Monday 31 December 2012

2013 Bring it on !

Well here we are, the last day of the year. It's the time when people look back, and then look forward. I am a looking forward type of gal myself, with the ocassional look over my shoulder to see what went before. I don't think there's much point in fretting about all the things I should have done, or what I did do, but shouldn't have done. What's gone is gone, move on.

I am not going to make long lists of resolutions, probably won't make any resolutions at all, can't think of any at the minute. I have a few plans in mind, they may or may not happen, who knows.

As always, all I need to do is be happy within my own skin, and within my own head. I opt for a simple life, with me it's either or, black or white, it's the grey issues in the middle that bring me grief, I try and avoid those. I try and live an uncomplicated and stress free life. To be perfectly honest, there is only one thing that stresses me out, and you have all had a sample of this just recently. I get totally beside myself with grief when I hear about animal welfare issues. It's something I can't cope with, but I have to try. I shall continue with helping homeless cats, walking dogs, and donating to animal charities. I hope I make at least some animals lives a little better.

I will just add a little snippet of news to this bit, we rehomed two cats last week. They had been with us since March, and they are settling down just fine in their new forever home. And a bit of sad news, remember Jessica the blind dog that I used to walk, she died on Saturday night. I had an email from Julie, they have been living in Spain for the last six months, Jess was poorly for a while, it was age related. A lovely dog, full of fun and quirky ways, she had a fantastic home and a fantastic life, despite losing her sight. Much love to Jessie.

Not a lot else to say really, except I hope you have a very Happy New Year, don't get too drunk. I shall be at home with a glass of wine and my cats, probably reading a book. I hope that whatever you wish for in 2013 comes true, do your best to make it happen. Thank you for reading my blog. Now have a laugh at my little video, OMG the facial expressions !!! Not rehearsed, off the top of my head, and I didn't get tarted up. What you see is what you get, ha ha.  Toodle pip. See you next year.


72 comments:

  1. Great video Ilona. Happy new year!
    Ruth x

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  2. I have recently found your blog and I love it and you are an inspiration to others. You have given me lots of ideas and I think you are a wonderful lady

    Happy new year to you and I will continue to follow your blog in 2013

    Trish x

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  3. We'll be hiding out in our bedroom with the dogs, trying to comfort them when the fireworks start booming and banging.
    Happy new Year Ilona, you give me a lot of laughs and things to think about throughout the year and I look forward to seeing what you get up to in 2013.

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  4. ........and a very happy New Year to you Ilona. Looking forward to another year of interesting reading of your blog, my first stop every day, Best Wishes, Lynne

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  5. What a lovely message and Mike and I giggled along with you. I look forward to hearing about your holidays and walks, about the cats and fund raising. You've certainly kept us entertained - much love jane and mike

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  6. Happy New Year Ilona,i really loved watching your video,you are so sweet,and thank you for a great Blog!take care,Carol,xx

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  7. A very happy and peaceful New Year to you and your cats. Thank you for your blog, you make me smile every day. Till next year.

    Dianne - Hereford

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  8. Aaaw what a lovely lady you are Ilona. Happy New Year to you! I hope 2013 brings you lots of good happy times xxx best wishes Julie

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  9. Lovely message, you really make me chuckle Ilona :-). Your little cat was having a lovely wash in the background.Hope that 2013 is a lovely year for you. As you are interested in Animals and animal charities you may be interested in reading about my local animal charity here in Egypt they do lots of interesting work http://www.ace-egypt.org.uk/. The patron is actor Martin Clunes aka Doc Martin! There are some heart warming tales on there which you may enjoy as a bit of New Years Eve reading! Happy New year to you.

    Ruby

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  10. Nice to see you on video Ilona - you remain my hero at the top of my blog bookmarks. Thanks for the good simple message. Sometimes we forget that the simple messages are the best. A very Happy 2013 !

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  11. Happy New Year to you, Ilona! Happy to have found your blog... been enjoying it very much.

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  12. wishing you and your furry friends all the best in the new year :)

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  13. Happy new year to you too Ilona! Loved the video, it's nice to hear from you, not just read what you write. Loved the very disinterested puss in the background, cute!
    I think I've been reading you for the last year or so and have really learnt a lot and enjoyed what you write.
    Cheers Judy xx

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  14. A lovely message, I giggled along with you and found my eyes drawn to lovely Ginger puss having a wash all through your little 'broadcast'.

    Have a wonderful New Year, celebrate your way, and I hope 2013 brings you lots more lovely adventures that you can share with us. Your blog is just like you - delightful, and I always look forward to reading it.

    All the very best.

    Sue xx

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  15. A lovely inspiring message, so nice to 'meet' someone who supports without judging - a rare person - thats you Ilona. look forward to your trips throughout the year and hoep the weather is kinder to us all . I will be spending New Years Eve with my little grandson and having hugs and giggles till bedtime. Have not shopped for over a week and have vouchers for my next shop so am pinching those pennies tightly!

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  16. Love your message, Ilona. I check in daily and love reading your blog. Hope you have some more adventures in 2013 as I especially love reading about your walks and seeing your photos.

    Happy new year!

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  17. Happy new year to you too. I also get upset regarding animal welfare but I try to console myself by thinking of all the lovely people who have pets and treat them well. We have 4 little dogs. 3 are rescued and are the sweetest little things and are so spoilt. You do a wonderful job with the cats you rehome and I love reading about your antics.
    Much love
    Sarah. Xxx

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  18. I love your little videos Ilona. Hope you have a healthy,happy year ahead. Keep frugaling!

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  19. Love the video, Ilona! :) This is definitely something that I will be doing in 2013 too - looking after each and every penny! There are things I'd like to save up for; going somewhere exciting when The Boyfriend finishes his Masters degree in 2014, possibly even going hiking somewhere in the UK for a month this summer too! Longer term, we need to start thinking about saving up to buy a house when I finally finish Uni in 2016!

    Where are you planning on going in 2013?

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  20. Happy new year. Loved your video message.
    Sylvia

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  21. Happy New Year to you from a frosty and snowy US...dogs and cats are all cosy in the house and barn animals safely tucked up inside the barn!
    Thanks for your blog- I enjoy it and your views!

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  22. A happy and healthy 2013 to you Ilona and by the way, I love your waffling. lol
    Briony
    x

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  23. Thank you for a lovely uplifting message Ilona, loved little marmalade kitty in background! Wishing you all good things in 2013! Love Barbara, North East, UK x

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  24. Thank you MQ for a lovely post and your inspiration throughout 2012. Just what I needed today. Wish I didn't take life too seriously...maybe that should be my resolution :0) Keep smiling and have a wonderful 2013.

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  25. Happy new year, lovely message!

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  26. Hi There! Great post. I first started reading your blog in November when you found out you were on Jury Duty. I didn't have the confidence to comment at the time as I was VERY new to blogging. However your latest post inspires me to comment on your Jury Service and your love of animals. I really do share your concerns re. this. When I was called I thought " I hope its not about child abuse" It was !, and though the experience was upsetting I was pleased that I was able to focus on the needs of the young person while surrounded by two air head young gigglers and a group of misogynist males. So, be assured your presence at a an animal abuse trial will assure that the animals needs are addressed. The very best wishes for the New Year. Gill

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  27. Happy New Year! Loved your video. You said you didn't have a script but you certainly didn't need one. Everything you said made me think about how truthful you are and what a nice person you are. It comes across on that video! You give good advice but never preach. Here's hoping you have a great 2013 and get to do lots of walks and all the things that make you happy.

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  28. You know me,my eyes were on pusscat!!
    Jane x

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  29. Lovely message, Ilona. Happy New Year to you!
    Carol in CT

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  30. Happy New Year from my cat Extra and me in the US. No snow here, though; we're in Florida. I love your blogs and videos.

    Maggie

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  31. tess here...happy new year 2013 keep blogging as i really enjoy reading your thought...hope 2013 is full of niceness for you
    tess x

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  32. Happy New Year Ilona, what a lovely message.
    Much love xxx

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  33. Wishing you a Wonderful New Year, Ilona. You're the best.
    Jo

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  34. Happy New Year Ilona. Loved the video message.

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  35. Happy New Year Ilona from House Fairy
    I shall join you across the miles. You stay in with your cats and I am staying in with our large dog on my own. All the family will be out doing there own celebrating. I did not want to go. Dark nights and RAIN! I would rather get my knitting out.

    We have all come a long way in 2012 in learning how to save more pennies.
    I went into the post office today with an A5 size envelope to post and when it was my turn just said I wanted the cheapest mailing.
    I think gone are the days you can just pop an envelope in the postbox for fear of the receiving people having to pay a £1 and missing postage. Would be embarrassing !!!

    I also had to go into the jewelers, not very money saving says she with a sad face.
    The gold necklace that was given to me only 2 months ago, the spring on the clasp broke.Only wore it over Christmas! £9.95 for new clasp.
    It was given with love from my daughter so felt I had to get it mended.

    Still raining and is going dark at 3.30pm.
    Take care.

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  36. Great video, great message. I hope 2013 is kind to you. Keep on with all your good work and with your fantastic blog, you inspire so many people. Your message was just exactly what I needed to hear - thank you :-)
    xx

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  37. Happy New Year Ilona! I do enjoy reading your blog and glad you had a great year. I wish 2013 will be your best year ever full of work, walking, blessings, joy and good health. I will be reading anything you write!
    Tana xoxo

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  38. Love it , so sweet. Also love the cat getting on with the serious business of life. Happy New Year to you. Hope you have plenty of happy times.

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  39. I love your blog. Everyday I have to see what Ilona is doing. Your advice on saving money has certainly made a difference in my retirement years. You inspire me and thank you from across the pond.

    Pat
    St. Louis, Missouri

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  40. Happy New Year!

    May 2013 be a wonderful year for you & all the animals you help.

    Thank you for blogging so regularly. It's one of the pleasures of my day.

    :) x

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  41. Hi Ilona, enjoyed your video message, you talk a lot of sense. You made me laugh with your funny faces. Have a good New Year, enjoy your vino. Sorry to hear about Jess, she had a good life with loving owners. I`m sure she will be dearly missed. Looking forward to the New Year and all it has to bring. All the best for 2013. Christy.

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  42. Happy New Year Ilona, and thanks for another year of your inspirational blog. Wishing you many good days and plenty of interesting travel in 2013!

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  43. Excellent video Ilona, very wise words which I hope everyone will listen to and take note of. A very happy new year to you and all your animals. I shall also be reading a book and I'll probably be asleep by 9pm!

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  44. Happy New Year, Ilona and thank you for being a rock of sense in a sometimes crazy world!

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  45. Happy New Year Ilona. Have a good one.

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  46. Happy New Year Ilona. You have been a great inspiration in 2012 and I look forward to many more fantastic posts in 2013. Thank you for an excellent blog that I look forward to! You are fantastic xx

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  47. Happy new year Ilona. I don't really make resolutions either, just to keep saving and I intend to walk more. I am saving up to get married in 2014 and I will be coming back to your blog regualary for ideas (on money saving of course not wedding planning). My other half and I are not gadding about town this eve but having a frugal night in, got a bottle of champagne as a gift from work. Cheers!
    Emma

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  48. Happy New Year from Jan.Thanks for your message.Spending evening at home with partner, old canine pal and a glass of homemade rubabh wine...cheers.Our old girls still with us.Try to enjoy ever moment with her.Tightening belts even further next year because I can't see me fitting work in when she needs me with her.Your message really rings true,it's my choice and what a privilidge to be able to make it.Sadly,none of us can help every animal in need,but the idea of 'Starfish rescue' that 'it mattered to that one,'is important.All the best to you and all of your four legged friends.I'll raise a glass to one little fella in particular ,who I hope is okay at your end.Happy days to come.Thanks for your words of encouragement in a world that struggles to see my priorities.

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  49. Happy New Year to you Ilona, an inspiring message, if I don't do it no one else will do it for me, you are quite right. Look forward to reading your blog in 2013. Wen

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  50. We so loved your video Ilona, I was glued to every word. You had a very appreciative audience in the background too! Yours has been my favourite blog for the past 4yrs or more and I can't let a day pass without seeing what you are doing or where you have been. We really wish you all the best for 2013 and hope all your plans come to fruition. Take care of yourself.
    Wendy (Wales)

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  51. Very wise words on the video.
    The world would be a much better place if more people were like you.

    Thank you for your blog - I love reading it.

    Here's to a fantastic 2013 - Happy new year :-)

    Toni x

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  52. and from some furry friends meow, purr, woof woof (happy new year)sue x

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  53. Happy New Year Ilona and to your furry friends. I am a newbie on here but have learnt such a lot from you since. Looking forward to your New Year Blogs :)

    Sue R

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  54. Have a Very Happy New Year Ilona, keep up the good work for our furry friends I have a one eyed cat coming into my yard every day, not sure where it comes from but he/she looks a character, I am debating whether I should start feeding it on a more regular basis, at the moment it is having various packets of cat food that come free with my monthly cat magazine. I have asked neighbours about the cat but no one seems to now if it belongs to anyone near by. Don't think I will sit up 'till midnight, my bed is calling now.
    Danneke in a wet Scarborough

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  55. Inspiring words - I'm sure there'll be many more in 2013 ;) In the mean time a very Happy New year to you xx

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  56. Oh Ilona you always make me smile. I love reading your blog with your words of wisdom and catching up with your travels and adventures. All the best for the New Year and I look forward to reading your posts again in 2013 xx

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  57. Hope you have a wonderful New Year Ilona. x

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  58. Happy New Year Ilona - great video (love the cat wash at the background!). Your blog continues to be a wonderful source of learningand inspiration for me.

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  59. Was so funny watching you because it was you not usual crap look at me movie :) ......you inspire so many people and put alot off keeping up with Jones to shame. If you ever fancy visting old bonnie west scotland there is a comfortable sofa and slow cooking meal all yellow stickers here(glasgow). May the new year bring you joy.

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  60. Happy New Year, Ilona - you have a good heart, and I really enjoy reading your daily blog. We who care about animals have to speak out, because if we didn`t, what would become of them, and of us - the human race? Lynn

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  61. Happy New Year, Ilona. Managed to stay up for the bells. Just having a glass of Sprite and a game of Cluedo with my boys, then bed when we are done. No Hogmanay partying for me, too old and trailing about in the cold and wet doesn't really appeal to me. Bed with a cup of hot chocolate is more to my liking. Enjoy your New Year's Day, whatever you're up to. All the best to you and the kitties, Christy.

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  62. Eh Ilona, "salt of the earth" always comes to mind when I think of you 'a person or persons of great kindness, reliability or honesty':) Absolutely loved your New Year wishes video. I truly hope 2013 is going to be a wonderful year for you and I, like many of your friends/fans, hope you don't mind me tagging along for the ride. Happy 2013 Ilona and of course that goes for all your furry family/friends. I was very sad to read about Jessica, she did have "a wonderful life" didn't she. Take good care, ♥ Linda xxxxx

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  63. Happy New Year Ilona! Many thanks for your continuing inspiration and uplifting attitude to life. I look forward to hearing more of your walking adventures in 2013. Deb

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  64. Happy New Year Ilona!

    Thanks for all your posts in 2012. I've read every single one. Good to have met you in person also.

    All the best for 2013.

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  65. Happy Happy New Year Ilona!!
    I enjoyed your video message which was inspiring and heart warming for me.
    I too will be along for the ride as you meander your way through 2013....can't wait.
    Wishing you all the best of everything for the new year.
    Lots of love,
    Virginia

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  66. Hi Ilona,A Happy New Year to you too!I love reading your blog.You are such an inspiration.I've started reading your blog from the beginning along with your latest posts (I'm a relative newcomer)and am still in 2009 but I'm getting there.Thanks,Brenda.

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  67. Happy New Year from frozen Chicago! I'm cuddled up with Buddy our little Yorkie watching a Jackson Brody mystery. We've gone over the "Fiscal Cliff" sort of, but life goes on. I hope that you have lots of lovely jaunts for us to share in the New Year. Blessings for your animal welfare work.
    Bonnie

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  68. Happy New Year! Can't wait to see what you get up to in 2013. LOVE the video.
    With love and good wishes,
    Candace(Colorado USA

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