Good Morning Saturday 17th December 2022

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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

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?

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.

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! ☀️. 🙏

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!

Morning all from West Oxfordshire. I’m still in bed having overslept a bit. I’ll be making more sausage rolls today and Jamie Oliver’s make ahead Christmas gravy. The chicken wings were still frozen yesterday so I’ll do it today. The main task today is to buy a Christmas tree. We usually get one the week before Christmas. I have heard that there aren’t that many left! At least there are several places in the area which sell them. All this has to be done before OH puts the football on at 3 pm

Good morning everyone from -1° Wiltshire, that sounds almost warm after the severe frosts we’ve had!
So many sad worries here, I struggle to know what to say other than that I am thinking of you all and sending hugs.
Yesterday I felt so cold all day but apart from lots of sneezing nothing has developed 🙄. I gave the house a good clean and tidy, got the washing done and arranged for Evri to come and collect three bags of clothes I’d ordered from M&S. I really need to actually see their clothing now, it used to be so reliably sized that buying online was easy, no longer so.
Today there’s little happening, suits me!
I hope you all have a peaceful weekend x

Good morning from N.Bucks.
Busy day as the two youngest DGSs are coming over while DD and SIL do some sorting and packing for the upcoming house move. So games, crafts and some baking are on the programme.
This evening DH and I are going to a neighbourhood Christmas party just a few doors away. A regular affair but of course not for the last 2 years.
Hope you enjoyed you time away*Mick*.
Healing thoughts to all who need them.
Hope today is a good one.

Good morning all from Polmont where it's currently 1° and damp. The snow has mostly melted though. Thank you all for your kind wishes yesterday and today. I'm still unwell but a bit less so. I am forcing myself to eat as I'm diabetic and I don't want to make it worse. However I have no appetite so it's mainly soup. Susan such a horrible thing to happen to your neighbours. How sad. Grandmattie did your lodger ever say thank you?
Obviously I have no plans and will shortly head back to bed as even writing this has exhausted me. Have a good day all.

Good morning everyone from Inverness, still very snowy and wintry out there with loads of snow. The main roads are mote or less clear but our little cul de sac is still very snowy
Welcome back mick you’ve been missed, hope you’ve had a lovely trip away
So sorry to hear about your SiLs sister marydoll also your friend and her DH too cornergran sad times 💐
We had a lovely evening yesterday with celebrating DGD 8th birthday. A meal out and then back to DD2s for the birthday cake and candles. She’s having a little party for her school friends this afternoon too.
No plans for me today so I’m just going to potter
Thinking of everyone with worries and struggles, hope today is gentle and take care all whatever the day brings 💐

Good morning from a very frosty East Yorkshire.

What lovely news Shazza about your GS I can imagine how much it means to you.

I had a very productive shop yesterday. Just one gift to get and I know what and where from. I even managed to track down some de icer for DH as it is of course like gold dust right now. He met me later and we went for lunch.

Today a quiet day. I might see if DIL wants to meet for coffee as I didn’t find time for that in the week. I will be watching the Strictly final tonight. Treated myself to a half bottle of champers to enjoy whilst am watching it.

Have a good day everyone.

Good morning, s somerset is a bit warmer but will be too dodgy for a few hours, to gaily go off on a walk. I shall continue to be sensible

I feel sad that so many are anxious and upset for loved ones. I had a degree of anxiety all day yesterday but it was nothing compared to some of you. Just about ds and his oh getting back home to Glasgow from London, where they have had a busy few days, the runways were closed. Their tickets are for today, it seems to be clear

So in the future, we look back and the worries are over but different worries pop up. I love the calm times and to hear about your calm times

Good morning from Shropshire.1 degree at the moment with a high of 4 forecast.

Thank you for your continuing support and kindness.

I enjoyed my meal out yesterday lunchtime with my friend.Good food and good company - perfect!We didn’t have dessert but after dropping the children at home we called at the garden centre and had coffee and cake.

Today we will make a start on the long to do list I have written of things to do before Christmas.Later on we are going over to watch the Strictly final with DD and DGD.DH will put H to bed and then go to collect a Chinese takeaway.DD doesn’t watch Strictly but DGD usually catches up on it when we are looking after her.

I hope Grandmabatty is starting to feel better🤞🏻💐

So sorry to hear your SIL’s sad news Mary and to hear poor Dollie is still suffering.DD1 had steroids quite often as a young child.Your DS and DIL have my sympathy.👿 is right😢

Have the best day you can everyone and stay warm.🎄🎅🏼

Good morning all from a slightly warmer only - 1° today Black country.
Welcome back Mick hope you had a good break despite the cold weather.
grandMattie you sound a lot more relaxed now you have your house back.
I'm waiting to hear from Dil or DS to hear how the little one is, he wasn't very well yesterday very tired even asked to go to bed most unusual, but the worrying thing is there's a confirmed case of strep in his nursery
Well full English calling will read through later.
Best wishes for anyone celebrating, safe travels those on the move and virtual hugs where needed.
Enjoy your Saturday and may you all find some 🌞.

Here’s Matt.

Good morning everyone from a wet but seemingly milder south Manchester. It’s quiet. No trains.

We have a day of doing nothing. No shopping needed (just maybe something from the larder for this evening), no arrangements with anybody, all Christmas presents wrapped. I don’t fancy being out in the rain so will be happy just to hunker down. I do love a ‘no plans’ day.

The little Family of Four are off a matinee performance of ‘The Lion King’ at the Palace Theatre in Manchester today. Their mum booked tickets in the summer. A nice start she thought for the schools Christmas holiday. It’s getting rave reviews. Our Yorkshire Lass and her soon-to-be husband are hosting a pre-Christmas gathering for all their neighbours this afternoon.

You sound as though you are luxuriating now in your own home again grandMattie, enjoying your newly found space and freedom. It was a good idea to change the code on the key safe and I bet you don’t miss the ugly ramp access, I know you hated it! Have you heard how your lodger is doing?

Glad to hear you enjoyed an evening out with friends Ash. Perfect for you just now not to be out too late and over-exert. Bet GG13 had a ball yesterday in London with her friends at the grown ups pantomime!

I too hope Grandmabatty is feeling less poorly and nauseous today. Enjoy a milder Saturday those who can.

Good morning, Michael and all GNs. Welcome back from’t frozen North Mick! Hope you had a good time! It is, as we say, nitherin’ up here in South Yorkshire, with a hard frost, but there was a lovely sunrise which I stood and looked at for a bit. Looking over the fields reminded me of a line from Bob Chilcott’s Shepherds Carol “watching the sheep in fields that winter had won”. After my check up with the physio team yesterday (all good!) I was told there was no reason why I could not sleep on my side. So I did, and oh gosh it was blissful! I slept like a top. And woke up stiff as a board! A price worth paying. I am sending DS into the loft today to retrieve the
Christmas tree and this evening, after all the lovely cooking he’s done this week, I’m treating him to a Chinese takeaway.
Hope everyone feeling poorly sees some improvement today.
Have the best day you can folks.

Good morning from frosty Colchester. The thaw starts today with a high of 5°.
DS is ill in bed with suspected Covid. He doesn't want to test as he's not going anywhere.
I'm not doing anything today apart from playing nurse to DS. DH has another Christmas dinner tonight.
Good news is that my Mum is being discharged from the convalescent hospital today. She has been in for 3 weeks and she is going to be getting visits 3 times a day from Community enablement to ensure that she can care for herself and my disabled Dad.
Love to all 🦩x

Good Morning everyone from a very wintery looking Severnside. My only venture yesterday was just outside the back door.

Today I’ve some errands to run and a visit to a Christmas fayre.

Good to see you back Mick, enjoy your day all 🎄🦩

Morning Mick, morning All from a cold corner of Somerset. According to the forecast the last clear, fine day before the wind and rain arrive.

Welcome back mick, not the best weather to have been travelling in, hope it didn’t spoil your enjoyment.

An upsetting conversation with an old friend yesterday has stayed with me and disturbed sleep. There is inadequate (hardly any) support to care for her husband who is very unwell and immobile, they have both slept in chairs for a week as he can’t move at all unaided and she can’t move him in her own. The promised hospital bed for downstairs hasn’t materialised - delivery overlooked. Recognised as an emergency situation adequate home care remains unavailable as does the promised emergency respite for the weekend. Our friend is at the end of her emotional and physical strength. Her husband distraught at his situation. I’m appalled and saddened. We’re three hours away, can help in no meaningful way. Ranting here will make no difference of course, my apologies, hope it’s been ok to get it off my chest.

Today I’ll be making sausage rolls and processing laundry. As always grateful to Mr C for taking on the ironing. He’ll also taste test the sausage rolls. There may be some left for the freezer. Hope to get a frosty walk later.

Thinking of all with worries of any kind. Have the best day you can everyone.

Good morning all from Glasgow, where its 2°C.
Our streets were impassable yesterday, I was so relieved to be retired!
You seemed to enjoy yourself Mick, how did you spend your time, apart from the fine dining?

Good to hear you managed to get out Ash, where would we be without good friends to support us?

My really upset SIL has just messaged to say, he has had a phone call from the USA, to inform him that his sister's heart surgery has been unsuccessful and that she is having emergency surgery to amputate her leg below the knee, due to vascular complications from chemo.
As if she hasn't suffered enough. I feel so bad for him, when she is so far away and he can't visit. I cannot imagine how frightened she must be. Being a nurse, she will be aware of the difficult physical and mental journey that lies ahead.

I hope GBatty , the poorly grandchildren and family members improve. Dollie, still has croup after three weeks, this virus seems pretty virulent and difficult to treat.
She is on steroids and they are now affecting her behaviour. DS said she was a fiend yesterday. 👿 it reminds so much of DS2.

Susan, you are also in my thoughts. 💐

I got little done yesterday, I had to give up after emptying my junk present cupboard yesterday, so I intend to try and wrap today.
I found so much for DD, I'm keeping some for her birthday. I pick up bargains, then forget.
I did find a lovely pink scarf, Still in the wrapper, studied with pearls, I'm having that! 😉

Safe journey to all, who are travelling.
Wishing you all a pleasant day, whatever your plans.

Good morning everyone and welcome back Mick from a currently dark and cold south Hants where the temperature is currently minus 2.
Mick I hope you had a lovely time away.
We spent a lovely few hours with DS2 and family on Thursday. Sadly a few hours after we got home I felt unwell … so yesterday was mainly spent well wrapped up and sleeping. A real waste of a day! My head still feels muzzy but I’m hoping I’ll at least have some energy to do something useful!
Have the best day you can everyone. I’ll hopefully be back on to read your posts later.
Virtual hugs and 💐 for you all x

Good morning from my bed. Too chilly still to emerge as the heating comes on at 7am. I think DH has had flu this week despite the flu vaccine. He’s had a raised temp, exhaustion, breathlessness and no appetite for a week but worst of all is his cough. Never heard anything like it. He’d give a seal colony a run for its money. Covid tests negative. Mind you, most of our small town is coughing atm. Has anyone else had this?

It was -8.5c yesterday morning even at 9am. Hoping for some mild weather soon. 2 full days of childcare on Monday and Tuesday to look forward to. Have one sibling one day and the other the next day. Can’t have them both together as they fight. On their own they’re fine. Swap days with other GP’s.

No plans to go out as it’s so icy. Will watch the Strictly final recording later as I scroll through most of the padding. Then watch the last episode of Strike - Bad Blood on iPlayer.

Have a good day all. Thinking of all those who have not had such a good week. 💐

Hello again. It is dark and clear, but becoming overcast. There will no doubt be frost everywhere. It was very hard and slippery yesterday, but very lovely. I did enjoy my dog walk with my kind friend.
After running a few errands, I came home to wait for my friends to help me move furniture back to their proper place. We shifted a sofa bed, with much laughing and even more squabbling between spouses. They stayed on for another hour, helped me with a little leak in my shower (perished seal). They also helped me change my keysafe number. While DL was here, just about half the population of E Kent knew it, the physio, social services, nurse, friends, priests, etc.
After lunch, I moved a bookcase from upstairs, and a rocking chair down too. I knitted for a bit, finishing the first shepherd, then decided to make the presents for SiL’s little nieces - pyjama cases. I’ll put a photo up later.
Quiet evening.
Today, finish the sewing and more knitting…
Hope those in distress, sickness or sorrow have relief, happy weekend to everyone. Carpe diem 🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩

Good Morning Mick and everyone from Hull. I’m sure it’s frosty and icy outside. Alexa has just told me it’s zero degrees outside with a high of 3 today.

Yesterday when I picked up GS from school there was excitement as he ran out he shouted Bye! Which is a huge thing. His key worker almost cried. Such a lovely ending to his last school day before Christmas.

Today we need to go to Tesco fairly early to buy food for our sons and GSs Christmas hamper and finish off sister in laws gifts. But the rest of the day is ours. We’ll be snuggled up glass of wine in hand ready for the strictly final tonight.

Wishing everyone a lovely day. Stay safe on your travels. Special thoughts to the poorly or stressed. 🌻🎄

Good morning everyone from another very frosty day in Northampton, -1° out; too dark to see anything outside except a thick layer of white frost over everything. Glad I've not got to go out today; had thought I might go into town to collect my new glasses, but will leave it until Monday.

It will be a day indoors then, reading the papers, knitting, watching tv and listening to Treasure Quest on our local radio this morning. I will wrap the Christmas presents for the DGDs; I bought large gift bags for them yesterday to put them in.

Got everything I wanted at the shops yesterday, even though I had forgotten my shopping list. Had coffee and toasted teacake in M&S Cafe - they brought the toasted teacake, and I thought "that's a bit burnt", but proceeded to spread the butter on it. Two minutes later they appeared at the table with another one with apologies for burning the first one! They must have read my mind!

Glad that your Turkey and Tinsel break went well, Mick. Couldn't have been much fun travelling in the cold though.

Take care everyone, and have a good Saturday.