It's your life.

That's it folks, the last day of the year. I won't do a 'let's look back at 2022', piece. I think most would rather not look back at the farce that has been played out before our very eyes. 

This caught my attention in the so called joke news this morning. I won't add my own words to the article, except to say, why not finish off the year with the biggest load of bollocks ever written by a main stream journalist. 

I see 2023 as more of the same. The good thing is people are beginning to wake up to the reality of the situation. The pennies are dropping and people are scrambling to save their own skin as the truth emerges. Even John Campbell has had to eat humble pie and apologise for getting it wrong. He who pushed the official main stream narrative. Well at least he has the decency to grovel, and do a 'u' turn. A bit late now that the damage has already been done. 

I hope that one by one all the perpetrators of these horrific crimes against humanity will be brought down. All the dots will be joined, as each stage of the plan moves forward to the next. This might take some time though because there are those who will struggle to understand the depth of depravity of those who are running the show.

A large proportion of UK residents are still living in fear. Our Government, under orders from above, and with the cooperation of the Main Stream Media, will continue to spew out bollocks, as will the leaders of the other countries. They are all in it together. 

Sadly people are only too happy to hand over their lives and go along with whatever they are told to do. There will always be followers and leaders. It's about time the followers wake up to the tyranny that is in our midst. 

As always, YOU decide what you want to do with your life. YOU take control of your future. YOU say no when it doesn't feel right. YOU take responsibility. 

For those who don't want to click on the link, this is what triggered this post.  

I wish you all a Happy New Year. I am looking forward to 2023 with optimism. We can't change anything that has already happened, but we can change how we look to the future. I am up for the challenge, are you? Best wishes.   ilona 

Finishing a 1000 mile walk

A short vid to celebrate. Chuffed that I have done it again. Shall I buy a boat?  😎😁😘

A few more pics of the Marina. It was very quiet, nobody about. Offices closed. One or two people were working on their boat restorations. This is mainly a home for leisure cruisers. 

Shall I ask for a test drive? 😂

This looks like a party boat. 

Here I am standing on a bridge over the channel which leads out onto the canal. A woman was standing there, so we got chatting, like you do. By an amazing coincidence she was German, and lives here in one of the houses. She came here because she married an English man, and has been in the UK for a long time. Amazing. I told her of my connections with Germany, that my mum had married an English man to come here. She is an artist and paints pictures of wildlife. She loves the countryside. She can't walk very far, but she cycles to Lincoln and back from here. Her name was Sabine. You never know who you are going to meet. That's the joys of traveling as a single. Strike up a conversation and you could be lucky. 

Along the canal I went. 

This boat did a 25 point turn at the entrance to the Marina, to go back the way it came. She has the right idea, sit on the roof and let him sort it out, ha ha. 

Off they go, chug chug chug. Looks like that engine wants a bit of attention. 

Oh dear, this looks a sorry sight. A boat of character which looks like it has been completely trashed. This would look splendid if it had a complete refurb. A good project for a doer upper. What a shame. 

I walked towards Lincoln. Easy to spot the Cathedral in the distance. I did think I might go there and have a look at it, but I didn't have time. Fed up of these short days, roll on the Spring. I walked as far as the Lincoln Ring Road then turned round and went back. 

Clouds are looming overhead, covering the blue skies and blocking out what is left of the sunset. It's getting colder, time to go back to the car. 

I ate my snacks in the car, before I drove home. It was too cold to sit on a bench. It was a nice change to walk somewhere different. Looking forward to visiting more places. 

Now it's time to do a Billy dog walk. Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.   ilona

Let's have a look at the boats

 Every morning there is a decision to be made. Will it be an indoor day or an outdoor day. It all depends on the weather. This morning it was dry, but cold and windy. Good enough I thought, so let's go. After searching the maps I suddenly remembered that I had only briefly called in to Burton Waters near Lincoln. It was ages ago and I didn't have time for a proper look around. There is a Marina and it's next to The Fossdyke Navigation Canal. Looks like a nice place for a walk. It is next to the A57 Lincoln to Newark Road. 

Lovely sunny day, but brrrrr, it was cold. All the houses and apartments are behind gated and fenced areas. Residents have a code to go in and out. 

I will put some more photo's on tomorrow, with a video as well. Here is a link to their web site. There is a promotional video on there. We will catch up soon. 

Toodle pip.  ilona

The waiting game.

 The bit between Christmas and New Year is a dead zone. It's when most of the hullabaloo is over, people are recovering, and waiting for one more final splurge on New Years Eve. There isn't much to do this week. Who knows which places are open, and which have closed for the whole two week holiday. I suppose the big shops will be open, but I am sick of shopping, and there is nothing I need. 

It's raining so I don't feel inclined to go out, unless it stops. I look out of the window and there are hardly any people about. All staying at home. This rain does rather put the dampeners on things. I am waiting for one nice day to finish off the 1000 mile walk. 

There will be a change to next years walking challenge. I think it's important to set a target because it is something to aim for. I've been playing with numbers. 1000 miles is certainly doable for another year for me, but do I want to stick with that number? I am playing with the idea of lowering it slightly, from 84 a month to 75 a month, making a total of 900 miles. Still quite a lot, but if I go any lower I know I will become lazy and think I won't bother today. That will lead to too many days off and then I might go super lazy and start lagging behind, and never catch up. That is not good. 

Setting a target needs to be a number that you have a chance of achieving. It needs to be realistic, but not overwhelming. The idea is that it can be sustained over a long period of time. Stopping and starting on a whim will not have the same benefits health wise. 

Even not so healthy people who set a lower target but then stick with it over a long period of time will feel the benefits. So if you fall into that category, do little and often, and make yourself do it when you don't feel motivated. 

After seven years I still need a target, but I also like to divide my time up to do other things. None of us knows how much longer we have, so to have some sort of plan in place, I think, gives us some purpose in life. 

One change that I have thought about is that I won't be asking the Walking Group to check in on the first of the month. It is up to each member to take responsibility for their own health, and keep their own records up to date on a calendar or diary. Because it starts on the first day of January people are often planning their New Year Resolutions. And as we all know people start with good intentions, but some will fall by the wayside. Like any other resolution, starting a weight loss diet, giving up smoking, cutting down on alcohol, becoming vegetarian, etc, many will fail in the first few months. A lot of discipline is needed to carry something on throughout the whole year. 

It's time for lunch. A plate of stew I made yesterday. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

One of Terry's best boogies.

If you don't like the previous video I posted you might like this one instead. I try to cater for all tastes on this blog. Something for everyone. 

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

And there you have it.

Recap on what happened over the last three years. Richard sums it all up in 17 minutes. 

And what of the future, could it all happen again? No. We are many, they are few. There will be no reset. There will be the big resist. Yes Richard, we are wiser. Just say no. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona 

The sun goes down on another day.

Every time I take a photo of a sunset I say, oh wow, that is the best one ever. I have got quite a lot in my files now, and each one is better than the last one. I did my usual five mile walk yesterday and I was rewarded yet again with another beautiful sunset. What a bonus. 

I tried to capture the flock of birds gathering above the trees in the distance. The focus is blurred which makes the sky look like someone has wafted over it with a paint brush. 

A few minutes later and this will be gone. 

My friend Janet rang this morning, would you like to come round for drinkies? Yes please. I have just had a late breakfast, mushrooms, courgette, and an egg on toast. So a nice glass of something would go down very nicely after that. I will make an effort and dress up. 

Apparently Tuesday is an extra days holiday, so enjoy. We will catch up soon. Toodle pip.   ilona

The morning after

I am having a lazy morning. Late to bed last night. I wanted to give my personal attention to all the comments which landed in the moderation box. I had no hesitation in publishing them all. When people have given up their time to correspond with me, I thought it only fair that I should respond with love and kindness. So whoever you are, even the Anonymous and Unknown, thank you all for joining in the fun. 

With over two and a half thousand views of the video on my yoootooob channel and almost two hundred comments, it was quite a task to keep up with the speed of it all as it happened. Saying that, I would rather be busy than have nothing to do. 

Thank you to my friends who delivered these lovely presents yesterday. I shall enjoy them over the coming months. Not to be eaten all at once I might add. 

Now I'm going to partake of some deeeelishus cheese and crackers, and go for a walk. Enjoy your Christmas Day. Toodle pip.   ilona

Christmas Greetings

I cobbled together a Christmas video this morning. Pour yourself a glass of sherry and join me and Gloria  on the sofa. 

Two friends came by and surprised me with gifts. I will open them tomorrow. 

I set the video to upload and went off for a walk over the fields. After the miserable wet day yesterday it was a tonic to get out in the sunshine today. 

Back in the village I saw that Angela's gate was open so I called in to say hello. She has been busy with a big family event for the last three weeks, so I kept out of her way to give her some breathing space. An invitation to stay for a bite to eat was offered, so I gratefully accepted. I was glad of the company. 

May I take this opportunity to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas. I hope you have a lovely day tomorrow. Thank you for visiting my blog. We will catch up soon. Toodle pip 

A lazy day.

It's been a wet day today and I haven't ventured out anywhere. I was going to make a video but abandoned that idea. No words in the head. 😰 Here is the picture that was going to be a video, but isn't a video. I have some new cider to try. Cloudy cider from Somerset. Cheers. very nice. 

Mayze cat snoozing in the posh office chair beside me. 

The tree picture is coming along. I now have to hand sew all these leaves in place. The background is a piece of bed sheet I painted myself. The tree is stitched on with the machine. 

There was a double edition of UK Column News today, as it's the last one before Christmas It will be back in the New year. It was a look back over the last year, and a look forward to the next year. It was good to see all the presenters together on the screen at the same time. 

I hope the weather is a bit better tomorrow. I still have 18 miles of walking to do for the challenge. 

Time to open the back door and let the cats in, that's if they want to come in. Cheerio.

Toodle pip.   ilona

Have a look at Richard

Good morning. It's almost Christmas and I have been sorting out some new channels to view on da yooootoooob. It's a good idea to look at someone you have not come across before, it can throw up some gems. I clicked on Richard Vobes channel, and found his videos are very professionally made. 

He calls himself The Bald Explorer, and features various topics which include walking in the countryside, canal boating, and a lot about his personal and family life. I've watched quite a few now and like his quirky take on things, splattered with a dry sense of humour. 

I haven't scrolled back to the beginning of his channel, I suspect there are a few hundred videos, so that is something to look forward to as I sit here eating my meals over the next few months 

I have put this one up here because he shares his thoughts on aspects of the current situation. Something I shall continue to be interested in. Those who are looking for videos of pure entertainment can scroll through his channel to find the earlier ones. There he covers his day to day life going from being married with kids, to divorce, and starting again as a singleton, then meeting a new lady. It is all very lighthearted.  

Now I must get my breakfast/lunch and plan what I am going to do with the rest of the day. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Confident.

I've just been talking to Emily, the young lady from Germany, she is here to visit her Grandma Carol. You may remember I mentioned her before, this is her Tesla car. 

Emily is 19, she started driving when she was 17. Her dad, Gary, bought her the car. What a confident young lady she is. She came through the tunnel, and is staying here in the village for a few days. Tomorrow she has to go in search of an electric charge point to fill the batteries up. The app on the car computer says there is one about ten miles away. A day or so later she will be driving down to Torquay to meet up with the rest of her family for Christmas.

Apparently electric cars are very popular in Germany, a lot of people have them. They are geared up for the supply of charge points to re fuel. I know they can be charged on Motorway Service Areas here, but I haven't seen any anywhere else. I suppose they will come eventually. 

Time for dinner. Toodle pip.   ilona

What about the future?

 Every morning when I wake up I think thank goodness I didn't die during the night, and I have another day. I give thanks that I am still here. I have flashbacks of the time I woke up in the middle of the night in agonising pain, and dialed 999. This happened 14 years ago and I still remember how fearful I was.Thank goodness I was able to get to the phone, get dressed, and open the front door to let the ambulance crew in. 

They strapped me into a wheelie seat and loaded me into the ambulance. The pain was getting worse and I started vomiting. They caught it in a bowl. I was taken to A & E where a doctor came to examine me and ask me questions. They gave me something for the pain. At 4.30am I was put into a ward. 

At breakfast time the pain returned and I was into panic mode, thinking I was about to die. I thought is this it, is this the end, am I going to die in hospital. They put some morphine into me which gave instant relief. I became calm and was able to relax. If this is what dying feels like then I am ready for it. 

Long story short. That morning after the doctor did his rounds they said I could go home. They said take pain killers. I said what do I do if it comes back. They decided to send me to x-ray. It turned out that I had a big ovarian cyst. I had to wait four months for an operation to remove all my womanly bits. I thought that was a bit drastic. I remember thinking as I was wheeled into the operating theatre, will I come out alive. I woke up in the ward.

I have a phobia about medical matters, I would rather stay out of hospitals, one of the reasons why I never had children. I couldn't go through that whole pregnancy thing and giving birth. Luckily I haven't needed to call on the NHS very often throughout my life. Tonsils and adenoids out when I was about ten. Voluntary sterilisation when I was 37. A few stitches in a slashed finger when I was gardening. Camera up the bum, and down the throat. NHS specs and hearing aids. 

Both my parents died early from heart attacks, mostly due to poor lifestyles, smoking, eating wrong kind of food, and excess alcohol. I am trying to avoid falling into that trap. I am trying to be kind to my body.

I talk to my heart when I am lying in bed at night. Please keep going. I lie still and feel my pulse. Yes, heart seems to be working normally. I talk to my heart as I walk through the countryside, I stop for a few minutes to take deep breaths to get as much air into my lungs as I can. 

Over the years it's been a comfort to know that there is help available if and when I need to seek medical advice. I feel fit and healthy most of the time, but who knows what is going on inside my body. If I have a little twinge here, and a bit of an ache there, is that down to old age creeping up on me, or is it something that needs investigating. I don't know. If the NHS continues to shrink at an alarming rate, if there aren't enough doctors and nurses, I will probably die from something I have already got. 

The future is looking bleak for those who cannot afford to pay for healthcare. The General Secretary of the Unite Union, Sharon Graham, says the Government are trying to run down the NHS for other reasons. I think she has a point there. It is obvious to me why this is happening. Check out the article here. 

Thank you for popping in. My apologies to my regular and happy readers for not being able to comment. I am seeing an increase in other places where people feel the need to bring others down. Very sad. I don't want that here. Toodle pip.   ilona 

Keeping busy

Hello. Lunch today was steamed vegetables. I made two portions yesterday so I didn't have to cook today. Brussel sprouts, courgettes, broccoli, peas, green beans, and carrots, topped with grated cheese. I ate this cold and kept dipping into a jar of seafood sauce. 

I had an enquiry for some pet beds. Someone in the village has had these from me before. Luckily I had a spare single bed duvet so I cut it up into six pieces. I have tons of fabric to cover them with. The lady had two of them, I will keep two for myself because they come in handy to put on the chairs where the cats lie, and I will take two to the coffee morning tomorrow. Someone will buy them off me.  

This afternoon was good for a walk. I see they have started digging trenches in another field. I am guessing it's for laying super broadband cables. 

Howzabout putting a red ribbon around your house. A Christmas present, from you to you. A crazy idea. 

My apologies to all my genuine readers. The troll comments came in thick and fast on the, 'Reading in bed' post. They, she, or whatever pronouns they use have resorted to stealing someone else's name. We all know it is easy to use any made up name, but to deliberately search the internet for a real person and use their name is despicable. They must be really screwed up. We are back to no comments at all again. Be assured however that I will not be bullied, and this blog will continue. Things are moving fast, the 'official narrative' will collapse. More injured people, and doctors, are coming forward. The lies are being exposed. Think very carefully about what you are going to do next. It is important to look after your own health. Things will become more expensive, and some food will be in short supply. As always, look after yourself. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Mission Impossible

Happy sunny Tuesday to you all. This has just popped up on my tweeeeter feed. Worth a share. I am not into these action films, in fact I have seen hardly any films in the last few years. This is a look behind the scenes at dare devil Tom Cruise as he throws himself out of a helicopter numerous times. The preparations and work that goes into creating these thrilling escapades is mind boggling. No wonder they cost such a lot to make. I might be tempted to go and see this one. 

Watch an extended behind the scenes look at the biggest stunt in cinema history. Experience Mission Impossible. Dead Reckoning is in IMAX theatres July 2023.

Breakfast eaten, it's looking like it might be a nice day. Methinks I might go out. 

Toodle pip.   ilona

Nice surprise

I was watching a Rafi and Klee video. They have moved into a new house and were showing us around. What did I see on their wall, the needle felted picture that I sent them a couple of years ago. I am chuffed that they decided to keep it. 

If you want to see the whole video it is here. Such a fun loving couple, they are both artists, and make music together. 

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

Ice breaker.

Hoooooray, I don't have to go outside and refill the water bowls this morning. It is warm. The ice has all gone, the garden is green, and no heating in the house is required.  

Porridge with a banana for breakfast. All is good. Toodle pip.   ilona

Enjoy the party.

Who remembers the three part series I did about Little Britain, a hotel in Germany owned and run by Gary and Monika? Gary has sent me this video of their Christmas festivities, filmed by one of their customers. They are very busy in the run up to Christmas, bookings are at an all time high as people want to enjoy an English Christmas party. 

Gary and his family will be coming over here for their own English Christmas party shortly. They will be travelling to several locations in the UK to catch up with everybody on this side of the water. 

A recap. The three posts I did on Little Britain Hotel in September.

Part one.

Part two.

Part three. 

That's me done for today. I have some sewing to do, and a village walk this afternoon. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Reading in bed.

Here is a short video I knocked out this morning. I was up early and went back to bed with my coffee. 

I did a walk this afternoon. It was cold when I set off, but the frost was melting. On the way back it started to rain. I see all the frost has gone now so maybe the pavements are not so slippery. I have 30 miles left to do for the challenge. Should be easy.

Time to chill and watch a few videos. I've just watched a couple on cruise liners. Makes a change from narrow boats and motorhomes. 

Have a good Sunday. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.   ilona

A tour of Normanby Hall.

Good morning. You've seen the photographs, now watch the moooovie. It was a crispy cold morning yesterday. I went straight to the Park to get this video filmed. As you know, I don't edit, haven't got time. This is raw data as it happened. Get a coffee and take the tour with me. 

I fed the ducks again with grain bought from the shop, and also splashed out and bought an annual pass for £21. They were able to take cash. 😍 I can come and go as many times as I like with the pass. It will save me clambering over the brick wall and fighting my way through the undergrowth. 😂 Only joking. There is free access at limited times for dog walkers. 

The new ice rink opens today. That will be a lot of fun for the kiddies and adults alike. I am sorry to say that my ice skating boots went to the charity shop a year ago. I don't want to risk breaking a leg at my age. 

I took the longer route back home. Lovely to see that Trevor has been to Angie's bench. Fresh roses and a wreath has been added. 

Brrrrrrr, it's flippin cold. Press on, looking forward to sitting down with a mug of hot coffee. 

The sun is going down. it's going to be a stunner. I should just make it back home before it gets dark. Torch in the bag if needed. 

Beautiful. I never get fed up of watching sunsets. 

After checking around on the computer, I set the video to start uploading at 11.30pm. It was still not finished when I got up at 6.30am. It was ready at 9.30am, so it's hot out of the oven. 😁

Have a nice day. I am going to get my backside off this chair and go out. Toodle pip.   ilona

Treeeemendous

Here are the Christmas trees I saw on Sunday. The festival was organised by the Rotary Club, and was held at Old Brumby United Church. The two charities involved were Lindsey Lodge Hospice, and Macmillan Cancer Support. Donations were shared equally between them. There were 70 decorated trees to view, with entertainment by the church choir. 

This is the selfie corner. You can choose a stick with an appropriate message and pose in front of the giant Christmas wreath. 

I had a lot of fun as I walked around. It was free to go in, but I put £10 in the donation box. I had a go at a competition, guess how long it took someone to build a small Lego tree. It was £1 for three guesses. I put £10 in the box. Someone was selling home made greetings cards. I asked for a big Christmas card for my best friend. She found one for me. I handed over £10 and said no change required, it's a donation. Another stall had Christmas bits and bobs for sale. I asked how much is the box of baubles. She said £5. I said, no that's too cheap, and gave her £10. I left with a smile on my face, knowing that I had made four people smile. 

When I went to our village Christmas Fair earlier in the month, I asked all the stalls if they are a charity. Six of them were, so I gave them all £10 each. This is my new way to make charitable donations. I will not sign up for direct debits, if anyone wants to accept my cash I will gladly dip into my purse. Those who don't want it, miss out. 

I've had a good day today. Walked six miles. Went to the park and made a video inside the Hall, and fed the ducks again. It's going to take a while to upload the video, I will get it started before I go to bed, it will be ready in the morning. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona