You know that feeling of relief......

I would just say 'Thursday' if I meant the closest Thursday. If I say 'Next Thursday', I mean the following week.

Great when plans get cancelled!

Goodness, felt the calm drain over me reading this. Enjoy their visit next week.

On the Facebook page Very British Problems, they described the joy of having a friend ring to cancel a night out, and being halfway into your pyjamas before the call was ended.

Even greater joy when a visit is involved.

I’m Scottish and in my neck of the woods tomorrow would be “this Saturday”.
“Next Saturday“ would be in 8 days time.

It is a win, win situation. You didn't cancel so you don't have to feel guilty, The house is clean and there is nice food in. Relax in the luxury of it.

Even when a date is doubled confirmed in conversation, I always text it back for my own peace of mind. I also retain that text until the visit is over. Need it in writing these days. Don't mind last minute cancellations. Bit irksome if I've made special purchases in the food line or that I'm otherwise engaged on the new proposed date but..... ain't that just life!

polnan

merlotgran that is exactly what I do with every appt I make, be it business or friends/family.

check the day, date, and time, (approx helps me)

I definitely let my standards slip this time because normally everything is noted on the kitchen calendar so appointments can be ticked off when they've happened.

It was a subject of great hilarity in the family a few years ago when I added the date of DH's discharge from hospital in my 'must do' section and ticked it off when I'd collected him.

biba70

I thought this was going to be a message from our 2 camping friends

Me too

Urmstongran
The Queen was given a singing fish for Christmas once and thought it highly amusing. Don't know if she still has it.

merlotgran that is exactly what I do with every appt I make, be it business or friends/family.

check the day, date, and time, (approx helps me)

Welbeck, my hackles have risen!! The whole point of grammar ( and punctuation) is to *make* the meaning clear!

( from a pedant whose hair is now standing on end!)

I will double check the actual date in future!!

DGS was full of apologies and must have mentioned it to his mum who messaged me with, 'I hope you haven't gone to any trouble.'

She knows darn well I will have killed the fatted proverbial but there was nothing that wouldn't freeze until next week and the caravan is now pristine and ready for action!!

I couldn't very well tell her about my huge sigh of relief because I would have had to admit I was knackered after their visit!

I will insist on a week's gap between bookings from now on.

?. ?

You could add a plague of frogs or locusts to your prayers?
Or offer them a trip to the cinema instead - not much cheaper but you’d keep dry.
Remove the spark plugs (whatever they are) from your car engine?
Oh I so remember my Mum quoting “The toad to hell is paved with good intentions” !

Merlotgran & Maw
I was hoping nay, praying, for a cancellation today. A visit to a sculpture park with DD, 2 GS plus 2 extra kiddos. Not only have the prices gone up but children, who were free, now have to pay (& guess who will be footing the bill!). The heavens have opened, the wind is blowing so wellies and wet weather gear definitely required. I messaged DD pointing all this out, but no, she still wants to go so she doesn’t have 4 children under her feet in the house all day! I am now apparently the driver as, would you believe it, her car is suddenly off the road! Perhaps the sun will appear in the next hour but I’m not holding my breath ?

I have one of these at home! A bit of fun. My mum bought it for me in 2001.

The device turns its head towards a person, facing them, and then wiggles its tail on its trophy plaque and sings kitschy cover songs, such as "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin and "Take Me To The River" by Al Green, who said he received more royalties from it than from any other recording of the song! (from Wiki)

Our grandchildren love dancing to it when they come over! As toddlers they’ve even loved the frisson of fear when they would press the ‘on button’ and the fish turned to face them ... singing.

Thanks mum.
❤️

I always confirm with people by using the actual date it saves so much confusion.

I know just how you feel ‘Merlotgran*. The thought of having visitors is lovely until the day they are due. Rushing around, shopping, tidying, bed making, cooking. It’s all too much. We’ve had a lot of visitors this summer and the last lot are coming NEXT Thursday , for a couple of days. DH isn’t keen at all, so really the bulk of the work is down to me. I like the thought of your caravan though. I might look into getting an old one to accommodate our guests. ?

This coming Thursday?

Could be merlot! Very possible that Boris is bunged up as well!

Chewbacca

^What two camping friends?^

I think biba70 is referring to the ones who are constipated. I think.....

That thread must have passed me by.

I thought she might be referring to Boris!

this thursday should be clear.
but when you think about it, next thursday could mean the very next thursday occurring, could be this week;
or thursday of next week.

Beauregard, Joyful.

I use This Thursday and Next Thursday...but if i was coming to stay i would most likely clarify.

What two camping friends?

I think biba70 is referring to the ones who are constipated. I think.....

that's interesting.
i believe that grammar etc is unimportant as long as the meaning is clear. but in this case it seems to be a change in customary usage, which does affect understanding.
i say, thursday of next week, to try to be clear.
also have you noticed fortnight is not used so much.