Good Morning Saturday 17th December 2022

I've a silver lining tale in that I sadly had to cancel a long awaited trip to visit my friend on the Isle of Wight who is decidedly poorly. A couple of days ago my central heating system developed a glitch and switched itself off and my water pipes are frozen. It's pretty chaotic and miserable but I cannot bear to think what greater awfulness I would have come home to should my trip down South (8 days) have materialised. Whew!

Good morning all and it isn’t milder yet, here in Essex. Another sharp frost. 🥶.

We have DD , DGD and twin gs’s coming for lunch today. Baguettes, jacket potatoes, sausages and pizza. That’ll do nicely!

Little Dg wants to learn how to knit so I’ve bought her a beginners set. She’s a quick learner, so I hope she’ll pick it up.
I taught the other gd’s to crochet as well, with some success. More or less! 😂. She also requested a game of charades, so it will be a busy afternoon.

I don’t think we’ll be going to our seaside cottage tomorrow- the forecast isn’t great and strong winds are forecast up there.

Eldest gd will be home from Uni tomorrow and I hope to see her soon. Trains and weather allowing! She’s at southampton and travelling back to Essex.

*glammagran yes lots of coughing round these parts. Dh and I have escaped it but Dd and family had it and ds1 - terrible coughs!

cornergran it’s good to get things off your chest. This is the place to do it. Lots of compassion and support here. 💐.

Marydoll so sorry to hear about you SIL’s sister. What an awful outcome for her.

So much upsetting news. Let’s all try to find a ray of sunshine! ☀️. 🙏

Good morning from a sunny frosty Leicestershire.

Went to pick up the two tops from Next yesterday which hadn’t come in when I first went to find they had been sent back. The girl was very apologetic but as I said it wasn’t her fault. I ordered them again and they should be in today!

How lovely Shazza about your DGS. Small advances like this are wonderful.

So sorry to hear about your friend Corner I hope they can get help in place.
And Marydoll how sad for your SiL’s sister. What a worry for your SiL.

Nothing planned for today so will continue watching The Crown.

Hello from Sussex by the sea. It’s still very cold here and it looks like a small smattering of snow overnight, that or it’s a very thick frost. Yesterday, we ventured to see the Christmas trees all decorated at Petworth House. They were all beautiful and different in each room. We walked around the grounds after which were frozen underfoot and the huge lake was also completely frozen over. Very beautiful but of course very dangerous potentially. It was a beautiful winter scene. Lots of people walking with dogs and just enjoying the chance to get out.
Today, a quiet day in with Strictly to look forward to later. I wonder who will win?

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202212/medium-153671-c77cc3a6-3221-4bdd-940a-352e4e10703b.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202212/medium-553668-d3cf9bff-3962-4bba-af5c-8331d0092937.jpeg

Good morning from a dark and frosty Co Armagh,
I thought it had snowed in the night , but it’s just (!) the thick layer of frost , it feels damp so that must mean a thaw
I haven’t been out since the club lunch on Wed , but I’m happy hibernating 😊
The back wall looks as though it is whitewashed , never saw that before

Good morning Mick and everyone. I hope you enjoyed that trip Mick.
It is a cloudy 3C here in Carlisle and there has been light snow during the night. Yesterday a slow thaw set in and the pretty frosting on my plants disappeared.

I have been on antibiotics for a kidney infection for several days but it didn't entirely clear and came back yesterday evening and I went to bed with a temperature feeling pretty down. It's all been made worse by the accompanying indigestion I now get with them. You can tell it's not good when I say I haven't been able to drink wine for a fortnight! So far today, improvements, so I hope it stays that way.
What with that and the snow, I'm staying in and not going out for the papers, I shall plough on with my book and indulge in other gentle activities.

I'm sorry to read about your friends' dire straits cornergran, how very upsetting for you.
We are in worrying times indeed. I hope something is done for them asap.

Best wishes to all of you feeling rough, and the best possible day to all.

Welcome back from Scarborough Mick. As I bid you all good morning it’s 3C in my corner of Sefton; I assume it’s the same for Gala, that the area’s warming up.
Yesterday, in a bid to find the nativity star, I emptied the base of the wardrobe in DGS’s bedroom. Joy! Not only did I find the missing piece, other items I’ve mislaid plus gifts I’d forgotten about were in there. My cheese hamper from Snowdonia arrived and a click and collect is due today.
#gettingthere
Housework and making the cheese straws endorsed on GN will occupy me today. If the pavements are less slippery, a brisk walk would do me good.
👋 mcss.
Enjoy Saturday everyone.
🌲 🌲 🌲

Good morning from an above freezing NE.
GD arrived in Manchester safely and her flight to Milan went without problems, she sent a few photos.
Sister arrived at Newcastle airport yesterday afternoon, her luggage did not.
I empathise with your friend corner I was in the same situation, verge of collapse when I found a care home that gave palliative treatment. It still had to be sanctioned by adult services even though I told them that the cost was irrelevant.
I do hope a solution is found promptly.
Both sisters and BIl will visit today and DS and GD1 will come too and stay for dinner, DIL still has a horrible virus and is staying home.
Take care everyone.

Good morning from a very frosty Black Country, where it is -1 at the moment!

I need to make a Lasagne this morning to take to DD's for dinner tonight with the girls. DD and SIL are going out for a meal as DD is 44 tomorrow! I remember when she was born in 1978 it was just as cold, icy and snowy then. Couldn't take her out in the pram for at least 2 weeks after she was born.

Will stay overnight, and as they have a log burner, should be toasty and warm

That was indeed a silver lining in a disappointing situation kim I hope you can find someone to fix the heating soon.

So much sadness at the moment. Marydoll cornergran

Wishing you all a safe and warm day

Good morning all from Glasgow where it is a slightly milder 2deg with a light frost. Thankfully the forecast of heavy snow yesterday didn’t materialise.

What a sad situation for your DSiL Marydoll and of course his sister, who being a nurse will know she will have such a difficult time ahead. There are times when ignorance is bliss.
Pleased to hear you are feeling slightly better Grandmabatty. Fingers crossed your recovery may come sooner than you first thought. 🤞
GD2 had Strep A recently, very unwell and sapped of energy with a dreadful, persistent cough. A course of antibiotics did the trick and she is A1 again.

The only outing today is to collect a parcel at Waitrose and the rest of the day….haven’t a clue yet. We are content at home appreciating what we have and happy to go with the flow now that the worst is over for DH.

Thinking of all with whatever is troubling you, hoping life gets easier soon and best wishes to all for a good day.

A late good morning from me in s Hampshire, frosty and 0 we both slept in. Showered, bed stripped and in the machine.
You have a spring in your step gMattie good to hear.
How lovely Shazza, a Christmas bonus.
Despair for your friends cornergranwords fail me.
Daughter and grandchildren are over later to finish Christmas decorations including putting the chocolates on the tree. Then I have some stuff to drop to my son. Football this afternoon and weekly treat of a paper to wade through.
If you can, enjoy your day 🦩🦩

Shazza that’s made my day. Wonderful!
I hope you feel better very soon Ekwa.

Good morning everyone,

Yet another frosty and chilly start, but a bit cloudier today. I think we might have some snow before long.

Glad you had a nice break Mick.

I’ll have my breakfast then come back to read all the other posts. Take care people.

Good morning from under the duvet as the temp outside is still -3 according to my iPad 🥶🥶🥶
Sorry to hear of sadness and worry, Marydoll, corner and others - it always seems to be more concentrated and worse as Christmas approaches.
I was given a “heads up” by D last night that little GS (11) would be on the pitch at Birmingham City’s match with Reading and formal farewell to Jude Bellingham. Hard to spot as his trademark flaming red hair was firmly under his blue bobble hat, but it was an exciting evening for him and the Under 11 squad.
Got to get the house ready and follow my master plan prepping for the family party here tomorrow. It will involve much tidying and putting away - not my strongest suit. Sadly D1 has Covid and can’t come but I am hoping SIL will still bring the Birmingham children (he had it a week ago)
Wishing you well, and a warmer and peaceful day.

So very sad to read the appalling situation for your friend and her DH cornergran. Being left to fend for themselves is shocking.

Thinking of you Grandmabatty. Glad to hear you’re feeling a bit better today but you sound done in. May nourishing soup and plenty of rest speedily effect your recovery.

Good morning all from a minus something W Kent. In a moment of madness yesterday I decided to give the en suite a really good clean, absolutely out of it afterwards. No particular plans for today apart from Strictly and curry, a possible visit from DD2 who has to come this way for DG5's flu spray session, I guess it depends how she finds the driving.
So sorry to hear all the sad and difficult news Marydoll and corner.
Take care everyone.

Cornergran thats awful hope they soon get help.There is a lot of sad news on here at the moment
Shazza how lovely bet it brought a year to your eye.I had a lovely afternoon with my friend putting the world to rights has you do.Strictly tonight some light entertainment.

Despite having the heating on all day yesterday the house doesn’t feel terribly warm so I need to do something physical to raise my personal temperature. A brisk sweep outside, where leaves still abound, ought to do it.

Lots of concerning news, especially from Corner; our healthcare system is failing the most vulnerable and there seems to be no serious plan to rectify this. Meanwhile I guess we must take extra care of our elderly selves in order not to need it. So no getting the steps out to find the Christmas decorations!

Good morning Mick and all from frosty northwest Lancashire.
I’m due to be picked up at 12 by friend to take a party of us to an opera matinees in Manchester, but rather worried about the travelling conditions, motorways etc, I’m surprised it’s still on.

Yesterday was nice, after art group when we drew each other with varying results, we had our annual Christmas lunch. Sadly my steak was like the sole of a shoe.
Thoughts to all with troubles and I would like to hear our trip is off and I can hibernate!

Morning from S Yorks.

Have greatly been overdoing it CFS wise so day in bed in my lovely south facing back bedroom overlooking trees and gardens still outlined in white. Spent an hour trying to decide which song to post in another chat rooms Advent Calendar and however hard I tried and widely I looked I couldn't better this one. Enjoy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXcttZVhf0s
“Tshela Moya Ke nna yo Morena”

Nail on head, GrannySomerset as regards Cornergran's friends troubles: yes, it IS an alert for all us oldies to take best care, and prepare tho the unexpected can always pounce.

Hey Greyduster ah can feel the enjoyment of curling on side from here...

Good morning Mick and everyone. It’s cloudy and slightly warmer in this corner of Lancashire, currently 2°C. There’s a light sprinkling of snow. I hope you enjoyed your trip despite the weather restrictions Mick.

The Christmas gathering sounds lovely Ash and a kind friend to accompany you. That was a productive day GMattie, sounds like you had some fun too. Great that you’re making good progress Greyduster.

I went to the hairdresser yesterday and my lovely hairdresser was watching out for me. She came and helped me out of the car, after making sure there was no ice, and took my arm until I was safely indoors. She also helped me out to the car again afterwards. She is such a kind person and the salon is a friendly place. Not only do I come away with beautiful hair but I also enjoy a lively chat and some laughter.

Safe journey to all who are out and about today and hope all those with sickness and worries find some relief.

...and the NHS/Care resources bit!

Good Morning everyone, this morning a beautiful blue sky for a change. I’m not trusting it after having been soaked through after several very unexpected drenchings but it’s beautiful and I really feel for all of those having to deal with snow and ice.

I laughed at your story of Dollie’s indignation over the Crib. A long time ago we had a Dalmatian puppy not long be.fore Christmas. He got into everything of course and my mother decided to put the crib at the top of the stairs where it was safe. I came home from school not long after to find that he’d learnt to climb the stairs and eaten the one of the figures.
I can still remember my mother’s indignation when she said, “ I wouldn’t mind so much, but he ate the Baby Jesus! “

Good morning everyone.
A damp but much milder here in Stockport.
I do read everyday and just had to post their morning to say that ,along with others, I was so happy for Shazza and her family to read about her DG.
These tiny, tiny steps are so important and I just wish that folk with high achieving GC (not me) get a little feeling of just how important they are.
I have a friend , perhaps we all do, who is only concerned by her C and now GC’s grades ,degrees, even further plaudits, job titles that she is blinded to the fact that our C, GC are leading happy fulfilled lives themselves.
She dismisses talk of them because of their non achievement.
I am sure that Shazza and her family appreciate those baby steps far more.
Sermon/ rant/ homily over.
I needed to say it.
Have the best day you can everyone.