Trick Or Treat


If I wasn't so tired I'd laugh
Yesterday's post sort of proved a point
I just haven't got the energy to answer each comment on Going Gently..
If there is a question or a comment that needs or deserves an answer, I will endeavour to answer it.
If I banter with friends so be it
All I can really promise is that each comment will be read and thought about
If that upsets anyone so be it too.....
You can't keep everyone happy.
Everyone's a critic 

I worked last night and will be working Friday and Saturday nights too. So after a few hours in bed, and a dog walk it's almost dark again and the day seems lost.
I've made  Shepherds' pie, stocked up on sweets just in case the Randa girls call around and will settle down with a catch up edition of Bake Off.
I know who won because one of my patient's referred to that "irritating, funny little man winning the baking" before she went to bed.


78 comments:

  1. It's your blog, your real life John. You don't owe anyone a thing, never mind a personal reply to their comment! Right now your energy is needed for day to day survival. It will get better (I promise) but take your time xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. I second what Ali says. What the hell is the matter with people? Just take care of yourself and your pets and let the critics go somewhere else if they're offended. Sheesh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yesterday I was a bit upset that people were upset
      Now less so

      Delete
  3. Reading your blog makes me happy, there could be a tear or two also.
    Since I can not travel anymore (that makes me sad) I love reading several blogs so I can " visit" places I have been or want to visit.
    Armchair travel I guess for me.

    Most of all It is your blog. Thank You for writing it.
    cheers, parsnip and badger

    ReplyDelete
  4. Perfect attitude, John Gray! I salute you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Barbara Anne5:10 pm

    You do what's good for you and share what you want to share with us, superb storyteller that you are.

    Sorry for the Bake-off spoiler from your patient!

    Happy Halloween to you and the fur-babies.

    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Affable despot jason and a small gaggle of zombie/ ghost buster kids have just been around for sweets

      Delete
  6. I'm glad you've come to your senses about that unsustainable goal. But what we really want to know is whether you read the solicitor's missive! Also, what sort of sweets?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cola bottles , sherbet jelly haribo selections

      Delete
  7. You are just fine as you are. I always read your blog first in the morning and am just glad you still keep blogging. I think there are two Jan B's so I will be Jan Butchxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. I don't understand the issue of replying to every comment, I don't on my blog, often I comment here, knowing it will be read, but with the number of comments you receive, it would be too time consuming to respond to each one, after all we are grown ups, and live in this busy real world.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just waiting for our local kids to come for their sweets. A few surprises this year, and hopefully a few wet knickers!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That is s funny as I am staying with friends in Bucks and we just watched the final of GBBO and my friend finds him REALLY irritating because he is always screwing up his nose and pulling faces. It got funnier and funnier as we watched and I was in stitches in the end. I think they were all amazing but Kim-Joy has my heart.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Take care of you! We have not gotten the new Bake Off series here yet - I am looking forward to it. Happy Halloween John!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous6:01 pm

    Wading in here.
    I choose to be anonymous, basically because l don't wish to share my life on the internet.
    I do however love animals and the thought of a country village lifestyle.
    You, Mr Grey,tick those boxes that are missing in my life and l thank you for shareing them.
    I comment sometimes and it makes me feel part of your blog.
    I thank you for taking the time to write about Interesting things.
    I do not expect you to comment on anything l add and just enjoy your blog for what it is.
    Sort of the Archers brought to life!
    I hope you take that as a compliment, as it is intended!
    Love Tess xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Drat ... what a shame you found out the winner of Bake Off from your patient. It was still worth watching though wasn't it ☺

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm just about to sit down to watch

      Delete
  14. good for you xxxx love the pumpkin

    ReplyDelete
  15. I thought he would win from early on but in the end I was routing for the girls as they were both so good. Hope you enjoy. I thought the last "Walking Dead" had upped it's game and was gripping.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kim-Joy was robbed. Talking of robbing I've just pinched a packet of maltesers from the kids halloween bucket.

    ReplyDelete
  17. The best AND worst part of Halloween is having extra treats in the house!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm just about to have some Smarties.

    ReplyDelete
  19. That stinkin' chicken got me again! This has got to be exhausting for you! I enjoy reading the comments because I'm learning a new language, English. I speak American and need subtitles for any British programs I want to watch. I don't understand some of the terminology, but I get the gist of most of it. My tongue is planted firmly in my cheek right now, but there is still a ring of truth here.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Rest, rest, and keep posting, please!

    ReplyDelete
  21. The offer still stands to be your own personal Queen's Private Secretary (let me at 'em...)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi John I'm sorry I didn't get my two cents in yesterday, I don't comment everyday but just know I won't be one of the people who stops reading your blog, your blog reads like a book both happy and sad I think your brave to put it out there I will always cheer you on and no I don't expect you to reply ever, how could you possible with so many followers.

    ReplyDelete
  23. So. Regular cola bottles or the sour, sugar coated ones?
    Love your "new, improved" last statement at the bottom of your blog. 😂

    ReplyDelete
  24. HAPPY HALLOWE'EN John!
    We've been visited by the littlies from our Close, in assorted fancy dress, a pirate, two pumpkins, a bad fairy, and three little ghosts!
    They more or less wiped out our sweetie stash, so now the curtains are drawn, the lights are out at the front of the house, and we're not expecting any more callers tonight.
    I love your new 'rider' about loving comments! I wonder if the arseholes will recognise themselves? Somehow I doubt it, they're all too busy being abusive! X

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love that picture! I don't answer every blog comment either. It's just not possible, and you have a heck of a lot more comments than I do! Honestly, I don't really understand the expectation that a blogger has to answer everyone. I mean, if you want to comment, comment. If I have something to say back, I will. You know? (You don't have to answer that, LOL.)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Reading your yesterdays comments, replies, and all the fuss about nothing, has just kept me entertained for 20 minutes.
    Thank you for the cheer up from the down in the dumps where I have been this week.

    ReplyDelete
  27. When I worked on a mine in Africa I was taught the trick of night shift. When you come home have a shower go out and enjoy yourself or do the jobs you need to do. At about 12 have a drink, make supper and then go to bed. You are so tired you sleep properly, you wake up at 10 and go to work. You may have to fiddle with the times a bit depending on your shift times but it does ensure you get your fair share of daylight.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love your pumpkin! The most important thing is for you to be kind to yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  29. An Arsehole7:38 pm

    Does the new comment statement mean that you will still love comments from Arseholes provided they are not abusive?

    ReplyDelete
  30. oh for heavens sake why do folks,need a reply? selfish fools...it is a delight to read your posts and see the "kids" ...well maybe not delightful of late but you know what mean...I've got your back across the pond...

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous8:00 pm

    John Gray not Grey sorry!
    Re the Archers you are nothing like Brian Aldridge, more like a kinder character Robert Snell possibly, without the awful Linda or Lindy (shrew wife)!and def no pushover!
    Tess x

    ReplyDelete
  32. 👻 🎃 Happy Hallowe’en ! 🤡 👹 I’m glad you had some trick or treaters come by. And,... to the complainers.. be off I say 😉 Gabs

    ReplyDelete
  33. Damn John. You just can't catch a break can you? WTF! I don't read for a day or two, and decided I'd check to see how Mary's surgery went since it was cancelled and I read someone is upset that you don't respond more. If you responded to every comment you wouldn't have time for anything or anyone else. I think people are just a little thin-skinned because of all the nastiness going on in the world and maybe take offense or feel slighted a little too quickly. Now.....RESPOND! Just kidding, sweetie, Happy Halloween.

    ReplyDelete
  34. If you commented on every comment you receive there would be no time for night shifts, vet trips, scotch egg binges, cleaning up "accidents" nor your archery classes, yoga sessions, dogging appointments in the lay-by near Mostyn or for re-watching and pausing past episodes of "Road Wars".

    ReplyDelete
  35. You owe no apologies to anyone! Your blog, your way. I will continue to read, to laugh and cry, and not once will I wonder why you don't reply to my comment. Unless I ask a question (which I rarely do). Even then, I'd give you ample time to answer, but would never get pissy if you didn't.

    ReplyDelete
  36. It's so nice that you had a few villagers stop by for sweet things! Only 3 children live near me,I hope they come here soon. It's a bit before sunset here. I trust your Shepard's pie was wonderful. N'nite,Mary

    ReplyDelete
  37. Keep blogging...and look after yourself xx

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous10:09 pm

    love your blog and have been following for a while (thanks to Ms Moon)...... I wouldn't dream of having any comment I made *needing* a reply. Post on...... and keep sharing your days and your thoughts and your animals..... I just enjoy and check in every day!
    Susan M

    ReplyDelete
  39. So glad you are more comfortable with your lack of time and energy. Love your thinking and life and fur persons. Just a thank you for being here.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous10:45 pm

    John, check out website called sciencealert great article on research being done is Switzerland with spinal cord injuries. Three male patients are actually walking. Sorry about the late night shifts. Hope Mary is ok

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for this, I've known of similar studies over the years and find it fascinating

      Delete
  41. I love the pumpkin! After an hour of getting up every two minutes to give out candy, I am beginning to feel that way.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Wish I had that pumpkin too after the dozens of kids who have been knocking on my door tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  43. A new follower from Atlanta. At least ten zombies showed up at our door tonight. I wonder if “Walking Dead” filming here has made an impression??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course have you been to daryls bar in senoia ?

      Delete
    2. I have not but I’ve come upon a filming location or two when about town. I’ll make time for it one day soon. Thank you for your blog, John. From my fur friends to yours

      Delete
  44. It's always nice to get a response to a comment, although I never expect one. I have a happy, fairly social life, but some do not and their online friendships can create expectations that cannot always be met.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love the new mission statement! X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Tom. John is finally listening to us!

      Delete
  46. I reply to all my comments ( not as many as you get ) because I feel if someone takes the time to read the blog and comment, then I can at least answer them. Otherwise, why offer the opportunity for comments ?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Happy Halloween!

    I hope you got to enjoy some candies. I love buying them on sale the day after Halloween.

    You're blogging is fine. Sometimes, you can't respond to every comment, especially if you have a busy life.

    Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I think it's amazing that you keep churning out the blog like you do. Answering comments is icing on the cake. This GBBO was agony for me; I don't think they've ever had a bunch of bakers where I just liked everybody so much. They never had a final before where I was wanting everybody to win.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Oh, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that Jack o'lantern! And I DID laugh out loud.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Perhaps readers experiencing the expectation., or even a right, to receive a response to any comment on a public forum are a bit needy and even unrealistic — even if a blogger offering a personal blog expresses an intent to read and respond to each comment received. Life happens. Perhaps the reader/commenter might benefit from seeking additional support elsewhere in their life rather than assuming the blogger on whom they appear to be fixated be assumed to so responsible.

    ReplyDelete
  51. In all the time I've had my blog, I've never expected anyone to comment, much less feel as though I have to respond to each one. There's always someone who ain't happy. Life is too short to worry about it. I agree with Joared, maybe they need "additional support elsewhere".

    ReplyDelete
  52. This was our 30th year in a row with no trick or treaters. We live up a long, dark driveway and leave our lights off. It wasn’t until about 8:30 tonight that we even remembered it was Halloween. It is a ‘holiday’ I never liked, even as a kid.
    I do love the pumpkin.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Gawd, some people are far too sensitive, lol!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Sorry to read about people's expectations of answers to their comments causing you grief. I never understand why we can't just live and let live.

    I actually stopped blogging because of nasty comments. My original blog (started in 2003) was a sort of light hearted look at an Aussie trying to adapt to Sweden. It became very popular and as such attracted a number of quite persistent and nasty comments along the lines of me being a whining foreigner if I wrote about a problem in Sweden or else needing to hand in my Australian citizenship if I dared suggest something back home was not 100% wonderful. It totally sucked the joy out of writing and after nine years I closed the blog, making it private to me only. I did write a bit in Swedish for a year or so in another blog, but the damage had been done and I've not written there in years either.

    Re the GBBO final. I had hoped that Kim-Joy would do one of her gorgeous, creative, highly decorative showstoppers and take the prize, but it wasn't to be. I liked Rahul in the beginning, but his Eeyore charade began to grate after a while. The pita challenge was a bit ridiculous. I am not interested in seeing the bakers struggle to produce something edible, as I like it better when I can imagine producing the thing myself, or am at least tempted to try.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Good grief. Of course you can’t, and shouldn’t, respond to all these comments! Idiot person suggested that. Ignore him, please.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I laughed out loud at that pumpkin. Many of us feel that way about actual trick-or-treat'ers but would never say that to the little darlings! I, for one, don't give two shits about their cute little costumes and am thankful I live on a farm and no kids come to our door. Bwa ha ha ha ...

    Then I read a bit further and discovered someone has been taking you to task for not responding to his comments. Christ on a Cracker ... entitled, much?!

    Some people can't seem to put themselves in another's shoes at all. Imagine having to respond to the many dozens of comments you get following every entry. Most of us would give up making an entry at all if we expected ourselves to answer every comment. Sheesh.

    When I leave a comment on a blog, it's because I have something to say, not because I need to engage the writer in discussion. S/he has already said their piece and I'm not so needy as to require him/her to acknowledge me. *I* am acknowledging him/her! And while I am in awe of the number of comments following each of your excellent entries, I'm thankful my own blog doesn't get that many. Just reading them all would be too time-consuming. Who'd have time to blog!

    I don't often comment here although I'm sure my comments would be astoundingly important (eye roll) and you'd take the time to spend a good 20 minutes replying to each of my efforts. Pfft. Who needs sleep? Work? A life?

    Kate

    ReplyDelete
  57. Ooh spoiler alert. That funny irritating little patient!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I like your love great lover . God bless her .
    Dwarka Night Girls

    ReplyDelete

I love all comments Except abusive ones from arseholes