Good Morning Friday 15th October 2026

Good morning from a dark but mild corner of La Sarthe.

Yesterday morning I was disappointed to discover that bruising from my fall out of bed on Tuesday was becoming visible in the form of one, possibly two, black eyes! ☹️

We made the most of the afternoon sunshine, following early mist for the second day running, by sitting outside for a while.

Hope today is kind to us all. 🦩🥰🦩💐🦩

Good morning from Exeter where it still, of course, is dark.
My goodness, ash, not one but two shiners! Hop3 5heu disappear fast. Arnica?
We have had a lovely time yesterday.
As the AirB&B didn’t accept us until the afternoon,we went to Exmouth, where we had a lovely walk on the beach, had the inevitable ice cream before lunch! Mistake. I was quite full for a delicious eggs florentine in a small cafe off the seafront.
After getting to the AirB&B, which is an apartment in a redundant hospital - either convalescent home or “loony bin” - went to a nearby Tesco superstore. I know, I know, small things and all that, but this one had a huge F&F section. My black winter trousers are about 10 years ok£ and showing their age… DD found some black T-shirts that she uses as stock, making two holes for her dog collar - much cheaper than the”proper “ ones!
We then took the train to the centre of Exeter where we got to the Cathedral on time for evensong. Cue tearfulness from me; DH loved evensong in different cathedrals. It was a very long service indeed - apparently the choristers call that psalm the “death psalm”, it’s incredibly long - takes 5 pages in the hymnal! No. 78?
We then went to Babylon, the best Turkish restaurant in Exeter according to trip advisor. Lovely meal, then train back, where DD watched Traitors. I don’t like it; too much messing around with people’s minds.
Today, much of the same - cave walk, too much food, lots of chatting.
This is the longest time I have spent with DD on her own since she was pregnant with DGD1 17 years ago! We seem to be ok, although I’m careful in the topics I bring up…
Trust you will all have a good day. Carpe diem 🦩🦩🦩

Good morning from a potentially sunny Cornwall where today I'm at an arts lecture before taking off to a beach somewhere for a long walk. I've been staying at a fairly local Premier Inn to give me a break from all sorts of disruptions in my building. Meanwhile my youngest grandchildren and parents are in Tenerife where a hotel guest has died and was dealt with in front of everyone; 'no screens' said my son.

Later I'll clear my patio floor as I have a huge ash tree hanging over it from the wild wood which literally carpets it with leaf branches at this time of year.

A former school friend is asking what it's like to live in my town as she and her husband are thinking of relocating here from a city. I've tried to be very unbiased as I'm not in their shoes and although it's certainly a lovely place to live, personally I wouldn't move hundreds of miles away from my family at their stage in life. I've told her that. Hey ho.

Oh dear Ash. 😲

Good morning, Michael and all GNs from South Yorkshire where it is still dark. Not sure what the weather will be like today but I shall be inside mostly.

Yesterday’s walk in the woods was lovely, with the paths still dry for the most part. I picked up a pocketful of fat chestnuts and steamed them in the evening. They were delicious. Nature’s bounty! Took me back to my childhood when I used to go picking chestnuts with my mum in the same woods on a Sunday afternoon, but she used to roast them in the oven of the Yorkshire range. Even more delicious.

The gas engineer is coming this morning to service the boiler. He usually comes early after dropping his daughter off at school. Then I must put some petrol in the car😱 and do a food shop. I have a friend coming for lunch tomorrow. We haven’t seen each other for a while.

Have the best day you can, folks.

Good morning from a dark N Surrey. Will go and make a cup of tea and peer out of the back door.
Yesterday was very satisfying inasmuch as I received answers to several emailed and telephoned questions and finished several small but important tasks.
For some reason it felt like Monday all day so I am surprised today is Friday!
Marzipan I think if I were your friends I would spend 2 weeks each season in an Airbnb for a year in your town and test out living there before I made a decision. Cheaper than a big mistake. Or even a month to get a feel of the place.

However your posts do make living there sound very tempting.

Today I hope to complete several more small tasks indoors and outdoors. I need to clean the kitchen patio door windows. But I think it will rain so just the insides. Outsides tomorrow. The lower sun the last few days is highlighting how grubby they are.
It takes such a short time I have no idea why I dont do it more regularly. I shall give myself a shake.
Have a good day all.

Good morning, it’s been raining here but I don’t think we’ve had much, no puddles.
Yesterday I felt decidedly off colour, I did plant the second lot of wall flowers and do a bit of housework but I was back in bed mid afternoon. I’ve slept quite well so let’s see how things are today.
I’m glad you’re enjoying your time away grandMattie, it’s a beautiful part of Devon.
My gardener friend will be coming sometime to help finish the bits of the back garden for me, mulch the back borders and prune the roses ready for winter. We’re quite high up and we get strong winds so I would like the roses quite heavily pruned
(I’m too much of a wimp when it comes to pruning them!)
So, little planned for today, I hope it goes well for you all x
🌹

Good morning all from Polmont where it's currently 7° and damp. Ashcombe you've given yourself some bump. GrandMattie that sounds like a lovely day yesterday.
Yesterday the gardeners arrived at tge same time as Open Reach which were filling in the hole they dug earlier this week, so my little street was very congested for a while. The gardeners were very industrious and I kept them served with cups of tea(and kitkats) throughout the morning. My friend arrived about lunchtime and we tried a new to her restaurant. I heard my name when we went in and there was one of my art friends with her pals. Then we saw someone who had been at school with us. Lots of chat ensued. Later my friend dropped me off as the gardeners were finishing up. They have made a good job of it and I'm very pleased with it. Even if the landscaper doesn't arrive, the garden will be tidy for winter.
Today dd is picking me up and we are going for coffee with dgs2. I have a delivery due at some point too. Thereafter I will get washings done and make a chicken curry. Have a good day all.

Good morning everyone from a wet Northampton, still quite dark, but the forecast is for a sunny day.

Got the all clear from the optician yesterday; had a thorough eye test, and had time afterwards to choose some new glasses, which will be ready when I get back from my cruise.

Managed to pack the cats off to the cattery early afternoon; luckily they were no trouble getting into their carriers, and were collected on time.
Went to my neighbours afterwards for coffee and cookies, and to hand her my keys, as she will be keeping an eye on the house and dealing with the post while I am away.

Today is packing day, and I have just remembered that one suitcase is still in the garage, so must get that in.

Easy meal of a Sainsburys curry from the freezer tonight, then hopefully a good night's sleep before departure tomorrow.

Wishing all a pleasant Friday.

Spotted my error should be 16th
Mick

Good Morning everyone from a wet central south coast. It is supposed to dry up and even allow us some sunshine later..

The Tesco delivery is due between 8 and 9am then we are off to collect my prescription from our excellent pharmacy, take back the inhalers which gave me palpitations for disposal and return DH's book to the library. He will drop me at my hair appointment at 10am and collect me later. This afternoon I shall watch the online funeral service of a former WI lady who sadly took her own life recently.

My dear friend came yesterday as planned and we had a non-stop catch up chat, lovely real hugs (as opposed to the virtual ones now she lives in Suffolk) and I had to again demonstrate my stair lift! It seems to fascinate all our visitors with how unobtrusive, quiet and useful it is. We certainly think so too.(Are you still considering one Marydoll?)

Kind thoughts to all those with struggles of any sort and hope the day is a good one for all.

Good morning from N. Bucks where it is damp from overnight rain but not too chilly.
Still having trouble with my foot , I suppose It will be another trip to the surgery soon.
Blood test first thing and then a manicure. Some housework this afternoon and then I’ll carry on with the acrylic painting we started yesterday. It is a real ‘ ugly duckling’ at the moment.
Hope all with pain and illness find some relief and a good day wished for everyone.

Good morning from a wet windy Cambridgeshire but feels mild.

Today I am meeting a friend I used to work with for a brunch at a garden centre a half way meet up. It will be good to catch up with her. Later will be a school pick up for the 12 & 7 year old dgc. They are usually very tired on a Friday after school and their various activities. I have made cakes and flapjacks for them as a treat when we get back.

R & L. sounds like you have been busy on your garden and your body is telling you to rest. I also need to put mulch down hopefully over the weekend. DH will prune the roses but some are still full of blooms. It has been a good year for roses.

GM pleased you are enjoying time away with your DD. My DD1 is quite prickly so I also walk on eggshells at times😂

Hope everyone has a good day

Good morning everyone from a very wet and mild mid Essex. A wet morning is forecast and apparently it will be colder.

A very quiet day yesterday at DD1’s. The dog had her walk soon after I arrived and she needed lots of cuddles when she got back. DD2 collected the DGDs from school in the afternoon and stayed for a cup of tea. Her asthma was playing up, possibly due to the dust caused by the workmen who are building an extension for her and her OH.
It’s bingo at lunchtime today, but otherwise nothing much planned. I need to cook a batch of mince and onions to freeze, it will form the basis for cottage pie, chilli or bolognaise sauce. I’ll do that after bingo, otherwise I’ll smell of cooking!

grandmattie your day in Exmouth sounds delightful and that you enjoyed shopping in a different Tesco’s! I hope you have another good day today.

ash your eyes sound quite colourful, and I hope they’re not too uncomfortable. You’ll have to wear sunglasses if you go out today!

greyduster I loved roast chestnuts when I was a child, we lived very close to woods in south east London. None round here, only horse chestnut trees.

marzipan what a good idea to stay in a Premier Inn while your apartment building is so chaotic.

Thinking of all those who are struggling for any reason, hope life improves for you soon.

Have the best Friday you can everyone.

Morning all from a wet S Hants, l love the the sound of rain from bed, it’s not cold but cooling as the day goes on. This morning we’re deep diving our chest freezer and actually noting the contents. Space is required.
Tesco delivery this afternoon and pub tonight, by then it should be dry and brighter.
Have a good day all.

Good morning all from Glasgow, where it is 8°C, with showers predicted.

Yesterday, was a marathon of washing bedding. I then steamed the mattress and pillows. The two GP's, who saw DH, don't think,that what DH has, is contagious, but advised it anyway.
I thought it ironic, that the GP, who suggested it, was the one, who told me to slow down. 🤷‍♀️

Ash, I wonder if you should get your head bump checked out. Racoon eyes can be the sign of a head injury.

GM, I hope your trip continues to go well.

As for the stairlift, I am not quite at that stage quite yet. I did however, fall going upstairs last night. My left leg, just won't do as it is told

I hope to get to M&S food hall this morning, DH will do the supermarket shopping, which I struggle to do.
Once more, he is not dealing with his illnesses and being extremely difficult.

Dollie and her parents arrive back from holiday today. I have missed my girl.

Babydoll and her parents are off to York, where DIL is going on a balloon ride. 😱I feel sick at the thought of it

Wishing you all a pleasant day.

Good morning and it’s just getting light here in Essex.

The plasterer came early yesterday and a very chatty man he is!
After a cup of tea he set to (very slowly), had 20 min break in his van and left at 12.30. 🙄. What he’s done looks very good but if he’d stayed the whole day, he could have finished. Instead we have him today and Monday.
The chaps who did the roof were so different.

I made a delicious soup with little bit if left over cheeses.,,
We both had stomache ache last evening. Obviously too rich so a bland diet today.,

My friend has offered a lift to our lunchtime gathering, so I might be tempted. Dont think Dh will come . That’s ok as he feels happier at home. A shame as he doesn’t see his pals but ….

Dd and DGD will stay tonight as we have a coach trip booked for the morning to Jimmys Farm. DS2 will come and keep Dh company, sort out his passport and premium bonds top up. 🤞.

Take care all.🌻

Good morning from Morecambe Bay where the neighbours have been clattering and moving vans about since before 7.
Scaffolding is still up but the huge extension looks pretty much finished from the outside. The builders doing the extension the other way seem to have finished and their last skip has now gone. Just their lawn to restore.
The weather here today is set to be cooler with showers possible. Another lazy day is planned as I’m suffering the effects of the shingles jab which I had the other day. The first shingles jab which I had back in April didn’t bother me at all but this one is getting vengeance!
I may give our walk in the woods a miss and conserve my energy for more domestic tasks. The woods are strange this year. There’s no acorns! This time last year the floor was carpeted with them but there’s nothing this year.
Take care 🌸

Good morning Michael and all GN's on a very dark but much colder morning in North Yorkshire. Definitely into winter mode with the heating situation now, and today is a case of 6 and two 3's , as on the plus side , my bedroom was quite warm so heating coming on properly, but I now need to make sure thta there is nothing blocking the radiator etc, but when I came through to the lounge it felt decidedly chilly, but the radiator hadnt come on, and despite my faffing around with it , it is being stubborn, and I will have to get the instructions out and remind myself of the way to readjust it all, and make sure that I am getting the best out of them when they are on. Last year I did buy one of those electric blankets with the idea that you warm yourself rather than the room, and so I need to set that all up too, as my basic idea is going to be having the heating coming on so that I dont start the morning by freezing, but have to keep the timings to the early morning and late evening, and learn to go for the electric blanket thing if it is cold in the day, as sadly I have to accept that the old idea of get moving and go for a walk or do some exercise wont be something I can do very well these days.

Yesterday was definitely also a 6 and 2 3's day. Definitely you win some and lose some! I was struggling to get around easily ,and had decided to miss the group morning as I was not at all interested in making anything, but with the cleaners coming I couldnt go out for the day. But I decided to go to the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle. I had made up my mind to join their annual scheme, as they have various bits and pieces coming, the silver swan is always a delight to watch, and they had the new exhibition of some french impresssionist but more slightly earlier painters coming. I had enjoyed the free weekend when they had done so well with over 2000 visitors in two days, and it had reminded me that I used to go there regularly, and with an annual ticket now I will have that opportunity to go as and when I like, and it will be somewhere to enjoy in the winter months, and get me out and about.

I needed to be back in the early afternoon, so planned to get off early, but so many things were working against me, from phone calls to only moving at tortoise speed, that I was getting so frustrated that I left quite a shambles of jobs not finished and things half done, But the last straw was yet another pile of things sliding to the floor. I think it was because in the pile was a magazine with a shiny cover and it just gained momentum slowly. I wasnt even anywhere near it and it just slid down and spread over the floor. Was so miffed I just got my coat and shut the door on it and set off! It was quite a slow journey with the traffic, but definitely an autumn morning to be enjoyed. Looked as though it had been really cold the night before and so touches of autumn colour and the sheep showing up against the hillside. I had put some washing out before I left, in the hopes that it might dry, but at least would smell nice. The sky darkened and we had a swift shower but with a beautiful rainbow to enjoy.

I got myself there and parked in the disabled area, and hobbled into the museum. It was in that rather nice state, where I had seen a couple of coaches parked up, and in the museum, there was that rather nice buzz of conversation, and enough people wandering around to make it feel lived in, but not so many you had difficulty looking at things.

I enjoyed the art exhibition, but on that floor they only have very low down benches with no backs to them and I found it quite difficult to either stand for long periods or to safely lower myself to a bench with the slight worry if I would manage to get back up!! They had postcard size comment sheets, so I wrote one out , suggesting that on that floor they might have a few higher chairs with good back support. That they might label them, asking that priority was given to any disabled person who might need them like the seats on the bus or train.It seems odd that on one floor there are suitable seats around yet on the other floor none. After I had looked my fill of the art exhibition I took the lift up to go and see the lovely Silver Swan, and sit in comfort for a little while and enjoy looking at other items, but then looking at my watch, had to beat a hasty retreat and drive straight home in the hopes of being there before the cleaners. They were just leaving as I arrived, and so had a hasty chat with them and off they went and I was glad to come in and collapse in a heap!! They had done a good job, and the floors now looked clean and with all the various debris and things dropped on them sorted and cleared up. I had forgotten to ask them to put a bag of sorted summer clothes up into a cupboard I find hard to reach into, but certainly everywhere looked cleaner and a bit tidier too.

I enjoyed some smoked haddock chowder and fresh bread for my late lunch and then my halo improved over the afternoon, as I plodded through various piles of things, throwing out of date reminders away, making a couple of phone calls, and in particular trying to find my elusive loyalty card for Strikes. A friend called and we made arrangements to meet there this morning at 10am for a catch up as again no library bocca this week, so making the most of the chance to have a chat rather than bits of conversation between curling or bocca bits.

At last I triumphed and found the new card and put it ready to take . By this time it was quite late and went to turn the tv off and go to bed, but could I find the flipping control, could I heck!! In the end I had to just close the door firmly to try and deaden the sound, and go to bed anyway. After a set time with nothing happening it closes itself down, but I did feel annoyed with myself , that I just could not find the wretched controller, as I knew that I had used it earlier .

Ah well such is life. So here I am creaking around and waiting for the rooms to heat up a bit before I get myself showered and for once dressed in going out clothes in the first place. I still sort of divide my clothes into clean and fit to work in at home, or things to wear to go out in. I think my age group, brought up when there was still rationing etc after the war, were all expected to change out of school uniform as soon as you got home and take care of your "good " clothes . With no central heating at that time it was also put on something warm and get cracking with jobs or homework or whatever.

There was also the clear age difference related choice of clothes. Despite running a farm and looking after stock etc., I never remember my granny wearing trousers ever. Her version would be longish skirt or dress, with stockings or sox and boots for outside and warm slippers for inside, with a really coverall pinafore worn in the house for baking or cleaning etc. My mother was daring enough to wear warm trousers at home for housework and in the back garden, but again definitely never went out in trousers, but got changed into dress or skirt with warm jumper at this time of year, and I tend to live in trousers, as the easiest things to get on and off, but have a range of them, again older or less pleasing ones for working in at home, and at the moment my favourite trousers to go out in are my rather good blue cords with wide legs, easy to put on, and one of several striped tops with a suitable jumper to go over the top. I do have various dresses and so forth, but most of them are for either evening wear or a selection of things that I go to sing in. I most certainly dont dress to look fashionable , or care what other people thing. My choice is based on , what is most comfortable and practical for what I am doing at that time. I used to do modelling in the far distance past, and stick to those rules, where you take care that you have got dressed in an appropriate manner, that all is clean and tidy as you are too , and once that is checked you carry on with your day and totally ignore any further worrying about your outfit.You know you are getting older when you see some young woman looking very smart but absolutely freezing in some trendy but chilly outfit, and are not in the least jealous of her but even feel sorry for her!! What do you all do? Am I an odd one out or do you all do similar things?

Well the morning has lightened up and it is a little warmer here, so time to get cracking and hope that the borrowers return the tv controller! Not a sign of any squirrel or pigeon today, think they are all trying to still keep warm and feeling the chill. I hope you have a good trip on the bus Mike and I may join you in having fish and chips today. Ashcombe you will have to make the most of the black eyes! Look reproachfully at your DH whenever anyone else is around or write in mascara "his" and "hers" in tiny letters on your cheeks, and give dramatic sighs. GrandMattie , glad you are having a little break and so far enjoying your time together. It should also do your various groups at home good to realize how much you do for them, as they cant find things and have to get themselves organised for once and deal with things. When you get back, encourage them to tell you who made a good dish or organised something and then make the most of this by telling them that it is good that they have some other people to do their share at last as you now need to take a back seat , but are happy to advise in the future!! Ah Marzipan quick quick get the sack out and grab as many of the leaves as possible and make some leaf mould for nothing, and next year you will be pleased with your efforts .Oh Greyduster, chestnuts! we used to collect them and then they would be put under the fire to safely cook and not shoot out at you, and that throwing about as you tried to peel them as hot as possible without burning your fingers. But they are so moorish arent they. Once you start you cant stop eating them. We also used to have three sorts of stuffing in our christmas dinner turkey or whatever, so it would be sage and onion, sausage meat and then chestnut. delicious, but wont be bothering with that on my own this year. so next market day I shall look out for fresh and plump chestnuts to enjoy.

Ah well the entourage have arrived, squirrels 2 are dashing about up and down the tree, cheekily trying yet again to bury things in my pots and racing along the fence. In the meantime the pigeons 3 rather slowly pacing around giving the odd peck at the ground, and ignoring the dashing squirrels rushing past them! Now it is time for me to get going, shant be dashing but hope to move faster than a tortoise. I hope you all have a good day and I will return to read more posts later. Treat yourself kindly today and award yourself a good coffee or an extravagant cake. Well it is friday folks!!

Good morning Mick and everyone from chilly Carlisle where we have a clear sky and hopefully sun when it gets up.

I had a busy-ish morning yesterday including a Tesco delivery. The driver was a chatty young man, happy because he was moving to Hexham at the weekend, happy because there's a better music scene there (he's a musician) than Carlisle which apparently is a dire place for young people.
After lunch I went to the U3A monthly talk, this time about Lakes painters, only one of which I'd heard of. There are so many, some resident, lots not. Lovely pictures, some of which I'd love on my walls. The speaker spoke confidently for almost an hour without notes or hesitation and would probably have gone on indefinitely if not stopped because it was teatime! I wish he could have gone on longer, most interesting.

Today I have a medical appointment, with an advanced practitioner, isn't that a 'not quite doctor'? It's about my high blood pressure and was the appointment I was given some 10 days ago before I resorted to 111 and finally achieved pills. It's now normal in the mornings but still pretty high by bedtime. What they'll do about that or not who knows.
Later, I may play catch-up with jobs....
Oh, and must contact the council rat catching department, I spotted one of the beasts disporting itself on my patio, bold as brass. It disappeared down a broken drain cover which, on close inspection, looked as though it had been chewed through.

Good to hear you're enjoying your break grandMattie. Somehow, I've never managed to see Exeter despite visiting the area at various times.

And wishing you all a good day, best wishes!

Good morning it is drizzling here 14° with a high of 16° might have to find a coat, I haven’t worn a coat since before the late May bank holiday.

The Imp has gone off to school, I have come upstairs with a latte to read your news.

We have flu jabs at 10am, probably pop into our Sainsbury’s local then back home where I really must attack the ironing Mount Everest…

Good morning all from a dull and chilly North Leicestershire.

It is particularly chilly here as the boiler has broken. Engineers here between 8.15 and 11.30. I am having a pedicure this morning - hope the salon is warm.

We are still waiting for a definitive diagnosis of DH's PMR. The GP asked for 24hr turn round on the blood test which was done on Tuesday.

Have the best day possible everyone.

Good morning everyone from south Manchester where Alexa tells me it’s 9°C and the forecast is for 12°C and showers.

It is lovely to be home much as I enjoyed being in Northumberland, a beautiful part of the country. I’m hoping to go back next spring as my cousin said “we can’t show you round in just 3 days!”.

I’m going over to see my stepfather today. We need to sort out a couple of eye appointments (YAG laser for one eye in our local general hospital up the road where I used to work and a consultation re wet or dry macular degeneration in his other eye at Manchester Eye) and a renal check up. I’ve arranged for him to have his Covid and ‘flu jags next week at home. He may need some cash and/or a bit of shopping today too.

Half term starts for the Boy Wonder this evening and he’s off on a school trip to Iceland next week, lucky lad, flying from Manchester. His mum said he’s getting very excited now they’ve got all his ‘thermals’ kit from Decathlon!

I’ll be seeing my neighbour friend for wine at our usual 6pm meet up (most, but not all evenings). It’s good for both of us having been widowed this year. It’s 8 months this weekend since my darling man died and 5 months for my friend. We are there for one another and it makes a huge difference that we live next door but two. Just across the decking. Support and friendship a hop, skip and a jump away.

Glad to hear you and your daughter are getting on well together grandMattie. Discretion being the better part of valour for sure. And your poor eyes Ashcombe! Tgat must’ve been quite a thump falling from your bed. Talking of faces, I hope GG13’s is healing nicely after all that zapping!

Good morning from a blue skied Black Country, where it rained overnight.

The walk yesterday involved through the Golf Course, where there was swathes of land with no grass, then approaching the fields there was a house that was totally gone due to the fires in August, yet next door was unaffected. Really sad to see.

Back at the park a pleasant time with coffee and chat.

No real plans today, just go with the flow. There is always ironing waiting!!

Wishing you all the best day possible

Good morning everyone from Inverness where it’s dry with light grey clouds
Hope your foot is better soon ginny
After a busy but enjoyable week things are almost back to normal today, I think I’ll go to the gym to catch up with friends and do the aerobics class, I’ll definitely enjoy the company more than the class today! DD2 was due back from London last night but her flight was cancelled so she’s travelling home today instead. The dgc are with their dad so they’re fine, we’ve just got the puppy a little bit longer than planned.
Hope you get out to lunch Gingster and enjoy your day out tomorrow
Hoping everyone has the best day they can, take care all 💐