Good Morning Sunday 27th July 2025

Good morning from an overcast NE.
Had a quiet day yesterday, watched Unforgivable on iplayer during the afternoon, not easy viewing but we'll acted.
DS and DIL were looking at cars yesterday and DIL found one she liked so that is sorted.
DS and GDs are visiting this afternoon, I will make a pasta sauce and prepare a salad.
Have a good day.

Good morning all from A very wet Glasgow, where it is 13°C,

Excellent news Mick about your health. You are fortunate to have such supportive clinicians.

GM, have a great your day with your son.

Baubles enjoy your family gathering.

Yesterday, DH attempted to build the new carpet shampooer. Of course he refused to listen to advice, especially when I asked why the handle kept spinning round. Sigh!
He soon learned the consequences.😉
Mr Hash &Bash decided to do a trial run, just to see if it worked. When he switched it on, the handle flew off and the water tank spun across the room. 😱 I did advise him the tank wasn't on properly.
If only he had listened to my advice, but he knew better.. 🤣

I have decided not to go to church today. People will probably think I have died!.
Life at the moment is a bit overwhelming, there is no respite from chronic pain and constantly feeling unwell. This positivity and stoicism nonsense is blooming hard work!😉
My continuing lack of hearing is also getting me down.

Instead, we are going to shampoo the lounge carpet and conservatory sofas. I shall feel quite virtuous afterwards..
However, my mother would be horrified at me doing housework on a Sunday.

I wish you all a pleasant day, safe travels and happy holidays.

Good morning Mick and all GN's on a grey but brightening morning here in north yorkshire. I am utterly weary, sat in a tip, and of course having brought some bags in last night from the car, some important things I need now are still in the car!! Shows how shattered I felt last night as I tottered in at 10.20pm, because I normally make sure that I have emptied the boot etc., ready to set it up again in the morning.

So , whilst I am really physically wiped out and full of the usual aches and pains and several more new additions, I do feel so pleased with the accomplishments of yesterday. My son had had to work on saturday morning and they live over in Thornton Cleveleys near Blackpool. So he said he could probably be at our rendevous at Killington Lake , on the M6 for about 1.30pm. We need to syncronise watches (as you get charged over two hours stay). I was actually pleased for a pm meeting, as so tired that getting ready took ages. When you are alone , there is no one to share sorting things out and being so slow now it can take ages to get going.

So I finally got sorted, Putting my coffee things ready in the boot. The bits and pieces I had for Joshua, and also packed up my laptop into its bag, in the hopes that if there was a power point, my son could do all the faffing about to transfer all the photos and videos from my trip to their phones etc. Anyway I called in for my treat of the week - The Yorkshire Post, - and then set off, travelling up through the side roads through Carperby and on past Hawes to Sedberg. A lovely drive, and again for me , that rather animal instinct to check your terratory when you are home, to see that all is as it was and no new hazards arrived. A lovely drive, but oh it was busy, even on my side roads. Well of course it is the first weekend of the summer holidays. So, for farmers , harvesting and markets etc meant that a lot of tractors and trailers were trying to get on with their work. My view is that now I am retired and am free to come and go, I always make way for workers trying to do their job , especially as farmers are governed by the weather and time pressures. So they were busy, then there was the influx of cars with caravans, and motorhomes and a lot of them. I really do think that there ought to be sort of local little skid pan sort of places, where caravanners have to go and get their pass stamped, to show that they have manoevered their vehicles and towed things through between gateways and backed them up etc etc. It is quite obvious that many of the visitors have had the caravan stored somewhere and now set off up our narrow dales roads, without reminding themselves how they need to drive to be both safe and a decent road user!! Idiots who drive down the middle of the road and expect everyone else to scrunch into a hedge to let them by, or who can see a tractor and trailer coming towards them on a single track with passing places, and yet blithely set off , causing delays (and much anglo saxon muttering) to other road users. It is basically a selfish attitude, that their needs come first and with no thought to how important every minute is with threatening rain or nearly dark and desperate to get in the harvest, or move the sheep as and when you need to.

Anyway I carried on, and there were lots of little local shows, art trails, and all sorts of things I would have liked to visit but it was more important to see the family. Another extra hazard on several small roads through villages, I had not thought about, were weddings! There were actually 3 that I passed on my journey. Of course a lot of cars quite badly parked and having to squeeze past, but lovely occasions with everyone dressed in their best and lots of posh hats and fascinators. I was put in mind of the Ascot song and found myself humming and singing - in my very croaky voice at the moment - and so I carried on. Got to the high area before you drop into Kirby Stephen and parked up to make myself a coffee and have a sandwich. Got the binoculars out and had a peaceful 20 minutes, which was very calming and pleasing. My leg was not helping matters. It has been painful all morning and was complaining about the constant use on my journey so it was good to get out of the car and walk about a bit. Then there was no one about and I did some exercises , stretching and so forth and then on to some Tai Chi, which helps me loosen up and calm down. I was so intent on what I was doing and looking out at the sheep on the hills etc that I hadnt noticed a car arrive with a couple sat in the front. They were watching me quite intently, but made no signal or wave or anything, when I noticed them. They neither got out of their car, nor opened the window, so I was perhaps seen as the batty local for their entertainment!! Journeyed on, quite weary and glad to get to the destination. Again it was very busy of course, and all the disabled bays were full so had to drive round the carpark for a bit until luckily someone left. I just cannot get out of a normal space as I have to open the door wide etc.

So tottered inside and went to check if they had arrived, no, so went and bagged a table near the window that looked out over the lake and only a few minutes later they all arrived. So much chat and catching up with news. Joshua looked very well and bright and full of beans. He is just 10 now and has ants in his pants , and no wish to sit around, so after the usual hallos he was allowed to go outside where we could see him, and look down on the lake, and play roly poly down the little hill etc. I had brought him a little jigsaw of three monsters, which he swiftly made whilst having a drink at the table. Then I also bought him a little model of the Mallard steam train, which I said he had better wait until he got home, as if he dropped any bits in the cafe he would have a problem sorting them out.

So it was a very happy meeting for us all. My son will be 50 in september so quite a special birthday. whilst he was out of the room with Joshua, Louise told me of the surprise she had arranged for him. She has tickets for them to go as foot passengers to the Isle of Man. Daniel has spent many very happy hours there as we used to regularly go there in our boat. He made friends with a boy from Port St Mary, and most years they would meet up. He was keen on motor bikes even then and used to enjoy watching all the bikes coming off the ferry for the TT races etc.

So she had the idea of doing this for a surprise for him. I thought it was a brilliant idea, and on the way home , thought that rather than my getting him a present of clothes or whatever I am going to get in touch with her and see if she can arrange an extra day and I could pay for a nights b/b to give them a little more time on the island as I know he would enjoy it. So, time to organise something like that and it would please me to mark this special day , in a way they can all enjoy. I know that money is tight at the moment for them like many others and they work very hard but the cost of living is so bad at the moment. Wish I had the sort of money that could help them make life easier, but we just do our best, and despite difficulties I manage to live here independantly which is what matters to me and I dont have the money to allow me to go into a home even if I wanted to!!

So the time was up and off they went. I drove down to the next exit K Lonsdale / south lakes, and decided that as I was already there and no great rush to get home, I would have a bit of a ride into Windermere. Of course it was heaving and all the laybys I passed by were full of caravans and mobile homes and nowhere for a car to park. I think they are going to have to either make a space in each layby or have bylaws that only cars can go in certain laybys now as there was always difficulty in finding parking places but now you cant see anywhere to park. Anyway I decided I would be better going north and drove up ullswater and coming out onto A66 Penrith road. Then drove along and turned off down to Kirby Stephen and then onto my very little road down to my beloved swaledale. It was quite late into the evening, so little traffic, and I was able to drive slowly down the dale, stopping to admire the view, and the flowers and the lovely smell of harvest and meadowsweet. Wonderfully calming and a sense that I am really home now.

So here I am, and very happy to just take my time, get cleaned up and clothes put in the right space etc. My cough is still there but a little better, and so fingers crossed I dare go for my operation on tuesday. It will be so good to get it over with and hopefully eyesight fine for driving again. At least yesterday there was so much going on didnt have time to dwell on the thoughts of the hospital. Am going to take things very quietly and gently today and try and make sure I am in the right state of health and mind to face tuesday now. The great pleasures of desert island discs and private passions will add to todays enjoyment and all for "nowt" on the radio!!

So, what good news for you Mick, I am very pleased for you and long may it last. Now whenever I see cycling mentioned, or Bicester my mind immediately goes to you and wondering if you are watching it. Do you ever see the Tour de Yorkshire when it is on? The first year that they were filming it , we all put lots of effort into making posters and model bikes and decorating all the villages. Unfortunately by this time it was on ITV not BBC, and we couldnt believe it when the whole of the time the bicycles were racing down through Gunnerside, brilliantly decorated and full of onlookers , the wretched adverts were on and no one saw any of our handiwork!!

Ah well a bit of a breeze picking up now. Not quite so grey but not sunny either, so time to make much needed coffee and then will get a bit of hand washing done and out on the line. In a way it is lovely to have no plans for the day, but can go with the flow, and have a steady day.

May you all have a peaceful and happy sunday. (I shall carefully avoid any mention on the news of that wretched man in scotland! What a cheek he has to say he is on a private visit and then think he has the right to pontificate and tell us what to do. Well ,who knows ,someone from Rentakill or other pest controller may get to scotland and sort him out!! )

Good morning everyone. That's great news Michaell. Here's to many more clear results!

Karmalady, my mum was widowed at 46 and one of my friends at 48 and it forced them into being very resourceful too. DH and I have been a double act for so long I can't imagine managing without him but the reality is one of us will eventually have to carry on without the other.

DD's Ultimate Frisbee team didn't win any matches yesterday, but came very close on the last match. Today is day 2 of the tournament so fingers crossed for a win today.

We'll have a walk to church this morning, but no other plans at present.
Have a good day everyone. 🌻

Good morning from a fairly bright Stockport.
Yesterday was dull all day but warm.
The sun struggled to come out all day but never made it.
My day was filled with frustration, one of my teenage GS’s living here ,was supposed to be going to his S, not my GD, to stay for a few days.
She lives in Wales ,she was supposed to pick him up at lunchtime, she eventually arrived at 6:40 pm.
My day was spent reassuring him and fuming at her ,it is normal behaviour for her.
I shall spend a restful day but a certain amount of tidying needs doing at sometime.
Have the best day you can everyone.

Good morning everyone from cloudy Lancashire.

Not much planned again for today. MrB and I will be enjoying our usual walk down to the Dock gates. Yesterday we were able to enjoy a circular walk across both bridges as the gates were closed.

Great results Mick.

A warm welcome to any new posters I may have missed.

Thinking of our poorly Grans and families, as always.

Have the best day you can everyone 🌹

Good morning everyone from south Manchester where it’s dry and the sun is shining. A red letter day here as Himself is coming home from Christie’s after two weeks there. I’m nervous (a bit) but he looks so much better than when he went in. That was an awful time and I need to give my head a wobble, find my confidence and stop looking back which just upsets me. He has a new oesophageal stent now and after a few days at home with me doing my very best, we go back to the out patient clinic on Thursday morning for bloods and all being well another box of magic beans (chemotherapy tablets).

Since we flew back urgently from Málaga the first week in May, we have only seen the Boy Wonder and L’il Miss once. Himself was too poorly and we didn’t want to highlight anything in front of the grandchildren so we stayed away. The thought of hopefully seeing family again very soon is lifting our spirits!

Thinking of all those who perhaps just read and are dealing with their own worrying situations. Fear just takes over your life doesn’t it? x

Good morning from an overcast Wiltshire.

I’ve still got a stiff neck caused by looking skywards constantly at the air show at Fairford last weekend.

JamesandJon33 I’ll be most interested to hear about Macbeth. I’m assuming it’s the Duke theatre company performing. They are appearing at Bowood House (BlueSapphire will know it) in mid August but I will wait until nearer the time to book depending on the weather.

Will be cooking Spanish chicken and patatas bravas later on. A new dish for us to try as we like the Charlie Bigham one (but not the price). I always cook in bulk if I can for the freezer.

Have a good Sunday everyone.

Delighted Himself will be returning home to you FGT. Wishing you both the very best. 💞

So glad himself is returning home FGT. Marydoll the revolving carpet cleaner made me laugh, although I can only imagine how frustrating it must be.

I’m glad to read Himself is on his way home and hope you enjoy your much longed for family get together.

Good morning from sunny East Yorkshire.

Great news FGT2 and I hope you will be enjoying seeing your grandchildren very soon. That will be a tonic for you both.

I’m away to get ready to go out for a full English which will fill us up so a light tea later.

FGT2 👍

Brilliant FGT you’ll be fine, having himself home and plans to be made, a great day x

Good morning ick and all from a dull northwest coast.
Nice day with DD yesterday at a local summer fair. I stocked up on home cakes and jams. I bought a pretty ring and we had coffee. These fairs are not really my DDs cup of tea and so I didn’t spend as much time as I usually do looking at the stalls. Not that I need anything. DD certainly is not keen on ‘vintage’ clothing!

We walked up the village to a lovely little garden shop and bought soap and candles. It’s a really pretty spot. DD then went on to a friend’s house and I returned home with an aching back.
Watched the final instalment of Outrageous last night and enjoyed it.
Today we are planning a trip to Knutsford, one of my favourite places and the inspiration for Cranford. I could go to Elizabeth Gaskell’s grave and pay my respects.

Glad to hear your news Mick and sorry to hear about your resident grandmattie.
Thoughts also to FGT and Himself💐

MICK, so sorry

Good morning everyone from a cloudy Northampton, but should stay.dry today; I have no plans, not going anywhere, will probably catch up with the weekend papers and watch some recorded tv programmes.

And finish the job I started yesterday....... Went to the garage yesterday morning to put two portions of curry in the freezer, and thought something's not right here, everything was thawed out and the freezer was warm! Looked at the plug, and it was switched off - I can only think that when I had gone to switch the lawn mower charger off, I had mistakenly switched the fridge and freezer off instead! It must have been off for two or three days, so of course everything had to be binned - I was so cross with myself. However, the food containers are now mostly all washed, and I shall have to build up my stock again. The freezer now clean and switched back on. Luckily I have a small freezer in the kitchen with enough basic stuff in it.

Now to go back and read the whole thread properly.
Wishing all a pleasant day.

A rather late morning all from a slightly damp West Oxfordshire.

Such good news FGT2! Onwards and upwards.

Another quiet day for me. OH will visit his bees. They aren’t in a good mood at the moment!

We’ve moved the little oil painting from the downstairs loo to the hall on a bright pink wall!

Have a good Sunday.

Good morning from a grey midlands.
Yesterday was daft!
I made a pineapple upside down cake and couldn’t get it out of the tin then I burnt the cherry shortbread! Then I dropped and broke my iron. That’s three things so today should be a doddle!
Hugs to all suffering. 🤗

Good morning from Cambridgeshire another grey day but hopefully no rain today as DH has a lawn bowls match this afternoon.

Yesterday we decided to visit an independent garden centre we particularly like that does a lovely home cooked breakfast and due to country (unexpected) road closures got very lost (sat nav was very unhelpful) and eventually arrived not speaking but just in time before they stopped serving breakfast. I then bought a new pot and plant which cheered me up.

The afternoon was very wet so we stayed in and DH watched rugby and I read my book. Hopefully today I can get in the garden. The lawn is looking very green at the back now due to all the rain. The front is not as good tho.

Mick good news on your health
FGT so pleased himself is coming home and hope you can enjoy some time together with your family
MD 💐 I’m sorry the micro suction wasn’t helpful. It is expensive as well.
Madeleine so pleased your meet up went well and you enjoyed your day out with family

Also best wishes to everyone and especially to all those struggling ((hug)) and hope today will be kind to all.

Delighted for you fgt.

So glad to read FGT’s message - fingers and everything else crossed for them both. Thank you, Madeleine, for such an interesting piece, hope all goes to plan for next week.

Late to the party this morning after a poor night and still feel absolutely wiped out. Think I shall have to stop going away if it throws me out of kilter this much, and I certainly don’t have Marydoll’s problems to contend with.

Good morning Mick and all. Good to hear your tests have come up clear Mick - I hope you can resolve the weight and digestive problems.

We are in East Lothian for one more day before heading back to the south coast. It is raining steadily at the moment but is forecast to clear up in the afternoon. The family are back from Aberdeen and the DGS’s crew on the Sea Cadets ship have been replaced by a new crew, although they won’t be going to Norway with the ships that are still racing. They have had a great voyage and learned a lot - not least what being on watch during the night and early morning is like!

We had a lovely day out at Little Sparta (mentioned by Grammaretto a few days ago). It is a wild garden and also a poetry garden. The poetry is embedded in the landscape and is about the shape of the words as much as their meaning.

Madeleine, your trip to Killington Lake sounds extremely challenging but also wonderful - if only the roads were quieter. We are hoping that the traffic tomorrow will all be coming north while we go south.

FGT, I hope all goes well with your DH’s return home. What an awful time you have both been through.

DH is looking sideways at me as we are going to church shortly so I will stop rambling and get ready.

Good morning Mick and everyone from grey Carlisle where it has just started to rain a little.
Good news Mick !

I am very late today, didn't wake till nearly seven (nearer to five usually), then went for an early walk after breakfast. The park was beautifully quiet, only a few early dog walkers and exercisers. People and dogs seem to get up very late round here at the weekends. That's never been me, a lie-in usually meant getting a migraine.

The rest of my day will be lazy, reading and poking about on the computer or tablet.
I gardened yesterday, I had to dig out my new and ailing hollies. Lots of their root balls seemed rotted away, no doubt due to the wet ground conditions in their corner. I've already had to plant one tree in a raised bed as that area is underlain by solid clay. Digging it all out is NOT a possibility so I'll have to get my thinking cap on.

Do have a good day everyone especially MrFGT, onwards and upwards for you both , I hope.

Lovely to hear your news FGT. Best wishes to you both xx