Good Morning Friday 21st August 2026

PS for Grandmabatty. I lost one of my very favourite earrings two months ago. It turned up in the flower of a calla lily on my patio. You couldn't make it up!

Good morning from Morecambe Bay. It lots pleasant enough after yesterday’s torrential rain when we literally got soaked to the skin while out with CDog. So different to just one week ago when we were struggling to cool down.
I postponed my visit to Bridgewater until Monday and was so glad. I wouldn’t have enjoyed the drive down the motorway with the weather as it was.
You may have read about the buckwheat problem with dog food. It’s the brand we buy for my dog. He’s not been affected thankfully but we had to throw away £100 of food which is probably unaffected. The firm e mailed to say they had refunded me for my last order but when I looked on my statement they had taken a payment instead! Lots of annoying phone calls to the credit card company and e mails but I’m pleased to stay that by last night the payment had disappeared from the statement. I still await the refund. The food suits CDog and I feel for the company but also sad for the poor affected dogs and their owners. There’s a lot of bitterness on the internet about it all and I sense some people are enjoying exploiting things. That’s not to underestimate the genuine anguish and worry some people are experiencing.
Congratulations to those grandchildren achieving good results in recent exams, but also a thought to those children who we keep quiet about because they have underachieved.
For those on holiday, enjoy and safe travels, for those who need to take it easy, do so.
Take care🌸

Good morning, Michael and all GNs from South Yorkshire where the sun is shining after yesterday’s horrendous downpours. I’m very glad - DD and SiL are having their roof replaced and it means the roofers can get on with what is a very big job.

I am struggling with a really bad cold at the moment and it looks as if I will face another day of sore throat, coughing and sneezing before it finally moves on. I am drowning in a sea of - well, never mind! There are worse things, I know! I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and get some fresh air today.

Have the best day you can, folks.

Good morning from a cooler but sunny Stockport.
I have had a disturbed night, no change there, but don’t feel too tired.
My GS who is autistic exceeded our expectations in his GCSE results, we are so happy with and for him.
He is now due to go to 6th form college to do A levels in Photography and film making but that will be a challenge as new experiences are difficult for him and it is very large.

I inadvertently upset my friend across the road and she told me so, I was mortified, she just took something I said the wrong way, cue lots of apologies from me and we are out for a meal together tonight.

Happy holidays GrannyG it is now 8 years since I had a real holiday but I just don’t miss them, old age does have some compensations.
My D is in Zante and is finding the heat too much.
She lived in Antigua for three years but now struggles with hot weather.

Have a good day everyone or at best a decent one.

Good morning from a sunny but cool Suffolk where e very thing looks fresher after heavy rain yesterday. It lasted for about half an hour during which there were 2 power cuts but luckily everything,including the WiFi came back easily.

Our 2 DGC got the GCSE results they were pleased with and both,I think,realised the value of doing some revision!
Well done to all the others and I endorse what has been said about the difficulties of exam times for those who are not academic. Other talents and skills are just as valuable and very much needed.

I have a hair appointment this morning.DH calls it my bring back the local gossip hour and then I’m meeting a friend for lunch in a local hotel overlooking the river in a nearby market town. The terrace has tables and umbrellas so I hope we can get one as they can’t be booked in advance.

Hope today is a pleasant one for all.

Good morning Michael and all GN's on a slightly breezy, dry sunny morning but that delicious coolness so far.

I always said to exam takers, whether old or young, as a teacher or a friend, Well done for all your efforts and hard work. Whether you are relieved and excited at the success , which will allow you to go on to your next step, or if you feel deflated , when you just miss a grade you want, or find you have failed this time, and may have to think of resits, you worked hard and did your best. It isnt even about what others think of your efforts. Inside you, you know if you did the best you could with the work. So even if you have to rethink short term goals , everyone of you is a success, through your learning -about learning.

Now you can look back and see how many important life skills you have learnt. How to stick to your long term goals, when your plans are interrupted, by illness, weather changes, family worries. How we all have to make those decisions, when that sudden opportunity to skive off to see that concert, when you have been getting behind with your revision plans, and yet you chose the right path and carried on with your efforts.

Having also helped many people to adjust and think again, when their longed for goals seem lost for ever, what can seem a very bitter end to their dreams, with nothing to look forward to, may turn out to be just a twirl in the maze. Of course we need to have those goals, but it can mean other ways have not been looked at. So if you have to go for resits, you will look back in the future when things are hard, and remember that you can always pick yourself up and have another go. Alternatively I have known quite a few people , who have then chosen another path and 10 years down the line, have said how much happier they have been in a different situation they might never have known about.
Lastly, dont forget, in this moment , everyone is wishing for a good grade, to achieve their places on courses , to thrill their families and themselves when they are applying for jobs and filling in cv's . Yet if you notice, once you have begun your working life , the only things that people tend to say, is that they have a degree or the apprenticeship that is needed .So now is the time to rejoice in maybe silly - but safe- ways. Go to the seaside with friends and run in the cold waves , and write silly messages in the sand. Find a pleasure beach and go on the big dipper. Get on your bikes and ride off for a picnic and let yourselves relax. Well done every one of you, and to all the great support you have had from long suffering parents and grandparents , who have been there to help, hug, console and nag about bedtimes and eating etc. Here endeth the lesson!

I said good morning and hope that it is truly such for all of you, but for me it is definitely not a good morning. Yesterday descended into a day that got worse and worse , and this morning is going to be difficult too. My plans yesterday to go and do things I needed to do and be back before the cleaners came, did not work out. My back was extremely painful, and didnt ease at all, so therefore I was going at tortoise rate. Nothing went smoothly, and I had only had some cereal before I went out, so ended up having to also delay myself , by going into cafe nero for a much needed coffee but most of all a chance to sit down and take some painkillers. Had an appointment which I HAD to deal with and they were running late. Had to go to the chemist to pick up prescription as down to the last couple of tablets for one thing, and our chemist is extremely busy and hardworking but have recently stopped working at weekends. Got there and quite a big queue, but finally got myself home. Had missed the cleaners, but they had put the washing out on to clothes horse on the front, as there was possibilties of showers, and I cannot rush these days down to the washing lines before it all gets wet again. Came in, and had to just sit down in a chair to let the pain ease off a bit, and got my bag of prescriptions , which are all sealed up, and opened them to check and they have missed one out!. Not like them but will have to go back and sort it. I was in that state where you just cant make the effort to make anything to eat, but eventually about 2pm hunger got me going. I just made myself a boring sandwich and a much needed coffee and sat with my leg up on a cushion as it was very painful and wedged myself with more cushions to help my back.

I slowly got myself together and checked through some emails and so forth and then there was a sudden shower. Delighted as I was to have more rain, I struggled to hobble to the door to rescue the washing , only to find that the wind had blown them down and there they were getting wetter and dirtier. No one around and I it took an effort to rescue them. Returned to sit down and ignore them.

About 6ish I thought , I would look in my little freezer, which is the bottom part of a combination fridge freezer, and see what I had that would take very little reheating or whatever., for dinner. Oh no! Another disaster, the sealing bit that you close the doors onto to make it airtight was loose, and I couldnt do anything with it and of course everywhere was shut, Tried to text a couple of friends for good ideas but they obviously didnt see them. Rang another one and she was out! In the end I just couldnt deal with it last night and so just kept the door closed tight and wedged, to face it this morning. I know that I will have to sort it out, and hope it can be mended, cook all the defrosted meat etc and hope that it will be sorted in time for me to refreeze as cooked meals , or alternatively hope that friends will see the texts this morning and I will be able to go to neighbours and hope that they might have some space in their freezers for me for a short time. Otherwise it will have to bring a bit of luck to someone else and I will cook things and give them away for people to enjoy. My precious little piece of lamb that I was hoarding for some celebration meal if the family came or for a treat!!!!

While all this has been going on, I had a dreadful night with very little sleep at all, between pain and worry and added to all that I have previously had cellulitis , and probably all the standing around etc yesterday didnt help. So ,this morning my leg is very swollen, red , and appreciably more that the other leg, so my trip to the chemist is also going to mean that the freezer saga will have to wait, as especially as it is friday, I need to get an emergency appointment with the doctors . It has reoccured before, and the important thing to head it off at the pass is to get the right medication as soon as possible and then ,of course, sit with the leg up etc etc. Hopefully I wont have to go to the hospital and end up having daily injections or the worse time they wanted to take me in!!

So right now, I am saying to myself the freezer is nothing, it is only money, and I have lived without one before. Even having to throw food away, is of no consequence compared to the top of the list to keep myself going and not end up in hospital. So I am just about to set off and will hopefully come back with better news soon. What do they say? It never rains but it pours! Well practically speaking do carry on but please count me out !

I will return to read more of all your happenings and hoping there will be much happiness and relief for all looking at exam results. Hope my saga will be an improving one, or at the very least not get any worse!!

Good morning Mick and everybody from a fresh and sunny Carlisle where it was 9°C first thing.
I've been for an early walk though had to slacken pace near the end as it's obviously a bit challenging for the pulled calf muscle and my poor old knees. I'm thinking of trying a physio.

Yesterday the rain soon dried up. I got out into the garden later and started transplanting my many young foxgloves. There's a lot still to go....
I spent a lot of time on the computer doing mostly boring stuff and more to come today. I hope to carry on with the foxgloves but we'll see. Reading beckons. In spite of a vow not to buy any more books this year, I bought yet another yesterday by the Japanese author of the moment, Uketsu. Requires brain input from the reader to solve things so I may not get far!

Best wishes to you all.

Good morning from Shropshire.Dry at the moment.

We took the grandchildren to Powis Castle yesterday afternoon.Just as we arrived there was torrential rain and very quickly the car park had streams of water running down.DH and the children are Welsh, the children are learning to speak Welsh but there were lots of new words at the castle yesterday so they decided if they didn’t know a word they would put an o on the end of the English word.Cue much hilarity from us and other visitors!

Today DGD wants to go into town and DGS wants to work in the garden with grandpa.

Congratulations to all the grandchildren on their results.

Wishing everyone a good day🦩🌻

Good morning from sunny Leicestershire where we are due more rain today. The grass is already looking greener.

We had fun finding the egg farm yesterday. I think we drove past it twice but I did eventually get my eggs.

Today I am seeing my lovely Osteopath. I can show him my MRI results and he can translate them for me.

Hope you have a lovely holiday GG and good luck with your eye appointment Gingster.
Your move is now looming Gramaretto I hope your back is better and you find your dream house.

Wishing everyone the best day possible.

Good morning all,

It’s a lovely sunny morning for now and cooler than of late.
We had a lot of rain yesterday, some of it quite heavy - I got caught in one downpour coming out of the supermarket. However, the gardens are really benefiting and the grass is showing more green than it had. It’s not fully recovered, but is looking a lot better.

Not a lot on today other than collect a prescription and tidy round the house.

To all feeling unwell or recovering, I wish you a better day today.

Take care everyone.

Good morning from Sunnyside Sandhills northwest coast.
Lunch with old friend yesterday. He doesn’t drive now, so I picked him up in the rain and out to his favourite restaurant.
We both had duck, delicious and tender, but tough braised cabbage.

It’s a nice restaurant and carpeted, unusual these days as so many have wooden floors. It means the chatter is muted and we can hear each other.
A sound I couldn’t pin down has gone off this morning. I thought it was a house alarm although it seemed too quiet for that, and as I’m on cat duty next door and the neighbours are away, I was afeared it might be something to do with them.

Such vivid dreams last night and haunted by friends and family who have departed, rather discombobulating.

Into the city tonight by train for a meal and drinks with two girlfriends from the opera company. I’ve booked it and not sure what to put on. I was hoping to have (fake) tanned bare legs, but I think it’s too chilly for that…

Thoughts to all🌺

Good Morning all from a sunny central south coast. It feels fresher and I had to close my bedroom window in the night as I felt really chilly in bed. Much more to my taste than the recent heatwaves!

Our Tesco delivery is due between 9am and 10am and with only one substitution and no missing items today.
Yesterday I cooked up the large amount of tomatoes our kind neighbours gave us. I made a thick sauce with onions, garlic, herbs and skinned tomatoes. The kitchen smelt like an Italian Restaurant and the result was delicious. I have a a good amount in the freezer and a bowlful in the fridge to use today.

Nothing much planned today after a busy week so I shall enjoy the peace and quiet.

Best wishes to all with struggles or worries of any kind and hope for some relief today.

Madeleine what a horrible day for you! I hope you get an emergency doctor's appointment.
Still no sign of those keys. St Anthony is being involved. All bags, jackets and coats have been checked.
Gransnet keeps bumping me out this morning which is very irritating

Good morning from Durham. A high of 16c, so staying cool here.

Met my poorly friend yesterday - so unwell and I felt helpless - she won’t accept help from any source.

My car hunt is on hold, as 2 advisory lights appeared on my dashboard while taking Little Dog home last night. Must pop along to the garage to book it in.

I should take myself off somewhere today, but I hate aimless wandering or just ‘going for a drive’ which seems pointless to me. I need a purpose.
I shall wander to the kitchen and make a second cup of tea, that’s not pointless.

Best wishes to all. X

I’m sorry you had such a rubbish day yesterday madeleine.I hope today is better and that the dr is happy to give you medication to have at home🙏🏻💐

Good morning everyone from a bright and sunny 🌞 Northampton; we were promised heavy thundery showers all afternoon yesterday, but instead got one brief shower lasting minutes, no good to man nor dog.

DGD2's GCSE results were excellent yesterday, another family superstar, this girl set to do arts subjects in sixth form. Commiserations to those who were disappointed, but it is never the end if the line, just a re-think.

Dance classes this morning followed by a restful afternoon, reading more of The Odyssey - I am surprised at how easy the translation I have is to read.

Must get the large curry I made yesterday into the freezer; one portion is set aside for today, and there are 5 for the freezer!

Wishing all a pleasant day.

I forgot I had arranged to take the 11yr old to a dress maker friend of mine to have his school trousers altered.

Madeleine45 I hope you can get a GP appointment, you really are having a rough time at the moment 🌺

I am procrastinating scrolling GN, one single item has made it into a suitcase…

Good morning from a sunny NE where it is 12° with a forecast of 15°.
GD passed all nine subjects at GCSE and her conditional place at a new school has been verified.
The school demands a minimum of grade 7 for entry to 6th form and GD got 9 for art and music.
Sadly her friends will not be joining her but have secured places elsewhere.
It has been a difficult two months for these girls as they were pupils at a school closed by GGE without warning.
Yesterday my sister visited but she really is really not well she is suffering with neuropathy.
Will do some washing and ironing today, taking advantage of the cooler weather.
Have a good day.

Good morning all. Lovely day yesterday as gd passed GCSEs and was pleased with her results. It’s lovely to see them grow and achieve. Hubby going to hospital for half year check after skin cancer. Hopefully all good. I’m feeling the cold for the first time and wondering if I’m coming down with a cold. 🫣weekend approaching and meeting sons new girlfriend looking forward to that. Nights starting to cut in.

Good morning all from Essex. I read your writings everyday, some days happily, some days tearfully when you are having a tough time but always come away feeling uplifted. Today I would like to thank Madeline for her inspiring, thoughtful and very great understanding of the students getting their results and how they should deal with their outcomes. You are a most inspiring person. You push on when your body is giving you a hard time but you still think of others. I hope you get sorted at the doctors and your day becomes a bit more pain free. Take care all.

Ds found his keys!!!!!
I really thought I was losing my marbles

Good morning from Sheffield
I actually woke up cold in the night and had to go hunting for a blanket . I dropped off after I got a bit warmer .
It’s nice this morning, it’s a lot fresher here. I do love that little nip of autumn.
Marydoll and Madeleine , you both have to deal with so much. I am full of admiration for your determination. Please accept a virtual bouquet of flowers to you both

Take care everyone x

Good morning from Belfast where it is definitely an autumn feeling.
Yesterday went to nearest town got vegetables and of course a coffee with a Portuguese tart!!!
Last night we went out for a curry it's 2years since we have been to this restaurant it was deserted we were the only ones there.
To day I am continuing collecting seeds from my cosmos and nasturtiums etc
Have to move my lillies to somewhere sheltered.
DH is away to another funeral this morning.
Best wishes to all those who have got their exam results.

Good morning from a bright chilly Co Armagh,
We are replacing the greenhouse , not great timing as the plants are in full fruiting mode .we are taking everything out and stashing the plants in a bit of shelter at the back doors in a porch between out two houses
The base has to be laid ….etc etc so it could be some time before the new one is up , not options it seems
Any way I’ve pruned and tidied up most of the tomatoes , tied to extra supports as far as I could
Hair cut today , Daughter and I go together and I hear some of the local gossip !
Hoping for a day of peace and calm for everyone 💐