Good Morning Friday, deputising for an absent Mick

Good morning all from a very windy Devon, blue skies & sunshine but dampness in the air. Another day of confinement, self isolation after my Hospital stay, 4 negative Covid tests for me in 11 days but 2 other patients tested positive so can't leave the house until 8th February.

Not that I could go anywhere a I've got pressure bandages on both legs, can just put sandals on to pop out into the garden for a bit of fresh air if I want to, hopefully Spring is just around the corner

Thinking of everyone with appointments, health problems etc

Morning from a snow free S Lanarkshire, cleats can come off boots at last. Viridian, how I envied your statement ‘5 year old arriving at 9.30’!
I hope everything settles down soon on this pleasant start to the day, it’s been a such a happy and supportive place, I think the feeling of being part of a group of friends who are genuinely concerned for each other has been a really important help during a very difficult year. Not to mention the sheer enjoyment of reading the posts of some very gifted writers!
I love that statement Kate54, ‘There was a Before, there will be an After*, thank you

Good morning from windy and grey West Sussex. There was some blue sky earlier but it went, probably because DH went to the allotment on his bike. I have the coffee on and am waiting for his return.
I enjoyed the grammar and maths discussion on Radio4 Today this morning. I had been too lazy to look up fronted adverbial but now know what they are I think. The humorous and nature items on Today have improved the programme no end - one good thing to come out of lockdown!
Glad to hear better news from some posters. Thoughts to those still waiting for the ‘better’. Grandmafrench take deep breaths ? Enjoy the ☀️

Good morning from a wet, 50 shades of grey, Angus coast.
Well, I seemed to have landed slap bang in the middle of a Marydoll-esque saga! Having had a phone call from the surgery and been given a date and time for my jab, off I trotted, all clean underwear and all, in great glee and anticipation. To be told "you're not on the list" ??. Handed over to another receptionist, who was hiding behind bullet-proof glass, for another appointment. While I was with her I raised another issue - that of the surgery contacting the chemist to tell them that all my repeat prescriptions were cancelled!! (I only have one - I'm a fit old dear. But that one is for hbp and is going to be sorely needed!!). I actually felt quite sorry for her, and she handled me the situation very well. HOWEVER, I shall feel even sorrier for her if all is not resolved next week when I turn up - again! - for my jab and go the to chemist - again! - to collect my prescription. To be continued .....
Lovely to have had a little excitement in my life. I feel quite energised now! Channelling all my love and healing vibes to all who need them, and in particular to Marydoll's friend's family and little unborn baby. Stay safe and warm everyone. ???

Baffled by the banishments and suggestion that nobody should be referred to by name. If you don’t like a certain poster, avoid them - there are certain names which make me want to read their contributions, others which I steer clear of. It’s not difficult.

Late today because the chiropodist has been to see us - bliss - all properly togged up so as safe as possible. Can shut the windows now the house has had a good blow through and think about my Tesco run later on. Too much excitement!

Glad for the good news on here, keeping fingers crossed for those waiting for results, and holding those suffering in my prayers.

Good morning from a greyish Glasgow where the snow has disappeared overnight.

Some ironing to do and as it is supposed to be dry, a walk later before my body stiffens up completely.

Hope your appointment goes well Marydoll and your friend’s daughter begins to show signs of improvement.

Hoping Mick and others who are missing will be back with us soon.

Best wishes for a brighter day for all.

Good morning one and all from Dull Dormitary, cloudy northwest coast, thinking of Marydoll’s friend, so worrying.
Actually going out today to have my annual blood pressure checked, can’t imagine it’s high as this is the quietest patch of my whole life, ugh. But I will take some books and magazines to the waiting room of the railway station next door, which has a sort of lending library going on. Must make sure I don’t bring any back!
Stayed up late finishing my latest book “The Priory’ which I absolutely loved and had stretched out. On to another, probably Elizabeth Taylor, the novelist not the film star,
Looking forward to Mick’s return and thinking of those with worries.

Good morning all. Nothing planned for today, other than hunting down a wandering laptop cable and going for a walk. I’m glad all the ice has cleared so no likelihood of falls.

Good morning Mick, grandMattie and all from drizzly Anglesey.
Welcome Yorklady, to a lovely thread where we can come to feel a part of something warm and welcoming.
Tesco delivery, a walk to the postbox and a meal of sausage with mash and peas are the highlights of my day today.
Good wishes to all in need of a hug today.
Where’s Pantglas?

Oh there you are Grandmafrench ?

Grandmafrench I hadn't a clue that anything was/ has been " going on". How very sad, whatever it is. Things don't seem to penetrate my brain as they used to do so I tend to just carry on as I'm used to doing, unaware of any rules and regulations in place. I thought perhaps you were busy and took a time-out session to prepare for Spring.

Don't stop posting for goodness sake as the highlight of my day is to sit and dream of your beautiful surroundings in the menagerie which takes me back to my days in various parts of France, which I love. x

Good morning everybody. It's damp and 50 shades of my favourite (not) colour here in the Gower today.
Thanks for opening the thread grandMattie. I hope you'll be back with us soon Mick

Every time I put my phone down yesterday it rang. Yes I had calls to make myself but in between just when I thought now I can get on with such and such or just have that cuppa because it was going cold, no I couldn't. I'm not really complaining, it's good to talk as they say, whoever they are--, but one caller was from a counsellor . I wasn't sure at first if he was a councillor but I knew he wasn't either one from our area as his name was different. Why then was a counsellor ringing me? I hadn't arranged any? I eventually got to the bottom of it, it took a while ?, to discover it was some guy trying to sell me a funeral package ?. Another call was an infinitely better one from my niece1 ?. Sadly, a quite stressed niece. She's a teacher and I'd feeling the strain at the moment because she and her cohort of colleagues are getting flak from coming at them from all angles. I found that I had to do some counselling of my own ?. Not an easy thing to do at the best of times and not when you're trying to chop veg ?. All I wanted to do was see her and give her a hug.

Today is a new day however, and I'm going out ?. All the way to the pharmacy and back ?.

I'm glad your DD's operation went well Sar and I'll keep all my fingers crossed for a clear biopsy for her ?
I hope your painful mouth eases Grammaretto and I'm pleased that you are feeling a bit better GrannyGravy.
I'm thinking of you Susan x and hope you are okay Grandmafrench
I/ hope your hospital appointments go well for you today Marydoll and Auntieflo.

Welcome YorkLady ?

Stay safe everyone and find something to smile about along the way today ❤️

Glad to see you back, Grandmafrench. It’s a shame that the rules and regulations not to mention snowflakes cause so many problems. I have to admit that since I have had my metaphorical fingers burned, I am extremely careful what I say. Some topics, I just glance at and stay well away if I notice a particular poster or two. They seem to argue, rudely, that black is white so as to attack others...

Good morning GrandMattie and everyone from S Wales where the sun is trying to come out after early rain.

Best wishes to Marydoll for her appointment today and to everyone who is under the weather including poorly pets. ?
My friend is going for her vaccination later today so I shall wait to hear how she gets on.

Zoom U3A Book Club this morning, a discussion about The Salt Path.
Lins I'm laughing because I see Salt has crept on to this thread too, it's under much discussion on a Brexit thread for some reason

Kate54 what you said about John Lanchester was interesting as I'm reading a book at the moment about the invasion of Singapore. ‘There was a Before, and there will be an After’.
All we can do is live in hope.

Good morning from Lueneburg. Snow forecast for later. I can`t wait-Waldi, my dog, with her short legs will not be so happy.
I love reading the reports of "Sheepandcattle" of live on the farm. It reminds me of the book The Secret Life of Cows. My vegetarian DIL gave this book to me in the hope that I would give up eating meat. But no chance. Let`s just treat the animals well.
I hope that all who are ill or feeling down will be better soon. Take care. x

Love the Life on the farm "series". A tough but rewarding life.
Keep up the good work,*Sheepandcattle*, I hope you prosper.

Just heard a flock of geese going over, love their chattering

Good Morning everyone. It’s very quiet on here. Given that I haven’t posted for a couple of days, have had great difficulty understanding what on earth is the point of not being able to mention (or express concern for) missing posters, can see - again - that a valued contributor is unable to post, have been told off myself and seen similar nonsense occur on another totally harmless thread; I’m beginning to wonder if continuing to post actually has any point to it. The so-called spirit of Gransnet has well and truly evaporated, as far as I can see, buried under a mess of rules and regulations which can only suck the life out of the enjoyment and company most of us enjoy. Today, after having got over a towering rage, I am reminded of *Basil Fawlty*’s line about his Wife’s increasing rules and regulations - “well, there’s another small Avenue of pleasure cut off”.

So, playing it safe, (possibly) : Thank you all for your lovely messages and comments about my foot. But please don’t ask about me if I don’t post. I shall let you know how I am, promise. Thank you to the dear lady from Manchester for her soap dish idea which will be eaten tonight. Good wishes to all involved with hospital visits, treatment, vaccinations, dental doings, aches and pains, worries and sadness. Same good wishes to families of said posters for similar activities. Massive Gran prayers to the little Scottish lady’s friend’s Granddaugher and her unborn child. Wishing so hard it will be ok. To the DD waiting for biopsy results, everything crossed for the best news. Urticaria is the worst when you can’t sleep. I had it for months - get well soon. To the lovely poster who recently lost her Husband to Covid and who has been so ill herself, may you be on the mend and to the South Coast Gran whose family are reporting better news after their recent infections, may they continue to have an uncomplicated recovery. To the greyhound-loving Gran from the South, take care, see you soon.

Here we have sun and 21 degrees and problems with what to wear to avoid looking a bit ridiculous, it’s January! I’m going, again, to log onto a website which may just snag me the two necessary appointments for a vaccination from one of 2 local hubs. We have to make our own arrangements as supplies are a bit scarce! We have to book 2 @ 3 weeks apart. It feels a bit like playing the Lottery.

Hope this post was sufficiently anodyne and lacking in warmth, details, names or interest not to give any offence.

Keep safe, all ?‍♀️????

Good Morning All x.
A bright enough start to the day at 7 degrees which could increase to 10 as it did yesterday, rather noticeable too.

I couldn't get for going yesterday as I had to suddenly move myself and get into gear. This is what happens when no demands are made on you for months. From starting my day at the surgery for 9am, arriving back at 10 I then rang D in Oz for her belated Birthday and chatted for over an hour.

Then a coffee before I rang my young support officer who was alright, healthwise, just an extra busy day working from home and having to cover someone else's work. She's pregnant and had a bit of a blip a few days ago.

Cheese on toast for a quick lunch then the phone went and it was my step-D so I knew it would be a long session---nearly 2 hours, but we caught up with everything which included reassurance that she'd be alright after her vaccination which was booked in for 5pm yesterday, so I'll ring her over the weekend to see if she's alright.

StepGD has been working on a Covid ward since before Christmas and has been exhausted. She had her vaccination a while back and it made her sick, but she's okay.
I carried her out of hospital over 51 years ago, 2 months after she was born ( feet first )---it's hard to imagine. We're all having a big " do " when this is all over.

Thinking of Auntieflo today and hope all goes well. x Also Marydoll's friend's DD x. Sar's DD x. Marydoll herself.x
So many thoughts being sent out of late to those with uphill struggles xx.
Take care and stay safe everyone.

Good Morning all from dry and sunny (at the moment) Harrogate
Elizabeth I love your cycle machine! I used to have one but not quite so glamorous, just didn't have space for it once we downsized.
Marydoll am keeping praying for your pregnant friend, a dreadful situation to be in and hope you hospital appointment goes how you want it to.
Nothing much today, just a bit of baking and general cooking

Keep well, stay safe!

Morning from South Lincolnshire (calm and quite sunny at the moment). Amazing how we’re all making Urm’s SOAP dish! I made it last night as I had frozen pork steaks available (but had to go and buy some sage - hoping dried is OK - and a cooking apple). I thought it unusual and delicious! Didn’t make quite enough potato (my fault) and wasn’t sure how small the steaks should be cut up but it turned out fine. Left the foil off for the last part of the cooking.
I included in the mash some swede and parnsnip, both of which came from a fantastic £1.50 box of pot luck Lidl fruit and veg. I’d heard about these bargain boxes but never spotted them until this week when the cashier pointed them out, stacked on the way out of the store (bit late, then, really).
You can’t really see what’s in it as it’s well wrapped so it was an interesting surprise when I got it home and for £1.50, who cares?
Off the top of my head, there were five oranges, two apples, two sweet potatoes, a parsnip, a swede, some onions, two yellow peppers, a bag of radishes, a box of grapes...... all in a very handy sturdy cardboard box.
Highlight of the week, folks!
Hoping everyone has a decent day and those with troubles keep it together.
I don’t usually go in for trite phrases and slogans but John Lanchester was on Newsnight recently talking about the importance of hope, courtesy of his grandparents who were interned in Japan during the war, focussing on a particular date as an end point doesn’t help. Better to keep remembering ‘There was a Before, and there will be an After’.
For some reason, I have found that really helpful this week which hasn’t been a great one for our family.

A late good morning from Morecambe Bay where it is mild and promises to be a dry day, so a longish walk is in order.
I’m late waking up as we were late going to bed having binged on ‘The Bay’. We rarely even switch on the TV, but watching a programme filmed locally is a must!
All the very best to those with appointments today.
Take care and stay safe everyone ?

Good morning from sunny Leicestershire but do not know how long it will last.

I too am wishing Auntieflo for her pet scan today and that it all goes well with Marydoll.
Also thinking about her young friend - I hope it is better news today.

Zoom with SiL and BiL this afternoon. My DH misses social contact more than I do in a way but I tend to pick up the phone.

Welcome YorkLady to this lovely thread and Auntieflo hope all goes well today.

Good morning everyone! It’s brightening up in Suffolk and a walk might be a good idea. It will only be a short one as my knee is playing up.
Welcome YorkLady to this cheery thread.
Alygran we have a sparrow hawk too and we get the occasional pile of feathers. Last week she hurtled through the gap between the greenhouse and the fence then carried on along the side of the house. It made me jump, let alone the small birds!
I hope the day is kind to everyone.

Good morning GrandMattie and all GNs from a wet and windy South Glos.

Decided to pop back in to see if anyone had started this thread. Didn't feel it was my place to do it. I am going out .... yes! going out to check out my nearest vaccination hub because .... joy of joys! .... I had a text yesterday and have got an appointment for my jab tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait! I was feeling low yesterday and when I got the text it gave me a real boost.

Best wishes to Marydoll and for your friend's daughter, to Mick and to anyone who has medical appointments, or who is struggling or unwell. x