The Lockdown Gang - carry on chatting ⭐️

My goodness, Doodle, your life is full just now. I am so sorry to hear about your DH-what a worry for you. I do hope that you are looking after yourself as well as your good man. I'm sure the chicken was fine, if it was still entirely thawed. Isn't a new fridge just such a hassle! Getting the old one out, when you can't manoeuvre it is such a mission, but these young men seem to make it all so easy. Well done, anyway, and I hope that you are enjoying your lovely new shiny one. Thank you for the kind comments about my shoulder. Yes, I actually had the most brilliant, pain-free night for the first time in many months, and am up, brain unfuddled by codeine.
Grammaretto - what an amazing story about your family. Yes, as Doodle says, all those MH conditions back then which are so much more easily treated today. Not that MH has as yet gained the "respectability" of physical ailments. I wonder how long it will be until it is so. How interesting that you don't have any English showing up in your DNA. Presumably by "English", we're speaking of Anglo-Saxon, for want of a better term? It's fascinating how little genetic material the Anglo-Saxon settlers left, other than in isolated pockets. Interesting that they left their language, but not their genome in any marked degree.
The murderer in the family is a very odd story. Gt grandfather, Oxford Classics prize winner in his year (1860s) became hooked on cocaine and booze, and shot the butler when he came to call him to dinner. The murder charge was reduced to manslaughter, owing to his being in a state of "mental exhaustion" from his Oxford exertions. It was also claimed that he had been cleaning his gun when it had accidentally discharged, though his words to the butler -"Stand back, Price, or I'll shoot!" seem to discredit that defence. Anyway, the poor grieving widow and children were paid off by the family, and the murderer got off scot-free. It was all reported in the newspapers back in 1870 or so. Not a nice man at all - he sold the family estate in Shropshire and gambled and drank away the money, leaving his family in penury. Evidence that intelligence is no guarantee against stupidity. The bloodstain is still to be seen on the floor, apparently.
Right, sun is coming up and a lovely pain-free day awaits. Enjoy your evening, everyone.

Good Evening ?

All is bumbling along in Chateau M....

It was chemo day for me so Mr M had a long snooze in the car park and what smelt like an egg sandwich .we then went to the dump with the office chair which rather suddenly let me down yesterday afternoon. The hydraulic mechanism went without warning and I shot downwards. It was far too exciting for my tastes! I was jolly excited to get an appointment at very short notice but we were the only ones there!

The rotten wind has flattened my broccoli.....it was a lovely red one called Rudolph that I was growing to amuse the DGDs - I'm going to try staking it.

Doodle your FF reminds me of the Hurricane in the 80's. We were without electricity for nine days and the insurance company agreed to replace all the food. At the time the freezer was full of pheasant as it was prime game season. We only had one gas ring to cook on but we stir fried pheasant as if our lives depended on it. and ate a lot of ice cream and posh puddings.

When the cheque came we went to Waitrose and spent the money - only to find that it wouldn't all fit in the freezer!

Tomorrow is test day for DD2 .......please make an offering to your deity! The poor things are over hormoned, overwrought and scratchy. if the test is positive we then have the awful 3 week wait for the viability scan. She said tonight that she's no longer sure that she could go through this again so best prayers please!

Hello to the missing......drop in soon!

Mamissimo - Such a lot on your plate right now...I'm so sorry to hear. Everything crossed for you and DD, thoughts and prayers winging their way from the South Pacific. Kia kaha. x

Sorry Doodle ... I have got the giggles... what did you do with the chicken? ?

Mammissimo positive thoughts for DD2.

Been there, read the book, got the t shirt.

Bless her and sending every good wish ?

Here follows a missive from the missing Missedout.

I have to admit to struggling to post over the last week or so. All round me, I see others moving on, planning outings and holidays, seeing family, going out for meals and I am the one with their nose pressed to the window, just watching. The numbers of cases here are on the rise again in this popular holiday area.

I'm still not fully recovered from the uti I suffered while on camping holiday. I am just not 'right'. I have been told that I need a 3rd Primary Covid booster by Mr Javid, but my GP hasn't heard of it. Having a different vaccine may mean I could at least contemplate more risks and go out a bit. Today I sent of a whole series of emails to anyone I thought might be able to help. I have been cheered to just get a reply! Does it seem selfish of me - probably.

Before lockdown, I had a small clientele - people who needed help with their IT. I am starting to hear from them again. I would normally visit them at home but am reluctant. I heard myself going through a list of risk assessment questions today - how often do they go out and to what sort of places, do they have carers who wear masks, how much time do they spend with grandchildren, is there a room we can use that is well ventilated? The trouble is that I care about all of them and don't like to let them down - they can't find anyone else to set up new laptops or show them how to use the filing system on their tablets. I have been carrying out lateral flow tests and will make sure that I keep them safe too.

Our next narrowboat holiday in November appears to be in jeopardy, the engine needs some serious work and may not be repaired in time for us to go on it. On the bright side, we think we may be able to spend a few day in a lodge on a holiday park instead. My youngest DS has said he'd like a break so he may join us. I may even get him to cook a bit for us - bliss (DH is not a cook - he put some crumpets into the toaster today and then wandered out to the garage - it was only a little conflagration)!

Oh Mamissimo, your poor DD and family, I really hope things go well.

We don't have any pets. Sorry ladies, I have trouble with cats, they inevitably jump on my lap, turn round, extend their claws through my skirt or trousers and knead my legs, then look hurt when I push them away. Several cats have drawn blood - why do they do that? Any tips?

My DGD1 has developed a very real fear of dogs - she is so anxious that she doesn't like to go out for a walk in case she meets one. My heart goes out to her. I must tell her some of the tales of Honey beagle - perhaps I can get her to laugh about her exploits - you don't feel like making an illustrated story book about her do you Mamissimo? (I can see how busy you are.)

I'm glad that you have your new FF Doodle. My high tech combination oven is really useful but DH doesn't seem to be able to use it. I hope the Dude's telephone chat tomorrow goes well.

Thank you to those who have though of me. It means a lot.
I hope Panache is still getting lots of support from friends.

PS My mother was welsh and I have lots of welsh cousins, anyone is welcome to have some of their welshness - they are a boisterous, noisy lot. Nos da all.

Doodle You are naughty. You promised me you and DH would not try to move that old FF - and here you are telling us you did!
Hope the tests are good. xxxx
Another pair of trousers?! Is there octopus in your DNA?

Missedout You're not alone with your nose to the window.
Due to Lockdown I've been totally isolated now for many weeks, as has the city itself. It can be days before I speak to someone.

As a result of Auckland being cut off, supermarkets can't supply half what I need (let alone what I'd like) and all cheaper versions have gone to those who can shop in-store.

For instance, a packet of ground ginger normally costs 99 cents. The online shop had only posh, organic stuff at $2.79 for half the quantity.
Chicken at $5.99 was suddenly $18.99.

However, it's families I feel sorry for as, apparently, the bread and other staples go first to the greedy ones.

It's Police Remembrance Day today and I "went" to the service of commemoration for those we lost in the past 12 months.

They also read out the Roll of Honour for every officer or staff member who died in the line of duty.
Shootings, stabbings, car crashes and deliberate hit and run; drowning during valiant rescue attempts, influenza and Covid.
Heartbreaking, I cried a lot.

My family asked if I could look after Gubbins at their place as my dil wants to go back to working from home.
I'd love to but my health isn't up to it. I think dil is cross with me as there's been no invitation to Skype since I explained.
They might just be too busy.

Yes, of course Mamissimo, my prayers will be uplifted...and threats to any deity who doesn't help.

Lockdown rules will be reviewed on October 4th, meanwhile we are as a city under seige...at least those of us in isolation are, without transport and home-support.
I wonder how little Anne Frank managed, hiding in that attic and unable to go out, poor wee thing, at least I'm not in fear of my life.

to all xxx

Hello Gang,

There is a lot going on in gangstar world right now.
I hope Deity is listening.
Meanwhile and the contents of my first mini veg-box:
A corn cob, a striped aubergine, a mini cauliflower, cucumber, carrots, beetroot, onion and things which would do for soup if I don't get round to cooking them properly.
I could perhaps paint their portrait while they are still fresh. Speaking of fresh, I hope we hear from Doodle today. that's all I am saying

The friends weren't able to help with the pulley but did help moving heavy furniture so that the enormous room is almost ready to use again. How long has that been? Over a year for sure.since the ceiling fell in.Things happen very slowly around here.

I would love to be on a narrow boat Missedout Perhaps I could persuade one of my DC to hire one and take me.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOVC0-gIFck

Good morning ?

Missedout have faith.....I was at the hospital yesterday and they were talking about the roll out. I was told by the sister that I will probably get mine no earlier than six months after my second jab so in my case sometime after the 14th Oct. there was also talk that the original lockdown gang will be getting a full dose shot and the 'simply' over 50s a booster.

Sadly no good news for DD2 this morning but the clinic has told her to test again on Friday. All the virtual hugs in the world can't make her feel better. My heart aches.

Today I am off to baby sit the DGDs for a few hours. Mr M will be accompanying me to snooze on a different sofa to provide jelly babies and back up support.

Kaimoana I sympathise with you over having to say no to childminding....why don't families ask and discuss these things early on in the process? It's the assumption that's the problem. When DD1 told us that she was moving back to the area I reminded her that whilst I would help in an emergency I came with no guarantees and couldn't be depended on.......my knees and stamina have to be conserved!

Honey Beagle has to see the Vet tomorrow for some stitch removal......I'm going to have to take a huge bag of treats to get her to submit to that! Things like a loaf, a bag of Werthers, a couple of mice......?

Grammaretto wave ? cooee I’m still here .
No upset tums so far……..

Boadicea good to hear you had a good night after your injection. A joy to be able to open new fridge without the door falling off ?
What an interesting story about the shooting of the butler. Seems you could get away with things then if you had the money to pay for it. Wonder if it’s often the way now too.
Mamissimo certainly thinking of your DD and praying things will go well this time. An anxious time for you all.
Good job you weren’t injured in your descent from a seated position. Hope the chemo went well.
Nothing as exotic as pheasant in my freezer I’m afraid. The new one is so lovely and clean I’m tempted not to use it ?
Have a lovely time with your DGD. Please tell MrM I like jelly babies too……
Hope Honey beagle gets on ok at the ssssh you know where.

Nortsat made me laugh too when I read it back
Missedout nice to hear from you.
Sorry you are feeling a bit down. The uti won’t help that feeling but I’m sure a lot is to do with not being able to move on from the COVID business. Although DH and I are still being extremely careful, we have been able to see family and go out for meals. I can only imagine how we would be if we hadn’t been able to take those few steps back to normality.
I can’t understand how your GP hasn’t heard of it. DH is also expecting to have one. They say you should receive and invitation but the booster can’t be within 6 months of your second vaccination so DH isn’t expecting his letter for a few weeks. I’m sure you have looked at the websites online so hope you get to book yours soon and get the comfort of that extra safety factor. Selfish, no not in the least. You are not the only person I know in this predicament and the others feel like you too as would anyone else in this situation.
I can understand your concern about your clients. I did watch a video way back about COVID risks and an open window or door reduced the risk considerably. You are wise to check and try and keep yourself safe.
Sorry about your narrow boat. Hope you get a break somewhere anyway. Having your son with you would be lovely. Oops burnt toast/crumpets is my speciality too. I am easily distracted ?
Such a shame about your DGD. Avoiding dogs is one thing but being frightened of them when you’re out is a problem. Do you know anyone who has a kindly old pet she could perhaps meet on a walk and get to know. Best not to force the issue though. Personally I’m petrified of snakes and if anyone suggested petting one as a way of getting used to them I would refuse point blank.
We are always thinking of our fellow gangsters. Out of sight isn’t out of mind here. Thank you for thinking of DH. He is busy getting tidied up so he looks smart for his consultation……on the telephone ?
Kaimoana oops only tried to wriggle it out a bit but it wouldn’t budge.
Yes another pair of trousers (I bought the material and it seems to be the only thing I can make at the moment). After this I am going back to my quilting. Far more satisfying and successful for me.
What a lovely idea to hold a Police Remembrance Day. I don’t think I have heard of that here.
Oh dear. You have been getting on so well recently. I can remember feeling a bit cross with my MIL when she wanted to home early when she was staying with us as she didn’t seem nearly as ill as she was saying she felt. She kept complaining of coughing but I didn’t hear her cough at all. Shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer and died soon after. I have never stopped feeling guilty for not realising how ill she was. I only tell you this as it is possible you put on a brave front and your family don’t realise how ill you are or feel. Perhaps try talking to them again and explain why you don’t think you can cope. I know how much you love Gubbins and would dearly love to look after her.
Grammaretto your mini veg box sounds full of goodies.
Using them for a painting would be a good idea too. I didn’t know you liked painting. Do you do much?

Good to see you had no ill effects Doodle. I hope the Dude gets on OK at his appt.

I am disappointed Mamissimo so I can't imagine how you must all be feeling. Even tighter Xed fingers and stronger prayers for Friday.

You come across as so capable Kaimoana it is little wonder your family believe you are superhuman. They will surely find a nanny person/childminder when the time comes.

I seldom get asked to babysit. I don't think they trust me. I should never have shared the story (true) of leaving DS1 outside a dept store in his pram, shopping and then leaving by another door. I was halfway home before I remembered I had a baby.
Imagine nowadays leaving a pram unattended. Imagine a department store come to that.

I don't paint anymore Doodle but was inspired by the veg . The grapes are my own addition.
I was thrilled by the tale of your rogue ancestor BJones
When reading my gt Gf's diary, I came across a "missing" period where he just said: Things didn't go well at the gold diggings at Collingwood, nr Nelson -for those in NZ.
I then looked up old newspapers for around that time and discovered he was in prison for attempted murder. He was in a gang (a chain gang) of prisoners who built the wharf at Nelson.

Take diaries with a pinch of salt is my advice. They are subjective.

Just to say if anyone is hoping to have the Covid booster you can now book it on line. Mr J and I have just booked ours for this Sunday. Just go to Covid booster and fill in a very simple form. Suppose it might not be Nationwide but certainly available here

Eva king all. (No idea who Eva King is but that’s what came up when I typed evening all ?)
Grammaretto we seem to be ok so far. We’ve just had curry for dinner so we will wait and see what happens.
Thank you DH did well with is appointment. Basically it’s just keep taking the tablets. Yes my thoughts precisely about Kaimoana . Your story about leaving your son in his pram just shows how the world had changed. I do remember department stores. I loved them as a child especially that gadget that they used to use to whisk the money away to the accounts department and then the change came whizzing back again.
Jan thanks for the tip. I gather you need to leave it six months since your last vaccination.
Please don’t tell anyone but I have just eaten two chocolate eclairs. I feel very guilty but oooh they were delicious. ?

Doodle - your secret is safe with us. Two chocolate eclairs sounds life heaven on a plate. You definitely deserve it.
Kaimoana - I'm so sorry to hear of your tension over childcare. Much as you adore the littlies, you have to think about yourself (that "you" is directed to all of us!) To the young 'uns, mums seem invincible and capable to working miracles. We all know that, sadly, our ability to cope in the long-term with small ones diminishes rapidly with every year. Spending every day out of your own home is a huge ask. I'm so sorry to read of the ongoing issues with food supplies - I'll PM you.
Grammaretto - what an interesting tale about your Gt GF! I can only imagine how often "things didn't go well on the gold diggings". Have you ever been to the old graveyards in Queenstown and Arrowtown? Those poor women, dragged across the world with their small children, to live in tents throughout the bitter alpine winter. Small wonder they died in such numbers from measles, consumption, diphtheria and typhoid.
Mamissimo -thinking of your DD and sending warm best wishes from the sunny south. I hope you enjoyed the DGDs and the jellybabies.
Interesting to read of the booster shot - you guys have had such a rough time, with long lockdowns and worry about your families and Brexit and shortages and all. You all really deserve a break from what is almost 2 years of hell. I really hope that the approaching winter is a mild one and that you all get through it with a minimum of stress.

Doodle - your secret is safe with us. Two chocolate eclairs sounds life heaven on a plate. You definitely deserve it.
Kaimoana - I'm so sorry to hear of your tension over childcare. Much as you adore the littlies, you have to think about yourself (that "you" is directed to all of us!) To the young 'uns, mums seem invincible and capable to working miracles. We all know that, sadly, our ability to cope in the long-term with small ones diminishes rapidly with every year. Spending every day out of your own home is a huge ask. I'm so sorry to read of the ongoing issues with food supplies - I'll PM you.
Grammaretto - what an interesting tale about your Gt GF! I can only imagine how often "things didn't go well on the gold diggings". Have you ever been to the old graveyards in Queenstown and Arrowtown? Those poor women, dragged across the world with their small children, to live in tents throughout the bitter alpine winter. Small wonder they died in such numbers from measles, consumption, diphtheria and typhoid.
Mamissimo -thinking of your DD and sending warm best wishes from the sunny south. I hope you enjoyed the DGDs and the jellybabies.
Interesting to read of the booster shot - you guys have had such a rough time, with long lockdowns and worry about your families and Brexit and shortages and all. You all really deserve a break from what is almost 2 years of hell. I really hope that the approaching winter is a mild one and that you all get through it with a minimum of stress.
Have a lovely relaxing evening/day everyone. x

Hello Gangstars.
In fairness to my family and because I feel guilty about moaning yesterday, I need to explain.

Since March 2020 NZ has had a policy of "over 65's stay home".

We have Levels 1-4 and only at Level 1 can elders travel freely and we’ve had very few periods at that level.

It was already difficult for my family to visit: distance, pregnancy, work and school commitments or just wanting a quiet weekend at home.

Then Gubbins’ arrival in November 2020 and several emergency moves to Level 3, have made it impossible.

The family have only seen me (other than headshots in Skype) a few times since Feb 2020 and as you say, I try to be upbeat for their visits.

My DiL could not possibly have known, when she asked me if I could look after Gubbins in their home, just how much I have deteriorated, especially as I babysat at their place a couple of times in Level 1 last year and must have seemed fine.

There are extra issues on my side. My home is access-abled with walk-in shower; theirs isn’t. They have low couches, so all my visits are spent perched on a dining chair. My DGS would have to give up his room for me and sleep on a floor mattress. There’s more but you get the picture.

I’m sorry I was a misery guts. I like being alone, I really do but in common with all of you, I miss my little family.

Here's a timeline if anyone is interested.

Aotearoa has been kept largely free of Covid and I agree with every restriction the government has imposed to keep us that way.

covid19.govt.nz/alert-levels-and-updates/history-of-the-covid-19-alert-system/

Kaimoana you weren’t moaning about your family you were just feeling a little sad that you couldn’t help them out. In many ways I think your situation is as I thought. You cope well on the family visits and your son and DIL really don’t know how difficult things can be for you. Without wishing to upset your son it might be an idea to explain a bit of your day to day issues so that they understand a bit better.
Many of us can’t do what we used to. At least there is one thing that doesn’t diminish with age and that’s our ability to love each other and our families.
Boadicea the eclairs come in packs of two. We should really only have one each but they are so delicious it’s hard not to eat two. Cutting back now for the rest of the week.
I think we should have booster shots 6 months after our last COVID jab so DH and I have a few more weeks to go.
Been trying to arrange out annual flu jabs but although many we know have had them already, we haven’t had our invitation yet.
You seem to live in a place with lots of animals. Are you very rural, do you have neighbours close by?
Quick visit to DS1 last night to drop of some things and on the way spotted DS2 and DIL out for a walk so stopped to chat to them too. Nice having them all so close. I realise we are very lucky.
Have a good day all

https://signal-corridor.live/uploads/talk/202109/medium-198687-lost-husbands.jpg%3C/span%3E https://signal-corridor.live/uploads/talk/202109/medium-810840-gabriels-gully.jpg%3C/span%3E

Doodle my DiL wasn't annoyed with me but has every right to be for assuming she was!

It was poor Gubbins who hasn't been well (ear ache, teething) so that was why no Skype.
We connected last night when Gubbins was having dinner. She's a character that one.

Both my suburb and theirs now have new Delta cases so even if Auckland comes down to Level 2, we are all anxious about visiting and will stick to Skype.

I had a call from a man to whom I'd recommended MSM capsules when he told me he was in pain and scheduled for a knee operation. I said I'd found MSM so good, my knee op had been postponed indefinitely.
He was absolutely delighted to say he had no pain at all now. Happy story.

BJ lives in one of the most beautiful parts of our country. Google "Bay of Islands" and you'll see for yourself.

When I was 60 I spent time up there swimming with dolphins - an unforgetable experience.

When we were out at sea, the boat pulled away, giving those of us in the water a feeling of trepidation being alone in a vast ocean with these beautiful creatures.

Only later did I learn dolphins are not quite as benign as their spin doctors (and tourist boat crews) would have you believe

You're right about the privations for women (see pic) in the goldfields BJ and little security, surrounded by untutored men away from their spouses. (see ads)

Grammaretto I wonder if there are any of your ancestors in this newspaper?
I started my immigrant life around the Taierei Plains too.

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW18980317.2.206

There were many Chinese workers in the mines and sadly maltreated. Complying with tradition that families must tend their graves, many elected to be 'preserved' after death and sent back to China.

In 1902, the SS Ventnor was taking almost 500 such poor wretches on this journey, when it sank with the loss of many lives. The poor Chinese souls then became "hungry ghosts" - without care in the afterlife.

In 2020, a memorial was set up in Northland to honour the dead of the SS Ventnor.
Mr Meng Foon, mentioned in this article, is a very humorous man who speaks fluent Maori.

www.stuff.co.nz/national/300008326/northland-memorial-for-499-chinese-miners-whose-bodies-went-down-with-ship

I'm glad they will be remembered.

Who remembers all the women?

Kaimoana - I hope you are doing ok. Have emailed. You must be a woman of endless personal resources to keep a sense of humour going in the situation of Auckland just now. I really hope that you are keeping well and enjoying the sunshine, which is such a compensation when everything else is turning to merde.
We too went swimming with dolphins off White Island many years ago now. It is an awesome feeling to swim down into that endless dark green ocean, and to see dolphins under and over you, isn't it! It was such a great experience for my kids.
I was just talking about the Otago goldfields the other day, with an Australian friend. Apparently, the shanty towns which sprang up all over the area had to import barmaids from the Bendigo fields, because they literally lasted only a day or two before they were snapped up and whisked to the altar by some miner they hardly knew. A publican in Charleston requested the ugliest barmaid available from his Aussie source, in the hope that he could keep her a bit longer. She was extremely ill-favoured, apparently, and he got to keep her for 2 whole weeks before she entered the blessed state of matrimony. Not sure, really, whether being the wife, drudge, laundress, cook and sexual plaything of some bloke who would disappear into the mountains leaving you pregnant and isolated was a better fate than being a barmaid.
My Irish gt gt grandmother, 18 years old and married to a dour Highlander 30 years her senior, sailed to NZ in the 1850s, lost her first baby during a storm, carried all their possessions on their backs over a mountain to their bush block many miles from any settlement. She had her first 4 living babies in a dirt-floored nikau hut, their cradle being a flax kete swung from the rafters. Fortunately, a Maori midwife delivered the babies, using traditional rongoa (medicines). Twelve children born in NZ in total, not one lost to childhood illnesses or injuries. They were resilient ladies, back then. As Kipling wrote "England gives of her best and her worst" (for "England", read "Britain", of course.
The story about the Ventnor was very sad, and the life of the Chinese miners was a tragic blot on colonial history.

I've been tripping down memory lane, so will stop before everyone glazes over.
Cheers, everyone.

BJ For your amusement.

Kaimoana I’m so pleased you have Skyped with Gubbins again and your mind is more easy now. Poor little Gubbins, toothache and ear ache at the same time, Hope she’s feeling better now.
Nice of that chap to phone you and let you know the tablets had worked for him too.
What interesting newspaper clippings. All those missing husbands not writing to their wives. In this day and age of texting, mobiles etc it’s a reminder of the ‘olden days’ when communicating with each other was not so easy.
My DIL always wanted to swim with dolphins and she and my son took a trip especially for her to do so. Unfortunately, on the flight out she had a severe problem with her ear and couldn’t go in the water at all for the whole holiday ? DS enjoyed it though.
Boadicea what an fascinating story about the shanty towns and women being in short supply.
I loved the story of the unattractive barmaid.
Your gt gt grandmother must have been a very brave girl at 18 to head off like that to NZ.
I’m off to Google Bay of Islands now. Catch up with everyone later

Good morning Gang-stars from me and all three Molls. It’s raining here in London, so I am replete with my furry family, who disdain the garden in the rain.

Jan16 well done on booking your Covid Booster. When I tried, the Govt website said wait to be contacted unless you are a front line worker. So we will wait.

Kaimoana so pleased to hear about your ‘family Skype’ and that baby Gubbins is better and was enjoying her dinner.
I have ordered some MSM to see whether it helps my arthritis. I will let you know how I get on.

Boadicea, it has been so interesting to read your family story and some social history of the country.
Many years ago I did my first degree in Social History, with a specialism on race, class and immigration. The courses were very western-centric (if that’s a word), so my knowledge of Australia and New Zealand is woeful.
In several of my courses, I used ‘feminist methodology’, which focussed on a micro rather than a macro approach and was largely compromised of women’s testimony.
I hope that approach to history is a bit more mainstream these days.

Doodle how lovely to be close enough to family, to bump into them unexpectedly. We live a long way from ours.
Your 2 Eclair Secret is safe with the Gang-stars. (As long as Eva King doesn’t give you away, I feel she must have infiltrated our lovely thread ...)

My last email exchange with Panache suggested she feels as though she is making some progress and has good support from friends. All good wishes Panache, if you happen to be reading.

Grammaretto more fascinating family histories from NZ.
My Grandmother on my mother’s side, was married twice. She lived near Hartlepool in County Durham in the north east of England, in a very poor mining community. In the early 1900’s she and her husband travelled to Brazil (!) as he sought work in the gold mines, to make his fortune.
He sadly died in Brazil and she travelled back to the UK as a widow with two young children. She quickly married my grandfather, who was a butcher in the Co-op. I imagine getting married again quickly was considered the best option for a widow (without a fortune) before the First World War.

Sorry to hear you’ve been feeling a bit low, Missedout, I think it’s entirely understandable.
I think we are probably all feeling low at times and those feelings sit just below the surface ready to rise at any time. I surprised my partner and myself yesterday by bursting into tears over some small perceived slight from a friend. It really wasn’t a slight and I think I really over reacted.
I had an email from the Dept of Health, to say shielding is over, but I am so dubious about advice from the Government that we still intend to be really careful.

Mammissimo how is your DD today? Sending her good thoughts ?
Also, hope you didn’t experience to many post-chemo after effects.

Talking of emotional responses... my partner didn’t have the best start to the day. He went into the kitchen to make our first cup of coffee and he stood in a pile of cat sick! He cleared that up, whilst cursing and then discovered Minnie had brought in a dead mouse! So she was loudly admonished and unceremoniously plonked out in the garden.
Our first cup of coffee was then drunk in a slightly frosty silence!

Good wishes to Cheery, Dragonfly, Panache and anyone I have missed. Have a good day, all. ?

Kaimoana - thank you so much for the wonderful newspaper cuttings...imagine if smashing a bottle over a disrespectful man's head were still condoned! I wonder if violent crime against women would be as bad?? I do hope that you and little Gubbins are feeling better this morning, and that you are having the wonderful sunny morning that we are experiencing up here in the North. Do tell me more about the magic potion MSM! Sounds as though it could be life-changing.
Nortsat what a fascinating degree course - I'd love to know more about it. Women's voices have been so forgotten, haven't they. And what a wonderful story about your grandmother. What courage those women had, being widowed in a foreign country, no family support, children entirely dependent on them, and their own survival. Yes, remarriage was really the only option in a world where all the economic cards were held by men.
What a nasty surprise for your partner, first thing in the morning! I trust that the poor moggy will do her best not to produce a repeat performance.
Doodle - we have only an acre or so on the outskirts of the small town that is the commercial centre of the district. It has long been famous for the production of oranges and other citrus. These days, the range of fruit grown is considerably wider. Avocados, in particular. We have quite a lot of olive and fig trees - our neighbours send their olives off to be pressed. A lot of people in this area live off the grid, relying on solar power and self-sufficiency in food and water production. It's a wonderful place to live, because the land and sea are so bountiful, and the climate so pleasant.
Speaking of which, the vociferous chickens are making demands for food. Time to feed them and the kitties.
Have a lovely day everyone.

Plague City indeed BJ' patience and tempers are wearing thin here but I'm an English Kiwi so know about Eyam, the village which stopped the Black Death.

Some of you may remember my boy Mike flying from the USA recently to see his dear Mum who was terminally ill? She died at the beginning of the week, another thing which upset me, even though I knew it was coming.
Because Auckland's totally cut off, he can't fly over for the funeral, as planned, and support his family.

Mamissimo Hope the chemo helped you. I'm holding your DD2 in my heart.
Were you able to save any of your Rudolph broccoli? I hope so.

Nortsat You hit several chords with your post. I've had the same teary problems It passes eventually though, doesn't it?
Blimey! What a way to start the morning, paddling in pussy puke. Yuk.
I do hope MSM has a good effect for you. Yes, please let me know.

Most universities here now offer Women's Studies and several categories therein. Victoria in Wellington even has its own publishing company for feminist and other gender-related books.

Your grandmother sounds amazing; what a change from a husband who whips them off to the goldfields of Brazil, of all places, to one who butchers for the Co-op. A nice, steady bloke I'm sure, with plenty of sausages and chops for his family.

Missedout I'm confident your client list will endure because you not only offer quality but care. People appreciate that because there’s not a lot of it about.

All my students came to me 'word-of-mouth' because when the children arrived straight from school, hungry - I fed them before the lesson.

The parents were impressed, the children (most of whom are still in touch from various parts of the world) learned better – and I was showing that my English lessons were about more than words.
My boy Jinhyeok once phone from Korea where he was in the army, to say the only thing which got him through some gruelling tasks, was imagining my Afternoon Tea at the end.

What a shame your narrowboat trip might be up the creek without a paddle - any chance of hiring a sturdy Shire to pull you?

Here's a clip filmed near my old home: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyMLyML0DjI

Jan Hope the booster goes well. Did you have any after-effects from the first jabs?

Doodle You obviously have a very close family in all senses of the word. How lovely to meet them on their walk.
Yes, you're absolutely right - love never ends and I'm very lucky to know that from experience.

How sad for you DiL to be sick on her holiday but as long as one is fit, there's no upper age limit to swimming with dolphins, so she still may.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is used for many things but is especially good for arthritis. Here’s a reliable account:
www.healthline.com/nutrition/msm-supplements
The usual daily dose starts at 1,000mg but I take 2,000 in capsule form. Benefits can usually be seen (or not) in a few days.
My doctor fully approved as it means I don’t need damaging anti-inflammatory meds (or indeed any painkillers most of the time).
Run it by your own GP if you like but I would advise asking them to evaluate it honestly rather than give the knee-jerk reaction, “alternative stuff is a scam”. Millions swear by it.
Here’s a rather long link to the AmazonUK page whoch sells it.
www.amazon.co.uk/s?ref=sr_pg_1&c=ts&ts_id=5977819031&rh=n%3A5977819031&_encoding=UTF8&i=drugstore&k=MSM+Nutritional+Supplements&tag=gransnetforum-21&qid=1633118543

I too am thinking about ALL our missing Gangstars, either AWOL (I’m sure *Doodle would have granted it anyway), or just A.
Not forgotten, any of you

Hello Nortsat and two angelic Molls and one Moll who is in the dog house. Poor Minnie her gifts weren’t welcome. ?
We looked into booking booster too but like you are waiting for our letters. DH also had a shielding is over letter but we are still being very careful.
Sorry you were upset. Hope your friend didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I think we are all a bit raw these days.
Your grandmother sounded a brave lady too heading off for Brazil. None of my family were that adventurous unless you call moving from Wales to England an epic trip. They did do a midnight flit because my grandmother wanted to escape from her husband and didn’t want him to know where she was going. He drank a lot, was violent and owed lots of people money so my grandmother sold things to pay his debts and then left without him.
Boadicea unlike many of the gangsters I have never been to NZ. I looked up the Bay of Islands and it certainly looks glorious and your description just adds to it. All those citrus trees and olives. Your diet must be very healthy.
Kaimoana I’m sorry for your friend Mike. At least he had a chance to see his mum before she died but it must be hard missing her funeral.
Yes we are very lucky. Both our sons live within about 15 minutes from us and even closer to each other.
I have heard of MSM too. Anything is worth a try if it helps.
Mamissimo thinking about your DD and your family. Must be really hard for you all.
Hope Honey Beagle is doing ok.
Missedout I agree with Kaimoana there must be many people who need the sort of help you provide.
Take care all the gangsters whether posting or just reading. Have a good weekend all