The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

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I'm attaching a picture of Karena Tepu-Takuira, one of our kaimahi, a boy who genuinely loves working with elders; it's not just a job to him. We all love him to pieces.

He's standing before a statue of a Maori warrior on Waiheke Island, a bronze fashioned by the nephew of one of our kaumatua.

Well my dears, after a hectic and exhausting time during which my computer spat the dummy (and so did I) our Xmas Prom was just wonderful. We all had tremendous fun and presented some very precious pounamu (a stone sacred to Maori) to each of the lovely young people who have worked with/for us over this last year.

Pounamu (greenstone akin to jade) has deep spiritual significance and the tradition is that you never buy it for yourself. So it was a true gift of love to these splendid young people.

Computer problems, due largely to Microsoft updates which undo all the BOLD text I laboriously add to help me see, was obliterated and replaced with light text smaller than that on vitamin bottles.

So frustrating but little by little, I’m changing things. You can prevent regular MS updates but only for so long, then WHAM!

Now my energies will be put into my own family Christmas celebration which is to be on 23rd.

You may remember I make Xmas clues for hidden presents for my grand-children and this year, for Gubbins I have made some angels and she will be asked to go find them. They will be obvious but in unusual places, such as bathroom or garage.
Under each will be a little gift: sparkly hair clip, toy or edible treat.

Her brother will help – he will have more cryptic clues but not too hard.


I am so sorry that my eyes are simply not up to reading all the posts I've missed, I hope you don't mind that this post sound very me-orientated because of it.

I’m buying all the family warm stuff this year. Socks, hats, gloves etc. Chocs and biscuits on order coming tomorrow.
Did a drive past of the charity shop this afternoon. I’d collected 5 bags of stuff to take before I had my pacemaker and we’ve been falling over it ever since. A very nice young man in a Christmas jumper helped carry everything from the boot. **Must admit I was quite gratefully as I’m still not feeling 100%.
Have you out your tree up yet Cherry? I’ve put up our tiny tree and decorated an ornamental tree we have in the corner of the lounge. Hung some bulbs and lights on it.
Kaimoana I hope you’re back online soon. I expect you’re still knitting away like mad.
I found the perfect gift for other MIL last week. Wish I’d ordered it then. It’s gone up £12 !
Grammaretto, Hope you’ve arrived safely and are enjoying some time with your family

You've had such a lovely week I think Grammaretto so I'm glad that you were able to change carriages so the loud mouths weren't able to spoil your journey to Nottingham. I must say I'm surprised that people were allowed to drink alcohol on the train as I was only reading this morning that it was banned during the pandemic in Scotland and hasn't been reinstated but is being reviewed with a view of allowing it to resume. I hope you have a wonderful time with your DS3 and family to cap off your lovely week

Have you found the perfect xmas tree ixion? I'm happy with ours, it doesn't have a wind handle and it didn't come in a cardboard box 😁. It does have tiers you can add or remove to make it bigger or smaller though and it came in a bag. Real trees do smell nice but make a heck of a mess if they shed though. No, you found one of those bags 😬. I'm wondering what craft activity you were planning to use the star anise for 🤔

Nothing wrong with buying your DH a pair of pyjamas if that's what he needs Doodle. My WP asked me what I'd like and I told him I want nice thick socks 😂. It may be a bit boring but it's true, I do. Chocs and biscuits from Waitrose sound good to me too and if you really want to buy xmas for the dogs why not buy dog biscuits 😁.

Wasn't it Kaimoana's ball today? If so, I hope you had a ball at the ball Kaimoana

Grammaretto, pleased you were able to get a better seat. We’ve been in the same situation on a train (well not Scots) and it doesn’t make for a pleasant journey. Hope the rest of the day is enjoyable and you arrive safely.

I caught the train but I didn't ask to share a carriage with a crowd of swearing, loud, intoxicated Scots.
I must book the quiet coach in future or first class.
Is it just me being a miserable victor meldrew? No one else is grumbling.

And I definitely asked for the direction of travel and I'm going backwards.

I'm sure in other countries alcohol isn't allowed on trains. ?

I have moved to an unreserved coach. The trolley man advised me and apologised. Much better!

How's everyone doing today?

Ah. You’re all so nice. It’s true, the family won’t mind at all but I’d like to get them little things that I know they’ll like.
Just ordered job lot of chocs and biscuits from Waitrose. I will have to make the effort to get to M&S. I’ve been buying our son the same chocs from there for years, his favourites. DH and I probably won’t bother with gifts this year (although I might have to buy him a pair of pyjamas to replace the pair the hospital lost…how exciting is that 🤣) .
You’re right, just having him home is what counts.
Grammareto, wow 40 people. You said you’d hoped it would be a good turnout. Sounds like fun.
Poor Kaimoana, thanks for letting us know. Hope she’s back online soon. Yes she’s been so busy with all her flowers, and slippers.
Cherry, Hope you’re doing ok too.
Sleep well all. Jeeves is doing the rounds with some mulled wine and mince pies.

Thanks for letting us know Grammaretto, I've been concerned since she hasn't really been posting and that's not like her.

That's three of us that think the same way Doodle. The greatest gift you can give your loved ones is a well and well rested Doodle

I just had a message via Facebook from Kaimoana.
She's having computer problems and can't get onto GN at present.
Maybe a time to slow down (her words) until someone can fix it.

Exactly ixion. Doodle you must rest and get well. Sending hugs. I am glad you sleep well. I always feel like hibernating at this time of year.

I went dancing shuffling mostly . It was the last class until January. 40 people came.

I am just going for the weekend. They are all at work or school during the week so I'll be home again on Monday. I haven't been since this time last year. I must try to visit them in summertime.

Doodle, don't worry about presents and all your usual doings.
Those who care about you are just so grateful that you are both home now where you belong.❤️

ixion I’d love a real tree but not practical here. Our tiny one will do us fine.
I haven’t done any craft at all this year. Last year my friend and I were painting bottles, making decorations and gnomes and enjoying it. This year Christmas seems to have come so quickly,
I’m finding myself a bit discombobulated these days.
My mind is leaping from one thing to another. I can’t seem to concentrate on anything for more than a few seconds.
DH I are still both sleeping in our armchairs. We both sleep well but I seem to be permanently tired. Been trying to organise some Christmas presents this afternoon. Nothing exciting this year I don’t have the ability to go looking so it’s all online.
Grammaretto do you still have your lodger?
How long are you gojng to Nottingham for? That sounds like a lovely trip.
Oh my goodness. Thank you for reminding me, I’d forgotten about buying for the dogs…..that’s another three presents to get. 😱
Nice to visit your son Christmas Day too. Does he live nearby?
Have a nice warm up at the dancing tonight. Go on, give us a twirl. 😊

I look forward to seeing the finished tree ixion! 🌲 😁👏

I am swithering about fetching a real tree. I don't think anyone is coming here this season so noone to see it. ☹️

Like you I have a bag full of decorations to bring back memories.

I've been wrapping presents today. I'm going to Nottingham tomorrow to stay with DS3 so shall take them with me. I even have something for the dog!

I'm invited to DS1 for Christmas day dinner and I've just seen that buses are running so I don't need to drive and I can have a glass of champagne 🥂

Last ceilidh dancing tonight. I hope plenty of folk come. The weather has been vile.
At least it's not snowing which would stop the trains.

How are the Doodles? How is Kaimoana?

I got home yesterday and remembered it was the volunteer's social at the community store so I went there and partook of some fabulous food offerings.
What a day it was!

It's been one of those 'stay at home' days today, in view of the violent winds and driving rain.
Christmas preparations ad naus.
Yet again, the annual hunt tomorrow for The Tree. This will involve a trip to the local Water Board forestry plantation. We no longer get excited at seeing Santa and reindeers in a clearing en route to the tree pens. It was quite, er, magical 45 years ago but suggestions of a prelit one have fallen on deaf family ears over the decades. Give me one which comes in a cardboard box with a wind up handle to raise the top half heavenward, with a remote control to operate the lights. No, we will plough, with our wellies, through yards of mud, pull out tree after tree for inspection, with encouraging comments like 'try that one', 'turn it round a bit', too short, too bald, wrong kind of tree ...

I have found a depressing plastic bag in the Christmas cupboard. It contains, inter al., 3 wooden embroidery hoops, a packet of star anise and a goldfish bowl😱. Accompanied by a neat folder with saved tear-out features on Make It Yourself crafty decorations. Reminders of good ideas and failed intentions.

We shall see. Maybe I will surprise you all!

Grammaretto so pleased you had a good meet up. Hope you get home safely before it gets too cold. Must be lovely to see some of your fellow GN again. It’s quite a regular thing you’ve got going isn’t it.
Jeeves has got some hot soup and warm rolls ready for you,

Another vanishing post! 😡

I had a good day in Glasgow but still making my way home. People come from all over Scotland. One from north of Aberdeen. One from Inverness.

Just steam works for the inhalation Doodle. I hope you are feeling better today.

Cherry you are a mega achiever by my standards. I have bought cards but not written them. I am getting good at delegating.

Your day and evening out sounds lovely Mamissimo and just look at that elf.😊

Grammaretto hope you have a lovely time with Marydoll and the gang in Edinburgh.
ixion, the legs are better thanks. I’m sure it was the BP tablets.
Oh I hate sugar on the floor. So difficult to get rid of that tacky feeling. On the other hand…..love marmalade…….any tasters needed for MrI’s efforts 😋?
Mamissimo I’m so jealous, what a lovely evening. I would love to go to our local church Carol service but not sure I can leave DH at the moment (and come back and find him in one piece 😱)
Spud the Elf, love it. 😊
Cherry, you sound as though you’ve been quite busy. I haven’t even bought the cards yet let alone written them. I have however, cleaned the en suite, put the washing on, done some ironing and……drum roll please…..emptied the rubbish bins. Now the latter might not sound like much to you but as we live in a flat we have two large outdoor bins, one for recycling and one for general waste. Both of which have very heavy lids. Following the pacemaker I can’t lift my left arm up above my shoulder. However, being of the Valerie Singleton “sticky back plastic” mould, I managed to lift the lid with my good arm whilst jamming a broom handle under it with the other, enough to create just enough space for me to push my rubbish through the gap. 😊
Cherry, what happens in the AB stays in the AB ……unless someone leave the door open.😉

Afternoon lobStars

I hope Keira's happier in all weathers now she has a smart green coat to wear Nfk. Your busy days sound a lot like mine! I don't know why yours are busy without accomplishing much but in my case I think it's poor time management. Taking today for example - got some washing on, wrote xmas cards and went into the city centre in an attempt to crack the xmas and birthday present shopping having had two previous failed attempts and suddenly the day is gone. I've still got another load of washing to do (and we should have posted the cards on the way out but didn't 🤦) and still got to rootle about to muster something up to cook for dinner. All mundane stuff but why does it take up so much time 🤷. I'm glad you managed to drain the water from the Camperbubble and your cough has gone 👍
Grammaretto, I hope you're having as good a time on your Glesca meet-up as you had in you Gaelic class, that sounded like a lot of fun 😄

I'm glad that the inhalation seems to have worked a bit Doodle perhaps you should have concentrated to make sure it wasn't as concentrated. Good news that you've found a physio for your DH in the new year 👍. How are your feet now, I hope the swelling has gone down and you're not swinging from the trapeze in the Argy Bargy?

Has Mr I got himself in a sticky situation then ixion or is it just the kitchen in a sticky mess 😬. I hope the marmalade more than makes up for it 🙂

How are you Kaimoana, and you too Jan?

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Good morning 🙂

Last night Mr M and I were lucky enough to attend the Carol service on HMS Victory's cannon gun deck. With the choir of Portsmouth Cathedral, a woodwind quintet from the Royal Marines and readings by the Second Sea Lord and so on it was rather special. Little blue chairs were provided and we sat in the dim lamplight amongst the cannons. Magical setting.

As it was only 4 degrees we wrapped up warm - it was a full set of isotherm long John's and vest under the clothing, duvet coat on top with cashmere scarf for the neck - but no bobble hat! Apparently bobble hats are not suitable to wear with the number 1 uniforms proscribed so most of my carefully garnered warmth went out through my head!

picture is of HMS Warrior dressed for Christmas - and Spud likewise

Aoife is beginning to settle. We have learned that she doesn't like horses, sheep, cows or cyclists.....but will sit and watch ducks for ages. I guess that counted as wildlife in Wigan where she originates from.

this reads like a lowbrow Court Circular so to finish....this afternoon the Granny and Gramps will be attending the local primary school for a performance starring one DGD and then a further performance starring the other one 🙂. Refreshments will follow!

Enjoy your trip to the Edinburgh meet up, *Grammaretto - though it doesn't sound as much fun as your Gaelic party game!

My Irish ancestors have gone on the back boiler with Christmas looming. I guess that having concealed their secrets from us for 200 years, a few more weeks won't come amiss. Although I do think that London taverns come into the matchmaking and knot-tying in the 1850s🍻

I hope that the skills of your new physio will help Mr.D. I guess you will have homework😱. Now to get your cough sorted - have you had someone look at your legs? - as 'twere😉

Mr.I has been marmalade making (the tinned variety) while I was out yesterday. How do I know? My sticking to the kitchen floor broadside on to the countertop and the odd crunch of sugar underfoot, akin to walking out on a frosty day.

I see someone else has just posted on the thread as I ramble on.
Like busses. You wait for ages then they all come along together....
Or, as our London bus route used to be known in the Olden Days, the Banana Line. They only come in bunches.

Off to have a read. Hope your day's a good one.
🌜For Kaimona

Grammaretto, and there’s me thinking you would be driving around in the warm again.
The inhalation needs to be approached with caution. One or two drops in a bowl of hot water. Well I suppose four or five came out before I realised what was happening. My fist inhale nearly took the top of my head off. 🤣🤣. It did help I think.
NFK , Hope you’ve got the Camperbubble sorted ok.
Thanks for letting me know there is hope on the horizon although I have to admit my cough has been reasonably good today.
Poor Keira 😊 I sympathise with her and the cold. I bet she looks very smart in her new jacket.
Kaimoana, love the booties
Grammaretto, your DGS is very talented. Nice it’s something you feel may have been passed on from your DH.
Do hope you have a good time this weekend and the weather doesn’t hinder your travels.
I think your Gaelic class sounded a lot of fun tonight.glad you’re enjoying it.
DH and I have had another quiet day. I have found a local physio who I hope will be able to get him walking properly again. Booked a session for early January when hopefully the pesky feet will be fixed.

She's a girl after my own heart Nfk. I don't like going out in icy cold wet slush. Not many of us do.

So good that your cough has gone at long last. Mine too. I suppose they just have to run their course but so tiring.

How are Doodle and the dude?

My wunderkind DGS has won yet another story writing competition. It's on Facebook at Mount Vic. A short story about community. It's original. He takes after his DGP who I miss so much. He always had an original take on things.

I am also glad you have cleared water from the camperbubble Nfk. Ready for your trips away.

I'm off to stay with DS3 this w/end. I've been buying presents for them today. I remembered to get the dog a squeaky toy.

Gaelic class was hilarious tonight. We were in pairs writing a dialogue set in a cafe where one person mixed up animals and people as the other was trying to keep them right

Another exercise was trying to guess what animal, bird, flower or foodstuff you were after a label was stuck on your forehead. All in Gaelic ofcourse.

How is the Irish family history doing ixion?

I need dinner please Jeeves. I have hardly eaten today. No time!

Nfk don't forget these

Vets suggest they can avoid all manner of aches and ills.

Morning All

I seem to have had a very busy few days without actually accomplishing anything. Although I did eventually manage to drain the water from the Camperbubble, but only when the whole end of the drain pipe came off in my hand. I was so afraid the whole of the pipe and tank had frozen expensively solid. (The tap was too stiff to turn and its tucked under the side, so not really visible and I'm working from feel). I think I've got it back on again.

My cough has at long last disappeared! Two months it's taken! So there is hope for the afflicted. I hope your's soon lets you lay flat again Doodle, it's so very hard to sleep properly in unaccustomed positions. And you need your good sleep.

Keira has bounced back from her tooth extractions, although she's now made it plain that she doesn't like the cold. Five minutes into a walk and she's coming round in front of me all the time like a toddler does when it wants to be carried. And if I turn around, pulling for home! So I've bought her a nice quilted jacket. In pale green. She looks very smart (and proud), but, I ask you - a spaniel in a jacket. They're supposed to be all weather enthusiastic huntin' shootin' dogs! I'm now off out so she can try it out. There's not too many people around to see!

It's still bus stops for me. I never drive into Edinburgh and anyway my car is being driven by my df as hers is off the road and she has teenagers to transport with instruments and sports gear.

I am going to my Pictish art class this morning. We learned about the battle of Dunnichen last week which is depicted on a standing stone at Aberlemno. If the Picts had not won that battle against the helmeted Northumbrian horsemen in 685 there would be no Scotland!

It does make me think about the current war in what we always knew as the Holy Land Such horrors.

I hope you enjoy your inhalation Doodle.