Good Morning Saturday 21st December 2024

Morning all from a still dark and windy West Oxfordshire.

Well, my food processor had been delivered to the wrong house! I put a message on the village Facebook page and someone responded saying they had it! We will hopefully retrieve it today.

I made sausage rolls yesterday, marzipanned the cake and made rum butter. I still have the stocking presents to wrap. My Waitrose order, including the turkey, is due to be collected at 5 pm. I would like to make the stuffing and bread sauce today.

Rooms need to be sorted out. Daughter is arriving on Monday and younger son on Tuesday. They will both go back to London on Friday. Elder son and his family are off to France tomorrow for two weeks.

Some of you are having difficult times. I’m thinking of you.

Morning everyone

Still dark here, an early morning visit to butchers then a lazy day is planned. Other than putting presents round the tree, I appear to be organised (which is worrying 😹)

Happy Birthday roses 🎂🥂

🎄🤶🏻

Good morning everyone from mid Essex where it’s getting light (I think). I don’t know what the weather is doing but think it may rain later.
I saw the physiotherapist yesterday for my check up, I have been told I can drive now but think I’ll leave it until the new year, the roads are too busy at the moment.
DD2/is taking me to see my 99 year old godmother this afternoon. She still lives alone and mostly fends for herself with help from friends. She has a 94 year old friend with dementia staying with her for Christmas, keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well.
DD1’s Christmas food order arrived yesterday, she hasn’t been well all week and realised that although there’s masses of food for Christmas there isn’t anything for the meals in between now & then! Someone will have to brave the shops today or tomorrow!
rosesandlilac Hsppy Birthday and I hope you soon feel better. grandmattie those mince pies look good.
Have the best day possible everyone.

Good morning from a rainy W Kent. Yesterday’s cataract operation went well, the only drama being the Surgeon stuck in an almighty traffic jam.
Happy birthday Roses
Maw sorry to read your news.
Best wishes to all

Morning from a wet S Hants, two sleeping grandchildren upstairs, as is MrJ, we all had a lovely evening yesterday, watching a film and chatting.
Happy Birthday Roses 🎂🥳🥂, hopefully you’ll feel better as the day goes on, these bugs going round are nasty.
Clever bakers on here this morning, glad your mixer turned up, at last, llfl
Newspaper day, MrJ off to football with my daughter and grandson this afternoon.
🦩🦩

Good morning all from a chilly North Leicestershire.

I have wrapping to finish today (Dh's while he is at the gym) I am still really tired after the lurgy that is doing the rounds and a friend's son has been hospitalised because of it.

Last night we watched the annual, charity Tractor Run - lots of noise, lights and a lovely atmosphere. And right outside our house.

Good morning all from Glasgow, same weather as Kalu (as she is only fifteen minutes up the country road!)
Yet again we have a Yellow warning, we seem to be having them every couple of days.

Sad to hear you are feeling so low on your birthday, Roses. I hope is is better than your expectations.

Glamma, I hope your DD gets help soon. So upsetting to watch your daughter so unwell.

Pants, as always, I have my beady eye on you.

Bellasnanna, what a talented lady your daughter is! I have baking envy.

Yesterday's visit to Sainsbury's was a nightmare. I forced myself to go early, hoping I didn't meet anyone (I couldn't be bothered even washing my hair) but it was so busy at 9.30am.
The car park was gridlocked and I couldn't get out of my disabled space, because there was a stand off between two elderly drivers, who wanted my space! Walking sticks at dawn! 😂Then I drove on the dual carriageway, behind a driver doing 16 m.p.h per hour, causing people to try and overtake. I looked in my mirror and there was a huge tailback behind me, but there was nothing I could do. These are the people, who cause accidents on busy roads.

Today, we have a busy household. Every year, since she was a toddler, DH and DD have watched Muppets Christmas Carol. Last year DIL dropped Dollie off, but she was not amused when DS2 turned up with Babydoll, who disrupted the whole film.
I was given strict instructions (separately) from Dollie and DD, that I was to keep it a secret!!! I nearly let the cat out of the bag to DS! It would have been the naughty step for me.
SIL has also invited himself, but he plans to sit in MY conservatory and do his crossword. I shall be homeless.

They have also asked for morning rolls and Lorne sausage for lunch, certain snacks for during the film and I have been warned to stay out of the way in my own home.
DD has just messaged to say that Dollie's mum is picking them up, on the way here with Dollie.
I pretend to complain about them inviting themselves, but I love it! 💕
DD , who has been made redundant after twenty years with the same firm, had her last day yesterday. I suspect she may be feeling low.

I have not been well enough to wrap a single present, so will try and do that this morning.
Vigil Mass tonight and also website to update.
I haven't been to church all week, I have deliberately stayed away, just not been up to it. I wonder what awaits me! The new PP tries not to bother me, unless it is an emergency. Lovely man.

I wish you all a pleasant day and hugs for those, who need them.

Good morning to all from Essex and happy birthday to roses and lilac. We have DD and family here on Christmas Day with more family coming on Boxing Day and all staying over, so preparation is the key for me. Two little girls and two dogs will make for a lively time. I’m not used to dogs so I’m trusting the ‘owners’ will keep them under control!
I don’t post very often but read GM every day. Sending my thoughts and best wishes to all, and hoping the poorlies and worried have a gentle day.

Morning Mick, morning All from a wet corner of Somerset. Bracing ourselves for the forecast strong winds.

A rather fraught trip for the food items we wanted to choose ourselves yesterday afternoon. The supermarket car parks were mayhem, our usual route home was gridlocked so a detour it was. No need for further forays thankfully. A quiet, pottering at home day ahead before our teenagers and their dad come tomorrow.

Happy birthday roses, hope you feel better very soon.

Take care everyone. Have the best day you can.

Oldies’ Christmas lunch with “entertainment” will largely fill today but have a carol service practice first so need to dry my hair and get a move on. Everyone sounds impressively busy and I wish I had more get up and go; my sympathy to all of you who are battling illness, which somehow feels even worse at this time of year. At least we can gradually welcome longer days.

Good morning from dark, dank N Bucks.
Thank you for the many kind comments on losing my sister. Sadly I “lost” her some years ago when her Alzheimers made meaningful communication impossible but until his death in 2023 I could ring my BIL and get updates.
I am hoping that a visit next May from her middle son and his wife will be an opportunity for rebuilding a relationship with Fiona’s family in far flung parts of Canada - her children, grandchildren and a new baby greatgrandson.
Many of you have much on your mind this Christmas and greater problems or sorrows than I, and I feel I am fortunate in comparison. I hope the lead up to the big day will be kind to you and that you do not sink beneath the waves of mince pies,wrapping paper and stuffing!

Good morning from Cambridgeshire.
Spending time with my sister today before she leaves for a Christmas in the sun! Then a bit of wrapping and a chat on the phone with a friend who doesn’t live nearby. Then feet up and reading my Christmas book or watching a Christmas film.

Happy Birthday roses 💐

Hope everyone has a good Saturday wherever the day takes you

Good morning all from the Scottish Borders.
Happy Solstice everyone. 🌞
My hospital visit was quick and efficient but it was a dreich day.
Here's a photo I took on my walk from the station. Duntocher burn.

I was back in Edinburgh in time to spend a lot of money do some
present shopping.
I am tired today.

No pantglas you are not last 😁 I
shall collect a tree today from the
community woodland.
I still have masses to do. I have made a list 😃
Sad news Rosiesmaw 😢
Happy birthday Roses🎂

Admiration for all you busy bees.
Hope everyone has some joy today.

Good morning Mick and all from a dull Berkshire.
Instead of gadding about in Windsor as was my intention, I rested as the next couple of days are busy. Terrible sciatica coupled with the fact I am still getting over my op’.

Today to lunch with flying DD and friends (beef wellington yummy) and tonight drinks with more friends.
Hope I stay the course…

Happy birthday Roses and thoughts to all🎄

Good morning all from the Black country.
Happy birthday Roses hope you feel better soon 💐🎉.
Well the package from the sorting office is still a mystery, it was a card with an old stamp but on the inside was DH name and someone called Carol from Mary and John whoever they are we do not know.
Today we are over to friends at Redditch.
Well it's that time again usual full English calling so will catch up later with everybody's happenings, have a great day everyone whatever your plans ☀️.

Good morning and it’s damp and dreary out.

Little DGD has just come down and is playing with little pooch while I have a cuppa. She such a good girl.

Last evening we had our chimes/poetry/Solstice gathering at a local library. What a lovely, cosy relaxed couple of hours. It was well attended with lots of refreshments . Free to the general public. An elderly man played his guitar and sang some folk songs - wassailing etc.
DGD came with me , the only child there so was made a fuss of. She sat quietly and seemed to ‘enjoy’ it. 😉.

Dd had a PET scan and will await the results.🙏.

GG I know the feeling. I too feel that I’ve ‘done’ everything for Christmas. 😳.
I’ll drop DGD home after we’ve made some Elf cookies and then just a couple of things to pick up in town.

RosesandLilac I hope you feel better soon and a Happy birthday to you.💐.

Goodness Bellasnanna so many cookies! What a talented Dd you have.

I made a semifreddo pud to take to sons on Boxing Day. It’s been in the freezer for about a week.
Dh went into the freezer yesterday to sort it out and left the pud out in a paint pot. 🙄😡. Shall I put it back in? 🤷🏻‍♀️.

Take care all 🌟

ON a paint pot not IN 😳

A late Good Morning everyone from south Manchester where it’s damp but mild. We are picking my stepfather up at noon to take him for his routine optician appointment and then he wants us to take him to the Food Hall at M&S. probably busy but hey ho, we’ve nothing else to do so it won’t be stressful. 😁

Good morning everyone from a wet and windy Northampton; slept in this morning so I am much later than usual. Another cheer here for it being the shortest day!

Yesterday morning was eventful - got to Sainsburys (20 minutes on the bus) and suddenly remembered I had left an egg boiling on the stove! Turned round to get the next bus back, then rang DS in the chance that he or DD-out-law were at home- luckily he was, so he jumped in the car and saved the day! One very burnt egg and saucepan ... but all was well; apparently my induction hob has a boil-dry safety feature which automatically switches the hob off if it senses a very high temperature, and it had worked. For some reason or other I had completely forgotten about the egg, had my shower, got dressed, coat on to go out, and off I went - shan't be doing that again... I'll be double checking in future.

Bought a new saucepan in Sainsburys, but I did manage to save the burnt one, it cleaned up completely. The egg went in the bin..... The whole episode gave me a real fright.

Thankfully the rest of the day was uneventful, apart from going to a neighbours for mulled wine and chat in the evening.

Will be at the theatre tonight to see DGD1 dancing in pantomime; this is also a professional one and probably her last, as A Level exams loom next year. She is 17 now and has done it every Christmas for the last 10 years; so she started off as a little tot and now at 17 is a senior dancer.

Sending sincere condolences to Maw, not a good time to lose someone dear to you.

Hoping all have a good day, especially the birthday girl!

Good morning everyone from Severnside.

My washing machine is on and I will change the bed. My parcels have been delivered so I’m looking forward to opening them even though I know what’s inside.

Lots to read this morning so I’ll do that now.

Put your glad rags on Roses and enjoy your birthday. 🎂There’s still 24 hours in the shortest day so have the best time you can🎉

I won’t be doing any but happy baking to you all 🥧

Good morning all,

I must say, all the pictures of baking look very scrumptious 😁. Put the kettle on and I’ll bring the tea 😋.

Happy birthday Rosesandlilac. I hope you have a wonderful day. You share it with some close family members of mine. 🎉🎂🎉.

So sorry to read about your sister Maw. So very sad. There never is a good time, of course, but at this time of year, it’s especially sad and difficult. 💐

I haven’t read through all the posts yet, just skimmed, so apologies if I’ve missed anyone else’s birthday or anniversary - just accept my congratulations. I will go back and read them properly now.

I hope you all have a good day.

Good morning everyone, haven’t been out , but it looks bright and the wind hasn’t got here yet ,
Lost the wee case for my hearing aids , just had a moan to my Daughter ! , no sympathy ! She pointed to my tissues , there it was poking out of the box in full view !
Isn’t it great to look forward to brighter / longer days ?
I’ve yet to write the local cards to be hand delivered , I’m hoping middle grandson will do it for me , he is a very quiet teen , but knows everyone !
My thoughts are with those with losses and those in pain 🕯️

Good morning all. Just a quickie to touch base as it were before I throw myself at the last huge pile of present-wrapping.
Rosiesmaw loss is loss. Your loss is your loss and is just as great as anyone else's. I'm so sorry for your loss .
Happy Birthday Rosesandlilac. I hope you start to feel better soon.
After 7 (!) hours sleep last night I feel ready to dive into the present-wrapping, but is those 7 hours of sleep didn't start until 2am I'm very late starting!
I had such a lovely time at our little Scottish family get-together yesterday. It will live on forever in my mind - and in photos. How lucky am I!
I do hope you all have a lovely day 🎄🎶🎁

Little great grandson waving 'hello'

👋