Good Morning Tuesday 16th December 2025

God morning from Bristol. It rained hard all day yesterday, but I think today will be drier.

Yesterday was very busy. I managed to make 4 batches of marmalade, some 30 pots, before setting off to Tesco with my friend. A ridiculous amount of sugar was purchased - 8 kg - as I had just used up my stock!

Once home I set about icing my gingerbread biscuits. Not very professional but I had fun…

I also printed, cut out and glued the labels onto my washed jars, no2 all put away ready to take to church tomorrow.

Today is supposedly empty. I must make mince pies for my FABcafe tomorrow. As the oven is on, I’ll take the opportunity to make more gingerbread, this time for the mini houses which were so successful last year.

I hope today brings quiet and peace to you all. Carpe diem 🦩🦩🦩🦩

Good morning from Malta where it looks as though we might get some rain and a high of 16°C.

A busy day with the two poorly boys yesterday, I seemed to be wiping little noses all morning.

They both took a nap at 1.30 after lunch then DD3 arrived home early so I was back home to look after my furry grandson, the cat Winston, who was delighted to see me and promptly curled up on my lap. He’s the most cuddly cat I’ve ever met!

I’m up, showered and ready to go to watch the boys again today. They seemed to be on the mend yesterday but you know how little ones are, their fever seems to go up and down, so fingers crossed they will be better.

Don’t know how I did these early starts for two years as I’m already ready to go back to bed!😂

Thinking of you all and hoping the day is kind to you.☀️

Lovely biscuits grandMattie.🤩

Good morning all from a dark but dry north Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 - I’m up with sparrowfart sorting out today’s To Do list where I’m chasing my tail organising men (Dad, Brothers and Mr PG ) nothing a woman of my calibre and experience can’t manage of course😉

Having read some of your bizzinesses I have decided to invite myself to Glammagran’s for this evening…that lishus food prep has whetted the appetite of this glutton gourmet such as wot I is…😋 and good food must be properly appreciated!

So many suffering with lurgies and other health woes so please be gentle with yourselves and let others take the strain where you can x

Which reminds me I can book a Shingles jab now that I’m 70 (love announcing it to all and sundry whether they care or not 😂). That’s No 9 on today’s list…

Ooh GM I’m adding you onto my list - can’t let all your efforts go untested by an heggsbert 😋

Good morning Michael and all GNs. I’ve been awake since about three😩 doing Codewords on my iPad! It’s dark and wet outside but may dry up later. Yesterday I managed to get the Aldi shopping trip in that I abandoned the day before but I went straight from the gym and had only taken my card, so even though I had the wherewithal to pay, I didn’t have a coin to unlock a trolley. A kind man insisted on giving me a pound coin and then another man gave me an unlocked trolley so I was able to return the pound to the Good Samaritan. I then went to Morrisons and bought a wreath for the front door and some Christmas chocolates. Today I must go to the next village to post a card I’d forgotten about. After that, as I don’t have to go into school this afternoon, the day is a mystery waiting to unfold!

Have the best day you can folks.

Pantglas2

Ooh GM I’m adding you onto my list - can’t let all your efforts go untested by an heggsbert 😋

I had to do some taste testing myself. The ginger flavour has developed. Thanks for compliments.🙏

Good morning from Shropshire.A dry day forecast.

Yesterday went as well as could be expected.Very sad but a well attended and moving celebration of a life well lived.

Today I will hopefully complete everything on my to do list.We have been invited to the neighbours for drinks this evening.

I hope the little boys are better today Bellasnana.

Lovely biscuits grandMattie.

Thinking of all struggling and wishing everyone the best day possible🌻🦩🎄🎅🏼

Good morning all from Polmont where it's currently 2° and dry, as far as I can tell. GrandMattie really nice biscuits. Bellasnana early rises are not as easy now for me neither!
Yesterday I dropped off the boys then headed home to tidy up. After that I lay down to rest my leg. Sometimes it's ok but yesterday it was playing up. I suspect the very damp weather didn't help. In the afternoon I went to the school library for an hour. I was hampered by an enormous pile of computers in the way. The school were getting new ones and the library was out of commission. I did manage to get some books put away and some shelves tidied but that was my last visit til January. Once I had the boys, home again. Dd picked them up and I tidied up yet again.
Today will be much the same. Picking up, feeding them breakfast, dropping them off at school. Today I'm hoping to start wrapping presents. If I say it often enough, one of these days it'll actually work! Have a good day all

Good morning from a dry and calm Torbay after a dreadfully wet and windy day yesterday.

As I was walking to meet my friends for lunch, the wind took some water from a gutter and kindly dumped it on my head as I passed. I might as well have had a bucket of water poured over me! The lunch itself was not a great success as the service was indifferent and the menu not particularly appealing. However, we enjoyed each other’s company. In the evening I attended our church Carol Service where I had been asked to read Christmas Bells by Henry Wadworth Longfellow.

As I write, DH is just leaving his house in France to begin his journey here so he will be at Torre station by 5.30 pm if all goes to plan. My day consists of going to Props to put away all the props from our play last week and then leading a group of carol singers at a care home this afternoon.

Wishing the poorly ones comfort and a good day to all. ⭐️🎁🧑🏻‍🎄🎄⭐️

Good morning from s somerset, dry today, maybe

I`m sitting with a sad lamp to my side, just for 30 minutes, I used it yesterday and had a much better sleep last night

Yesterday came and went and I expect similar will happen today. I am determined to try and finish my sleeve-less top this one is a test for me before I make one for my dil

Have a good day

Good morning from a damp NE after rain all day yesterday.
I was busy all day washing and ironing and twice rang my sister to wish her happy birthday but got no answer, she eventually rang me in the evening but we didn't talk too long because of the hour time difference.
DD and SIL travelled from Hamburg back to their home in Brussels, they have 24 hours to unpack and repack as they are coming to the UK tomorrow.
I have woken with pain and stiffness in both wrists so will have to take it easy.
Hairdresser coming at 10 am.
Have the best day you can.

Good morning. I ‘ve not looked outside yet so no idea of the weather but I suspect damp and dingy.
A day mainly at home for me. New suite being delivered and my to do list to continue.
This evening we will go to DGS 2s school carol service. Afterwards I’m off for a quick choir practice and then we will be singing outside down in the town.
Wishing all a good day with a smile along the way.

Good morning Mick and all GN's from a very dark and as far as I can tell dry morning in North Yorkshire. Probably because there is no rain left after the endless deluge yesterday.

Today is going to have to be a rest and recuperate or rather catch up from what was not done yesterday, and apart from hopefully going to the games night tonight, I have no set plans for the day, although much to catch up on and one of the first things is to discover where the borrowers have put my big bag of assorted christmas cards , which seem to have disappeared.

Yesterday I went up swaledale to the funeral of a friend from the swale singers choir, who I had sung with for over 20 years. Of course as always seems to happen on funeral days, the rain was already coming down in sheets before I set off and never stopped all day. Fortunately I had allowed extra time, partly the automatic plan, as one cannot be late for a funeral and need to allow for whatever is on the road, and also I knew there would be some flooding on the way to avoid. Good job too, as not only were there the normal puddles traffic etc etc., but a big building site where a huge lorry was struggling to get into a narrow entrance, and then having chosen the best route to avoid the likely flooded area, the road was closed for what reason I dont know , meaning I had to go back via the likely flooded road. Anyway I got up to Muker and found a place to park, quite near the church.

The service went very well and her grandchildren played the piano and spoke very well, and Muker silver band were there to play and especially our Swaledale song, and it was all very moving. After the service we went into the church hall for refreshments and I was able to meet up with friends and old choir members and remember many occasions, when we had sung together and the various little happenings in the festival.

I left and drove down to Richmond, and called on a friend and old neighbour from where I used to live. I had hoped to have a bit of a walk up in Swaledale and maybe call for coffee in Reeth, but the endless rain put paid to that, so it was good to catch up with news and views, and asking after grandchildren, remembering them as little ones, rather surprised to hear 2 of them are now at college. Where does the time go to? I then took myself off to a large Tesco nearby , which used to be my regular one to visit, and was greeted by a lovely lady who worked at the customer service counter, when I asked for the disability scooter key by "My goodness , I thought you were dead!" as it had been so long since I called there. We had a laugh and a bit of a catch up, and then I did a bit of shopping , and was glad to drive home in the dark and the rain, with so many lights being set too high on cars. (Does no one ever check their angle these days?)

Home at last, I was just too weary to do anything apart from shove stuff in the fridge and get a bite to eat. Had thought on the way home that I would do various jobs and some cards but just too weary, so it was an early bed, and just listened to some radio 3 and thought over the day. So today will be spent catching up hopefully, and if the day is dry I can go down the town on the buggy hopefully. I also plan to ring a friend I havent seen for some time. Funerals remind you to keep in touch, no one knows what can happen in the future.

GrandMattie you are such a busy person. Wonderful biscuits and baking and you will be rivalling Keillers in the marmalade making at this rate . would love to be able to reach out for one of your very well decorated christmas trees. Bellasnana hope you find the little boys a bit better today, and that you can find a little time for you to perhaps have a nap complete with cat. I miss my cats, especially on a day when I get little sleep. They were soothing to stroke and were, of course , a living hot water bottle on cold days. Pantglas, no doubt you can sort out the men with one hand tied behind your back if you chose to! Have you heard that song "Cos Im a Woman, think it was sung by Peggy Lee, which starts off " I can wash up 44 dishes and do (?) something or other , at the same time, cos Im a woman, W O M A N etc. Singing of the multitasking that we all do. Mind you it is easier sorting out young men and boys, rather than adults , who are quite likely to complain or stubbornly refuse to do the practical whatever. Greyduster hope the day unfolds to include something good for you too.

Well just listening to Bach before 7 and then need to slowly start my day. Got the notepad at the ready to start jotting down the various jobs I need to do, and then will also poke about the kitchen to see what shopping I might need, and look at any gaps, so that I can get them filled and not be rushing about on christmas eve for something vital I have forgotten. I think actually after breakfast I need to look through all the emails etc etc and see if there is anything of importance to deal with today. Hopefully by the end of the day, I will have caught up a bit and be able to enjoy the games night .

wishing everyone a pleasant day where things are found, jobs completed and there is time for a little rest and catch up with a friend

Good Morning from Durham. I think it’s to be the only dry day this week. Our visit to a friend’s new house went well yesterday, but a difficult one hour drive on unfamiliar country roads, black dark and pouring rain. Such a warm, new build house, it set me thinking, but she’s had an easy move, almost empty handed just leaving her big house to her son and d-in-law.
Coffee this morning with my friend of 56 years! Her life revolves around 2 very needy adult sons, but without that, she would be bored and feel useless.
This afternoon, I’ve to be at DD1’s house for a 2pm Zoom meeting about my rental house. Not sure what I’ll do afterwards - maybe Tesco on my way home.

Hoping there’s some improvement in the sick bay today.

Best wishes to all. X

Good morning everyone from a very wet Northampton, pouring with rain.

Had a good day at home yesterday, a load of washing dried and put to air, a clean of the kitchen, and sorted, cleaned and tidied the study as it will be a bedroom next week for one of the DGDs.
After lunch I set to and got most of the Christmas presents wrapped - just two left to do now. Of course I had some extra help from two curious cats...

Not sure whether I shall join the walking group today, depends on the weather. I need to put a chicken hotpot in the slow cooker by early afternoon just in case anyway. I also need to ring a friend to fix a day for me to go round and deliver her Christmas present and card, also a card for her sister. I tried ringing last week and also yesterday, but she must have been out.

Wishing all a pleasant day.

Good morning everyone from a dark damp cold East Coast. It has rained through the night. I have been awake since six not able to get back to sleep so I started a new audiobook.

Today is a real treat day. This afternoon we are being wined and dined at a hotel by a company connected to our business. Later we are meeting some of DH family for a Christmas meet up and I think the restaurant is Thai this evening which is my favourite food.
I could do with doing some wrapping this morning. I have the morning spare and hate sitting down for long so I’ll wrap while listening to my book.

My son in China sent a video this morning of my 2 and a half year old grandson singing twinkle twinkle once in English and then Chinese while tinkling on the guitar. So cute.

Grandmattie you are so talented. It’s wonderful seeing your many crafts and baking.
Safe journey to your DH Ashcombe

Wishing everyone an enjoyable day, thoughts to those struggling and hope today brings moments of joy 🎄

Good morning Mick and everyone from dark Carlisle where I believe it's dry...supposed to be!
I woke at 4am and dozed on and off till 6am listening to BBC Sounds. Trying to follow an interesting tale is good for getting you dozing.

Yesterday, after a quick trip into town to collect my prescription, I got on with the housework and laundry then gave it up to get out in the garden as it was a bright, mild day. I spent some time giving my vigorous crab apple tree a good prune, its leaves are long gone and the little fruits rotting on the branches. All the prunings have to wait till March now for collection, very few real gardeners round here to collect from, it's all grass and hard cover, no wonder there's so few birds about.

Today I must pop out to catch the early post, I have missed a friend off my christmas card list and hadn't realised until I got hers yesterday.
Then it will be swabbing round the kitchen and bathrooms before my afternoon of reading and relaxation, all my minor christmas preps done apart from giving the cake a good feed.

I could eat one or two or more of those gingerbreads right now, grandMattie, those are going to disappear like snow in summer!

Wishing you all the best day possible.

Good morning everyone from mid Essex, it’s mild and dry so far. Rain is forecast for this morning then dry and cold later.
Yesterday I went into the nearest town, had a wander round a few shops and bought a few more presents. In the afternoon I walked round to the post office to collect a tracked package.
Today I’m going to the garden centre where I hope to get the last few presents for neighbours.
I’ll visit my dementia friend this afternoon.

grandmattie the gingerbread men and trees look great.

I hope your grandsons will be a little better this morning.
bellasnana, it’s worrying when they’re poorly.

ash safe and trouble free journey back to the UK for your DH. A shame your lunch wasn’t better yesterday, but good to have convivial company.

Hoping that those who are struggling today find some improvement, thinking especially of the fgts and md, but I know that there are many others in a similar situation.
Have the best day possible everyone.

Morning Mick, morning All from a wonderfully dry corner of Somerset

Little sleep here, I was going to sleep as you woke greyd. We’re venturing forth today, postponed from yesterday as neither of us fancied getting very wet. A visit to the cemetery where my parents rest which always worries me after wet weather as, in spite of new drainage, it still has a tendency to flood after heavy rain. We’ll see. A visit to an NT property first which we’ll enjoy. Before that a breakfast stop. It seems I’m all back to front today . Two motorways are involved, we’re hoping for a reasonable traffic day.

Best wishes to everyone. Hope Tuesday is kind to us all.

Good morning from a damp but not raining at the moment, Black Country.

An annoying day yesterday. Arrived at Mums by 10.30 ready for the Carer to arrive as it could have been anytime between 11am and 2.pm. No-one arrived. Brother and SIL had the contact details and it took ages to speak to the right person. Massive apologies admin error! Doesn't inspire confidence does it?

So I missed my Walking Group Christmas meal which was annoying. I took the chance to tidy cupboards and drawers in Mums bedroom, and found a school report of my Dad's from 1934 and his Service Book from 1946!

Today I am meeting a new friend from Walking Group for coffee in the cafe in the park. MrJ's cycle group are going on a Christmas ride, where they decorate the bikes.

Wishing you all the best day possible.

Morning from a dark S Hants, it’s raining.
Not much going on here, MrJ visited last night, I hope to be home tomorrow at latest, I’d prefer today.
Lovely biscuits gMattie very colourful, good of Pant to help out.
Safe journey to oldudders Ash, will he have goodies?
Hope brook isn’t too poorly and the FGT’s having good days.
🦩🦩

Good morning from another wet one in Leamington. I've had a lovely time with everyone but going home later this morning.
Last night DD1 and I went out for an early dinner before listening to E singing with her choir in Warwick.
A beautiful concert with some amazing voices.
This morning I shall be watching E sing in her school carol service.
I have a very sore, dry throat so I don't think I'll be joining in much.
I haven't read all your news yet so I'll go back and do that now.
Best wishes to everyone for a good day xx

Morning all from West Oxfordshire. It looks grey and damp outside.

I finally finished the cards yesterday. One pile to post and the other for OH to hand deliver locally. The Guides used to do it for a small fee, but they disbanded. I am waiting for a couple more presents to be delivered and that should be everything.

We are buying the tree today. I will decorate it while OH is at his shooting club.

Have a good day everyone. Thinking of the FGT2S and others with difficulties.