Good Morning Friday 25th August 2023

Good morning from Durham. I’m having a bit of a lie in, as I don’t have to rush off anywhere first thing.
My long awaited trip to Harrogate was abandoned yesterday when a friend rang to say her beloved cousin had died and would I meet her. The lady in question was 77, but hadn’t been ill long. Exactly the same scenario as my lovely friend who died in March at 68, which brought back some funny and some sad memories.
Later, I had hot chocolate in M&S with another friend which used up the last of the old vouchers.
Today, I’m getting Little Dog (again!) being handed over at the local motorway services, as the family are going South for the day.
Meeting a friend later for coffee, then I’ll walk Little Dog before dark. He’ll go home tomorrow.
Best wishes to all. X

Good morning from sunny Foxyland where if this holds, all you Bank Holidaymakers are in for a treat.
In my experience the weather used to break just in time for the BH . I remember too well the summer of 1967 when we had not even packed raincoats for our hol in Herefordshire and came home in torrential rain on BH Monday - by train.
Despite a very busy week next week, I’m afraid I am facing the equivalent of three Sundays in a row as the D’s are all away, Langkawi, Norfolk and Suffolk respectively, my neighbours all seem to be away and the world will be on the roads and I don’t much feel like competing with BH traffic. Foxyhound has just got me to the kitchen door again to let her out for the 40m Squirrel Dash. It is of course in the next county by now but a lot of jumping around and barking will tell it who’s boss around here.
Excellent GCSE results Kittylester ! He did indeed do “well good” 👏👏👏
I’m relieved we don’t have that worry yet. The 11 plus and KES entry exam were nerve racking enough.
Thinking of all with worries, illness and pain, I would wish us all a gentle day and weekend.

Good morning all from a sunny Black country.
A chilled day today just a quick nip round with the vacuum and flick the duster over. Meeting friends at the club later.
Haven't read through yet will catch up later.
Enjoy your day everyone whatever your plans and may you all find some ☀️.

Congratulations to your DGD Gingster you must be beaming with pride 😘

Good morning from a dull and cloudy Black Country. There is a slight chill in the air now early mornings.

Arrived home from Birmingham yesterday lunchtime, but didn't need lunch as we had a good breakfast in the hotel. Cut the lawn then relaxed with my book. It's called Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. About a women Scientist in 50's America having to contend with misogyny and the attitudes of society to women then.

Yearly Asthma check this morning, So a walk to Doctors practice which takes about 25 minutes. First face to face one since 2019. Telephone appointments 2020 and 2021, didn't hear from them last year!

Pop into town on the way back for a few bits and pieces.

Congratulations to your DGS3 kitty always a nerve wracking time waiting for the results.

Wishing you all the best day possible.

Good morning from sunny Colchester. It feels a bit cooler and fresher than of late.
Tidying up the garden today as it has gone mad in the warm damp weather.
DH has had another medicine added to his regime, so I'm going to have to set him up an alarm system to remind him what to take and when.
Love to all 🦩 x

Good morning Michael and all GNs from a sunny South Yorkshire. I am late this morning trying to type this up n my phone as my iPad is completely dead! Very well done to your GS, Kitty! Ours did well too. Some quite surprising results! We had a small celebration dinner last night.
A cleaning and tidying day for me, and some food shopping later.
Have the best day you can, folks!

Good morning from a bright sunny Suffolk. Congratulations to all the GC and their proud parents and grandparents on exam results and degree awards. Lovely to be rewarded for hard work . We have A level and GCSE taking GC next year.

I had a positive meeting yesterday about possible grants for our church’s restoration project so now just have to do the letter/ email correspondence now.

I have a hair appt later which is always a jolly occasion as my hairdresser always has a fund of amusing stories and laughter is guaranteed.

I think we’ll be having a quiet weekend as our little dog’s eye infection is still troubling her( more so is the plastic collar which she hates) and although she loves DS and family,their exuberance might be too much for her at the moment.

Hope all especially those feeling unwell or worried have a positive weekend.

Good morning from a cloudy Essex coast but at least it is less muggy than yesterday.
Food shopping first thing then DH has an appointment to have his dressing changed with the nurse.
No other plans today.
Congratulations to all GC with exam results. Well done to your DGD Gingster on becoming a Mental Health Nurse, great news.
Hopefully we will all have a good Bank Holiday weekend xxx

Morning from a sunny S Hants, I was jolted into being wide awake, the family bathroom was a moth fest, well, four of them at least, I exited swiftly.
You’re a dab hand with the camera Sago cracking pictures, thank you.
Labarynthitis is a right pain gMattie I hope today you’ve recovered.
Enjoy your break ginny and you you’re last day brook I’ve enjoyed your tales from the Isle.
Butcher’s, freezer dive, cooking beetroot, making curry and pub tonight, are my plans today.
Thinking of those whose days are governed by illness and sadness.
🦩🦩

Morning everyone from a cloudy north Kent.

The Covid virus has relinquished its grip and after six days I am now negative and free of it. A high temperature, headache, muscle aches and, bizarrely, aching teeth have all been discarded and I am left with a cough and feeling tired. But…the upside is that I have read several books, sat in isolation in a shady part of the garden watching butterflies and birds, avoided any domestic tasks and, more importantly, DH hasn’t caught it 🤞🏻

Our holiday to Oxfordshire has been delayed until tomorrow so today will be taken up with packing and going to the opticians to have my new sunglasses adjusted; I optimistically plan to wear them during our time away 😎. We are near Oxford for a week before moving onto north Wales next Saturday so I know I shall need them then.

Hope you all have a good day.

Good morning from an autumnal feel to the air in Co Armagh
I’ve not opened the greenhouse , the temperature in it is just 15 , it’s 10 outside
I put the breadmaker on , it will be ready by lunch time I hope
Nothing planned for today , but I hope to make progress on my latest crochet throw , eldest granddaughter saw it on face time last night and begged it for her student flat
This happens all the time , I start a new project and before it’s finished it’s spoken for , I do have two I keep for myself 😉
Youngest grandson has done well in his GCSE so is leaving school to do a 2 year course in the local College, it can take him to University if he wants

Oldies coffee morning so much chatting but no plans for the weekend as both DD and DS and families are away and, I hope, having a good time. Good thing I like my house and my own company, and there is always weeding if reading fails to entertain me, and after the weekend life will start up again.

Have much enjoyed the holiday reports and pictures and hope all those away have a good time with safe travels.

Just popped back to say well done to all grandchildren who got results yesterday. And those being awarded degrees.

And, Ashcombe, I am obvs down with the kids!!!

Good morning Mick and all from a brightening northwest coast.
Flying DD in the south has her annual cabin crew exams today, so I will be thinking about her. She’s also stressed with her flat purchase, which is dragging on. DS is playing bass guitar in a ‘gig’ in nearby city and the band appear to be doing well, recording out.

I have a round trip of 100 miles for run through for concert in a couple of weeks with pianist. Im bringing back a keyboard which I hope fits into my little car. I could then sell my old not very good piano, although furniture wise it fits in.
Thoughts to all with troubles as always 🌹

Quickly back to add my congrats to those DGC celebrating their fine exam results.
Well done to them

Good morning from a wet Sefton. It feels cool.
We had planned to take the train into town to do some touristy/cultural things. There have been a lot of changes in the 20 or so years we have been away. We are still trying to catch up but don't fancy walking around in the rain. It will all keep for another (dry) day. We will go & find ourselves a nice lunch locally instead. ("well better" is common parlance here Kittylester so it looked fine to me!)
Thinking of those of you who are finding life a struggle.

Good morning Mick and everyone from sunny Carlisle where it obviously rained overnight. As happened yesterday.
It's definitely getting autumnal though, the orb spinning spiders have appeared in the garden and the first of the house spiders has crept out in search of a lady friend. He seems to have encountered a harvestman first, my next job will be to sort them out! I don't mind the house spiders, I am a spider lover but I don't like harvestman, which is illogical really.

I had a chat with the cardiologist yesterday, my ECG is normal and the result appears similar to one I had 3 years ago. Apparently lowish resting pulse rates are OK unless they get down to 30, a scary thought!

Congratulations to the youngsters and their success with GCSE results. I like to hear of the upcoming generation getting on in life.

And wishing you all the best possible day.

Good morning from Shropshire.

A lot of admin today which I hope to get finished before lunch so the rest of the day can be spent in the garden.

I had thought we wouldn’t be doing much childcare in September as H is starting in the nursery class at school and DD2 has a new teaching job and has reduced her hours.I asked the girls for September dates and the first week back we have been booked for five days between them😳it will be a couple of days a week after the first week.

Congratulations on all the exam results.A massive congratulations to your granddaughter Gingster.A very difficult course, she’s done so well.

Well done on calming the situation with the PP Marydoll.

We are looking at taps,sinks etc too grandMattie.We are having a new boiler, shower and an extra radiator and DH has decided we should get a new sink in the utility room as well.Prices vary between retailers.A day going round the various DIY stores is planned😴

I hope your DIL gets good news luluaugust🙏🏻She sounds very brave💪🏼

Have the best day you can everyone🌺🦩

Morning Mick, morning All. Our corner of Somerset began sunny, clouded over now.

Pleased to report Mr C is getting much stronger and has, finally, found his inner tortoise. I’m weary, flipping fibro isn’t helping but you know on the whole we’re doing fine.

Well done to all with exam success and simply surviving them. It’s so stressful. A levels on the horizon next year, this years AS level was passed with flying colours, which we hope will boost confidence.

Thinking of all with worries, a wish for safe and enjoyable days to all out and about. Hope Friday is kind to us all.

grandMattie you could try ringing the local council about the furniture. Ours takes it as they have a store for people getting first homes or being rehoused due to domestic troubles

Morning from a sunny west York's well done to all who have passed exams . We are taking 2Gg home today bedding to do for next 2 coming on Sunday . Dd and partner singing her way to Spain for a long weekend hope thunderstorm s have gone from there. Safe travels and happy days wished for all.

Good morning Mick and all from cloudy Lancashire.

I slept really well last night after a few broken nights. No real plans for today, the weather forecast is not good so will see how it goes. The sun has just peeped out from behind me clouds.

My blood pressure has been getting rather low recently, around 90 / 60. I tend not to worry as long as it isn’t soaring but the doctor who carried out my recent hypertension review seemed concerned. It is 102 / 70 this morning so all is good.

As always thinking of all dealing with troubles.

Have a good day all whatever you’re doing🌻

Good morning one and all from the usual Angus coast fare of menacing clouds, some blue sky and a wee bit of sunshine. Goodness, I'm so late today - I got caught by another thread on ageism. Fascinating - but not getting the baby bathed.
So I'm sorry, I haven't read anybody's post, so can't comment. I caught Scapa's post and photo late yesterday. How wonderful to visit the home of your forebears there! Absolutely fascinating.
Tai chi was interesting yesterday (as always of course 😉) as I got the class to critique me and my moves for a change. One lady enjoyed the opportunity a little too much, I have to say! And one gentleman was maybe a bit too fulsome in his praise 😊. But it was interesting and the basis of a few future lessons. I shall repeat the exercise one day using a different sequence.
And ladies and gentlemen, I should announce that I have not two but four baby goldfish in the pond! They're difficult to see and you have to be able to count all of them in one blink of an eye - so maybe there are more. Oh dear, what has my life narrowed down to! But sitting in the sunshine by a pond and watching fish idly meandering between the reeds is the ultimate in calming meditation for me. I must try to remember to video it for the winter months.
I scattered some wild flower seeds in a rather barren and sun-deprived triangular are beneath the rhododendrons near the back door. They are now thriving and I have some very jolly little red poppies dancing away in the gloom. More joy!
Now I must move on and find some joy in housework - once it's completed. Have a day filled with whatever brings you joy and gratitude x

Poppies!