Good Morning Monday 23rd December 2024

Morning all from a still dark West Oxfordshire.

OH and I had our last lunch out for the year yesterday. On our return it was good to use my new food processor, which I finally had possession of after much shenanigans. I made two dozen sausage rolls, a batch of stuffing balls and a pint of bread sauce.

Daughter is arriving today. (Younger son tomorrow) While OH is collecting her from the railway station I will ice the Christmas cake. I always try to do a little trellis work! This dates from the 4th year at school when the O-level group had to make a Christmas cake and do something complicated for the decoration! I’ll make beef and dumplings for dinner.

A final Waitrose trip this morning. If I’ve forgotten anything there’s a Co-op in the village.

Have a good day everyone on this Christmas Eve Eve.

Good morning from mid Essex, it looks grey outside but not as windy thank goodness. I think it’s going to be a cold day again, but milder tomorrow.
Had a long catch up phone call with my friend in Kent yesterday afternoon, which was good. My daughters took the grandchildren to a carol service by candlelight in the local church. DD1 got burnt from melting hot wax, but she & her sister refused to let the grandchildren hold candles!
madeleine I hope you manage to get sorted soon, but look after yourself too.
Safe travels to those visiting friends and family and have the best day possible everyone.

Good morning all I’m afraid I’ve slept in today I didn’t fall asleep until perhaps 3am .

It’s cold and windy outside and I believe we may be getting a yellow warning today here on the east coast of Fife, it won’t matter too much to me I’m staying indoors my sisters friend is coming for lunch, I hope she’ll be okay driving in those windy conditions

Have a good day my friends keep safe and continue to care for others less fortunate

Good morning all from the Black country.
I had a copy of GP letter from eye consultant he wants me to have bloods and 24hr blood pressure monitoring and will see me in New Year for more in depth tests have been told will be at hospital for the day.
Found I need to get one more present must have hid the one I bought but can't remember where.
Hope the poorlies are improving, enjoy your day everyone whatever your plans safe travels those on the move ☀️.

Good morning from the NE where it sounds less windy.
Nothing on the calendar today so will just do some light housework and make sure all the tableware is accessible for Christmas day. We are having a vegetarian meal, don't think DS was impressed when I told him but GD2 was.
DIL had ordered gifts for GDs for me, they will be wrapped this afternoon, so much easier these days as they tend to be technology in oblong boxes.
Have a good day.

Good morning everyone from a still dark Northampton, and it is dry. Yesterday turned out bright and sunny, but a cold wind.

I enjoyed the carol service yesterday at my friend's Congregational church, but it went on a bit in my opinion, reminding me of my Methodist chapel up-bringing, but worse than that. The deacon leading the service seemed to ramble on and ad-lib for ages, all very lovely and heart-felt, but I prefer the ritual and predictability of the Anglican church. That aside, I have never seen a church so beautifully decorated for Christmas; they had thrown everything at it, but very tastefully.

Had a light lunch when I got home then set about making Mary Berry's Christmas cake bites - let us say they look nothing like the picture, but they taste ok - not sure whether to take them with me tomorrow!

A ham to cook this morning, shall do it in the pressure cooker, then it will have time to cool down and chill before taking it to DD's tomorrow. I have made a list to remind me of all the stuff I need to take with me. I think DS-in-law is picking me up along with DGD2. DS is working, and DGD1 has pantomime performances tomorrow,.so DD-out-law will bring them once that is finished.

The cats go off to the cattery after lunch - just hoping they go into their carriers without any hiccups..... such as hiding under the beds so I can't find them.

Will wish everyone a pleasant day.

Good morning from a dry and still Suffolk where it seems a little lighter than it has been for the last few mornings.

When we kept a few hens years ago,we always looked forward to the 22nd December onwards as the increasingly lighter mornings meant more eggs regularly. Apparently hens rely on light to lay.

Apart from icing the Christmas cake and our morning dog walk we shall hunker down for the rest of the day. We’ll catch up with DD2 and family who return home after their weekend away at Butlins. They started going for the weekend before Christmas when their younger child was 5,he is now 13, and have enjoyed going since.

Hope today is a peaceful one for all.

Good morning all from Polmont where it's currently 4° and dry. This morning I have the boys coming while mum and dad do some shopping. We are going to make gingerbread shapes and ice them then I have a wee science kit to play with. Hide and seek will figure too. All the presents are wrapped. I'm doing my (very small) Christmas food shop tomorrow early. Have a good day all.

Good morning from N Bucks where last nights winds have dropped and with clear skies and the odd fluffy cloud it looks to be a nice day.
I feel I am just about “done”- not that I had a lot to do, but in a funny way it’s worse, at least when I did Christmas in our own home I knew my way around the flashpoint!
So just the red cabbage to do for meals - 6 then 19 - but not everybody likes red cabbage so I’m bound to make too much. Then I need to compile and tick off an old fashioned pen and paper LIST.
Hope not to be anywhere near a shop if I can help it - this raised a wry smile.
With kind thoughts to you all.

Good morning all and the wind has died down thank goodness. Another night of concern about our seaside cottage. We’ll be going up after Christmas to make sure all is well! 🤞.

We had a lovely lunch and afternoon with my two brothers and sister in law. They had all suffered with this awful virus that’s seems to be everywhere, and still have coughs , but were in good form.

Today - nothing to do! How nice- it’s been a busy run up to Christmas and now we’ll enjoy time to relax and do whatever we like.
DS1 is working half day and is popping in for a bit of lunch before going home to his family . They are hosting all of the family on Boxing Day. 🎄.
I think tomorrow it will just be Dh and me. Very nice too 🎅.

I do pray that all grans who are poorly , feel better and can enjoy the festive few days. 🌟

A small bit of domestic goddessing today as Wonderful Cleaner is having a deserved week off, and carol service this evening to look forward to, but all very low key - a far cry from the days when we always had a house full for Christmas. Meanwhile we have sunshine and a chilly wind but looks good for those travelling.

Good morning all from the Scottish Borders where it's light so must be late. I went back to sleep after lying awake for hours.

I love the reminder Rosiesmaw 😂 😄
If I find myself in a shop today I will end up buying more stuff.

I made a Christmas pudding yesterday but must have given away my pudding basin so will steam it in a homemade pot, for fun. It is non alcoholic for the DGC.

The piano wasn't moved yesterday, instead I have been lent an electric one for all the talented DGC to play.

I still need to collect my turkey from the farm, wrap presents and decorate my wee tree.

I found lights last night but they flash on and off - horrible. I can't think where they came from 😂

My clearing of the attic has revealed
things unseen for half a century.

I'm glad Ash you were able to enjoy the party. I am sorry your back is still so painful Kalu

Now to get on with a busy day. Take care everyone.

Good morning everyone from a dry, not windy south Manchester. I did see in the Manchester Evening News that the M62 was closed because of snow between Huddersfield and Saddleworth! Caught some agencies out obviously.

I’m minding L’il Miss for a couple of hours this morning while Teacher Mummy does some wrapping! She’ll have an ‘empty’ as the Boy Wonder is off to the Trafford Centre with dad. Early evening they’re all off to the Light Show at Dunham Massey, tickets bought weeks ago. It will be pretty magical I think.

We have no plans for this afternoon nor evening which, at this stage of the proceedings I find bluddy wonderful. Oh Himself has just asked Alexa to play “Gaudette” by Steeleye Span again. Lovely, but maybe not ad nauseum! 🤣

Good morning from County Durham.
GD1 gymnastics show yesterday was terrific. The standard was outstanding, such talented and dedicated young people. GD1 was mesmerising in her routines. We particularly enjoyed Cabaret where her facial expressions truly matched the song lyrics. She was pure joy.
It was lovely to watch GD2 and her improvement since last year. The pride in her face, watching her elder cousin perform, was evident too.
Off to DS today for a gift exchange then home to recharge for a busy day tomorrow.
Take care everyone.

Morning everyone, happy Christmas Eve Eve 🤶🏻

I am off to the pantomime this afternoon with DS4 and family, (Cinderella with Rylan Clarke, my 2nd pantomime this year!)

DH will enjoy the peace and quiet of being home alone 🤣

🎄🤶🏻🧑‍🎄🎅🏻

Good morning all, cold and dull in Co Armagh,
I’m waiting for someone to get a carton of apple juice to do the ham in the slow cooker . If it doesn’t turn up I’ll just do it in water in the pressure cooker ,
It isn’t even for me ! I do it for my son and his family
I go next door to my daughter for Christmas
Yesterday was lovely , the Silver band had a Carol service in the local hall with tea and mince pies after , main joy was catching up with friends and neighbours !
Family zoom was different ! They set it up , I did my best , then daughter nipped in from next door to set me right now and again ! It was fun !
I have candles to light for friends on her and in the village , Someone suggested one very big candle !
🕯️
Bit of tidying up might happen

Coffee time from a remarkably mild Scotland. I am totally disorganised re wrapping so will pop the goodies in festive gift bags. DH and I will do the tree tonight, after hauling it inside.
this afternoon some food prep and an easy dinner.
Best wishes to all.

My ham was too big for the pressure cooker, so is now cooking in orange juice and ginger in the slow cooker!
Have just written all the family cards, and done one for the paper boy tomorrow morning with a.nice Christmas tip in it - remember doing paper rounds when I was at school, and how grateful I was for a little Christmas tip - a reward for all the early mornings on my bike in all weathers.
Coffee time now - have just tipped the remains of a bottle of Cointreau in it!

Good morning! From Northants or is it ?!!!!!?
So far I have had a muttering- fest with cocky, knowitall husband!
I then I took myself out into the garden & trod-in the dog's whiffy
morning present! Thing can only get better, or can they? 🤔

GrannyGravy13

Morning everyone, happy Christmas Eve Eve 🤶🏻

I am off to the pantomime this afternoon with DS4 and family, (Cinderella with Rylan Clarke, my 2nd pantomime this year!)

DH will enjoy the peace and quiet of being home alone 🤣

🎄🤶🏻🧑‍🎄🎅🏻

Ohhhh GrannieGravy13, you lucky devil going to the pantomime to see Rylan in action.
It will be a real hoot
"Oh no it wont, Oh yes it will" 😊

I have just been reminded by a dear GN friend that the panto is Jack and The Beanstalk not Cinderella as I posted 🤦‍♀️

In my defence it is Cinderella next year and we have been trying to find a day we can all go 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Ilovedogs22 I really like Rylan.