The Lockdown Gang - Keep Calm and Carry On

At least the sun is shinin g again!

Much as feared I have already spent the morning on the `phone,first time that after about a minute a voice says"Please put the phone down".............so irritating after a time.
Whilst I am fully aware and grateful to your many suggestions Bradfordlass I can but assure you I try and try again to access these different services,our Palliative nurse being one of them.
Today the message was she is on leave,not returning until the 21st.
My head is spinning.
They can surely see between my own health issues and as a carer, I am not coping as well as I might.

Only this morning on the news were these dear ones whom have lost a loved one since March,not from Covid.........but from the lack of care after being diagnosed with Cancer.
I am so determined not to let my dearest one be another one of those statistics,letting him have his full quota of God given time here on earth.
My heart bled for those speaking from broken hearts.

Sadly,very sadly this is where living on the edge of the county ......and country.........shows up its deep down falls.
Our services are simply not up to standard.
We are the last in line to have anything.

To lighten the mood though you will be pleased we now have 2 tall,well lit and dressed Christmas trees,one in our establishment`s dining hall,the other outside,tasteful garlands adorn various areas and there is a competition for the best dressed window.

Taking a walk through the corridors delivering our christmas mail I was able to view those windows, and what a sight for sore eyes,in fact some outstanding tasteful displays.

The Christmas menu has arrived,a choice of 2 starters, Turkey or Beef as main course then Christmas pud with brandy sauce or Pavlova and cream for desserts.
The proof lies in the cooking thereof............and be sure I shall fill you all in!!

Back to the telephone,hopefully crossing my fingers again.

Hopefully a good week for you all,pressies neatly wrapped up and goodies placed under those trees!

Love to you all.

Hello Gang,

I've been reading your posts and smiling.
You do seem to say just what I was thinking Bradfordlass

I am so glad we went to Cornwall last year (2019) for our 50th anniversary. It is a land full of magic and never ending rugged coastline. We took the train from Edinburgh and stayed at Penzance and St Austell, taking bus trips to Heligan and Eden, to the potteries and galleries at St Ives and of course the best thing of all for DH, the museum of communications at Porthcurno
pkporthcurno.com/
Like an excited child it was hard dragging him away.

I went out in my nightclothes this morning at first light to put the buckets out for in the words of MawB: my bins go out more often than I do.

I had better get dressed now and face the day.
Sending hugs and cwtches to all who need them.

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Dear Panache I hope the trip for the bone scan is not as bad as feared. I'm sure you'll be taking every precaution - and more.

It's such a shame the Palliative Care Team don't seem to be in regular touch and keeping up with what obviously needs to be constant oversight of you dear husband's welfare. Or do they see you as capable enough to do that?

I suppose they will be doing their best in very difficult circumstance but meanwhile, you must feel abandoned.

Mamissimo I know it's no laughing matter looking after an invalid - have you told him he's invalid, out of date, needs renewing? ]smile]
Is he eating pobs? That's what we had when we were poorly and you might threaten him suggest that's all you can serve due to his weakened state.
I couldn't help laughing at your post.
I'm sure you're more than capable of lighting a fire under him as well as in the living room

Nfk do you think you need an X-ray on that wrist? If you're on medications that can lead to fractures more easily, it might be better - rather than wait until the Xmas rush period and have to use emergency outlets.

The only dragonfly I remember from the days when I was cataloguing them in Cornwall is the Broad Bodied Libellula, not a very pretty insect.
I used to go out to Lappa Valley and stand waist-deep in the water there, taking photos and making sketches. There were no duck boats in those days, just quiet nature.

Gubbins has decided she won't sleep and has been skriking all night. Her parents are demented.

Another attempt to catch up but I never seem to quite get there.

Hello our gang.

You all remain very much in my thoughts even though my head is spinning,lack of sleep and my own pain is not helping.

However Grammaretto I feel so much for you as you are truly battling a number of storms,a year that you will not wish repeated in a hurry for sure, and yet doing so with humour.
One strong scots lady for sure.

You seem to be finding the role of carer quite a task Mamissimo and yes it certainly is!
Perhaps at times words need to be said and house rules implemented!
Though I know you do it really with a good heart.
On the other hand a hug might suffice.

Hugs aplenty to you Cherry and I wish I could offer much more.

Another Tesco delivery at the late time of 9.15pm......with all the cleaning then required it becomes quite a task at that late hour.
No further slots until the New Year would you believe?
They cannot believe in feeding their customers over Christmas!

Christmas decorations were on the agenda here and it almost proved the last straw,however very pleasing they now are,complete with a very colourful poinsettia which was part of the request!
It was worth it just to see the beaming smiles of my dear man.
However we are travelling a very rocky road,such a vast amount of medication,chemo again last thursday,still the pain persists, although increasing the pain relief.
The steroids have ably assisted his appetite.........but now we find still no communication from his team, hence no further steroids ordered.
So most of tomorrow will again be spent on the `phone.
Tuesay means two trips to the Hospital for this bone scan,one we are both fearing because of the continual rise in the dreaded virus within our county.

Knowing how each one of you have your individual problems it surely does not help with my own tales of woe,however quite frankly I simply need to offload a degree.

Sending blessings to all.Please stay safe.

Nfk I’m sorry your wrist is still painful. Are you sure you haven’t broken anything? Hope it doesn’t keep you awake at night. I love that landscape photo too. We have some nice views but not rolling landscape. Not unless we pretend to be Lord and Lady of the Manor and go to Cliveden. Lovely views across the hills from there.
Mamissimo no wonder Mr M is tired with all the pills he has been taking. In fact with two codeine phosphate I’m surprised he’s awake at all. I expect he just wants you to coddle him a bit. I would just leave the frying pan in a prominent position.
Cherry I hope you are ok and have had no more ‘incidents’. Your WP sounds like a good man. I hope he keeps a close eye on you. We need our Tigger.
Dragonfly how are you feeling now? Are you starting to feel better post radiotherapy?
Bradfordlass you always manage to say what I am thinking but don’t necessarily have the words to explain. Everything you have said is so true. Our little gang will do what we can to shore each other up because we care.
I wish you all a restful night.

Grammaretto I am so sorry about your FiL. What a shock for you all. My condolences to all the family.
It must be hard for your son in NZ still in quarantine. I hope he gets home to his family soon.
My love and prayers are with you all.

They are lovely words * Bradfordlass*.

Oh Grammaretto I am so sorry to hear your news. So sorry to hear what you are going through.
Sending you lots of love.

The strange emptiness you feel Grammaretto is what passes for 'normal' in widowhood. One learns, over time, to live with it.
I too found bereavement clubs (no online forums then) unhelpful.

Now you have the additional sadness of another loss and your Mil will be utterly bereft too. Without a doubt this has been a hellish year.

PLEASE _never think of not voicing your thoughts here_
That's what Doodle started it for, so we can support one another. It's not bringing the thread down, it's fulfilling its purpose and honestly, if you didn't post, we'd worry about you a lot more

I know we all feel helpless and impotent when we read about others' struggles and pain but somehow, our sincere thoughts and genuine caring seem to reach out - because we're still here after all this time.... and so many people have said it helps.

So stick with us and post what you want. what might help... in the sure and certain knowledge that we are only a thought away and, as far as possible, wrapping you in love.

I just broke the news to DS in NZ. I thought he already knew so hurled him a huge shock.
I think we all believed DGP was made of such strong stuff, he would last forever.
He was the same age as twin of the queen but had a very different life.
His own mother died in childbirth for a start.
I am stunned. Thanks for the PMs. Xx

Grammaretto, so sorry to hear that your FiL died this morning, my heart goes out to you, it really does. Your poor MiL too, as well as the rest of the family. My mother died on this date 18 years ago and it is always a day of reflection for me, know that I am thinking of you too. Sending you a gentle cwtch x

Mamissimo I don't want to put a damper on proceedings though I am doing a good job of it
I come here for light relief.
DS1 is going to come to see me today and we'll go for a muddy walk.
I am tempted to light a fire for some winter cheer. I haven't lit the fire yet since the main room with a fireplace has been out of action with the ceiling down..... what a year it has been!
See you all later.

Grammaretto, I'm so sorry to hear your very sad news. Whata dreadful time you are having.

Grammaretto my heart goes out to you and your family. I can only send a hug because there are no words to express how much sympathy I have for you all. Much love.

Grandpa died this morning. It was inevitable but I kept clinging on to the faint hope he would recover enough to get home to his DW and other son.
So much for Christmas cheer

Hello again gang,
I'm imagining your brown dragonflies with green heads NfkD Is your wrist really painful still? I wonder what you did with it or to it. I hope you weren't cleaning your oven.

Well I've got through the first week of being on my own. However busy I try to keep there is a strange emptiness I can't describe.
If I tell DS that, he will come out immediately I'm sure, but it's this new chapter I don't want to begin but know I must sometime.
I've joined a fb bereavement site but that is too sad.
So I'll just keep coming to see what you're all up to.
Panache
I / we will get through it.
FiL is still with us- just. He was drinking coffee and eating lunch yesterday despite being on oxygen and strong meds.

Bradfordlass ? !

By ten o'clock yesterday I'd had enough of 'caring'! ? Apparently Mr M can't quite manage to bring his empty glass downstairs, make a cup of coffee or slice of toast or put his crockery above the dishwasher when he's finished, or walk to his chair without taking his iPad with him, or change the channel on the TV amuse himself for five minutes. He also seems to have remembered how to do that whiney I demand to be spoilt and have lots of attention voice that tired and bored toddlers have.

He was fed up with feeling tired and woozy....so I asked him whether he had taken all his medication....and of course he had....including 2 codeine phosphate which is what Shipman used to cull his patients! It's a good job the frying pan wasn't to hand or I'd have finished him off on the spot.

Today I will try to summon the enthusiasm to do the tree and other stuff. Christmas spirit seems to be eluding me this year....but I am thinking of cooking a goose the day we get our vaccinations.......?

Do let me know if you would like to have an all expenses paid trip to the country in exchange for light nursing duties...I'll throw in a few bottles a nightly hot chocolate ?

Oh, and my wrist is still puffy and rather sore and objects strongly if I try to use it. Its so annoying that I don't know really how I did it. And I should have taken my wedding ring when I had the chance.

Morning All

I love the dragonfly broach Bradford. In the UK Southern Migrant Hawkers are a beautiful blue and the male Emperor is mostly blue too. The female Emperor is green. I've always hankered after a dragonfly tattoo on my shoulder, but never had the courage to get it done. Of course it would really need to be a Norfolk Hawker - but they're aptly muddy brown with a green head. We have Emperors breeding in our little pond. Love the vaccine photo too!

Cherry, a friend of mine has an induction hob and never has to really clean it. Just a wipe over the same as the worktops. A definite advantage. Can you not find and 'fall in love' with one of a different make and company to the one your OT suggests? Just to annoy her!

The card is a good match for your wonderful landscape Grammaretto. One thing we don't have around here, is views like that! I like the idea of celebrating the birthdays of departed loved ones. Its the day when you especially remember them, so why not come together and celebrate.

I do so hope some sort of pain relief can be found for Mr P. As Bradford says, its two people suffering - suffering too much for too long.

"You'll take that vaccine or I'll slap you again."

Grammaretto thank you for showing us a photo of the card. Nortsat chose well.
The photo from your walk is lovely. Is that close to where you live? It looks so peaceful. Hope you enjoyed your shopping trip. 7 DGC my goodness that’s a lot of presents to get.
Hope there’s better news of your FIL tomorrow.

Cherry I’m so sorry. Hope you have a peaceful and undisturbed night.
Sleep well gangsters.

I was just about to post again earlier but had another dratted you know what. My WP had to use rescue medication and I fell asleep. I've just woken up and am now in bed. I'm going back to sleep now ?. Thinking of you, night gang.

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No more news of FiL since I heard he had drunk a cup of coffee this morning and had lunch......
Sadly MiL cannot visit. She sees him on facetime.

I had a lovely walk and then bussed into Edinburgh to collect a book I had ordered and do a little Christmas shopping. There are 7 DGC so I have to be fair.

I make a point of celebrating the birthdays of the departed. Both my DP had June birthdays so I plant something pretty. DH is July so again that will be a good time to have a party.

I like the thought of your youthful silverfox Mamissimo

DD sent videos of her little girls licking the chocolatey bowl so they had cake.
Clean the cooker? Cherry I don't believe I have ever cleaned the cooker. I'm convinced it self cleans. I know Saturday night tele is awful but it is a bit extreme to do housework.
I will try to post a photo of the lovely card you sent me and a view from today's muddy walk.

Hello Bradfordlass I was wondering where you were. ?
That broach is really pretty. Is it a dragonfly? I think the green would go well with your hair.
Yes I have googled teardrop templates and did find one thanks. Only problem was I couldn’t get my sewing to go round the bottom of the teardrop in the size I wanted which meant it was very wonky. I have gone for another pattern now which is also a bit wonky but not as wonky as the teardrop ?
Your pie looked lovely to me. What makes you think it’s not as good as you’d hoped? Even if it isn’t up to your standard of old you should still make it because it will be worth more to your son than a bought one however it tastes.
Your little Christmas trees sound good too and I bet your DGS will love them. Make one for Jeeves too will you please. You know how he gets if he’s left out, ?

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Good morning/evening gangsters,

Poor MrP, there should be something they can do for the pain Panache, can't the Palliative Team help - after all, his pain is yours too so they should be looking after both of you.

And Mr SilverFox - at least when Mamissimo forces helps him with the right diet, things will calm down - at least physically

Cherry I'm quaking with you as I too react very severely to pharmaceuticals and anti-biotics are off the menu for me too. Any news on making your bed safer?

Grammaretto I hope there's better news about your Fil - is his wife with him or is that banned? So cruel if so'.

Nfk how's your poor wrist? Has the bandaging helped?
And Missedout how are the walking wounded in your house?

dragonfly Hope your aches and pains have gone. I find mine are cyclical rather than weather-related, so I can mostly predict them and seek out the paracetamol . Be gentle with yourself.

I saw this gorgeous brooch and think I'm going to buy it. It looks big but is only 5cm long. I couldn't decide between emerald and amethyst. I'm not a bling person really but this appealed.

Norstat how's your nekkid tree doing, dressed yet? You too take things a little easier please. We can sometimes overdo it at Christmas, trying to manage all the usual chores along with the seasonal ones. No wonder we're Superwomen.

And Doodle our lovely, modest Doodle I hope you get your teardrops/body parts sorted because despite what you say, you've shown us some beautiful work so far and I know this will turn out well, one way or t'other.
Have you googled "teardrop templates" ?

You'd think, after almost 11 years, I'd learn my lesson, but no. When the eyes went wonky, I stubbornly persisted in trying to produce the same quality of crafts and food I'd managed before - but didn't. You really do need good sight for most things. Including pork pies.

I got away with the boozy mostly-sugar-free truffles which can be done with eyes closed and occasional quality control checks but I fear my pie-making days are over. Remind me of this next Christmas will you?

Of course my son will say it's delicious but I know I've fallen short.

But I still have to try and in this stubborn hopeful spirit, I am now going to pipe icing garlands and stick silver balls to the little, green shortbread Christmas trees I made yesterday.

Wishing everyone a cosy, painless day