Good Morning Thursday 4th December 2025

Good morning from Lancashire. Dark and cold but quiet. I have no real plans for today, just want to finish the book I'm reading. I have a pile of books waiting to be passed on to a charity shop, many of them new.

Good morning from Shropshire.Raining at the moment.

I am awake far too early and consequently feeling grumpy🤦🏼‍♀️
I am going for a Christmas lunch with a friend today and then should probably make a start on writing some cards.

Thinking of all with health struggles and worries about loved ones but who all are so brave.Also thinking of all with family worries.

Wishing everyone the best day possible🦩🌻

Good morning from a wet Bristol.
Yesterday was interesting. I was hosting the monthly coffee morning for the residents. We have no communal water, and the lady who lives off the “communal hallway “ was away, so I had saved empty milk bottles and filled those from mine… First hurdle sorted.
Then I made sure that the (inadequate) heating was on. Then I seton the chairs we have which do stack, but although comfortable are very heavy. And soon.
To my disappointment, only 5 people out of 30 households came, one of whom I went to fetch as I realised she had forgotten.
Home for lunch and a nap, before setting out to church to help with crafts for children , during our village Christmas festival. I’m not a fan of crowds, so I was able to help without feeling distressed. What hurt slightly, were the yummy mummies ignoring me and talking very loudly, literally standing over me, then complimenting “Goldie” and “Casper” about what they were making under my guidance. Who do they think they are?
I was exhausted when I got home, having managed to take a different route home, away from the crowds.
Today,I’ve got tai chi and shall get decorations ready for the FAB cafe Christmas tree decorating on Saturday.
Not going to DD’s tonight as they are busy.
May today e kindvtoyou all.
Carpe diem 🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩

Good morning Mick and everyone.
grandMattie

Oops, posted too soon. I couldn't sleep, what's new, so up around 5am.
Had a coffee and will have breakfast later.
I'm going into town this morning for a service at my husband's former church. I went last week and was made very welcome. It's almost twenty two years since my husband died, but people remember him from when he was vicar.
Yesterday a very efficient handyman hung lots of pictures around the house and a large mirror in the hall.
He also diagnosed and corrected the problem with the TV. A cable in the loft wasn't connected correctly.
I've asked him to do some work in my new (to me) home in the new year.
As ever I am thinking of all who are finding life challenging for whatever reason. May everyone have the best day possible.

Good morning from a damp and drizzly Black Country, where I woke far to early!

Spent a over an hour yesterday at an Apple store buying and setting up a new IPhone. the first one I ever had to buy, as my first one was a cast off from a DGD. It lasted me 7 years anyway, but I was having to charge it 2 or 3 times a day, so was time for a new one.

Walking group walk this morning. The bi-weekly local one. It is amazing how many different routes, especially country ones there are near here.

That is very rude of them gM

Wishing you all the best day possible.

Good morning from s somerset, very wet just now, rain is battering the windows

Aldom I am so glad that you are settling and have a good handyman

My new skirt was finished yesterday, I don`t know if I can say wow to the style yet, maybe but I need to wear it to know. One job for today is to clean and oil my machines and to clean and tidy my sewing room

New neighbours are moving in today, the house had to be sold to pay care home fees, he had a stroke. The house is in wonderful condition, I think it is an older couple moving in.

I need to get back on top of housework today, starting with the skirtings, as always I will only work until lunchtime, then might go for a walk, might knit

MD I read your post yesterday, poignant about your rock of a DH. You need each other, more than ever. Getting old is certainly not for cissies

Have a good day

Morning Mick, morning All from a very wet corner of Somerset. Windy too as the rain is noisy against the window.

Enjoyed our coffee and chat yesterday morning, drifted out in the afternoon and was horrified at the traffic. Madness out there.

A mostly indoor day ahead . I’ll finish the cards and have a bit of a tidy of the gifts this morning, with a couple of new books to choose from the afternoon will fly by. At some point I’ll walk, or maybe paddle, to the local convenience store for some supplies (mostly chocolate!) ready for our coach day out tomorrow. An early start for us.

That sort of casual, unthinking rudeness infuriates me grandmattie. I’m sorry you had that experience.

Have the best day you can everyone.

Good morning all from a showery Glasgow, where it is 7°C.

Grandmattie, I'm sorry you were upset. It wouldn't have been personal, those mums would probably have been tude to whoever was helping their children. 😞

I didn't have a great day yesterday and now the course of steroids has been extended. 😞
This immunocompression lark is not for the faint hearted! I have so much difficulty fighting off any illness.

There is one bonus, so I must not complain. The steroids are dampening down the tendonitis in both hips, so the dreadful pain has diminished somewhat.

DH is still very upset after his activities, but has tried to make amends.
He cleaned all, the carpets in the house yesterday!! It was not without incident. Are you surprised!
I had to replace my old machine, for it was returned broken by one of my children. They are all blaming each other. 🤬

DH has usual, bashed ahead, ignoring the flashing, red light.
I roared in my best teacher's voice for him to stop, to no avail. All that came out was a raspy wheeze.
In the end I switched it off at the mains.
ME: Have you read the troubleshooting page!
DH; What page? Where?.
Me; In the manual^
DH; What manual?.
🙈

Today we have Antonette Kleptomaniac, aka Babydoll,
She is her daddy's《Anthony) double. Hence the name change.😉
She has to be frisked before she leaves. Last week she wanted to take home some photos of herself and the bedroom TV.🤣

It will need to be an easy day, for I am still unwell. She loves baking, so we will make banana bread for her to take home for her parents and grandparents.
She always insists Nana (the other gran) gets some too. Baby is a very kind and loving wee girl despite her dubious activities. 💕
Perhaps we should have left the carpet cleaning until tomorrow, I'm still finding Coco pops from last weeks baking session.🤣

Roses, I am returning your hug (((( ♥️ )))) from yesterday.
We are 😇.

Susan enjoy your lunch,

Time to get up and dose myself with more Duracel pills, my head feels like a race track!!! 🤯

Have a good day one and all and best wishes for any medical appointments. I'm still chasing up my missing CT scan results.🤬
My GP told me not be concerned, if I was dying, someone would have informed me.🤣

Good morning all from Polmont where it's currently 5° and dry. Still pitch dark and won't be light here til after eight. GrandMattie how rude of them! Aldom your house will be starting to feel like home. Reliable handymen are worth their weight in gold! Susan I hope you manage a nap later.
Yesterday I set up the Christmas display at the school library. The photo is of the infant part. It isn't quite finished but the primary one class came in to write a letter to Santa -its a multi purpose space- and we're more interested in what I was doing, so I left. I didn't get the windows cleaned at home because I really couldn't be bothered. I'm struggling with lack of motivation these days.
Last night I slept well despite waking very early. I got back to sleep for a couple of hours afterwards too. Today I must get the windows cleaned and finish tidying the boys' room. I have a few cards to write too. I won't be sending many by post this year. It's far too expensive and many friends have stopped cards altogether. Apart from that, I'll potter about and maybe wash the floors. Chicken and leek pie for dinner tonight. Have a good day all.

Good morning from a dark S E Essex.

The cleaning fairies are here first thing 🧚🧚, then I have a face-to-face GP appointment. I can walk, run, jump do anything on my left leg apart from kneel. It’s 10 months since my accident, and I am rather concerned that there is something left inside 🤷‍♀️

Then a quick whizz into M & S Foodhall, Next and Boots at a local retail park.

The 10 yr old is here for his weekly sleepover, so it’s steak and chips for dinner for him and DH I will have steak and salad.

grandMattie sorry you felt unnoticed by those mothers.

Marydoll those drafted steroids, a necessity and good for somethings, the gift that keeps on giving.

Thinking of FGT2 and himself 😘

21 sleeps until the fat man in the red suit comes down our chimneys 🎅🏻🤶🎄🎁

I didn’t take the rudeness personally. What annoyed me with these yummy mummies was the fact what no one else outside their circle is of any import. They and especially their hugely clever and gifted offspring (not) are the only humans that count for anything.
Thank you all for your concern regarding my feelings - I no longer take notice but get cross about bad manners!

Good morning, Michael and all GNs. Still dark in South Yorkshire but looks dry at the moment but it isn’t going to stay that way.
Yesterday’s Christmas lunch with the neighbours was lovely. Seven of us; we were seated in the conservatory overlooking the valley. The sun was shining, the wine was flowing and the food was lovely. I took the offer of a lift with one of the designated drivers. I came home, sat in a chair and fell asleep. What a wimp🤣.

The forecast for about the time we are supposed to be walking this morning is awful. As we are meeting at a pub at midday for the group’s Christmas lunch (yes, two in two days). I’m thinking I will skip the walk and go straight to the pub. I have a couple of hours to make up my mind!

Have the best day you can, folks.

Good morning from a mild Torbay following a very chilly day yesterday.

I think the attitude of those mothers reflects on them and their upbringing and is sadly typical of a sense of entitlement of some people today, grandMattie.

Susan56: I can’t imagine you being grumpy as you come across as a kind and caring person in your posts.

How lovely to be made welcome at your previous church, Aldom and your handyman sounds like a really useful chap.

We had a better rehearsal last night but tonight the technical side will be added which is always an evening of stops and starts.

Dental hygienist this morning in readiness for a dental checkup tomorrow.

Hope today is a satisfying day especially those with plans : May they all come to fruition without impediment! 🦩💐🎄🥰🦩

I’m thinking I will skip the walk and go straight to the pub.

That would be my plan, too, Greyduster!

Good morning Mick and all GN's on a very dark but still morning in North Yorkshire, from a very weary me! Rubbish night with a lot to fit in today meant that at least I put the first load of washing in at 3am, and though tempted to look on here I went back to bed and managed to doze a bit, but not much until about 5am. At least I was able to put channel 9 on the tv, and then turn away from it, because at that time - I do recommend it to others who dont sleep much - they have lovely bird song on. So no music or other jarring things, just birds and as I do know many of the songs and enjoy my birds I find it very soothing and calming, if I dont get back to sleep it sort of puts a bit of a barrier against all those worrying and upsetting thoughts that tend to take over at that time of night. So that lot of washing sorted and ready to go on the line when it is daylight and the bedding put in and now churning around, has at least enabled me to get a little ahead of the morning, which it certainly needs to do.

As is no doubt the norm with others it is feast or famine, so either trying to cram too much in one day or nothing happening at all to take my mind off the various aches and pains etc. So today is definitely the former! There is a meeting I go to once a month, which is very useful and worth going to , as besides having some interesting speakers etc and being held in the library, with better chairs for me to sit in, it is very well run and a local councillor is always there, so you a) get to know what is happening with council affairs and of course have a captive person to nobble about your usual moans about the pot holes etc and their effect on people etc etc. She is a very nice woman and does a lot of voluntary work and I respect her very much , and am glad to get the latest news, which then if there are things that might affect them I relay all the things I have learnt to the womens group that I go to weekly. The problem with that is that they are also on a thursday so cant do both or it is very awkward to try and cover bits of both. First thursday of the month means that this is a double day, added to which , the usual group are doing the big raffle today and several things that I need to take and be involved in. None of this is improved by the fact that I still have no yellow peril. This means that I will have to go even earlier than normal to have a chance for a parking for disabled bay. Added to which I have to think if I can manage to walk down to the washing lines with a load of quite heavy washing, as no buggy to help. So then whatever I manage to do I have to be home without fail for 1pm, as the garage have kindly said they will come here and pick the car up for its MOT today, which fingers crossed, is not going to cost me a fortune, but means I will definitely be stuck at home until I get the car back , mind you with this early start to the day I will probably be glad to fall into a chair and go to sleep. Then cleaners to the rescue, who will turn this mess around and make my bed with nice clean new sheets ready for a very weary I suspect person later on.

It has been very frustrating to be without the yellow peril, but maybe it has had its good points. Up until now I have still chosen to believe I am usually ok with the odd day when I struggle to get around. My view of my abilities has been that I have say 2 days a week with problems, and 5 days a week when I am fine and can walk as much as I want to etc, but just choose to use the buggy for speed. Well these few days have shown me that I cant keep this fiction going any longer, and it is much more 5 days bad and 2 days good, and that if I want to keep my independance I have to bite the bullet, and accept that I have to accept some changes if I am to stay here and run things as I want to. So yesterday I went to look at a place that sells all sorts of disability stuff and buggies etc and the idea was to look at what was available for me that would be light enough to put in a car, or take on a train or plane etc.

There were two options. One was the kind where it splits down into about 5 pieces and so you only lift one piece at a time etc, and the other was an ultralight that folds down and can go in the boot. So I went to see what they were like, try lifting bits etc and generally look at what was on offer that would suit my problems. As my back is a major problem I needed a chair that would give me a higher support , not just like a stool style of seat, which would be no good at all. The first thing was the fact that the foldable ones were 4 times the cost of the other ones. Naturally that meant I first looked at the split down kind. My back was very bad yesterday, which of course, was why I wanted to look on that day. It is no good going on your best day, you have to see what you can manage on a day you are struggling. Well very disappointing that even split into about 5 parts, they were already just about what I could manage and difficult to lift for me into the boot.

The lady selling was very pleasant and helpful and said that they have contacts with someone who makes hoists to fit into your boot so that would be a way that might work. The problem with that was if I changed my car, another expense to change it over etc and even without that , on my own it would not be easy to get it up or down anyway. When she told me the added price that would cost, the ultra light one became more attractive , but cringing price. But it was worth going there. They are a good firm, been there for a long time with a good reputation, and as my first line of call to keep active and independant, I didnt feel in this case that I could risk buying a second hand one. So I came home with the brochures and have measured the boot and tried lifting it into the boot and driving outside on the pavement to see what it is like. Of course, it has nowhere near the suspension or range of the yellow peril and it feels as though you have hardly anything in front of you, but the more I think of it , the more I now see extra advantages. So although where possible I would rather use the bigger more comfortable buggies similar to my big one, at such places as Harlow Carr, the great advantage of this would mean that I could just decide to go somewhere without having to wait until they open to start driving there, because without a buggy I cant get round so never get anywhere early and when there are special things like the Glow garden on, I cant go to those either if there is no buggy.

So now I have the brochure to re read and check over and think about, and I need to go to the bank and find out how things stand, but it is probably the best thing I can do. It will mean no trips to anywhere on a boat, which I had been wondering about, and right now, although I know it is the right thing to do, I am feeling very down that I need to do it now. You know that thought, where you say sometime in the future I might need something like this, but your brain likes to kid you that it is years away, not now! Once I get over that , it will probably be the best thing I can do. But the other thing will be all the stuff I cart round in the boot (in case) , spare towels, macs boots etc etc not to mention the important coffee box will probably have to go elsewhere. Oh well I havent got it yet, I need to wait and see. Today has enough things to cope with as it is.

Just looked outside but still not a glimmer of light. Tomorrow, if I have the car back safely, I need to see if I can get my hair cut at my hairdressers. It is very fine, so if it gets too long, it doesnt hold a shape well and being on thebuggy or with the window open in the car , it all tends to fly away, and having left the house looking reasonably tidy I glance in a mirror in a shop or cafe and see the wild woman of borneo!
I need it tidying up now as there will be various concerts etc and I have no wish to be sat there in the week near christmas with all the push and shove in the town. So whenever I can get it sorted will do for my christmas cut.

Hope your eyetest went well Mick and you dont need to change glasses or anything. Mum2three, enjoy your book today ,I could change places with you. I dont know how old your children are but if there is a little one, there are two lovely books by Raymond Brigg. Father Christmas and then Father Christmas goes on holiday. They are well done as the author considers the adult reading it too , especially grandparents. So in the first book he is living in a back to back terrace with an outside loo etc. He has a cat and a dog, and mutters on about "blooming christmas" with wrapped presents for them that the children can easily guess what they are, and oh how rude, you see him sat on the look in the outside privy. The follow up one is where FC wants to go on holiday so turns the sleigh into a caravan and goes to the seaside, where children recognise him , but he puts his fingerup to tell them to be quiet about it. I have recommended these books to many people and they have all enjoyed them.With the Snowman and the Tiger who came to Tea, they belong in my christmas for years. Susan56 hope you are able to enjoy your lunch today and relax and catch up with all the news and views with your friend. GrandMattie you had quite a day of it, and as for those rude Yummy Mummies, I think I would have just moved away and let them sort things out, so within 5 minutes when the children were asking for this and that they would actually recognise how much you do, and be less rude and more thankful. Wish I had been there, I would have had a word or two with them. Pity the children to have such ignorant parents! hope the Tai chi is calming and soothing for you today. How lovely Aldom, to have so many people to remember your husband , and who have made you welcome. Getting your pictures up is a good start to it feeling like home and sounds as though you have found a treasure to put in your little black book for best handyman for the new year. All to the good, which should help in this starting time in your new home. Just think, there is also something about going somewhere new. You can choose to bring old traditions with you , or alternatively invent new ones that you prefer to start your first christmas here. There is not a great deal to recommend living alone, on the whole, but at least you now have the choice. You can have your christmas dinner at noon or midnight, or no christmas food at all, Watch the opera or ballet uninterrupted by pop music or much rustling of papers and talking over your favourite aria , eat all the chestnuts yourself! But mostly congratulate yourself now and heave a sigh of relief. You did it , managed that move and are settled in your new home to see a brand new year in a new place. Not to mention discovering all of the quirky people on GN too, who will be happy in the coming days to commiserate, advise, ask questions of you, and generally be the great back up whenever life gets to you. so enjoy your first christmas now. You deserve it.

Well, still looking very dark, but dry, out there. Washer is still going, but have had my Bach before 7 and am now in desperate need of a decent coffee, and a shower and then start the hectic day. Will look in later if I have the energy and the time. Enjoy your day everyone, I wish you a bus on time, a parking space, and a chance meeting with an old friend for today.

Good morning everyone, it’s pouring down here in south Glos, at least it will wash the mud off my car from yesterday’s tortuous route to the vets.
I set off early after scraping the ice from the car, it was a bit
oo-er in places with the ice. Tiddler and I got almost to the town when the lane was closed by an accident so a 27-point turn and we headed down very narrow, extremely muddy lanes, vaguely in the right direction. Of course, everyone wanting to go the opposite way was detouring too…… eventually we got to the main road which was gridlocked but people were letting cars out. Got to the car park and discovered that tiddler had been sick 🤢
Took her for a walk after cleaning her up, went to the vet for her check, drove home on lanes that were even icier.
I was very glad to get back in one piece of! The car was filthy so I cleaned up the interior and I’ll take it to the car wash next time I’m out.
I washed the covers on the back seat, they’ll be dry by today so I’ll put them back on.
Little else happened, I stripped the turkey and put it in the freezer, it’ll gradually get used up.
Today perhaps more cupboard tidying.
I’m with you grandMattie when it comes to good manners, we unfortunately have yummy mummies in our village who think it beneath themselves to talk to others or control their children. The village cafe has had to speak to one particular group several times about their children running riot.
Oh Marydoll, how I sympathise, our halos must be very well-deserved!
I might do some painting today, I need to start a new one but I’m lacking inspiration at the moment.
I hope today goes well for you all 🌹

That settles it then, Ash!😁

Good Morning from Durham, where it’s still dark. Spent a few lovely hours with an old colleague yesterday, then home to walk DD2’s Little Dog.
Today is much the same - coffee with an old friend, then walk the dog, but I must be back by 4, as someone is coming to sort out my burglar alarm, which is playing up.

Best wishes to all. X

Good morning all from a pitch dark north of Scotland. I have not posted for some weeks but read every day and admire the stoicism with which so many of you show daily.
We have been doing some (a lot of) painting and reorganising in the house. My DH refuses to call it future proofing but is currently playing with the new robot vacuum cleaner every day so I am trying to think of other gadgets/man toys that would make housework more efficient (and entertain him usefully). Maybe some fancy WiFi lightbulbs? Ideas on a postcard welcome.
Church later today followed by coffee and cake. Also the local village news😉. Others may use different wording.
Best wishes to all especially those with health and caring concerns.
(*whywhywhy*. I miss your knitting photos.)

Good morning everyone from mid Essex. It’s dark and dry (I think). Rain is forecast for this morning. Yesterday was a lovely sunny day. I decided not to go to seated yoga, but I did go for a walk in the afternoon, more letters to post regarding my late godmother’s estate! I wrapped a few presents in the afternoon, and will do more today. I’ll do the Christmas cards at the weekend.

md I hope you have a good day with babydoll and that your DH behaves himself! My DH never read any instructions for domestic appliances and always attempted any repairs without having much idea of what he was doing!

aldom it’s so good that you have found a reliable handyman, and that your new house is looking and feeling more like your home.

Thinking of those who are struggling in any way.

Have the best day you can everyone.

Good morning all. A wet start to the day in Glasgow.

Still in the Christmas decorating mode I will dry slices of oranges stuck with cloves in the oven to be divided between myself and DD1 to hang on our trees. I keep telling myself I’m finished until another idea pops up. At Home Bargains yesterday I noticed a pack of large silver balls at a reasonable price. They are now hanging from a smallish blue spruce at the back door looking very festive.
A neighbour has invited myself and another few neighbours for late afternoon drinks and nibbles. Around 6 of us in the same age group. I’m looking forward to a catch up with them as we only bump into each other in the better weather for a blether.

Best wishes to all for a good day.

Good morning from astill dark Suffolk where I’m hoping my post doesn’t disappear like yesterdays.

I have my stretch class soon and then I’m popping in for coffee with a friend whose DH’s health has deteriorated dramatically over the last couple of weeks. I took them both out for lunch to the pub in Dunwich just 4 weeks ago and he was in good form then,although weary. My friend is now unable to leave him and wants to see friends to help her stay positive I think.

I am then going to visit my dear friend who is in the nurse led separate part of our local hospital so I am thankful of my own good health even more now at present. I was cheered on Tuesday when I visited by all the Christmas street lights I saw on the way home.

Hope today is a good one for all. Thinking about those with their own health problems or caring for loved ones who are unwell.

Good morning Mick and everyone from dark but dry Carlisle.

Yesterday I went into town for my hair appointment then bought myself some new trousers. It's so difficult to get warmer weight ones though I certainly don't want wool ones which need dry cleaning. But most fabrics seem so flimsy now. I'll probably have to think of wearing tights under them if it gets really cold.
In the afternoon I continued trawling through my files and chucking out paperwork. Now to do some shredding.

My mouth has got worse, it's more than a sore, burst haemotoma. It's all very painful especially when eating. I shall be firing an e-consult off shortly, I can't get into a state where I'm unable to swallow my vital pills.

Work-wise, the ironing beckons and various little jobs on the computer. I'm staying firmly inside too and not risking the cold air.

I hope you get sorted to your satisfaction madeleine....difficult decisions for you.

Best wishes to you all.