Good Morning Friday

Morning from S Lanarkshire, wild during the night but calm at the moment where I am. Just having a quick skim just now over breakfast before heading out for a walk with a neighbour but wanted to say, dear Ashcombe, don’t apologise for being happy! These are challenging times for us all, you’re right, tears are never too far away and it’s lovely to read about someone having a laughter filled moment, just as it used to be great to almost feel the sun in Urmstongrans Spanish bulletins! I could taste that wine!
Good wishes to us all!

Oh, I didn't mean to sound sorry for myself and my statement makes it sound as if no-one else is lonely or suffering. Of course they are. That's not what I meant to convey.

Good Morning everyone from a very indignant South of France resident who has opened the shutters to rain! Whatever next!

I shall be giving my house a good bottoming today, Pants. All those little corners once DH has moved furniture. A Christmas shopping list must be worked on for some food treats. Looked at a brochure for local seafood supplier. Always a temptation to order a selection, beautifully presented and be-ribboned to share with guests over champagne and Christmas celebrations. Not this year! We’ll definitely make an effort but scaled down......just a tree and a pot of hyacinths, lots of lights, scallops, boeuf en croute, Christmas pudding. Just the one day celebration here but on the 25th, not the night before as in most of Europe. Have to make up for not going out and meeting up when we choose. Likely to be mid January before any cafés, bars, hotels or restaurants are allowed to open - subject to infection numbers, of course.

Doesn’t stop me loving the tales of freedom and lunches with old friends. I’m envious but not jealous so please don’t stop sharing tales of the odd moment that any of you can seize to have a much-needed bit of fun. Good for you, I say.

I so agree,* dwmxwg*, avoiding verbal punch ups over the government, Covid or Brexit, is the way to go. Good health, family and friends are all that matters now. The rest is just ‘garnish’ - as Ben Elton used to say.

Hope everyone with difficulties has a reasonable Friday and some chinks of light to focus on. (Sun is now showing here again.) I don’t honestly think we’re going to see Friday Girl again. Gilly is such a caring person, I can’t believe - after months of silence - that she wouldn’t take a moment just to reassure all those who mention her so regularly. So, I’m convinced she’s no longer following Gransnet and won’t have seen the warm wishes that are constantly sent her way.

Warm wishes are sent today for Doodles DH - poor man currently hospitalised for excruciating pain after he slipped on the stairs and broke 6 ribs. ? Get better, go home very soon Mr D. Hope your partner recovers very quickly, NannyJan. If you and your hips are doing ok, do let us know, please, Mellow

I’m determined - as a devotee of procrastination - to make a clementine cake, before my mad cleaning session. All part of my Christmas stash ?.

Everyone, before me, and to follow, please keep safe. Find your smile and let’s stick together and delight in the little things.

? Hugs from ???????‍♀️

Good morning from North Yorkshire. It’s dark and grey again.
Had a lovely muddy walk at the arboretum yesterday with a friend. It was so good to chat to someone face to face. .
It’s good to hear some of you are getting out to see friends safely too.
Shopping for me this morning
Hope today is kind to everyone. Stay safe.

Good morning everyone from freezing West Yorkshire.
I’ve put the heating on.
Lovely pics today. Every year I say it’s time to get a Christmas tree but I never do. There are some festive ornaments to dot about and fairy lights to string up in the little bedroom so they will be got out on Monday after the big clean.
Present wrapping this afternoon and card writing. Only 10 to send this year. So many people have died this year. It’s awful crossing names out of my address book.
I have been trying to take a photo of Bigcat to show you. Considering she hardly moves all day you would think it was an easy job. Oh no ! She scuttles away like a frisky kitten when I pick up my iPad !
I will keep trying.
Best wishes to all who are ill, troubled or lonely ? everyone else, take care ?

Good morning Auntyflo and all x

Good morning all from a very mild Glasgow. The golf has been cancelled, due to the rain, so no chance to have my Christmas music belting out, as I footer about!!!
Neither DH nor I slept last night and when we did we had the most bizarre dreams! He says he feels exhausted, as if he has played a round of golf already!

It's lovely to hear of all those who are finding ways to meet family and friends. No-one should worry about the rest of us being upset at hearing your news.
I love the pictures of everyone's decorations, so uplifting.

DD has decided to visit to help put a way my Tesco delivery today, as any physical task seems to leave me exhausted at the moment. As I was putting items on the delivery, they were immediately jumping out of the basket, having become unavailable. There seems to be a shortage of a few I will probably have to lie down in a darkened room after she and DD take charge. Ungrateful wretch that I am!

Yesterday was a bit of a disaster. While lying in bed, I saw an email from Dobbies Garden centres, advertising their sale. Of course I was immediately sucked in.
We had two Santa lanterns like the one Greyduster (I think it was her) talked about, but one had given up the ghost, lo and behold there was a replacement at half price!
So far so good. As I had no payment methods saved, (never do that for security reasons), the site wouldn't let me go any further until I had registered a card. After doing that I realised that for another £2.50 I could get £5 off.

Being the canny person I am, I went back and found some reduced crackers, then it all went pear shaped! . My card was rejected by Mastercard fraud and the page froze! ?
I eventually had to phone Dobbies customer service for help. The lady I spoke to was lovely and went into my account. She could find no record of me, although I was in the account as I spoke.
She then asked me to spell, Dobbies Why?
Did you lovely people know that there are two garden companies? One spelled Dobies and one spelled Dobbies? Of course I had contacted the wrong one!!! ?
Things got worse. Dobbies were not taking calls, you had to email and they would respond in a few days! My PC was frozen and I couldn't use my card. Help!
Then I had a brainwave. I opened a new tab, got into my account and cancelled the card and the order. Success! What a relief. Of course it was all my own fault. To cap it all, I forgot to put in the discount code at the end, when I re-ordered. ?

Having bottled all the jars for the neighbours' Christmas marmalade, I decided to make fancy Christmas labels for tthe jars. Yet another disaster. Years ago when I was working, I was known to run amok with labels. I do like order! Every exercise book, plug, PC, printer etc in the school was labelled.
I had label templates for every size you could think of. When I went to make them yesterday, I realised that when DS2 had repaired my PC, he had deleted all the label templates.

I had to start all over agin, but trying to be clever and make them look professional , I just couldn't get the graphics and writing on the label together at the same time. I was sodetermined to get it perfect.
Why didn't I just hand write them you ask? Because I am a perfectionist!!!
The label templates I downloaded weren't compatible with my printer settings, so I had to faff about from scratch. Grrr!
At least it kept me out of mischief for a good few hours and certainly refreshed my IT skills.

While I was working away, I heard something drop through the door. It was an unsigned Christmas card, witha large bar of chocolate in side the envelope.
I knew right away it was from the Ebay queen, as she has form for not signing Christmas card, because she can't be bothered with Christmas, but goes through the motions, as she doesn't want the neighbours to thing she is Scrooge.

So last evening, continuing our mission to watch all our favourite films before Christmas, DH and I sat down to share the chocolate bar. As soon as I took a bite, I thought it tasted a bit odd. On checking the date, I saw that it was a year out of date!!!! ? She must have picked it up at one of the many car boot sales she visits! ?
I will need to phone my other friend across the road and warn her not eat hers!

Having been contacted by the Scottish Government Shielding service, to take part in research into the effects of shielding, I plan to get stuck into that today.
I previously contributed and have been asked to give a further insight into the mental, emotional, social and physical effects of shielding.
I was very forthright the last time and will do so again. Unless you have experienced that isolation, you can't imagine how lonely and stressful a life it is.

Hoping to see our missing posters soon and a warm welcome to all the newbies we are seeing all over GN. Harrigran, I hope the hospital visit goes well today.

Have a good Friday everyone.

"took" should say "goes on" ?

Good morning,

It's a damp, grey and breezy one today and started last night. I could hear the wind whistling as I lay in bed.

Lins your tree nativity ornament is beautiful. It looks as good as new, so you must be caring for it very well when you put it away. What a treasure it is. We have a little fairy that took the smaller tree in the hall which is about 74 years old. It's fragile, but on the whole it has kept its colours quite well. Like yours, it is of huge sentimental value and I will never part with it.

Ashcombe I don't think your telling us about your lunch outing was at all boastful. It's lovely that you are in a tier that allows it, and I think it's always nice to hear what other GM's have been up to. One day we will all be able to go out and about, but in the meantime it's nice to hear from those of you who can. ?

Well, take care and keep safe everyone. To all our missing GM's, if you are reading this I hope you are alright and send you ?.

Good morning All. The road is wet in Polmont but no sign of fresh rain. There's a beautiful red sky though which as we all know the shepherd's won't like. I've been awake for a while but just lay peacefully tweeting and facebooking and now here. Yesterday was babysitting. My aunt wanted to see dgs so we arranged that she would bring Christmas presents over and we would exchange. Well the little monkey would not go for a nap at his usual time and I eventually got him down. Two minutes later my lovely aunt, who is younger than me, arrived. Typical. It was nice to see her as I haven't seen her for ages. Like many of you, I've been careful. I see dd and family because I'm on my own and provide childcare but noone else, unless it's outside. I have to pick up a prescription this morning and drop off a christmas card but that's about all. Then a concerted effort to finish wrapping the presents. I hope you all have a good day.

Good morning from a calmer NE, very windy during the night.
DS is forty nine today, where did the years go ?
Busy day for me yesterday, walked across the estate to hand deliver a card then I sorted recycling and put out the bin. I don't think I have done the bins since DH retired.
Christmas cards were piling up so pegged them on strings up the bannister. I will have to go with a damp mop and do the hall floor, green and silver glitter, just noticed on the way to bed.
DH has a hospital appointment so will have to get organised.
Have the best day you can.

Good morning all, sipping tea and watching the dawn. There’s a thin layer of cloud at the moment, I’m hoping it will stay dry as our new garden shed is arriving today. It would be miserable for the workmen if it’s pouring down again.

Hope everybody has a good day.

Thank you beauregard and apologies from me too about my lunch description! I do genuinely feel for everyone with disrupted plans and frustrations - sorry ?

Good morning from a rainy and windy Black Country.

Just back from filling the car with petrol, and a quick in an out at Sainsburys.

My partner had his Cataract Op yesterday, all went well but now he has 2 lots of eye drops 4 times a day, and no exercise.

It is my DD birthday today. 42 which cannot be possible but it is! Such a shame we cannot celebrate it together My DS is 45 on 29th December. Hopefully we can have a family celebration in the Spring.

No real plans for today, I may make some mince pies, as I have 3 jars of homemade mince meat. Not sure who is going to eat them all though! Most will be destined for the freezer, and I daresay we will still be eating some at Easter

Glad you managed to have a lunch out NanKate it has been a while here, and we are staying in Tier 3!

Wishing you all a good day with special thoughts to gilly

And sad, but not low, BTW.

Back to comment. I’m not baking because it would be only for us two old farts, noGCs no ACs visiting, so what’s the point. I normally make a gingerbread house and DGS decorates it to take home. He’s not coming this year. It’s just that since we are seeing no one, I don’t feel any need - we would only get fatter!

Ashcombe not boastful of you at all. I'm just pleased for anyone who is able to eat out at the moment.

Good morning everyone from Inverness where it’s still dark but I think it’s dry and not too cold.
I had a lovely festive lunch yesterday with my friend, the food was really good and the hotel was decorated beautifully for Christmas with log fires burning and Christmas trees by the fire with lots of twinkling lights. We had our meal in the restaurant and then settled down in comfy chairs in the lounge for our coffee. We were there for ages and DH kindly picked me up just before 5pm!
Today a much more mundane day with cleaning and food shopping planned. Everything is more or less sorted here for Christmas as we’re not having any visitors this year except my youngest DD who lives locally will pop in during the 5 day window and we will go to her house for a little while on Boxing Day. Like so many others I’m going to miss the rest of my family so much but catch ups later in the year are definitely planned
Hoping everyone facing yet more tier restrictions are managing ok, so very difficult just now. Hoping everyone finds something, even something small to enjoy today and take care whatever the day brings ?

Good morning from a damp and very windy Essex by the sea.
A long chat with DD1 yesterday and I sense that she is struggling with the enforced isolation as is DD2 who I spoke to a couple of days ago. I'm sure it's the same for many of you with children who live a distance away, and who haven't seen them for months.
It doesn't make it any easier for us mums who can't be around for our families.
No plans today, a few more presents to wrap and the bed to change, the excitement is overwhelming ???
Thinking of all those who are sad or worried ?.
Be kind to yourselves and have the best Friday you can xx

Good morning from a wet N Hants. Really love the little decoration Lins. What a treasure. Seeing your little angel Nortsat reminded me that in normal years parishioners from a local church knit these little angels and hang them on fences and hedges for children to find on their way to school. My daughter’s family have been lucky as they’ve a beautiful beech hedge on a main walk through and this used to get festooned. Sadly not this year.

grandMattie Mary Berry has a lovely mincemeat cake recipe which I have made. It is delicious.

One week to go, then we can move forward. Hoping everyone stays safe and well.

Good morning from soggy Leicestershire.

Not much on today except a Sainsbury delivery and a flower delivery. I also have to finish my Ocado one for Tuesday.

Sorry you are not so good Nortsat and hope Marydoll is feeling better.

Good morning from a very dark Essex.
Well our Essex boy ,Alex , won Masterchef the professionals! Well done!

I watched the film ‘Yesterday’ , yesterday. It was filmed in our part of Suffolk and we had a letter asking if we would consider our Coastguard cottage being used in the film. We readily agreed but it wasn’t to be. ?. It’s such a lovely film. I was never a real Beatles fan back in the day, but when you hear the songs now they really are FAB!

Lins your tree ornament is beautiful and so special.

I’m glad you’re pleased with your hairdo GG . ?

Pantglas what is a ‘good bottoming* ?? My mind is running wild! ?

I had a lovely walk with my friend over the fields. The sun shone but boy was it muddy. My wellies leaked , so I ended up with sodden socks. The little pooches needed a bath when we got back. We sat in her garden and had a coffee. Very nice! ?
Life can still feel normal, at times.

We have the two middle GD’s coming round this morning. Mums got a clinic appointment. They are lovely girls aged 11 and 14, but can’t be trusted to stay home together as they argue constantly. I’ll get them to make sausage rolls and cheese straws for Xmas. They are great little bakers and it will keep them from bickering , I hope! ?

Wishing you all a pleasant day. ?

Good morning from a damp, dark North Surrey. Into Tier 3 tomorrow but the changes shouldn’t effect our lives. Can still meet up outdoors for walk so will make the most of that. Had a disagreement on phone about it/government with DD yesterday evening but when she became heated I just said we must agree to disagree and I changed the subject (not worth falling out over)
Thank you LauraN for explaining my name again, good memory, still wished I had chosen something else now!
Been up to strip DGS wet bed and put in the washing machine. We limit his evening drinks and lift him before we go to bed but we are still getting the odd “accident” I never make anything of it and he is getting better.
The boys have loved watching Inside the Christmas Factory the last couple evenings. Last night was making Quality Street chocolates, very interesting.
School finished so this morning we will walk the dog together and then plan is to make mince pies with them, I am no baker so will be for the fun of doing rather than eating.
They have got daddy coming to their house for film night tonight so my DD is going to bring all her presents here to wrap. Takeaway pizza and a Christmas film on to accompany
Wishing all a good day and special thoughts to those with troubles

Good Morning from a still dark and gusty N. Bucks.
We are now in Tier 3. It doesn’t change things much for us personally but I do feel sorry for businesses having to close and adapt again.
Lots of jobs to do at home today so will keep busy.

DD3 has her 20 week scan today. After all the problems she has had we hope it will be reassuring and all well.

Hope you all find a ? today.

Good morning from a dark but dry Colchester.
DH has gone fishing and DS won't emerge from bed for hours. I have nothing to do, so will relax until they ask what there is to eat!!!