Hospitalised

I took a notebook and pen into hospital with me. I needed to have an operation. I was 59. 

Thursday. . . . Nearly time for my operation. I am sitting in the ward next to my bed waiting for my turn to go to theatre. Someone, a woman, has just been in to monitor my heart rate. She stuck some patches on my legs and chest, attached some wires, listened on her machine for a minute, then took them off. I said, 'does it seem normal?' She said, 'not allowed to say, I'm just a service'. She was very quick, no pleasantries. 

Irene gave me a lift here. She picked me up at 7.30am, we came straight to the hospital. Ward 28. She waited till I got changed into my gown, then left. Then some more people came to see me, ask questions, and fill out a lot of paperwork. They tell me their names, but I immediately forget them. I am not very good at remembering names. 

Then a familiar face arrived, the consultant who I have seen twice before. I still cannot remember his name. He is very nice, quite funny, I like funny people. He is going to do my operation and he explained what is going to happen. I have a large cyst on my right ovary. When they put me under he is going to examine it and decide whether to cut me horizontally or vertically. He says probably vertically. He wants to get it out in one piece without damaging it, so he needs a large opening that won't restrict access. Also, when he gets in there he can have a look around. He says it is most certainly benign. Then he will remove my ovaries, fallopian tubes, and womb. 

There is another lady on this ward with me, six beds but only the two of us. We had a quick chat, now she has gone to surgery. Her operation is more minor than mine, and they are doing hers from the inside. She is the first to go, then there is someone else, then it is my turn. I wish I was first, the waiting is the hardest part.

Something really odd happened earlier on while we were settling ourselves in. I was talking to Irene, just general chat. I mentioned that I had tried to do a number 2 but only managed a bit. Then we talked about enemas and colonic irrigations, she used to be a nurse, and how they put it on the telly now. There was an electrician in the room and he must have been listening. He came over to us and said he heard us mention colonic irrigation. He said his girl friend does it for a job. He was a young chap. He showed me a card with his girlfriends details on it. She works at a shop in Brigg. We were amazed that he was so cheeky touting for business for his girlfriend. I just made light of it all. At first I thought it was just a joke, but he was serious. I wonder if he had done that before. Why would he carry his girlfriends card around with him?

The woman in the bed opposite has been gone half an hour now, I wonder how she is getting on. I see there are some brand new magazines on the ward, I wonder if they change them regularly so as not to bring germs in. 

Later. . . . . Well I'm back. I got whisked off to theatre. They put loads of tubes into you then the room starts spinning and you drift off to sleep. It feels like you are becoming more drunk. They keep talking to you while you are going under, asking you things to encourage you to talk. Then they put a mask on you, say it's oxygen, and keep asking you questions. You try and talk back but it's hopeless so you give up and go to sleep. The next minute you are awake again and being put back into bed. 

Friday. . . . . .I have slept a lot today, still very tired. The lady opposite said I can sleep for England. I suppose I am making up for all the nights when I am on the computer till after midnight, then getting up at 6am. I might as well make the most of it now I am in hospital. The nice young nurse got me out of bed and sitting on the chair.She fetched me a bowl of water so I could have a wash. That was quite difficult to do with one useable hand. I did as much as I could reach. Then I brushed my teeth. Heaven. My mouth tasted terrible, it has been so dry since the op, with gungy stuff around my lips. Guess what? I can't cough to clear my throat because it hurts my stomach. I daren't do any jerky movements, no laughing, no sneezing, and I have terrible wind. 

I am attached to a pain killer tube. I have to press a button to get a dose. I also have a catheter to take away my urine. That is strange, not going to the toilet. I have just discovered it is painful to burp, which is a nuisance because I need to.

I had a nice surprise, my friend David came to see me. He said he might come but I thought it was going to be a Saturday visit. We had a good chat, he is a good friend. He said he wants to go and see a Tina Turner concert in March in London. I said I would love to go with him.

I was tired after David left at 20.15 so I lay back on my bed and fell asleep. The ward went quiet. I wanted to lay my pillows flat so I could go to sleep for the night but I couldn't reach the metal backrest. I wanted a new sick bowl because I thought I might be sick, but there was no one around to help. The lady in the next bed to me was in pain and she didn't have a nurse alert button, so I pressed mine. Eventually someone came but she was in a flap. Apparently they were very busy with someone who was very poorly. Then a doctor came in briefly. I eventually laid down about 22.30pm. 

Not a very good night. I woke at 3.30am feeling sick. So I pressed the nurse alert button. I don't know how far she had to come but she took a while. She said she would get me an anti sickness tablet, and take my catheter out. 45 minutes later she came back and gave me the tablet, but didn't do the catheter. Then I woke up at 5.30am and was sick again. She didn't seem to know what to do. She took my catheter out and I got a bit more sleep. 

Then breakfast came round. I said I had been sick and didn't know whether to have any or not. The nurse said it is entirely up to you. I decided to just have a coffee which was thick and black. I could only drink half of it. I think I had better become a bit more mobile today, because it looks as if I have to do everything for myself. My friendly nurse who helped me wash yesterday is having a day off today. She deserves it after working ten days on the trot. 

I went to the toilet to have a wash, and my first pee. I can walk about but slowly. I went to the day room to use my mobile phone. The waitress came and told me lunch was being served. I shuffled straight back to my bed. I needn't have bothered, it was awful. Baked potato, no butter. Cauliflower cheese and brussels sprouts. I couldn't tell the difference between them. They didn't taste of anything. More tablets to take. I felt a bit tired and laid on the bed to rest while I wait for Anna and Bryn to arrive. They came about 2.40pm. They like the caravan park where they are staying. They left at 4pm. I laid on the bed and went to sleep. Everybody in the ward was quite. One young woman had gone home. I'm not sure what the others are in for. 

Teatime came. Mushroom soup was horrible, beans on toast ok. Then ice cream which I saved for later. I can't find any magazines to read. I had a little walk to the day room and read The Scunthorpe Telegraph. I got into bed early and dreamt all night, but kept waking up. 

Sunday, I am hoping to go home today. Had breakfast, Bran Flakes, read some magazines. The doctor came round and said it would be better if I stayed in another night, because I hadn't done a number 2 yet, and also there is blood in my urine. She said that was normal because they had taken my cervix out, there was bound to be a bit of bleeding. I rang Anna to tell her I wouldn't be out today. She said they will come for the night visiting. 

I managed to get a bath and wash my hair. I got the nurse to take the drip out of the vein in my hand. It was causing me discomfort. I wasn't able to fully immerse myself into the water because of the dressing on my wound, but I managed a pretty good wash. I put my tight stockings on again. They are horrible but I have to wear them.

Monday morning. . . . Anna and Bryn came last night. They like the caravan park they are on. Very quiet, nice village. Guess what, success, I did a number 2 this morning at 7am. I had a restless night, went to the toilet three times for a pee. Maybe that was because I drank some fruit juice before I went to bed. I kept dreaming, more like trucking nightmares. Awful. Not finding loads, getting lost, losing lorries, looking for delivery points. 

I was glad when morning came. Toast and coffee for breakfast. Paracetamol and another tablet, they dish them out like smarties here. I feel bloated but that's because the food is not right for me. I am used to plenty of fresh veg and some fruit. Can't wait to get my own food at home again. The pains I have had with wind are nearly all gone, but I feel bunged up. I must try and go to the toilet again. Success, I have been twice more. Now 11.30am. Waiting for the doctor to come and see me. I should be able to go home today. I've read all the magazines, now all there is to do is wait. 

I got half an hour of free telly this morning. I was listening to Radio 4 on the patient line gadget, and it changed to Channel 3 television by itself. It was the morning magazine programme. Then it disappeared after half an hour. A notice came onto the screen to buy a card if I want to carry on watching. Very crafty I thought. Give you a sample then ask you to pay. It's gone quite. Most of us are in our chairs, sitting looking at each other. I wonder if this is what it's like in an old folks home. I would walk out. I can't imagine what life would be like without my mobility and my faculties. I suppose one day I might find out. 

I was discharged and went home. My sister came to help me around the house for a few days. I was 59 and five months when I had this operation. One of only three hospital stays in my lifetime. I had a letter several weeks after the operation. They had found no signs of cancer in what they took out. 

I wanted to go back to work after 12 weeks off, but my company was closing the depot and there was no work for me. Getting to 60 was a relief. Now I can live my life on my terms. 

Have a good weekend. Live your life, on your terms. Best wishes.   ilona  

Threats

 You need to switch before June or risk losing your heating” “The answer is getting a Smart Meter” Britain almost blacked out this month - this is about Energy Control.

Watch the video. Scare tactics. No thanks. I won't be getting one. Sick of all this bullying.

They never stop.

 Nice walk this afternoon in the sunshine. Time for dinner. Toodle pip.   ilona

Dates for your Days Out plan.

 Is your diary/calendar filling up with days out/event dates? Here are a few more that you might like to make a note of. 

Cottage Industry Events Ltd have craft tents in a lot of the large agricultural shows around the country. Have a look to see if there are any in your area. There are 21 events on this web site. I have made a note of those nearest to me.  

18th - 21st April. Whitby Harbour.

18th - 19th June. Lincolnshire County Show. 

8th - 11th July. Great Yorkshire Show. 

16th July. Driffield Show.

Other places on the web site are,

East Anglian Game Fair

Conwy Harbour

RHS Malvern

Devon County Show

Royal Bath and West Show

South of England Show

Royal Three Counties Show

Cotswolds Show

Royal Welsh Show

New Forest Show

Anglesey County Show

Mid Somerset Show

Chatsworth Country Show

Newbury Show

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

A lake and village walk

Good evening. The weather has not been very good today, dull, overcast and drizzly. Yesterday was much better. I had a drive out to the Isle of Axholme. Not really an island. It has seven lakes and is surrounded by the River Trent, River Ouse, River Don, and the Stainforth and Keadby Canal. I parked at Ealand, just off the A18. On the other side of the road is the entrance to 7 Lakes Country Park. It's a massive site with hundreds of static caravans, a restaurant, and club house. Take a look at their web site here. Seven Lakes Country Park is set in beautiful woodland, surrounded by quality fishing lakes and tranquil waterside path ways, we offer the perfect setting for truly enjoying a different way of life.

I followed the path alongside the lake, to Crowle. 

I stopped to have a chat with a couple who were walking their two little dogs. 

I picked up the road at the other end of the park, walked past the school which was busy with the buses coming out. The White Hart is the oldest inn, so it says on the wall. 

I stepped inside the greengrocers shop and had a chat with the lady serving in there. What a fabulous display of fresh produce. 

In the Market Square a family butchers shop can be found. 

And next door is the Market Hall. The library is housed here. I stepped inside to chat with the lady in charge. It was toasty warm in there. A pop up Post Office has a counter inside which is open twice a week. 

The lady in the veg shop recommended a look at the church. I've just checked the blog and see that I was last in Crowle in March 2012. Here is the link if you want to check that out. I tried the door but it was locked, then just as I was about to walk away it suddenly opened. A lady was working inside. She said I could come in and she put the lights on for me. She was getting the place set up for an afternoon tea event coming up. As you can see from the church clock it is just coming up to 4pm. 

I wanted to make a quick video before I went back to the car, so I started recording at the church, and walked back to the Market Place. 

As I came through the gate at the lake I thought I would take the path around the other side, around the edge of the caravans. I could see the Reception area over there, so I thought it would be easy to follow it round keeping the water on my left. 

Oh dear, it wasn't that easy. I thought there might be an outer perimeter path, but I couldn't find it, and ended up somewhere in the middle of the massive caravan park completely lost. There was nobody about to ask which way to go. Until I turned round and saw a set of headlights behind me. Oh, thank goodness. It was a security man doing his rounds, checking everything was ok. He said no one is allowed to walk around after a certain time. I said I am lost. He said, jump in and I will give you a lift to the entrance. That's a relief. Trying to find your way through hundreds of caravans is more difficult than finding the right path through a wood. 

Here is the video. It's not perfect because I try and avoid pointing the camera at people. The muffs have done a good job of keeping the wind noise down. 

My verdict of Crowle. I wasn't impressed the first time I went in 2012, but the bit I saw today I thought it was really nice. Only two empty shops. It has a community feel about it. The people I spoke to said everyone is friendly. I noticed it is free parking, no machines to grab your money. Worth getting off the M180 to break up your journey on the way to Grimsby or Cleethorpes. 

Now I must get something to eat. I still have some mushrooms left so it will be a stir fry with noodles, and anything else I have thrown in. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Choosing.

 My right to choose.

His right to choose.

Your right to choose. 

Quick breakfast post. See ya later.  Toodle pip.  ilona 

Make plans for your days out.

 Good evening. A busy day today. Crafty Club this morning at The Village Hall. The conversations were mainly about how can we get more people involved with the running of the Village Hall, and how can we get more groups to book it for events. 

I went a drive out this afternoon to Crowle for a look around. A village that I am not familiar with. It was a lovely sunny day. I took some photo's and made a video. I'll put them out tomorrow. 

I have some more dates for your diary, or calendar if you have one on the desk like me. 

20th & 21st February in Lincoln. There is a light show where the buildings around the city will be transformed with light installations. Starts 5.30pm to 9.30pm. There is a map on the web site so you can plan the route you want to walk. 

This February, Lincoln Lights will transform the city with a free showcase of mesmerising light installations. Open to everyone, this exciting event invites you to explore breathtaking creations by artists from across the UK and beyond, all set against the historic charm of Lincoln’s iconic landmarks, from the Castle to Cornhill.

Boston Brilliance. Another light show. 14th - 15th February. Switch on at 5.30pm - 9.30pm 

Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February 2025. This festival will celebrate Boston’s history and heritage by transforming the town into a vibrant canvas, with its iconic landmarks lit up in spectacular projections. The festival will begin with performing arts students from Boston College opening the show with spectacular choreography, set to celebrate visual themes for Brilliance, Boston Life, and By Sea By Land.

Chesterfield 1940's market. Thursday 10th April. 10am - 4pm. 

Come along and shop in style. Local people and visitors to Chesterfield can enjoy themselves during the Easter holidays, with 40s music, entertainment, exhibits and meet the stall holders in period dress. Expect to see military displays, classic cars, vintage singers and crowds dancing to the big band.

I'll keep posting any more dates that I hear about. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

A DIY haircut

All you need is a pair of scissors, a hairbrush, and two mirrors. Free haircut at the Back Door Salon. 

Not bad if I say so myself. The long hair was wearing me down. Didn't suit me, difficult to manage, getting tangled, needs lots of brushing. Now all I have to do is run my fingers through it. Much easier to manage. 

Visitors to the garden this morning. The ducks are back. Had their breakfast then flew off. Hope they keep coming. 

The weather has been awful today. Wind and rain. I have been working on the Mandala. Almost finished. Thank goodness for arts and crafts and sewing and yoootooob. Indoor hobbies are a godsend through the winter months. 

More interesting posts from Rachel. Go and have a look. 

Thanks for popping in. Rushing this, Mayze is waiting for her night time cuddle. 

Toodle pip.  

Hair today

I put this video out today. What do you think? Curling tongues from a charity shop £3. Is curly hair  better. It's such a faff. In my face, in my mouth. Don't like it tied back, uncomfortable pulling on my scalp.  

Stuff it, let's get it off. 

Dinner tonight. Sweet and sour stir fry. Mushrooms, broccoli, spring onions, spinach, noodles, and a cheese and onion roll in the pan to warm it through. Blooming lovely.  

An interesting post on Rachels blog today. You might want to have a look. 

Catch ya tomorrow. Have a good Sunday. Toodle pip.   ilona

What I like to eat.

Chuffin 'eck it were windy this afternoon. After lunch I ventured out for a walk. Lunch was Avocado on toast. I am trying a different bread. It's more expensive than the normal lightly seeded. It's a seeded bloomer at £1.39. Tasty cheese from a truckle, egg £1.85 for 6, and beetroot. When I scoffed this I was ready for off. 

Didn't feel like cooking tonight so it was a fridge to plate meal. A cheese and onion roll £1.65 for 6. Baby spinach 99p a bag. Spring onions 39p. Three cheese pasta salad £1.75. Button mushrooms 95p. With a cheese and onion dip. Can't remember how much the beetroot is. It was in the fridge from a previous shopping trip. 

The wind has died down a bit now. 

Thanks for popping in. Enjoy your weekend. Toodle pip.   ilona

Useful post.

 Excuse me Cro. The post you put up today is vitally important and as I haven't yet sorted out my gooogle sign in thingy I can't comment on your blog. I have tried but I am so lazy. 

I have posted about telephone scams before, and Cro's experience is a reminder that this problem is not going to go away. He makes a point about how vulnerable he felt, and how very good the scammer was at what they were doing. They are very good because their acting skills have been honed to perfection over a long period of time. This is all they do. There are millions of vulnerable people out there to steal from. 

What I can't understand is that people leave themselves wide open to scammers. Doing all their banking and shopping online. Numerous direct debits that they can't remember what they are for. Forget what they spent until the shock statement comes in. Just numbers on a screen. To me that is batshit crazy. 

There is only one thing to do when you suspect a phone call could be from a scammer. Don't give them a chance to say more that two words. How is their spoken English? Do they have a foreign accent? Can you hear background noises indicating they are in a call centre? Do not answer any of their questions. If you want to speak the only word you need is GOODBYE. Then immediately cut them off. 

Here is a link to Cro's useful post. 

I had a chat with the Post Office lady yesterday. I told her I paid for almost everything with cash. She agreed that was the best way. The water bill was £62, I had the cash ready. The utilities bill was for a much larger amount so I paid with my debit card. She said that's the best way for a large amount because if there is a problem with their computers you have proof that you paid. 

I opt for peace of mind over convenience. People must find the best way for managing their own finances. 

Toodle pip.  ilona 

Where shall we go?

 Good morning Looks like it has rained all night, and the wind is whipping through the trees at the back of the garden. Here we go again, hang onto your hats. 

Are you filling up your diary with things to do this summer? Let's make it a bumper year for going out. Begone doom and gloom, we need a cure for the summer time blues. I will be adding a few dates here of things to do, places to go, mainly around the Midlands and Northern areas of the country. 

Who used to fly a kite as a kid? Let's head to Bridlington in May for the Kite Festival. Here is a link to the web site so you can check it out. Why not try camping for the weekend, or book yourself into a hotel. 17th and 18th of May 2025. Free day out. 

Take a ride on the land train between Sewerby and Bridlington. Or, it's easy to walk between the two places. Stunning scenery. Or have a day at Sewerby Hall. Check out the Whats On page. 

Memories of Rocky riding the Land train in 2014. Ideal for wheelchairs and buggies. 

I did the shopping yesterday, Aldi and The Range, and Home Bargains. First paid a couple of bills at the Post Office. Utilities gas and electric, and a water bill. 

I had an email from Dan and Stephen. They have recorded more videos of their time in Yorkshire and will be releasing them over the next few weeks. They are now in their work mode somewhere around the Watford area. This is the pattern of their life. Film as much as they can in a short period of time, then spend a month or two earning some money. 

Coffee drunk, cats fed, birds fed, now I must make a plan for the day ahead. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Lions Den

 In the interests of keeping my subject matter fairly balanced, I offer you a newish social media platform which will warm the cockles of your bitter heart. No need to come here and pick fault with me, just head over to BlueSky and you will find millions of people to bitch along in perfect harmony with. Warning ; it is the antidote to tweeeter. 

Good old algorithms recommended this to me, but I won't be throwing myself into the lions den. 

Be happy people and don't let the buggers get you down. 

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

You can't turn back time.

I was rushing to get to the Coffee Morning this morning and saw Keith waiting at the bus stop. I said, aye up, how are you doing. He didn't look too good and seems to have aged a lot in the three months since I last saw him. He told me he had been ill, really ill, and still wasn't quite right. He is a keen walker and usually walks every day, but says he has had to cut down . He often gets the bus to town because he  doesn't have a vehicle to drive himself. He used to have a campervan and went up north for weeks at a time. The Lake District was his preferred destination. That's the third person in a few days that has talked about being ill over Christmas. 

Coffee Morning was a hive of activity. Quite a lot of people chattering away. Last week I sat for ten minutes talking to the ladies I usually see at Crafty Club. I moved away and sat at a table by myself after one of the ladies seemed to cough a lot. This week I didn't join in with their chattering. I like to sit on my own and get on with a bit of sewing. 

Pat came across and told me about a trip they are planning to organise. A mini bus to the NEC at Birmingham for a craft event. She asked me if I would be interested in driving the mini bus. She had enquired with a company to rent one, but they said she couldn't have one. Apparently they have an age limit of 70. Pat is 71. She asked if I could do it. I said, if that is their limit, they won't let me have one, I am 75. She said, oh, I didn't know. 

Comments on the blog have gone a bit quiet. It gives me a breathing space. They have ramped up on the yootooob channel though, and not one rude or nasty one among them. Strange innit. I probably get off lightly for hate mail compared to others on social media. I wonder how long it will take for people to stop fighting with each other, and realise you can't turn back time. Cue song. 

This video reminds me of when I went to see Cher at Sheffield Arena on 19th of May 2004. My birthday treat. This is her Farewell Tour. I don't know which venue this was filmed at, but I was in the middle of a crowd just like this. It was magic. Row 36, Block c, Seat 17. Ticket £35. Glad I did it then, couldn't do it now. 

Now it's time to eat. I have half a stir fry left over from last night. I will bulk it up with some chick peas. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

ONE MORE TIME

It's time I went to bed. I've had a mug of caramel latte, with a slug of Baileys in it, and a couple of bickies. And I've been watching BGT and AGT. I've picked this one out for you. What a crazy guy. So funny. 

Goodnight. Sleep tight. Catch ya tomorrow.    ilona

The Social Network

I went to see this film last night. It's about Mark Zuckerberg and how he started facebook. 

To read about it there is a Wiki page. 

I found it pretty hard going to be honest. The background dramatic music drowned out a lot of the speech. That's the problem with wearing a hearing aid. I wanted to click for subtitles like I often do when watching a video on the computer. Even though the subtitles don't always make sense, it's easy to work out what they saying. 

Another problem I have is that people speak so fast, especially so in this film. This can be rectified by altering the playback speed when watching a video. Not so on the big screen. 

The characters are very believable, I think.  I wondered are all Americans are like this, looking for the right word, zealous, excitable, hot-headed? I remember 20 years ago when I was in the US, how loud everyone spoke. Maybe it's more about me slowing down and becoming more intolerant of noise. 

There are plenty of film reviews on yoootooob, here is one of them.

I enjoyed sitting in the cinema, and eating my white chocolate Magnum. One person sitting alone on the back row, two more came in. I don't know where they sat, somewhere behind me. I chose the middle, plenty of leg room. 

I see that the whole film is free to watch, here. I might have to watch it again, using the adjustments I mentioned. 

Now I must get on. Post Office and a dog to walk. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

What's on the crafting table

This is a work in progress. It is going in a completely different direction to what I first thought of. I have a lot of jewellery given to me by various people, so the idea I had was arranging it in a square box frame, maybe painting it all black, or bright colours, and fastening it to a board with wire. I might still do that. A lot of the jewellery is ugly dark colours, and would benefit with a coat of paint. 

I changed my mind and decided on a hoop with dark fabric so I could stitch the decorations on. I particularly like mandalas. The hearts are not yet stitched down, I laid them there to see how it might look. Nothing is decided until it's finished. 

I knocked this video out yesterday while I was sitting at the craft table. It's had a lot of views and comments on the channel. While I was replying to a comment a message popped up on the screen. Some of the words I used have been flagged up as being against their guidelines, and I should think about deleting my reply, or modifying it. As I do not want to get banned from yooootooob, I deleted it and rewrote it saying why I had to delete it. Other vloggers have been de monetized because they have used the wrong words. They can't de monetise me, but they can take my channel down. My first reply referenced offensive words that have been aimed at me here on the blog, but I am supposed to suck it up, unless I want to submit a more watered down version. I will stick to their rules, but I will not grovel. 

 

Now I'm going to take Billy out. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

The tooth of the matter. . . .

Good afternoon. It is Sunday. I will put this video out here, it's been on the channel for two days, and I have another one ready to go in the oven. 

A miserable day outside. I am sewing. 

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

Happy Sunday with the boys.

Good morning. I've just been watching Dan and Stephen in North Yorkshire. Their latest video is out. If you want to take a look at Stokesley, Guisborough, and Saltburn by the Sea, get yourself a coffee and spend 32 minutes being shown around these charming market towns. There is the usual jolly banter, and a twist at the end when they tuck into a tasty cheese truckle. 

The weather is not looking too good here in North Lincolnshire. Dry but overcast. I'm working on an arty piece which is looking quite promising. You can't rush things, creativity is a journey which materialises over a period of time. 

I'll cut you loose. Enjoy your Sunday.

Toodle pip.   ilona

There's a lot of it about

 Good evening. I didn't think it was that cold when I walked out of the door this afternoon. I set off anyway for a walk to the park via the track by the playing field and past the allotments. By the time I got to the end of the track I wished I had put my thick woolly gloves on, rather than the fingerless ones. It was very cold. 

Entering the village there was a peacock strolling along the road. They often come out of the park and go exploring in peoples gardens. It's a bit of a gamble for them as the road can get quite busy and drivers don't always slow down. This one made it into a garden and was pecking about looking for grubs.  

There were a few people who had braved the cold and came out for a walk. I see the horses are still there. I think they are due to be removed soon. 

As I was leaving the park a friends husband came running towards me, in shorts and a t shirt. He had a gadget strapped to his arm to monitor his fitness levels. He looked a bit out of puff. I said it looks like you had a good Christmas, your middle has expanded. He said no, we had a terrible Christmas. We have all been ill. He said the coughing started before Christmas and hasn't yet fully gone away. I asked him where he might have caught it. His reply, the kids. They have three teenagers. He is trying to build his strength up with a bit of running. He went to the park, then overtook me on his way back. 

I noticed a friend across the road in a field, she was seeing to her daughters two ponies in their paddock. I often speak to her if I see her about. I haven't seen her since before Christmas. She is 65 ish possibly 70 ish. She said, guess what I had for Christmas dinner. I tried a guess but was way off. Apparently she took a snack with her to the paddock and sat in the shed with the ponies. The story was, her daughter and husband both caught a bad dose of the lurgy. They were both coughing so hard that Sarah thought she had cracked a rib and they went to hospital. She thought she might need an x-ray. The doctor said she didn't need one. 

So, Sarah's mother has had to see to the ponies. She has been going twice a day for three weeks. It's a good job she is fit and well to be able to do that. There's a lot of it about, so they say. 

Enjoy your Sunday. Toodle pip.   ilona

Look after your fanny

 I am seeing a lot of adverts for itchy fanny cream, and bras for saggy tits. 😵 There is an explosion on facebuck for products to enhance and pamper the female form. What is going on. I don't see anything similar for men's health and well being. What about a cream to smooth out the wrinkles of the dangly thingymabob, 😎 or a bra to hitch up the manboobs for the over fifties. Give us ladies a break, and sort out the imperfections of the male body first. Equality and diversity and all that jazz. 

If anyone is too embarrassed to visit your local Boots the chemist 😏 for the supplies you need, you can have them sent to your home. Who would have thought there is such a vast array of products available to smear around your nether regions. 

I would rather not be seeing these type of personal adverts on my screen. I keep blocking them, but they keep coming back. Go away.

Have a good weekend, and give your fanny a good scrub.😹😻

Toodle pip.  ilona  

Teeth and chips and cars

 Good evening. I went to the dentist today. I have a broken tooth which needs a repair. It was filled about a year go, or eighteen months ago, could have been two years ago, but the filling dropped out. I thought at the time that it might not last. The very young dentist who did the job took ages over it. I wondered if she was qualified because she looked so young, about twelve I thought. 

I decided to call in at the dentist rather than ring up about it. They are in Brigg, it's a Bupa dentist. I have been going there for 20 years. They used to be privately owned, then they changed to Bupa. I thought they might have called me in for a checkup before now, or maybe I should have rung and asked for a checkup appointment. 

I have always been an NHS patient. The lady on reception said they don't have any appointments because they are short of dentists. People have left and they haven't been able to replace them. She checked my details on the computer and said they will call me if they have an appointment. 

They also do private work so I asked how much it would cost. I don't want to go on a monthly plan and would rather pay as and when I needed work doing. She said that is possible. So miraculously she found me an appointment for next month for a check up. Hopefully they can do the repair then. It will have to be done so I will have to pay whatever it costs. 

It was market day in Brigg. Most of the stalls were packing away to leave, except for the cheese van. All he has to do is close the door and drive off when there are no more customers. I saw that he had truckles for sale. I couldn't resist buying one, even though I have some in my fridge. Can't resist the caramelised onion variety. 

I was hungry so I had a portion of chips, wrapped up to take away and eat in my car. Only £3, chuffin heck. I only ate half, it was a big portion. Then I made a coffee, I still have some of the camping gear in the car. 

There is a big Garden Centre on the outskirts of Brigg, so I went there for a look around. I was going to go for a walk but it was too cold. The Garden centre is massive. I didn't buy anything. 

So that was my afternoon out. I put some of the chips in a bowl with some of the stew I made last night, and microwaved it. There is still some left for tomorrow. Not going to waste the chips at that price. Chips are my once a year treat. 

I am browsing the internet looking at cars. I am quite taken by the Ford Tourneo. There are three of them in a local garage. They don't quite meet my specification though. Must be petrol, manual gear change, and privacy glass. I might go and look at them tomorrow, just to check the size. Can I fit a bed in it. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Checking in.

 Good afternoon. 

I have been asked some questions about fact checking. These come from Fat Dormouse. I am not sure if she is directing these at me personally, of if she is asking my opinion on general fact checking. 

Who would I recommend as a fact checking organisation? None. I can't see how any of them can be working independently when they are being paid by large companies. It's like a blogger promoting a product or service in return for money, when they have been given a free sample or free membership. They are hardly likely to point out the drawbacks and are more likely to sing it's praises. You don't bite off the hand that feeds you. Companies should have their own in-house fact checkers, they are called sales and promotion representatives. 

Google fact checking sites, and pick out one that you might trust. Or put the names on a piece of paper, close your eyes, and stick a pin in it. 

How do you know that facts and figures you are reading are true? You don't. Unless you have a personal connection with a human being or company who are making the claim. If someone wants to spill the beans on a company, or an institution that they are involved with, they have to be prepared to lose their job, and in some cases lose their lives. This is why whistleblowers do not come forward, and those that do demand anonymity. 

Who do you feel you can trust? I guess that this question is aimed at me. There's very few that I trust. I have been trying to work out what is going on over the last five years. People criticise social media, but that is my starting point. I have built up a list of professional people. In the beginning it was doctors, and that has lead to professionals in other lines of business. You always have to look at their backgrounds. They will more often than not be biased towards those who are paying them. I respect the integrity of those who have made great sacrifices, and resigned from their jobs because their conscience wouldn't let them carry on. 

Why do you feel you can trust what they are saying? There will always be elements of doubt in everything that I read, and see online. Even more so now that AI content is growing daily. The truth is moving further away from real life.There are very few journalists with any integrity. No matter how many rabbit holes they go down, the end result will be what their masters are paying them for. If you want real investigative journalism go to UK Column. They put out a news programme live three times a week.   

Here are a few names that I follow. You can gooogle them if you so wish. 

Dr Peter A McCollough. Physician scientist 

Godfrey Bloom. Former MEP.

Matias Desmet. Professor of clinical psychology. 

Geert Vanden Bossche. Phd, independant vaccine research.

Christine Anderson. Member of EU Parliament.

Brian Gerrish. Former Naval Officer. 

Whitney Webb. Investigative journalist.

World Economic Forum. 

Keir Starmer.

Dr Tess Lawrie. World Council for Health.

Dr Aseem Malhotra. Cardiologist. Author. 

Last question. 

Do you pay not to have adverts on your blog? No. Blogging is free. 

To sum up. AI is now used extensively. It will become prevalent in the coming months and years. It will be almost impossible tor humans to distinguish the difference between truth and fiction. Keep reading, there are big changes to come. The WEF are meeting at Davos in Switzerland. They will be deciding our future. You dear reader still have choices. Don't let them be taken away from you. 

Thank you for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Coffee with waffle

Oh dear, this is four days old, it got lost in my drafts folder. If you have seen it on my channel you can skip this post. 

I did another bus out - walk back home this afternoon. I called in to say hello to Nicky at the Arts centre. Treated myself to a Magnum ice cream. Nothing interesting happened. Didn't speak to anybody except the bus driver, and to my friend Sue on the bus. She was going shopping in town. 

Coffee morning tomorrow. 

Weather a bit warmer today. 

Tatty byes for now. ilona 

Respect

The man who did everything he could to save his house. 

Remember these words. A few of the 8,700 comments. 

"I did what I needed to do. I did what I wanted to do. I did what I thought I could do"

He didn't rely on the government to save him. He saved himself.

A man who thought for himself and didn’t leave his life in the hands of those who can't be trusted.

Old school guy! Great character, does not wait for any encouragement to take initiative and does not complain!

Bravo this man. Too many people are to quick to COMPLY with everything the government tells them to do. This followed his heart and common sense.

This is what's required in life. Look after yourself and your neighbours, instead of relying on others.

Men with attitude are driven by intelligence and determination, not by emotions or others' command and opinion!

Catch ya later. Toodle pip. ilona

Exploring Lincolnshire

It's Sunday night and I have had a smashing weekend. Yesterday a six mile walk in the glorious sunshine. Today a visit from my two favourite van lifers. I have been following Dan and Stephen for some time now. Two jolly chappies who have a fun life living in their van. Do you recognise them? Do you watch them? 

Recently back from Spain and France, they are touring the UK checking out small towns and villages, where they might at sometime in the future be setting down some roots. They have no definite plans, no dates in mind, just getting a feel for different parts of the country. 

After a coffee and a full hour non stop chinwag I dragged them out for a walk around my village. They were up for it. We went down the hill to the pond, and along the river bank.   

Back at the van it was time to leave. They have seen some of Lincolnshire, and now they are on their way to North Yorkshire. No route in mind, just make it up as they go along. The joys of living in a van, go where the fancy takes you, stop and start when you feel like it. Sounds good to me. 

This is the video they put out this morning. I sat watching it as I waited for them to arrive. 

Always exploring new places, always entertaining. Every so often they take a break from travelling and take a proper job. They can choose where and when they work. As for the move to bricks and mortar, it may happen sometime in the future, but for now they are enjoying the freedom of van life. 

Temperatures are rising here, the frost has gone. That's a relief. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Ugly fly tipping again.

The sun has been shining but it is still freezing cold. After checking around the internet this morning I made a run for it. Boots on, extra layers, skirt over the top of my trousers, and the walking pole might be needed, it could be a bit slippy. It's the first time this year for this local walk. The usually boggy footpaths were rock hard with ice. Blue skies and fresh crisp air were perfect. 

This entrance to a field has been plagued with fly tipping in the past. The farmer dumped this big bale of hay to block it. It worked for a while, but the fly tippers are back. Some people are disgusting. I don't know what is or was in those containers, but the bags contain the wrappings from Christmas presents. There is a tv screen and what looks like bits of a computer. It's a quiet road with some traffic in the daytime. They must come at night, pull up, and chuck it all out of a van or a pickup. 

I made a slight detour towards the end of the walk and went to the park to feed the ducks. Amazingly someone recognised me and said hello. The ladies face seemed familiar but I couldn't remember where I met her before. I still can't remember after she told me, but she remembered a lot about me. She mentioned the summer house so it must have been quite a while ago. I built that almost ten years ago. 

I might have visitors tomorrow. That will be nice. I must do some housework in the morning. 

Thanks for popping in. Enjoy your Sunday. Toodle pip.   ilona

Not free. The catch.

 Fat Dormouse was asking me about fact checkers, which ones are genuine. I will answer in another post. For now I urge you to become your own fact checker, because those who set themselves up in this new profession only do so to make money. They have seen a niche in the market and will produce reports favouring those who pay them to do so. 

As I said facebuck is now awash with fake accounts, promising all kinds of offers you can't refuse. Forget about something for nothing, there is always a cost. This morning I found this one. It wasn't hidden, it was in your face. Free laptops. They may only be asking for £3, they say they are a charity, but there are hidden costs. Amazon are not being generous and giving away their stock. It's all about addiction to screens. 

Amazon, one of the big players who are calling all the shots. Steering everyone towards CBDC. Oh yes, it's so easy, order from your home and it will be delivered to your home. No need to go anywhere, sit on your arse and open your packages. Globalisation here we come. 

If you want to order one of these ipad pro's here is the link. Tell anyone they have won something and they get excited. Oh really, I have won. No you sodding well haven't won, you have be conned. The fake site 'Last years ipads' was set up just for this. Charity campaign my arse. This is a data harvesting exercise. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Amazon is launching a charity campaign to support the elderly in the UK this holiday season! As part of the initiative, the company is donating last year's iPads to seniors aged 40 and older. This step helps to make room for new products and express gratitude for their contribution to society. Find out if you can get your iPad by clicking on the button below the photo and answering a few simple questions

- - - - - - - - - - - -

I checked out some of the comments. Clicked on some of the names of people who have given positive reviews. When did they last post on their own facebuck page? All fake. No posts in the last year, and a few before that are all about food. No doubt that these profiles have been stolen from those who have abandoned their page. On one ipad posting it says 73 comments, not true. There are only 8. They inflate the numbers or they may be holding the negative comments back.

So to sum up. This is not a charity campaign. Amazon is very rich they can afford to offload some of their stock. If they are giving some devices away they are ensuring their customer base grows and all these lucky winners will order from them over and over again. Reel them in and they will keep coming back. Now where have I heard that plan before, let me think. Oh I know.

Think wide. Think outside the box. Question everything. Things are not always as they first appear.

Thank you for the positive emails from the wide awakers. They keep me going. Now for breakfast, then I must go out for a ramble around the fields.

Have a good weekend. Toodle pip. ilona

For your diary.

The book of faces does has some uses, not many. Notification of future events pop up on my screen. Put this in your diary.

York Minster have a light show starting on the 12th February, and ending on 2nd March. It starts at 6pm and finishes at 9pm. (outside only) It is ten minutes on a loop, and it is FREE. 

You could go earlier and make a day of it. Visiting the Castle, Shambles, and other historic buildings. I shall be using the Park and Ride, a convenient way to get into the city centre without getting snarled up in traffic and searching for a car park. Free with my bus pass. 

How about it? 

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

I am a chatty shopper.

 My faith in human nature is being greatly diminished, going by the amount of insults thrown at me daily. There is an epidemic of cruel and nasty jibes spewing from people's mushed up brains.  

A successful shopping trip this afternoon. I got all I needed from three shops. Had a lovely chat in Home Bargains with a lady who has a big garden and was stocking up on bird seed. She loves watching the wildlife through her patio doors. I told her about the best food for hedgehogs and she said she would get some for when they come back in the spring. 

I had a laugh with the lady on the checkout at the charity shop. I picked up a heated hair curler and said it hasn't got a price on it, but it's £3. She scanned it and said, you are right, it is. 

I had a laugh with a shopper in Aldi. We chuckled at some of the crazy things on the centre aisle. A plastic cup like gadget for washing dogs paws. You put water in it and push a dirty paw down into it and the soft bristles scrub the muck off. I can't see a dog standing still and allowing you to do it four times. Unless it's a three legged dog of course, ha ha.  

The young lady on the till at Aldi was telling me about a new job she will be moving to on the first of February. A change of career for her. She will be working at a Day Centre for disabled people. She is looking forward to that. Good for her, for making the change.  

Now I need to put my shopping away. 

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.  

Sleep tight, don't let the bugs bite.

 It's like my body is on a timer. I take it to bed when I am tired, and six hours later it wakes up. I check the time with a torch, always wear a wrist watch, and decide whether I have to get up immediately, or if I can snooze for a bit longer. I don't like going from horizontal to vertical in an instance, so I grab the fourth pillow and prop myself up half sitting half lying. I would like one of those hospital beds where you can alter the elevation. But adding a fourth pillow does the same job. 

I sit/lie and ponder. What would be a good time to get up. Do I need to pee quickly, or can it wait. I make plans in my head for the days activities. Prioritise my tasks.  

I can tell when people are going to work because car headlights flash around my room when they pull out of the road opposite. I remember the times I had 4am starts, and had to get up at three. No more of that thank goodness. 

I never fully close my curtains, I like to catch a glimpse of the street light. As a child I was frightened of the dark. Mum always had to leave the landing light on and the bedroom door open, until I dropped off to sleep. These days I drop off almost immediately my head hits the pillow. I have some magazines to read by the bed, but I never make more than ten minutes before I am nodding off. 

My six hours of sleep often goes to seven and a half, or even eight, as I gather my thoughts. As we drift towards summer and the days become longer, I will adjust my sleep pattern to take advantage of extended daylight hours. Sun in the morning prompts me to get out of bed earlier. 

Ever since I had some of my innards removed (hysterectomy) 16 years ago, it has always felt uncomfortable to lie on my side. So now I always lie on my back the whole night through, with my hands resting on my thighs. I think that is because I was in a lot of pain after the op, and my belly was sore, and I didn't want anything weighty on top of me. 

This is the routine I have every night and it works for me. As I lay down on the pillows I tell my head to go to sleep, and I do. Occasionally I wake up for a pee during the night. I pick up the torch which is next to my pillow, and check the time, then go to the bathroom, and don't put the light on. Straight back to the bedroom and it's off to the land of nod again. Sleeping on one's own in a king size bed is bliss. 

I did a blog post in 2010 about how I make my nest. 

Here's a pic from 2014.Two duvets in the winter. 

Now for breakfast. Today is a shopping day. Need food for me, and some cat food. Aldi, Home Bargains, and The Range. 

Have a good day. Toodle pip.   ilona