Tuesday 31 December 2019

My end of year message.

Good Morning, on the last day of the year. It's been a good one for me. I've had holidays and days out. Visited some nice places. Had fun times with my friends. Made some art. Walked a lot. Lived within my means and only spent what I can afford. I've loved my cats, supported charities, and have made people laugh. The world is too serious, I try to be cheerful because I have absolutely no reason not to be.

My mission for 2020 is more of the same. I will be walking the 1000 miles again, starting tomorrow. I will visit more places, and talk to more strangers. I will act the fool, take the micky out of myself to encourage people to laugh. We need more laughter. I like to brighten the day with a bit of banter.

I choose a simple life, my needs are simple, and I choose to keep a positive attitude. No matter how many trolls have a go at me, I will laugh in their faces. (Side note to flis, ignore, you know what I mean). They are only harming themselves when they spew their sarcasm and nastiness. So dear readers, don't forget, you have choices too.

I would like to take this opportunity, as we head for a brand new year, of thanking everyone who visits my blog. Thank you to those who take the time to comment. Thank you to the International Walking Group members who stick with it in their quest to stay healthy, and to lift their minds and spirits. Thank you to those who have made changes to make their own lives better, those who are now successfully budgeting their income, and to sharing your stories with me. It makes blogging worthwhile for me. Thank you to those who thank me.

Walking group please check in tomorrow with your END OF YEAR MILES. Lets all rejoice together at our achievements. We welcome new members, anyone can join in. They just need some means of keeping track of their progress. Every 1st day of the month is check in day. We like to encourage each other, no matter how many miles you are able to do. If you can make the 1000 that's brilliant, if you want to set your own targets, that's also brilliant. The key is to be focused, and to be constant, little and often will get you there.

Checking out on the last day of 2019, and looking forward to a new and shiny 2020. A very Happy New Year to everybody.
Best wishes,  ilona

83 comments:

  1. Siempre es una alegría leerla, sus obras de arte ¡mencantan! yo no puedo abdar tanto como usted pero lo intento.
    ¡Muchas gracias por estar ahí y Feliz año Nuevo!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hola. Me alegra que disfrutes de mi arte. Espero animar a la gente a ser creativa transmitiendo mis ideas. No te compares conmigo, siempre y cuando estés contento con el arte que haces, eso es importante. Un Feliz Año Nuevo para ti, y gracias por leer mi blog.

      Delete
    2. Blimey my Spanish practice has paid off. I could actually read and understand that. It's motivated me to practice even more Spanish this year. Hope next year is a good one for you and all our fellow bloggers.

      Delete
    3. Me alegro de saber de ti Cherie. Viví en Mallorca durante tres meses, pero recogí sólo un poco de español. Todo ahora olvidado. Gracias por goooogle translate.

      Delete
  2. Good Health and Happiness to you Ilona for 2020. Read your blog everyday and love it. You should have been given an end of year honour for your wise words. Sharonx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sharon. I'm just pleased that I make some sense to some people.

      Delete
  3. All the best for the new year, Ilona.
    I read daily but don't comment much. I enjoy your tales of the cat's and your garden the most.
    I also enjoy seeing your yellow sticker shop too.
    Thank you for writing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Christina. Trying to reply to comments while a black and white cat insists on lying on the desk in front of me.

      Delete
  4. Happy New Year, Ilona. Well done on completing your 1000 miles walk. Hope 2020 is a good one for you. Best Wishes from Caz in Derby.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy New Year, Caz. I am battling a black and white cat here for possession of the keyboard.

      Delete
  5. Your words are so wise and I am sure helpful to many people. Happy New Year Ilona.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope so, Sue. As long as a few people find something interesting, I'm happy.

      Delete
  6. All the best for the New Year.
    Marlene x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Marlene. I hope you have a good one too.

      Delete
  7. Wishing you a Peaceful and Happy New Year and good luck with all your plans for 2020

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you Ilona for your blog I really enjoy reading it.
    Hazel c uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm chuffed, Hazel. Thanks for your comments.

      Delete
  9. You are a wonderful lady Ilona and I love reading your blog-you have really enriched my life.I have a similar outlook to my life but before I somehow felt I didn't know anyone else the same.I think of you as a friend and thanks to you I have met lovely Debi too and all your friends who meet here-Thankyou Ilona x (yes I do understand - my friend says to me "don't let the ******* get you down"and also sent a card recently saying the same."HAPPY NEW YEAR" x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Happy New Year, Ilona. What an inspiring and positive post. Thank you. I feel like I've been sucked into a mire of doom and gloom news lately and posts such as yours are a reminder of what life can and should be. All the very best to you for 2020.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's easy to get bogged down with all the awful things that are going on. Take a step back and let 'em get on with it. Best wishes.

      Delete
  11. And a happy new year to you too, Ilona, with thanks for many interesting ports and photographs.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Happy Hogmanay Ilona! thanks for your blog and all the effort you put into it. I will post my miles tomorrow and am looking forward to more walks in 2020.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gillian. I did see a New Year in once, in Scotland. A total disaster best forgotten, ha ha.

      Delete
  13. Thank you Ilona for your time in sharing your tips and posts this year. May I wish everyone here a very happy and healthy new year. Let's hope for a peaceful year with more kindness in the world. Happy new year everyone. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not so many money saving tips now I am in a better position. Let's all spread a little kindness, kiss a troll, ha ha.

      Delete
  14. What a lovely positive and inspirational message Ilona. Thank you for all the times you have cheered me up during 2019, which has been a difficult year due to my husband's redundancy and my own health issues. I enjoy the walking challenge and although I never reach 1000 miles I do what I can! Here's to you and your blog and I hope 2020 is a happy and healthy one for you. Happy New Year Ilona x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear you've had a rough time, Linda. I hope things pick up for you. Take time out to walk, and reflect. Happy New year.

      Delete
  15. Through all my life,Im 64 now,I have never had someone who has made such an impact on the way I could change my life around.And I have got you to thank for that!.xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow Debi, I'm extremely chuffed. That's very kind of you to say so. xx

      Delete
  16. Happy New Year Ilona. You and your fur babies are amazing. Thanks for all the motivation you give out - I regularly watch your videos on here and You Tube - they always get me back on track!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Mrs. My videos are not brilliant, but you get the real deal. Rough round the edges, ha ha.

      Delete
  17. Happy New Year Ilona hope you have a great one. I love reading your blog xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy New Year, Sally. Thanks for popping in.

      Delete
  18. Happy New Year to you and thank you for sharing your positivity and all of your adventures. Best to you and your animal friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Best wishes to you, e. Heidi will be visiting the vet next week for her medication review.

      Delete
  19. Just to say Happy new year to you Ilona for your wonderful blogs and videos throughout the years your wit wisdom and simple advice. I will continue to work on being the best version of myself on 2020. Wishing you the best for 2020 from Dublin x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello. Do your best, smile at all times. Best wishes to Dublin.

      Delete
  20. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2020 Ilona. Thnak you so much for your upbeat and positive blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Simone. Upbeat it is here. I have more 'ups' than 'downs'

      Delete
  21. All the Best. My lovely Dad passed away just before Xmas so not a good time for me. I used to tell him about your Blog. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Im so sorry to hear about your Dad Donna.My Dad passed away 5 year ago on Dec 1st and its a horrible time.I would just like to say Love and Best wishes to you and your Family,xxx

      Delete
    2. Lots of love to you Donna. Thank you Debi for those kind words.

      Delete
    3. Thank you both. My Dad was my whole world x

      Delete
  22. Feliz año, Ilona, desde Catalunya. Soy una fiel seguidora tuya. Un abrazo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gracias por seguir mi blog. Un feliz Año Nuevo para ti.

      Delete
  23. I really enjoy your blog, Iona.From the Southern Hemisphere, it reminds me a lot of the times we spent in England and all the walking we used to do there. Have a happy new year. I have set my own walking challenge this year. Got to get out there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you, Linda. Look after your health, priority.

      Delete
  24. Happy New year like you I had a wonderful year, did lots of walking and will continue next year. All the best for 2020 continue to live your wonderful life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good to hear it Moira. This isn't a rehearsal, our time here is limited. We owe it to ourselves to make the most of it.

      Delete
  25. Happy New Year Ilona, I love reading your blog and seeing your photos of trips and makes. Long may it continue. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I hope to continue for as long as I can. Happy New Year to you.

      Delete
  26. Thank you for your inspiration throughout the year. Positive and consistent examples of anything good are a real benefit to many of us. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Joyful. Drive out the demons, there's no place for them here. Happy New Year.

      Delete
  27. Ilona, prior to following your blog I never paid attention to "yellow sticker" products, assuming they were just items on the verge of spoilage. Thanks to you now they are the first things I seek out whenever I shop. Fortunately, at least for now, yellow sticker shopping is not a necessity but that doesn't diminish the thrill of the hunt for me. I plan my shopping trips to coincide with Wal-Mart's markdown schedule and, as silly as it may sound, I make a game out of seeing how much I can save each week. Hey, a penny saved is a penny earned, right? Although I myself am not a crafty person I admire and enjoy seeing your projects. Wishing you the best 2020 has to offer, may every Sunrise bring you hope and every Sunset bring you peace...and please continue taking pictures of both to share with your readers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have learnt well. It's good to beat the system. Be a winner every time you go shopping. I am enjoying taking photographs. So many interesting places.

      Delete
    2. A bit Puzzled about the Anonymous Rules is it Okay for some to be Anonymous but not Others????
      HAPPY new Year

      Delete
    3. Each comment is judged on it's merits. Some of the newer readers might not know about 'put your name in the name box', or 'add it at the end of your text'. I would rather people did put their name.

      If any comments (with or without a name) indicate that the reader is insulting me, having a go at me, nitpicking through everything I say, harps on about something I said in the past, sometimes many years ago, or is sarcastic, just to pick a fight, then I call them a troll and delete. These are my rules.

      Moderation means me checking every comment before I allow publication. The comment above yours has nothing in it which contravenes my rules.

      I was in two minds whether to publish your comment or not. You shout the word HAPPY, upper case, which connects with a previous post about me being happy and the Ken Dodd song Happiness. I deleted that post. Four question marks gives me the impression that you are demanding an answer. One would have been sufficient.
      Hope that clarifies.

      Delete
    4. That Troll person is stalking you again Ilona aren't they? They are clearly very jealous of you and your popularity.Perhaps they need to get their walking boots on - it may improve their jealousy issues x

      Delete
  28. Much health and happiness to you my friend and everybody reading,xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hiya Sis. I've put the dates you mentioned on my calendar. Will be in touch for a meet up.

      Delete
  29. A very happy New Year to you Ilona - and I look forward to reading about all your adventures in 2020.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love adventures, hope to visit some interesting places. Happy New Year.

      Delete
  30. Hi Ilona,
    I cant remember how I found your blog, but I appreciate it so much!
    I also love walking and living within my means....but I dont have such sweet places to explore as you do.
    I live in Eugene, Oregon, USA .... and it isnt like Britain!
    Would love to be your walking partner for a day!
    Have a wonderful New Year! And thanks for being a positive, thrifty, and caring person on this beautiful Earth.
    Warm greetings,
    Ann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hiya Ann. Hop on a place and come on over. We can walk together. Maybe it will have to be a virtual walk online. Best wishes.

      Delete
  31. Happy new Year Ilona, Thank you for your wonderful Blog, i will look forward to all your exploits in 2020 x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for coming along with me. Best wishes.

      Delete
  32. Hi, on a recent early morning walk I said to myself what were some of the good things that happened to me during 2019 and yes thoughts of I lost over 20 kgs in weight and all health issues have been sorted without any drastic consequences and all lumps/growths removed without needing any further follow ups. I walked almost every day to be able to have many thoughts and my family have all had a good year by health and wealth wise.
    I hope 2020 brings me much the same and that much of the population on this earth can have a year to enjoy. As you probably know much of Australia are suffering from dreadful bushfires and drought but fortunately where I live currently not an issue.
    I too am like you and follow a fairly simple life which we hope gives us less to worry about.
    regards
    Melinda (se Qld AUstralia)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Happy New Year! I don't comment often but I enjoy reading your blog as it brightens my day especially as the fires here in Australia have been all we seem to hear about. There is such a feeling of devastation around that it is very refreshing to read your blog and put everything into perspective and to know that we should also "look on the bright side of life". Thanks Ilona.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thank you so much for your blog Ilona. You are an inspiration to so many people around the world. I hope 2020 will be a fantastic year for you. Keep smiling :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Happy new year!! Love your blog. Hope to join the walking group in 2020!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Happy new Ilona and everyone. I love your blogs and videos keep up the good work for 2020 x from Dublin with love x

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thank you for your inspiring post, I echo all the positive comments. I wish your attitude could be prescribed to those who are having difficulties in their life

    ReplyDelete
  38. Happy New Year and thank you for all your lovely, inspirational posts! Please keep going! After three very difficult years with husband facing two life threatening illnesses, surgery and redundancy, we succeeded (largely through frugality, yellow stickers and working hard learning how to do things and repair things ourselves) we became mortgage free. We will continue to live frugally to put ourselves in a more secure position which in turn, decreases stress and hopefully contributes to better health. Happy New Year everyone xx

    ReplyDelete
  39. Happy New Year Ilona. Thank you for teaching me simple living. It took a long time for me to learn and follow. Not going to work and doing my own thing including the 3 mile a day walk. It seemed wrong?? But that is how society had me thinking after 40yrs full time job. Me time now. You teach that every day can be joyful it doesn’t have to be miserable and stress filled. Thank you for changing my way of thinking. I am trying to pass this on to others but it is difficult to change a mind set. Anyway have an amazing 2020. Xx

    ReplyDelete
  40. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020 ILONA and Fur Babies. Love Liz Amy and Benny.xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  41. Happy New Year, Ilona! Each year when I start a new journal, I always create a "word of the year" and a "quote of the year" to help keep me on track. I haven't come up with the word yet, but I have the quote: "...I try to be cheerful because I have absolutely no reason not to be" (from the first paragraph of this post). So true. Cheers!
    -Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  42. Happy New year. I love your blog and am constantly inspired by you. Gonna try the 1000 mile challenge and got today off to a good start, 3.6 miles. Also, always going to choose to be cheerful. Thank you, cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you everyone for your comments. I read them all. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  44. All the best for 2020. I'd like to join the walking challenge but will not be setting a fixed-year mileage. I live in the UK but i'm originally from the Philippines. Although i like walking, getting out & walking in the cold weather will be a challenge in itself. I will record my mileage daily & then report here monthly. I will be using a pedometer to keep track of my mileage.

    ReplyDelete
  45. A belated happy new year to you! Just catching up, I've been blogging since 2008 and now Troll has found me too! Apparently I'm following them on bloglovin and they have got notifications of me reading blog posts and they are keeping screenshots of my selling page on FB and writing posts and not deleting them as a warning to others! Now someone else has been making comments on a blog post I wrote 2 years ago! Neither of them using their real names! anyway I've searched troll on your blog and seems the post you wrote, people's comments about being well educated, frugal and making comments on old blog posts kept coming up time and time again! any advice would be welcome, Jo

    ReplyDelete

Some comments will be accepted. I decide which are published.

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.