did come to see her yesterday and did some of the same things she had done at the specialist unit. I was told that the speech therapist is off till tomorrow because of the bank holiday. I don't understand why any of the daily rehabilitation services shouldn't work every day but I expect it's cheaper not to have them do it.

I found somewhere where they really do intensive rehabilitation.
I wish this was available for everyone!
www.motionrehab.co.uk/

She is doing well really but wants to be challenged and encouraged more than she is. She wants to be more independent.

I had a stroke three years ago and though I was very very lucky (and probably nobody can tell) I know there are bits of me that are still weak. The help that was available to me was almost imperceptible... I had to make complaints just to get to see a physio and a speech therapist (because I "should have been" referred at discharge) - and my concerns were apparently negligible as i had recovered well.

Anyway. I'm grateful for all your suggestions and will follow everything up.

Regarding being at home I think my mother-in-law would currently need nursing care, Kaimoana. She is unable to stand unaided and is determined to get her bladder control back. She is at least getting to practice on a commode (when staff are available). Her core muscles are improving so in time might manage a stairlift.
She has been practicing standing in a sort-of frame but is hampered by a heavy arm which isn't functioning.
Her shoulder movement has come back though so fingers crossed.

On other matters I am relieved not to have to water her garden for a few days!
And I'm happy my husband's lilies are in bud.

Some nice things in the pipeline!

I hope the plans are going OK Grammaretto and that Doodle, you had a good night and are making an excellent recovery.

Sorry to be rather focused on my mother-in-law.
I see I'm becoming a bit of a gloomy one.
Apologies.

Not at all NotSpag. You are a very caring DiL. 😇
It sounds at least she has been able to receive some physio if not speech therapy. Every little helps.

I was at a funeral today. Yet another. It really brings home the briefness of our time on earth but their newest gt niece was there, a few months old --- adorable.

Then a message came from my
German friend, who was a helper
here years ago and became a great friend.

He told me he had recently married
and that he will be in Edinburgh this
week giving a talk and could he stay
with me.
I shall go to the lecture and look forward to it. He may be able to help me to sort books, if he stays long enough.

How are you today Doodle?

Grammaretto I’ve heard good things of conclave glad you enjoyed it.
I’m glad you are still trying to get your plans approved. Are you keeping the garden to youself and just selling the house?
Sorry about your friend. Hope the funeral went goes as well as possible. How nice your friend wants to come and stay that will be nice company for you.
I’m doing ok thanks. Bit painful but not bad.
Notspaghetti of course you’re worried about your MIL. It’s only natural. I hope youcan get her the care she needs.
I’m ok but will obviously need physio when the splint comes off I just hope I can drive I’m finding it frustrating not being able to get to all the things I want todo.
Love and hugs to all

How fortunes can turn on a sixpence - NS's DMIL, Doodle's fall and, on a positive note, an unexpected visitor and lecture for Grammaretto.

Keep fighting, NS! Your DMIL sounds worth every ounce of effort. Does she have other family/ children apart from your OH? My mother, even into her 90s, gave short shrift to any one who had professed to 'giving up'.

I thought about you today, Grammaretto (fellow 2-line Wordler😉), in your sadness of yet another funeral, but your day was clearly lightened by news from your ex-Helper. What is his specialty and what is he lecturing on? Was it a surprise? I hope, too, he can offer some assistance.

Doodle, how's it going? I hope your pain levels are well controlled. What's the plan for your rehab? You have all summer to strengthen up that wrist before our cheerleading starts again. We can send you a pompom to practice with - but, how about baton-twirling? On second thoughts, that baton would be a devil to go in the post 🤔.
Hugs.

Kaimoana - all well? I have been wondering whether your friend has been able to forage for the leaves you wanted and whether they have made an improvement? Is your DS settling in now to job and new environment? I guess spare time must be at a premium. He has so much on his plate.

Bank Holiday here today and - true to form - it's been chilly and very wet.
A good excuse to batten down the hatches and appreciate home comforts.
Hope it's been the same for the other 🦞s too.

I thought about you today, Grammaretto (fellow 2-line Wordler😉)

😃 I did it (yesterday) in 2 as well Doodle!
🎉

ixion said
Kaimoana - all well? I have been wondering whether your friend has been able to forage for the leaves you wanted and whether they have made an improvement?

Alas no, to both. I don't know what is worse, some who says they'll do something to help and get your hopes up only to dash them by inaction. Or those who simply ignores a plea (general on our website)

Either way, I am still battling on with no way of getting the vital leaves.

Is your DS settling in now to job and new environment?

I thought so but recent news is no. He is far away from all those he loves and working 12 hour shifts just to make enough to pay bills.

Instead of returning in August as was the plan, he will now come Nov/Dec to help partner pack up and all return to UK.
They plan to rent there 12 months to see if everyone settles.

Currently, my part is 'hurry up and wait'
IF they want to be in UK for good, arrangements will be made for me to join them.

By then I will be 80+ and if my health continues its current downward turn (not to mention blindness which already makes it impossible to even leave the house without constant help) the prognosis isn''t good.

My son reassures me all will be well and I'd like to believe him but as his partner has already made it clear we are not
buddies, what sort of happy prospect do I have going to a strange country with no support group and the negative attitude of a woman who doesn't want me there?

On the way to the elders group today, the driver, seeing I looked unhappy and unwell, advised me to pray as God has it all in hand.

Abraham Lincoln said:
“I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction I had no where else to go."

Kaimoana💐
This may be a silly question, but can you not purchase your leaves in a dried format through an online herbal supplier or similar?

Oh good idea Ixion.
Or maybe the herbal collector just needs a gentle prod?
Is there anyone else who might do it for you Kaimoana?

...of course if they are difficult to find I expect they will be expensive if you can buy them...

Kaimoana Im sorry your friend has let you down with your leaves. As Ixion says can you get them elsewhere?
It’s hard to know what’s for the best with your son. I know he cares deeply for you so I’m sure he wants you with him as does the lovely Gubbins. I hope is work situation improves or that you DIL can work too so that financially things are easier for them. Sending big hugs from a one armed bandit. Xx
Ixion i think baton twirling might be off the cards for a while but I’m prep to have a go with the Pom Poms. I’m not in pain but my arm itches terribly under the bandage and my thumb is numb all the time. I’m hoping the nerves repair themselves but I know it can take a while
Off to church tomorrow for the first time in two weeks. Can’t wait.
Take care all

Here's the thing. Pretty much every Maori family gathers and uses Kumerahou and of course all my social circle are Maori
It's the No.1 remedy for so much, as well as a wonderful tonic & for skin problems.

It's not hard to find, it grows within 12 km of my home and is much nearer for many of those I know. So I'm not asking the impossible....or maybe I am.

Yes, I can buy it and was doing so but 10gram for $34.70 mean I could afford only one dose and I need to take it daily. Easy as pie if I could get to the bush where it is free and in act far better qualitty straight off the tree..

It's no that my friends don't care, only that to take the time to go, gather and give to me would take time out of their own busy days.

Kaimoana2

Do people in Norfolk really call a ladybird a 'Bishy Barnaby' ?

Just catching up and reading back after a couple of lovely weeks in Cornwall and came across this. Before I scroll on and lose it. ... Yes! A ladybirds proper name is a bishybarnybee!
And a snail is a dodman. A thrush is a mavis. A donkey is a dickey. A heron is a harnser. And so on ....!

I'm reading on now to see what else you've been up to!

I know the Mavis Nfk but despite living in Norwich for a year at Art School I never came across those poetic names!

How frustrating Kaimoana to know that the plant you need grows in abundance near and yet too far for you.
If I were you I would put out a gentle reminder to your friend.

Poor one-armed Doodle. I am glad you are no longer in pain and are getting to church.

My young friend arrived rather late but we managed a brief catchup before I sent him to bed. He had flown from NY to London, train to Edinburgh but the bus out here felt longest.
I fired the kiln yesterday so will unpack it today. Fingers crossed 🤞

I read on at speed to see if Finlay or Storm had posted the next instalment. Are they hiding in the cellar?

Pleased to hear that you've had your wrist/hand op Doodle and that the pain is easing.. It's not a good time for you to have to go through that. Not that there is a good time.

I do hope Kaimoana that your family do not settle and enjoy the UK! That way they'll be back with you. Hopefully, they won't last the year!! When my cousin brought his Australian wife here, back to where he was brought up, she hated it. Claustrophobia set in badly. She couldn't get used to the noise, traffic and lack of space. The traffic jams, crowded buses, small houses all on top of each other.... And then there was the weather!! Think positive Kaimoana!!

I've just realised what the time is and I'm not dressed and supposed to be somewhere by 9.30! See you later!

Tut! Tut! Nfk - you are a naughty girl. However, I do feel much the same regarding Kaimoana's predicament. Only problem would be that her dear Son needs to find the work that makes him happy and also feel that he might get more of a chance for his family and future if he left NZ. The news does seem to be that lots of young families are leaving, due to lack of work and prospects. So, a difficult decision all round.
It's the partner that's the fly in the ointment. If she wasn't such a Grinch and embraced the love and interest of her chap's family - especially Grandma - all would be well. Don't give up, though, K. It will unravel itself and something will be revealed to give you hope. Promise!

And get those lovely Maori people who care so much for you to organise a trip to the bush. Focus, people. Your dear English friend needs help and however busy you are, it wouldn't take a lot of organising but make such a difference to her health. Next gathering you have, K, speak up loud and clear - you do so much for others. It has to be your turn.

Well, 30 degrees here today, and everything is growing in a great rush. Forget about No Mow May, there's very little vegetation where we take our walks because of the sunshine and heat. However, this Spring has been pretty wet and unusually cold, so Mother Nature has gone a bit bonkers. I'm posting a photo of the side of a path where we walk. Very pretty but in these hot winds can bring on the sneezing.

Sneezing was brought on during a recent flower market trip. I have always shown great hostility towards anyone who sneezes and coughs close to me. Since Covid, I feel people should know better and be more sensible. When the noise of the sneezing got out of hand at the flower market, photo attached, I flounced off to a café and sat under the trees. Within 5 minutes I too was coughing and choking uncontrollably and searching for water. The London Plane trees used to reduce me to a wreck in the 60's. And having been freed from hay fever about 15 years ago, with the assistance of some revolting Chinese medicine, I was really shocked to find myself affected again. The Plane trees which provided the shade were dropping loads of little feathery seeds all over me and the entire market. Note to self, keep away from that area in May!

Another market visit was more successful yesterday when my very wonderful staff DH brought back a big box of cherries. Not ordinary cherries, (not M&S cherries either) but Bigarreau cherries which have just come into season. I attach a photo of one of our neighbours' cherries (confiscated by me before another starling swooped). It's minus its stalk and a bit worse for wear, but compare it with the size of the Bigarreau cherry. Delicious! Thought of you as I munched them, Cherry. Do hope that you will soon be operating with all paws working.

Same to you, Doodle. I feel so sad that you are having to exert so much patience as you recover, but I'm sure it will pay off. My Ma was 90 when she fell and broke her wrist. It healed in 6 weeks and we were very impressed that she was only left with a bump on her wrist, but could use it properly again.

Hoping kind support is being given to your MiL, NotSpag. Seems that these days everyone needs a Mentor - or someone with fearless Big Pants in their corner. Otherwise, you can just become invisible. Good luck to her.

Grammaretto you lead such a busy and interesting life. Glad your friend has looked you up. Never a dull moment. Everything crossed that some real progress is under way for your new home. Don't give up - tho' if you do - make sure that it's for something super!

The Photos

Where??