Good Morning Saturday 15th November 2025

Good morning from Shropshire.

Thank you for all your kind messages.It really helps and means a lot to me and my family.

Today my granddaughter celebrates her 10th birthday with friends.Family celebrations to follow next week.

Bellasnana I am so sorry to hear the awful news about your goddaughters husband and wish him a speedy recovery🙏🏻

Wishing everyone the best day possible🦩🌻

Good morning Mick and all GN's from a still very dark, still morning in North Yorkshire. Cant hear any rain, but that doesnt mean it isnt actually raining. I havent looked at my flood warnings alert yet but expect there will be several warnings, and especially the southern way to the motorway from here is usually closed at Morton on swale as the road will be flooded there. It happens every time and as it is the main road going on up to wensleydale it seems mad that they dont get round to raising the road and the bridge there. It causes no end of problems constantly. Quite often there is no notice about the flooding far enough back for traffic to go another way, and then there is chaos as they arrive at the bridge with no easy way of turning and especially lorries or buses. They then have to come back through the town causing further traffic jams and problems near the railway crossings to be able to go another way to the motorway, which still has flooding problems but not so bad. It is always shortsighted make do and mend and will go on for ever if none of the councils will grasp the nettle and sort it once and for all. They say the cost is too much, but repeatedly mending something that will then be undone the next wet spell seems mad to me!! Ah well other than lobbying for some more longterm planning there is little I can do.

So like everyone else it has been a wet and miserable day and night, and so all plans will be modified by whatever the weather is doing, and how cold etc it is outside. There are one or two things that could be pleasant to go to , coffee morning and a little fair in aid of local charity, but on the whole I think it will be a very domestic day by the looks of things.

Another rubbish night and my leg was bad all yesterday, painful to walk on anyway, and getting in and out of the car was bad and had to just stand still for quite a little while , until I felt able to move. I stand there with a piece of paper in my hand to look as though I am studying my shopping list, or I have had kindhearted people come over to ask if I am ok. When I am in a lot of pain, I know that I can look very pale and sometimes coldsweat with the pain, but all I can do is stand still until it eases off , so no one can help me really, although I do appreciate their kindness.

Not a good start to the day and it took me until about 11am to get myself ready to go out, showered, dressed and with lists and bags at the ready. I had to drive up and down the high street until I could find a parking place close to the shops I needed to get to. It was such a wet and horrible day, it wasnt worth going on the yellow peril, but that means having to find parking places. Ah well I finally got myself sorted, then had to go to the bank, and to the travel agents.

Some time ago I had worked things out and thought that I could do without certain things and go for one last bigger trip abroad. The agents are very good here and when I have ideas I can go to them and see what is on offer and so forth. So after much sorting out and checking things I had hoped to go at long last to South America and as I dont care about any luxury things sort out the cheapest and best for me trip. They had actually found me a possible cruise that went down to the Antartic and as I have already been to the Artic it was something I had wanted to do. So I had been working out the finances etc etc., and looking at possibilities when I have just been stopped dead in my tracks. The health requirements include Yellow Fever vaccinations. That is a very tough one to cope with, I know from other people and as I have other problems after much checking with hospital, FO information and local doctors advice I have sadly decided that I cannot go there. Not just for now but completely. I already manage health things which are difficult, Still have further cancer treatment to have, and if I get something like flu or a bad stomach , I get quite a variety of extra problems and reactions, so that I know that by being sensible , and listening to my body I manage reasonably well. But the reaction to the yellow fever vaccination would definitely overwhelm my ability to cope, so that is that. At the moment , the little warnings such as my nails catching or breaking, or starting to get a little sign of ecxema , or lip splitting or such like, give me fair notice that I need to get more sleep and rest and not push myself . If I take notice I can often get away with nothing further , but if not then I can upset things and I cope quite well with just tablets for my diabetes so have no wish to upset that .

It has felt a real blow, for some reason, and depressed me . Of course I know I am getting older and less able to do things but have always had that sense of myself being able to travel on my own and do my own thing. Usually the challenge has been to find a way to get somewhere, by finding a job that would take me there or working for an airline etc etc. I have always loved going to new places and meeting new people, still keep in touch with some people I have met from 30 and 40 years ago, which of course is where the internet is good, and still felt able to come and go . Well eventually I shall cheer up and think of somewhere else that I want to go. There is still much of beauty and interest in britain that I want to see. Have been up and down and across to ireland etc quite a lot over the years and sailed all up and down the west coast as far as the Hebrides , but as they say "not yet!" That was held over for when I was "too old" to rampage across the world! No doubt in a couple of weeks I shall be plotting and planning how to visit the RHS gardens that I havent seen yet, and when the yellow book comes out in february I shall have lots of gardens to drool over and plan to visit.

I hadnt realized that yesterday was Black Friday, well still not sure but it immediately seems to get blurred where shops want to jump the gun and sell things earlier. Whilst I can see that it would be very worthwhile doing your research if you were planning to buy an new washer or freezer or whatever, I have neither the interest or wish to change anything that still works, so the most that might interest me is some polar longjohns so that I can cope with the cold weather without putting the heating on!!

So after my rather sad travel agent visit, I went across to look at the christmas windows in Barkers , and went in to have a look round. Lots of lovely perfumes etc but what a price!! Well each to their own but I soon left there and then went off to Tesco to do a shop. Hadnt planned to get a huge amount, but for once there were not only things that I had on the shopping list, but various reductions on things that I normally buy and some minced steak in the reduced box. So with the lovely gravy left from my shin beef casserole in mind, I bought that and today I shall be having a domestic day.

It looks dry at the moment now there is a bit more light and so it will be get booted and suited and off out to get the Yorkshire Post and a bit from the market, and then smartly home. So I have apples to stew and freeze, the mince to cook up and divide into portions so that I have something quick on a day that I dont feel like doing much, or my back is bad. That should be a warming kind of job, and after a bit of a sit down I shall get the ironing board out and attack the much ignored ironing mountain, and so should be able to start next week with a selection of tops and trousers, instead of being down to the least enjoyed clothes that you know fit you but you have gone off them! I shall be keeping an eye out for a present for my grandson, havent found the right thing yet, but have already sorted my son and his partner out so then have a couple of small gifts to get for close friends , but as I am not making christmas dinner this year, the temptation to get this and that , just in case, is not so strong, although no doubt I shall succumb to something extra.

Difficulty with cards this year. The cost of stamps has gone up so much and from the past few months have been very annoyed that my birthday cards sent especially in good time have not arrived when I expected and even worse my sons birthday card disappeared and never arrived. But there are some old friends that I keep in touch with and the christmas card with letter about all the months happenings are appreciated and have several old ladies , (I suppose I am one now!) who I used to take to the hospital, who live alone and have few or no relatives, who I also sent cards to, where I know they are appreciated . So think that I shall do two different things. Get my list made up of those I plan to give cards to, have some cards in my car, so that if I go somewhere near their homes I can put one through the door and then in the last couple of weeks post the few I havent managed to reach. The foreign ones will have to be done quite soon anyway, as being yorkshire , I always check up on the posting dates and will not be sending things first class!!

I have been asked to give a talk and sing for a group on the 24th november, where I shall be doing quite a range of things, some that they can join in with, and other different kinds of things, so I need in particular to root round and find my Flanders and Swann book with all the words for their songs. Do you all remember the Mud Mud song? and I also love the railway one - No more shall we wander to Chorlton cum Hardy etc etc., which was about the Beeching closing all the little railway stations etc. Then the Joyce Grenfell songs , probably the Stately as a Gallion they sail across the floor! So need to collect the books , have a quick check through that I remember the music correctly and then I thought a bit of the Beatles sing song with them as I expect they will remember a lot of them. It will do me good to brush up my music, get a start on some exercises and get my voice into shape, ready for carols at a later date. Ah music is always cheering and lifts the spirits. and of course today Bach before 7 was a cheering sound to start the day.

Mick hope you get on your trip to Bicester and the floods dont stop you today.Karmalady sounds as though you have a busy day in front of you, but a little warmer now. I mistrust a house that is too spick and span. To me there should always be signs of a couple of different things on the go, books with bookmarks in them, knitting on the side table, crossword folded ready for that five minutes you have to spare. I wonder what people do, when every cushion is plumped up and not a sign of any living at all, or as though they have tidied up especially for you. I had a lovely friend who was also a lecturer in a college and we used to stay with each other , but being old friends it was totally accepted that you made the bed up and that was comfortable but that you could leave out on the table whatever you were doing at the time, so there would be german books and she made jewellery and we both draw and paint so there would be all sorts of things and books piled waiting for us to have time to read them. Now that to me is a very welcoming room. Yes of course we must have clean kitchens and food prepared safely but for the rest , leave it! Bellasnana what a shock for your poor god daughter. Do hope that you have had better news by now. How things can change so quickly, when you had just had a lovely meeting with your friend in the sunshine and then come home to such sad news.Aldom hope they came for the mirror and you have a bit more room now. How are things going ? I remember that switching up and down in mood, where you feel exhausted and glad to just sit there, after all the stress of the actual move. Then it all seems so overwhelming you cant think where to start, or you are delighted to find something that you thought you had lost. My tip is to get a chair and put it near a window, preferably with a view of a garden. Then find a little table that can stand by it and a decent light and face it away from the room looking out. So that is your go to place when it is all too much and you feel exhausted. Put your book, the crossword, a pad to make notes on and leave a place for your coffee or tea, and a little blanket to put round you for comfort. Then make that your place to have a few minutes whilst you have your coffee, but also when it all seems too much I put radio 3 on , and sit there for a rest and to let the panic feelings subside. A little chocolate or a couple of biscuits can also add to the comfort zone. Sar53 hope your trip goes well and you find some things that you want, and your shoes make for an easier trip. Well done Bubbly on your trip and your great bargain carpet. I have no Ikea anywhere near me and so havent visited one for years. I used to go up to sweden a lot when my husband worked for a swedish company but not really seen any Ikea in this area. Perhaps I shall look them up and see where my nearest one might be and visit it .Ashcombe hope that you have a successful trip and dont get too weary.

Well speaking of that I need to get myself sorted and out before the rain starts again. Shall do a flood check before I set off to see which roads are going to be passable, and how that will affect the general traffic situation. Hope you all keep the floods from your doors and are able to have a good day whatever you do. Best wishes

Good morning from a damp W Kent. Hairdressers visit yesterday morning has cheered me up. I am always amused by what goes on in the modern hairdressers. First a chap having his hair sort of sculpted, he was there when I went in and still there when I came out. Seated next to him was a very blond lady who was on her phone the whole time giving a running commentary on what she was having done. The lady who does my hair discusses her small children with me and chats about things I suspect would never get talked about with other clients. It is great fun and I get an up to date hair cut
Today a light shop and curry tonight.
Thinking of all those struggling along
Best wishes

Good morning, Michael and all GNs from a very wet South Yorkshire. A continuation of the awful rain we had yesterday. I got wet just walking from my car to the school. DS rang last evening to say they were off in their motorhome to spend the weekend at a tiny East Yorkshire seaside place. I wish them at least a bit of dry weather but they’ll be lucky if it happens! They are a hardy pair though.
I have a podiatrist appointment this morning in our village and then nothing to do for the rest of the day. I might take up the knitting I abandoned and make an attempt to finish a cardigan that I doubt will fit me now!
Have the best day you can, folks.

Good morning from S E Essex.

Good to see you posting Sar53, enjoy your shopping trip with your girls.

Bubbly I come out of IKEA with things I didn’t know I needed 😹🤷‍♀️

Bellasnana I hope your Goddaughters husband is ok, what a terrible shock 🌸

Just a local shop this morning, then a lazy day (I hope) I am all shopped out, three days this week of Christmas gift shopping has finished me off!

Stay dry folks ☔️

Good morning from a dry Torbay following a showery day yesterday.

Thoughts with Susan56, FGT and Bellasnana’s goddaughter's DH and their struggles.

Today we’re heading for London by train to meet up for lunch with some of DH's friends with a shared interest in model railways. He would normally go alone but as I’m feeling quite well currently, I’m tagging along.

Happy weekend to you all. 🦩🥰🦩💐🦩

I had one day left on my network card yesterday, so took myself off on the train to Brightons IKEA. Really enjoyed myself, infamous meatballs n'all, and after a tiring shop, returned to the cafe for a tiramisu dessert! Great prices! It tickles me the unusual names they give their products. Included in my purchases, I was delighted to buy a rug for £5! It just lifted my mood entirely as it was a 30 mile journey? and at my age, I'm finding people just aren't available anymore, having no family & single. I found chatting to complete strangers and giving them a compliment, quite joyful!

Good morning, it’s a murky, sodden start here in south Glos after yesterday’s incessant downpour, lots of local flooding including the railway from Swindon to Bristol.
I didn’t get to art group so spent the morning doing housework and washing, DH took tiddler out for the first time 🙄 and bigger dog had her dog walker.
The afternoon was spent in front of the log burner, knitting and listening to podcasts while drinking tea. Perfect 👌
What dreadful news Bellasnana, I hope he recovers quickly. DS is a very keen cyclist and I do worry as he cycles 16 miles each way to work in central London.
Today I think we’ll take the dogs to the next village for a walk around the lanes, it’s just too muddy and wet on grass.
Best wishes to you all 🌹

Good morning from the Essex coast.
I've not posted much lately but today I'm meeting DD1 and 14 year old DGD in London. It was her birthday last Monday and her and her mum are going to see Hamilton this evening. I'm meeting them for some retail therapy first. DGD loves to shop. They are coming from Warwickshire so we are meeting up at Oxford Circus.
I'm looking forward to seeing them, comfy shoes at the ready.
Have a great weekend everyone, best wishes to all xx

Good morning Mick and everyone.
Bellasnana I am so sorry to hear about your Goddaughter's husband.
What a dreadful thing to happen. I hope he makes a good recovery. Only time will tell. Thinking of you all.
A replacement mirror arrived yesterday. No damage this time. Top marks to Dunelm for excellent Customer Service. I hope the damaged mirror is collected today as it is taking up space in the hall.
I can't make any plans for today until I know when Yodel will come.
Thinking of all who are worried, sad or suffering in other ways.

Good morning from Bristol. After yesterday’s ghastliness, today is apparently going to be “less worse”…
I took a pill last night: I’m fed up of barely sleeping at the moment: scant 5 hours per night is not enough, which is why I’m so late today.
Our Spanish class was in a funny little room at the back of the building due to water damage on Monday, with several ceilings down. The house was built in the early 1800s. Only 4 of us. I have yet to have attended a full class of 6. I suspect that it will be cancelled next year due to lack of students.
Today, I’m doing my church cleaning stint, and coffee and chat.
In the evening, I’m going to a quiz with some WI ladies.
susan, hang on in there, ditto fgt. Hugs all round.
Carpe diem 🦩🦩🦩🦩🦤

Morning Mick, morning All. It’s very soggy out there after the deluge yesterday. Local river flood alert, our bit seems OK. Hope everyone has stayed safe and dry.

Some light shopping on the cards today. A new to us centre. Otherwise a lot of chatting with good friends.

Have the best day you can everyone.

Good morning Mick, morning all from damp South Lanarkshire.

I’ve a throat full of razor blades this morning, I don’t often get colds but this one has landed hard, hopefully I’ve kept it to myself.

I won’t be doing much, probably crochet and a film this afternoon.

Wishing everyone the best day possible.

Pantglas I like what you said`we all lurch from one stage to another`

That is very true, ups and downs for all of us

Good morning from Malta where we expect another dry day with a high of 25°C.

Went to Lidl after I’d been to the hairdresser yesterday. I only went in for a couple of things but, needless to say, came out with a trolley full of stuff, much of it for the boys.

Just got it all unpacked when I saw a message from my friend asking to meet at 2pm which was in ten minutes, so I hot-footed it up to the village and we enjoyed sitting out in the sun drinking our iced coffee and appreciating how fortunate we are to live here.

Had shocking news from my goddaughter in Chester; her husband was knocked off his bike cycling home from night shift and is in hospital with a bleed on the brain. The poor man is also being treated for prostate cancer which surgery and chemo have not got rid of.

Apparently it was pouring with rain, he had gone over the top of the car, it’s a mercy he’s still here really.

My poor goddaughter has been texting me as she can’t sleep, poor lass. Her mum was my best friend at school but sadly died nine years ago. We are very close.

Not sure what I’m doing today apart from watching tennis at 2.30 and 8.30,

Take care all, best wishes for a good day.☀️

Good morning from s somerset, we still have a sun and it might appear today

Yesterday was so bleak outside, very dark all day and very wet

The central heating came on this morning, I heard the pump purring and I do feel lucky. It is not overly warm in the house, I don`t want it to be too warm but it is comfortable. I have bills to pay

Out for a bit of a walk later then chicken soup to make from chicken stock. I got every particle of usable anything from my organic chicken. 7 meals worth and quickly tucked away in the freezer. It was worth the potch and I washed dishes as I went so was not too much hassle

I strained hm yoghurt overnight and now have a bowl of Greek style yoghurt in the fridge, toppings for this and that. I am going to save a bit of that as a starter for the next batch

Socks today, size 11, all these gifting socks are in 6 ply and 3mm needles. Three more pairs to make in 6 ply, it is quicker than 4 ply. These are all mens sizes so I left them until last.

Floors to wash later and a bit of essential wiping down but that is it, house is clean, albeit a bit untidy but so what

Have a good day

Good morning all from an orrible wet Wales - oh this weather has an awful effect on my normally sunny nature 😡 only another day of it and we’re promised 🌞 tomorrow and Monday so I must soldier on ….

Talking of which, my salute to Susan who is having so much to deal with at the moment with bad news coming thick and fast 🫡. I love the mindset that you’re only sent stuff you can cope with x

So many with struggles on this thread but good news comes alongside too with Mr FGT battling away 👏 x

Great to see lurkers turning into contributors Tuinoma 🤗 this is truly the bestest thread on GN, full of life’s interactions, good, bad and middling and we all lurch from one stage to another!

☕️ is brewing and I must brave the elements for a newspaper before a quiet day - I shall pop in later and read of your bizzinesses for my excitement x