Whitby Goth Weekend

I thought about going to the Whitby Goth Weekend, but I was in two minds, should I make the effort, or not bother. The weather wasn't very good, quite a lot of rain, and I probably needed to make a night out of it. Could have done it in a day I suppose. I talked myself out of it. Instead I did a village walk on Friday, a dog walk on Saturday, and a local five mile walk on Sunday. 

I have just come across this video of the event. After viewing this I'm glad I didn't go. The town was packed out, hardly any room to walk about. People were shuffling up and down the 199 steps to the church and Abbey. The costumes look a lot more outlandish than they did a few years ago. I like Whitby, I will go again when it isn't so busy.  

My post from 25th April 2015 is here if you want to take a look at my photo's. I remember taking Rocky in his pushchair, we stopped at a campsite overnight. 

The next Whitby Goth Weekend will be on 26th - 28th April 2024. There are usually two events a year. 

Toodle  pip.   ilona

Get back before dark

I had it in mind to go for a walk today. The weather was dry, I put a line of washing out. The pet beds needed washing. I had a chat with Aunty on the phone. I did a cooked lunch. Then just as I was getting ready to go a big black cloud came over. Oh bother, the heavens opened and it rained cats and dogs for about ten minutes. Then it stopped and I had to make the decision, do I go or not. Time was getting on, and I remembered it would be dark an hour earlier tonight. The sun came out and I thought, go for it. I put a torch in my bag, just in case. I remember several times last winter where I got caught out in the dark on the way back. 

There was a man coming up behind me. I slowed down to let him pass. I don't like people behind me. He said he had seen me several times before out walking. He is normally on his bike, but today he fancied a walk. We chatted for a while but he was walking faster than me. I told him to go on ahead. I like to take my time to enjoy the countryside. 

Not far from home now. The sun has gone down behind the clouds. This is one of my favourite trees. There was another one nearby which I have photographed many times, but I was sad to see that the wind had blown it down. 

A portion of stew which I made yesterday, for dinner tonight. Enough left for tomorrow. 

Toodle pip.   ilona 
 

Caring and sharing.

Good morning, it's Sunday, and the rain is not coming down. I put out this video on the channel on Friday. It has sparked some interesting conversations. You can have a watch here if you haven't already seen it, or go to the channel if you want to read the responses. 

Now I must get the washing out of the machine and hang it on the line. Hopefully it will dry. 

Thanks for popping in. I hope everyone is well. Toodle pip. 

It's a scam.

Good morning. This is Daniel the Black Belt Barrister. He warns us about how scammers work to get people sucked in. What seems like a small investment in the first place, can result in losing several thousand £'s. 

As a lot of yoootooobers are working their channel for money, Daniel has affiliate links in his description, it should also be mentioned that there is a possibility that some of those might turn out to be a scam. On the whole, I think Daniel is kosher, he has too much to lose if he is a naughty boy. But you should always be on your guard. 

Happy Saturday. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Recycling, and cats

Oh no, not another day of rain. A friend in the village is clearing out a house, the elderly relative has gone into a care home. She asked me if I could find a use for some of the stuff. I said I would take a look at it, maybe keep some items, and pass the rest on to a charity shop. This will keep me busy for a couple of hours. 

The cats have been out, but soon came back in again. Oscar has got prime position on my bed. 

Mickey seems to like it in the bath. He visits because his owners are out all day. Lovely boy. 

Mayze looks ready to pounce. She spends time on the kitchen worktop. I put a bed down for her. She knows that this is where the food gets served up. 

On a sunny day they are all outside. They might go out later if it stops raining.

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

The Great Escaper

I've been to see a film today, not much else to do when it is nonstop raining all day. We have a Vue cinema in town. I missed the 12.10 performance so I went to the 17.10. A treat of a Magnum ice cream brought the total cost to £10.40. 

I had seen The Great Escaper advertised a while ago, and as a lifelong fan of Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson, I made a note of the dates it was coming to our cinema.

Here is the official trailer. 

I found this photo of Michael and Glenda from years ago.

I found this film very emotional to watch. The acting was superb. I looked at the flashbacks of the soldiers fighting in the war, landing in France, the look of fear in their faces, and the bombers overhead. I cried. They gave their lives. I thought about where we are now, look at the mess the world is in. We have to continue the fight for freedom. 

Go and watch the film if you can. It is full of emotions, happy and sad. 

It was convenient to call in at Aldi before I went home. That will save having a separate shopping trip. 

Toodle pip.   ilona 

The geese have landed

There were twelve of us this morning in the Village Hall. We knitted and nattered, and stitched and bitched. Crafty Club was a lot of fun. 

No rain today and the sun was trying to come out. After lunch I went a walk. Parked my car in Winteringham and set off down to the Haven. There is a boat yard there on the edge of the river. 

An unusual memorial bench. It's a slab of concrete. You sit on the other side of it and watch the boats. I took the public footpath which runs alongside the river. 

I wasn't expecting to take many photos because this is a place I am familiar with. Then there was a surprise. I heard a flock of Canada Geese chattering away as they came down to land in the field next to me. The first lot landed then several more flocks arrived. It was fascinating to watch how they fly in formation and all take the same flight path. I stood there for a good twenty minutes clicking away. It was getting a bit cold and I didn't have any gloves with me. 

Several more flocks came down and landed in another field. 

What a bonus it was to watch this spectacle. I wasn't expecting that. Here are some interesting facts about them. 

A few seagulls landed as well. 

There was still a lot of water lying on the fields. 

Back in the village I had a look at the church.

There is a very posh restaurant in the centre of Winteringham, it has won prizes for it's delicious food. People say the portions are a bit skimpy and you have to get some fish and chips to fill up after. I don't know how true that is. If you want to check out the menu here is the link to their site. They have rooms as well so if you want to stay over you can do. 

I made a pan of stew when I got home, and put the heating on. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Sunny Sunday Morning

Hooooray, woke up to sunshine. Coffee drunk, egg custard eaten, face washed, boots on, let's go out. 

Back home. Avocado on toast with an egg. Mug of coffee. Now comfortably stuffed. Cats out in the garden, think I will join them. 

Have a good Sunday. Toodle pip.   ilona

Rainy day chat

I knocked this video out yesterday.

As expected, Mr Bridgen presented his speech to an almost empty chamber. 600+ MPs didn't bother to turn up. It was heartwarming to hear the cheers from his supporters in the public gallery. After he had  finished, the summing up was shockingly cut short right in the middle of a sentence. They couldn't close it down and get out quick enough. Mr Bridgen gave a short speech outside of Parliament, to the thousands of supporters that had turned up. 

Not listening. Fiddling with my handheld gadget. 

Saturday morning and it's still raining. Have a good weekend. Do your best.

Toodle pip.   ilona

Go Andrew

Andrew Bridgen has been trying to to get a debate going in Parliament on the global issue of excess deaths, for almost a year. Maybe this time, people will start to take notice. Twice before he made his speech to an almost empty chamber. One of the MP's even ushered people out of the door, saying they don't need to listen to this. 

I have written to my MP asking him to attend this important debate. Andrew Percy didn't reply as I expected. He has previously blocked me for asking too many question. No matter. His job is soon to slither down the plughole as they redefine the constituency boundaries. 

Let's see how many MP's have the balls to attend this afternoon. Sir Christopher Chope has said he will attend. The debate has had a lot of publicity so hopefully there will be a large crowd in the public gallery. People are fed up of being rode roughshod over. MP's were elected to serve their constituents, most of them think they can ignore us. 

A lot more people than ever are dying, of various illnesses and diseases. Why is this happening? The bereaved families need to know. Why are many younger people having heart attacks and strokes. Why are cancers coming back with a vengeance. Why are there so many people off work with long term illnesses. Every case needs to be investigated. 

Andrew is bullied relentlessly on social media. I don't know how he manages to carry on. He has small children so that is probably one of the reasons why he is so focussed. 

Thank you Andrew.

Raining today. A good day for getting on with some sewing. 

Toodle pip.   ilona

Talented artist

Dave is an artist who lives in our village. He brought a portfolio of his work to the Coffee Morning three weeks ago. Two of the ladies chose the pictures they liked. I liked this one so I asked Dave to frame it for me. I don't usually buy pictures, I have plenty of my own, but this stood out to me as a place I have visited. I am mighty pleased with it. The frame is perfect. It is 17 inches by 15 inches. 

If you want to see where I was when I fell in love with the place, here is the link.  21 May 2017. 

Toodle pip.   ilona

Money

 Cro was talking about the immigration problem yesterday. At last people are noticing what is going on and are speaking about it. I didn't see any mention of 'racist' in his comments. This is nothing to do with racism, it's about the sheer numbers of people being moved around the world. 

Here is a follow on from Cro's post. 

A smuggler involved in bringing over 10,000 illegals to the UK has been jailed for 11 years. Hewa Rahimpur, originally from Iran, was directing the network from his home in east London. He sourced boats in Turkey and had them delivered to locations in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. His criminal organisation would then take them on to the coast of northern France, from where migrants would be transported to England.

Sky News reports the story.

This is all about money. It's not about helping people to find a better life. It's about the rich getting richer. I wasn't going to write about anything controversial, but this is too serious to ignore. 

ilona 

Free booze.

My mum had a funny little saying which gave us a titter. When she laughed, or coughed, she crossed her legs. When I was young I didn't understand why she did this. Her reply was, 'when she coughs she pees'. Having given birth five times, maybe that had something to do with it. 

This came through the door this morning, and it reminded me of my mum. The postie in his haste pushed two lots of leaflets through the letter box. 

I have no need for Tena pants at the moment, having never given birth, but I wonder about my innards floating around in my abdomen after some of them were taken out 15 years ago. Will my bladder start to malfunction? Will I have to cross my legs? 

Maybe I should stock up on the Tena, just in case, then I can piss myself to my hearts content. Probably a good idea to update my Will as well. 

Where are the leaflets for free booze, and a bloody good night out at a strip club? 

Toodle pip.   ilona 

20 puffs.

I think I have enough Suffolk Puff flowers now. Started making them but wasn't sure what I was going to do with them. Now I know. A picture, something like this. I have an idea. It will have a border and won't be in a frame. Two boards screwed together. 

I won't be posting as much and as often on this blog. I will continue to support truth seekers, in other places. I have to block all comments. I will not be beaten. My love to the Wide Awake Club. 

Toodle pip.   ilona xxx

Prison

No more. Changes afoot. 

ilona
 

Goodnight

 Last thoughts before I go to bed. The world is in a much worse state than most people realise. While people are divided and fight each other, whether physically or verbally, things will get worse. Don't pick on me dear readers, stop watching the tele, and get yourselves down the rabbit holes. It's the only way you will find out what is going on. For Gods sake, wake up. Here's a clue. Google the Prime Minister of Poland.  

Goodnight. ilona 

New day

 I didn't get round to writing a new post yesterday because the 'Sorry' post went on and on. I tried to answer a lot of the comments, but there comes a time, when enough is enough and I start deleting. There is no point in going all around the houses and ending up right back at the beginning. It is time to move on. 

I have a life. I don't hang around forever in one place. There are many activities that I enjoy doing. Every day is a brand new start. Every day is a bonus. You can't change what happened yesterday, it's gone, it's finished. 

Yesterday I went to the Coffee Morning. I took five pet beds with me and sold two of them. The lady who wanted one wasn't there. As I walked home through the village green I saw two people walking two small dogs. Aha, I wonder if they would buy the beds. I got chatting to them. They are fairly local but staying on the nearby caravan park in their VW camper van. The lady was 74, just like me. Such a nice couple. They said the pet beds are just what they wanted in the van for their dogs. Another two sold. 

Later on I made the decision to go food shopping. My fridge was bare, and I was eating my way through the freezer. On the way to Aldi I dropped off the last pet bed to the lady who wanted one but couldn't come to the coffee morning. 

I went a bit mad at Aldi, really stocked up, and got some treats. A bottle of Ballycastle to put in my coffee. A bottle of honey cider, not tried that before. A bottle of Summer Ale with peach, looks interesting. £70 spent, but that's ok, it's been over two weeks since I last went shopping. 

So this morning the weather looks promising, sunshine but a bit chilly. Mayze has taken herself off outside and is now lounging on the bed I have put on the table for her. I have four more pet beds to finish off, and two other crafty projects on the go. Always something to do in the garden, and I must go for a walk. 

Are you keeping busy? A friend keeps asking me, don't you ever sit down and do nothing? Hell no. Always got to be doing something. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Sorry

 First Major World Politician Apologizes To the Unvaccinated: ‘You Were Right, We Were Wrong’

Danielle Smith, the premier of Alberta, Canada, is the first major elected politician in the world to issue a heartfelt apology to the unvaccinated for crimes perpetrated against their human rights by the government during Covid lockdowns. “I can apologize right now. I’m deeply sorry,” she said, “for anyone who was inappropriately subjected to discrimination as a result of their vaccine status, I’m deeply sorry. For any government employee that was fired from their job, because of their vaccine status, and I welcome them back if they want to come back.

I was lucky, I didn't lose my job. I just had to take all the nasty comments thrown at me. I am still alive and healthy.

Goodnight. ilona

The future ?

Mercedes-Benz Trucks celebrates world premiere of the battery electric long-haul truck eActros 600, in Germany

Am I excited about this? No. I can't enthuse about electric vehicles. I think that the idea we can replace all our petrol/diesel vehicles with electric is pie in the sky at the moment. We already have commercial electric trucks on the road, mainly for local work, but these Mercedes vehicles are supposed to be capable of long distance work. 

I read that this one has gone through a lot of tests, fully loaded and on mountainous terrain. If you want to find out more, check out the Daimler Truck web site. 

For years manufacturers have been experimenting with reducing the weight of tractor units and trailers alike, to give the maximum payload. Cost of freight is paid by the tonnage and volume of the load. I can't see any pictures of the batteries buried deep inside this unit. On a diesel engine mechanics tilt the cab or lift the front grill to gain access for repairs. The battery bank must be under there somewhere. I wonder how the weights compare now.  

I asked a friend once if I could see the batteries in her Tesla. She said no, they are underneath the floor and only the garage can get access to them. I find that a bit worrying. 

Anyway, I don't like the look of this Mercedes truck. Can I say it is rather ugly. Is that allowed? 😝 

I can't see an electric truck pulling this load. 102,750 kgs. 

It's looking like a lovely day again today, so I must go outside. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

DIY in the garden

Just eight of us at Crafty Club this morning. Conversation was lively. Someone brought in a big bag of buttons and asked if anyone wanted them. Nobody claimed them so I said I would have them. The lady volunteers at a charity shop so I made a donation. I wanted to give her £10 but she said no, too much, so I gave her £5.  

This afternoon I did a refurbishment on the table just outside my back door. I built this a few years ago. There was a bed underneath for the cats, it was in an old dressing table drawer. It was wet, dirty and smelly so I binned it and put a fresh bed in there. The plastic box will be much better and I can take the towel out and wash it when needed. I replaced the board at one end because it was warped and falling apart. The white plastic you see on the top and front are what you line wet rooms and showers with. The panels slot together to make a waterproof flat surface. I got these offcuts out of a skip a few years ago. I used some of them in the summer house, and put three pieces together to cover the small outdoor table in the seating area. I'm pleased with that, it will last a few more years. 

A walk and talk video which I made yesterday. 

Now I've got to go out and post a letter. The collection is at 9am tomorrow morning. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Busy Sunday

It's been a fairly productive day today. I am making more pet beds, nine out of one double bed duvet. They will be ready soon. I will take three or four to coffee morning as I know someone who is waiting for one maybe two. I was watching and listening to an interview while sewing, multitasking you see. Neil Oliver gave the interview, it's called Fear no evil. It's on Rumble. Watch it here if you are interested. 

After a hearty cooked late breakfast I went a walk. One of my regular five mile routes. The sun was out. It was lovely. I must get out more, been neglecting it just lately. 

Hey, do you like my new socks. I found them at a charity shop. They are supposed to be for wellies, but I think they are too nice to be hidden inside boots. I shall wear them with a skirt and trainers.  

I took a few pics around the garden. The mushrooms are back again. I'm not sure whether it's best to leave them alone and let them rot, or scoop them out and bin them. If left they go black and mushy and look horrible. 

Still got a few flowers in the raised beds. 

And the pots are looking nice. Forgot to take a photo of the soft pots, remember those. They are doing well and seem to be growing normally. 

A view of the walk when I set off. A bit overcast but the sun came out late afternoon. I made a walk and talk video, I'll get that uploaded tomorrow. 

And the view of the sun going down behind the clouds at the end of the walk. 

I've just watched a video which explains what is going on with the wars at the moment. It is not as straight forward as you might think. As with Ukraine/Russia, there are a lot of twists and turns. I am not going to get into conversations about wars, but after listening to this it all makes sense to me. 

Mayze is still outside. It's still warm out there and she likes to lie on the table. I'll go and get her in. The hedgehogs are still coming. One of them is quite small so I hope they are eating as much as they can to prepare for winter. 

Catch ya tomorrow. Toodle pip.   ilona