🦞🦂 *What are we up to?*🦂🦞

"For warm, battery-powered electric gloves in the UK. Rechargeable heated gloves on Amazon UK or specialist retailers like HeatPerformance and BERTSCHAT, featuring lithium-ion batteries, multiple heat settings."

Knit on intrepid Gramaretto !!

Kaimoana, my grandson was bought some heated gloves for Christmas this year and I tried them on... They are just too hot 🔥 unless on a low setting!
His are rechargeable.
I think he'll get a lot of use from them though as he leaves home really early to get two busses and a train to college

I bought a batch of winter accessories in a sale at an outdoor shop on Friday. waterproof gloves, merino thermal socks, neck warmer and a squeaky new literally pair of furry boots.
I thought I was sorted but my phone locked for no apparent reason Samsung phones are prone to this apparently I have no access to my tickets or anyone by text. It is so frustrating.
This afternoon I will try to go to a phone shop and see if someone there can access my phone.

I emailed my work party who came and did brilliantly so there is now access to my empty bookcase. The rest of the toilets and basins left too.

I remind myself that I managed a month in NZ without a phone having left mine on the first plane so surely I can manage across Scotland without one. I'll take my address book this time.

So here I am on my old laptop hoping all Lobstars are present and correct?

Ooh Grammaretto how frustrating is that, I vaguely remember my Samsung doing that, I think I took the battery out and then replaced it and it reset itself. Some of the more modern ones don't have accessable batteries though.
Good news about the bookcase and toilets too
I'd forgotten that you had spare toilets and panicked a bit when you said the toilet had been collected, my mind boggled briefly ( doesn't take much) Fingers crossed the ferries are running
Kaimoana... That made me sad to read that you had never had a love letter then got to thinking that in fact it's over 50 years since I got one but have received loving cards at valentine's, birthdays etc and I hope you did too.
I'm very jealous of anyone jetting off to warmer climates, I hate the winter and the 2 months I spent driving around OZ and NZ were brilliant as it a December and January weather here and June / July weather out there. Best friend and I were thinking of jetting off but it's a bit pointless when I'm so limited just now , we'll make up for it later I'm sure.
It's decs down day which means I'll have to wield a duster to remove what's been hiding untouched for at least 2 weeks, I'm trying to channel my inner domestic goddess mode but so far she's well buried and showing no signs of appearing and taking the place of slutty housewife who just wants to spend time on GN and then do a crossword or 3 and if that becomes boring sweet talk DH into driving her to a garden centre. Ho Hum

Well 🤔, this lobStar has neither been present (nor correct atm) Grammaretto.

Sorry for going awol everyone, I have been reading and am pleased that Kaimoana, especially, but also most of the rest of you had a good xmas, and you were able to make the best of what is a sad time for you, NotSpaghetti,

I haven't exactly been well, xmas day I was fine but then as seems to be a regular theme every year started feeling unwell on boxing day and was hit with the start of a series of seizures that night. Then I came out in a peculiar rash 🫤, goodness knows what that was all about 🤣.
I'm recovered now but have some worrying medical tests coming up next week. It's never-ending. To add insult to injury, I think our team will be relegated come the end of the season because the defence are like headless chickens 🫣 😂.

Take care everyone, I'm sending my love and hopes for a peaceful 2026 xx

Hello CherryCezzy. Lovely to hear from you but sorry youve been so poorly. Fingers and everything crossed that those medical tests go well they are always such a worry. Hope 2026 improves for you very soon soon xx

Oh dear Cherry so sorry you’ve had another bout of seizures and a rash to cope with. Hope the test results are fine and you continue to improve.
Sorry about our team. I will send Jeeves to lick/kick them into shape. 🤣
Grammaretto your bookcase will certainly be valued at th new bookshop. Is it local to you? Not many bookshops around these days. How strange the helper wanted to bring two cats. I can’t see how that would work.
Glad you’ve got your winter supplies in. From what I’ve seen of the weather you’ll need them. Hope you get your phone fixed soon.
Kaimoana i e never heard of heated gloves. Sounds like a good idea though.
Had a good morning in church although we had no vicar. Someone forgot to come. The church wardens did a good job though and with many laughs we got through. I went to the hospice this afternoon to wish DH a happy new year . Why there rather than here I don’t know but that’s the way my mind works.
Sleep well all and wrap up if you go out,

Poor Cherry. I wish you well when you have those tests.
An odd day here. Very cold but no snow.

The bookcase will be picked up tomorrow although I cant be contacted by text so I hope the removers aren't relying on that. The bookshop will be opening in Edinburgh in the Spring Doodle
How lovely to be wishing DH a Happy New Year.

We had the Quaker meeting here but it was chilly, everyone in their coats despite a wood fire and the heating on full. I made soup.

I spent the rest of the day at a phone shop in Edinburgh and have bought been sold a new phone but must return tomorrow bringing my laptop so that I can be connected up to all my messages, photos and files. I rely too much on my phone now.

I was even cold in bed last night. Minus 8 is forecast Brrrr
I see cruises advertised..... has anyone been on one?

My husband and I plus our 3 year old (who would celebrate his 4th birthday at sea) sailed from NZ to UK .

We chose the SS Australis of the Greek Chandris Lines (later bought by the US).

dev.united-states-lines.org/australis/

Currently hock-deep in pine needles, but have driven a path through the main rooms until finer tuning tomorrow. A vacuum cleaner challenge, one upright model currently performing much better than its alternative sorry, Sir J.

A late start here today as DGS2 occupied my FT attention for more than an hour and a half non-stop - he doesn't draw breath! Well, until he demonstrated his new Night Time Vision Goggles, promptly fell over his toys and bloodied his nose.

I hope you managed to get your phone and laptop successfully synched, Grammaretto and that everything is accessible for your trip north - when do you travel? Hoping too your bookcase was collected- and fitted into the given transport.

Today, I have successfully offloaded a Christmas tablecloth of DM, a copy of Mrs Beeton and a zither for renovation - too many good ideas for retirement, not enough time to address them all!

How many times have you returned to the UK, Kaimoana? Always by boat?
Doodle and Mr.D have cruised, IIRC. Not us.

So pleased you could acknowledge the New Year in your own special way, Doodle❤️. Has your Art class started up again?

NN, how is your little family and new babe getting on? What will happen when you have your op? Is there a wider support network to keep an eye on them to take the pressure off you?

Cherry is sadly correct about Our Team's future⤵️. Not looking good.

Does anyone have a DGS who might like a crack at scoring us a few goals?

No Ixion but I have a DGD who is at football academy and eats sleeps dreams football.

I got my phone half done but the youth who was helping had about as much clue as I did so the transfer is not complete, no WhatsApp or banking and still plenty of passwords to remember or change.

It was I who was asking about cruises. I have never been tempted before but for some reason it suddenly seems very attractive. Especially on the eve of setting off to the frozen north tomorrow.
I'm wondering what time I need to get up to be sure of getting to the bus station before the bus leaves. Pre dawn for sure.

The bookcase left smoothly and left a big space which is already getting filled.
Well done on your rehoming all those things 😃

Now the bookcase has gone it reveals the giant sofa. The bookcase guys said I should offer it on Freecycle and it would go in seconds. I suppose that is preferable to dumping in the countryside although once you see what the council charge for taking away a bed or sofa, you begin to understand the flytipper if not condoning them.

We came back from NZ by ship. It was the cheapest way back then. It took 6 weeks. Our ship was the SS Southern Cross. We came via Australia and South Africa because Suez was closed.

Arriving in NZ when I was a baby we were on the Rangitiki but I don't remember that. We went through the Panama canal. There are photos of me dressed in a nappy with wings attached to my shoulders. it was the fancy dress

It still seems incredible that you can get there in 24 hours now.

When my ancestors went out in the 19th Century the journey was 4months.

Goodnight Lobstars. Sleep tight

Evening all. That’s some boat Kaimoana must have been a long trip. How long did it take. When we cruised, the most sea days we did was 3 consecutive days when we went to Greenland. It was quite a long trip but worth the effort.
Grammaretto as you seem to go to Edinburgh quite a lot I imagine you can visit your bookcase and check it’s being well looked after in its new home. Good luck with the new phone. I’m one who can’t figure out these things myself. Fortunately our sons are more adept.
Ixion art class starts with week and I can’t wait. I’ve missed it.
Lovely people. I’m back at sit fit tomorrow too so if I improve I can maybe sign up for the team next season. 🤣
Sleep well all.

It took 6 weeks Doodle and day for day, bearing in mine full accommodation, food and entertainments (plus medical should it be needed) it was far cheaper and more enjoyable than flying.

We didn't need nurse or doctor but many unwise people got very bad, some serious, sunburn because they simply laid out on deck all day sleeping and wouldn't be advised.

Others, unused to the full, often gourment buffet available had gastric troubles due to greed.

Cherry so sorry you have had more seizures. I'd there any sense to why? It must be very exhausting and frustrating.
I do hope things have settled down a bit

Finally we had a call to say that the hospital medical examiner is releasing the certificate of my mother-in-law's death so we can now register it. This is good news, obviously - however we cannot even get through to the cemetery as yet and the funeral director we are working with says she thinks it could be the end of the month!

Meanwhile we are looking for somewhere smartish that she would have liked for the funeral reception.
There are lots of them looking shabby and in January, anything up a lane will put people off it seems to me. I don't think she'd have chosen a pub and having it at her house would be a real squash...

We have also spent half a day looking at photos. Oh what a life she had led before even my husband arrived! My granddaughter saw a photo of her on a beach as a woman in her 30s, she had marked it as "on honeymoon" she was looking so lovely, in her swimsuit, presumably taken by my husband's father through a lense of love
My granddaughter said, in amazement "Oh look at this photo it is her ^as a girl^" she was amazed that my mother-in-law had been young once.

So many changes in one life
Her father's first car and with family in Sweden
Berlin with the American red cross
Picnics and one of four young people on a "punting holiday"
..and lots of travel
..and her dear friend of 105 is there too

Sending love to you all

Naughtyneine I forgot to say that I really hope this surgery gets you out of pain.
Keeping everything (carefully) crossed for you
x

Bon voyage, Grammaretto.
Pictures please 'from my window' - it will be really scenic!
🚌🛳️
Take care🌺

Good to know that your MiLs funeral can be planned now notspaghetti

I can't write on the bus easily. Pitlochry is very snowy.
There are a group of schoolboys going to camp in Aviemore. They have been amusing me. Their parents keep phoning them to tell them not to do anything dangerous.
My DD texts me to tell me I shouldn't have left home!

Over the slocht. Very pretty

This always makes me smile, Grammaretto!

ixion

This always makes me smile, Grammaretto!

Yes Ixion

Goodness Kaimoana i don’t think I could cope with six weeks at sea. Two is about my limit.
Notspaghetti i love looking at old photos. Are you going to show some at her funeral. I always think it’s nice when people get so see some of a persons earlier life too.
What a day to set off on your travels Grammaretto hope you’re there now and snug and cosy. The pictures look lovely
I cancelled sit fit this morning as it was snowing and I didn’t want to get stuck anywhere. Stayed home and did lots of small jobs. Spent a few hours going through old videos that I’ve found of previous holidays including one of DH being serenaded on his birthday by a number of Filipino waiters..

It's good to know that you can now make plans to lay your DMiL to rest, NotSpaghetti. I'm wondering the same thing as Doodle re. the photos. A chosen few perhaps?
I hope you find the right venue to give her the send off and celebration of her life she deserves 💐
In answer to your question re. my epilepsy, I discovered the true cause at the age of 40. In a nutshell - I was born brain damaged 🤯. I'm not looking for Frankenstein to solve it, as far as I'm aware I can't have a brain transplant 🤣.

Beautiful photo Grammaretto, snow always looks so pretty in landscapes that are beautiful to start with. It's been a bit surreal here as we very rarely have snow but we've had some four mornings in a row.

I know you haven't said but I hope the videos you've found weren't difficult to watch, Doodle, but instead brought back wonderful memories.

Jeeves is making me an extra throttle 😂 hot chocolate atm, I'm in need of something indulgent as our team experienced another loss, idiots 🤦‍♀️. I think it was the nail in the coffin for any prospect of staying ⬆️.

Night night 🌙 all

Yes, Cherry and Doodle, we are looking for about 25 photos (only) for the funeral as we were told that would take about four minutes to show them. We don't think having them just cycle on and on through the service is going to work at all - so we will have some music she loved playing when we show the photos, and it will, i hope , let people rememberher quietly themselves.

We are fortunate in that it's ages since we had to organise a funeral and 35 years ago we wouldn't have thought about photos like this then
It's quite remarkable to see her as a beautiful young woman though, with her whole long life ahead of her... The lovely photos of her with my husband's father (who died leaving her a widow so very young) are particularly moving - probably because we all know that their tome together was do short

Goodnight friends
Sweet Dreams

I wish your seizures could be resolved Cherry. X

Oh wow lots to read. NS....I feel your dear MIL's funeral will be a real celebration of a life well lived and lived. My Mother was widowed very young too ( she was 36 and I was 9). It's lovely that your DGD has been able to see her as a young person, I've think it's hard for them to grasp that we weren't always like we are now.
Grammaretto, you are a very brave lady, since getting trapped in a car in snow for 26 hours with a my DD3 who was pregnant at the time I have vowed not to venture forth at the sign of a snowflake. I hope you have arrived safe and sound and it's all melted by the time you travel home again.
Cherry, I'm sure knowing the cause of the seizures doesn't help whilst you are experiencing them, can no-one give you and guidance on possible triggers? I wondered if stress might be a culprit ( with the build up to Christmas and extra activities?) I hope this year is a lot less traumatic for you.
Kaimoana.... Some things don't change, on modern day cruises there still people overdoing the sun and the food!!!!
Grammaretto...my DBF has been on many cruises ( I think she said she is a diamond something now) some have been solo. She has very much enjoyed them and met some very interesting people too. I went with her on the Queen Mary 2 from Southampton to New York, I really enjoyed it as I could take part in all the different activities on board ( without having to be up and out at different ports). Mass first thing, followed by breakfast, quizzes, learning all manner of dances from formal to line, lectures and the food really was out of this world. We both enjoyed dressing up too but it wasn't compulsory as there were additional restaurants for those who preferred a more relaxed style.
Ixion...I hope your little DGS is ok after his bump, bless him. My DGS 'T' used to talk all the time...he was very much into tech stuff even aged 6 and told the Sky engineer that his Neine needed a booster for her WiFi as her house said were so thick. He used to try and explain his computer game Fortnight to me, I'm still none the wiser. His older brother 'J' used to test me on the capitals of countries. I miss them.
My little family are doing very well. I've not had chance to see them since last week as they've all been ill and I'm trying to avoid picking up anything that will delay my surgery. S was one on Monday and we gave her a ride on toy and her Mum sent me pictures of her riding on it. There will be a review in a couple of weeks time and normally after 6 months support I would step down and go on to support another family but they can apply for another 6 months support. They want me to keep supporting them and I think that when when my Safe Family role ends we will be in frequent touch. The Mum find it very hard to trust people having been so very badly let down in the past and it took her a while to trust and open up to me and realise I wasn't going to abandon her. They are doing everything they can to make a good life for themselves and their children.
Doodle...bittersweet I expect watching the videos but lovely that you have those visual memories of your life together. I always feel that those we love never really leave us.... Just close by, out of sight for now.
I didn't want to start this post with this next bit of news as it's not great. The company that DH is working for ( a role he really enjoyed) have seen a downturn in business and they have made him redundant....that was Mondays news, yesterday's was that Ddog2 has lymphoma cancer, we will find out tomorrow if it's possible that chemo may put her in remission for a while, it will depend on if the cancer is in her lymph glands or has started somewhere else and spread. It's come on very quickly and I have a feeling that she will not be with us for much longer. It's 2 years since we lost our Ddog 'N' and that combined with work traumas too had a very bad effect on DH's mental health for a while. That was a huge shock to me as he is very 'male' if you know what I mean. He knows this time he doesn't need to hide how he is feeling from me. I'm trying hard to hold it all together just now for his sake, but the combination of the op, pain and this isn't making it easy.