🦞 Locked down no longer but still firm friends 🦞

Thinking of you next Tuesday, Kaimona🤞, not that we don't at other times💕 Pleased for you that Trevor has made another safe landing.

I think it is a positive, Doodle, that Mr.D is being put through his paces prior to surgery. A full body workout lessens the chances that he will not be at his peak when op.day comes.
Hope you manage to get sorted in enough time, but I, at least, am pleased that, despite a strange bed, you will get more rest being close by, no driving, no looking for parking places, no hoisting wheelchairs in and out of boots for a few days, no cooking. Yay. And culinary delights of the hospital kind at your disposal.

Interesting very long😉 FaceTime session with the boys this morning. I think they just spin out the time after their evening meal by being charming, witty and interesting to defer the inevitable bedtime.
I was horrified to see the 6 year old with what seemed like two large black splodges on his forearm about 2" x 1" each, which definitely weren't there last week. 'What', I asked tentatively and fearing all sorts of fast-growing awful things, 'are those marks on your arm? What does Papa say they are?'.

'Aw, Nana', he replied cheerfully. 'They're my tattoos. And' he added proudly, 'they're real!
🤣🤣🤣

Kaimoana I realised I had missed part of your post when I saw what ixion had written about your appointment. I do hope there is nothing to worry about but you know yourself best. **Good idea to get checked out,
Sorry you are missing a visit from your beloved DGS. How disappointing. Hope you get to see him soon.
ixion yes I suppose it will be a good thing but I just feel DH has spent too long in hospital recently. I was hoping he’d just go in for the day for his op and be home the following day
wishful thinking I suppose.
Really hard to decide how much and what to pack. Because it’s not near home I can’t pop back to get things and not knowing how long DH will be in makes it difficult to decide how much of my wardrobe to take ………might leave the tiara and ball gown behind though. 🤣
Much to my surprise, both my sons, one DIL and two of my DGC have tattoos.

Tattoos R us! Ooh. How daring. 😉
I've never been tempted to get one. I've never had a piercing either, not even an ear.

I agree with ixion, doodle. You'll just have to make the best of it.
Don't forget your nightie I did and don't break the shower I did
Hospitals are hot and so are hotels.
Take some favourite snacks and books.

I hope DH isn't too fed up. I also hope his op goes well.

Seems like the nurse hit you with a bit of a curve ball with the hospital stay for your DH Doodle. I was talking to somebody today (she works in a hospital) who said these pre-op stays to get the patient in "optimum state" for surgery are increasingly used. Perhaps patients should be kept more informed about this possibility. 🤷 I understand where you're coming from but like ixion has said it's a positive thing I think.

I don't know what to advise you in terms of what or how much to pack but I think you're wise to leave the tiara and ball gown behind 🤣.

Your FaceTime with your charming and witty dgs' sounds delightful ixion, despite black splodges disconcerting you. I'm wondering though ... are the tattoos real real or fake real 🤣.

Kaimoana, knowing you as well as all us lobStars do, you must be quite disconcerted and concerned about things for you to make a Dr's appointment. I'm sure you've thought about this possibility ... but you couldn't have an infection of some kind could you rather than what you fear might be the case? You always seem as sharp as a whistle when you post. I hope the appointment gets to the root of the matter or put you on a path to it.

My neighbour is back home. She announced her arrival around midnight 🙄 even though she returned early afternoon. I think she's got conditions restrictions she must adhere to so we'll have to see what happens next.
I went out with my walking group today and it wasn't raining! 😁. As the sun was out we had a pleasant stroll along the seafront and lunch in a little cafe on the marina. It's nice to be able to eat using cutlery again. 🤣

Kaimoana I completely agree with Cherry - there are many potential issues that can produce such symptoms but our brains seem to latch on to the one we fear most - and then you see everything though that lens. I'm very glad you don't have to wait too long for your appointment. Sending you a whole clutch of sandwiches!

We've been getting in the way providing some free time to DD2 and her husband by looking after Spud for a few days 🙂 I am utterly biased but he's totally lovely - eats well, sleeps well and is so relaxed and smiley. Aoife is his new best friend as you can see in the photos - please rest assured he didn't put her foot in his mouth!

I've been following your troubles with the unexpected hospital stay with interest Doodle. When I first started to need frequent surgery in the mid 1960's Admission for procedures was only twice a week - you went in on Sunday for a Tuesday operation and on Tuesday for a Friday op. The waiting was interminable! My poor parents were not allowed to visit me until the day after the operation - and then for half an hour. I think some things have improved!

Thanks Gramaretto. I have a couple of books on my iPad.
The car will be full of things DH might need. Wheelchair, walking frame, inflatable air cushion for chairs, soft pillow for feet. Very large storage box full of medication and that’s without all the things I’m taking for me🤣
Nightie packed, packet of biscuits for nighttime munchies and my comfy slippers
Cherry yes they want to make sure DH is ok for the op. I just hate going into hospital on Fridays as the weekends are usually a write off as far as anything useful being done is concerned. I will wait and see.
i do hope your neighbour isn’t going to become a problem for you again.
glad you had a nice time with the walking group. Lovely to be by the sea
Mamissimo Aoife looks huge compare to little Spud. They are obviously the best of pals.
Thank goodness hospital visiting has improved. That must have been really hard for you being there without much in the way of visitors

Looks like you have thought of everything Doodle. including the kitchen sink

I hope there isn't too much hanging around. It's a different hospital so a different path to manoeuvre.

Thanks for the photos Mamissimo. Those 2 are going to be such good chums.

I hope the return of your neighbour isn't going to cause too many problems Cherry. Are you healing now and on the mend?

Any news from Down Under?

I have 2 Helpers from Canada arriving tomorrow so beds to make and food to think about. I wonder if I have a maple leaf 🍁 flag in the collection. I have syrup.

Today I am on a long for me hike with U3A to blow away the cobwebs so I had better get ready.

Grammaretto good job you reminded me I nearly forgot the sink🤣
I think on GM you said it was a 6 mile walk today. Phew! Hope at least half of it is downhill
Helpers from Canada that will be nice. Hope you get on well

I hope, too, Doodle, that the hospital is geared up for a suitable game plan for you over the weekend. I would think that they would actively make the bed available to all comers otherwise. Can't see them bringing in a patient for two+ clear days of inactivity. Not in this day and age!

I hope the weather for your yomp walk is as lovely as it is here today, Grammaretto. And that you can come up with One Hundred Ways To Cook With Maple Syrup.

How's your neighbour behaving, Cherry? I am sad for you that she has returned. I guess the strain of anticipation is as bad as experiencing the real thing☹️. Hope Our Team, with its rematch foray tonight into foreign climes, might distract from any lingering apprehensions.

How goes, Kaimona? It's been too very quiet from your neck of the woods for a while. Hoping you are OK🤞.

Aiofe and Spud - you have a pair of partners in crime there for the future, Mamissimo. Both gorgeous😍

Just a short message from me as I spoke a little too soon on Tuesday 🤦, my hand is still swollen and painful.

Gosh Doodle, will there be any room in the car for you and MrD?. You need to take such a lot of stuff but fortunately, surely not, the kitchen sink. I think Ixion's got a point, surely despite it being a Friday admission, there's a game plan or there wouldn't be any benefit to admitting MrD at all, certainly considering the pressure on hospital beds.

I hope you enjoyed your marathon hike today Grammaretto, and are not too worn out. I hope too that your Canadian helpers arriving tomorrow are just that -helpful. I've only ever worked with one Canadian, he was pleasant to work with.

Well, my neighbour has been well behaved since announcing her arrival home 🤫 I'd better not speak too soon as the new moon is on its way and she doesn't like that 😬. Cross fingers that the hospital stay has helped her, for a good while at least.

Off to shake the pom-poms in Germany shortly. Are you ready ixion? 😁 We beat tonight's opposition last year, 🤞 we do it again.

Hope you are okay Kaimoana, missing you 💐

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Good luck our team!!

I baled out of the long hike. I couldn't keep up so I went back down and walked along the riverside instead. That was quite long enough. There was a lovely café in the village.

Sorry your hand is still painful Cherry. 😒
I hope the neighbour continues to be on her best behaviour 🤞

I have hosted Canadians before. They are often very proud of being Canadians and not Americans

I'm having an early night.

ixion, the bizarre thing is that despite the consultant asking us to come in I’m not sure anyone is actually expecting us. The nurse told us just to stick to our guns and not allow DH to be turned away. Easier said than done but we will see.
Cherry sorry your hand is still causing you problems. So hard to do things when only one is working properly. Hope it eases soon.
im thinking DH might have to be strapped to the roof rack 🤔
Sleep tight Grammaretto. Maybe not the hike but you still managed a lot. Lovely photos
Kaimoana I too hope you’re ok.
Take care all.

Hope all goes well at the hospital Doodle.

Just thought I'd say a quick hello before I get on today... Today's the day I cannot put... I must try to prepare a room for painting and new carpet - decorating a room full of stuff (!) is not something to look forward to! - It has twin beds, 3 hi fi systems piled ip (one ours bought in 1990), a rail of clothes to go to eBay or Vinted and the last items (and some detritus) from my son's youth... it also has my enormous warping mill in there which is too big to get out again.

Popping in here however reminds me that I'm fortunate that it's even a possibility that I can do some of this as my arthritis is now pretty much only in my hips and I've made a great recovery from a stroke a couple of years ago. I was so scared and afraid then. AND I still have my lovely husband who although not very practical is still lovely and does help me a lot.
And yes, I realise it's his room too - but I'm the picky one!
I honestly feel truly blessed.

Can I wish you all a straightforward/fruitful/happy day - and for anyone struggling (like Doodle and Cherry) a day that is better than expected.

What a lovely post, NotS!
Can we co-opt you for a ring of steel round Doodle and Mr.D at the hospital if needed? 💪

Thank you ixion - of course! 👍
*But I warn you I'm not fantastic steel as pretty rusty in parts!...*

So, an update-
My youngest daughter popped in yesterday and took away three boxes of books and carried downstairs a pile of "junk" for redistribution.
I then had a call from her older sibling who wants to visit on Monday as she "heard I was struggling: and could help me for an hour or two" to sort yet more books and take stuff to the charity shop. 😭

My thoughtful husband has helped me re-measure the room and we've now ordered the carpet and booked the carpet fitter... He's just been back upstairs with a cup of tea now.

I keep reminding myself how nice it will be once the room is done... unfortunately I've been up and down the stairs a lot as it's an attic room.

...so, on balance, still feeling pretty lucky.

Hi all. Short and sweet from me I’m afraid. Horrendous day in hospital with DH yesterday. He’s ok now but operation will probably be cancelled until he’s recovered properly..
we are both wiped out with the trauma of it all.
Hopefully we will be home soon for him to build up strength.
Love to all xx

Doodle I hope you get home safe and sound very soon so that you can recover from such a stressful day. You and The `Dude could use a period of peace and calm to just be. Big hugs.

I too hope both of you will be home soon Doodle, it sounds like you've both been through the mill only to be potentially disappointed. Sending love and warm cwtches x

What beautiful views Grammaretto. I must admit I gulped a bit when you said how long that U3A hike was going to be - I think I would have baled out part way through too. I did a 5k once with my walking group but it was in two stages ...never again!
I hope your Canadian helpers are settling in, are friendly and helpful.

Wow, NotSpaghetti, you're really getting stuck in sorting that room out for its revamp. I'm really pleased for you that you recovered so well from your stroke a couple of years ago that you are now able to do this. Your daughters live relatively near you I take it 🤔, they both sound really helpful even if that helps means sorting more stuff so soon after the first lot is, ehem, 😬. Cups of tea are essential in my book when tackling any big projects, your DH is indeed very thoughtful.😊
Thanks for your wishes for a better day - we had beautiful sunshine here yesterday and me and my WP had a lovely, if somewhat tiring, day out.😁

How are you Jan and Nfk?
Still thinking of you Kaimoana x.

I had a brief message from Kaimoana to let me know that she received an email alerting her to a message from me and there was nothing in her inbox. I have sent my message again but I'm wondering if she has IT gremlins again.

If you're reading I was just sending love x

Oh Doodle! That was not meant to happen.
You are both having such a rough time. Sending cwtches and hugs.

I hope Kaimoana is merely having computer gremlins.

Wow NotSpag, you have been busy. I hope you all love the room transformation. Well done!

The Canadian girls are very nice. They are only with me for 2 weeks so my wish list of jobs may be is too long.
Today they helped in the Open House and cooked supper. The kitchen looks clean and tidy for a change
I introduced them to quite a few locals who all seem to have family in Canada. There are more Scots in Canada than there are in Scotland including many Gaelic speakers in Cape Breton.

I think I am going to give up on my walking group and join one that does 3 miles max Cherry. I will miss the places they go but it can't be helped.

Jeeves, can you please deliver hot toddies to the Doodles. Sleep tight everyone

I'm sorry, Doodle, that this weekend wasn't all that you were expecting.

Scurry back home and pull up the drawbridge for a bit.

Thinking of you 🌻

CherryCezzy - yes, my younger daughter who came over lives the other side of town so really only 15 minutes away and my oldest daughter who says she'll come on Monday is about 40 minutes away.

This oldest has three boys who are home educated - so now she's said can she bring her son over for some GCSE Maths revision with her sister-in-law (a maths tteacher) and borrow our kitchen table... They do this every so often to keep him on track.
My husband has offered soup and fresh bread for lunch... thank you!

It's lovely to see the bonds forming between the husbands and wives of my children. It makes me feel secure that they will all support each other after my husband and I are gone.
I know they will maybe have differences (and they do all parent very differently and have different ideas!) but they have each found loving and generous people to share their lives with. ❤️ ...another reason to feel fortunate

Doodle, we are both wiped out with the trauma of it all 😱
That's horrible. I'm keeping fingers crossed that in the end it will all be worth it. - I hate all medical things and visits to the hospital are always stressful without all your extra burdens
🙏 all is feeling better and more manageable soon - virtual hugs to you.

Kaimoana, I hope all goes well for you on Tuesday. It's discombobulating when we think we have something not quite right but can't quite put our fingers on what's going on - and usuallywe expecttheworst.... It may just be an infection as someone said upthread and hopefully can be resolved
Thinking of you

Happy Mother's Day 💐 to all fellow mothers out there - and happy "like a mother" to those of you who are women full of love for others. ❤️ -you too deserve a special day 💐