Good Morning Friday 16th January 2026

Good morning everyone from DD1s in Cambridge, I think it’s dry and feels quite mild
I had an easy trouble free journey here yesterday evening, it’s so lovely to be back. I’ve not seen the two DGSs yet as it was late when I arrived but I’ve heard noises downstairs so I’ll get up soon
Hoping gMattie is ok ❤️
We recently renewed our passports too Ash, did it all online and we received our new ones within 2 weeks
Thinking of everyone with worries and struggles, hope today is gentle and take care all whatever the day brings 💐

Good morning from my bit of South Lanarkshire, as baubles said, a lovely time spent with baubles yesterday with some good advice received.

I returned home to the news that the husband of the couple next door had died, less than three months after being diagnosed with an unusual cancer. He was a thoroughly nice man and I was very sorry to get such news.

An appointment first thing this morning to have new moulds fitted to my hearing aids and then straight to Biggar to check in with DD4 before visiting a good friend who is still very poorly after surviving sepsis some weeks ago. Challenging times around here just now.

Pantglas, I hope things go well for you and that everyone in our group has a good day, thoughts to all ‘just managing’.

Lovely to here your delight at the news of the Tour de France coming to your town Ekwanimitee

Good morning Mick and all GNs on a slightly lighter dry, still morning in North Yorkshire. Partly lighter of course because I am later than usual. I am full of a cold and creaking , and when people say oh its only a cold, I never agree with them. You feel bunged up and rubbish and I get a headache with it. So everything takes longer to do and even this morning, my fingers seem to be effected and having to go back and correct misspelling a lot. Fortunately I dont have a lot of things that I have to do as opposed to what I wanted to do, and think that there will be whatever essential I find I need and the local paper and get home and allow myself to just do the least possible and hope for some improvement this afternoon.

Yesterday I was absolutely struggling to move around, but with something of an effort, managed to get cracking and went for my prescription, which I was in need of and couldnt leave it. So then was a little late for the womens group, but glad I went as we had a very good speaker, who was talking about someone who had been married to the station master at Leeming bar. She had all the information and it was interesting how the station master had begun as very low down in the railway and gone on moving up and up and not only getting to a very good position , but making quite a lot of money, including getting free coal and of course free travel on the railway. His wife had various things to help with , but even after he had died , she still had free travel and used to visit her sister at another station. It was all very interesting, and then she also had a lovely display of all sorts of old equipment to look at and guess what it was used for.

Being mostly in the age range of 60/80 we had used or knew all the equipment and had some fun reminising about their use. She even had what I would have called a large sweet jar with wooden paddles in it with a handle to turn on the lid. I remembered using that very well as it was a butter making jar that my granny had and you used to stir the cream until it turned into butter. It could take a long time and I remember as a child working it with one hand and then the other,getting tired, and asking my granny to have a go. It would then annoy me as it would turn within a couple of minutes of my granny taking over!!

In my first year at grammar school I actually went to school on a steam train, before the diesels came in (which were useless to do homework on as it swayed too much ) and we all had lots to talk about going over the bridges like in the Railway Children, and the porter yelling at us to shut the doors etc., So it was a very pleasant time and I was glad I had struggled to get there.

Then it was a swift trip home and hoping that the cleaning ladies would arrive as I hadnt heard from my email to them earlier in the day, and my spare key was still missing. Got home and the washing out on the line, and then Jessie arrived. The mystery was solved. She had been locked out of her old phone for some reason, got another one , but hadnt got my number on her, so she had come on the offchance of my being there and Debbie wasnt well so she was on her own.

So I was very glad as the thought of trying to turn the mattress or even attempt to hoover yesterday would have been very difficult. The missing key was found, the flat tidied and new phone numbers and emails exchanged so it was a worthwhile afternoon but felt totally shattered by then end and not up to doing anything else. Never mind , all is clean, and today a gentle sort out of things should put me in a better position for the weekend. That is if I feel a bit better than now. Right now I have no great ideas for the weekend and will just be glad if I feel able to do anything without an effort.

Hope you have a good trip Mick. Today I dont even envy you your lunch, and usually reading of your plans puts me in mind to join you. I wish you all a good day with plans working out. Will come back and read a bit more later, but need to make a decent coffee and try and get myself up to going out shortly.

Good morning, Michael and all GNs. Barely light in South Yorkshire but it’s 3 degrees with a high of 7 later and will be dry. Yesterday’s Step Out walk was very good. The paths through all three sections of the wood were pretty dry, and all the brooks were in spate - good to see.

I had lunch with DD who I was surprised to hear took a sick day (unheard of) on Wednesday because of the pain she has been having in her ear after the second attempt to microsuction it for stubborn wax. She is now on antibiotics and pain relief for an infection and was in need of an extra long hug. I came home and then went to my hairdressing appointment.

School this afternoon - Friday is only a short session - and then I have a medical appointment to see what may be causing the pain in some of my fingers and toes. I suspect it may be arthritis but I hope not.

Have the best day you can folks.

Morning from a dry S Hants after yesterday’s rain.
Ashcombe we did our last passports online using our phones for the photos, very easy - white background, no glasses.
I had a much better sleep, it really makes a difference.
Tesco delivery today, MrJ will pop out for a drink and catch up at tea time.
FGT
🦩🦩

I’m ok, just keeping my head below the parapet, wearing my strongest tin hat.
I shan’t post for sometime, while licking my wounds.
As for having an offspring dying, I know only too well what it’s like.

Grandmattie please keep posting and carrying on with your regular “ doings”

I will take a step back and keep my advice to myself.

I will repeat. It was not intended as a criticism, but necessary advice.
Unfortunately, once again I am being seen as bad cop. And offence has been taken.
Why on earth would you stop posting, GM?

Good morning from a brightening northwest coast.
I was glad to have a quiet day yesterday, apart from a dental check up which went well and a relief after the dramas of last year with an untreated abscess and failed extraction.

Off to art group soon and I was sorry to hear yesterday that my coach trip to the Trafford centre tomorrow had been cancelled through lack of numbers. It’s not my favourite place, but I thought I’d have lunch there and it makes a change. Probably not too much of a drawback as my wrenched neck is still in recovery and I had a collar on yesterday for some relief.
After art, a meet up with guitarist from the music club for lunch. He’s very good company and hails from my hometown.

Thoughts to GM FGTs and all.🌺

Good morning from Kent where I have just woken up! This never happens obviously visit from DF and her husband was more tiring than I thought. She is a lovely, kind person who just likes to talk and try and sort out life. All the cake disappeared and outside it rained and rained.
Today a little shopping and that’s it I think
Best wishes to all

Good morning from. N.Bucks where it is dry and still at the moment. after teeming rain yesterday.
The new art class was really good and I’ve already learned a few new things.
Today we are on standby to take DD2 to an emergency eye appointment , hopefully it will be this morning.
I’m going to have tea and a chat with DD1 this afternoon and maybe see DGS1 when he returns from work.
Wishing all a good day.

A late good morning from a dry and bright Suffolk. I seem to be sleeping later these days even though they get light earlier. After the late one on Wednesday because of the opera,perhaps I should have gone to bed earlier last night.

DH has an appt early afternoon with a physiotherapist which was arranged after a phone call yesterday and a referral from the GP only about 10 days ago. Another example of excellent service from the NHS.

I’ll drive and drop him off there as the local cottage hospital which had a huge legacy a few years ago and has expanded its range of services hasn’t increased car parking facilities.

Hope all have a good day.

Good morning all from the Scottish Borders where it's freezing. -3°. A hard white frost outside and I have offered to be a driver for our U3A outing to the skittle ally this afternoon!

Meanwhile I have to open up the café/store as my coworker is sick.

Last night was ceilidh dancing which was very hot in the church hall and good fun and exercise.

I had to use my passport as ID when getting a new phone as my driving licence was out of date. I don't remember getting a reminder but my new one is in the post so hopefully I'm legal now.

Très Chic madameAsh ❤️

How funny travelling with Baby doll MD

Have the best day you can, morning people.

Good morning all from the Black country.
Haven't read through yet will catch up later, for the last 2 nights I've slept for nearly 9hrs most unusual I do find that if up late it throws the day out even when I have no plans.
I do believe NannyJan is starting her holiday today safe travels and enjoy.
Will wish you all a pleasant day thoughts with missing posters☀️

Good morning from Shropshire.

I had a lovely afternoon with my friend yesterday.We both had lots to chat about.DH kept us supplied with cups of tea and biscuits.

Today is our usual Friday collecting the children and then back here for a sleepover.DGD requested a trifle, usually only made on high days and holidays.I have said she will have to take some home as I am diabetic and DH pre diabetic, she seemed happy with that!

Pantglas💐Colds are miserable madeleine especially when you are already struggling with pain.I hope you feel better as the day goes on💐

I have missed grandMattie posting today.

Thoughts with all who are struggling.

Wishing everyone the best day possible🌻🦩

grandMattie, I always enjoy reading your posts. Another one here sending 💐.

We arrived back from Fife on Wednesday evening, tired after a long journey, some of it on darkened roads as the sun was decending. DH no longer enjoys night driving, neither do I!
I was so pleased we made the effort as my cousin was delighted to see us. He seemed in great spirits, but no doubt that overwhelming grief at the sudden loss of his wife, will hit him hard when he closes the door after everyone leaves. Such a long hard journey lies ahead for him.
Today we're still in recovery, just feeling lethargic after suffering this recent cough and cold. It's certainly been a poor start to the New Year but others I know are facing greater hardships.
Wishing all the best day possible.

Good morning Mick and everyone.
The other day I met a lady on the bus who suggested that I go to a meeting with her at the local community centre. As I've recently moved here I was pleased to be invited.
We were entertained by a wonderful woman, dressed as a tree!
She talked about trees and folk lore in a very light hearted way.
Using a selection of hats and different voices she became a different character in the telling of each story.
Some of the stories made us laugh out loud.
A wonderful afternoon and a much needed opportunity to meet new people.
The group is called Growing Old Disgracefuly. I'm looking forward to the monthly meetings.
My thoughts are with all of you who are experiencing difficult times in your lives.

Lovely bright morning and I look forward to getting my kitchen back by the end of the day. Will go the oldies’ coffee morning but not bridge this afternoon as should be needed to supervise the restoration of furniture, pictures etc.

Sorry gM is so upset and I hope she feels less bruised soon. Lots of church events here have notices saying that cakes are made in a domestic kitchen, and if anything nut related is kept separate and clearly labelled there is really no problem. I bet her regulars are missing her!

Good morning from Sheffield ,a bit later this morning .
I’ve been up cleaning the house.
I don’t think it’s had a proper bottoming since before Christmas .
I’m working this morning and then meeting a friend this afternoon for a good old chat and lots of coffee.
Take care everyone

Late good morning from a frosty NE.
I can't believe I slept for nine hours, possibly knock on effect from day before when I was wide awake at 3.40.
My friend messaged me yesterday to say that she is still unwell and not able to go out for lunch, sounds like the same virus that DD and SIL had.
I will just take the day as it comes and maybe watch some TV.
Have a good day.

I look forward to reading this thread every morning with my two mugs of builders’ tea (made with proper tea leaves, natch) and I have to say that GrandMattie and MaryDoll are two of my favourite posters (Madeleine is another). I’m quite sure I speak for many when I say that, if either of you stopped posting, your contributions would be missed immensely. Sorry to barge in unannounced, as it were.

Oh stilllearning, so soon.
I know you’d planned to visit him, how sad and shocking.

Good morning from a very frosty East Lothian. We had a good train journey up from the south coast yesterday though booked tickets with only 7 minutes between trains at both of our changes made DH very anxious - one train ran 6 minutes late but the next one was on the other side of the platform and came in a couple of minutes late so all was well.
We had a bit of a wait for the bus which is the final leg of our journey but the weather in Edinburgh was clear and windless and we enjoyed our view down Princes Street with the Scott Monument and church spires against the darkening sky.

Today will be a chill-out day. We are a bit nervous about venturing out on icy pavements (soft southerners 😂). DD messaged to say that they all have the horrible cold so we might want to avoid them until they recover.

Good wishes to all and thinking of those waiting for medical news for themselves or others. Mick your chippy lunch box sounds tasty - enjoy 🙂.

grandMattie Please don’t stop posting. I very much enjoy your posts, especially photographs of your gorgeous patchwork. Don’t let other posters’ comments put you off the excellent baking you do for your church.

Marydoll

I will take a step back and keep my advice to myself.

I will repeat. It was not intended as a criticism, but necessary advice.
Unfortunately, once again I am being seen as bad cop. And offence has been taken.
Why on earth would you stop posting, GM?

Please don`t step back MD

It is very difficult for some to take advice, even though well meant and from experience, through life and through profession and yes, potentially life-saving or rather death-preventing

No doubt some late posters were well-meaning yesterday but suppositions and theories do not, absolutely not, help. The topic yesterday was very serious. Some of the later posters did not help at all and did not offer anything to help nor calm

GM and MD are both kind hearted and all that*GM* needs to do is to get a laminated appropriately worded notice sanctioned and made by the powers that be in her church.

It is about time she was helped by the church, even down to washing 31 tea towels. A church is composed of people and most don`t seem to be pulling their weight. The church needs to step up to the mark, to support GM