Good Morning Sunday 8th December 2024

Good morning everyone from south Manchester. It’s dry, mild and still here. Lucky us when I see what some of the country has endured.

L’il Miss is going to see FC with her parents at the local garden centre this morning. Our Yorkshire Lass & her husband are in Copenhagen, flight on time yesterday morning. We are picking up my stepfather later for Sunday lunch at my favourite pub mid afternoon. He wants supplies from our larder taking over - happy to oblige!

After a very wild yesterday this morning is calm and there is even a hint of sunshine, so frustrating for the organisers of our cancelled village Christmas fair. Must rescue the (empty) bird feeders, not sure whether to blame the wind or the squirrel, and check that there has been no damage outside.

Sympathy to all our readers unwell, worried or in pain, and hope the day will bring solutions. I will finish the cards and write some letters to go with some of them, then they can be posted tomorrow.

Good morning all, and glad you have all managed to weather the storm. We were just on the fringes of it here, and that was bad enough!
Kalu and Ash I hope you're getting some relief from your pain and feeling a little better today. I know I moan on about my hearing loss, but at least it doesn't come with pain. New hearing aids tomorrow but I have 'managed my expectations' as instructed so that I will be delighted with even the slightest improvement - I no longer expect a miracle.
Yesterday was spent trying to get my head round this Christmas thingy, but to no avail. I really do wish I could just go to sleep and wake up when it's all over. Sad really, because it used to be my favourite time of year when no expense was spared or decoration unhung. Oh bah! Humbug!
Today I shall take myself over to a large private garden centre where things will just have to jump off the shelves and into my basket.
Have a good day everyone and I hope those of you under the weather, both literally and metaphorically, have respite

Late up this morning after yesterday's party. Guests didn't leave until late so we retired and left the debris until today.
A power cut immediately before anyone arrived could have been a disaster. Thank goodness for battery operated Christmas lights dotted around the house which were all hastily brought into the living room. The glow was so pretty.
An hour later with electricity restored, restaurant food collected and enjoyed, the karaoke could begin. Both adults and children joined in to create a wonderful party atmosphere for my girl. She had a blast singing her heart out along with her mini self, GD1. They both have the most amazing voices.
Now we'll just take some time out until Christmas when we repeat the set up (minus karaoke) with only four less guests.
Fingers crossed the wind and rain clear so we can at last go and collect the Christmas tree from the garden centre which had to be put on hold until the party was over.
Have the best day you can everyone.

Good morning from a very still bright Co Armagh, I hope the wind doesn’t startup again till I’ve been to Mass
Yesterday wasn’t great , no power all day , but this house is well insulated and stayed relatively warm till power restored in time to watch Strictly 🤣 , I’ve a gas hob so made soda farlls on the griddle and heated soup on the other ring
Sorry to read of those in pain !
Keep warm and stay out of the wind ,

Morning all from a lightly breezy West Oxfordshire.

I think we are taking my food processor back today. OH bought it for my 70th last year and fortunately it has a three year guarantee. It is not now fit for purpose! Hopefully I will get another one. It is used several times a week.

Otherwise, I’m making beef and dumpling stew for dinner and maybe a steamed pudding.

Have a good day. 🌹to those of you in different sorts of pain

Good morning from a wet and windy NE.
Workmen turned up yesterday and laid the paving slabs which meant the fences could be taken down in the street. I had five days of crashing and banging so it was a relief.
I did manage to put up the tree but is not dressed yet, will do it today, not sure about the lights though, might ditch them.
Another quiet day here, pleased family are not travelling in these stormy conditions.
Stay safe everyone.

Good morning all from Polmont where it's currently 5° and dry. No wind here to speak of. I hope it subsided where you are. Pantglas good to see you back. Ash and Kalu here's hoping for your hips to settle down and pain relief forthcoming. I'm at the start of the hippy club!
Yesterday I met a friend for breakfast and then rested in the afternoon. Later Dsil and dd picked me up and we drove to Kincardine for our annual Christmas curry and karaoke night. We had a lovely time. My uncle had made three different curries, all of which were delicious. I was stuffed. Dd had made spiced onions and a chocolate and hazelnut tart. I resisted that. The karaoke part is usually me and my aunt singing lustily to Christmas hits of yore while the others stuff their fingers in their ears. 😂. After that, there was a Christmas quiz which dd won and board games. My Dsil is a quiet chap but he gets very competitive with board games. That made for a funny evening. We left at eleven as my uncle was flagging. He is in his late 70s and had a slight stroke on holiday last year but won't admit when he's had enough. In addition, he had spent a lot of time cooking yesterday.
Today I need to go to Aldi for food. I had intended to do some Christmas shopping, but I'll see how I feel later. This afternoon I'll visit mum. Possibly gammon steak for dinner. Have a good day all

Good morning all from my bed!
I decided a long lie was due.

I'm so glad you are home and being looked after Ash

So sorry about the pain Kalu .
I would definitely try acupuncture if I were you. I attended an escape pain group in the summer, for back and hip pain. One of the best things, besides exercise, was hearing from others' experiences but also realising mine could be much worse!!

Much decluttering yesterday. I think I'm getting into the swing of it Grandmabatty so I don't need your help yet. 🤣😂

An advent supper this evening in Edinburgh at a friend's. Otherwise just see what the day brings.

Have a good day everyone.

Good morning from a very windy Cambridgeshire. The wreath on the front door has been knocking on the door all night long and the big tree is swaying well at the bottom of the garden. Dry at moment but we are forecast rain all day. Hopefully the wind will settle as the day goes on. We have been more fortunate here than lots of others tho.

Today the Christmas tree should go up and the house decorations. Did mean to do it yesterday but didn’t happen!!

Slow cooker beef today.

Hope everyone has the best day possible and take care if out and about

Good morning Mick and everyone from a clear-skied and calm Carlisle where Venus was shining brightly at dawn.

It's been a case of storm, what storm here I'm glad to say, it was a bit windy but nothing unusual. I was a tad alarmed by the shipping forecast yesterday evening which predicted storms up to Force 10 in the Irish Sea. I thought I heard some wind in the night but nothing bad.

Once again, I woke in the early hours pained and stiff and took ages to get back to sleep. It will mostly wear off during the course of the morning...I hope. It's all come on so suddenly, never had this problem before. It's all rather minor compared to you Ash...I hope you are getting adequate pain relief.

I went into town yesterday morning and have finalised my Christmas gifts. I will wrap them today. I have been procrastinating, I even cleaned my oven instead on Friday and one thing I don't enjoy is cleaning an oven!

I'd noticed that one of the adult swans on the Pond had disappeared a while back, now I know what happened to it...it was killed by a dog which must have been off lead. It must have happened at a quiet time or folk would have seen and lynched the owner...people are very upset.

Today nothing much but wrapping those presents, admin and reading. I'll stay in out of the cold but feel I must do some exercising indoors and keep mobile, sitting down too long makes me seize up. I might oil myself with a glass of red later...

Have a pleasant, and calm, day everyone.

Good morning all from a very cold and windy day here on the east coast of Fife.
I was kept awake until 4.30am with the wind blowing a gale outsidei i just hope no one’s injured. A quiet day today I won’t be going out in that weather.

Take care my friends be safe not sorry.

Good morning from a wet and windy Suffolk where the weather is worse now than at any time yesterday. Apart from heavy rain for a few hours yesterday resulting in flooded fields and lanes, we had little strong wind. We are getting the wind today.

We spent the day quietly indoors and will do the same today with only walking the dog taking us outdoors. I’m not sure which of our usual walks will be passable but given the difficulties suffered by others further west that is a minor problem.

I finished writing all the Christmas cards but need to buy another 6 or so even though I’ve culled the list,some sadly through the loss of dear friends. I started on wrapping presents as some need to be posted.

DH usually cooks dinner,or lunch if we have family here,on Sundays so I shall enjoy a lazy day. He does a good roast chicken which is on the menu today.

Hope all have a peaceful day in spite of whatever the weather is doing.

Good morning all and it’s a bit quieter herein Essex , but with sudden strong gusts. Our windows must be ill-fitted as the howling and squealing noises coming through are quite frightening at times.

I popped into town yesterday for some bits and bobs. It was very quiet . My two brothers and SIL were due to come for lunch, but they have this flu-like cold and have cancelled. I’ll try to fit in another date before Christmas, but don’t hold out much hope , so it will be New Year I expect.

Dd and DGD may come for dinner but as the weather is still bad, might opt to stay in for a cosy day.

I hope the storm has caused little or no damage for you. I’m still worried about our seaside cottage, but don’t like to worry our neighbour to go and have a look-see. I’ll give her a ring tomorrow when things should be calmer.

Take care all and I hope those in pain (one way or another) have a better day. 🎄

Good morning from a gloomy looking Malta where we have a high of 16°C and low of 9°C forecast. It has rained and more showers are expected.

Walked up to the village to meet a friend yesterday and we went for a hot chocolate and a tiny (but delicious) mince pie.

My son and his partner are off to Bulgaria today to visit her family for a few days. She has a much younger sister and wanted to be there for her birthday.

I’m hoping to FaceTime my friend today but I’m still very hoarse and she’s hard of hearing so it could be difficult.

I’m missing Mass again, unfortunately , but I haven’t the energy to get going and am staying in bed for now.

So sorry so many of you are dealing with aches, pains and poorlyness.💐

Wishing you all a good day.☀️

Good morning all from Glasgow, where it is 3°C.

I am glad to hear you are slightly improved Ash. Kalu, pain always seems worse in the wee sma' hours. If I had known you were awake, we could have chatted for hours.
I have no idea, what has triggered my R.A flare up and my meds are not hitting it at all.

Glad to see you posting, Pants and Karma, I too become anxious at strong winds.💐
I need to go down to church and replace the First Aid boxes, which were delivered last night. We have them in various areas of the premises and they needed updated. Some of the massive order of candles etc, which I ordered has gone missing, so I have put my Sherlock Holmes hat on and will try to solve the mystery.
Childproof socket covers were also ordered, but I think if I get down to put them in place, I may not get back up again!.

My plan after that is to rest. I feel a chest infection brewing, my lungs are really painful and I am trying everything to avoid, the medication of the devil, i.e steroids.
The roast beef is ready, so just the Yorkshire puddings and gravy to make. Dessert is Eton mess, Mr MD is truly spoiled.

Have a pleasant and safe Sunday.

Good morning everyone from another wet and windy day in Northampton, although the rain seems to have eased off a bit.

I will need to brave the weather later on, as I have booked tickets at the cinema for a friend and I to see 'Conclave', the new film about the fictional election of a pope. Luckily I only have a 5 minute walk to the bus stop.
Will probably have a mooch around the shops once in town.

Spent yesterday afternoon putting a few Christmassy things up in the sitting room; put some fairy lights up on the little tree in my front porch. Listened to a few of my Christmas CDs while doing so, remembering the many choirs I used to sing in, and singing along to those I knew. I love traditional and classical Christmas music.

Despite the weather yesterday my rugby team still played through it and had a really good win against the French team they were up against, final score being 39-8 to the Saints.
Still glad I didn't venture out!

Another day to take care if out and about.

Good morning everyone from Inverness where it’s still dark but looks dry and the weather app says 3°
Lovely to have you back with us Pantglas
Hoping those suffering pain especially Kalu and Ash have a better day today
I’m looking forward to a face time call with DS this morning, it’s always good to catch up on his news. Other than that I’ve nothing planned, I’ll have to get on with some cleaning though and there’s always ongoing decluttering
Good luck in the meat draw tonight Jax fingers crossed 🤞
Thinking of everyone with worries and struggles, hope today is gentle and take care all whatever the day brings 💐

Morning all, the wind has dropped and the rain stopped (we are due for more of each)

I intend to have a quiet morning. This afternoon I will make some mince pies, then sort dinner. DD and her boys will join us later.

Take care Ashcombe (((hugs))) to you and all poorly morning friends 🎄🤶🏻

Good morning Mick and all from a quieter 6°C northwest coast.
Very wild here yesterday, but no damage and big pine tree made it through the gales. I decorated my tree and spent the evening gazing at its coloured lights, which I prefer, probably because I grew up with coloured lights.

My new printer drove me bonkers as I printed off copies of the Christmas card I painted, not good for my blood pressure.
Started watching the reruns of Box of Delights, very seasonal.
I find I’m turning in earlier these days, which is a good thing. I’ve always been a night owl and found early starts and mornings generally hard work. Quiet day today.

Thoughts to Ash Kalu Blossoming and all🌺

Good morning from Shropshire.I haven’t looked out yet but definitely sounds quieter.

Yesterday morning we took DGD to sewing club as the weather wasn’t too bad but when we went to collect her two hours later the town was totally flooded.DD and SIL managed to get through to collect the children late afternoon.There were a lot of road closures due to the floods but they came in the farm truck which is much higher so the journey was ok.

Today I have laundry and more admin to do for my mum.It is never ending.I keep thinking I have reached the end of it and another form appears😫I hope to finish by lunch time and have a quiet afternoon reading/napping.

Positive news Ash and good you have help.Kalu I hope you can get some additional pain relief too.

Stay safe everyone and have the best day you can🦩

Morning from a still blustery S Hants, Greyduster our Christmas tree had a little dance outside too, we’ve temporarily lain it down.
My best wishes to you Ash Kalu and any others struggling with pain, it’s depressing and wearing.
Yesterday was so miserable outside we hunkered down and did little, so I must stir myself today. The upstairs bathrooms need a clean, as does the hob, I’ll hunt out a Christmas jumper or two along with velvet trousers and wash my hair. MrJ will watch Finley play football.
It’s the big festive meat draw in our local at 5, fingers crossed
🦩🦩

Good morning all from very windy Wiltshire.

The wind on Friday night and yesterday didn’t seem that bad though I know several trees are down in the area. But the wind got worse overnight and is awful right now and I’ve had little sleep.

I’m so sorry you are having such problems with your hip Ash. Being in pain like that must have been horrendous. I’m seeing a hip consultant next month. I’ve had a painful hip for 5 years now and it has got worse quite slowly.

I hope everyone has a good Sunday. I must start wrapping presents and finishing card writing. Unusually, we are having steak tonight which we only have about 3 times a year. We prefer lamb generally.

Morning Mick, morning All. Can hear the wind rumbling away, our corner of Somerset, in the red zone, took a battering yesterday. Should be calmer today.

It was an odd day. The wind sounded like an express train. A deep growl rather than howling. Quite scary initially. Our ten foot plus tall ceanothus next to the wind tunnel that is our side path was an unsalvageable casualty, local radio cheerfully told us 75mph+. It was partly wedged on a shed roof with the potential to damage the conservatory if it came loose. We waited until we could stand up out there, began by removing branches we could reach. Mr C isn’t safe on ladders so I went aloft on the steps to take the top off and eventually we got the remains flat on the path. Odd bod that I am I enjoyed the process.

The branches are filling our patio, or were, they may have taken off now. The trunk will wait where it is until we can borrow the right equipment to cut it up. The rest of the day was noisy but thankfully uneventful

Friends are due to drive from Hampshire to stay for several days. Their usual route is closed because of dangerous trees. They will reassess when alternative route road conditions are clearer and may wait until tomorrow. We’re happy to go along with their decision. It’s still very gusty out there.

Good to hear you are being well supported ash. Hope the pain gradually eases, for you as well kalu. Constant pain is so debilitating. Sounds a good day grandmattie. You were fortunate with the bus, none here for most of the day. I felt so sorry for those involved in cancelled Christmas events, whether organising or attending.

With thoughts to all managing worry of any kind, hope Sunday is gentle with us all.

Good morning from W Kent where everything seems quiet at present. Despite the rain and wind we managed to get everything done. I now have a small turkey crown in the freezer just in case. We caught up with DS and DGD1 which cheered us both up
Kalu and Ash hoping your pain eases a bit.
Best wishes