The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

So much seems to have happened since I was last here.
Lovely to see you Cherry.
Doodle you and your DH are in my constant thoughts and prayers.

Grammaretto your next helper is Chinese and yet you're going to see a panda in Edinburgh! Perhaps few Chinese have seen one live?

ixion you continue to amuse me, as does Mamissimo with her crowds of lazy men to whom I suggests she takes the lamb leg and swings it a la Samson. Here's a pic for inspiration.

Or maybe just confiscates their tea and biscuits.

I've been unwell for days now and as you know, was given a new air purifier to help my breathing.

Alas, for every benefit there's a disadvantage - and in my case the latter outweighed the former.

To leave on an optimistic note: I've just completed my first publicity interview for Trevor.
TVNiue zoomed at me and I was forced to comb my hair and smile.
I'm told it will be a News item and there may be a link online tomorrow.

If there is.....watch this space.

Love to you all xxx

Good afternoon 🙂

Been a worrying couple of days which included poor Spud being rushed to hospital by an ambulance with lights and sirens DD2 had called 111 as he suddenly started wheezing and went very pale. 111 took no chances and they even called ahead to the hospital. They were seen immediately and following some treatment with oxygen allowed home late last night. He tested positive for RSV and diagnosed with Bronciolitis. Today he is being woken up to feed a little every couple of hours and having warm showers with his parents......but not coming to visit 🥲 They seem to think he's a little better today so we've taken a raincheck*

Doodle I hope you aren't too hungry and that you're not being attacked by therapists. I find the therapists of the physio and occupational types the most depressing people when I'm ill because they are so relentlessly positive and glowing with health and swinging ponytails and vigour. Too exhausting!

Ixion I finished the thespian's commission in a couple of days - it was not terribly exciting as his ancestor seemed to be a dry academic with few goods to dispose of and he even seemed to like his offspring. I much prefer grumpy wills with a touch of malice!. So I'm back to the more tender work of tracking down birth parents for people who were forcibly adopted from unmarried mothers in Ireland. I do this when there are no dusty docs to be translated and it's far more rewarding. I do ordinary family research too and specialise in Irish bloodlines.

I cleared out my drawers and wardrobes last week and put loads on eBay.....today I've had to package it up and despatch it. I always did enjoy those toy post office sets I got at Christmas in the '50s.

As it's not raining I think I will go and tidy the garden so it's ready for the new gardener tomorrow.....and then a tidy up for the cleaner.....🤣

Wow! So much going on with the Gang, more sadness and worry than good news☹️.
Poor old Spud, and poor parentals. It must be so worrying - I recall DS2 being in hospital with bronchiolitis at a similar age and how devastating that was. Of course, big hugs and prayers for you all.

And Kaimona. I guess we were all hoping and expecting that your whizzy air purifier would do the trick. Any port .... and all that. Have you or your support team got a Plan B?🤞. But hey, author interviews- how proud you must be (as are we💐).

I rather hope that your new Helper is a Cook, Grammaretto. We will form an orderly queue at the door, if so. Have you had Chinese helpers before? Will it be a, er, challenge? We were asked by our au pair agency to take on a Turkish girl, who had already served 6 months servitude with a local family who expected her to do very little except prepare vegetables for the freezer and to wait on table at their numerous dinner parties. We were hesitant but a more delightful young lady you couldn't expect to meet! Bacon sandwiches for the children - no problem. Could she deliver the Church magazine for us? she asked. She liked to meet people, she told us. Mind you, her English was really good and she later went on to work for Seimens. DD later went to stay with her, husband and little boy in her pad in Istanbul.

Hearing about your genealogy research was fascinating, Mamissimo. Is there a lot of commission work generated by birth parent searches? In the months or years to come, I might run past you (if I may) my issues with my maternal GGgrandmother, who apparently came from Skibbereen (had to look it up😳) without a word of English, but I haven't got to grips yet with Irish records, to say the least.

Well, we were not so Big In Europe tonight ⚽️ but we had a nice wander round the old town and port.
We got you some souvlaki and and bottle of retsina, Doodle.
Will get Jeeves to smuggle it in later. Hope you are getting Big and Strong and will be back idc to all who miss and need you.
BUT not too soon. Get yourself 100%.

I have had my Covid jab this afternoon. Banished all dreams of 'ooh, I couldn't possibly.....' and taking to my bed. Never been fitter😡.

Hi all quick visit to say I had pacemaker fitted this afternoon. Arm aching so just a brief message
So, so, sorry to hear of little Spud. What a worrying time for your all. Hope and pray he’s fully recovered soon.
Thinking of you all. Much love x

Ruddy heck Doodle 💐 I'm sorry to hear that you've had to go through this, but better that they fitted it since it needed to be done. It's really good of you to post and let us all know. Rest now and get some healing sleep. Sending you my warmest cwtches X

Sorry to hear that you've not been feeling too good Kaimoana. Bl##dy remedies, why is it that they often do more harm than good. Ooh, a publicity interview, we've truly got a celebrity in our midst now how should I address you in future. Did you enjoy it?

Is it tomorrow your family descend upon you Grammaretto? I hope you all thoroughly enjoy your time together 😊

*It sounds like the au pair agency found you a good au pair for your DD to go and stay with her and her family some time/years later ixion. Have you kept in touch since? Hope your arm is okay to sleep on tonight*🤞

Had to look up RSV (ailments had names in my day!) and relieved to read it's so common that most children get it. However, Spud is only a tiny shoot yet, so anything is serious in one so young.

Doodle I didn't have a chance!! You beat me to it.
Do as Matron says and take it easy. There's no heart symbol on GN, very remiss of the architect who designed the platform. You will just have to make do with instead, they say it's good for body & soul

ixion Plan B? Actually, I'm too downhearted to tell the team right now as we were all so hopeful and joyful.

I planned a quiet weekend knitting (more orders came in) but when one of our senior kaumatua, told me he'd come and collect me to go to the Repair Cafe tomorrow, I did not demur. (and I could scream at audio book readers who say this as 'demure' )

He's a formidable personage, full of knowledge, deeply respected and loved and a very funny and interesting companion.
He's 91 and flies all over the Pacific regularly (he could probably live at the Hilton on his air points!).

His long-time girlfriend lives 410 miles away but he flies regularly to see her.
To be with him is a privilege and not in any way compromising feminist principles.

In fact he's been instrumental in challenging and changing the often sexist hierarchy on the marae.

He'll cheer me up



PS: did I tell you expert diagnosis say the bite IS from a White Tail spider. Toxic but not lethal obviously it feels to have left a scar and still itches occasionally.

A spider version of 'Take that you scoundrel and let that be a lesson to you!
Except it was in my bed.'

Should you want to read about this wee arachnid, here's a good site but beware, it does have a picture of a White Tail when it loads.
www.kiwicare.co.nz/advice/pests/white-tailed-spider-facts-and-fictions/

Plenty of activity in Lobstar Land
Fancy you being prey for a white tailed spider Kaimoana

Trevor is popping up all over the place!
I googled him and the screen filled immediately. Waterstones have copies! 👍
So Doodle you have a pacemaker now. That will make a difference and hopefully be just what was needed.
Rest now and tell us more about it when you are feeling better

Not so good news about darling Spud.
I hope he'll be alright now. Sending hugs and healing vibes

Now I should get ready for the arrival of my Nottingham clan. It's pouring rain unfortunately.

Good afternoon 🙂

That's the ticket Doodle - you'll be delighted with how much better you feel once you've recovered from the procedure . I bet the Dude is very relieved! Have you got to change your cooker hob or were you cooking on gas already?

Spud is doing better now but still wheezy. I was singing to him on FaceTime with Fergal and he managed his usual grin and promptly fell asleep. I think he needs to be tucked in with Doodle for a few snoozes. Sure she wouldn't mind popping his dummy back in occasionally.

That spider bite sounds very unpleasant Kaimoana - I have never experienced anything like that but Mr M was once attacked by a mass of ladybirds as he got changed on a Mediterranean beach. I believe they only bite in times of drought but they attacked his rump with gusto. Those bites took a while subside and left a ghost itch which persists till this day!

Ixion I would be delighted to have a squiz for your Grandmother's family. PM me details or let me know if you need my email? I know Skibb well - I come from a field between Dunmanway and Bandon!

The new gardener has been today and worked like a dervish. I am one happy old biddy!

ooh Mamissimo I would love to snuggle up with Spud.
poorMr M the only person I have ever heard of who has been attacked by 🐞.
Kaimoana that bite sounds nasty Hope it improves soon
Well I’m home all and so pleased to be here. I am absolutely shattered tonight. I have dumped everything on the bathroom floor and will set about fumigating it tomorrow. No sign of bed bugs but not taking any chances
Ive hardly slept this week and right now my own bed and joy if joys my own special pillow beckon. Sleep well all and back soon. No Jeeves you can’t snuggle up with me and Spud so there

You're home Doodle. Brilliant 😊 Enjoy your own bed, with your own special pillow, nothing like your own pillow is there. Sleep well 😴

Crikey, Doodle - that was quick work😳.
We're still putting the vac round.

Welcome home, sleep well.
We missed you. 🌹

I'm either going crazy (a distinct possibility) living in a parallel universe where it's already 3 months into 2024 or this is marketing gone mad.

I logged in to The Warehouse and saw this barely believable sight.

Ha ha! Kaimoana. Marketing went mad a long time ago

There used to be a Christmas shop on a road we used. It was open all year. The sight of it was depressing.

Hope you are recovering well Doodle. I see there's a thread about stents on GN.
How you have to keep away from magnets and possibly induction hobs but on the whole it's hugely positive.

Bet it's nice to be home though in your own bed with your own pillow.

The family have left after a whirlwind visit. They are going to the open day at the college of art today and staying in town tonight. My oldest son came out to meet them and the brothers, wives and cousins had good chats. I love listening to them but ofcourse we all miss their dad

I'm off to pick flowers if there are some to pick

I clicked on your link and read about the white tail Kaimoana. It looks innocuous enough, to me anyway, but does sound unpleasant. You're a most unfortunate recipient of its gift, which seems to keep on giving. Yuk! I feel for you, I got bitten by something, oh a good few years ago now when I went for a walk in some woods. I've no idea what it was, I've always though that insects are pretty innocuous in the UK.. The bite stung a bit shortly afterwards but I didn't think anything of it. A bit later, at home, boy was it 🔥 and itchy and nothing would sooth it. Nothing would sooth it for weeks. Every time I thought I had healed ... er, no, it would start stinging and itching and burning all over again. Weird! It kept doing this for about a month or more and I had a mark on my leg for months. I sincerely hope the bite stops bothering you soon
As for that marketing - ridiculous. As was the fact that we received our first Xmas card a couple of days ago 🙄 I can't be thinking of that yet I've got November and December birthdays to think about first

It must have been lovely to have two of your sons and family visiting at the same time Grammaretto 😊 Of course they miss their dad, when the families come together that loss strikes. Get togethers are wonderful... but then ... I get that, honestly I do. It was the same for my mother and us, her children. Get togethers took on a different specialness, and they were that - special. One of your DGC is looking to go to an art college then?

I hope you've had a gentle day Doodle. I'm sure you're being well taken care of, so let that be the case

Evening all. Thanks for your kind messages. Yes I noticed the pacemaker thread too. What a coincidence. Useful information though
I’ve been doing a bit of research today about all the things I have to avoid. Things I would never think of like the fact that my hairdresser uses a magnetic shoulder wrap with he uses to cut the hair at the back of my neck. And the ultrasound gadget the dentist uses to set fillings.
I have a pain in my right shoulder tonight due to the position I was in in the operating theatre, so I’m sitting with a hot water bottle on it (pacemaker on the left) . Been so very tired today and just doing small things and sitting.

Dear ixion thanks for all the laughs. I love thé picture of the maid tidying. Perhaps I could get DH a pinny and cap. 🤣

Kaimoana it never ceases to amaze me the timings that shops use. You need to buy a winter coat in the spring or summer. Swimsuits in the autumn or winter. And as for Christmas, better get my crackers before they sell out.
Did you enjoy your visit to the repair shop with your friend.?

Grammaretto glad you had a lovely visit with the family and they got to meet up with each other. Must be a happy but poignant time.
Any new helpers coming?

Mamissimo, Hope little Spud is doing well.
DH opened the curtains this morning and a ladybird dropped down on to the carpet. I told him to stay well back while I dealt with it using plastic cup and a piece of card. Not taking any chances of being attacked. 🤣
Cherry, that was a nasty bite you had. My cousin, whose father was in the Army, got bitten by something in the middle of her forehead whilst in some tropical climate. It created a round dark blue lump which never went away.
Yes not up to much today so a quiet day for us both. DH has been doing cooking and cleaning and…….drumroll please……has informed me he has finally mastered the art of the cling film dispenser 🤣

Well done the Dude! I never got the hang of cling film. It's one of the most annoying things ever

Sorry to mix up stent and pacemaker Doodle. I hope your new pacemaker improves your quality of life and has you skipping and dancing.

My next Helper isn't due till the middle of next month and I have plenty of jobs lined up for her. .

It would be wonderful if DGD were to study near me but there are several other colleges she is looking at so l'll not get my hopes up.

I also hope that baby spud is doing well

Well, things certainly seem a little brighter tonight in our band of brothers, happily.

Mamissimo, I was bowled over by your offer of help with my maternal side. Thank you so much, I will PM you toot sweet.
Pleased that Kaimona was temporarily spirited away, always knitting for another day. Talking of which, are we going to attempt slippers ourselves, Doodle, this winter? I'll match you👍. (Throwing down not the gauntlet but the slipper sock😉).
Lovely to hear of Grammaretto's family reunion. So you may have a DGD studying on your doorstep figuratively speaking?
I hope Mr.D realises he must not make a rod for his own back with all these newly acquired skills? What is your next challenge for him?.

You will be relieved to hear that I am closing here, because I've not, as yet, lost this post🤫
Tomorrow I will tell you about the Ixion ladybird gang, but I must secure a photo first.
Off to polish up the pompoms for Sunday's match.

Thanks Grammaretto, I’m doing fine but not up to skipping and dancing at the moment. Not allowed to move my arm for 7 days and then very limited movement for 4 to 6 weeks. No showers or baths so “hand wash only” i suppose , sorry folks I’ll stand well back 🤣
Yes I can imagine how lovely it would be to have your DGD close by. At least she’s looking into it.
Hope your next helper is a good one. Have you had any more thoughts about building in your garden?
Ixion, well I suppose I’m up for it. I must admit they do look cosy. Might have to ask Kaimoana for guidelines again.
Are we going to knit booties for “our team” too.
DH has been doing some cooking while I’ve been in hospital. He’s managed ok but isn’t a natural (apart from being a chef in the line of Graham Kerr, The Galloping Gourmet, as in a liberal application of wine to both chef and cooking 🤣)
Im thinking of getting an airfryer as he has trouble bending down to our oven. Not sure yet but will hold it in mind,
Looking forward to hearing your news tomorrow. 🐞
Not going to use brasso on your pom-poms are you 😮
Kaimoana, could you give us some help with your slippers again. I know you posted something before but I can’t find it.
How have you been today.
Hope little Spud is ok

Cherry Glad to see you are feeling well enough to post again The description of your bite and its aftermath is word for word my experience too.

A lovely whirlwind visit to lift your heart Grammaretto, How long is it now before you fly to Aotearoa?

Doodle I now have visions of those cartoon situations where someone with a magnet in their pocket has flat irons and kettles hurtling towards them as they walk past a hardware shop I seem to remember that was a story in The Broons – one of my most favourite annuals along with Oor Wullie.

With any luck you will hear a clunck and the top of that pepper grinder will be stuck to your chest!

I didn’t get to the Repair Café as my kaumatua didn’t turn up. Now I’m a little worried as he didn’t reply to my message either.

Mamissimo I married a Finn (family originally from Ireland) and know nothing beyond his parents, a big gap in the extensive genealogy I’ve already completed. Rest assured you won’t get a commission from me.
I can no longer see the long, long scroll of family names, one going back to 1379 when, in true Yorkshire style, he objected to Richard 2nd’s Poll Tax.

Three weeks ago I ‘lost’ 3 hours of home support (cleaning, shopping, library and prescription pick up) as it was a public holiday.

Last week, Karen’s son had a mental health episode, this week she has a tummy bug.

These are last-minute hitches and the agency can never find replacements at such short notice. So I am trapped in my home, unable to pick up fresh vegetables, milk and a pre-order (time related) at the supermarket and a vital prescription.
Nor can I return library books (not overdue fortunately) or have any essential cleaning done in my house.
It is SO FRUSTRATING and not a little upsetting.

Goodness Doodle! Not allowed to move your arm for 7 days! Good luck with that

I hope you don't Starve. I've put a few ready meals into the freezer incase I can't see when I have my cataract op next week! I reckon I can open the microwave blindfold.

Oh dear Kaimoana. Your support system is a bit flaky. Sorry about poor Karen and her son.

I am getting excited about my Aotearoa trip but there's lots of things before then including Christmas

I am intrigued by your genealogy which Mamissimo is going to help with, ixion.

Lovely to hear from you too Cherry 🍒.

Sleep well lovely people.

Wot ho Everyone

So sorry I've been AWOL for so long, life has been hectic. It shouldn't be, but it seems to have been. I got back from my lovely 'holiday' with DD2 and family last Friday. It was great - and exhausting. According to my iWatch I did eight to ten miles of up hill and down hill walking ("dale" doesn't sound right for Rome!) every day, even with the tourist bus, which the other gran and I took full advantage of. And we still didn't get to the Sistine Chapel! I must be a little bit fitter even though I don't feel it. We saw so much - I had no idea there was so much. Even the weather stayed good - apart from one afternoon on the way back when we got soaked through to our knickers

On Saturday I collected Keira and brought her home. She's lovely and very good. But very timid. It may be a challenge trying to get her to stay on her own. But that's next week's challenge.

I will now read back the last few pages and make notes of what has happened to whom. Medical visits seem to feature large and, after skimming a couple of pages I was completely confused!

Keira

Good evening 🙂

Anybody want to borrow Mr M for a few days? He had a completely stupid and self generated fall from a tower in an adventure playground today and has taken to his chair with a hot water bottle, walking stick, paracetamol ......and all the remotes!

We took the DGDs out for the day and had a smashing time feeding the deer at Sky Park.....at least it was smashing until our alpha male Gramps decided to demonstrate how to descend easily from the top of the adventure playground. It didn't go well but luckily the small people didn't realise it was an acute error.

He's not broken, just a bit bashed and his pride is need of the repair shop!

In other news Spud is improving and beginning to regain his appetite. He doesn't sound so weezie so fingers crossed that he's on the upward curve now.

I'm on the gin early tonight....

Lots of news here to catch up on!

Can I be part of Team Keira, please? She looks a positive dear and I hope she brings you much joy and companionship in the months and years to follow. Remind me again of her provenance?. Glad you had a good holiday, impressed with all that walking 🚶‍♀️.

My heart goes out to you, Kaimona, a current life of continuing disappointment. Is there no-one official you could appeal to in the absence of a functioning agency? No local councillors to turn to? I don't like to think of you being do constantly let down - I bet you'll be a veritable celebrity when Trevor bursts onto the scene😡

I like the thought of slippers for Our Team, Doodle. Thank you so much for the offer. 11 pairs plus the subs, Claret and Light Blue, svp😉.

Words fail me at Mr.M's spectacular fall. I want to laugh, but know I really mustn't. Is he incapacitated ? Can you find him simple, sitting jobs?😆

I am looking forward to investigating my Irish ancestor, Grammaretto, with Mamissimo's kindly guiding hand. I am currently engaging with the Grand Lodge of Scotland, to see if I can fathom out how my Purveyor of Fancy Goods travelled north the border. I tend to think he had a ^girl in every port^.

Cherry, what's the weather like chez toi? Is it as bad as the weather reports tell us? Should we send provisions, waders, inflatables? Let us know!