🦞🦂 *What are we up to?*🦂🦞

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Five hours of church decorating Doodle! I hope we see a photo of the results.

I hope you managed to sleep well afterwards.

Those confused ladybirds ixion. Who can blame them though with the weather doing strange things. The rose clippings stuck in a pot are all sprouting, the hollyhocks are still flowering , or were when I last looked.

Anyone heard from Kaimoana?
I hope noone is in such pain they can't come on here and scream!

It was our penultimate Gaelic class last night with 3 presentations. One was about veganism and we were given cakes to eat. The talk was somewhat better than the baking.

A talk about Lord Leverhulme who bought the Isle of Harris and tried unsuccessfully to work with the natives.

Finally a talk about fly fishing. I just don't get fishing if you throw the fish back, which he does. Do any of you understand?

Yarn group this morning so I'll get on with one of my many projects on the go.

See you later!

Evening all
Just popping in for a quick hello tonight. I went to our church service this morning. Then went to visit a friend for coffee.
It’s our Christmas tree festival at church this coming weekend so I popped into church on my way to the shops this afternoon to see if they needed any help. Five hours later I left church in time to poor into Waitrose for a shop and then home for. A late dinner at gone 7. Really tired now. Hope all are ok. X

One only thing I missed, Doodle, on retirement, was the facility to ditch out of date and unwanted teabags. DC went through phases of fruity tea drinking and whenever they returned I would buy a box of the mixed variety to be on the safe side.
Anything leftover would be left, surreptitiously and anonymously, in the kitchen area at work, where the gannets would swoop keenly on any unclaimed comestibles. Ditto cuppa soups et al.

The state that the prams were in, Grammaretto, I am just grateful that they are bring removed unquestioned. The doll's pram is going to a lady who has 5 sons, 8 grandsons and, at last, one granddaughter. Her husband will be keen to do the renovation so she says🤔.

The unseasonably warm weather is playing havoc with the routine of our brave little band of annually-returning ladybirds.
Somehow, they find their way into the bathroom (we do like a warm one😉) and congregate for hibernation in the top corner of the sash window.
Normally they stay put for the winter, but now some of the more adventurous boys -boys they must be- go walkabout. This is all very jolly until you spot one or two of them on the floor where their futures definitely hang in the balance.

ixion 😂🤣😅

That's a great photo of your poor, half starved heron.

Are you giving away your prams? I asked money for mine and got £60 for the silvercross.
I gave the doll's pram to Oxfam.

I had a nice discovery today. The 6 rose cuttings plonked in some soil in a pot in October have all sprouted!

My friend from the north leaves in the morning. I shall miss her but I am going into Edinburgh for lunch with another old friend.

Grammaretto i didn’t think it was a bird. For some reason I thought a water rail was some kind of salmon ladder 🤣
Glad your new helper is getting on well.
Thank you, I did enjoy my lunch with my friend and her husband. Went back to their cosy place for coffee. Then drove home in the dark and wet came in and ever since have been having my own pity party. The last few days I’ve been going down hill. Spoke to our son tonight but managed to sound bright and cheerful. No need to worry him he can’t do anything to help.

Kaimoana i always feel ashamed of myself when I’m low because of all the troubles you have. Tell me how is your son doing in his job search. I’ll you see the family at Christmas?

Ixion i do Hope your lovely pram goes to someone who will appreciate it.

I’ve been throwing out out of date tea bags. I don’t drink tea myself but buy them in for friends. I do wish I could buy small quantities of things. I have a box of decaffeinated coffee for my BiL who visits twice a year. A box of decaffeinated tea for my S’il who come with BIl fruit tea for friend who visits more often ordinary tea for neighbour, peppermint tea for our DIL and ordinary coffee for me.

That’s a big heron……are you sure he hasn’t had any fish ?

I spy fish - but no chips☹️

No, I didn't know much about water rails either, only the name.
How exciting to see something relatively exotic.

Mind you, we did have heron sitting watching in the garden yesterday - probably hacked off that our ever-expanding goldfish brood is now netted and out of the equation. Big b**gger, isn't it? mused Mr.I.

Less attractive was (Russell) crow burying food he had speared, into our lawn, which is why so much of it looks like a plethora of molehills.

My Silver Cross doll's pram is now ready for Freecycle, hoping to attract someone with time, skills and commitment to restore it to its former glory.
And no, if anyone is thinking it would be ideal to wheel their doggie around in, don't even think about it ...😱

My aim as always is to have a lighter grocery bill next week.
I am hoping that a deep dive into the kitchen cupboards will come up with an assortment of packets and tins, those which I formerly have inspected as 'good to go' because they had a December expiry date.

Meal planning could be interesting - fortunately, my family are very appreciative of anything put in front of them.
They know the alternative.

How goes, Kaimoana? 🌺

I have found a photo of a water rail. It's a fairly uncommon migrating water bird.
My helper is very nice. Trouble is I keep chatting to her and distracting her. She's been picking and gathering the last of the apples for chopping and freezing for the winter. We've left plenty for the birds.

I hope you enjoy your lunch out today Doodle.

Morning all. I was out last night at the hospice light up a life ceremony. It was lovely. Cold but not too bad. DS2 came with me. I had a few tears when we lit candles and sang silent night but. It was good to be there.

Grammaretto what are water rails? Looks lovely and peaceful where you were. Is your new helper nice? Good the story telling went well and how nice to have a surprise visit.

I’m out for lunch today with my friend and her husband. Then church tomorrow instead of Wednesday because all the Christmas trees are being put up in church Wednesday.

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I hope Lobstars are well or at least fairly well.

It is extremely cold here but I have had a lovely day.
My df and I went for a walk to our local pond and watched water rails.
The Helper enjoyed the storytelling session. DD and the family called unexpectedly for a cuppa. They had been nearby with the other DGP. The Advent supper was very good and fun too.

Pity about the rain but it's better than snow.
I'm posting a photo of a water rail very well camouflaged on the murky pond.

Ixion Hope your teeth aren’t too painful now and you’re able to eat properly soon.
Notspaghetti your MiL is remarkable to still be at home. I sure her manicure will do her the world of good. What a nice thing for her granddaughter to do.
Miserable weather here too although I have been out most of the day at a Christmas fair, farm shop and church Christmas service. Quite enjoyable but very cold.
Grammaretto I’m glad you’re safely home. I bet you were quite chilled by the time you made it back. How nice to have some company at home to return to.
Pleased you will be going to friends for Christmas. I bet the dog is quite excited about his invitation too 🤣
Hope you’re ne helper is nice and you get on well.

Hello lovely Lobstars 😍
After a very long train journey including an hour in the icy waiting room I arrived home and df ( the one who comes for dinner most Fridays) met me and drove me home.
My df from the north is staying here which is lovely.
I went to a wood working workshop with the Foragers today which was fun. I made an extremely rustic spoon.

This afternoon I went to the Gaelic café but was lazy and mostly spoke English. My friend has invited me to hers for Christmas day lunch! That's so nice as I know my family are all doing their own things this year. She's invited a few other people who are on their own and a dog.

My next Helper is due tomorrow. Ixion I'm making a list of jobs for her, but there are two social things to take her to tomorrow: a St Andrew's day story telling in the afternoon and an Advent supper.

Letting her in gently 😄😉.

Your DMiL is amazing NotSpaghetti 101 wow!

I'd better make a meal.

Oh, ixion, thanks for asking. Her health has become a constant niggle now. She has had a "degree" of heart failure (if such exists) for some time and opted not to do anything involving an operation last year - but since her fall and hospital stay she has been really wheezy. I do fear for her now - and after our visit yesterday "it", whatever is exactly causing it (fluid, cold, nasal issues).. she was very wheezy indeed.

The trip to the toilet on foot is quite an effort now too so she's using the wheelchair within the house more as well - and this week has been so windy and cold that she has hardly been out.

We are all aware that things do go wrong as we get older, and to get to 101 in pretty good health is still remarkable, but I do so wish we were over the winter so she cold have some nice spring days

My lovely youngest daughter is going to give her a manicure this weekend I'm told. I know that will lift her spirits as she always had beautiful nails in the past.

Grammaretto, five years seems such a long time and yet no time at all. I'm glad you spent it with your son and daughter-in-law
Doodle and Kaimoana - both "in the wars" and how sorry I am that the beach meet-up is so far away. Both need the quiet ministrations of Jeeves... I do hope you have people "keeping an eye on you"
💐

All the best wishes to other Lobstars. It's miserable weather here.. keep warm and as well as possible!
Mr Spaghetti has taken on the Michelin "football match job" today (hooray) so i will try do something useful whilst he's gone. .
...a big pot of soup maybe?

Hope you get back safely Grammaretto, it sounds a lovely family get together with suitable contemplation time.
Are you still having your helper soon?

It is indeed curious, Kaimoana, as to why your outing is based at such a distance, I'm so sorry you will be missing it but it sounds the wisest clinically driven advice for the longer term.

Glad you're feeling better today Doodle.
I was at the dentist yesterday evening (he is running weekly Late Night Opening in an attempt to cut down his waiting time) and, as a consequence, I feel like I've done 15 rounds in the boxing ring. There is always a silver lining in that I am on soft foods and fridge raiding is strictly out of the question.

How is your DMIL faring, NS? Is her confidence coming back?🤞

Evening all
Back better tonight thanks.
Kaimoana I’m so sorry you’ll miss your trip. I remember you’ve been before but it is a really long way and probably not a good idea. Such a shame. Have you heard any more from your so. Since he’s been back?
Grammaretto contemplative is a good word for that period of just thinking about things, I do that quietly on my own sometimes when I go tI the hospice. Pictures are lovely. Hope you enjoyed your trip.

I’m going to a Christmas craft fair at Windsor tomorrow. Not been to one before so looking forward to it. Sleep well all

Grammaretto...a big hug for you and a hope that today has been filled with wonderful memories of your darling man. Xx

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Ouch poor Doodle ! I hope the hottie will help.
Thankyou all for your kind thoughts and cwtches. It has really helped.

I had a gentle day avoiding the busy shops and spending a contemplative time at the arboretum and later at the George Green windmill and museum. I bought a day bus ticket.

I'm heading home tomorrow.
The photos are from the arboretum before my phone's battery died.

I'm sorry about your having to cancel your beach outing Kaimoana . It does seem unnecessarily far away.

Clumber Park is where the spaniel of the same name was bred.

Poor you Doodle, do take care of yourself.
I've reluctantly given backword on attending the kaumatua Christmas breakup party at Wenderholm.
Having seen my doctor yesterday, I was advised that a 60km (120 round trip) journey in a van and then sitting on a bench at the beach for 5 hours, would be folly for the fractures in my spine.
I don't know why such a distant beach was chosen when within 12 km we have the most gorgeous beaches, also set up with benches and BBQ spots. But there you go.
Mine not to reason why, as they say.

Grammaretto Hope you have some quiet time tonight with your memories. It’s hard with each passing year .So pleased you have family with you.

Sorry not writing much tonight. I’ve hurt my back. No idea how but it’s aching a lot. I have a hot water bottle on it at the moment. Catch up tomorrow

I am being very well looked after here. I have DGD#1 room while she's at uni. I won't see her which is a shame.

We went to Clumber Park yesterday. It has the longest greenhouse in the world? Europe? England? Unfortunately seeing as it's November a lot of places and paths were closed off. There was an interview being televised with someone I am sure was a GQT garden expert. It must be spot a minor celebrity week!

We watched our doggie on the agility course she seemed confused and then to a very dog friendly café.

Today I shall take myself to town on the bus and may visit George Green's windmill.

It's exactly 5 years since DH died. Really? He would love the windmill and the story of George Green.
www.greensmill.org.uk/about/about-george-green/

ixion sit fit is good but I creak and groan whenever I move.
Whenever I get up from a chair it takes about five or six steps before I can get both my legs going in the same direction 🤣
Hope you and yours are ok.

Not much to contribute today, I'm afraid.
I hope Kaimoana's pain is being controlled and that Grammaretto is being spoilt by her family south of the border.
Are you still stiff after all that sit fit, Doodle?

I think Jeeves will be in great demand this evening.

Kaimoana so lovely you’re managing to keep up with your group. Your break up party sounds enjoyable. Have fun making your hat.
Ixion did you have a pang seeing your lovely pram being taken away. I wonder what the two lads were going to do with it. Heat a lovely description of the Lady Collector. She sounds quite lovely and eccentric.
NN what a shock you must have had to come face to face with your Dd and new grandson. Do they live near you. I hope you get to see them again and maybe your Dd might be nicer to you. She may well miss her mum. No you never stop caring do you.
Have a nice time with your DF. Sounds like you’ve been a good friend to her too. I shall send Jeeves round to help keep an eye on her.
Grammaretto sounds like you have plenty to keep you interested on your journey home. If you can stay awake long enough. I’ve been to sit fit today and my poor shoulder have been swung this way and that way, elbows in out, I’ve swum the channel on dry ground and marched up and down stomping my feet. I’m struggling to stay awake so bed for me soon.
Sleep well all

Good evening Lobstars.
Lovely to read your interesting doings.
I'm on the train for another couple of hours but so far I've managed to knit, listen through my newly purchased ear buds to podcasts and chatted to my fellow traveller - a nice young man on his way home to Bristol with a brother in NZ. Always plenty to say 😉.

I'm glad Kaimoana you made it to your group. The parrot 🦜 idea sounds perfect. Unless ofcourse it attracts a live one. Photo please.

I hope Jeeves delivers your wine NN and you and your df have a wonderful catch up. I'm sure your company will be therapy.

Ixion you're a gal after my own heart with all your freecycling.
Actually I've been getting cash for some of my treasures.
I'm taking DS some things of his.

I will now try to get a few moments of shut eye .

Morning gang.... I've just managed to catch up. DH's friends ( now mine too) from when we lived in Surrey came down for the weekend. I seem to be wading through treacle at the moment, I'm not sure if it's the change of HRT, time of year,pain, seeing DD4 last week or all of them. Whatever it is I wish it would go away.

I did laugh about your Michelin man outfit NS.I think I'm going to look similar as on Saturday while the boys were at the County car museum the girls hit the charity shops big time. I found some lovely bits including what can only be described as an oversized dress made of teddy bear material with a hood. It was brand new and reduced to £3.99. Having seen the pictures of a very snowy Tenby and West Wales last week I thought it would come in very useful in Henrietta MoHo over Christmas. DH's face when I showed him was a picture..bless him it must have suddenly dawned on him that his beloved was not going to get dressed up in something a bit risque as a surprise this year!!!!. If all else fails it will make a very comfortable dog blanket.

NS I hope your DMIL is recovering well, she is obviously very dear to your heart and it must have been hard not to try and bring her home but you would have been worried all night so far better that she stay and get thoroughly checked over.

Kaimoana... You are very wise to continue with the drugs for now. That particular drug should not be stopped suddenly and a graduated reduction should be followed carefully. Depending on how long you have been taking it, it can take some months to stop it completely. Your hat sounds wonderful, is there a plastic parrot on Amazon to complete it maybe.

Grammaretto....I so wish I'd been there on Friday...is gymnastics compulsory on arrival? I hope you are not too sore. I can't wait to join you all sometime next year. Did the cat get back to it's owners ok?

Thank you all for your kindness re DD4 and DGS11.....despite everything a Mother's love endures and always will.

Cherry.... That's very sad for you, what a shame more wasn't know about hormone deficiency and it's effects until fairly recently. Maybe with the right medication she could have led a much happier life.

Ixion.... Those Silver Cross prams were glorious weren't they? My DM hated the later one that I had for DD4, no springs to cushion bumps she would say and uncomfortable to push. I hope yours has gone to a good home to be loved and memories created for a new family.

Doodle where we used to live is becoming more and more flats, Gorgeous old houses bulldozed and in the blink of an eye something totally not in keeping with the area goes up in its place. I am always so relieved to leave and come back here.

DF arrives on Thursday, as I expected now that the years planned activities are over...the wedding, her cruise etc she is down to earth with a huge bump. I've encouraged her to come down as often as she wants to so that the transition to a life without C is as gentle as possible. A very difficult situation all round. It's not the time to be judgemental about the past as her step sister has been ( adding to her distress further). What's done is done and let her without sin cast the first stone etc. Anyway she is coming down and will stay as long as she needs to...she has been a very good friend to me during some awful times so it's the least I can do.... Mind you she does forget she's not in an all inclusive hotel at times and just sits and waits for everything to be done so I may need to put in a regular order for Jeeves to deliver a large Chenin Blanc about 7pm for the next week or so if that's ok.