Adawn47

My youngest grandson will be 27 on Christmas Day, so that's another one for your list. Avril

I have to admit that we're better off being retired, but we had to plan for it. It also helps not having any travel costs either☺️ Avril

My mistake Phil, it's almost 14 years so I'll have to wait a little longer for my clock😁 Avril

Congratulations. Enjoy it and have fun. You'll wonder how you ever found the time for work. Avril

Almost 14 years for us Phil and it's still good. The best job we've ever had☺️ Avril

Oh, so you have 13 going 30 year old too. Interesting aren't they?😁 Avril

Our eldest daughter only puts a christmas tree up because of her grandchildren visiting. She likes to make the house festive for them. Maybe a tree could lift your spirits a little? but as kalos says, do what you feel is best for you. x Avril

Wise words Sharon. Have a lovely Christmas and I hope 2024 is a much better year for you. Avril

Speaking as a person who often falls over...... I concur. Sadly though, no-one laughs😁 Avril

I'm so sorry to hear that Graham. My condolences to you all. Avril

Littlewoods. The older store in the 60's where you could buy fresh meat, bacon, cheeses and various cooked sliced meats, ham etc. Barnsley had a great store that was always busy. Avril

It was stunning here in Yorkshire too. It began a deep pink and slowly turned to a vivid orange and then a deeper orange as the sky got darker. Nature at her finest. Avril

I agree with you Harry. Sending a message or text is useful on most occasions, but a personally chosen and written card, or even a letter, shows they are important to you. Avril

I'm relieved you've got your Mum's situation sorted Sue. It sounds a nice place and she can make it feel 'homey' by adding some of her own personal things too. You haven't 'abandoned' her Sue, far from it, so don't think like that. You've been a very loving and caring daughter and I'm sure your Mum knows that. Have a very enjoyable family Christmas together🎄 Avri/

Now that would have cheered me up immensely bro. You could always try the snail soup and Tehal which could be the Moroccan equivalent. Tasty😋😇 Sis

Hmm......... I don't think I was meant to be a small, chubby, grey-haired, forgetful, arthritic old woman. That's the story of my extraordinary ageing process.👵 Avril I think🤔

@Josy1953 My thoughts are with you and your family today.x @yorkshirephil Good luck with your appointment. I hope you get the news you're hoping for. It's a bit dismal and damp here this morning 6c, but the sun is due to make an appearance tomorrow so🤞 While writing out my christmas cards last night it made me think back to all the christmas cards I used to write. I would whinge about the time it took. After looking at the small pile of cards that took me all of 20mins made me feel a little sad. I would give anything to get writers cramp again. Have a good day everyone wherever you are are in the world. Avril

There's something missing Graham............🤫 I've got it.........no Greggs😁 Avril

Too true Phil. I have graduated from a fun loving chick to a wise old bird, and over that time I learned the meaning of tact, and never to judge a book by it's cover. Avril

Don't worry zap, I'm sure your hand will be much better tomorrow😇 Avril

Years ago when teaching a college student how to use the various keys on a till, she was amazed,(and voiced it) that I actually knew what a qwerty keyboard was 🙄 I was offended she considered me that stupid😲 The hair might be grey, but it grows from fertile ground😉 Avril

That meal would make me happy too, but I couldn't have finished it. Avril

Yes, it is very sad Sue. As we age we gradually become weaker, our mobility, sight and even memory, but what always remains strong is our pride and independence. Avril

@P&O SUE My situation was different to yours Sue. I wasn't working at the time Dad died so Mum came to live with us, however, she still dug her heels in about leaving her home. Mum was partially sighted and couldn't manage alone. What I soon came to realise after many 'discussions' was that it wasn't the actual house, but all her memories of Dad were there. I'd lost my Dad, but Mum had lost her whole life and was trying hard to hold on to all she had left. I suspect that could be the same with your Mum. Maybe you could find a care home where she can take a few momentos to keep around her to make her feel 'at home' Take care.x Avri

We went to the Lincoln Christmas Market about 6 or 7 years ago and stayed 3 nights in The Old Palace Lodge. We had an amazing time. Next to the Lodge was a 'Medieval' style market with traditional music, singers. jesters and all the store-holders in costume. There were street performers everywhere and the Cathedral was beautiful. Yes it was heaving, but that all adds to the festive feeling. There are too many ba-humbugs that think they know what's best for us 'grownups'🤬 Avril