First shopping trip to buy food.

Hoooray, I have done my first shopping in 13 days. The fridge was bare, so now it's restocked. I had run out of Mayze's cat food , now we can carry on for another 13 days. 

The town was ghostly quiet, it felt very strange. I went this afternoon because I thought it would be less busy in Aldi. The bank was closed, they have cut their hours and finish at 2pm daily. Not a problem, nothing urgent, just a cheque to deposit for the refund from my road tax of the old car. It can wait. 

I got all the cat food I needed from Home Bargains, thankfully they had the varieties I wanted. Small Sheba pouches for Heidi, and Whiskas pouches for Oscar. Mayze only eats cooked meats from the chiller cabinet so I got that from Aldi. They all eat dry Whiskas as well. 

Aldi was quiet, only a few cars in the car park. I kept well away from people as much as I could, and didn't dawdle. Not a good idea to browse. 

Some of the things I bought. 

Bananas, grapes, frozen raspberries, yogurt Greek style, Eggs, Lentils, cheesy crackers, beetroot, iceberg lettuce, seeded bread, multigrain hoops, carrots, brocolli, potatoes, sliced ham, extra virgin olive oil, milk, cheese and onion quiche, cheese and onion rolls, pasta and sauce, egg custards, mayo, sugar, houmous, scones, and cheap white wine.  That will keep me going for a while. 

The car is very lovely to drive, don't know when I will be able to go out again. Maybe another shopping trip in two weeks time. 

That's me done for now. Don't forget, if you haven't checked in with your walking miles you can do it at any time.
Toodle pip.  ilona

Check in for the Walking Group.

Good morning, it's April the 1st, and we all know what that means. Yes it's April Fools Day, it's the tradition to play a prank on someone, make them look silly by inventing some kind of story or situation. There has been a few clever ideas over the years which make the national press. I can act the clown when the mood takes me, not good to be serious all the time, but I couldn't set out to deliberately upset someone by spinning a yarn and poking fun at them.

Anyway, this is no joke, today is when the members of the International Walking Group get together and send a comment on how they are getting on with their own personal walking challenge. As you know my annual target is 1000 miles and after three months I should be on about 250 miles. Well it's good news, I am on 269, so  good start for the next three months.

I am lucky that I live in a rural community, I can walk out of the door and be in the countryside in a few minutes. Plenty of space to keep my distance, sometimes I don't see anyone. You might not be so lucky where you live, all you can do is your best. Maybe try walking at night if there are street lights, or get up early and go for a walk first thing. Everyone's circumstances are different, remember to keep yourself safe.

I have to walk, for my sanity, and physical health. The great outdoors is a tonic, it feeds my mind and my soul, I would wither and die without it. It doesn't have to be pretty, and picturesque is a bonus, but all I need is space around me, and the feeling of being close to nature.

So let's hear it from you. Have you found a way to get your miles in without putting yourself at risk. Tell us about your routine, what have you found that works the best for you. I walk at any time of the day or night, the times which suit me best to fit in with whatever else I am doing. Maybe you aren't so flexible and prefer to stick to regular times. Let us know.

A pic from the files. Bamford in Derbyshire.

Thanks for popping in.  Toodle pip.  ilona

PS. Just popping back to say thank you very much for the lovely comments coming in. I appreciate your kindness. xxx

One day more, with the Marsh family.

Browsing the internet can be a mindless activity. It can deplete your brain cells and turn them to mush. I found this while searching for something that will add a little stimulation to life during this stay at home period. Sometimes you come across a little gem of a video, something that lifts your spirits, something that gives you hope that eventually we will come out of this quarantine.

The Marsh family have obviously worked very hard to adapt this song with their own words. It is heart warming to see them working together as a team and supporting each other. Well done.



Keep your pecker up, it isn't going to last forever. Toodle pip.  ilona

Jamming with the greatest.

Brian May, possibly the best guitarist in the world, (maybe joint best with Eric Clapton), isolated at his home, giving free shows and tutorials, how cool is that. He can't get into his studio, but has a few electrical bits and bobs with him to demonstrate his craft.

In this little clip he asks that people join him on this jamming session, so if you have a musical instrument handy have a go. Check out his other videos for instruction on how to play like Brian.



Eighteen years since this amazing moment happened. Not many musicians can say they played on the roof of Buckingham Palace.



This country has produced some fantastic musicians over the years, I'm glad I was around to enjoy them.

Did a six mile walk today, spoke to no one. I did see a strapping young man wearing shorts, with a child carrier on his back. His little girl seemed to be enjoying her ride with daddy. I thought, good for you.
Toodle pip.  ilona

What a racquet

And finally......the badminton racquet is finished. It wasn't going to end up like this, it's not the picture I had in mind when I first thought of it, but it's ended up ok. The handle and frame were already pink, I wrapped some bright pink wool with a sparkly element over it. I see the lollipop trees are leaning a bit. 

First I wove the background onto the mesh. Then made up the rest as I went along.

The green leafy trim around the edge was white, I coloured it with nail varnish. There is a little gap at the bottom where it didn't quite meet.

Covered the back with a piece of snooker table green baize. Just need to attach the wire across to hang it.

My first idea was a single tree made with wrapped wool, but I made it too big. I will use it on another project.

I've got another project waiting to be started, if I can find the right bits. And a plan 'B' for a second project. Must keep the mind occupied. 

Onwards and upwards. This lockdown is not much different to how I normally live my life. The only difference is I can't go out in the car on sunny days to another area. Can't stop and chat to people in the street, a quick shout across the road will have to do for now. I don't like shopping anyway and only go when I have to, when I need food for me, food for the cats, and go to the bank. The difference now is that I don't dawdle, in and out, do what I have to do, then get the hell out of there. I don't like crowded places, so it's ok with me to avoid them. And I can continue with the Walk 1000 Miles Challenge because I can walk from my door. I can walk at night in the dark when I see no one, or use the footpaths around the edge of the village. Eventually the situation might improve, just have to keep calm and wait.
Toodle pip.  ilona