Good Morning Wednesday 9th April 2025

Good morning Mick and All from a sunny but chilly day in South Bucks.

Our DS and 2 grandsons 14 and 12 go home today from their 5 day hols with us. It has been exhausting but such wonderful fun. The house is in chaos, the food supply almost gone and when they leave after a large Wetherspoons breakfast with us, I shall feel sad but also grateful that they enjoy being with us even though we are 78 and 79.

Susan I’m glad youve got your scan booked. Hope all goes well for you 🙏

Good morning everyone from Inverness where we’ve some light grey cloud to start the day, hopefully sunshine later
A very Happy Birthday to the boys Bellas 🎂🎂
Good to hear your DGD is home now Sar53 hope she does ok from now on and good luck to her with her exams
We’ve got both DGC coming round this afternoon and staying until tomorrow evening, so a busy time ahead. Let’s hope they behave and they can both agree on what to do! It’s much easier to have just one at a time but it’s not to be this time. I’ll need to go to Tesco first so stock up the fridge
Hoping all goes well with the cataract op tomorrow grandmabatty, such a lot for you to deal with just now, take a rest sometime if you can ❤️
Thinking of everyone with worries and struggles, hope today is gentle and take care all whatever the day brings 💐

Good morning Mick and all GN's on a dry still but very cold looking morning in North Yorkshire. It is still definitely going to be a two outfit day, as warm trousers and jumper needed right now but forecast gave very sunny for the middle of the day. Friends who have plants they want to get out are champing at the bit but too frosty to try yet round here.

So yesterdays switched round day went well, and I looked quite reasonable to pick up my friend for the promised lunch. Had lovely fresh risotto, but as I was driving just sparkling water with it . Very virtuous followed by coffee. Then took my friend home, as she had things to do , and then returned to go into the travel agents.

I had booked the holiday ages ago and done the various things I needed to do, but then got this form to fill in asking what assistance I would need. Very detailed form to cover all eventualities, a lot of which were simple to answer. However questions such as do I need to go to the plane in a wheelchair were much more difficult as "it depends" is the correct answer. How I am that day, which is totally out of my control, how far you have to walk or do you have to stand about for ages. That kind of question, so went into the travel agency and checked it through with them, to ensure that I get it right.

They thought I had responded very quickly as they had just sent me an email to say that my return flight had been cancelled and they would put me up for another night at a hotel, but the one I was booked in could not accommodate me for the extra night so would I mind spending two nights in another hotel and I would get a king size room, at no extra cost!! As I had not yet booked my return train ticket, it cost me nothing in time, money or effort so I was graciously prepared to accept their kind offer!! (wonder if they would like to cancel another flight and I could stay a bit longer?)

So that was all very satisfying and I returned home to change into old clothes and got down to a bit of down to earth cleaning up and sorting out, then a quick sandwich and change again and off to the games night at the local pub. Another new game to learn. Very interesting, with many different things to learn, and I ended up feeling quite frustrated , that by the end of the evening I had understood less than in the beginning!! However I try to remind myself of what I used to say to my students. When you feel you are doing worse, you are not. You have become aware of the mistakes you made, whereas in the beginning you did not know you were making a mistake. So in all learning, that stage has to be got through to hopefully lead on to better understanding next time! Fingers crossed, as at the moment it is as clear as mud!!! So I felt I had done a fair bit with my day.

Today I intend it to be a calmer one. A trip on the yellow peril as it is market day, so need my warm clothes for that. Call in at the womens group for bits and pieces and to tell them that the Ferris Wheel has come to Ripon - who needs to go to London - and thought it might be a trip we could all make and those with children might like to bring them., as it is the easter holidays now . It would be easier for everyone if we took a minibus , as parking will be quite a nightmare there anyway. Then change of head from board game to whist brain for tonight. Oh the social whirl of my life!!

Ashcombe Hope you get to your group today. It is cheering to feel able to do things again isnt it?
GrandMattie do you have a cracked plate or cup that you could name Teflon and smash it with great force on the floor, or could you take your secateurs out and think of him as you snip viciously at a branch or two!! It sounds childish but when I feel very frustrated about things I can do little or nothing about ( Such as Trump!) it does lower the blood pressure and I am prepared to sweep up the kitchen floor afterwards! Hope that you meet more pleasant people today,
Bellasnana Hope the birthday boys have a lovely day and a great party. With a bit of luck they will be glad for a rest after the party and you might get to see your tennis.
kittylester I agree that getting old has its drawbacks but better than the alternative!

Well looking a little brighter outside and a slight breeze so may get a bit of handwashing done as a virtuous start to my morning. Hope everyone has a good day

Good morning all from a sunny Black country.
Slept late this morning but no playgroup so no panicking. We are off to the theatre to see Only fools and horses this afternoon then will go for a meal afterwards.
Birthday wishes to the boys Bellasnanna🎂🎉.
Hope all goes well for your cataract op tomorrow grandmabatty.
Will get myself a cuppa 🍵 and catch up with everybody's happenings.
Have the best day you can everyone whatever your plans ☀️.

Good morning from N. Bucks where the sun is obviously having a lie in.
I’ll take today as it comes. DH is at golf so I’ll potter. Probably not in the garden as there is work going on in an adjoining garden so quite a bit of noise.
Maybe a little trip out later.
I must sort out the materials for a craft day on Sunday with DGSs this evening.

Wishing everyone a good day with special thoughts for those who are poorly or troubled.

Good morning from a cloudy Suffolk where sun is promised later.

I’m off to my keep fit class soon and then home to make up the 2 remaining beds before the arrival of the Bristol tribe + dog. Although the 3 DGC are now all teenagers,they still like the routines of their earlier childhood…. A special cuddly toy on each of their beds and b their own duvet cover,one being Paddington bear.

I’ve booked a table in the Italian restaurant of a local pub for this evening . Wednesdays are pizza and pasta evenings as well as their full menu plus delicious homemade puddings. Should suit all.

Hope the boys enjoy their birthday party in the park Bella. Kind thoughts to all those with worries or ill health and thinking especially of Gingster’s DH and his ongoing therapies.

Good morning all from Glasgow, where it is 6°C.

Happy birthday to Bella's boys, I hope you all have a lovely day.

GMBatty and Sallyforth, sending hugs and praying you find the strength to cope with your bereavement and the days ahead.
Pleased to hear your DH is improving, Ginster and hoping he and Sar's granddaughter continue to make progress.

Mass this morning, I need to conscript people to help with our summer fête in June and don't want to leave everything to the last minute. Many of our stalwarts are no longer with us and it is difficult to get new volunteers, especially young and fit ones.

After my visit to Sainsbury's and B&M yesterday, I had planned to work in the garden, however, my heart is protesting at me overdoing things at the moment and I fell asleep after lunch. I have once again developed prolonged bouts of yawning, which is an indicator that it is struggling.
It is so embarrassing, when people think I'm bored listening to them. It is even more embarrassing, when our young curate, who was in B&M buying chukkies for his mother, witnessed a domestic between DH and I over the same chukkies! 🤣

Good luck with the scan, Kitty, your op GMB and your day out sounds perfect to me, Karma.

Have a good day folks.

Good Morning Mick and everyone from sunny Carlisle where car windscreens were lightly frosted at dawn.
Yesterday I had a busy morning of jobs but it was downhill after lunch, my planned walk had to be given up as I'm still suffering the effects of Moderna. I spent part of the afternoon reading in the garden and part of the evening shivering under a fleece!
We'll see how today goes...I'm going to start the ironing shortly then clean the bathrooms and hope to garden or go for a walk after lunch. Somewhere along the way I need to get to grips with some admin.

Have the best possible day everyone.

Good morning everyone from a rather overcast Northampton, but it is supposed to clear up later.
Just looked out of the window and a thick fog has descended!

Yesterday was glorious and we enjoyed a lovely health walk. When I got home I cut the front grass. Another load of washing done and dried on the line.

Hairdressers late morning today. Hoping she can work a miracle with it! I will probably cut the back grass this afternoon.

Birthday wishes to your boys, Bella! 🎉🎁🎂

Good morning all. Another chilly, sunny start to the day in Glasgow.

It’s so nice wakening up to the sun each day which motivates me to tackle various outdoor tasks, problem is, my activities are limited due to sciatic pain and to add to the mix, X-ray results have confirmed I have osteoarthritis in my left knee..🤬 Not much to complain about as I know many of you have so much worse health and worrying issues going on.

In an effort to make life easier I have ordered a hand held clothes steamer which arrives today. No gardening today so I will sit in the garden with my book.

Happy Birthday to the boys Bellasnana 🎂
Dear Grandmabatty understandably you are feeling overwhelmed. I wish you strength to get through the days ahead. Pleased to hear you have family support. Take care of yourself too. 💐

Best wishes to all especially those of you coping with difficult times.

Good morning all from the Scottish Borders. Another misty start but sunshine promised.

My car badly failed its MOT yesterday so I need to carefully think what to do now. It's old and the repairs are expensive a bit like me

Last night I took my Aussie helpers to the folk club along with 2 of their friends who are in Scotland to be married in the romantic Highlands
We all performed either a song or a poem. One of the Aussies asked questions about the small pipes and we all got to hear the history of bagpipes they aren't originally Scottish! from someone who made them for 10 years.

I have a ticket to see Wild Rose at the theatre tonight with my friends and dinner first.

Have a lovely party with your boys Bellasnanna

Thinking of all the poorlies and also Grandmabatty who has much to deal with right now but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Sar53 pleased than your DHD is back from yet another stay in hospital. Asthma and GCSE’s not happy bed fellows I wish her well.

Gingster small steps on recovery road for your DH 🌸

It is exactly eight years ago today that my darling mum died, it’s ironic that I am beginning to pack to return just up the road to where our family home was for many years.

My sister and I miss her every day, she was the heart of our family, and was never happier than when we were all together 💔

GG13 💐

Good morning everyone from south Manchester where Alexa tells me it’s 2°C and will be 16°C. Another gorgeous sunny day! I sat on our verandah yesterday for a couple of hours, suncream on and reading my Kindle. I even had a glass of chilled Sauvignon blanc at 4pm. It was so relaxing.

Today I want to have a wander. Sunglasses on and I’ve found a pair of cropped cotton trousers I’d forgotten about! I’ll go to the bookshop to pick up a book that’s come in for me, buy some birthday cards then mooch around the square.

Later I’ve been invited to L’il Miss’ school to play ‘Chocolate Bingo’! Easter PTA event. Her mummy has bought tickets for the 3 of us. It starts at 3pm and afterwards we will go straight to the leisure centre as it’s swimming lesson this evening.

A totally pleasant day ahead which I’m looking forward to!

Good morning from an overcast NE.
SIL is travelling to the UK today and will be visiting tomorrow.
Happy birthday to the twins Bellasnana.
Thoughts are with poorly people.

Morning, sunshine in S Hants again.
Happy Birthday boys 🎂🎂🥳
Your poor granddaughter Sar I wish her a full recovery and hope biological help
Nearly there Grandmabatty I won’t say a word about your brother, but mine was similar.
I think the hoe is fixed to me in the garden, lack of rain means nothing to the weeds, I’m pleased my new dwarf Cherry and crab apple have settled in, both have growth and blossom.
Library today, might walk by the river
🦩🦩

Good morning all and another grey start on the Angus coast. It is brighter looking westward and as that is the direction I'm going for lunch I'll take that. It will no doubt clear here by mid morning.
DD says they have fog near Nottingham this morning too Bluesapphire so I hope it clears up soon.
I feel very fortunate that as an older gran I have not yet experienced the aches, pains and ill health of old age, but goodness I get so infuriatingly tired! After tai chi yesterday I had intended to do a Tesco shop while I was down in the town but was so tired that I went up home and sat by the pond to watch the fish! I then decided to have a bite of lunch before shopping - and promptly fell asleep after it. No wonder I have nothing to say on here!
Happy Birthday to Bella's little twins today 🎂🎈.
Well done with all you have achieved to date Grandmabatty and best wishes for your op tomorrow.
Good to hear your DH is making good progress gingster.
Now I must go and get the washing on the line before going out for lunch with an old friend, which will be lovely.
Have the best day you can everyone 🌞

Good Morning from Co Armagh,
I’m sitting in the warm sun , ☀️, I am back from getting my Covid booster , catching my breath then off to our Wednesday club for a restorative coffee

Hoping for a pleasant day for all , with relief from troubles

Awaiting the arrival of scaffolding in order that the roof leak can be fixed and am delighted it is being done though from experience I know that the scaffolding will stay until it’s wanted elsewhere. However, it is progress, and once the roof is done my solar panels will be installed. Just need the nice weather to last long enough!

Best wishes for your op Gmb

Good morning from Cambridgeshire, running a bit late today! I think my long cycle ride yesterday wore me out.

Happy Birthday to Bellas little twins. Seems lots going on today and I’m sorry to hear so many struggles. Hoping everyone’s day goes smootly today.

I’m off to meet a very dear friend of many years for a lunch in her local very posh pub and maybe a stroll around her very pretty village. No wine as I am driving (and dieting)

Have the best day possible everyone 🙏

Good morning all from Sunnyside northwest coast sandhills.
Music club went well yesterday with a new song thrown in, but I’m rather under the weather. Probably due to my mild shingles attack. Time to get a regular vaccination I think.

I foolishly booked a ticket online for a show and mistook the back for the front on the seating plan. Must see if I can change it.
Off to lunchtime recital soon, but feeling unenthusiastic.

Birthday greetings to Bellas twins, all the best for your op’ Grandmabatty and thoughts to Gingster and all🌺

Morning all from a very overcast grey Ashford Kent. 8C at the moment, I looked up my beloved Jerez and it’s 27C today. I really miss my frequent trips there.
Marydoll I chuckled at your ‘chuckies’ - a word my father used.
I had an MRI on Sunday evening ( called in as there had been a cancellation) on my lipomas. At the ultrasound scan, we got up to 10, hence the MRI. Now the wait for the result.
Life is quiet at the moment as DH is on a 16:00 to 02:00 shift so sleeping during the day. He was diagnosed as diabetic about a month ago so we have been coming to terms with that. All credit to him he has lost 9kgs already despite very little support from our surgery. The doctor suggested a meal replacement program - 4 shakes per day, 800 calories for 12 weeks. DH is 6ft 4in ex Grenadier Guard who drives HGVs - that wasn’t really an option. The company that arranges it said he couldn’t get on the program till June as he can’t commit to 5 consecutive Monday appointments. I did the research and he’s on a low carb diet of real food. By June, he’ll be well over the targeted goal of 12kgs loss in a year on the program! The nurse responsible for diabetic patients at the surgery postponed our appointment on Monday for three weeks. I’m frustrated that after the diagnosis, we’ve just been left to get on with things ourselves. No real direction on diet, blood testing etc.
On the up side, ‘we’ aren’t having potatoes, biscuits, cakes, chocolate so we should both be lighter this summer!
Hope all those with troubles have a better day!