Good Morning Thursday 4th December 2025

Keep seeing this advert on my phone for a £34 robot dog all the kids are going mad about...Because it's so realistic.
I saw that and was nearly conned seduced.
Apparently there are are scam sites and then the real one, be careful!

Good morning from Cloudy Chambers northwest coast.
Lunchtime recital yesterday and a chap sat next to me who distinctly smelly. A smell of kippers or suchlike. Affected my concentration rather.
Had a rest in the afternoon and then a rehearsal in the evening for the opera co concert tomorrow. I’m bothered about finding the venue. I’m not keen on driving to unknown places, so will set the sat nav to order and set out earlier than needed so I don’t get into a flap. The usual jolly get together after the rehearsal although I hadn’t intended to go.

Will mess about with Xmas cards today and have another look at the concert items.
Thoughts to all🌺

Good Morning Everybody

Reporting from the Great Northern City. Weather cold, damp and grim.
Yesterday was lovely. Colf but very sunny.

Busy day today. Just puy the washer on. Load of towels. Heap of phone calls to do. Trip to.the Hairdresser, then off to the City Centre Skechers Store to get a pair of max cushioning trainers for my hols.

Keep seeing this advert on my phone for a £34 robot dog all the kids are going mad about...Because it's so realistic.

Might get one and snuggle it on holiday with me as long as it doesn't start barking in my suitcase,

What can l feed it on?

Y'all Have a Good Day.
😻
Xxx

Late again! Yesterday didn’t go as planned as my friend and neighbour fell in her kitchen and by the time it was clear we would need an ambulance, and waited nearly three hours for one, the day was nearly done. Her son met her at A&E and eventually brought her home with a dislocated (but realigned) finger and a stable fracture in one ankle. So life is going to be tricky, especially not driving for eight weeks, and I have been booked to wrap Christmas parcels and slide card into envelopes.

So that was Wednesday! Today I have been to receive the invalid’s Waitrose delivery and put it away and am about to visit another neighbour in a nearby nursing home - she may or may not remember who I am but I try to see her fairly regularly. The afternoon will be devoted to making mince pies for the village Christmas fair on Saturday and keeping an eye on the injured one. Never ending excitement!

Good morning everyone from rainy Lancashire.

We were planning a seaside walk at Lytham today but the weather is not looking good so we may walk around the marina instead.

Still waiting to hear from my doctor regarding my recent blood results.

Thinking of our poorly grans and those with troubles, as always.

Wishing you all a good day, whatever you’re doing 🦩🦩🦩

Good morning from a rainy W Kent. I thought it would pour today as the window cleaner came yesterday.
I am hoping to get to the supermarket this morning but DH has just announced he wants to get the wine this afternoon from a different popular supermarket so now dithering.
Gingster I seem to get offered seats now I always think they don’t want me falling over and holding up the train!
Best wishes to all

Good morning all and it’s dull and dreary here in Essex so I’ve put my tree lights on to brighten the day.

Yesterday was such a lovely day, weatherwise and our trip to Docklands for 3 course Christmas dinner and a wonderful festive show. All went exceptionally well. The DLR line had been closed but had re opened by the time we needed it.

Coming home on the tube, two lovely men got up to offer their seats just as the train sped off, I lost my balance and grabbed on to the man and took him with me. 🤣, . A young lady took my hand and we were all in histerics . Especially my friends who were looking on. All was well and I haven’t stopped giggling about it. If only there had been a video recording.

We always find as we get older, people in London so thoughtful and friendly. Ready to help in any way. (We must look so decrepit and ancient) 😢😂.

Today I must stay home and do housework, sort presents, find out what needs to be done and post off cards. I’m not sending many this year.

I have a new shoe rack that needs to be assembled. I’ll ask Dh to attempt it but don’t hold out much hope really 😢.

Take care all and I hope the poorlies feel better soon. 🙏

Better than being known as ‘the honey monster’ LLFL!

marydoll both my grandsons take stuff from my house home. It's usually toys but occasionally wee white stones from a candle arrangement end up in dgs2s pocket. 😂

Good morning all from a wet Black country.
DH bloods have been passed with no further action much to his delight, he thought it was just cholesterol check but the nurse decided to do a full check to save going back again.
Marydoll my younger Dgs is like Babydoll always finds something he wants to take home with him.
Yesterday's toddlers was busy again but this years group are one of the best, they are all willing to help when it's time to finish even go as far as putting the vacuum round. After they all left we spent time preparing for next weeks Santa visit and party wrapping presents.
Today need to pick up DH prescription and local shop then may begin to wrap some of my presents.
Enjoy your day everyone whatever your plans and may you all find a little bit of ☀️.

Morning all from a very wet and rainy West Oxfordshire.

I didn’t get much done yesterday apart from lunch out. OH took along some more jars of honey to a pub in a nearby village. They have sold quite a few. We had lunch there and it was busy for a Wednesday. OH is known as the ‘honey man’.

Today I really must get on wrapping presents and doing my ironing.

Have a good day everyone.

FGT2S 🪻

Morning from a wet S Hants, how ignorant gMattie.
That man sounds worth knowing Aldom gradually adding your touches to your home.
Yesterday MrJ at last, retrieved Christmas bags from the loft, I was impressed how neatly packed they were! We need more wrapping paper definitely, I'm hoping the M&S foodhall has some, it’s much easier than the huge shop.
My daughter is out to a naval ball next week, she bought a lovely dress yesterday, hardly recognised her in the picture she sent! A long time since I dressed up and I really don’t miss it.
Sort cards and write some later, we too are posting few, our local food bank will have a donation instead.
Have a pleasant day all, may those struggling find a little respite.
FGT
🦩🦩

Good morning everyone from a murky and damp morning in Northampton, rain forecast all day.
Yesterday was full of lovely sunshine and I enjoyed my visit to town, apart from losing my shopping bag! Luckily it was empty, and I had gone and had a coffee before I missed it. Retraced my steps and found it in Boots near where I must have left it. Had intended spending a Boots voucher to get £10 off No 7, but just before purchase realised the voucher had expired on Monday..... quickly put the items back!

Picked up the ordered books in Waterstones and then had a browse round our few remaining town centre shops; got a nice Christmas card for my brother, some Nivea moisturiser from Superdrug, and then a Christmas scented reed diffuser. I also managed.to post my Christmas cards.

Today a visit to the dentist looms later this morning, fearing what he will say and do about my broken tooth...
This afternoon a Sainsbury's delivery and then macaroni cheese for dinner.

Wishing all a pleasant day.

Good morning everyone from Inverness where it’s still dark and looks dry
Good to hear you’re settling in a bit Aldom
I had a really enjoyable time at the line dancing Christmas party on Tuesday night, they’re a group of very friendly ladies and we had lots of laughs. It was a very late night, it’s a good job we all stayed overnight as those ladies know how to party! I was tired when I got home yesterday so didn’t do much at all. Today I’m going into town later, I’ve a couple of things to take back and a few more things to buy. Apart from that nothing else planned although I definitely need to do some housework and make a start on wrapping some presents. DH made a start on putting up some decorations whilst I was away but I’ll need to rearrange a few things
Sounds like a good couple of days greyduster - enjoy your second lunch out today 😀
Thinking of everyone with worries and struggles, hope today is gentle and take care all whatever the day brings 💐

Did any grans feel the earthquake? I think it was in the Lake District and Lancashire.

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.

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 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 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 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 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

That settles it then, Ash!😁

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 🌹

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.

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

That would be my plan, too, Greyduster!