Looking back.

 Good morning.

We have finally arrived at the last day of the year. It is customary to look back over the past twelve months and assess what needs to happen over the next year. I have gone through my desk calendar making notes of what I did in 2025. 

January.

The first two months were cold so I didn't stray too far from home. I had two visitors who dropped by for coffee and a stroll around the village. I have been following Dan and Steve's van life channel, 'Come along Dear'. They are now static for a while in a rental house, but I can see them getting back out on the road in the spring. 

February.

Visiting villages in North East Lincolnshire. Checking out the Old rectory at Claxby. 

March.

Hardsock Priory near Blyth had a Craft Fair. A lovely day out. 

Two days at Harrogate for the Fusion Art Fair, and a Tractor Rally. 

A visit to relatives in Nottingham.

Burton Waters Marina near Lincoln, Walk along the canal to the city centre.

April.

Chesterfield 1940's market. Overnight on the M1 services, and Crich Tramway Museum the next day.

Visit to Bransby Horses Rescue, and Torksey.

Bus to Hull and walk to the Docks.

Crafterama event at Lincoln Showground + plus two villages on the way back.

May.

More visits to Lincolnshire villages. 

A day out at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. 

A visit to Gainsborough.

June.

Visit an Art Event in Howden. Shire Hall Minster.

A Four day holiday in South Wales. 

The Summer Fair in our village. 

July.

Crafting Live event at Doncaster Racecourse.

Heckington Agricultural and village show. One for next year.

Sandtoft Trolley Bus Museum.

August.

Classic Car Show on the north bank of the Humber Bridge.

Custom Car Show at Waters Edge visitor centre at Barton.

Three days. Overnight on the M1 services, Reeth Show North Yorkshire.

September.

September. Art Fair at Doddington Hall near Lincoln. 

Wrawby Mill Open day near Brigg.

Three days away. Car camp at Skipton for the Yarndale Show. Skipton to Grassington walk.

October.

Crafterama event at Lincoln Showground.

Market Rasen, and check out the Old Rectory at Claxby.

Trolley Bus Open Day at Sandtoft. 

Matlock Bath Illuminations. 

November.

Big Craft Event at Lincoln Showground.

Harrogate for the day, the Knit and Stitch Show. 

December.

Christmas Market at the local Park.

Festive Makers Show at the Lincoln Showground.

Elsham Light Show near Brigg

Phew, can I relax now? Until it starts all over again next year. I've already got a date for January. The Quilt and Sewing Show at Newark Showground on the 16th and 17th. 

I have received this comment. 

I would like to nominate you for citizen of the year award for the valuable service you are providing the community, and a very happy new year to you and your little family

Marie Horsham Australia

Thank you for that. I don't expect thanks, I just do the jobs which I think need doing. I see that I have been doing rather a lot of litter picking over the years. I went into the archives of this blog and found this picture.

I received an award in 2010 from North Lincolnshire Council. My friends Julie and Frank came with me for the presentation. Free food was the motivation for this outing. You can read about it here. 

Now I must get some breakfast.

Thanks for popping in. Thanks to everyone who reads my blog and watches my videos. Now I look forward to a busy 2026. 

Toodle pip.   ilona

Too late.

 Good evening. 

There is a lot of news coming out about the two stuck boats in an empty canal. There were three but they have managed to rescue one from the ledge it was teetering over. 

From the aerial photographs, it looks like it's going to be a complicated and long job to get the other two out. There is no access from a road to the site. It makes me smile to read some of the comments of how this recue might happen. 

Of course, I am no engineer, but I have seen how some heavy load movements can be achieved. This will be complicated for sure, but the experts will have a plan. It is my guess that a new road will have to be built to allow cranes to get close enough. I have seen huge cranes capable of lifting 500 tonnes at work. It's fascinating how they can reach the site then work in the smallest of spaces. I wish I was near enough to go and watch it. I wish I had started lorry driving earlier, because I wanted to move onto crane driving. I enquired about a course for mobile cranes at a training centre at Bircham Newton. It was expensive and I left it too late. I am daydreaming again. 

Another litter pick done this afternoon. Filled my bag twice from the grass verges in and out of the village. Not that anyone will notice. The cars speed around chucking their fast food wrappers and empty cans out of the window. I've done my best. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

The boys.

Good morning from the pussies.

Morning routine. 

Mickey is pleased when I get up because he can now have the bed to himself.  

Oscar is waiting at the back door to come in for breakfast. He has his shelters in the garden. I put two bowls of food down for the boys, they tuck in. Then they go back to bed. Oscar has his bolthole in the spare bedroom. He is not going to pose for the camera.

 Mayze camps in the living room all day with me. It's 10.20 am and she hasn't woke up yet. Her food will be delivered to her as soon as she stirs. 

The heat is on and I am about to have my breakfast. Porridge with fruit today. 

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

Are you thinking about retirement

Good evening. 

I was asked about retirement. When is a good time to stop work. How much money do you need to save before you can retire. I don't know what the official retirement age is at the moment, the Government keep changing the goal posts. I can only share my thoughts and experiences on the subject. A short answer is, you decide when you are going to retire, don't wait for someone to give you permission. Get your finances in order, pay off your debts, credit cards and loans, then get a pension forecast to see how much you will be entitled to.  

For the third time this weekend I have been litter picking. It gets me out for a walk. My bag is full, I could have filled another one but it gets quite heavy with bottles and cans. I will have to go back another day.  

Another letter arrived today from tv licensing. It was addressed to The Present Owner. Because I have ignored the last two they sent, they might be wondering if the house has new owners. The tone of the letters become more threatening, they are desperate to grab as much money as they can. 

Please get in touch to avoid further action.

It is our duty to ensure that everyone who needs a licence has one, so we have started an investigation into your property. 

To stop the investigation please do one of the following. Bla bla bla. 

If we don't hear from you we will have to schedule a visit to your address. 

Once you have contacted us we will cancel the investigation.  

I am following the Black Belt Barrister on this subject because he is in exactly the same position as I am. Not had a tele for many years, always declared licence not needed, got fed up of this annual ritual. He is ready to sue them for harassment. 

Now I must clock out because Mayze wants a cuddle.

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

It's not rubbish. . . . . .

 Good morning. 

Now we enter the bit between Christmas and a New Year. In days long gone we used to go back to work while planning which party we were going to go to on the 31st. Now the whole two weeks is one long holiday. Some places are open, and some are closed. If you want to go anywhere first check if they are on an extended winter break. 

I am snooping around my electronic gadget which sits on my desktop, while drinking my first coffee. Faceboook throws up a load of tosh so I have mastered my superfast scrolling skills. I quickly discard most of it. Just occasionally something of interests flashes up on the screen. Why haven't I seen this lady before. 

Sarah Turner is an Eco Artist. Check out her web site.  She is based in the Midlands. Sadly all the arts and crafts exhibitions are over for this year, so I shall be checking out her diary of events for 2026. 

This is her blog entry from 2020. 

Once upon a time….

Hi I’m Sarah and I’m a rubbish designer. Or my more official title, an eco artist.  I take rubbish that people often throw away and ‘upcycle’ it into new shiny things. 

I’ve been making things ever since I can remember.  When I was little I always had a craft project on the go and my family would collect lots of rubbish for me.  Cereal boxes, yoghurt pots and newspapers were all kept for me to make my creations with.  I basically just never grew out of this and I went to uni to study design.  It was whilst I was there I worked part time at a coffee shop.  I saw that oodles of plastic bottles were thrown away, there weren’t recycle bins back then so they went straight to landfill unfortunately.  I decided to collect them and try to make something instead.

So that was a good find. An inspiring lady for those who have artistic interests. Maybe I'll catch up with her at a forthcoming event. 

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

I make no apologies. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . Pure indulgence. Because I can. 

MASSIVE load, 485 ton on 30 axles!!! Negotiates SMALL roundabout!!! 'COLLETTS Haulage.7/12/ 2025

Collettt heavy transport had the job of moving another heavy electric transformer from Stafford to Ellesmere Port over 3 days. Seen here negotiating a junction and 'smallish' roundabout at Davenham (Northwich, Cheshire) on Sunday 7th December 2025

Watch how the one pushing becomes the one pulling. 

A trucking masterclass. 

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

Chuckle

Good evening. 

I just pissed off the nasty troll. 😻😺😹😸😽

Things can only get better. 

Toodle pip.   ilona

The real Christmas message.

From Rupert. Not that other bloke. 

Catch ya later.    ilona

Just stop using it!

Good morning.

I did an early walk around the village this morning. Best start the day with good intentions.

I've been collecting articles, videos, and news reports, and saving them in my drafts folder. It's bulging, so I will use them as space fillers as and when required. Those readers who are not interested are granted permission to bypass my blog and go elsewhere.

This video is from Richard Vobes. He makes some valid points outlining the dangers of being taken in by AI.

Its every where and it is dumbing you down. AI is the most dangerous thing and yet people are flooding to use it.

I am seeing lots of silly videos popping up on faceboook, with this declaration.

(For entertainment purposes only. Consult professionals if guidance on activities is presented. No brand affiliation is implied if any are shown. If inspired by true events, creative adaptations may be included. Content may include public footage.)

Four examples.

Heartwarming Baby and Kitten Play

A baby and kitten's laughter-filled playtime! Generated using Kling AI

Baby and Cat: A Standoff of Cuteness

A baby and a cat share a moment of pure innocence and curiosity. Generated using Kling AI…

Cat's Breakfast Demand

A cat hilariously wakes its owner for breakfast. Must watch! Generated using Kling AI

See how a beaver snatches a fish from a fisherman! Generated using Kling AI

Richard is right. Ai is taking over, and the sad part is that people are taken in by the deceit. All part of the plan to control every aspect of our lives.

Thanks for popping in. Catch ya later. Toodle pip. ilona

The day after Christmas Day. . . . . .

. . . . . . is Boxing Day, and today I opened my presents. Here is a ten minute video. 

While that was uploading, and after lunch, I took Billy for a walk. He was keen to go as usual. This is the view I normally get of him while I am being dragged around the village. It's too late to try and train him to walk to heel. He is about ten years old. Carol got him from a rescue. She used to walk him a few years ago when she was more nimble on her feet. I used to chat with her when I was walking other people's dogs. Then I didn't see her for a while so I called in to ask her if she was ok. She said she was having problems with her balance and couldn't hold onto him. I said I would walk him, that was about three years ago. 

I walk him every third day, sometimes more often if I have time. He has a large garden to run around in, so doesn't need a daily walk. Trying to get him to turn around and look at the camera is hopeless. He glances sideways at me and says, 'what are we hanging around here for', while I take my gloves off and fumble around in my pocket for the camera. Ok Billy, let's go. He is such a sweetheart.

Dinner tonight was straight out of the fridge. Can't be bothered to cook. Peanut butter sandwich, raw button mushrooms, tasty cheese, crackers, garlic dip, pasta salad, and beetroot. 

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

A christmas message. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . from three wise men. 

Spend time looking after your health. Or don't spend time looking after your health. 

Catch ya later. ilona

Christmas at home with my fur babies.

Hello. 

I hope everyone has had a very Merry Christmas. I was invited to a friends house this morning for drinkies. Not far to walk but boy was it freezing cold. 

Lunch today was a mushroom and noodle stir fry. Tonight I did steamed vegetables with pasta. I don't make gravy, I love this onion and garlic dip. Such a big portion, I couldn't eat it all, I will finish it tomorrow. 

I am playing around with the new mandala. Trying to work out what to add to it. These flowery shapes look colourful but it is going to be difficult to hide the stitching. Maybe not. 

I've got a lot of these small black and gold flower shapes, maybe I will use them. Or, I have a lot of silver hearts, but I already have hearts in the centre circle. I wrapped these black rubber rings in green thread, but I didn't have enough thread of the same shade to do all of them. Also they look a bit messy with some of the black rubber showing. Wrapping thread around rubber doesn't work, it doesn't slide along and tighten up the loops. I think I will unwrap those I have done and think of another idea. 

Cheers, I'm having a glass of cider. Now going to watch Heidi's video, on her narrowboat. 

See ya soon. Toodle pip.   ilona
 

Elsham illuminations, 2nd video

Good evening. 

What an amazing show this was. So glad I took the chance to go. I don't book in advance, I just turn up and hope for the best. Apparently the web site is saying all tickets sold out. I remember the light shows I went to at a church in York, and another one at Lincoln Cathedral. I ring and ask if I can pay cash on the door. Sure no problem were the replies. If they want the business they will make allowances. Turning money down is silly. Be cheeky and ask if you can pay on the door. Tis the last day tomorrow for this but check out the web site to look for other events throughout the coming year. Yes they will say online booking only, but bypass the ticket agency, contact the organisers direct.   

Take a little stroll with me. 

Today I went to the Post Office to make the last payment of my Council Tax. That's all done and dusted for this year. Now I have three months off until we start again in April. Of course most people will not even notice the gap unless they religiously check their bank statements. A letter will arrive in the post telling me how much I have to pay in 2026. They will try and push me into taking out a direct debit, and I will ignore that. Just carry on as I am, using cash for almost everything. 

I went into the little Tesco to purchase three chocolate bars, for the three small children up the street. Their dad is a builder and he fixed my blocked downpipe. Hopefully that will stop the rain water spilling out from the gutter. He wouldn't take a payment from me because he said it was only a ten minute job. I wrapped the chocolate bars so they each have one to open. They will find a little surprise inside. 😍😎😝 

I had to wait until an assistant came to the checkouts to serve me. People were using the scan yourself self serve, but I won't do that. I prefer a human. She was very nice. She said her husband refuses to use the self scan as well. I said good man, tell him to stick with it. 

The Humber Bridge Board is planning to do away with toll booths completely in February. They post on Faceboook warning of these changes. I have to say my piece. I don't know how it will work for those not connected to the internet, those who don't have smartphones, those who don't do internet banking. They say they will have paypoints for those who want to pay with a card or cash, but where will they be? Just another way to restrict our movements and control our freedom. 

Anyway, I will try not to moan over the Christmas period, but I can't promise. I may open up the comments, but I can't promise that either. It is so nice not to be bombarded by stupid comments. There is a lot to be said for going it alone and enjoying your own space. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona 

Llangollen Canal breached

Good morning.

I interrupt Elsham lights to post about this tragedy that has just happened on the Llangollen Canal. I follow several narrowboaters on yoootooob. Thanks to Heidi for sharing this video from Paul of Narrowboat Life Unlocked. 

So very sad that three boats went down into the hole when the canal was breached. It happened just after 4am. Thankfully no one was injured and they managed to get off. It is estimated that this is going to take six months to put things right and the canal restored. 

Catch ya later. 

Toodle pip.   ilona

Magical Fairyland at Elsham Hall.

Follow me. I will take you to the Enchanted Forest at Elsham Hall. As you walk through the courtyard and step through the gate you are greeted by a beautiful magical fairyland. Where to look first, I was in awe. 

The path is well mapped out with fairylights on the ground. It's a one way system so people don't get in each others way. I was there early. At 5pm when it opened a few people had arrived. Later on the car park filled to overflowing. I walked around once and took the photo's, then walked round a second time to record two videos. You could walk around as many times as you like between 5pm and 9pm when it closed. Twice was enough for me, I had the pictures I wanted. 

There were staff and volunteers dotted around to make sure people didn't stray from the route. They were there to help if anyone needed assistance. 

A lot of thought must have gone into this. Someone with an artistic talent had to work out the best colour combinations when planning where to place the lights. Who would have thought, a blue tree with splash of orange up through the centre of it. 

Follow me around. The first ten minutes. I also recorded a short 6 minute video which I will put up tomorrow, along with more photographs. 

Only two more days left of this show, 23rd and 24th. I am sure they will be bringing it back next year. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Elsham Illuminations.

Good evening.

A quick in and out tonight. I've been to Elsham Hall to see the light show. It was stunning. Taken lots of photo's and made two videos. I will get them edited and uploaded in the next couple of days. 

If anyone is within travelling distance of this, it's not far from Brigg North Lincolnshire, get yourself there. The last day is Christmas Eve on the 24th. Here are the details. I didn't book in advance. I went early, it opens at 5pm, and paid cash to get in. I walked around the park twice, and when I left it was very busy and the car park was full. 

Now Mayze wants a cuddle. 

Catch ya tomorrow. Toodle pip.   ilona

Keeping you in the dark.

Good evening. 

Here is a short video I knocked up last night. It is a bit blurry because the camera doesn't focus well in the dark. 

Fun in the village tonight. The local tractor enthusiasts were out in force. They did a tour of the surrounding villages, collecting money for charity. The pub car park was full and some of them spilled over onto the village green. 

I didn't make a video because I did one last year. If you want to watch it, it is on this post from 22nd December 2024. 
Now it's time to relax. Have a good weekend. Toodle pip.   ilona

Responsibility

 Good morning.

Amazing man. Check out his web site. 

Read about him on Contemporary Thinkers. 

Try this interview on his early life, on Uncommon Knowledge. 

You can't do anything about how people behave, what they say and what they do. They have to walk their own path. If their life is on a different track to your own you wave them goodbye. I have spent most of my life not fitting in, it works for me. 

Have a good weekend. Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

The future

Good evening. 

The sunny start to the day prompted me to go to town on the bus, and walk back home. This time I didn't miss it. 

I pass this building. A few weeks ago I stopped to chat with the security guard who was parked at the entrance. I think I might have mentioned that. She was called Helen and she told me about the campervan which she built herself, and lives in it with her dog. Today there was a man there so I asked him if he knew Helen. He said she is working up north at the moment. I also asked him about the building, because I am nosey. It has a strange story behind it. It was a private hospital but was closed down because it was not fit for purpose. Here is the story from the BBC.  Sounds well dodgy to me. It is now up for sale again. 

A private surgery has been rated as inadequate after needles were seen sticking out of overflowing bins with patients put at "risk of harm".

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said it had "serious concerns" about privately owned Meridian House in Scunthorpe. It said the lack of sufficient equipment, deep cleaning and general infection prevention measures were "reoccurring" breaches.

"The service put users at the risk of harm because staff did not always have equipment they need to deliver safe care."

A new building site emerged here a few weeks ago. They moved in lots of equipment. I seem to remember there was some talk about plans for a solar farm being passed. Looks like they have made a start on it. I think we will be seeing these installations cropping up everywhere. As far as I know this plot of land has never been used for farming, so that's one consolation. 

These look like the panels still in their packaging. 

Here's a link to the company web site if you are interested. I don't understand any of it, but I suppose we have to get used to seeing these awful blots on the landscape as we try and enjoy the countryside. 

Six years in the planning. 

Conesby receives planning permission

INRG have received planning for a 50MW Solar and battery farm in North Lincolnshire. Conesby will be the first of INRG’s new rollout of large scale UK energy infrastructure projects.

By INRG|February 27th, 2019

LITTLE CROW SOLAR PARK

INRG is in the early stages of developing a 120mw park near Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire, local consultation is due to start early in 2018. The pioneering scheme would be the UK’s first large scale subsidy free solar park and will include 50MW of battery storage. On completion little crow solar park would generate enough clean electricity to power more than half the homes in North Lincolnshire. The first phase of public consultation starts on 16th, 17th and 18th of January, details as follows.

16th January – Appleby village hall, School lane, Scunthorpe, DN15 OAS

17th January – Scunthorpe civic centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1AB

18th January – Broughton village hall, 59 High Street, Broughton, North Lincolnshire, DN20 OJX

They are pressing ahead with their net zero sustainable energy plan, and there's not a lot we can do about it. 

I think what annoys me about all these mega amounts of money, which often comes from taxes, being gambled and squandered on hairbrained ideas which are unlikely to ever be in the best interests of the ordinary man and woman who are trying to get by on their inadequate wages. The NHS is in dire straights, and what happens when the battery and solar farms come to the end of their useful life. 

Have a good weekend. Toodle pip.   ilona