Good Morning Thursday 9th October 2025

Good morning from Bristol. Had another silly night and been awake for nearly two hours. 😡
The FAB cafe went well, with 3 AXA young volunteers coming to help visitors with their computer difficulties for nothing. Interesting that the most difficult, parsimonious and demanding attendees were people who never come regularly.
I had my library book group in the afternoon. Most disliked the book, but one person whogot muddled with the protagonists went on and on, the kept on interfering in the conversation with her confused view, particularly as she only read less than a third of it.
I then popped in to a neighbour, who gave me the low down on estate problem developments (or not). The retired manager who was due to have left on 30th September, is still here and only just started to pack and clear. She complained to my neighbour that the area manager was giving them a hard time, regarding leaving the property. Ye gods, three months isn’t enough? And apparently, he (AM) is useless - talk about pots and kettle!
I must write to him today to complain again regarding my broken hall radiator. It needs replacing and winter is hurtling towards us.
I’m taking today off, preparing for my Malta journey tomorrow. I’m leaving the flat at 0430, so shan’t post.
May your day be gentle, content and uneventful. Keeping you in my heart always, especially MD and the *FGTs).
Carpe diem 🦩🦩🦩🦩🫂❤️

Good morning from s somerset, it will be sunny again today

Have a good trip GM we loved our holidays in Malta, especially the archaeology tour

I am concentrating on gansey knitting at the moment, worked upwards from the split hem and last night I did the neck gussets, via short rows. Awful instructions in the pattern. I finished those gussets and am now doing the neckband, soon to be followed by sleeves, working downwards. My size 2.5 circular needle assortment is now a mess, I needed to have 5 on the go last night

I may well be doing a trip out today, not at all sure of what I will be doing but I do have washing to do and dry outside, very different to our mothers. Pop it in and hang it out nowadays, not work

I made a large, wonderful lasagne yesterday, veggie. Frozen 4 portions, ate one and have one for today. I also made a squash soup, was thick so I just added frozen rice and turned one portion into a risotto of sorts. My roasted frozen squash is lovely. I have a large bag in the freezer and will clear space soon to deal with another squash, handy for winter

In two hours I will need to put my L Reuteri into sterilised jars for the fridge, it takes 36 hours to process at a precisely 38 degrees. After that the day is my own

Have a good day

Good morning from Malta where it’s another fine day with a high of 26°C forecast.

I’m another who isn’t sleeping well at present and have been up and down all night interspersed with the most peculiar dreams.

Last night I received a message from my bank saying they had cancelled my card due to a ‘suspicious’ transaction.

At first I thought ‘scam’ but when I saw the phone number was the same as it is on my card I called customer care.

Evidently they thought the money I had sent to my granddaughter, who is collecting for her softball team to cover expenses, was suspicious. I was impressed actually, better safe than sorry, and my card is now ‘unblocked’!

Not much happening today but I have a few jobs to do so will keep busy.

Safe travels tomorrow, grandMattie, I hope you manage to have a snooze on the plane after that very early start.

Wishing you all the best day possible ☀️

Good morning from a very mild S E Essex.

The builders and decorators have been busy whilst I have been away, all the gloss painting has been finished, which meant I had rather a wheezy night. I did have a smallish hissy fit when I arrived home at midnight last night to find that the tumble drier and washing machine were not on the laundry 😱 that will be their first job this morning.

Enjoy Malta grandMattie it is such an interesting little Country, so much history and very friendly.

I wish I could knit karmalady

Enjoy your day 🙋‍♀️

Good morning, Michael and all GNs. Dark in South Yorkshire but it’s set to be dry, if not sunny, today. I was in bed and asleep by nine last night as I couldn’t keep my eyes open, and awake again four hours later🙄!
Yesterday I steamed and pressed the bedroom curtains ready to be rehung and found a dry cleaner who will clean the living room ones as soon as I can get them there. There are none in our area now.
Writers group in the afternoon was fun. Next week we are to have three published writers come and give us a talk, which should be an interesting departure from our usual literary rough and tumble. We’ll have to behave ourselves!
Walking group this morning and then lunch with DD and catch up on her week.
Have the best day you can, folks

Good morning from a dry but still dark NE.
Yesterday was awful, I had a dental appointment but the practice has moved from a main street on a bus route to a business park. My sister and BIL took me but the car park was chaos. We went shopping after to stock up as they are on holiday next week.
I was so tired I just made a simple meal and plonked myself in front of the TV.
Nothing planned for today.
Thoughts are with poorly people.
Enjoy your trip to Malta grandMattie.

Good morning from a bright W Kent. Art group this morning no idea what to paint, each group I go to thinks Autumn should be the theme for this month.
Happy holidays gM
Best wishes

Good morning everyone from mid Essex. Dry and bright but the heating came on, so the house has obviously cooled down now. Yesterday I dealt with some necessary formalities regarding my godmother’s death, which was sad.
Today I’m at DD1s keeping the dog company and then looking after my granddaughters after school until DD1 and her DH get home from work. A long day on chairs that don’t suit my back. I’ll take painkillers and the hot pad with me!

grandmattie have a good journey to Malta tomorrow and a lovely holiday.

Thinking of all those who are struggling.
Have the best day you can everyone.

Good Morning fr sunny MS, 31c. Todays' photo shows what I made for last nights' dinner (I'm using the magazine photo rather than my own snap - tho my result is available on request, lol)
Little seasonal "🎃" packages filled w/ mince made into a meatball, mozzarella & (optional) pesto - & v easy to make, maybe as a cute surprise for feeding any visiting grandchildren. Wrap up in string to make grooves & add a rosemary sprig for a stem after baking.
GM: Enjoy yr get-away break to Malta, safe travels. Hope this is a good day for everyone, w/ nice happenings, no big worries & as pain-free as possible!

Good morning from Cambridgeshire where it looks to be anther sunny warm day.

Yesterday my trip into Cambridge was a disappointment as due to an unexpected road closure causing complete chaos we decided to abandon and headed to a big garden centre instead and DD2 treated me to lunch. Today is Pilates class and then a pedicure. I may put some more daffodil and tulip bulbs in my garden and help DD2 put hers in too.

Have a good trip to Malta grandMattie

Have a good day everyone

Good morning from a bright and sunny Essex coast but feels a little chilly. No heating on here yet but I don't think it will be long.
DH is having a small operation this morning so we have to leave by 8.30 to get there in time. I'll go into town and wait for him, not sure how long he will be.
Safe travels tomorrow GM, have a lovely time in Malta.
S was back in hospital yesterday, a nebuliser and steroids were given and she was discharged in the afternoon.
My youngest DGD, who is 7, has been chosen to represent her school in her first competitive swimming gala next Monday. Proud gran here.
Have a good day everyone, best wishes to all xx

Good morning from a brightening, dry Torbay.

Our local author, Stephanie Austin, was as entertaining as ever yesterday as she read extracts from her ninth novel and explained about the trials and tribulations of writing, especially now that she lives in the town in which her books are set, Ashburton. Several people bought copies which she signed; I shall save mine to read in France next week.

Later I attended Choir where the conductor was pleased with our progress. I’m enjoying the experience although Bach's music is challenging, not least having to hold a heavy score for nearly two hours!!

Today we have several errands to run, involving shopping, the car (petrol and a wash), etc so we shall treat ourselves to a breakfast at The Babbacombe Inn first to sustain us.

Yesterday my DD2 texted to say she thinks she had inadvertently left her car unlocked outside their house which is in a quiet cul de sac where a chance thief stole headphones, water bottle, prescription sunglasses and her dash cam. A neighbour’s CCTV caught footage of the culprit so she hopes the police might be able to identify them.

Happy hump day, everyone and safe travels to grandMattie tomorrow. 🦩💐🦩🥰🦩

Morning all. North Leicestershire is looking greyish but the forecast is for a dry day.

Our gardener is due this morning and DH is off to the gym so I have to get up and try and look presentable.

Apart from that, my plan is to walk to the village - the furthest yet.

Have the best day possible everyone.

Good morning from a dull but dry N. Bucks. DH has just left for a charity golf day so hope it stays dry.
We enjoyed yesterday’ visit to Upton house. The sculpture event echo potion was rather underwhelming but the house is interesting and the garden is unusual.
Quite a bit of baking to do this morning for various occasions and then sewing club this afternoon.
GM I hope you enjoy your trip to Malta. We are visiting next week, not been before.
Thinking of those with worries and concerns and wishing a good day for all.

Good morning Mick and all GN's on a still, grey and chilly morning in North Yorkshire. Been up and about since 5, which was not how I wanted the day to start, but at least the washing is nearly finished, and as soon as it is a little lighter, will be off to peg it out, in the vague hope that it will actually dry a bit , despite no sign of wind at all! I am trying to have a catch up day, and who knows might even get something other than basics done today.

Had a very mixed day yesterday and physically rather paying for it today! My friend Peter came down complete with Moss (elderly collie dog) and various tools . The plan was for him to dig the next bit of the shambolic border out, trim the edges straight and get out the heavy weed stuff that I couldnt do myself. The rush is that the weather is turning cold of course, and as I no longer have a cold frame or greenhouse, the little plants in pots want to be put in the ground before they are killed off by the frost. We have quite a good offer on this week of a Restaurant week for a set price for 2 or 3 courses , which started after the covid situation to encourage people to go out and keep the places alive. So you have to be quite quick to book as places are limited. I find I rarely eat out in my own town, much more likely to eat at home, and there are one or two places that I have looked at or heard from others that their food was good. So I had offered to pay for lunch for us both, as a thankyou for all the gardening and coming down and giving me his time and help. So that was agreed, which meant for the first part of the day, we were in our scruff, he doing the heavy lifting, and me , ever the yorkshire woman, checking through the stuff dug out that no decent plants or bulbs were left in the soil. So to a visitor passing by , they would not be impressed by the amount done, but it is better to get a smaller bit really well sorted than miss stuff. So I can get some more planting done today, and now the worst is done I can keep up with the ordinary gardening, so also went over the previous bit and watered and checked plants. Moss was quite happy to sit on the grass watching everything that was happening, but quite happy to watch people go by. He rarely barks anyway, so there is no problem with other dogs.

Well we then quickly got washed and cleaned up a bit, and Moss had had his food and was quite happy to stay in the car, whilst we went into a restaurant which is mostly a fish place. I know they are good with their fish as they also have a fish and chip shop next door, but had not gone into the fine dining etc. Well I love things like fish curry, but on your own you cannot afford a great variety of different fish, so dont try to do that much here. Well a beautiful meal, where you could taste the fish quite clearly as it should through the curry. It was beautifully made and you could taste the fish was very fresh. A definite place to put on the map , but at normal prices it will have to be a birthday treat kind of place I am afraid! So then it was back for some coffee, and a little more work outside and then he had to get packed up as he was going out that night. He even took my very small fork on a long stem which is so old that the metal bit is wobbling about, and said he can drill through it and make a firmer job of it. So then it was a hasty clearing up and a coffee before swapping again to something civilised and off to the whist drive. A full crowd and very nice evening, despite not winning a sausage , but oh dear as I moved around I was getting slower and slower as my back and knees were seizing up from the work in the garden. Anyway it was all worth it, but there are things that I didnt get done indoors, and now even more ironing waiting my attention, but firstly I need to get the washing out and off for some basics, as right down on milk , and already have a little list of bits and pieces that I do need to get. Hopefully if the weather stays dry, once the basics are done, I will get outside and get the plants in and I need to definitely get the bulbs sorted, as they have been put off for far too long. Still, despite aches and pains, feel very pleased with this week so far after the awful time I had last week. I have managed to go to York, got something done in the garden, and fingers crossed am hoping to go and meet my son and family on saturday . I have already got presents for my son and partner and it will give me a chance to give them to them instead of risking posting them not to mention the cost! My son never received the expensive birthday card I had got him!! It will be good to see them and no doubt my grandson will have grown quite a bit. It seems a very long time since I had seen them. So not going to the womens group this morning, as I must try and catch up with myself. Oh wow they have Monty's Chardas being played at breakneck speed at the moment. Ah in the old days I would have got up and danced in time to the music! So the washer has stopped, it is a bit lighter but no sign of any breeze, but will put it out in any case.

I am going to go back and catch up with yesterdays posts and see what has been going on. GrandMattie hope you have a lovely holiday and that you can firmly tell the new manager that they will now have time to get the radiator sorted and in good working order for when you get back! Start as you mean to go on, polite but insistent that necessary jobs are done not just talked about and put off!! Perhaps you could contact all the tenants who have any problems and then you can write him out a list of the outstanding work that needs doing, send it recorded delivery, so that he cannot say he has not received it and then promptly disappear to Malta, perhaps sending a postcard the following week hoping that the work is progressing well! Bellasnana, very good that your bank is keeping their eye on things, quite reassuring in one way. Harrigran hope you have a better day today, In fact I wish everyone a pleasant and productive day with time to be kind to yourselves too.

Good morning everyone from Inverness where it’s a bright dry start to the day
Safe travels tomorrow gMattie enjoy your holiday and your meet up with Bellas
A quieter day today, we’re just calling into DD2s this evening to keep an eye on DGD whilst the others are out. I also need to pack my bag as I’m going away for the weekend to DD1s in Cambridge, really looking forward to seeing everyone
Looks delicious peli 👍
Hoping S is doing ok now Sar53, your DHs op goes ok and a very well done to your youngest DGD!
Thinking of everyone with worries and struggles, hope today is gentle and take care all whatever the day brings💐

Good morning from the East Midlands where it is brightish. Yesterday we had unsettling phone calls from the hospital, first saying DH had to go in for his pre-op assessment, then another to say we needn’t go as the consultant said he had done it on Wednesday. This has all happened so fast it is less than a month from the initial scan which found the tumour by accident. Ironically he is as fit as he has ever been.

Today we are hoping for a quieter day, just getting our feet looked at.

Wishing you all a good day.

Good morning all from Glasgow, where it is 19°C,

I'm so envious GM, Malta comes second, after Rome on our favourite destination list. We had many adventures there. Apart from Cyprus, it was the only place abroad, I have been brave enough to drive.

Despite promising to collect the apples from the garden, DH forgot and disappeared into his man cave,
There I was collecting apples in the pouring rain, muttering away about him, forgetting we have cameras.😂.
He felt guilty when he re-appeared and asked if there was anything to needed doing. I conscripted him, as sous chef to peel the apples. They looked as if a mad, axe murderer had peeled them.😂
However, I managed to make five large crumbles, laced with Calvados. DH couldn't work out what the additional ingredients were, but said it was delicious.
DH was presented this at a business meeting in France, many years ago , His flight was late and he said the driver was doing about 90 m.p.h along the motorway, to get them to the meeting on time, He was sure they were going to die!
The Calvados always triggers this memory.

I've had an awful night and am counting the minutes, until the surgery opens. My chronic stomach pain is not settling and I need some intervention. I also have a bit of a temperature.
We should have had Babydoll, but of course I'm not fit,
I'm praying it is not that exceptionally rude GP, I'm anxious enough.

Wishing you all the best of days. I'm sorry, if I miss people's news, I'm finding it difficult to concentrate at the moment,
Yesterday, I was making the sauce for Chinese chicken balls, bottle of ketchup in hand, I nearly poured it into the apple mixture!

Morning all from a slightly overcast West Oxfordshire.

OH and I spent a lot of time yesterday filling a multitude of jars with honey and then sticking labels on! Hopefully we can sell them this Sunday at a Car Boot Sale.

I am having my hair cut today and after lunch I will listen to two lectures for my V&A course. I am so thrilled that the V&A are starting onsite courses again next year! They stopped back in 2020 due to covid and most things have been on line ever since. So I’ve booked a 10-week course on the Renaissance starting next January.

Have a good day everyone. Thinking of MaryD and the FGT2S in particular.

Good morning all and it’s quite bright but a little cooler here in Essex.

Yesterday went well at the Stroke Clinic after an hours journey that should take 15 mins. Positive suggestions from the nurse and Dh was ‘bucked up’.

My Specsavers appointment lasted nearly two hours with thorough examinations and all seems to be well. My next cataract op is next week.

Today we have an appointment at the bank to sort out accounts that need juggling around. It’s all appointments at the moment for one thing or another.
I’ve already had to cancel lunch with a friend, an art exhibition in London, and our usual Friday meetup with our old pals. 😤.

But I must say we are getting first class treatment from everyone for which we are very grateful.

We’re looking into getting rid of our gas fire log burner lookalike and replacing it with a real one. We’ve had 3 quotes, all very different. With a lot of thought, and chat between us, I’m now considering getting a new gas one , as wood storage, setting the fire, gathering logs from the garden (in the winter) and all it entails, as Dh wouldn’t be able to deal with it, I think pressing a switch to get the same effect is preferable.🔥.

We have a lovely inglenook fireplace which needs to be set off nicely.

Have a lovely holiday in Malta GM.
Hope you get your utilities sorted. GG. Welcome home!
Those little pumpkin pies look scrumptious Peli. I don’t think mine would look like that.

Take care and have a ‘good’ day, 🌻

Good morning all from an already sunny but slightly chilly south coast. I hope to visit the allotment today but it will depend on the other members. Most of them are going to see Downton Abbey with the U3a cinema group but as I’ve already seen it I won’t be joining them.
My car needs a really good clean inside and I have heavy pots to move in the back garden so while I’m dealing with the car I’ll inflate the flat tyre on my sack barrow!
Multi-tasking is my middle name. 😂
I had a lovely morning with DD yesterday. We visited a very nice coffee lounge where a former military hospital is being converted into retirement apartments. We didn’t make an appointment to see a show home. I’m not at that stage yet!!
My friends all say it would be too quiet and remote for them and they’d hate not being near the shops. For me it looked like heaven! 😂
Hope everyone has the best possible day. Enjoy the sun if you have it.

Good morning from south Glos, a dry bright start here.
Have a fabulous time in Malta grandMattie, how lovely to meet up with Bellasnana!
Yesterday was uneventful until 9am when my back ‘went’ after walking tiddler, it’s absolute agony and I have no idea what I’ve done. I wasn’t bending or twisting.
Needless to say I did very little other than hobble around. DH was out all day and luckily I’d booked the dog walker for bigger dog. By last night I struggled to move. It’s helped by hot water bottles thankfully, ibuprofen and anadin are taking the edge off.
I eventually slept but it’s no better this morning.
Buggerations!
I hope today goes well for you all 🌹

Good morning all from Polmont where it's currently 13° and breezy. It's dry so far. GrandMattie and Bellasnana have a lovely catch up. GrandMattie enjoy your trip. Marydoll fingers crossed for the nice doctor! Rosesandlilac I hope your back is better soon. Ashcombe how annoying for your dd, especially if she thinks she left the car unlocked.
Yesterday I worked in the school library. It had been left in a real state and I wasn't chuffed. I had furniture to move which was littered with crumbs. The shelves were very messy too. However I got it sorted then put up the Halloween decals on the windows and left, happy I had done my bit. The rest of the day I put petrol in the car, picked up my prescription and took out more money for the hedge work. Then pottered about the house. Two Christmas presents were delivered and put in the already full dining room. I just can't be bothered sorting it out.
Today I'm joining those of you who couldn't sleep. I was awake for three hours in the night. Eventually I got up at half four for a cuppa and a biscuit and sat watching an old Dr Who episode with Jon Pertwee. I managed to sleep for another couple of hours later. My feet are incredibly painful these days and they keep me awake. Heigho.
Today I will have a slow start and potter about the house. This afternoon I'm going to my art class which started last week but I was watching the boys so couldn't go. I want to paint a giant allium head as a gift for my aunt and uncle. Then it'll be home for macaroni cheese. I made a dish yesterday and have enough left for tonight. Have a good day all.

Good morning everyone from an overcast Northampton, but it should stay dry, so I shall shortly put the towels in the washing machine. All my washing dried nicely yesterday.

A fairly straightforward visit to the dentist for a filling yesterday, except I opted to have an injection to numb the area and after that felt nothing; the effects did not wear off for several hours. Sat and read for the rest of the afternoon.

A Waitrose delivery at lunchtime - typically the very wine I wanted for my wine evening next month was not available - probably because it was recommended in the Telegraph magazine last weekend. I need to look elsewhere.

Shall cut the back grass this afternoon once the delivery has been, then more reading of my book club book; nearly half way through and relieved to find I still have three weeks to finish it!

Easy dinner tonight, sausage, jacket potato and beans. With a glass of...

Wishing all a pleasant day.