A brief encounter.

 I didn't know how hard the wind was blowing until I went out this afternoon. The sun shining through the window gives the impression that it is a nice summers day outside. I set off for a walk and took my picking stick and a large carrier bag. Couldn't use the trolley as most of the walk was going to be over rough ground. 

I found a lot of litter at the picnic area car park. Some of it has been there a long time so I scrambled about in the bushes to dig it out. There is a litter bin there that the Council visits periodically to change the black bag. Today is was rammed full, and people had added more litter around it on the ground. I tidied it up as best I could. The Council will probably come on Monday to empty the bin and pick up the rest of it. 

A van came into the car park as I was beavering away. He parked in one of the bays. Ooooh, maybe it's a van lifer I thought. And it was. He had parked up for an overnight stay in a quiet spot. Couldn't resist a bit of banter. He is a builder and had been working in the area. He looked like a decent type, so the conversation flowed. He was dead easy to talk to, and I found we have common interests. 

He was in a Ford van, and I am hooked on Fords, and so is he. He gave up his house and moved into his van. He has a dog so he got it out for a run around. A beautiful black lab type. He likes the freedom of living in a van. We both agreed that freedom is important. He said van life is cheaper than a house.   

We chatted for ages, about all sorts of topics. He was wide awake about the current situation, and the best part was, he didn't take any of the erm treatments offered. YES, big smile on my face. Oh the joy when you meet someone who said no thanks. Clever bloke. On top of that, he was very easy on the eye. Just my type in fact. It's a pity he is about half my age. 😰😭😳  Bugger. 

I carried on with my walk. There wasn't much litter to pick up after that. The wind across the fields was manic. Oooh look, I spy with my little eye, a drinks can. 

I soldiered on, too windy to sit down for a rest. As I got onto the last straight road, I found some litter. The usual drinks cans and bottles chucked out of car windows. There is probably more buried under the growing grass, which will become more visible after the machines have mowed the verges. 

Let's see what tomorrow brings. I wish this wind would die down.  

Toodle pip.   ilona

Closed

 Good morning. 

Now it's time for a breather. I don't know how long it will last, possibly for the foreseeable future. I will not be accepting any more comments. As usual, it is the few who have spoilt it for everyone else. 

I have closed comments before, then opened them again. I have explained what this blog is about, given people numerous chances, but the rot is still there. 

People have criticised me for not publishing comments that are different to my way of thinking. Too right I haven't. I delete loads every day. I don't care if you have a different opinion to me. People are just spoiling for a fight, and I will not engage with them.  

Of course I will still be posting on the blog. After 17 years I am not about to give up. I write for me, I write when I want, and about any subject that interests me. If people don't like it, there are plenty of other blogs out there. 

Anyone is welcome to read. I have changed the comments settings to 'Blog members only'. I don't know how you become a member, it's a mystery too me. 

It's bath time for the boys this morning out on the lawn. I don't know where mummy duck is. Hopefully sitting on some eggs under the hedge. 

Have a good weekend. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Rupert says. . . . . .

 Hello.

The troll loves these controversial posts. They send a stupid comment within a few minutes of me publishing it. They loved the previous post, so here is another one for the sad troll. 😂😂😂😂😂 

Rupert Lowe MP

@RupertLowe10

·

1h

Pantomime politics is not what Britain needs. Restoring Britain will not involve giant cheques, or t-shirt cannons, or indoor pyrotechnic displays. It will require a series of very difficult decisions that a great number of people will not appreciate. That process will last many years. That’s just the honest truth. It will mean removing millions of people who should not be in our country. It will mean removing endless financial help from the government for healthy individuals who simply cannot be bothered to work. It will mean vast cuts to the parasitic state that so many have become so accustomed to enjoying. That will all be unpopular. That will all be challenged. That will all be uncomfortable. I’m not promising you anything different. If you want an easy ride, vote for someone else because Restore Britain is not going to provide that for you. We are going to strip back the state in order to allow hardworking men and women to flourish. That is the only way out. It is very possible that I will not even live to see the full benefits of these decisions. So be it. Restoring Britain is not an overnight job. It will take years, possibly decades, to reverse the damage inflicted on us all. Politicians need to start finally being honest about the scale of what needs to happen There is a vast, vast mountain to climb. But it can, and it must, be done. Does this win votes for Restore Britain? I don’t know. Probably not. But it’s the truth, and people need to hear it.

Thanks Mr Lowe.

Catch ya later. Toodle pip. ilona

Losing his grip

From Social Media. 

 Sadiq Khan is complaining about “disinformation” portraying London negatively. So he wants stronger action and more regulatory powers from a new quango to stop it! So we all believe London is a peaceful happy place, where we all hold hands and love each other

😝😊😁😵😪

You are losing your grip Mr Khan. People can see right through you. It's not disinformation you should be worried about. People speak as they find. All the evidence is there, videos of youths rampaging through the streets. Shoplifting on a massive scale. An epidemic of mobile phone theft. Women knocked to the ground as their bags are ripped from them. The streets of London are no longer safe. 

So what are you going to do about it? How are you going to stop people from telling the truth? How will you shut them up? More cameras? More Big Brother spies? Recruit more police, dress them in black overloaded with tasers, cameras, truncheons, pepper sprays, send in the dogs, get them on horseback? 

Here are the facts from the Metropolitan Police: In the 12 months to February 2026: Sexual offences up 6.1% Rape up 8.4% Violence up 6.3% Drug offences up 22.9% Weapons possession up 23.7%

That is not going to work Mr Khan. Change needs to happen from the top down. You can't beat people into submission. But you wont take a diplomatic approach. Your alliance is with those who give you orders. Those who pay you. Those who will look after you when your time is up and a new Mayor is appointed. Your future is secured, unlike those you have trodden all over on your way up. 

Sleep easy in your bed, Mr Khan. You will. 

Not my Mayor. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Hurry up, the rain is coming.

Good evening.

Looking good for a litter pick later on, but first I must do some housework. The crafting table looks proper messy. Stuff everywhere. I share the table with Mayze. She eats on it, and sits on the window sill looking out of the window. The glass is filthy from her snotty nose. Fresh clean covers needed for the table and the sill. That looks better. 

I have a choice of places that I can go to pick litter. I prioritise which to do first. Today was a short stretch of road between a village and an Industrial Estate. Somebody used to do this section on a regular basis, but I haven't seen anyone working on it for a long time. Maybe they have given up. 

It should be straightforward and easy to do, but I kept finding hidden plastic bottles and cans. Grass has covered a lot of it. The giveaway is the sound of crunching as you step onto it. 

I filled one red bag and had only done half the road. The clouds were coming over and it was trying to rain. Do I start another bag or give up and go home. Oh, sod it, there was enough to fill a second bag. Then the wind got up, it went dark, then the rain came. I soldiered on because I want to finish this section. I didn't want to have to come back.  

There were lots of drinks cans, and I counted 25 glass bottles which I put in smaller stronger bags. I did the last 15 minutes in the rain.That's another place ticked off the list. 

Now I am tired. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

The numbers don't add up, or do they?

 The Road Haulage Association has warned that current weight regulations are making electric HGVs more expensive to run and less productive than their diesel equivalents, after publishing new research on payload loss. 

In its latest report, the RHA said operators can lose up to 11.8% of payload capacity when running certain electric artics, forcing some fleets to use more vehicles or make additional trips to move the same volume of freight. The trade body argues that this is weakening the already fragile commercial case for zero-emission HGVs. 

The findings are set out in the RHA’s Payload Loss Survey Report, which is based on feedback from operators and dealers, alongside the association’s own desk-based cost analysis. According to the report, an electric 6x2 tractor unit can cost £28,282 more per year to run than a diesel equivalent under current rules, with the cost increase largely driven by payload penalties and operating constraints. 

The report also suggests that current rules are creating knock-on effects beyond fleet costs. The RHA said that where payload is reduced, operators may need to run more trucks or more journeys, which would add pressure to road networks and erode some of the efficiency gains expected from electrification. 

Read about it in Commercial Motor.

And the other side of the story is. . . . . . 

Maritime Transport has begun the nationwide rollout of its electric HGV fleet, with the first 19 vehicles now in operation at sites in Wakefield and Birmingham.

The programme will see a total of 56 eHGVs introduced across 13 depots and rail-connected terminals during 2026, with vehicles expected to achieve real-world ranges of between 300km and 500km depending on duty cycle.

The rollout is supported by a major investment in charging infrastructure, with Maritime developing what it describes as one of the UK’s largest independent eHGV charging networks. Once complete, it will provide more than 22MW of installed capacity, enough to charge over 100 trucks simultaneously. The network, powered by renewable electricity, will also be accessible to third-party operators.

Across the Electric Freightway programme, Maritime will operate 20 eHGVs from Birmingham and its Manchester depot, supported by 10 charging stations. The project is backed by more than £100m of government and industry funding.

Commercial Motor story here. 

You can make your mind up what you believe. I can't see this net zero madness working. 

Have a nice day. Toodle pip.   ilona 

The trolley dolly is out and about

Hello.

I had a couple of hours litter picking this afternoon on the Industrial Estate. I was wearing too many layers, and it was hot hot hot. Had to take my jumper off. That's one bag filled. Time for a break, a banana and a drink of water. 

Now ready to fill the second bag. I think two is enough today. 

I found a couple of carrier bags, so I filled them as well. This is one end of a long road which goes through the estate. It's quite busy with trucks going in and out of the factories and warehouses. There's still a lot more litter to pick. I'll go back when I have time to do it. 

I dropped my pickings off at my usual spot next to the litter bin at the big pond. I see that the Council has picked up the bags I put there on Monday. 

This job suits me. I can go when I like, where I like, and for how long I like. I can fill one bag, or several, depending how long I want to do it for. I can stop when I am fed up, and I don't have to pick at the same spot. I can move around doing a bit here and a bit there. Other people are happier to do it in groups. I am happier working alone. It's becoming a popular pastime now. I wonder if there will come a time when the volunteer pickers will pick up more litter than what is dropped. I think that's a long way off, but it would be good if at least people notice that more places are free of litter. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Morning banter.

 Good morning. 

Start the day with a laugh, that's what I say. 😍😆😁

The first bin wagon of the day has just been. There will be another one along later. The recycling system has changed, and we have a new crew. These are here to empty the garden waste bins. They are smartly dressed, new orange gear so they can be seen, and they have a very modern newish Mercedes truck. 

I think they were getting a bit stuck up the other end of the road, with all the parked cars. I heard the reversing bleeper a few times as they tried to navigate their way around a blockage. As I fetch the empty bins back, mine and the neighbours, I like to give them a chocolate bar as a thanks. One of them looked very young, a new boy I thought. I asked him how old he is, and does he like this job. A bit of banter always goes down well. He is 21, and likes the job. 

As I am typing this, the second wagon turns up to empty the recycling bins. More chocolate handed out. This driver was able to negotiate the parked cars with ease. As you would expect, with a female driver. 😜👩👅 Well done Missy. 

Now it's time to get ready for Coffee Morning. It's looking like another sunny day, yipeeeeee.

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

Forthcoming event.

 This is on the North Bank. You can walk across the Humber bridge from North Lincolnshire and it won't cost you a penny. You can get the 350 bus from Barton and if you have a bus pass it won't cost you anything. Or you can drive across the bridge, but beware you need to set up an app with the web site to pay for your crossing. Rumour has it that the new toll booth free system is not working too well. People are missing the deadlines to pay, they are getting fined, and their paid for in advance deposits are getting wiped, out to pay their fines. If you live on the North Bank all will be hunkydory. The market is free to visitors.  

Mark it on the calendar.

Toodle pip.   ilona

Are you ready?

 The deadline is looming. Information for those who wish to consider this treatment.

Check out this BBC report. 

NHS Kent and Medway is asking vulnerable residents to make use of the booking system which opens from Tuesday, with appointments available from 13 April.

The spring vaccination programme will end on 30 June 2026.

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

Stuck in a jam

Good morning. 

Is everything back to normal now? Will the bin collection happen tomorrow. Did everyone make it back home after the Easter break at the seaside? 

This is why I don't follow the crowd and do my own thing. I go in the opposite direction. 

Pictures from North Yorkshire Weather Report. 

A sunny start today. Nothing special organised. Let's see how it goes. Freedom to choose.

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

Work and play on the same day

Hello.

That's Easter done and dusted. I think Storm David has left the country. We had a lovely sunny day today. So this afternoon when I should have been outside getting a dose of vitamin D, I was indoors at the Lincolnshire Showground for the Big Craft event. 

I had a good look around and chatted to some nice people, and I treated myself. 

I bought two more metal flowers to stick in the ground. I already had the blue one from a previous event, so I bought the yellow and the red one to make a set of three. They are made locally at a Blacksmiths shop. A bit pricy at £18 each but they will last a lifetime. 

I've seen these felted soaps before so I thought I would try one. This one cost £3. They are so easy to make. I have got lots of wool so I might try and make one if this is successful.  

Something else to try. A bar of solid shampoo soap. It smells lovely. 

That's it, not buying anything else, I want to get outside in the sunshine. I had it in mind to finish off the day by picking a bag of litter from the grot spot I found at the Industrial Estate on Saturday. I found a couple of strong bags to put all the glass bottles in, then filled a red bag with plastic bottles, and cans, and anything else. I dropped these off at my usual pickup point, added to the bag I left there the other day, and a bag that someone else has put there. I think there are others picking in the area that I cover, so that's good to see. 

Now it's time for cuddles with Mayze.

Catch you later. Toodle pip.   ilona

Rebuilding self esteem.

 Good evening. 

Howz your Easter Sunday been for you? Here, the wind has blown a lot, then it's gone, then it rained, then the sun came out, then it was windy again, then we had a hail storm, and on top of all that, it's been chuffing freezing cold. There was a couple of places I could have gone to, but after all the changing of minds, shall I risk it, no perhaps better not, I didn't go out at all. 

I have been sewing, making a book cover. I haven't got the measurements quite right so I don't think it will fit the book I have in mind. I looked for another one, I haven't got many. I came across this one. It says published in 1990, though I cannot remember which year I bought it. 

Cast your mind back to 15th December 2009, were you reading this blog then? I wrote about my battles with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Here is a quote from that post. . . . . .

I have grown up hating my face, a bold statement but true. As I said, it started with bullying, my teenage years were hell at times as I struggled to fit in. The swinging sixties were indeed exciting, I dreamt of kissing Paul McCartney, I imagined myself singing on stage like Cilla, walking down the catwalk after Twiggy, I idolised these people. Then I caught sight of myself in the mirror and it caused me great sadness. No matter how I tried to copy their styles, their fashions, and their looks, it always ended in tears. It was hopeless, I would never be pretty.

Another quote to save me typing it out again. 

I was listening to a programme on Radio 4 about a charity called Changing Faces. I heard the story of James Partridge, a young man who was horrifically burnt in an accident when his landrover turned over and caught fire. He went through many operations and skin grafts to restore his face to some form of normality.

I took the phone number down and rang him. I explained how I hated my face, and asked if I could attend his courses for confidence building. I felt a bit of a fraud really because to the outside world I do not have any facial disfigurements. I explained that my scars are on the inside. He was so understanding and said I would be welcome to meet him. I booked the two day course.

I met some lovely people at Changing Faces, and James himself was wonderful, it did my confidence a power of good. I strolled around the streets with him during the lunch break, and I noticed people looking the other way and couldn't think why. When I talked to him I looked through the outer covering to the person inside, and I saw a beautiful man. He put everyone he met at ease, he was so confident, and I wanted to learn how to do that.

Finding this book has prompted me to goooogle him. Sadly he passed away in August 2020, aged 67. I will never forget his kindness. His charity, Changing Faces is still active and continues to help people come to terms with their disfigurements. Here is his Wiki page.  

The Changing Faces web site is here.

Today there are people who are born with disfigurements, or have been disfigured through accidents, as James was. Now people are looking for physical enhancement through surgery, and it is plastered all over the media. It's a shame that some of these have gone too far and don't know when to stop in their search for perfection.  It's also a shame that people do not look for counselling before going under the knife. 

This comment came in, I decided to publish it. 

Anonymous4 April 2026 at 18:18

A mask of shit for your ugly face !

It is a classic troll comment, from someone who is not happy in their world. I suggest they take a look in the mirror. Just for you I have replaced my header with a picture of my ugly face. 

Thanks for popping in. Another Bank Holiday tomorrow, so make the most of it. 

Toodle pip.   ilona

Belle paints.

Good morning. 

In this painting I see the skill of the artist. Nothing more, nothing less. 

Belle paints. 

She can paint herself as well. 

Belle Spofforth. She is on TwitterX

Storm David is still threatening us this morning. If it blows over I will go out later. 

Have a good Easter Sunday everyone.

Toodle pip.  ilona

A walk and a food shop.

Good evening.

I can hear Storm David doing it's thing tonight. It's blowing like crazy. I've just been out with a torch to check that everything is tied down. I spied two hedgehogs having fun under the table on the lawn. Can't work out if they are enjoying themselves or having a scrap. 

I set off for a walk at 2.30pm this afternoon. Didn't take any litter picking gear with me because I didn't think I would find any litter. It's a track that I use regularly, and since they have vehicular access blocked at both ends there really shouldn't be any litter. There is some, a few drinks cans. Not enough to fill a bag. 

Lovely to see the wild garlic back again. Someone has been building a den here. Nothing in it, just a bit of fun for the kids. 

A few white flowers are beginning to appear. 

Now why do people bag up their dog poo and leave it on the ground. There are no bins here. Wouldn't it be a better idea to take a small shovel with you and chuck the poo into the rough grass where no one is walking. I used to use a plastic child's spade. 

Spring flowers are everywhere. 

My intention was to check out another Industrial Estate to see if there was a litter problem there. There is, lots of it. Looks like this might be getting my attention soon. 

I found these two bottles hidden behind a tree on the approach road from the village. They look clean so they have only recently been dumped. 

Time to head off back home. The clouds have started to come over and it's getting a tad windy. 

A delivery of new pallets, ready for the turf harvesting. 

I had a job to hold the camera steady for this, the wind was almost blowing me over. A lot of zoom, a wood on the other side of the field. 

Here is a shopping video for those who like to compare food prices. A selection of what I bought yesterday at Aldi.

That's all for now. Thanks for popping in. Enjoy your Easter Sunday.

Toodle pip.   ilona