Good morning from Mick

Good morning Mick and all from West Sussex where the sun is shining and the sky is blue.

I have read all today’s posts and my head is now bursting with images of lovely countryside walks, tables of friends having coffee and chatting, sturdy ‘Outlander’ sons, lively grandchildren and so much more... I am quite overwhelmed.

I have been struggling this week with cystitis/UTI which, when I phoned the surgery on Friday, I was told to treat with sachets of snake oil powder from the pharmacy (sorry, I know some people find these remedies helpful but not I). Now I’m waiting for a phone call from the nurse who I hope will prescribe an antibiotic.

I sympathise with Anselerin and others who miss the quiet lockdown life. I have social events four days in a row and am exhausted contemplating them. Book club is happening in my small back garden so I have done a lot of tidying up which is a good thing. A friend is coming for the day on Thursday so house also has to be clean and tidy. Not a good week to have infection and recovering back strain ? but I know I will enjoy all the catch-ups and the effort will be worth it.

Hope for news soon of those having surgery.

Congratulations to Georgesgran on the birth of a GC - your daughter’s story is inspiring.

I listened to a fascinating episode of a new series on ‘Hands’ on radio 4 earlier - a young woman who lost her hands to sepsis had a hand transplant and spoke of the joy of being able to comb her daughters’ hair ?

Time to go and make some biscuit/buns for today’s and tomorrow’s socialising ?????

Greetings from sunny Sefton.
Late as I’ve been trying on dresses ordered from a well-known online company which caters for petites. The reviews are true - lengths are shorter than they were previously so the items will be returned. It’s probably just as well as I had forgotten dresses I store in another wardrobe! Shhh, don’t tell DH...?
Usually we pick up DGD from school on Tuesdays, have a picnic and lots of fun on the way home. She’s had a cough, plus the requisite test, but mum and dad have decided it’s not worth sending her in as she’ll only be sent home pronto. Much juggling for everyone iykwim. ?
Weather is gorgeous, tempting me out. May the sun shine upon you and a flamingo brighten your day.

Good morning from a warm and sunny East Midlands. Nothing much planned for today other than sitting in the garden with a G&T later.

NannyTopsy I am very interested in your Orzo Pasta salad. I have some Orzo in the cupboard and was wondering what to do with it. It sounds delicious. Could I have the recipe please.

Entertaining ! Where do these changes come from?

Good morning from a warm fairly sunny Morecambe Bay.
I’m off to the hairdressers shortly, then it’s a quiet day today after entraining DS2 yesterday. He’s hard work at times! I was quite relieved to drop him at the station.
It’s my oldest Grandaughter’s 20th birthday today. How these dates bring back memories. DH was away on a school holiday with 30 pupils the day she was born so the second he returned we travelled 100 miles to see her despite him being pretty exhausted!
I was wondering if you could now make it to France Ashcombe it’s so annoying how these private companies are charging ridiculous prices for the tests.
Take care everyone and stay safe ???

Good Morning to you all from a bright, sunny, (soon to be too hot ,(for me)!,), Cambs.,
I struggle with the hot weather, it was uncomfortably warm overnight too.

Thank you Maw, I hope Mick gets those gremlins sorted!

I hope that Alizarin is recovering, also, was it Grandmajet who was having major surgery?

Caring thoughts for Auntieflo, Cherry & all who have extra problems just now. Take Care,

NannyJan lovely photos, we do indeed have some lovely countryside in the Black country. We have Sandwell valley local to us and enjoy many walks there .

Good Morning everyone from my sunny 30 degree Paradise Corner where all my plants are shouting for a drink and the sprinklers are splashing away.

Had such a very happy, ordinary and normal day yesterday. Our wonderful hairdresser has recently decided to give up the stresses of a salon and now visits at home. Since I have never enjoyed a salon visit - especially swanky London ones - only the end results - this new arrangement so appeals. Yesterday she cut my DH’s hair in the sunshine of our courtyard, had coffee, loved our English biscuits, made such a fuss of our dogs and it was all so easy, I shall look forward to this new way of doing things!

We spent the afternoon in the countryside and on the terrace of some friends in a warm breeze with a view to die for and lemon meringue pie to match. ?. And…….we had our First Hugs for 16 months. ?? How wonderful was that. I had a huge lump in my throat and couldn’t stop smiling and we had so much catching up to do. Seeing some Swiss living folk tomorrow - more friends arriving at their holiday home nearby for the first time since October. I’m shocked at how all this has lifted my spirits !

Hope your little pup is soon better, Lins. Did you bathe him recently! One of our dogs - and we are SO careful - had two bad infections due to her having some water in her ear from the shampooing. For most dogs with floppy ears, it’s often an ear mite problem or a grass seed, but with Chloe always due to ‘damp’ setting up a problem. Paws crossed he recovers quickly.

Teenage girls can be vile, Sar. There, I’ve said it. They made the school life of a GD hell at one stage. It was all about jealousy and her being too trusting. She’s an accomplished musician and a brilliant singer and they hated her for that. It was resolved and, in her 20’s, the ringleader is now a good friend. I’ve never forgiven her, but then it’s not a good spectator sport, is it? Nobody needs to deliberately cause someone else’s unhappiness and think that’s ok. At least your DD knows about it though, which is half the battle. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to sort it out between you, I’m sure. x

Hope you’re having a better day today, Alizarin. Brave lady - it’s behind you (as they say at the Pantomime) and you can now look forward to a pain free life again. ?

To all with worries, tests, anxieties, concerns, ill health, struggles - sending warm wishes for calm waters soon and good news. To those enjoying ‘a bit of normal’, I’m thrilled for you. Live life and find some laughs. Just be careful while you do it, please.

Cherry if you’ve not posted, hugs and good wishes. Auntieflo the same. Special thoughts to our Missus from the Mersey - Ellan , for the endless cheer and indomitable spirit.

Hugs and love to all if you need it from French France and me! ???‍♀️???

Good morning from the Scottish Borders. much cooler than yesterday. Have two lovely people coming for morning coffee. Think we will need our coats on outside for morning coffee. Later will do as much housework as Ddog allows. He is a thwarted gun dog and sees dusters etc as game. I hope people (and pups) have a good day.

Sunny Cornwall is beaming at me
Car collection is calling me.
Tomatoes in toast are looking at me

Back later this afternoon to read all the news.

Thank you to Maw and good morning Mick. Hope GNHQ sort out the problem ???

Glorious morning and wonderful cleaner is here to work her magic, so we shall have a briefly immaculate house later. I have a blood pressure check this afternoon and expect it to be far too high owing to a succession of minor dramas with DH. I wish I could take life in my stride more but would need a personality transplant.

Hope Mick defeats the gremlins and that Marydoll catches up with her day. Strength and energy to all those in grandparent duty!

Good morning from Durham where it’s brightening up nicely. I’ve DD2s dogs here while she recovers from her C Section, so I’ll walk them before it gets too warm then a quick trip to a Garden Centre - a small family owned one, and home to potter.
Have a good day. X

Good morning all from the Scottish Borders. I went outside to drink my tea but it wasn't sitootable. Far too chilly.
Yoga this morning and a friend is calling for afternoon tea.
I have been very lazy since my daily walking friend has been on holiday.
After the chiropractor yesterday, I thought I'd better take it easy. Then hearing how Marydoll can do all she does with her poor health, I am ashamed of my laziness.

I have booked -you have to book so much in advance now - an Edinburgh gallery tomorrow and potfest at the weekend. An unmissable event in my calendar.
potfest.co.uk/scotland

Thanks for the beautiful photos NannyJan

Good morning from North Yorkshire. High clouds and another warm day here.
Had a fitful night’s sleep till about 5 then fell sound asleep till 8.30. It wouldn’t usually matter as my time is my own but today I have friends coming for lunch and to put my pictures back up after the decorating.
I need to get on!
Have a good day everyone.

Good morning everyone from sunny Carlisle. It must be very frustrating for you, Mick, not being able to get on GN. I hope you're soon sorted, it's been days now.
A day of housework, admin(it seems endless) and trying to get tradespeople to come and do stuff for me. I had a bill come for my car insurance which made me look at a comparison website. I found I could insure for half as much--with the company I left for the current one! It is annoying to keep chopping and changing every year. DS1 says he does it all the time but I'd rather have less messing about.
Best wishes to all in recovery and the best of days to all.

Good morning everyone from sunny Worcestershire. Nothing exciting going on today for us, just general jobs.
Have a lovely day. ?

Good morning. The haze has already burned off here in the north of Scotland and the garden is trying to play catch after an exceedingly long winter. I gave up with my weakly seedlings and bought some bedding plants yesterday. They have been soaking overnight as they were rather sad and I will plant them up this morning.
How I enjoyed the tennis yesterday from France. The tiny crowd/not-a-crowd-at-all had big voices and it certainly made a good atmosphere.
I haven’t placed a supermarket order and plan to shop in person in the next few days. It will be the first time for over a year. I am just psyching myself up for it, deciding whether it is better to go early morning or late evening.
Best wishes to all and your families to whom you give so generously of your love and time.

We used to have 2 of them, sisters, as you know. Apparently they can be prone to ear problems with those ear flaps. Thankfully neither of ours had them. Perhaps watch out as you do the bath time? I used to just send ours to the dog parlour once a month (then sit down in a darkened room after paying the bill).
?

Hope your cocker spaniel youngster is okay Lins after the trip to the vet, poor boy.
?

Good morning Auntyflo and all x

Good morning everyone from south Manchester where it’s a little cooler but I can see patches of blue so I think it will be another nice day. Lucky us! I slept the sleep of the just last night. Yesterday’s minding then trip out on a bus with the smalls was lovely but tiring!

Anyway all I have to do today is shower and dress ready to walk at noon to meet retired friends from my book club. This has become a fortnightly event and this is No. 5 meet. It will make a nice change to stroll over in the sunshine. We are a mixed bag and it’s nice getting to know each other better. One is a retired headteacher with a holiday house in France. Another had a high powered managerial post in a children’s charity and she has two holiday houses - one in France and one she lets out on Anglesey. On lady (the warmest and funniest) used to work at John Lewis. Lastly but not least is my walking buddy who was a health visitor. It is lovely developing a depth of friendship - we don’t even talk about books!

Hi to you allule ? we like to know where you live and what the weather’s like this morning. You know, important stuff!

Enjoy Tuesday everybody if you can. Life’s good. x

Good morning from a beautiful day here in Essex by the sea.
DH has gone off for an early blood test then he is off to potter on his boat again.
I have to go to the chemist later and will probably have a walk by the sea.
I had an upsetting phone call with DD1 yesterday afternoon which caused a disturbed night. I will be seeing her tomorrow so we can chat more then. My almost teenage granddaughter is having problems with friends at school again.
Hopefully Mick will be sorted soon and back on this lovely thread.
Have a great day everyone xxx

Good morning from a partly sunny S Welsh coast. Our pup is poorly, took him to the vet yesterday, he has a double ear infection and a high temperature. He's had two lots of medication and has to go back to the vet at 9, so will read everyone's posts later.
Lovely photo Dwm.
Hope everyone will have a pleasant day.

Good morning all from a cloudy Glasgow. Maw, thanks for opening up. Mick, could you not just delete your present account and make a new one. (With the help of HQ) Many on GN have previously done this, due to tech issues. It could be resolved in no time.

Yesterday turned out to a busy one and my plans went to pot.
My idea of getting out early, almost came to fruition, until DS2 arrived three hours early to deal with the broken PC, just as I was leaving.
DH (as usual), had got the wrong end of the stick!!! ?‍♀️ Of course he was hiding up on the golf course, but could see everything, so DS stood out on the doorstep and made a point of waving to him!
We had a rare catch up on our own. DS2 and I have a special bond. He was a very ill baby and toddler, almost dying twice from anaphylaxis. His early years were spent, glued to my hip! No-one (apart from my mum) was willing to babysit him, they were too afraid of a critical incident. ?
Now a strapping, healthy, fierce looking Outlander, he is still my baby! ?
His parting words were: P (his fiancée) asked if you have a care package for our trip to Durham today. She was thinking of Mars Bar cake! ?

I eventually managed out, hours later and after finding a rare space outside my GPS surgery, had a light bulb ?moment! After realising that I was only five minutes away, down the back streets from the retail park, , I could visit TK Maxx, Home Bargains etc, etc sans DH cramping my style! ?
However, it was extremely busy, but most folk were elderly, sensibly wearing masks, even outside and being very good at distancing. After picking up some begonias and a reduced linen top in TKMaxx ( a tiny part of loose stitching and I negotiated £6 off it, ?) I decided it decided it was too risky for me and came home.

We are off to the post office to post the computer part back to the company. It a very expensive and fragile part, as its still under warranty, its going back.
It must have taken at least an hour to pack it in anti static bags and bubble wrap and do all the necessary paper work. My skills as an ICT co-ordinator, were resurrected, when it all got too much for DH. He was going to put it in a large envelope!!! I have recently realised my usually efficient and clever husband is just not himself. Nothing tangible, but not himself. ☹

I will love you and leave my friends, a bad night has left me struggling, a restful day, methinks! Take care everyone special thoughts to those in sick bay. ?
I will be back later to read. DH is champing at the bit to get out!!