Good Morning Monday 14th September 2026

Good morning Mick and others from Polmont where it's currently 14° and dry. Still dark.
Yesterday the boys were picked up at 10.30. Dgs1 was great company, dgs2 was still difficult. Lots of slamming doors and screaming. I love the boys very much, but this wasnt an easy weekend! Dd looked exhausted. She said that she had slept very badly. The rest of the day was quiet. I went back to bed for a while, then stripped the bed and washed it. I cleaned the kitchen and the bathroom and tidied away all the toys. Dgs1 had done most of the tidying in the living room. Dinner was chicken and chips because I couldn't be bothered making steak casserole.
Today is early childcare day. I'll drop off the boys at school then home to make the steak casserole and lentil soup. This afternoon I will go to the school library and tidy before picking up the boys. Then take dgs1 to football training and hand over dgs2 to dd. After that, home for dinner and an early night. Have a good day all.

Good morning from a dark and damp Bristol.
Yesterday evening was a bit of a kerfuffle after a quiet, unexciting day.
Around 1/2 past 7, when I was watching the last episode of my Spanish murder on TV, all the lights went off. I checked the fuses, and one had tripped. I checked the neighbours, all their lights were on. I called the electricity bods, and there was nothing wrong on my connection.
I must have walked miles back and forth, resetting the fuse then it would go off between 30 seconds and a minute. I realised that it was only the sockets affected; I only use a standard lamp in the evening, so the “big” lights were working.
I switched off all the sockets, and the jolly thing still tripped.
All their lights were sockets, that is, except the oven which I didn’t know where it was and the washing machine, which I had started, which I couldn’t reach as it is very heavy, especially half full of water…
Eventually, I called DD who didn’t answer the phone; ditto SiL! What to do? She called back, said she’d come over, bringing her FiL with her for muscle power. She’d just collected him from the station.
When they arrived, it was getting quite late for me…. They went through the same rigmarole as me, agreed it must be the washing machine which needed emptying before pulling out. Water all over the floor! Machine pulled out. Bummer! The Lino is torn - rats, just what I didn’t need. Mach8n3 unplugged, fuse reset, all hunky dory.
Problem solved, the go off. The doorbell went within seconds; FiL had left his manbag with his glasses, etc., here. Cue a search everywhere. We finally find it in the shoe rack - the “most obvious place”, not!
Having tried very hard to be independent, I was mortified at needing help from DD and was so very apologetic. She was gracious, but… who knows - pleased to have been asked for help, or annoyed to have been called at night, on a Sunday, after she’d just done her evening church service in central Bristol?
Delighted that it’s only the socket that’s not working, I plug the washing machine in a different socket, it fills, does two swishes, then back to square 1; fuse tripped AGAIN! Re-empty the wretched machine, mop the floor and completely give up.
By this time, it’s nearly 10 pm. I’m so wired that there’s no way I can get to sleep. So I finish watching my programme before going to bed…
This morning, I must all the electrician and hope he’ll come fairly soon; ask a neighbour if they could deal with my wet washing and finally, go to the supermarket.
I’m exhausted by this little “adventure” . I hope the new week is less annoying for you all,that you are feeling better, happier,more cheerful…. Carpe diem 🦩🦩🦩🦩

Oh no GrandMattie! That's a horrible situation. I hope it can be sorted out easily

Good morning all from the Scottish Borders. I'm awake far too early.

Yesterday I had an antique collector and trader come to poke around. I hoped he would take books but he was far more interested in my quirky "collectables". I just hope the books don't get end up getting pulped.

Exercise class first thing and I must get a present for my DGD who's about to be 9. She says she wants money. I asked her why and she said she would buy herself something. I'd much rather buy her a surprise.

This afternoon I'm expecting a charity to call and take a load of books. This evening my pottery studio is to be next for sorting out with the help of 4 potter friends.

I hope everyone has had a good weekend and the week ahead goes well.

Good morning from Malta where it has rained overnight and the forecast is for more thundery showers with a high of 28°C.

Grandmabatty I thought of you a lot over the weekend as we were both having our treasures to stay!

Mine were actually no trouble apart from the non-stop eating! Dgs2 loves to help with things like emptying the dishwasher, handing me pegs when I’m hanging laundry (the pegs have to match in colour and shape!), and pressing the buttons to start the washing machine.

DD3 picked them up at 1.30 having enjoyed her lie-in and time to do some of her assignment.

I tidied up and cleaned after they had gone. It seems so quiet without them, they are so full of energy.

It seems the weather has changed at last and we had rain in some areas which caused flooding in parts of the island. Not a drop fell near me until nighttime.

I watched the first set of the US Open men’s final but was underwhelmed and went to bed. I think it was the most lacklustre US Open I can remember.

No idea what I shall be doing today but will find plenty to do once I’m up and about. First, tea in bed.

Hoping you all have the best day possible.☀️

So sorry to hear of your drama with the electrics grandMattie. Things like that are extremely tiresome. Hope you can get an electrician to sort it soon.💐

Good morning from a bright, calm Cornwall with sun forecast today. I'll need to water my patio plants soon, with no rain around.

Well, what an interesting couple of days! Had a lovely full day at a sewing workshop on Saturday, where I was helped to reconfigure a pair of charity shop jeans. The beautiful sewing machines available to us purred rather that chugged.

Then in the middle of the night my arthritic hands fumbled a full hot water bottle before I'd added the stopper and I scalded the soles of both feet when I stood amid a puddle of water with my feet stuck to the vinyl floor. Can't even begin to describe the pain and subsequent shock. 111 sent paramedics who came in no time, cleverly negotiated the padlocked security gate using our spare hidden keys, and then video-called a specialist burns doctor. They stayed for nearly two hours till 4am. Such wonderful care.

Yesterday I was at our local hospital to have my blisters punctured and my feet bandaged. In two days I'll be back there to have the wounds checked. My youngest son, who incidentally was known to one of the paramedics through his photography work, came with me to the hospital and amused the nurse in the treatment room by photographing my blisters. On the way home we collected a Macdonalds meal. He's such lovely company.

Today if I'm comfortable enough I'll take a bus to the new sewing group I've joined, using the crutches I bought following my knee replacement. And then I'll look at ordering a heated under-blanket! It's time to accept that my clumsy hands are more than a bit unsafe but thankfully I can still wield a needle which is nice.

Meanwhile a huge thank you to the NHS for exemplary care.

Good morning Michael and all GN's on a very dark still morning in North Yorkshire. Cant even see the vaguest outline of the tree yet. Well I have been up since 3am so no idea how today will pan out. I tried to go back to sleep, but lots of aches and pains and itches etc . Eventually gave up and got up and put some washing in and caught up with your posts from previous days etc. So no idea if I will fall asleep in a couple of hours or what!!

Yesterday, I took the morning slowly and carefully, but by the afternoon had decided I would sally forth to the Bowes Museum, which was one of the free open heritage sites. I havent been there for quite a long time and there were the usual pictures to see, plus a good exhibition of Norman Cornish very good drawings of brilliant people and dogs in a mining area. Some beautifully drawn whippets etc. But I really wanted to go and see the Silver Swan again. So I had a very pleasant drive in a very autumny landscape and was able to flash my blue badge and go to a nearer parking area for disabled. Good job too, as it was very busy and I was really struggling to even walk the shorter distance. I arrived there alittle after 2pm and made my way straight up to the silver swan, which was due to perform at 3pm. There was only one row of chairs with backs on and I needed that , as I couldnt sit without a back on a chair and was in enough pain anyway. So I was quite happy to sit and look around and talk to neighbouring people. The place filled up with a whole range of families and the swan duly perfomed beautifully. Then I went on to go to the Norman Cornish exhibition. The weather was very kind to us and there were families in the museum and wandering the grounds. I do hope that this will encourage them to come back.

I had thought of coming back via Swaledale but accepted that I had done enough and made my way home via quiet roads. I am sure this free weekend is worthwhile and introduces many people to places that they may go back to.

Was home very weary and made myself something to eat and started to watch the antique road show with the promise of the Vigil episode to follow when I promptly fell asleep and only woke for the last ten minutes of the play. I felt so annoyed ! Consequently I then was full of aches and pains sleeping upright in a chair and had trouble going to sleep. Then woke at 3am and here I am!!

Well am in good time to put out my recycling stuff which is due to be collected this morning, and then go to the washing lines and hope that stuff will dry.There is so much needs sorting and I am so out of kilter with y pattern for sleeping, I think that I will go for a shower after this letter, in the hope that I might relax a bit later.

Today it is getting the washing on the line, tidying up and making an effort with some paperwork that was abandoned yesterday, if I can be bothered, and if I dont fall asleep again! I also have to contact the surgery and find out just exactly what this specialist appointment is for. For all the effort I have put in, and a big bag of recycleable stuff got ready, there seems little evidence of my dilligence! Fingers crossed there are less hospital visits this week. I might get to the swimming pool to organise my years ticket for thereto get me started again.

I still havent found a suitable bus trip on a day that suits me yet. I want to give it a go and see how my back and leg are from a trip on a bus. If it turns nasty I have an idea that I might go down to the designer outlet in York tohave a mooch round. Going there I find either feast or famine, so we shall see. The cost of fuel has risen so much lately that every journey has to count!

Hope your day goes well Michael. Sounds as though you could do with a rest today GrandmaBattie, before they descend on you again. Well can finally see the outline of the tree at last and the odd birdsong, so time to decamp tothe shower and get ready for what the day brings. wishing you all a good day and may problems be solved or be little ones you can handle

Dear Lordy Marizipan 😱, what a dreadful thing to happen! I do hope that the burns heal quickly, I know how painful scalds are.
Oh dear grandMattie, I can well sympathise, we had the same thing happen but it was the aging microwave that was the culprit.
Well, it’s a tad damp here in south Glos, we had drizzly rain nearly all day yesterday and it was horribly muggy. I presume that it might be the same today.
I prepared damsons and blueberries for more jam making today; they’re macerating with sugar and lemon juice in the fridge.
I have the dentist and hygienist first thing, not my favourite visit but needs must. It’s a routine check up, but more expense for the hygienist.
I might pop into a farm shop on the way back for a peruse and maybe get a dessert for tomorrow when SIL and her husband come for lunch.
Seeing a friend this afternoon for a cup of tea, I’ll fit jam making in before I go to her house.
Wishing you all a good day 🌹

Good morning from a dawning Durham. Jet-lag has hit and I’ve been asleep 12 hours! Still tired, so more 💤 before I get up. As I sent the hire car back, (it’s a long story) I’m sort of stuck in anyway, but I’ve a suitcase of clothes etc to unpack and launder.
gM how bl**dy annoying. Had the same problem one 🎄day with MinL’s hostess trolley! Can you send your sparky here please, as I can’t seem to find an electrician for love nor money.
Sounds painful Marzipan take care with your feet.
Love the swan madeleine

Best wishes to all. X

Marzipan your poor feet! Take it easy today.

Good morning from Sheffield
We are back home after a very enjoyable holiday, but oh how nice to be back in my own bed!
I will get unpacked this morning and relax this afternoon
There is a lot of misfortune on the thread so far this morning
Marzipan that sounds awful. Take it very carefully. I hope the pain isn’t too bad
GrandMattie, how frustrating. It’s pinning these things down as to the cause that’s the problem. I hope an electrician can sort it quickly
Madeleine. I can remember being enchanted by the silver swan, a beautiful thing
Take care everyone

marzipan, how awful for you! I hope that your feet are not too painful.
And, yes, very wise to order an electric blanket!

Good morning, Michael and all GNs from South Yorkshire. No idea what the weather is going to do today, but I’m tied to the house so it matters not.

Yesterday I emptied the fridge to let it defrost and put items I wanted to keep - milk, butter, some salad veg - in a cool box with ice packs. I walked down to the supermarket to buy red and white roses. It’s would have been DH’s 83rd birthday today and I always buy flowers.

Today will be a day of treading water. The chiropodist is coming first thing, then I have a three hour time slot for the new fridge to be delivered, and the electrician who was supposed to come on Friday is coming to put new lighting in my garage. We’ll see if he turns up!

Sorry to hear about your scald, Marzipan - that must have been truly awful. I hope you’re more comfortable today.

There is still no news of our neighbour who had the stroke on Saturday - we are all anxious for her.

Have the best day you can, folks.

Good morning from Shropshire.Another dry and sunny day forecast.

We have had a few quiet days at home.DH has worked in the garden and I have caught up with household things as well as a lot of reading.Today we are off to Staffordshire to collect DGS1 from school.

Goodness Marzipan what a dreadful thing to happen.I am pleased you had such good care and hope you heal quickly.
I hope you can get an electrician out this morning grandMattie.An exhausting evening for you.
Grandmabatty take it easy as much as you can today.
I think you need to rest madeleine.Would it be possible for your cleaners to come an extra day to help you?

Wishing everyone the best day possible 🌻🦩

Greyduster💐

Good morning from cloudy s somerset

Oh goodness, I hope the weekend trauma is over today for the early posters, that Marzipan is coping and the feet pain is easing. These incidents can so easily happen and the feet are full of sensitive nerve endings

My weekend has been normal and lovely, I did enjoy the driving yesterday and especially the very long two-way chat with 19 year old dgs. I get big smiles and hugs from all of them

The screw holes on the bedroom wall were completely filled and painted by evening and I measured up again for the tv which is arriving today, The chest of drawers is just wide enough and is at 90 degrees to my bed at the bottom of the room, so I found and ordered a very sturdy tabletop swivel stand. The modern feet on tvs are wide apart and the stand is safer, plus it takes much less surface space. I will take my time setting it all up in a few days time.

All I will do today is ease the box upstairs, probably one step at a time or by pushing/sliding. I can do that. I am getting a soundbar too, for speech clarity

The sweep is arriving soon after 9 and the tv at whatever time. Then I do think I will do something simple, like print a pattern, in A4 to stick together, for a dressing gown.

Karma wouldn't the television delivery people put it in your toom for you?

Good morning everyone from mid Essex. It’s damp out after yesterday’s rain, blue sky at the moment, hope it’s a better day than yesterday. I’ve been awake since 2.30, thinking about my garden. The gardener certainly tidied it but now it’s rained all the weeds he covered over are growing again! Hoping to be able to get control again slowly. Today I’ll strip the tomatoes from the plant and put the plants into the compost bin.

marzipan your poor feet! I hope they are comfortable enough to enable you to get to your sewing group and that they heal quickly. An electric blanket is a good idea, I bought one last winter and abandoned the hot water bottle because I was afraid of spilling the hot water on my hands when I filled it.

grandmattie how annoying for you , why do these things always happen in the evenings or weekends or both? I hope you can find an electrician to sort out the fuse board quickly. An electric iron blew the 13amp circuit here last year, but was cheap enough to replace.

greyduster I hope the fridge arrives promptly and that the electrician turns up today.

Have as good a day as is possible everyone.

Good morning from a grey, damp W Kent. Cleaner should be here this morning tackling the kitchen thank goodness. This afternoon we have a U3A planning meeting for the year ahead. My ears are playing up again but not sure there is much point trying to see anyone at present, the joys of being deaf.
What a weekend some of you have had, I hope things medical and otherwise improve today to all

Morning from a cloudy S Hants.
Goodness Marzipan how painful, take it easy today.
You sound weary Grandmabatty.
What a palaver gMattie and how frustrating, I hope the electrician comes today.
We had a lovely day yesterday, children and grandchildren all here for lunch, we caught up, ate, discussed Christmas plans and laughed a lot.
MrJ went for meat draw afterwards, no luck this week.
Voluntary phone today, I’m awaiting a delivery of new bedding, today would be good.
Enjoy your day all.
Flamingo 🦩 🦩

Good morning all from a dull but dry Black country after overnight rain.
Marzipan that sounds dreadful hope you are not in to much pain.
grandMattie hope you can get the electrician to sort you out and a neighbour will be able to deal with your washing.
Nothing planned as yet have put the towels in the wash so hopefully will be able to put them out before our next lot of rain.
Greyduster 💐
Enjoy your day folks whatever your plans, safe travels those on the move and virtual hugs where needed.😎

Good morning from a bright looking Suffolk after a wet and dreary day yesterday.

We are awaiting the arrival of our builder who hopes to complete the painting today and then the last of these early morning starts for us will be the removal of the scaffolding.

Today will be a quiet one before a busy week of pleasant meet ups with friends with a dentist visit tomorrow.

I hope that you manage a trip out later Marzipan with your blistered feet which aren’t too painful and others with difficulties of any kind have an easy day.

Morning all from Italy.

Golly, Marzipan, I hope you’re feeling better today!🌺

It’s a free day today so OH and I will have a late leisurely breakfast. We may wander down to the quay and get a boat over to one of the islands on Lake Maggiore. We may also go on a tourist train around the town. Who knows?

The weather is beautiful here, the temperature around 25-27 degrees.

Sorry to hear about your electricity shenanigans GM.

I make take the opportunity to order a new sewing basket. My existing one is tiny and with my new found enthusiasm for sewing I need something bigger. I have spotted something at Dunhelm.

Have a good day everyone.