🦞🦂 *What are we up to?*🦂🦞

Yes Doodle it was horrible having him away so long ( especially knowing he was breaking his heart for Gubbins) but he had tried and tried to find work during the severe recession here.
He worked for Uber in desperation (as did many many others in the same situation) on call 24/7 but what he earned didn't even cover the bills.
He has a very supporrtive partner who worked more hours but that only made him feel more ashamed and desperate.
I cried for him all the time when his brave messages came in, pretending all was well.

Terrible times.
I can see why some people turn to crime.

I'm just home from ceilidh dancing. It was fun and very warming.
A busy day for me . I visited my 100 yr old friend who is such a dear soul.
She said in advance that she might fall asleep, but she didn't.
I took her some homemade marmalade and 2 big chocolate hearts. I think they were for valentine's day but she loved them.

Kaimoana. You are a glass half full person. I hope your operation goes well and gives you a new lease of life.

I'd love to see your artwork Doodle I'm sure it's good.

Good on your DH Naughtyneine! What an excellent present.

Love to all you Lobstars.

Grammaretto what have you been up to today? I’ve been to art class. Pastels today. Such a messy medium (well for me it is). All up my arms and over my clothes. Supposed to be an English country garden. Looked my like an overgrown rubbish tip. Not my best effort.

Kaimoana it’s so lovely to hear you had a good Christmas and birthday. When you beloved son came to the UK I felt so sorry for you to be parted from him. Glad he’s being supportive and helpful. Ido hope you get offered a suitable place soon one which caters to your needs.
NN excellent news. Very pleased for you both. Hope you’re soon on the mend.

A quick pop in... DH's birthday yesterday and the best present he has been offered a position in our County town which is about 25 minutes away. Prayers answered.
Notspag....Thank you for your lovely card.
I'm weary today but that's probably the anaesthetic still in my system.
Back again soon, just wanted to share the good news. Love to all.

Add me to the Dodgy Knee Club

My theory on housing, for what it's worth, is to remember that sickness and disability can strike in a moment so always plan to be in a place you can look after for the rest of your life, should that happen.

I thought I'd done just that until my landlord who had promised 'tenancy for life' changed the rules.

Doodle Its not all bad luck in my life, far from it.
I have the most wonderful son nearby; I had a very, very happy Christmas Day and Birthday and now that it looks as if I have to move DS2 is being as supportive as always.
I have the dear wee granddaughter who loves me as well.

DS1 as you know, is bringing the Good News of Internet and technology to rural Australia.

So be assured I feel myself to be a very lucky woman indeed and as soon as I have had this Needs Assesment, I'll know what the future holds (apart from the inevitable fall off the end of the conveyor belt!) and feel calmer.


Meanwhile, we are having wonderful summer, the cicadas are deafening, the birdsong lifts my spirits. I have a safe and lovely home and no financial worries (only have my pension but it's adequate for my meagre needs. I don't crave luxuury)

Even my eyesight, almost non-existent now, gives me a good excuse not to go anywhere I don't wish to - and I have lovely homecare workers who do my housework and shop for me. It's like having domestic staff

So when things go just a little bit pearshaped, its having all these benefits behind me that help me deal with them.
I know I moan a bit about some of the things I don't have or can't do but it doesn't last long, I'm back on an even keel pretty soon.

Wow Kaimoana I’ve just watched he video. I never knew that’s how they put stents in. What an amazing procedure. I do hope it’s beneficial and helps. As Ixion says what is in place for your recovery? Hope all goes well for you.
Grammaretto i can see your problem. It will be hard for you to downsize. I imagine your furniture won’t fit and you’ll have far too much anyway. I’m not saying it would be wrong to go there but if the place doesn’t produce a spark of interest for you then I’m worried you might feel depressed about the move. We moved from a bungalow to our flat but in fact the flat is bigger than our bungalow but no garden. Nice to take your friend to yarn group with you.

Ixion I’m afraid my days of high kicks have gone. Getting up out of a chair takes all my energy.
NN hope you are doing well. Hope you are feeling comfortable
Jan I’m having physio for my knees. At least I would be if I did the exercises. 😱

Hi Grammaretto. Not much of a dodgy knee story! Its been what I call “dodgy* for several years! Doesn’t actually hurt - touch wood! - but Im just aware its not right! Did see a surgeon after I had had an xray but he said as long as I was coping to wait and see. So thats what Im doing! I have already got enough problems with mobility etc and really cant face an op!

*Ooh Grammaretto... That sounded a bit of a harsh comment re compromise. We downsized from a large 5 bedroom house with a drive at the front and a large rear garden at the rear not overlooked. I was absolutely sure I've wasn't moving to anything less than 4 bedrooms. Fast forward 4 years and here we are in a 2 bedroom cottage based over 4 floors. The big difference is....we are not overlooked at the back as we in the countryside and have sheep for neighbours. We have a lovely garden...totally manageable and the sheep come and watch us waiting for their carrots etc. We are a mile away from a lovely small town/ large village with everything we need, Catholic church ( vital) doctors, library independent shops and 2 small supermarkets. moral here is... Yes to compromise but only to something that will give you enough happiness to make up for the compromise. Xxx

Gosh that's soon Kaimoana! Good news I hope. I wonder what aftercare is provided but think I know the answer. 😟

I wish we lived nearer.

I went to peer in the window of a cottage recently come on the market.
I have arranged a proper viewing on Saturday. I told DS#1 about it. He thinks it looks great but when I said how small it was he had zero sympathy and talks about compromise!
Fair enough but I do wonder how it would be to downsize from 16 vast rooms to 5 tiny ones which would fit into a couple of mine with space to spare.

The garden is tiny too and overlooked with no back door.
I have been spoiled for all these years. I have never had to compromise on space.

It's very nice having my friend staying and we both enjoyed the yarn group. She's a spindle spinner who grows and mixes her own dyes.

Now I'm making marmalade so the kitchen smells lovely.

How are all the Lobstars today?

Gosh, that was a surprise to hear about your TAVI, and coming so soon, Kaimoana. So much benefit from minimally invasive procedures these days - what plans do you have for your recovery?

Wishing you the very best.

Lovely to see Jan again.
Another one with a dodgy knee!
We'll never pass our audition for the Tiller Girls at this rate.

I hope your DF has arrived safely, Grammaretto, and that she enjoys all the activities during her stay that you have on your doorstep.
I don't think I could 'do' isolation these days.

Dashing out, but thinking of everyone on this lovely thread

I'd love to hear bagpipes live again.
Last time was in 1990 when as a birthday treat I ordered a pipe band to march down the street on Mum's 75th.

I didn't tell her and we were chatting away over a cuppa and she said, 'Hush a minutes, I'm sure I can hear bagpipes.'

Of course they got nearer until they marched into her courtyard and spent the next 30 mins playing for her. Magic Moment.

The date for my heart op is 25h February.

I've just watched a YouTube on the TAVI procedure so I know what to expect.

Its astonishing what you can find online - pretty much everything.

I wish they could replace my eyes si I could read again.

Hello Jan glad you found us. Hope your knee improves. I’ve got a dodgy one too.
Grammaretto have a lovely time with your friend. Nice to have a chat with your son
I’ve been to sit fit then hairdresser and then a church meeting. Got home late and I’m so tired. Driving today has been horrid. Dark and pouring with rain (hardly worth having my hair done)
Having a drink then off to bed. Take care all

Hi Jan 👋
It's good to see you posting again.
What's the story of your dodgy knee?
I would recommend having a replacement if advised. Unless you are very unlucky, like NN was first time round, it's a life saver.

I slept in after an awful sleepless night and now should be making up a bed for my friend from the North who is coming to stay for a few days. She managed to dig herself out from her snowy home.

She really ought to look for a new home but loves where she is. She didn't see a soul for several weeks and couldn't get her car out.

I was called in to do an extra shift at the community store yesterday afternoon so didn't make marmalade or finish my knitting.

I had a long video call with DS in NZ today. He received the birthday card a few days late but was happy to have it.
He had a Burns Barbecue and his friend and neighbour came playing the bagpipes.
Turns out he's a champion piper!

Scots get everywhere and Scots in NZ even further 😅

Welcome back Jan

Hi All! Well I got lost in the wilderness yet again! I really didn’t think I was that bad on the internet!! Just seems to be here but you will be pleased or maybe not that Im back! Seem to have missed a lot with operations etc. NN have you had a new hip? Couldn’t quite make out but it certainly sounded painful although hopefully it will be worth it once everything has settled down. Ive got a dodgy knee which Im trying to pretend isnt dodgy! I know a new knee would set me back a long way with my mobility which isnt great anyway so will keep on hoping it doesn’t get too painful.
Ixion oh dear cats are such a worry arent they. We have a local community internet group where people put news, things that are happening locally etc etc and so many cats seem to like to wander off and worry their owners but luckily most of them eventually stroll in as if they had just been out for an afternoon wander. Do hope Barney is home very soon Grammaretto. I worry everytime Theo goes out but then I worry about most things!
Kaimoana Do hope you get settled into the sort of home you would really like. Certainly is nice to have people and friends go chat too and you really should be able to choose the home you would like. Sometimes its just not nice to get old is it? Think we will all feel better once February is over. Although its getting lighter in the evenings its still so dark in the morning.
Nice to catch up and speak to you all again soon. Take care x

Evening all. Just had a PM from Jan who cant find us. Hopefully she will see us waving our lobsters now.
Kaimoana what a shame. Surely someone could go on your behalf or they could be more flexible. I just wish you had some good luck for a change,
I do so very much hope that the right place is found for you and you can be looked after and comfortable
ixion no nothing special just a spur of the moment thing. Lovely to see them all though. So sorry about Barney. Really upsetting I do hope he makes his way home soon. Have you tried local Facebook ?
Grammaretto love the snowdrops. G&T. Is that allowed in Scotland. I thought you all had to drink whisky 🥃
NN a brave lady indeed. Well done for coming through all that ok. Now for the recovery and being looked after and pampered. Tell your Dh the lobstars will be watching him.

Jan here we are come and join us

You have been through the mill and back again NN. What a brave lady!
With beautiful nails 😍
Thanks for the update. I had to have a G&T whilst reading as I was frightened for you as the saga progressed.

I hope normal recovery proceeds from now on!

*I thought my hands looked dreadful and in desperate need of hand cream or transplants 🤣
Ixion....no... vanity thy name is Neine...I went and had them done last Monday but had to leave the 2 index fingers exposed so the oxygen thingy could go on there....I will be back to get them painted as soon as I can stay awake. DH would definitely try to do them if I'd asked but seeing the twitch and panic just now when I asked what we having for dinner tonight... I'll probably wait and go to the salon. *

Has Mr. NN done your nails too, NN?🤭
That should raise the spirits!

Horrible bruise but what lovely hands NN!

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202602/medium-9vwxik-8511d989-831c-46f8-9b9e-11b8614d1ff3-1-all-12597.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202602/medium-4ygl3r-1000026575.jpg

Ouch.

*This will be all jumbled up but so many things to comment on...
Kaimoana...A Happy Belated Birthday and a real hope that this time next year for your big 80.. You will be settled somewhere much more suited to your needs and that life is kinder to you.
Is it too late to claim the gift? Could your son come and take you and help you pick up staple cupboard supplies and any other bits that might make life easier for you going forward. Have you told him about the gift?;

I'm not sure I know but do you belong to any church? I know it wouldn't be possible for you to physically attend regularly but I wondered if you did if there was a group that specifically help other parishioners in need.
In the Catholic church the St Vincent de Paul do a lot for people in your situation. It would be lovely if there was someone you could call on.
Doodle.. How lovely a lunch with your boys, that must have eased all aches and pains just being with them.

Grammaretto... Well done to your DD in managing to complete her assignment...I hope she's feeling stronger now. I can't be sick, some sort of reflex that doesn't work properly but ooh the times I wished I could...4 pregnancies with girls to start with ( more progesterone with girls apparently means more sickness).
How lovely to receive a handmade gift for a birthday, that makes it even more special. How wonderful it would be if we could all sit around your fire with soup and chatter the night away.. I'm there now in my head.
Your poor friend getting off the bus too soon, what a shame the driver didn't check which stop she wanted, it sounds terrifying having to knock on someone's door in the middle of nowhere... That said where we live now I would feel safe doing that if I had to....

Ixion.... I'm so sorry Barney is still AWOL.. Did something spook him, nearly daily there is an appeal for a missing cat on Nextdoor and nearly every time they have reappeared. I'm hoping it's going to be the same for him too.

Notspag..the funeral sounds lovely ( if a funeral can be lovely) the limbo time in between dying and the funeral is very hard and it sounds like your darling man wanted everything to be right for his ( and yours) beloved Mother as did you. Hopefully you can now both relax a little before any paperwork/ property needs attention.

I'm now day 5 post-op. The whole thing seems surreal now. We arrived at 12 noon as requested and the receptionist said Oh Thank Goodness I can book you as arrived which I thought was a bit weird and then asked us to sit in a very hastily prepared waiting area which consisted of 3 screens assembled in a sort of square...I couldn't really see the need for this as the reception area was big and airy , it turns out that it had been assembled just for me.
She then went off and opened a door to another office and people began to pour out of it...I was esconced in a small office and at one point there 5 people in there waiting to talk to me in turn. I was quite overwhelmed to be honest and tried hard to concentrate on what each person was saying but was so relieved that from what the 2 consultants were saying the special scans and x rays had shown there was a problem and their intention was to remove all previous replacement parts ( including the very long stem down through my femur) and redo it all.

I was terrified of coming round in agony like last time where the incorrect information has been recorded on my notes stating I had had an epidural ( with pain relief inserted post op) where in fact I had had a GA and no pain relief had been administered prior to waking me up.
The anaesthetist this time was kindness itself and reassured me that he would make sure I was pain free, he held my hand and said he would be checking me every step of the way.

The lady who seemed to be the operation co ordinator asked me if I wanted to be resuscitated if something went wrong...that threw me a bit and I said yes please, she then followed it up with if the situation is that there is no hope do you want your life support switched off?
I was wishing at this point that they still gave strong pre meds before ops. I said I would have to ask DH but apparently I needed to answer there and then she opted for what she said most people went for....if nothing more to be done then yes.

From then on everything was quick, professional and kind.... overwhelmingly kind.

All of the above was because I was the first to be operated on using this newly accredited system ( for this hospital) This wasn't where the original surgery was performed, that was in Epsom in Surrey and they were going to try and rectify what had been done wrong.
As it turned out the original cup had been set at neutral and not forward as it should have been... Each movement it scraped along the stem they had inserted and was wearing it down. No wonder it b****y hurt.

I was euphoric the next morning when the consultant visited and told me what they'd found. I said I thought hugging a consultant was probably inappropriate but he said yes of course you can and gave me a huge hug and said it's lovely to see you smiling again. What a wonderful thing to say.

Days 3 and 4 have been challenging...on days 1 and 2 I was on Oramorph every 2 hours but I couldn't stop sleeping ( 18 hours a day) and hallucinating...I even saw some Lobstars dressed in sparkly crop tops and hot pants doing a sort of Haka round my bed...I can't be sure but I think one of them had a costume malfunction and had to be surgically cut out of her top to restore circulation.

I decided to stop the Oramorph and ooooh the pain has well and truly crept ( marched) in for sure and stupid things like the bruising on my wrists and arms hurt too. DH is like a fish out of water...my own fault I suppose for giving off this aura of capability and years of having to get on and do it ( pre DH). I don't think men come pre programmed re domesticity and whilst some may embrace it others have to be led gently to the waters edge and allowed time to paddle....🤣
I feel we are at the stage where his water wings might be coming off any time soon. ( Either that or he is going to get a shove from behind into the next big wave!!!!!).

Oh and I forgot to say.... You do get pre meds..it was 2 paracetamol..an anti sickness tablet and 2 tablets to relieve constipation ( slow release Thank God )*

Hope Barney finds his way home soon Ixion
Thanks for kind words as ever.

Doodle your family sounds so lovely 😍
I am glad you get together often.

I hope aches and pains aren't bothering you too much.

NN we need an update. Hoping recovery is progressing.

I picked snowdrops yesterday to herald Spring.