Good Morning Friday 24th February 2023

Good morning, all, from a cloudy Crewe, where I’m staying with DD2 and family.

I appreciated the good wishes for my journey from several Gransnettters but the trip was far from trouble free. It started well, with my taxi arriving within minutes of me ringing for one. Once on board the 10.20 Cross Country train, a coffee was soon brought by a charming chap called James who proved very supportive later.

Shortly after we left Taunton, James came to tell me that the train would terminate at Bristol Temple Meads due to a land slip further up the line! He reassured me that he would help me with my luggage as another train would take us (via South Wales!) on to Birmingham New Street! By his calculations, I could expect to reach Crewe by 4.00 p.m. instead of 2.30 p.m.

All went as planned and I was duly escorted to another train. As we waited to set off, I fell into conversation with two older guys who were en route to Manchester for the Man Utd v Barcelona game. We found much common ground (offspring working abroad, careers in music, etc) so the time passed pleasantly. They were intrigued by my marital arrangements and could see the advantages!

Our train went through the Severn Tunnel then travelled in reverse via Chepstow to Cheltenham Spa, reaching Birmingham at 2.30 p.m., where, on arrival, I was grateful for help with my luggage from my football friends. I caught an Avanti train bound for Glasgow (thought of my Scots GN friends!), due at Crewe at 4.07 p.m. Having texted this information to DD, I couldn’t believe we had further delays due to a faulty door mechanism!! Eventually, I alighted at 4.30 p.m.relieved to see my DD waiting at the barrier!

A convivial evening followed, rounded off by a newly acquired game about food which was won by our team of girls! Needless to say, I’ve slept well!

A disappointment for you, Mick, but it’s good that the JR will ensure you’re in a better state of health for your operation. I needed a transfusion after my recent heart surgery as I’m often borderline on being anaemic.

Apologies for the long rigmarole! I hope everyone has a good weekend with the chance to be out and about where appropriate. Enjoy The Range, Marydoll!
🦩🥰🦩💐🦩

Good morning from E Kent. We are threatened with rain today, but since it rarely rains here, I’m not holding my breath.
What a disappointment, “Mick*. I hope you get a new appointment soon.
I didn’t go to Spanish yesterday, and learned that there were only two attendees. We are normally 7, so that is a very low turnout.
The removals man came round for a look round, estimate today.
I finished knitting a jumper, just assembly left. Ditto a patchwork from squares left from making DH a quilt. I have also started a long cardigan from very fancy cotton for my lovely haberdasher.
I baked 3 dozen biscoff cupcakes and two coffee and walnut for Philip’s partner. She is coming to to lunch today and to collect them for her coffee morning tomorrow. I ran out of biscoff spread for the cup cakes, rushed into our small town for some more. On my way home, I heard knock on glass, it was my friend who saw me passing. I wasted a good hour with her, cakes as yet unmade.
Today, I have some friends of friends coming to see what furniture they want. I shall contact some charities to take the rest away.
Just because I don’t make a comment on your lives doesn’t mean I don’t think about you, I absolutely DO! I just forget…. Sorry!
Carpe diem/horam. 🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩

Good morning from a dry and chilly Wiltshire hilltop.
Yesterday I had a wonderful facial, a treat for me, so lovely to be pampered.
Stitch group was fun in the afternoon, such fascinating group of very talented ladies who spin, weave, knit, quilt make, embroider etc. I sat and knitted.
DD phoned later and said to watch The Piano on Ch4. The young girl Lucy reduced me to tears, I have never seen or heard anyone so talented.
www.themusicman.uk/lucy-pianist/
Today I think I have a zoom art class this afternoon, must check my emails.
Enjoy Friday x

Good morning from Essex by the sea where it feels cold but dry.
I am off today to Leamington Spa to see DD1 and her 3 girls. The eldest is 14 today so will be lovely to have a birthday hug.
I hope my train journey is not as eventful as yours Ash. It was good that you had willing helpers.
I shall leave here at 9 and hopefully be at Leamington by 1, two trains and 2 tubes.
I believe we are going out for a birthday dinner this evening.
Have a good day everyone, much love xx

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202302/medium-919831-71f09cda-942e-4970-9a35-bbc7617213b2.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202302/medium-161654-afeb4415-7a76-4eac-9904-972143a44c9f.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202302/medium-493006-e381e50d-a0c0-4600-9be9-f12aa65d1272.jpeg

Ash, your journey reminds me of many dreadful trips from here in the NE to my dear ds I the NW. a two hour car journey being a minimum of 4.5 hours on a good day often being two or more hours longer due to cancellations. On the other hand yesterday’s trip to Scotland was great. Train on time, bacon roll for breakfast and arriving in Edinburgh 1 minute early.
Attached, I hope, photos of sunshine over Berwick and the views either side of the original Forth road bridge.
I’m the only person awake here so I’m lying in bed being quiet reading GN. Have the best day.

What a nightmare, Ash. Nice that all those gentlemen aided you. Enjoy your stay with your daughter.
Off to sort out Ladybird books for yesterday’s friend’s granddaughter…

Good morning all from a chilly North Leicestershire.

Lovely, but tiring, day yesterday with Bertie, spending his birthday money.

Today, I have to go to the butcher's and to the florist before doing a zoom Carer Learning session.

Have the best day possible everyone.

Morning Mick, morning All. Our corner of Somerset feels cold this morning. Looks dry out there.

Yesterday was shall we say mixed. Dust removed and laundry completed Mr C headed for the jigsaw. Hooray. Finished. I was delighted at the prospect of reclaiming the table

Half an hour later while cooking lunch I was less delighted to hear a crash and muttered curses. Mr C had opened a cupboard, a glass had somehow jumped out, shattered and was in several million pieces on the laminate floor. Tiny pieces. Oh heck. We swept it three times, vacuumed it twice. Of course a piece lodged in my finger. Foolish woman. A plaster, another sweeping and vacuum later and peace was restored.

Wandering out in the afternoon I was very pleased to gather the last of the bits needed for Mr C’s 80th birthday family gathering tomorrow and even more pleased to sit with a restorative cuppa.

Today? I’ve a surgery meeting, food to cook for tomorrow and not much else other than some fiddling about.

Goodness ash: what a journey. Pleased yours was easier grandmachrisy, your photos reminded me of a very enjoyable holiday in Berwick many years ago. Hope your journey is trouble free sar and also anyone else in the move.

Although you must be disappointed mick, I can understand the need for you to be fit before your surgery. Is there any help with the breathlessness?

I’ve taken enough space this morning so will wish you all a gentle day.

Good morning all from a cloudy Glasgow, where it is currently 8 °C.

That's a pity Mick about the cancellation, probably for the best, if you are not feeling too well. I do understand you must be disappointed.
The surgeon, would I imagine, be reluctant to operate if you needed an iron infusion and are breathless.
I remember the anaesthetist, advising me as he was administering a spinal block, ( I cannot have a general anaesthetic) that my op might still not go ahead, even at the the very last minute, if he and the surgeon thought I wasn't well enough to proceed. They cannot take any risks.
Hopefully you will be back on track soon.

Ash, what a nightmare of a journey. Thank goodness you found some kind people to support you, especially after your recent surgery. Carrying luggage from platform to platform is not easy.
I hope you have a lovely stay.

Well surprisingly, I have more positive news today.
Yesterday, much to my delight, passed without any serious vertigo episodes. I caught DH scrutinising me a few times, wondering why I hadn't had any severe attacks.
I did, however, fall sleep in the afternoon!
I managed to make two sultana loaves and dinners for the next two days, in case today tired me out.
DD had loaned me her fakeaway Chinese cookery book to try
and I attempted Capital spare ribs. It seems that this is what they eat in Beijing!
It was a bit of a faff, but worth the effort. They were delicious!
Later when going to get ready for bed, I noticed what looked like a huge red weal on my face.
Catastrophising, as is my want, after all, my life is never simple, I asked DH to have a look. He burst out laughing, it was sauce from the ribs! 😄

DD arrived unexpectedly from work, to check up on me, while she reported her very difficult day at work and problems with a staff member.
I am so proud of her and her tenacity in overcoming her dyslexia and managing this poison chalice of a job..
I mentioned returning her cookbook and she told me to keep it as a treat, as she had bought another one for herself.
She is a really kind girl.

Thanks Ash for your good wishes.
I never know how I feel, until I get up, Im always afraid to move my head! So fingers crossed for today. I'm so excited at the thought of escaping!
DiL, kept checking in yesterday, to see if I'm OK to go.
I'm also hoping to visit the M&S food hall next door to the Range, as well. I'm aiming high!

Wishing you all the best of days and special thoughts for all in the sick bay.

Good morning all, up early today as have to do the pre-school run, the twins are being taken for their jabs again, an early appointment. My sleep these days nearly always means waking up at 3 or 4 for an hour or so, then back to sleep with the weirdest most vivid dreams. Very unsettling. Outside looks damp and grim but forecast is for brighter later. Some more work done up the allotment today hopefully. Also go and enquire re new flooring now I’ve worn down DH sufficiently to agree to having the kitchen and hallway done. It will be a big expensive job but should look massively better than the nightmare travertine tiles. Hope your day goes well everyone and your worries are few.

Good morning from south Cornwall where the sky is clear and sunshine is promised. Dentist this morning then shopping for a chord book for my 39 year old son, who I'm attempting to help learn play the guitar. Meeting my ex daughter-in-law for coffee and a catch up later.

Sounds like the NHS is taking care of you Mick.

Good morning all from the Black country, weather not doing a lot.
DH has a telephone GP appt at 11 so I need to be around to listen in he won't admit his hearing is not good, its everybody talking to quiet.
Disappointment for you Mick but for the best if you are not 100%.
Mary enjoy your trip out.
Have a good Friday everyone and may you all find some ☀️.

Morning all

It’s rather chilly here in S E Essex.

Safe journey Sar53 enjoy your time with your girls x

Nightmare journey Ashcombe

Marydoll good to hear you being more positive and able to do little things

Well my day was interesting yesterday, arrived at hairdressers home, no answer on when I knocked on the door, no car on her drive. I was 10 minutes early so I sat in my car then checked my appointment…

I had the correct time, correct day unfortunately the incorrect month I had messaged her without my glasses on and booked for March 😡😡😡😡 I panicked as we are out 5 times in the next 8 days, two of which are dressy and my hair definitely needed a cut and highlights/lowlights to cover the grey. Fortunately I managed to get in with a lady that started off as my hairdresser’s junior and now works in a salon in my road, my hairdressers messaged her with my colour details and voila hair sorted. We also had a good old gossip as she was my Mum’s hairdresser for many years and gave our two youngest C their first haircuts.

Off to the gym this morning, then picking up The Imp from preschool at lunchtime, then out for dinner this evening.

Have a good day folks 🙋‍♀️🦩

Morning Mick and All.

Grey and cold in South Bucks.

Marydoll you have made us laugh over your strange red blob 😀

I’ve been awake since 4.30, each time I almost fell asleep I started coughing. I’ve had this cough for over a month. I’m not a happy bunny.

Thinking of the poor people in Ukraine, so I have nothing to moan about. 🇺🇦

Good morning from a cold and frosty Colchester. The sun is out.
It's DH's birthday and we'll have a houseful of children and grandchildren this evening. I'm looking at a mortgage as he wants Chinese takeaway!!
Love to all 🦩 x

Good morning from a dull grey Black Country.

Lovely sunny weather yesterday for our group walk.

Today is a walk with my u3a walking group. We are meeting not far from where Mum lives, so will be popping into hers afterwards. We only meet monthly for this.

Not sure what it is with some men monk who won't see about sorting hearing out. MrJ is the same. Issued with hearing aids in 2012. Wore them once and decided not to bother as he said everything seems so LOUD! Consequently I frequently have to repeat myself. His hearing is not as bad as mine as I couldn't manage without my aids.

Phew! What a trip Ashcombe happy you arrived safe and sound in the end.

Enjoy your Friday everyone

Photo is from last night.

Good Morning Mick and everyone from a dull grey Hull.

How disappointing Mick to have your operation cancelled.

Ash what a troublesome journey but enjoy being with your family.

Sar enjoy your cuddle with your GD and wishing her a happy birthday 🎂

I have a zoom yoga this morning while and DH is at the gym. We are going over to York to visit with my parents. They have a table booked at their local for lunch. We always call at a garden centre on the way to get him a steak pie sausage rolls and gravy which he loves.

Have a lovely day everyone. Safe journey to travellers on the move. Thinking of those struggling with illness and stress 🌻🌻

Happy birthday to your DH Pittcity 🎂 enjoy your family gathering x

Good Morning all.

Happy Birthday MrPittcity enjoy your Chinese 🍺🥡🥢

Good morning everyone from Inverness where it’s cloudy and grey, just like yesterday with rain in the forecast again too
That’s a disappointment for you mick, I hope you get the appropriate treatment so it can be rescheduled again soon
Oh Ash what a journey! Enjoy your well deserved break with the family. Pleased your journey was much better grandmachristy and hope yours is ok today Sar!
I’ve the circuits class at the gym this morning, not easy but it’s doing me good - followed by aqua zumba which is always good fun. Then this afternoon I’ve a much needed hairdressers appointment so looking forward to a bit of pampering
So pleased that you’re having some much better days now marydoll and that’s the end of the vertigo
Hoping everyone finds something to enjoy today and take care all whatever the day brings 💐

Good morning all from damp South Lanarkshire.

Disappointing news about your surgery date Mick, hopefully it won’t be postponed for too long.

Horrid journey Ash.

So glad you had a better day Marydoll, I wish you many more.

GG pleased you got your hair sorted out. It’s an easy mistake to make on the calendar.

I’m going to visit a friend who’s recovering from a hysterectomy then this evening going for a curry with some other friends.

Have the best possible day everyone.

Good morning everyone.
DH has gone to play golf so the house is quiet.
No plans today so I’ll see what I fancy doing once I am dressed. I’ll ignore the ironing pile and the finger marks on the inside of the windows.
Wishing you all the best day possible.

Good morning from a dull & overcast Sefton. No hint of the sunshine which is forecast for this morning.
Zoom dance exercise class this morning. No plans for the rest of the day but will need to sort out clothes to pack for a short break this weekend. Will be meeting up with old friends & attending a formal dinner.
Take care those of you out & about this weekend.