Good Morning Thursday 22nd December 20022

Good day from East Lothian where it is cloudy but bright.

We drove up on Monday - left about 10am and arrived about 8pm. It was slow in places but no major hold-ups and so much warmer.

The cleaner was at DDs yesterday while she was at work but SiL working from home so we were requested to take DGSs out of the way 😀. We drove to the coast and finally managed to visit The Drift cafe near North Berwick which has been on my list for ages. I think it was mentioned by one of the Scottish grans. It was busy as usual so we couldn’t get a seat with a view but had lovely parsnip soup (sausage rolls for the boys) and looked at the beautifully clear view across the Forth to Fife from the top of the cliff outside. Before lunch we had walked up to Tantallon Castle which is closed but the shop and grounds were open. I hadn’t realised what a great view of the Bass Rock you get from there.

So sorry to hear the sad news from Marydoll about your son-in-law’s sister.
Sorry also, to hear about your collapse yesterday Mick. I hope you are taking it easy today.
So many people with memories of bereavements around Christmas or loved ones who have died since last Christmas.

Glad to hear good news of Ashcombe and Baubles’ DGD. And of those enjoying good times pre-Christmas with family. Safe journeys to those travelling over the holiday.
Good to hear Anniebach is being cared for at last.

We have no internet in our flat here so relying on a catch-up when at DDs. Given that she is hosting Christmas Day with us and her father-in-law and sister-in-law, I may not have many spare moments when I’m here! So a Happy Christmas to all now 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Good Morning from a damp, misty, N., Cambs.,

Sorry you had a problem yesterday, Mick, please follow the good advice from all the folk on here. Was it today your sister was coming to visit you?

Sad news for your family, Marydoll, these things always seem worse at this time of year.

Take care, all of you. x

Good morning Mick and everyone. It’s raining in this corner of Lancashire, currently 6°C.

All of our food and other shopping is done. Today I will be getting the children’s gifts ready. Mr. B will deliver as many as he can over the next few days.

I hope today goes well for everyone

Good morning from a wet northwest Lancashire coast,
DD arrives from the south today and I’m glad the weather has improved for her journey.
Couple of quiet days here for a change thank goodness. I put my table top tree on the drinks table and threw some lights on it. Fixed up the nativity scene etc and have had my lights round the outside trellis on since the beginning of advent.
Still quite a lot to do.
Hope you feel better Mick and thoughts to all with worries.

Good morning
A very dull, overcast one, too. Think we’ll be getting some rain shortly.
Take it easy mick after your scare yesterday - it might be wiser not to go out today, but rest.
Such sad news for your family marydoll 💐.

Have been catching up with Anniebach’s saga - how dreadful that she has been so poorly treated for so long. Hoping that she is now starting a new chapter in life. The moral of her story is plainly don’t suffer in silence and put up with things, which I suspect most of us are inclined to.

Shopping and mince pie making today I think. I am using the last of the mincemeat made in 2020 and hope there will be enough for two batches of 3 dozen. May have to add some grated apple. First I must deliver a birthday present to my friend and neighbour who has been such a support so better get a move on.

Mick, I’m a bit of a fainter (Victoria and Albert Museum, National Gallery, ferry, local restaurant…) and every time I’ve gone to see my GP about it. In fact the medical people who scoop me off the floor always say that I must ring the surgery asap. So don’t go out.

Marydoll I’m sorry there is such sad news from your family. Hope you can feel better today too💐

Morning from a cloudy S Yorks.

Still car-less as they have to get me a new battery, got cabin fever from yesterday tho I did go for a very nice little walk in the woods.

However, batteries have sent the service price up...mega gulp...they only fit Bosch batteries...I really want to get out to the gym and a little stretch and the company. (I've been a member for 20 years, and its a bit like a second home with acquaintances going back years). Waiting for a phone call and delivery back.

So sad, marydoll: definitely a quiet day for you Mick.

Poorlies, take care, and enjoy family and festive doings, all. roads very busy! Will be glad when that all goes "back to normal"

Good morning from a dull W Kent. Hairdressing appointment yesterday went a bit awry, my usual lady was off sick and so I had someone I've never set eyes on before, usual result, hair now too short. Off later for final shopped await arrival of my DB, tomorrow.
So sorry to hear of your collapse yesterday Mick please stay in.
Marydoll so sorry to hear your news.
Best wishes to all

Good morning from a bright Co Armagh, it’s 3 degrees, so nippy but not unpleasant
Sorry to see you were unwell Michael
Marydoll your poor SIL !
I hope granMattie is enjoying being with family
I can’t believe Annibachs news , poor woman needed help long before this
Great that we are on the way to longer better days

Good morning all and it’s very foggy here at the Suffolk seaside.
Yesterday we achieved quite a lot. Cleaned the room that had been re-plastered, cleared the garden of dead things (plants mainly) 😂. , had the tv man round to fix our spare, paid the handiman for fixing the shed roof, and bought the veg from a nursery not far away. Just before bed , the kettle blew the house , pitch dark, fumbling around for a torch, never in the right place. New kettle required today. 😤

Today we have our neighbour coming in for afternoon tea/Sherry and cake. This evening I’m going out with my book club to a nice pub/restaurant for our Christmas meal. We’ll have a short discussion about this months book (that I haven’t finished) and then get down to the serious business.

Sorry to hear of your collapse Mick - please don’t go out today. Stay home and look after yourself,

GM it sounds like you’re having a lovely time with family and friends. ❤️.

Bluesapphire * what a shame about your trip.

Ash lovely walk over the downs.

Marydoll what day you had. So sad about your SIL’s sister.
Hope today is better for you.

Take care and keep well ❤️

Good morning everyone from a very dull and dreary Essex by the sea.

I hope you are soon feeling better Mick, a scary time for you.

Enjoy your time with your family GM, you have really earned a rest after the trials of the last few months.

I'm sorry to hear your news Marydoll.

DH is going to try and get the car cleaned inside and out today ready for our Christmas trip. It really is in a disgusting state, all his doing, going to the boat yard every day.

I am going to start packing now that the spare room is clear and the hall is back to the way it should be. Four days away but so much to pack and take including Christmas gifts for three of our daughters and their families.

It was lovely to hear Anniebachs news. I wish her well in her new home.

Enjoy Thursday everyone whatever your day may bring, much love xx

marydoll such sad news.

Good morning all from Polmont where it's currently 5° and dry but cloudy. Mick I'm sorry to hear that you weren't well yesterday. Baubles good news about your wee dgd.
Yesterday I stepped up and helped by taking dgs1 to and from nursery. I also managed to get the last of the Christmas shopping done too. I brought dgs1 back to my house as he wanted a chocolate from the tree. He lay beside me on the couch and fell asleep but then had a massive accident and peed all over the couch and himself! It's not like him but he was exhausted by his Christmas party. After I dropped him home and made dinner, I was exhausted too and fell asleep. Apparently my cousin had been knocking at the door at eight o'clock and I never heard a thing. I'm quite glad I missed her as she's very hard work. I suspect that covid took a lot more out of me than I realised. My friend got home from hospital yesterday and was very glad to be in her own bed.
Today I will wrap all the presents and write the neighbours cards and deliver them. The furthest I'll be is Aldi for bread and something easy for dinner. My son in laws parents have now got covid too and won't be there on Christmas Day. Im so glad, which sounds awful, but he is a deeply unpleasant man who goes in for competitive grandparenting any time we're together so it'll be a much nicer occasion. I would never say to dd or sil but I can be quietly relieved here! Have a good day all.

So sorry to hear your news Marydoll I am sure a hug is better than words.

Good morning from a dull and grey Black Country, where it is at least a balmy 6 deg!

Lovely afternoon with my friend. Had a festive meal at a local pub. It was obvious they were short staffed, so decided just to make an afternoon of it, as service was quite slow, but food delicious. The Fire alarm went off about 6 times during the afternoon, then the lights went off for a few seconds twice! Then walked home to her house for a Baileys and TiaMaria.

Today I am off on the bus to Merry Hell, to buy a few last minute little bits and bobs.

I hope you are feeling ok now Mick and as others have said, please make it a rest day today.

Wishing you all the best day possible

Good morning from a murky, damp corner of Wiltshire, a very grey start to today.
Yesterday the DDog walk was wet, very wet! Then the sun came out as we got back 🙄😄
Apart from that we had a bangers and mash lunch and a chocolate cake for tea.
I had two beautiful bouquets of flowers from DH and DS, DDIL and DGCs and a massive poinsettia from my DDIL’s parents, so I am feeling really very spoiled 😊
Today it’s cleaning and tidying up, DH will walk DDog while I crack on with it.
I must get DGS2’s socks finished today , I have another 2 pairs to do after that.
Oh, and I bought myself a teddy bear yesterday; my mother gave mine away and I’ve never seen a similar one until yesterday on eBay! I can’t wait to see it 😍
I hope today goes well for you all x

Good morning from Shropshire.A high of 8 degrees forecast today.

I cancelled my hairdressers appointment yesterday as I have had a cold and so much illness round here I decided not to risk it.My lockdown hairdresser aka DH got the root spray out and must have done a good job as my neighbour asked if I had been to the hairdressers.

Another day at home today getting as much as we can ready for Christmas Day.

DD not well.We are hoping she can get a drs appointment or at least speak to the asthma nurse as her asthma is not good.

Mary, I am so sorry to hear your sad news.I am sure you will find the right words when you see your SIL💐

Thinking of Hellogirl today💐

Mick, I hope you can speak to your GP today, like others have said I think a rest day is advised.

Have the best day you can everyone.🎄🎅🏼

Good morning from a grey, damp Colchester.
DH and eldest DGS have gone fishing for day. DS has gone to London with his GF. I have a day with youngest DGS. He is currently eating toast with one hand and playing a noisy game on his iPad with the other.
I will strip the beds and get them washed. I'll leave remaking until the DGS have gone home.
We will walk to Aldi as boys are bottomless and then probably to the park playground if it doesn't rain.
I haven't read all the posts but am sending special hugs to Mick and Hellogirl
Glad to hear Anniebach is happy in her new home.
Love to all 🦩x

Marydol I'm so deeply sorry to hear your sad, sad news. May your son in law find strength and comfort.

Good morning everyone from a damp and misty Northampton. Have just popped out to the end of the drive with the food waste bin and it feels quite mild.

So sorry to hear about your experience yesterday Mick; you need to take it easy today and contact your GP.

Spent most of yesterday morning on the phone about my cancelled (for the second time) trip to New Zealand in February. The result was that I decided to cancel the whole thing and get a refund, as although there was an alternative earlier date, they could not guarantee that that one would go ahead. Feeling frustrated and very disappointed I then cast around for another holiday, and finally decided on South Africa, which I have now booked, and am keeping my fingers very crossed! I also managed to change the dates for the cattery which was a great relief.

Managed to marzipan the cake after lunch and will ice it this afternoon, using my old and trusty decorations, that I bought when the DC were little, snowmen, reindeer, Christmas trees, in an effort to create a Christmassy scene!

Will hop on the bus this morning for a final jaunt to the shops for a Christmas mooch around - and coffee and cake in M&S Cafe.

Safe journeys to those on the road today, and a pleasant Thursday to all.

Good morning from S Lanarkshire. So sorry to hear about your collapse Mick, I hope today is a calm one.

baubles, good news thank the Lord.

Lovely picture Ashcombe, it quite lifted my spirits!

Central heating control playing up here, having foutered about for ages with my Hive thermostat last night I’m going to replace the batteries today and keep my fingers crossed, my approach to most technology. Everyone is so busy I am holding back from asking for help.

I’m going for coffee to my dearest friend’s daughter this morning, she has been so good at maintaining contact over the years since her mum died, I think it helps both of us. She will distribute chocolate Santas to all my friend’s DGC.

Wishing everyone the best day possible🦩🦩🦩

Good morning all from North Leicestershire where it is still grey.

I need to finish packing the last few presents and do some emails. DS2 is calling round this afternoon.

We are going for a drive this evening to see the lights on one of the recently built estates - they are, apparently, spectacular.

Thinking of Hello and her family on this sad day.

Good Morning Mick and everyone from Hull.
Echoing everyone Mick take it easy if you can after your distressing day yesterday.

Loving reading about everyone’s festive family gatherings.
Urms Matt made me laugh.

Yesterday when I picked up GS from his mum I was touched to receive a gift from her. She split from my son a year ago but they’ve kept it very friendly for my GS who doesn’t cope well with change.
Today I am having my hair colour done. My mum the other day said ‘our Shaz I never realised how grey your hair is’. Yeah thanks mum.
This afternoon and evening we are out on the marina with hubby’s cousin and wife so time to bling up I think.

Have a lovely day everyone and special thoughts to those finding this time of year a struggle. 🌻🎄