Good Morning Friday 5th December 2025

Good morning all from the Scottish Borders. Cold but dry.

Such a busy day yesterday ending with an hour and a half of ceilidh dancing.

I am tired now. I shall work my shift at the store and then show someone round my flat which I advertised to let as my house plans seem to be on hold.

Happy birthday Pantglas enjoy yourself! Champagne 🍾 🥂
🎂
Thinking especially of the poorly ones today.

Good morning Mick and all GN's on another very dark and still , chilly morning in North Yorkshire. Cant even see an outline of the tree yet, but swiftly shut the curtains as quite a chill coming through from there.

I have a fleece blanket round my knees to add to the dressing gown , sat here, as it feels so cold. Today at some point need to get the instructions out and check how to do it properly, and reset the radiators to a more winter mode. I had no choice here when I moved. It is an all electric place, as the powers that be seem to think that those of us who have navigated our way through life and kept ourselves alive and safe from harm on the way, are incapable of dealing with gas and cannot be allowed to use our own brain and choose. So the one thing I did do is to have radiators that are individual and can set each one to fit its place and timing. I only have the bedroom one on late in the evening , just to warm it up to get into bed, but nothing more etc. I can therefore set the temperature too, at specific levels for each room, but have had them all down to as low as I could manage whilst the weather was decent, but now time to try to ignore the rising bill and make sure I am warm enough. With my mobility problems and cold makes my aches and pains worse, I need to have the room where I am sitting up to a reasonable level. So officially winter here now.

I had a very busy day yesterday as predicted, and by last night was absolutely shattered, but had managed to do most of the things I needed to do, and also was pleased to manage to be in the right place to add my two pennorth too. As I had been awake from 3am, I had managed to get two lots of washing done, and with a struggle and stopping at times on the way, was able to get down to the washing line and got it all hung out with a bit of a breeze blowing. They have put the seat away for the winter I presume but oh, how I wished it was still there. I had to go and lean against the flat wall as there was no where to sit, and I couldnt have got up if I had sat on the grass, even if it was warm enough. So a very slow walk back to the flat and glad to sit down and recover for a little while, but had to push on. So collected things together for both meetings, sent a quick email to my cleaner, to say what was top priority if I was not back before they arrived - namely making the bed and then the usual stuff and got ready to set off, when rather to my dismay, got a swift reply to say they would not be able to come today. Her mum had had a flood and they were all hands to the pump to sort things out and she was of course in quite a state. I swiftly replied and said dont worry and thanks for letting me know, but had to get off and leave everything to sort out later.

There is only one disabled bay for a car at the library , nearest to the way in, and I desperately needed it , as already struggling to walk about much after the trip to the washing line etc. But by going nearly 30 minutes early I did manage to grab the space and went in to the meeting.

It was very worthwhile making the effort. It is always well organised and has interesting speakers etc, and we have a local councillor who always comes to the meeting and helps with all sorts of things. Well today was just the day to be there, as we were introduced to two ladies who had come to explain the new set up, which I cant remember what it is called, but means that our town is in the second group and we are being asked for ideas about the town. They want to know the pros and cons of living here. What major problems we have with all sorts , from transport, parking, what activities and facilities are available or not etc etc. They have to bid for various ideas on how to spend what money they will be getting and these two sensible women were coming to such meetings as ours to find out. They had questionnaires, post it notes, spoke to people individually and in groups and were getting to know the different problems in the various areas.

Ah ha!! I was onto my soapbox immediately. There were many ideas and suggestions and the good thing was how we managed to join the various problems together to show how one thing led to another etc etc. So it began with someone saying they did not enjoy driving any longer, but felt that they could not give up the car by choice as they lived in an area of the town which the buses finished at 3.30pm and after that there was nothing other than taxis. These taxis were totally unavailable in the morning and from about 3pm to 4,30pm as they were doing school runs etc, so you could not be sure of getting one even for urgent things like a hospital visit. I was then able to add that I try to be fair and as I was returning by train, but was not sure that I would definitely be able to arrive at a set time, did not book a taxi in advance. I arrived at about 3.40pm and having rung all the taxis in the town the earliest I was offered a taxi was over an hours time. As I cannot stand for that length of time and also had a suitcase, I had to ring a friend and it ended up by her mother kindly coming to collect me or I did not know how I would have managed. So if they are trying to get us to use public transport not own cars, this sort of thing needs to be addressed etc. Then this easily led on to the fact that these buses, even if they can be relied upon to arrive, finish on many routes by 3,30pm , so not only can you not go out at night without the expense of a taxi, you cant even spend a whole afternoon at a meeting etc.
The need for joined up thought out ideas then of course led on to me going on about how the potholes were not only a danger in themselves but stopped people from coming out on dark days and evenings., so that led to isolation and all the efforts to improve activities and options for people to join would be totally wasted if the transport was not available , or people felt unsafe to walk to anywhere.

Well the culmination of this was that these ladies were writing down copious notes and between us we managed to show how one thing led to another etc etc. They then said that they would be taking all this information on to their next couple of meetings of their own group, and they then asked me if I would be prepared to go to their transport meeting , as with the information I had and also my doing hospital car work for ten years , I would be useful to be there and be able to point out various problems, such as if you had to use your car to go to Middlesborough to the large hospital there the parking was so bad you needed to go hours ahead of your appointment time etc. How a sensible bus service to the hospital would not only diminish the traffic but cause much less stress for patients before they had even got there.

Well I was very pleased that I had been able to get these points across to these sensible women, and took one of their questionnaires to my next meeting after I had filled one in myself. So by then very weary and back aching , but managed to get myself parked and up to the womens group. Not a large group there , but they had obviously had some fun decorating card baubles and christmas tree shapes with tinsel and so forth. I was sorry I had missed that but someone kindly gave me a pretty bauble they had decorated. So had a coffee with them and caught up on news and views and what we were doing next week, which is our monthly yoga lady. I shall definitely be in need of that if I havent got my flipping yellow peril sorted by then! Whilst I have done yoga over the years, I dont always use my brain when things get tense and difficult and stop and breath and relax, so this once a month reminder is very enjoyable and does tend to show me where I am holding tension etc and it is also a very good thing as a group. We usually sit in a circle and as we carry on with the exercises we begin to breathe together and there is a real sense of calming things down, which at this time of the year is going to be very useful.

I couldnt stay long as had to be back for the car to be collected for the MOT, so got home and first just slumped in a chair, totally shattered but in time. 20 minutes went by and I started to wonder if I had somehow missed them, and I wanted to go and get the washing in as it looked like rain, so rang to check , and they were just about to come for the car, so that was great. Chap arrived shortly after that , and kindly took the key off the ring for me. I do find these days that getting keys off or onto rings is something that is almost impossible for me to do and get quite annoyed about it.

So off went the car, and I hobbled off to get the washing, as it was just beginning to spit with rain. Rather a struggle to get it all down and just shoved any old way into the basket to get back to the flat, and again it was a case of just dumping the basket and collapsing in a heap for 10 minutes, before I had the strength or energy to go through it and fold up bedding and put stuff still too damp for the ironing basket, onto the clothes horse to dry off. So it took me until about 7pm to slowly get the bed made and some sort of tidying up and something to eat. The garage phoned and I was very relieved to find that it had passed the MOT with only one tyre that they said would need changing in a few weeks and to keep an eye on it. So £45 only and they kindly brought it back for me and reattached the key to the ring too. Phew what a relief. It certainly showed me that I really cannot manage without the buggy and the car, and a good thing I am on the ground floor or would have been even more stuck!

So definitely need to take things a bit slower today, and not even making any plans for the day or the time, it will just be do what I can when I can, but definitely need to go to the bank. Hopefully can get an appointment to go through things with them and see what will be the best I can do about buying this buggy, and to make sure that I dont end up overdrawn by mistake etc. I am more accepting the fact that this is something I need to do to keep my independance now, rather than feeling miserable that I have come to the state where I need it!! It will have to be my biggest christmas present to myself ever, but if it gives me freedom and choice for the new year, I will get used to it and no doubt wonder why I waited so long. Ah well maybe I will win the lottery tomorrow!!

Mick hope you find the new tablets help with the diabetes. This time of year of course there are temptations wherever you look, which adds to the difficulties of sticking to a routine. GrandMattie it is good that you will have a little quieter day today as you are usually a whirlwind of a baker and organiser so hope you get a bit of peace and quiet today. Pantglas a very happy birthday to you, and you seem to be enjoying it. Oh to be as young as you!! Enjoy the rest whilst you can and come back full of energy to meet the chaos here.
Susan56, glad you had a good get together and great news about the house. It will be good if it all goes ahead easily and you will have one major thing sorted to start the new year in a better state.

Well there is more daylight but still cold, no sign of the squirrels for the last few days, too chilly I suppose. Time for me to get started on the grand clear up, but the pace will be tortoise not hare speed. Hope everyone can have a good day, with progress in some way whether jobs ticked off, cards written or trips out enjoyed. Take care and go steadily folks

Good morning everyone from Inverness where still dark and about 3°
A very Happy Birthday pantglas enjoy your special day 🎉🥂🎊
DH is off down to Manchester this morning for the weekend, he’s visiting his 3 sons and their families and having a catch up with them all. I could go with him as we all get on well but I think he enjoys this time with just his sons on his own. He’s a busy weekend all planned out with his DGSs football matches and training sessions to attend and cheer on. Meanwhile I’ll be busy here at home hoping to make good inroads into the Christmas preparations.
Have a lovely day grandmabatty with watching DGS1 in the nativity and then the curry night later - enjoy the karaoke!
Thinking of everyone with worries and struggles, hope today is gentle and take care all whatever the day brings 💐

Morning from a frosty S Hants, rain due later - again, I prefer frost.
A very happy birthday Pantglas 🥂🎂🥳 enjoy your meal.
Cards and parcel posted yesterday, I’ll wrote the ones to be hand delivered at leisure.
Stretch class, Tesco delivery and pub are today’s order of play.
FGT
🦩🦩

Just a quick good morning Mick and everyone. I have to be out soon as I'm meeting my daughter for coffee followed by a meeting with wiidows of clergy.
Thinking of everyone facing life's many and varied challenges today.

A miracle has happened.
After a lot of faffing about on e consult for the first time, I have a appointment this morning!!!

The bad news, my controlled drugs have been removed from ,y prescription list!!! I am ready to battle!

Marydoll

A miracle has happened.
After a lot of faffing about on e consult for the first time, I have a appointment this morning!!!

The bad news, my controlled drugs have been removed from ,y prescription list!!! I am ready to battle!

I will keep everything crossed for a successful outcome from your face-to-face appointment.

Whilst feeling a tad sorry for the doctor you see 🙀🙀🙀

Good luck Marydoll

Good morning from a brightening northwest coast.
Carried on with card making yesterday with a final addition of glitter (liquid so no mess). My left arm was very painful but I knew it came from my gammy shoulder and neck and I wasn’t having a heart attack!

I’m not going to art this morning as I must set off this afternoon to the city and a venue new to me for the final Xmas concert with my opera co. Not keen on driving in the dark to unknown places so will leave earlier than is necessary with the sat nag at the ready.

My flying manager DD has taken my niece by marriage as a “cling on” in business class to the Maldives and sent me lovely photos of the trip. I go as a cling on myself from time to time and it’s a nice bonus.
Congratulations Pantglas 🥂and thoughts to all🌺

Good morning all .

Yesterday I ‘worked’ all day getting the house in order, clearing out kitchen drawers, wrapping presents, posting cards and doing odd jobs here and there.
I asked Dh to assemble a new shoe rack but it was beyond him, so we tackled it together and it came together beautifully 👍.

A very satisfying day.

Today the supermarket calls, the cupboards are bare. Dd might come along too.

Happy birthday Pants. Not too many 🥂🥂🥂. 😵‍💫.

Well done you Liberty and good luck with your mission of mercy . You’re a star 🌟.

Marydoll 💐. Don’t you just love these ‘new age’ parents. “Strong Emotions “ indeed! 🤣.

Wishing you all a stress free day 🧘‍♀️

Morning all from a frosty West Oxfordshire.

It is the monthly WI coffee morning and I’m driving a couple of us to the venue. It has a wonderful Farm Shop so no doubt I’ll be popping in! I wonder whether we’ll talk about the WI trans women missive which was circulated to us all yesterday?

Have a good day. I hope MaryD feels better and the FGT2S have a good day.

Just seen your follow up MaryD! Good luck.

Wishing you a very Happy 70th Birthday Pant. Have a great day 🎂🥂🎉🍾🎉

Many happy returns of the day to you Pantglas. I have a friend who went to Cape Verde years ago. She said it was very windy there which is why there’s a lot of wind surfing!

Hope your appointment goes well Marydoll and the controlled drugs are reinstated to your prescription with the minimum of fuss.x

Morning fro South Lanarkshire and a very happy birthday Pantglas Oh, seventy seems so long ago!

On Wednesday evening I joined DD5 and family at the annual gathering of the Glasgow Sands group for parents and families who have lost children at birth or through miscarriages. It was very well attended by parents, children and grandparents and as usual all the families went up and hung little tags with the children’s names on the Christmas tree. It was generously hosted by the church in Maryhill and everyone joined in for the tea, coffee and cakes in the hall afterwards. Our baby would have been 16 in January and it seemed especially important to DD this year.

Wishing everyone a good day x

Happy birthday, Pantglas. Good luck Marydoll
Hope everyone has as good a day as possible.

Happy birthday Pantglas 🎉🎂🥂.
Marydoll hope your appointment goes well🤞.

Good morning from the west midlands.
Damp here but suddenly brightening -up, thank goodness.
A busy morning and so looking forward to lunch; Some nice soup & tofu with some good wholemeal bread.
Mr Ilovedogs has cleared -off to the supermarket to buy stuff that we don't really need and to chat-up any eager younger women as per normal! Trouble is, he keeps coming back with so -called bargains. (Tat.) I just take them to the charity shop but I have a sneaking suspicion that they also get shot of them, probably, where they belong in the......bin!

A very Happy Birthday to you, Pantglas !
Interesting choice of destination.

You seem to be permanently battling with your surgery Marydoll . Good luck!

Good morning (just) Mick and all. Just a quick post to say Happy 70th Birthday to Pantglas 🥂🎂. Marydoll, I hope your GP appointment results in some relief for your suffering. 💐
Stilllearning, the SANDS service sounds beautiful and very meaningful for those who have suffered child loss during pregnancy or after birth 💐
I am focussed on clearing up the post-kitchen fitting mess and all the other messes ready to start enjoying Christmas decorating, card writing etc.
Love to all xx

Stilllearning A special age, 16. Thinking of your family. 🌹💗

How did it go Marydoll?
Stilllearning

Stilllearning 💐