The Lockdown Gang - on parole!

Hiya gang ?.
Aww, you lot are truly lovely peoples ?.
Seems like I might have caused a concern yesterday when my post was brief and I didn't come back like I had said I would. I was, and am fine at the moment.

Yesterday me and my WP bit the bullet and he drove us down to Bracelet Bay. The weather was glorious yesterday. Drat, that proved to be a bit of a problem ?. There were a fair few people around, I wouldn't say busy but too many for me to risk getting out of the car. We saw the sea, and closer than we can from our home, but .... the tide was neap. We didn't stay long. Next time I think we'll visit in the evening. Oh well, hey ho, something to still look forward to ?.

We did, however, turn our disappointment around ?. We saw a sign for an outdoor plant sale so decided to take a look. We weren't sure, feared it would be busy but it was not. We took a slow wander round and came away loaded up ?. We bought a beautiful blue curlywhirly rhododendron, an purple flowering alpine (can't remember what it's called) and a convolvulus cultivar, which will remain potted ?.

During our time out I was "bombarded" with anxious messages from the girl (actually a woman in her 30s) I've been helping so when I got home I applied myself to assist. Unfortunately she had a setback which I was unable to resolve ?. It's not one that's "the end of the world" but nevertheless ... , I'm sure it will "work out in the wash".

In the evening, just as I was settling down and thinking of posting I had a surprise phone call from my nephew1 to discuss plans for his sister's (neice1) big birthday coming up relatively soon. That was my whole evening gone - but lovely all the same ?.

There's my long, roundabout story explaining my non reappearance yesterday ? ?

Good to see your reappearance today Dreamkeeper. Sorry to hear that you are still not firing on all cylinders but pleased to hear that your car is now. I do understand your disappointment and frustration that today the weather doesn't afford you both the conditions to make your visit to see the sea. It will make me so happy when you do.

Wow, Grammaretto, your teapots really are works of art. I absolutely love them ?.

Doodle, despite it having rained I'm so pleased that you saw one of your sons yesterday ?.

Marydoll, take it easy this week please, I'm very happy to hear (on the morning thread) that you will be having your treatment on Monday ?. We will all have our fingers crossed that it goes super duper well for you ?

grammaretto yoga on a stone floor ouch. Do you have a proper mat. Yes I read on the GM thread I think that Marydoll was going in for her treatment Monday. That’s come round quickly after all that waiting. Good news.
Hope your DHs scan went well and you a managed to keep shielded as much as possible. Will they be able to change your DHs meds to something that doesn’t cause so much trouble with his feet? Thank you for sharing the link to the gallery. It’s nice to see what you are making. The teapots are lovely. What colour is the one you’ve had the commission for?
cherry your post sounds lovely and bubbly. How nice you got to see the sea but a shame there were so many people about. As you say perhaps later in the day may be better.
You seem to have had a successful time at the plant sale . Your garden will be blooming.
You certainly had a busy day and finishing off with a nice phone call from your nephew. Not surprising you didn’t have time for another visit here. ?
We’ve been out for a walk and then got chatting (at a distance) with some of our neighbours in the garden when we got back. Now I am spending time catching up on GN but soon I will have to give in and clean those bathrooms.
Back later. ?

Grammaretto, it was really remiss of me earlier not to wish your DH good luck with his scan. I did mean to and then, like the guppy I am, didn't. I hope it went well and the result is a good one ?.
I does sound like the medication is responsible for your DH'S problem with his feet. Is there anything the Drs are able to do, do you think? I hope so.

Hi gang, yesterday was not a very good day for me. I was a bit tearful, and compounded my misery by doing some housework (upstairs).

Earlier today, DH persuaded me to go for my first longish walk away from home. (I reluctantly abandoned the idea of cleaning downstairs.) We actually walked to a cycle path but part of it runs by a reservoir and we walked a little way around that too. There were not many people about and the weather, although threatening, was warm. I looked at the cycle path but wonder if I'm capable of cycling any distance in a straight line as I've only cycled in circles around our lawn so far! I haven't cycled for a couple of days, I need to get back into the saddle tomorrow. I really need to start cycling some distances too as I have no idea how to use gears on a bike. I only use the lowest gear in the garden.

I haven't been able to book weekly supermarket delivery slots and this time there is a 2 week gap so I've emailed our farm shop for a delivery next weekend, I hope they can fit us in.

I'm aching a lot today, I didn't think my Pilates class yesterday was that demanding but I obviously worked some muscles harder than I thought.

I've been watching the BBC to see if there has been any more news about shielding in the UK but have given up. It is good news about Dexamethasone being a helpful treatment for some of those hospitalised with Covid-19 but it's not enough to be a game changer.

I hope those of you who are waiting for diagnoses and treatment for yourselves or a loved one get the help you need. My DH had a routine operation cancelled the day before it was due (4th week of March). He doesn't make a fuss but I can see that he is frequently uncomfortable.

My telephone appointment with my immunologist has also been delayed to later this week.

My new, temporary tooth filling is holding up quite well. So that's a bit of my good news to end on!

I'll pop back in later for a hot chocolate if I may Doodle? Thank you.

Grammaretto I hope your DH’s scan went well today. I hate having scans then waiting for the results. Your teapots look wonderful.

Good to hear you are well Cherry.

Not much to report here. Just a day of pottering.

Sorry you had a bad day yesterday Missedout I hope today was better.

Grammeretto......Obviously showing I was not firing on all cylinders because I too did not wish your DH best of luck on this forthcoming scan.
Too busy wondering where you might have your Gallery,now fully satisfied!
Super teapots too.
Certainly far too distant for me nowadays!But I have loved my Scottish trips in the past.
One of our older (90 +) ladies here has had feet and lower leg issues which seemingly have resulted from medication.
Could such a thing be the culprit?
Very often these problems are due to certain allergies etc.

Good Luck for your treatment too Marydoll

Feeling pleased for both your adventures Doodle and Cherry though just a tad envious!!!
However I know it was a treat you both needed and seeing one of your sons would have been such an uplift........and I can well understand Bracelet Bay poroved a step too far when seeking solitude for these early "out and abouts" but you gained by finding that Plant Stall plus some purchasing.

A dear friend`s E mail this morning mentioned how she too,on her first drive out,found this random plant stall,she and her hubby have redone their entire rear garden during Lockdown..........so the new plants were very much needed.

Indeed it seems the darn virus has been re introduced into NZ by two ladies from the same family in this Country..........surely heads will roll?

Would you believe that rain stopped play and these Electricians left with 2 more installations needed,so no lights again this night!
However the weather cleared lunch time and we both enjoyed some time in our green oases,bird song being our only companions.
Luckily tea time called and we had only arrived back when the rains re appeared and so did the much forecasted thunderstorms!!
Again thankfully shortlived .........but certainly the lawns are greening up nicely.

I think I will ask for a treat this evening Doodle,what about you concocting a surprise for my delicate lips to sip?!
I shall call it Doodle`s Surprise
`Night all,sweet dreams.

Dreamkeeper may I remind you that Doodle is underage and should not be near alcohol.

Yes, I heard on the news about the 2 ladies but it also stated it was not known if they had taken the virus from here, picked it up at the airport or on the plane. We will never know.

You are so lucky to have had a downpour- I may have to water my plants this evening!

I popped in to see how Mr Gramamretto fared today.

Missedout, I'm so sorry to hear you had a bad day yesterday.
I'm afraid I have had a day like that today, so I can empathise.

I'm so angry at the world and everyone in it! (Sorry my dear friends). Those blooming steroids have, on occasions in the past, affected my mood very badly and are doing their worst just now.

My poor husband is treading on eggshells today, he can't do right for doing wrong. I don't really like myself at the moment, the slightest thing is irritating me, so I have retreated to my craft room before I start World War 3. A wise move methinks.

Missedout, it seems that Dexamethasone is very cheap and all hospital pharmacies have it in stock, so that in itself is a bonus.
I believe that as of today is it is to be given to all Covid patients on either oxygen or ventilators.

The good news is that I will start my biologics on Monday. After a case conference, it was decided that my present health needs outweigh the Covid risk and I need to start treatment ASAP and not wait until the proposed post Covid
revised date in September.
I shall spend the day in hospital, due to my past history of drug allergic reactions. All being well, I shall be out by dinnertime.
An added bonus is that this drug has been used with some success in China to treat a number of seriously ill Covid patients.

Cherry glad to see you sound much brighter. Our garden is full of rhododendrons, I love their vibrant colour. DH has stopped me buying any more, spoilsport that he is!

Best wishes to all the other Lockees, I'm finding it difficult to keep tabs just now.

Good evening Doodle and all.

We survived the hospital trip but for all their letters about shielding and the measures they are taking, Hmph. DH said it was like the Marie Celeste. There was nobody about at all until a woman, who was wearing a mask, invited him straight into his scan. It was over very quickly. I was the taxi and left him by the door and by the time I had parked in the almost deserted carpark he phoned to be picked up. He took a stick to help with walking. He is very slow now. We won't get the result for a couple of weeks.

Sorry about the steroid horrors Marydoll I hate it when I'm out of sorts and cross with everyone. Very glad you are getting seen soon. we will all be rooting for you.

Thanks for your kind words about my pottery. As Mamissimo said, it's all very well getting a commission but then you have to do it.

I hope you get some food Missedout! Our delivery girl didn't come today as she was busy but will come tomorrow. We won't starve but it is frustrating not being able to nip across the road to the shop!

We are going to watch the last part of the House through time, tonight. It clashes with Slavery: Scotland's Hidden Shame.

Underage or not, I'm putting in an order for an alcoholic beverage, please.

missedout sorry you’re feeling a bit low. We all seem to be up and down these days. I would have thought cycling in circles on your lawn was more difficult than cycling in a straight line on the cycle path. It may be worth a go but please don’t fall off in the reservoir or I shall have to muster the lockdown gang in a search and rescue mission ?
Hope you get your farm shop delivery. We are doing quite well with Sainsbury’s now and can get one once a week. Why is it we always remember the one thing we need after we finalise the order ? Hope your DH is not in too much discomfort.
panache glad you had a nice walk before teatime. I will certainly put a little extra ingredient in your hot chocolate tonight and hope it gives you a good night’s sleep.
charley it’s ok I never touch a drop myself. Tea total ....honestly ?
marydoll sorry you are still suffering today. Steroids can be a marvellous help but coming off them can cause problems.
Glad to hear your treatment is starting Monday. Hope this time there are no adverse reactions and all goes well. Trust that they will take good care of you and you get home ASAP.
Time for our evening coffee then I will be back to check on you all later.

So sorry you are out of sorts Marydoll. I hope it isn’t too long until the steroids are out of your system.
I have some of the magic pills Dexamethasone. They used to give them to me during chemo. Think I will keep them just in case ?.

I hope the rest of the world gives us the credit for finding the drug. I am so tired of all the criticism we have been getting.

I’d better not stay for a drink as I had rather too much pink champagne last night.

grammaretto must have just crossed posts.
Glad to hear DHs scan went smoothly. It sounds as though you had minimal contact with others which is good.
Alcoholic additions to the evening beverage are of course always available on reqest. ?

Hallelujah! I have a date for the removal of the gallbladder - and it’s not far off ? week beginning Aug 17th the deed will be done.

I am so pleased for you Marydoll and I hope your biological give you as much relief as they do me.

Charleygirl are you trying to curry favour with governor Doodle? She has a man she refers to as DH so I think she may be old enough to drink otherwise I’m afraid she is rather fast......

It seems we are all facing forwards today - we have much to be thankful for. Now I must find a recipe for something to do with a large quantity of golf ball sized radishes......Suggestions welcomed!

Sleep tight

Mamissimo, fantastic news!

mamissimo that is great news. You and Marydoll both getting treatment, wonderful. Celebratory drinks all round tonight. ?
I think I’ll keep my suggestions for the radishes to myself.

I’m certainly old enough to drink in our Lock up bar mamissimo I think charley is referring to my alter ego who attends Miss Marydoll’s school every day. Think more gymslips and St Trinians and you will have some idea ?

Great news Mamissimo

Good news and bad from the gang today. I envy those who have gardens, having had to give mine up.

I too have had a very bad allergic reaction to a drug (and its replacement!) which will stop me swimming. I'm cross about it but will work through the problem as I sorely need exercise.

The arthritis in my feet means walking can be painful for any length of time (if I'm still, there's little or no pain at all)

Not being able to see where I put my feet, means striding out around local streets isn't an option either.

However, as swimming is off the schedule, I've had a sneaky idea. I can get the shuttle to the nearest huge hospital complex and walk their corridors (as I did when admitted).

The floors are clear of obstacles and all I have to do is tolerate the pain, which I'm determiend to do

If anyone wishes to watche a short video about the 2 UK ladies who came here with C-19 - and what we're doing about it......

www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12340371

Good morning gang!
Another good news story Mamissimo. What a relief that will be for you.

In NZ Jacinda is calling in the army to manage quarantine when there are 2 cases of the covid whereas here we seem to be unlocking furiously with hundreds of deaths announced daily. Is it just me?

My super knitter friend called yesterday with a sweet knitted "girly" outfit for the tiny baby and a couple of face masks for us. She had just made 2 dozen!

I had a reply from my MP over the big concession, dodgy trade deals with USA. If nothing else under Lockdown, I could become the new Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells.

All our lettuces are ready at once and we can't eat them fast enough. I will donate some to the community shop before they bolt. Golf ball sized radishes could be painted. Still Life with radish. Mamissimo?

I wonder what the day will bring for us all?

Good morning Grammaretto and others.

You could send some lettuces here! I love radishes of any size.
My dad always used to have a glut of runner beans,

It is difficult to compare the UK with NZ as the population is much smaller and more manageable in NZ.
I hope we get some credit in the world though for discovering the drug to reduce deaths.

I suppose we can’t lockdown forever. Until we are told I will not be venturing out to the shops.

Wishing everyone a good day.

Have you seen in the press this morning that they are thinking of abolishing shielding and dropping us to the vulnerable level in England? They say that they are looking at letting us keep the online delivery priority, but get rid of the food parcels and drug collections. They will keep the ‘list” in case it’s needed again......hopefully from July.

I take that to mean we will have to be careful, very careful - and manage our own risk and paranoia ? I believe there are slightly different changes ahead for the devolved areas.

I it’s a step forward but I’ve become a bit institutionalised! Can we keep our cocoa? ?

Wishing you all good days....

Hi Dragonfly

OK so New Zealand is smaller and it doesn't have Heathrow (another argument) but then why is almost everywhere in Europe coping so much better than us? Germany, France, Denmark, Spain etc and China, Japan, South Korea, Australia. The list goes on.

No we definitely got it wrong by treating it as though it was a flu epidemic.

I was reading about my gt aunt in NZ (who I now believe was my granny) who had 10 children and lived so remotely she relied on stores once a year.
She kept goats and cooked in a colonial oven.
Who needs shops!!!

You are welcome to take any lettuces. Something has been eating the little parsnips, and it wasn't me..

`Morning from West Wales where the weather is nice and sunny, but we are prepared as there are some ominous thunderstorms in the offing!
The lawns are greening and our gardeners are outr in full force..............no robots or ride ons needed!

Am so very relieved on your behalf Mamissimo knowing only too well the dreaded pains of the Gall Bladder.
You will soon be a new lady!!!
However am up in arms about the same subject........dropping us "vulnerable" back into the wide world again.Here in Wales,true enough we are to stay put until Aug 15th......then what???
We still have closed borders with England so once they are opened our seaside resorts will be heaving,our fear is we shall then be even more vulnerable when the population here multiplies.
Not happy at all

Feeling your pain Marydoll my dear man is on steroids for life,yes I am treading on eggshells too, nevertheless I am worried sick about the side effects which are not compatible with his condition,whilst whether on them or not he too suffers mood swings.Not easy to cope with,especially confined in small spaces.
Good news though that the Medics are very much on your side and treatment is about to begin.
Anmother step forward and not too soon either.
Wishing you well.

It seems you are not altogether well pleased at the way your husband`s scan was conducted yesterday Grammeretto Quite frankly I think we are all confused with this whole business right now,and that includes Hospital staff.
Having a husband whom is not too sure on his feet you have my real understanding, because you just never know if they are able to make whatever little journey they set out on.

Totally understanding you feeling "under par" Missedout it seems in fact, that we are all mainly having these off days every now and then.Hopefully today looks a lot brighter.

You certainly have some unpleasant symptoms too Bradfordlass and when vision is impaired walking can be very difficult,so please take extra care.
You are still one cheerful soul,so always great reading your posts.

Whilst may I tell you about feeling rough and/or having sleepless nights...... the best remedy I have found is our Doodle`s special Hot chocolate (with additions!!)
Fair do`s CharleyG she is extremely meticulous and wears double gloves when mixing drinks,she informs me she is 100% T.Total!!!!
Being naive I believe everything!!
She has even suggested I wear school uniform,now surely that can`t be in keeping with this prison life style???

I too am a lover of radishes Dragonfly.........small but tasty!!

Good news from our establishment,the one single friend I have made here,a widow and though older than myself she is tall,smart and very up to the minute in her dress and subjects.
She had what we thought a simple case of "Heeby Jeebies" because of this lockdown,but in fact meant she was rushed into a local Hospital,transferred to another and has had 4 stents fitted.
Pleased to say she returned to our fold yesterday,looking good..............so now we can again swop hair and fashion styles,along with our love of gardening,nature and the sea side.

Fingers crossed but we HOPE to make our first little car trip this afternoon,the sounds and sights of the sea are beckoning loudly!!

With that thought uppermost I will love and leave you all,mhave yourselves a good day,let us get some positive news for a change.Chow!!

P.S. For whomever inquired yes please I prefer my user name Panache!!!
Far more in keeping with the real me!!

bradfordlass dugs are lifesavers but sometimes the side effects are quite a problem if you are allergic to them. Sorry you’ve had to give up swimming as that’s such good exercise. Is it likely to be a temporary thing?
That’s an ingenious idea to do some some walking. If your hospitals are like ours, many have rails along the corridors to hang on to or seats in places to rest on. Thanks for the video link, I will watch it later.
grammaretto good morning to you too. That was a thoughtful gift from your friend. I have only made one mask so far for DH on his trip for his blood test. Think I ought to dig out another T shirt and make some more if they’re talking of ending shielding. Your lettuce crop seems to have done well. They will no doubt be gratefully received at the community shop. I could be accused of eating your parsnips because I love them but I’m afraid it wasn’t me either?
dragonfly yes, that is very good news about the steroids helping the COVID 19 patients. I love lettuce too but not so keen on radishes, painted or otherwise.?
mamissimo yes I have read the news. I’m glad we are able to keep the priority shopping because I certainly don’t fancy going into any shops at the moment. It seems strange to think of lockdown ending. I wonder how many of those shielded will actually be very very cautious about entering back into the outside world again. I know we will.
You may most certainly keep your cocoa ?
panache so glad you prefer this as your name. I would find it hard to think of you as someone else. ?
As I mentioned, I think we will treat this proposed release from lockdown by using our own judgment and taking things very slowly. I can imagine the crowds descending on Wales too. It is such a beautiful place and so many want to visit the mountains or the coast. We mustn’t forget how devastating this virus has been for so many and proceed with caution no matter what the government says.
How lovely to have your friend back with you after her trip to hospital. Be nice to have a chat with her again.
I have fingers and toes crossed in the hope that nothing spoils your plans today. Looking forward to hearing about your trip when you get back.
Have a good day all.