Good Morning Friday 23rd January 2026

Good morning from a damp Bristol. Much rain is forecast, so I think I’ll scrounge a lift into Spanish. I really don’t want to get soaked walking there.

Yesterday didn’t go to plan at all. I had been given oranges by a lady whose daughter had given them to her, if I wait too long, the oranges go off. So I prepared and did the first cook of the oranges, ready to finish in the afternoon.

I got a letter from the bank sayin* they didn’t like my signature on a standing order request, so would I go to “my nearest branch” to sort it out. Adieu t’ai chi class, immediate bus into Bristol. There between waiting for some infant to see me (and call me by my first name!) and being dealt with, I spent 2 hours there, causing me a slight panic as I had an appointment at 1.30 with my pc man.

Business more or less sorted, bus home, I got ready for pc man. For some reason, my mobile decided to misbehave and I never dot the Green phone symbol to answer his calls. Ditto if I called him. Thank goodness for landlines! He sorted me out in 7 minutes flat. I told him he was wonderful!

Back to finishing the St. Clements’ marmalade (orange and lemon, geddit?) and quickly rushed up a chocolate tray bake for Saturday, where im serving coffee; today is too busy.

I went off to dine at DD’s. Got to the bus stop (outside a private girls’ school) where there must have been 30 girls taking the same bus. I decided to wait for the next one in 10 minutes. When I was nearly at DD’s, I received a call from her (the phone decided to work) asking where I was, had I been “washed down a drain” by the rain? I was gobsmacked as she never seems to notice when I get there, besides it was only a 10 minute difference. Phew.

With luck 🍀, today will only consist of a Spanish class, onion collection and probable peeling for the famous gravy.

May the coming weekend be kind to you, successful Swedish death clearing, ease of distress of all sorts and a peaceful day/weekend.

Carpe diem 🦩🦩⭐️🦩🦩

Morning Mick, morning All. Heavy rain and strong wind gusts forecast for our corner of Somerset today. Tired of it now.

Yesterday went well enough, helped along by a couple of hours chatting and laughing with our neighbours.

Volunteering this morning, lunch out as requested by Mr C, a need to return faulty items then home to carry on paper weeding. No point keeping receipts for items we no longer have. I’m hoping Mr C will spend an hour or two on the never ending jigsaw. He’s resisting my suggestion that it could be abandoned and returned to its box. Apparently that’s giving in rather than a sanity saving exercise.

Best wishes to everyone and a hope this Friday is kind to us all.

Good morning all. Today's forecast in Kent is rainy and breezy. I see the bulbs are starting to come up.

Yesterday I did a bit of babysitting for dgs. I had to tread carefully as anything that needs doing he wants doing by mummy or daddy. A few distraction techniques (including watching telly ) seemed to keep him happy.

Today I'm planning on making a pear and ginger cake. Someone here - sorry I cannot remember who - mentioned this cake the other day. I thought it sounded delicious so I'm going to give it a go.

Wishing all a peaceful day.

Good morning from s somerset, rain is hammering the windows and we have grim weather warnings

Tops were dusted yesterday, tops of pictures and door frames upstairs, a satisfying job going by the results on my cloth, I will be doing the same downstairs today

A delicious 10 portion squash/roast broccoli, veggie lasagna made, eight portions now in the freezer. It took me ages to portion, peel and roast my big crown prince squash. Most of that is in the freezer now plus a big pack of squash/broccoli for the next lasagna.

Today I will have to take drawer by drawer out of my freezer to try and compact the contents. This freezer is very well used and helps me to be back to basics with my growing and cooking

Growing season is just around the corner, my seed potatoes arrived yesterday and are now chitting on cold window cills upstairs. I am ready and waiting, this winter has felt long this year

Have a good day

Good morning from a quiet and dark corner of La Sarthe with the hint of a breeze.

What a busy day you had, grandMattie! I don’t know how you find the energy.

Yesterday, we had a few glimpses of sunshine so we wrapped up well and went out for a tramp around the perimeter of the garden, during which we saw lots of catkins and a few daisies. Daffodils are shooting with one or two in bud. I’m pleased to say my achy joints are behaving and overall are more comfortable in the electric heating of DH's home.

Wishing everyone safe journeys if travelling and an easement of discomforts especially for those absent friends. 🦩💐🦩🥰🦩

Good morning, another very wet morning here on the hillside in south Glos, it’s getting tedious now!
I bathed tiddler after yesterday’s walk, she loves mud and puddles and she was filthy, she wasn’t amused.
I walked them separately in the afternoon, DH was busy with an obsolete chainsaw that’s been sitting in his shed for 28 years, he seems to think that DD will like it, goodness knows why! I’m just praying it’s beyond repair, she’ll think he’s going loopy.
Art group this morning, looking forward to seeing everyone and enjoying the company.
I hope today goes well for you all 🌹

Good morning from Malta where a cloudy, showery morning is forecast, clearing in the afternoon with a high of 15°C.

Yesterday’s rain cleared so I was able to take Milo dog out for a walk. It was quite a fresh wind but good to be out and he is such a happy little dog who really enjoys his walks.

The boys and DD3 arrived after school. DGS2 was asleep and stayed that way on my sofa for an hour or so. DGS1 was very smiley when I produced a soft toy stegosaurus for him! He’s heavily into dinosaurs at present.

I was up at 3.30 this morning to watch Alcaraz and a very entertaining match it was too!

I need to go to Lidl but can’t decide if I’ll go before or after my hair appointment at noon. I’m having my roots done today, it’s a once a month thing.

Winston has joined me so he’s had his breakfast and is now on duty looking out the window for any passers-by.

Hoping you all have a good day and a happy weekend.🤗

Good morning from Sheffield

Nothing unusual happening today(I hope)

I’m working this morning and then a catch up with an old friend.
We have been friends for 50 years. I can say literally anything to her and her me. It’s such a blessing to have this friendship.

I picked DGS9 up from school. He had outside learning?
He look as though he had been dipped in a vat of mud. His coat was dripping and to top it all he had come home in someone else’s shoes!
I stripped him off and washed everything, my DD was very grateful.

Take care everyone

Pear and ginger cake - that was me GillyMo. I use very ripe pears up that way and add whatever ginger I have in a jar.

Good morning from a very quiet, damp Cornwall. I think the Suez lorry must have been and gone, usually around 0530, and the Domino pantechnicon hasn't arrived yet, any time from 0700. Yesterday's had its registration number painted on the roof in huge letters, apparently so it can be seen from the air if stolen. There's something you didn't need to know! 😂

My friend came and we had a delicious catch up. I've known her 42 years, since she became the escort for my blind daughter when she went weekly to school in Exeter on a train.

Today I'm on a bus to go Lego-wrangling with my ex-Hell's Angel colleague who brings his sewing, such an interesting man. The library staff make us a cuppa and bring biscuits around as we demolish last week's creations. Then back to my son's place to collect the eight-year-old from school and then a third bus will bring us home to do something creative till his mum collects him. He'll also need to climb into my wild wood with a pair of shears to collect brambles for his stick insects.

Good morning from a very dark S E Essex.

I have been awake since 3am, have a raging headache and totally exhausted.

Will wake up the 10yr old at 7, he has put his breakfast order in (boiled eggs and soldiers) so No.1 slave (me) will of course provide.

I may or may not go to the gym, distraction sometimes helps with a headache, and I do enjoy it when I get there.

We are going to our local Tapas restaurant this evening, haven’t been since the beginning of December so looking forward to it.

Thinking of our morning friends who are currently not posting for whatever reasons 🙋‍♀️

Good morning all from Polmont where it's currently 4° and damp. Quite windy too. Pear and ginger cake sounds wonderful. Bellasnana both my dgs were obsessed with dinosaurs at times. GrandMattie a productive day for you yesterday.
I had a better day yesterday too. An early chiropodist appointment then I nipped to the school library and spent some time reorganising shelves. The weather yesterday was wet nearly all day so I wasn't missing much. When I left, one of the nursery groups were out in their garden, happily playing and getting soaked. Then home to do a spot of tidying and hoovering. I got most of the washing done too.
Today I'll nip to aldi to stock up and head to the school again for a quick tidy. Dd is coming round this morning to pick up her washing. I'll strip my bed and get it all washed and dried. Then I shall make a chicken pot pie to do me two days. Have a good day all
Today

Good Morning from a dark and wet south coast.

DH is set for stardom this morning - or so he claims! Our DD is a cancer research academic and is making a film about exercise for cancer patients. She asked him if he, as a cancer survivor, would be willing to go in the university gym to demonstrate what is possible, under the watchful eye of a physiotherapist. Of course he said he would but I am a bit concerned as the only exercise he does is cycling- which he does a lot of I know but he is not very stable on his feet and he is 83! I have to be confident that the physio will look after him but shall be anxious until he is home again. It does involve more walking than he has done for ages to get to the destination and back.

As for me, I have a Tesco delivery between 8 and 9am and still need to sort out the freezer to make best use of space - and find the frozen garlic!

As always, thoughts are with those struggling with their burdens and wishing for a calm and peaceful day for everyone.

Good morning Mick and all GN's from a very dark and I think raining North Yorkshire . I am getting back to a bit more normality, but could have done without waking with cramp this morning! However it is good to feel more myself, instead of feeling as though I have a ton weight to drag around with me.

Yesterday went quite well in the end. I had a bit of a struggle to get myself ready and off to the meeting, so only arrived just as the yoga lady was ready to start. I had got one load of washing done and the next one started before I left, but no time to do much clearing up or anything. Went in the car, weather not conducive to using the buggy, and fortunately found a parking place not too far from Upfront, and hobbled across as quickly as I could.

It was a very good session, and there was a very peaceful and pleasant mood in the room. It was a mixture for me, calming and getting me to concentrate on the moment , leaving worries behind. But a little sad, as there were some poses I wasnt able to even approach doing, that it seemed only a little while ago I could do with ease. Used to do ballet and tap as a youngster and could do most of the exercises that I used to do at the barre , and kept them up to keep me reasonably supple and balanced, that I not only couldnt do well , but actually some I could no longer do at all! She is a very good teacher and was aware of all the different abilities in the class, and would suggest other things for those who had to sit, or couldnt balance well. But apart from that it was a really lovely calming time and I think everyone really appreciates both the lesson and the sense of togetherness it brings.

After that I went to the produce and pantry scheme that we have there. You join and then you can choose from what they have once a week for £5. They are supplied by supermarkets , and other shops, with some shortdated food items , but also basic other items, and you can take your own bottles, where they have big containers that you can have a refill from etc. It is a very well run scheme, and you can choose from what they have available. You are only allowed one item of each kind that there is, but it is very worthwhile . I was pleased to get a variety of things from butter to 4 nectarines in a pack and a very fresh looking cauliflower. So back to the car laden with my goodies and swiftly home, as I expected the cleaners to arrive any minute.

Quite glad for them not to be waiting, and just stuck things in the kitchen and made a much needed coffee. Then put shopping away and got the rest of the washing out of the machine. It was wet and miserable outside, so no point in putting it out. Then looked at emails and somewhat dismayed to have a message from Jessie to say that due to problems with door not locking they had to wait in for locksmith and would not be able to come to me.

Ah well that is life, but it took me a very long time to remake the bed, tidy up etc., compared to their speed and efficiency. Never mind, despite wet washing on racks , things got done and I had the neverending pleasure of getting into clean sheets in bed.

Today doesnt look as though it is going to let me stick the bedding on the line either, so will just have to let it dry inside. Plan on a "Bitsa" day today. Finishing off jobs, getting the freezer rejigged a bit, reading the paper and hoping there might be something interesting happening locally, as the weather does not look likely to let me get out and about. The ironing basket is slowly filling up too, so if there is a decent play on the radio, I might even get round to that . It actually feels quite good not to have any absolutely must do jobs today and will aim to do a little yoga and hope to keep the calm and cool attitude going. (That will mean ignoring any news about Trump, which will definitely raise the blood pressure!) Well have the joy of Bach before 7 now to cheer the morning.

Hope you have an interesting trip into Bicester Mick. GrandMattie, my response to "child" bank people who choose to call me by my first name, is to look at their name badge, if they have one, and begin "well John ..." or alternatively fix them with my best "teachers look" and state quietly but firmly "My name is Mrs ...". The usual response is they often blush or look quite flustered and apologise and return to my preferred name. If your marmalade needed any more chopping you would be able to give it a good chopping after the day you had! Karmalady you are another busy person , who put my meagre efforts to shame. Good luck with the freezer sorting. Melani61, what a treasure it is to have such friends who know us in all our different moods and have been there throughout much of our lives. My oldest friend will be 81 in March and we will have a meet up soon, which is something to look forward to. We have been friends since we were 2, and throughout all our lives, whether we have lived near or far from each other, have kept meeting up and ringing and writing to each other all those years. A definite joy in my life.

Well hope that the weather is not too bad for everyone and that there is no flooding affecting anyone. May you all have a peaceful and pleasant day with an opportunity to do something that you enjoy doing

Good morning from a very dark Essex coast.
I've had a bad night with excruciating cramp in one leg. I found it hard to settle once the cramp had gone.
Yesterday we spent far too long trying to upgrade our phones. For some reason the computer wouldn't accept that we live where we do and checks couldn't be completed.
DH has lived here for 17 years !!
We are going to try again on Saturday morning.
I have bits and bobs to do today, nothing taxing.
Enjoy Friday everyone, best wishes to all xx

Good morning everyone from a dark and damp mid Essex. Picked the first slug of the year off the milk bottle carrier this morning - yuk!
Yesterday was a quiet day keeping DD1’s dog company, then looking after the granddaughters when they came home from school. DD1 & her DH came home earlier than usual, so I was home early too. The dog walker was able to take the dog out during a pause in the rain!
Today is lunchtime bingo, then my hairdresser is coming to sort out my hair!

I’m missing some of our regular morning posters and hope you are all ok and will come back soon.

gagagran I’m sure that the physio will look after your DH while he shows the exercise he is able to do.

marzipan enjoy your Lego wrangling today.

I hope that storm Ingrid doesn’t cause too many problems for Cornwall and Wales! Stay safe everyone.

Thinking of those who are in any kind of pain.
Have a Good Friday everyone.

Good morning all from the Scottish Borders where it's very damp.

The U3A Burns' lunch was a success with great stories and excellent musical offerings.

My umbrella blew inside out a couple of times on my walk to the hotel so I arrived bedraggled.

I managed a nap in the afternoon and the ceilidh dancing last night was very warming.

I have my volunteer shift this morning and my friend is coming to tea.

The cancer research sounds very interesting Gagagran and hope DH enjoys his role.

I detect several health improvements among the GM posters. I hope those missing posters are alright.

I hope everyone has some joy today.
Keep safe and dry.

Good morning from a damp Leicestershire, I too am fed up with the rain.

We have had a busy couple of days with DH’s sister and BiL. He had a hip replacement a year ago and is still not right.
DH seems to have gone backwards since he has been sleeping upstairs. He seems to have gone off exercising. I wonder if he has an infection.

Today I have to go into town to take stuff back then it is Pilates. After that a snooze I think as I had about 1 hours sleep last night.

Hoping everyone has the best day possible.

Good morning Mick and everyone from dark, damp Carlisle.

Yesterday was rather a wasted day. On Wednesday, I had a trip to Newcastle, got home and, shortly after, discovered my phone was missing. To cut a long story short, I'd left it in a taxi in Newcastle! The simplest way to retrieve it seemed to return to the city myself. I arranged for the taxi driver to drop the phone off at my physio's where in due course, I collected it. The relief! It wasn't until I realised I was without it, that I thought of all the things I did with it.
One thing I was grateful for was keeping my landline which I had to use to contact Newcastle people. I'm a 'belt and braces' person....I also had my train tickets printed out rather than relying on the phone, I always carry cash as well as cards and so on. Some folk must be in very dire straits indeed if the phone is lost/stolen and that's what they rely on for everything.

Today I must chase up some missing pills from a prescription. Naturally, they're the ones which are about to run out. I suspect it's the pharmacy that's at fault not me for forgetting to add them to my request. So far from having a quiet day at home, I'm probably going to have to trail into town and waste more of my time when there are other things I need to be doing.

Jax I'm very sorry to hear you're back in hospital, I hope they've managed to sort your hip out finally. It's been a very unfortunate accident for you.

Do have a good day everyone.

Good morning from a wet W Kent. An indoor day yesterday all calm until the evening when I put the oven on to clean and it took out the circuit leaving us in pitch black. Eventually got things going, sigh of relief until I found the freezer has been off all night. Looks like a busy day and microwave, frying pan cooking. For some reason the kettle has given up as well
Best wishes all round

Good morning everyone from Inverness where it’s dark and about 3°, it looks dry outside
Hoping all goes well for your DH gagagran and he’s home safely later
A busy day ahead with a quick volunteering session this morning and then off to the gym for a couple of classes. Its the first volunteering session for me this year so I’m looking forward to getting back into it
I’m still waiting for the bulbs to come up here gillymo - hopefully they’ll show up soon
Hoping Jax is doing ok and got home yesterday
Thinking of everyone with worries and struggles, hope today is gentle and take care all whatever the day brings 💐

Good morning, Michael and all GNs. It’s just getting light in South Yorkshire but it’s going to be another damp and gloomy day.
DD, SiL and I had her birthday brunch yesterday at a new cafe they have found. The food was tasty and beautifully presented. It’s situated within the industrial hamlet - a museum complex relating to a time when all the city’s knives and edged tools were made by hand using water power. It’s a shame that it was chucking it down yesterday because we could have had a walk round the site. I love the city’s industrial archaeology which is still much in evidence in its pretty river valleys. I went back to their house for an hour and then came home as they had tickets for the cinema. To be honest, I felt very “off” yesterday (nothing to do with the food) and didn’t do much in the afternoon.
School this afternoon - Friday is a shortish session. I will call at the supermarket on the way home. DS is expected tomorrow.

Have the best day you can, folks.

Morning all from West Oxfordshire.

I have the first of several funerals today. J died before Christmas but Christmas and the New Year delayed things. There is a do afterwards which I may or may not go to. If I do I will probably drive as my toe is still a little painful. The church is walking distance, just five minutes.

I spent most of yesterday curled up on the sofa. I restarted some drops I had been using for blepharitis and think I must be allergic to something in them. My eyes were so sore and I felt a little under the weather too. As the day wore on I perked up a bit and listened to two of the three V&A lectures on the Renaissance.

Have a good day. I’m thinking of MD and the FGT2S, 🌹

Good morning everyone from another grey and damp day in Northampton. Yesterday was very dull indeed with a chilly wind, and thank goodness it had stopped raining by the time I came out of the hairdressers.

Took yesterday morning easy as I felt a bit fragile from my wine group evening on Wednesday... Then hairdressers after lunch, like Bellasnana having my roots done, then a cut and style. Managed to read quite a bit of my latest book while the colour took.

Dance classes this morning, maybe a coffee afterwards at the bakery over the road.
Chicken curry for dinner tonight.
And it's the Traitors final! I think Rachel may be out of it.

Wishing all a pleasant day.

Good morning all from a dry North Leicestershire.

I had a rotten day yesterday culminating in a nose bleed in bed. I have been taking blood thinners since my op. The quilt used to be white.

A quiet day ahead here - just a trip to the butcher and the pet shop. This afternoon I have a pedicure booked.

Have the best day possible all.