Good Morning Wednesday 12th February 2025

Good morning Mick and all GN's on a cold damp north yorkshire morning but at least have a bit of daylight by now to look out.

Very still but miserable looking and as I know I have to go out this morning , must find practical trousers to go on the yellow peril. I have a big bright yellow coat, which is waterproof, and clear for everyone to see and very warm too. Does nothing on the fashion front and adds a couple of stone on me by the looks of it, but as I was given it and it cost "nowt" and does the job I am happy to wear it. However rather stuck about what to wear with it at the moment. If I am going out shopping, not long in the shops, I wear my thermal leggings under a normal pair of trousers which works well and keep quite warm etc. However they are not waterproof and havent yet worked out the best option. I have seen some waterproof trousers with warm insides ,very cheap in a sale, but they would be too warm to wear if I go to a meeting., or would have to think of other trousers and availability of place to change. Cant see any sort of waterproof apron type thing that could just go over me, and as fingers crossed, when the cataracts are done I hope to be back driving dont want to spend a fortune . Ah well something will turn up.

I was awake by about 4.30am, but not in so much pain, so am grateful for that. Tried to go back to sleep and read a bit, but gave up and got up and have been able to catch up with lots of bits and pieces I had not been able to deal with yesterday. Had a small tear in buggy cover which managed to absolutely rip all up the back , so today fingers crossed, I will be getting a new cover. Dont like Amazon, and am very wary of putting my financial details on anywhere, especially just at the moment, as just switching banks , so a friend who has an account with them is ordering it and it should come today.

Had an enjoyable evening yesterday, went to this games group held in a local pub. It is all sorts of games but not cards or monopoly. They are all very welcoming and I enjoy the chance to use my brain working things out. Some are very complicated and others you can get the general idea quite quickly. We played one where you have roads, cities, monastries etc and you put tiles into the general layout, looking to see that you wont get your player killed off etc. Got the main drift but what I really like is that it plays to my strengths , which are also my problems, as I am used to looking about three steps ahead, of if I do this , then that, but this will then happen. A chess or bridge sort of game and I did rather well coming second, and the man who won, asked me if I was sure I hadnt played it before!! That was quite cheering as of course I was bottom of the pile for all the other various games.

So , that was an uplifting evening and today I am going to get off soon to try and carry on a good streak. I need a few veg from the market, but most important need to go back to the bank and get this flipping phone number/ card access sorted out so that I can just use my new card and not have all the hassle I have been having.

Then there is a young disabled man, who I see at various group things and have agreed to meet him for coffee in Cafe Nero this morning, which is a treat he enjoys. He is a very cheerful person and for some reason he seems to have rather taken to me, and we enjoy having a chat together and sometimes share in activities at the group. The last couple of times he has suggested having coffee together I have had appointments and drs things and he was disappointed so I am glad that we can meet up today. Then fingers crossed that my friend will get the said cover and collect that.

In the afternoon, it is a bit more paperwork sorting and make sure all the recycling stuff is out for the bin men tomorrow , and then going to try and contact the plumber and the floor people and at least get some sort of date or timetable for the stuff to be finished. Need to organise something for an early meal tonight as I need to be ready by about 6.10pm as I am being kindly given a lift to go to the whist drive. Grateful for the lift, or wouldnt be able to go tonight, and I always feel if you are being given a lift you should be ready promptly as soon as they arrive.

All of which should help me to spend as little time as possible worrying about the eye appointment tomorrow. Oh well I am actually already a bit calmer now as once it becomes inevitable I seem to cope a bit better. I liken it to the idea of being caught in a trap, where you keep running round trying to get out and away, but use up a lot of energy and finally you just become resigned to it and sit down and it costs you a lot less mental energy.

Well hoping that the day goes well for everyone and who knows after the first lot of rain the day might improve (do I see pigs flying overhead?!!) Take care in the wet and hope you can all enjoy your day

Morning, dull and grey skies, but dry.
Lots of medical doings on here today, I hope all appointments go well.
That’s a flipping nuisance Ash, pleased you’re feeling better Kalu
I’m trying out a tai chi class this afternoon, it’s free for the first month, I hope the hall isn’t too chilly.
I’m also ringing another registry office, trying to book a date for my son's wedding, the LA online system could do with improvements.
🦩🦩

Good morning all from another dull day in the Black country.
We are off to the theatre today to the Bat out of hell musical, we have chosen the matinee performance rather than venturing out on a cold evening. We shall have meal afterwards.
Enjoy your day everyone whatever your plans ☀️

Good morning Mick and everyone from a very damp and grey Carlisle. It seems we're all suffering from dreariness!

Not much going on chez moi...a bit of vacuuming yesterday morning even including the skirting boards, one of my blind spots. I'm quite capable of looking at them for months and doing nothing about them. Reading in the afternoon.

Today, the ironing and probably the bathrooms. All a bit of procrastination really because I should be prioritising some vital admin. I'd like to get out for a stroll but the skies will have to stop dripping first. Although, thinking about it, I'll have to wait in for some deliveries first. I've been counteracting dreariness with some online retail therapy.

Have a good day everyone and wishing all the poorlies improvements.

Good morning Mick and all from a damp northwest coast.
A frazzled morning yesterday as I was scammed, all my own stupid fault, but the advertisement looked so kosher. On to the bank and lots of messing about🙄Can’t believe I was taken in. Must have been half asleep.

Music club in afternoon and after a reasonable run through at home, sang with frogs in my throat. They often appear when I sing in public. I think they just hide in glee, awaiting their moment. It was a valentine theme and I had to be prodded to realise as it’s not until the 14th. ❤️ Red napkins, strawberry tarts etc.

I then took a little drive into our countryside, which is nothing special, flat and bleak. Reminds me of the battle of the Somme. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a line of soldiers in the distance beside some blasted trees. Nice to see some daffs and snowdrops however.
Off to lunchtime recital today, a pianist who has played for me over the years is playing, it will be nice to see him, followed by fellow music club member treating me to coffee and cake.

Sorry your leg is bothering you Ash, thoughts to Pantglas and all.
Recent watercolour. I like painting clouds, it’s not the end of the world if they go astray a little😁

'I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From upside down and still somehow
It's clouds illusions I recall
I can't paint blooming clouds at all'
Sorry to Joni Mitchell and well done Holly.
I really can't paint clouds

luluaugust when I read your post I wasn’t sure whether you were unwell in 1987 (perhaps bad memories?) or whether you felt unwell at the timing of the talk about the storm. Either way, glad you enjoyed it. 😊

Good morning all. Yes, it's a grey day again on the Angus coast! But it doesn't feel as cold as yesterday when there was a biting wind off the sea.
Last night I slept. Just that. It was lovely! How I appreciate it when it happens and feel so much better the next day.
Sar I was so sorry to hear about your DGD yesterday - asthma is such a frightening thing. I'm glad she's feeling better today.
Today will be a nothing sort of day and I might just catch up with the tai chi paperwork and other minor bits and bobs. I hope you all have pleasant days and that the aches and pains will lessen. What we all need is sunshine - enjoy yours on your cruise Liberty x

Good morning from Moseley where it is/has been raining and no doubt will rain some more!
I am here because we all went to Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at the Hippodrome last night. It was packed and no wonder!
Absolutely breathtaking!
I remember the first time I saw it with Paw perhaps 10-15 years ago and it has lost none of its impact.
For those who remember the film “Billy Elliott” , the male dancer who is the Swan at the end of the film was also the original Swan in the first Matthew Bourne production, - Adam Cooper - eldest GS told me last night that he was taught by him.
So they have all gone off to their respective schools, work etc and I am having a quiet half hour to let the traffic calm down before I head home (possibly via the Hotel Chocolat factory shop and café near Junction 16) then pick up Rosie.
This afternoon brings a conversation with the gardener as to what we will be doing this Spring.
Wishing you all a pleasant day.

Good morning everyone. It’s California Dreamin weather once again on Severnside.

I’m doing an early weekly shop today. I’ve not got to get a lot as I have decided to eat my way through the freezer.

Children’s imagination is wonderful Bellas. Good luck with the flowers.

Have a good day all 💐

Good morning all from a wet Glasgow, where it is 2°C.

I don't plan to do much today, yesterday was exhausting and expensive. I have slept little, my mouth is so painful and the ulcerss are not healing, despite trying lots of different medications.. It's a great diet!

After only a year, my glasses prescription has changed again and DH also needed new glasses. While in the Optician's, I got a message from my bank, someone was trying to use my credit card to buy goods in the US,.I could hardly read the message, due to the drops in my eyes. I have no idea how this happened. I spent ages convincing the agent I had not allowed anyone to use my card, nor had I used dodgy websites.
I also emphasised that if she looked at my previous transactions, they were always on secure sites. She kept asking if I had the card in my possession. After the last time she asked, I got ratty and said, I have already said, that I have it in my hand.
She then thanked me for my vigilance and cancelled my cards, to be on the safe side! Thank goodness I managed to pay for the glasses, before she cancelled them.
The bank were certainly on the ball, for which I commend them.

Lots of business today, enjoy your catch up, Kalu and TP.
Best wishes to all, who are struggling.

Have a good day everyone.

Good morning from cold and damp South Lanarkshire.

Kalu enjoy your coffee with Topsy and say hello from me.

Very atmospheric painting hollysteers, you are talented. I’m sorry you got scammed, they’re so clever these scummers!

Eldest grandchild is in the middle of her school holiday, which is out of sync with her siblings’ and many friends schools so we will see her on her own today. Haven’t yet decided what to do, she just wants to ‘hang out’ with us which delights me.

Have the best day possible everyone.

Gorgeous picture Holly you’re very talented, and that made me smile grandmabatty! 😀

Good morning all from the Scottish Borders. Dreich here too.
DD is coming with the DGD just for an overnight. We are viewing a house for sale for me though it's probably more suitable for her.

I was making up beds and hoovering yesterday though she told me she would do it when she came. habits of a lifetime!

The physio appointment went well but I'm to stick to the given exercises and avoid strenuous sports for at least another 6 weeks as if! 🤣😂

Lovely painting Holly and great poem Grandmabatty

Sorry for you Ash I hope it goes as quickly as it came.

Let's all pray for some sunshine 🌞 ☀️

Good morning everyone from another grey damp day; seems to be going on for ever. I miss the sunshine 🌞🌞!

Slept till 8.30 and was only awoken by the phone, which annoyingly was a spam call. A gentle morning of tidying, an early lunch then to town to the cinema, where I am watching the new Mike Leigh film 'Hard Truths'.

Collected my shortened dress from the dressmaker yesterday, and left two pairs of trousers with her to be shortened. Decided to walk home, which took half an hour. Then after lunch I was out for another walk with my group. All in all I did over 12,000 steps yesterday, and nearly 6 miles!

Wishing all a pleasant day.

Marvellous painting hollysteers you are so talented! I think you got my share of skills as I have none.

Marydoll I feel for you. Aphthous ulcers have an exquisite pain all of their own. The ones on a tongue are the very divil as they catch. Miserable doesn’t come into it. I used to get them regularly but fortunately not now.

Regarding your call with the bank … you could of course have asked MrMD to pay the optician! I would have. 😁

Good morning from a dull and dank Dunblane. Just been living quietly for the last wee while which probably has a lot to be said for it. Our schools are on holiday all week for mid term and in-service days so no DGD popping in with her big smile. A trip to Stirling yesterday for some odds and ends. My bus pass had stopped working so had to see about that. I as asked if I had used the “electric” bus which I had. Apparently that has caused a few cards to stop working. 🤷 However new one ordered and on its way.
We are waiting for the gardener to come today to give the high bushes their annual trim, an expensive process but necessary since I stopped Dh going up high ladders. I am enjoying reading about everyone’s travels and they are giving me itchy feet. Must get something booked soon!
Marydoll as always I admire your resilience “thrawn” may be the word! Kalu glad you seem to have picked up a bit. Keep warm everybody.

Bill Bryson once described the British winter as like living in Tupperware, and the low grey skies we all seem to be suffering does feel like that. Come on, Spring, we need you! Singing this afternoon but not much else planned; there is always the filing, I suppose.

FGT yes sorry not clear. 1987 was one of those years! For the only time, so far, in my life I had severe clinical depression, out of the blue, after a difficult medical time, I can’t say more.
Over the years I have come to realise that this is much more common than I knew at that time

Regarding your call with the bank … you could of course have asked MrMD to pay the optician! I would have. 😁

We have joint finances as well as our personal slush funds.

It doesn't matter, who pays.

Scalpal, that is my late mother, you are describing!!
She was particularly thrawn.

I meant his card hadn’t been hacked MD (nor cancelled).

He never uses his card. The bank would probably have thought he had been hacked, when they saw the eyewatering price of the glasses! It would indeed have triggered a fraud alert.

Good morning to u all . Rushing around like a headless chicken this morn and now about to take my son for his breakfast at cafe . We go every weds .

Good morning to you all.😊
In fact everyone, apart from my underhand husband!
Another huge argument about him ( who never had time for us!)
Yet he had time to take a 'woman' up to the forest because her old dog couldn't walk -up there anymore! Hhmmm?