u/ComprehensiveFee8404

I find the pattern I want on Threadloop. Follow the link to buy. It's a German website; fair enough, it's a German company. I add the pattern to my basket and try to check out. Can't choose a UK address, so I use a random German address (it's a PDF pattern, not something physical so it doesn't matter). Put my card details in. And now the Pay button is disabled, without any explanation as to why.

Okay, fine. I'll see if they have a UK website, and they do! Great, now I've got to find the pattern. Only problem is that none of their patterns have names or numbers! I'm searching for '101' (that's what it was called on the German site) and nothing comes up. After exhausting the combinations of search terms, I go to 'all dresses' and try the filters. 'Knitted dresses': no. 'Jersey dresses': no.

At this point I go back to Threadloop and find out what year the pattern was released, and put that into the filters instead. Finally, after a load of scrolling, I find it. Basket, checkout. All's smooth.

But I still haven't got the email with the pattern! Most places send it within less than five minutes. It's been fifteen and I haven't even got the purchase confirmation.

I know all this sounds petty but I'll be avoiding them in future.

I've been surprised by how often Graham has been suggested as a baby name on this and other similar subs. To me, it's at best a boring old man name.

In the UK, we pronounce it Grey-um. The American pronunciation of Gram is what you might call your grandmother!

Would be interested to know where you are from and what your impression of Graham is.

Unfortunately, my ward is most likely going to go to Reform. PollCheck has it predicted at about 42%, with the Lib Dems and Tories at 23% each. Green about 7%; Labour scraping the bottom of the barrel and lucky if they get 4%.

Tactically, the Lib Dems would be the best bet to challenge Reform (even though I still think that's a slim chance). Obviously they don't offer real change -- but then again they aren't actively trying to destroy the country like Reform is...

I'm sure a lot of us are in this position. If you are, what are you planning to do? Vote for the most-likely least-worst option, or vote for who you actually want?

I'm feeling pretty bummed about the projected sea of turquoise in my county.

All this reminds me how much we need electoral reform. I really feel like my vote doesn't count any more.