Bloody beautiful

Beautiful flowers for the weekend.

As I was rummaging about in a hedge bottom for bottles and cans at the picnic area car park, I looked up. What is this vision of loveliness I see before me. 

This litter picking lark has it's perks.  

I have a plan for today. I will post about it later. 

Enjoy your weekend. Toodle pip.   ilona

Waking up

I was awake at 4.30am this morning. Stumble to the bathroom half asleep. There is a warm orange glow coming through the window. Oh WOW, I know what that is, I need to get the camera. I took ten photo's, here are the best of them. 

Zoom in a bit closer. Tweak the contrast and saturation. Fabulous. 

The previous owners put the right glass in this window. 

The view from the window at the top of the stairs. The world is waking up. Here it comes. Are you ready. 

Then back to bed for a couple of hours. 

Glorious start to the day.

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

Boy Bands rule, ok.

Happy Wednesday.

I am starting my day with Collabro. This video is 12 years old, and brings a smile to my face every time I play it. 

The sun is shining. Have a good day. Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

EDIT. 

And here they are  singing the same song at Carlisle Cathedral in February 2026. Big difference in their appearance, but still got that amazing talent. 

Churches Festival

 Good morning.

Yesterday was a day of contemplation. I went out, and talked to people, and I stood on the sidelines and observed. I can easily retreat into my own little world when I need to. 

First I drove to Belton and visited All Saints Church. Then I went to Epworth to take a look at St Andrews Church. This weekend is the West Lindsey Churches Festival. There is a brochure listing all the churches which are open to visitors. I look a few photo's.

All Saints Church at Belton. 

View from the back of the church. Dead trees and dead people. There is a slight hope that the trees will recover and regrow. The people have already left the scene and gone to another place. 

A lot of the grass has been left to do it's own thing. It swallows the gravestones. I like to see this natural look in a graveyard. 

A memorial garden has been laid for those who wish to deposit the ashes of a loved one. 

Inside the church is this simple tapestry. 

There was an event on at the Pavilion so I took a short walk along a path to go and have a look. Amazingly I was spotted by two ladies walking towards their car. One of them is a subscriber to my channel and watches my videos. How cool is that. 

Families enjoying the afternoon out. I chatted with the ladies from the Cat Rescue charity and bought some home made gifts. 

Then I went to Epworth. There are two churches there. This the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church. Sadly I didn't have time to go inside. The gardens are lovely and there is plenty of seating. It was starting to cloud over and became quite cold, so best to move on. 

Time was getting on and they close at 4pm, and I wanted to see St Andrews. 

There are more photo's of St Andrews and a video, so I will put them on the next post. 

Thank you very much for the Birthday wishes. I have to say that being 77 doesn't feel any different from 76. Onwards and upwards. Our time is limited on this earth. I live with an attitude of gratitude. 

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

PARTY DAY TODAY

Good morning. The sun is shining and I am happy. 

853 views 16 May 2019

This is a spacial Birthday request for Meanqueen Superscrimper Ilona for today 16th May 2019. HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me Terry Miles xx

Seven years later. I still watch Terry and his amazing keyboard skills. 

If you are wondering how old I am today, here is a clue. 

Every day is a bonus. So grateful to be alive. So grateful to be me me me.  

Lots of love. 💖🙋😍🎂Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona. 

The Countryside Show

We were blessed with good weather today. Crowds flocked to Lincolnshire Showground for the Countryside Show. I had a great day out.

There is plenty of free parking, the field was filling up fast when I got there. I was lucky. There were long queues to enter the Showground at the prepaid tickets gate. Everyone held their mobile phones in their hand waiting to be scanned. You can see them queuing the other side of the fence. I avoided the queues by walking straight in through the pay on the day gate. Handed over £15, senior citizens rates, and given a programme. 

There was a massive combine harvester. Much bigger than the one I had a go on almost two years ago.

As usual I took photos. I'll post some tomorrow. 

Now to bed. 

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

My song. . . . . . . . . .

just for today. 🙋🎂🍷🍦😻

Volume up. Full screen. 

Happy Friday. Have a good day. Toodle pip.   ilona

Love Celine

Beautiful, emotional, gorgeous, classy lady. 

The video I posted has been taken down. 

But I think most of you have probably seen it anyway.

I haven't got time to find another one. 

Go to yoootooob to find it.

Thank you Celine.

Enjoy your weekend. 

See ya later. ilona

Light up the town.

We have some pretty lights in Church Square. The area has been redesigned with a new layout. A nice place to sit, and meet friends. 

One day, perhaps in the middle of summer, our fountains might explode and grow to great heights, when they ramp up the pressure. Just like Bradford. Can't wait. 😎😍😜

Have a great weekend. Toodle pip.   ilona

Wicked Little Letters

I finally made time to go to the Vue Cinema in town yesterday. It was super windy so that curbed any garden activity. I needed to get out of the house. It started at 5.45pm, well the actual film didn't start then, you have to sit through the adverts, and trailers for what will be shown in the future. There was nothing in the list to take my fancy so I doubt my cinema trips will become a habit. 

On paying for my ticket I perused briefly the selection of chocolate on offer. Errr, £4 for a bag of Maltesers, I don't think so. I had a few sweeties in my pocket, that will do. 

I found the screen and found a seat to my liking. No one else there. I wondered if they show a film for only one person. After rushing in at the last minute I expected to see some activity on the screen. I sat and waited, perhaps they allow a few extra minutes for those who are late. Two people came in and sat somewhere behind me. The lights were lowered and the place burst into life. 

I really enjoyed the film. It's supposed to be a comedy. I was drawn into the web of mystery by the storyline. Apparently it's based on a true story. I was soon playing detective trying to work out 'who dunnit'. Picking up a few clues here and there, by watching the facial expressions. 

Just a note here. If you are planning to see the film don't goooogle the title first, it will spoil your trip. 

The acting is superb. With me not being a film buff I cannot compare it to any other works that the actors have been seen in. This has prompted me to goooogle a few names. 

Here is a yooootooob video of Olivia Coleman as Queen Elizabeth 11. 

I got a right soaking as I walked back to my car. The heavens opened. I wondered should I bother going to Aldi or go straight home. There were only a few cars in the car park, so best to get the shopping now. I dripped my way around the shop and came out almost sixty quid lighter. This morning it was nice to see a full fridge once more. 

The weather is still hit and miss, so I will decide what to do next as the day goes on. 

Toodle Pip.   ilona

One Life

I went to see this film yesterday. I had read reports of it but didn't rush there. I prefer to wait until most people had seen it, then I can sit in an almost empty cinema. I smile when the lad at the pay desk asks me which seat I would like. I say any, not too close to other people. I like space, not crowds. He said I am the same. I ignored the seat number on the ticket and sat where I thought was the best place for me. I paid £9, which was £3 more than if I had booked online. I am happy with that. No one needs to know that I am going to the cinema. 

I watched the adverts, and the trailers for future films, and spotted one which I might look out for. I took my own chocolate and drink. 

My verdict on the film, excellent acting. I love Anthony Hopkins, he can do no wrong in my eyes. I love the way it flowed seamlessly from the young Winton to the present day Winton. It held my attention throughout. There were several instances where tears were shed, dab nose and eyes with a tissue. The story is an inspiration to those can see an injustice happening and decide to do something about it. 

We are near the end of the month. There will be a post for the walkers to check in with their miles, on the 1st of February. Four more days left, will you make the 84 mile target? 

Tatty byes for now. Have a great Sunday.  Toodle pip.   ilona   

Impressive

Excuse me while I indulge in my passion. Something to watch while I eat breakfast. I don't very often watch trucking videos, but I came across Scott and his are exceptionally good. His shots from different angles as he goes about his daily workload, give impressive views of his skillful driving. Top notch editing. Brings back memories of my time with Leicester Heavy Haulage doing similar work. Get yourself a coffee and enjoy.

Scott talks about giving up his regular job and finding his own work as a self employed freelance driver, which is exactly what I did. I found a lot of work with owner drivers doing holiday relief. 

Catch ya later. 10 10 till we meet again.   ilona 

The sun goes down on another day.

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

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

A few minutes later and this will be gone. 

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

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

The morning after

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

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

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

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

First night out for ages.

 Yesterday was a haircut for me, then a dog walk, then a bath. Leaving it till the last minute to get ready for the 'do' at the Arts Centre. What to wear, just grab anything out of the wardrobe. Angela came with me. Her getting ready routine is much the same as mine. She came out of the garden 20 minutes before I was due to pick her up. Even so, she managed to put her lippy on and paint her nails at the front door.  

On arrival we were greeted by a table laid out with drinks and nibbles. There were three types of vegan snacks. Two of them were little envelope type parcels stuffed with something or other. I am not familiar with this type of food. One of them set fire to my mouth, a samosa I think they call it. I only ate half of it and asked for a glass of orange juice to cool down my burning tongue. I won't be having that again. There was a plate of what looked like testicles. Little balls of something beetroot coloured. They were very nice. We juggled food in one hand and drink in the other and made our way to the main hall. 

Dominic the boss introducing the sponsors and handing over to one of the judges to announce the winners. No prize for me, booohooo. 

The prize winners gather for a group photo. I tried to get the photographers interested in taking my photo, but they weren't having any of it. 

The exhibition finishes soon and I have to collect my pictures next week. 

I called in at Aldi on the way home. My fridge is now stocked up. I noticed that the shelves were looking a bit bare in places, but I suppose that is to be expected, Friday is usually a busy shopping day. I was going to get some extra virgin olive oil but there was none. It seems that it comes from Russia, and they are a bit busy at the moment. The fruit and veg department was looking a bit bare. There was enough for what I wanted, and Billy's mum had already paid me with a bag of veg anyway. I have enough. 

Not quite so warm today. I have a couple of ideas of what I want to do, so I'll see how the weather pans out by lunchtime. 

Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon. Have a good weekend. 

Toodle pip.   ilona

I think summer is here.

It's been a glorious sunny day today. I went out in the garden to do a bit of tidying. It all looks a bit scruffy with some of the plants needing the dead bits cut off. It was warm enough to sit outside with a cuppa. 

I did a three mile village walk after that. and now I am going to have a bath before my dinner. I just took this snap of the sunset. View from my window. Apologies for the telephone wire. 

We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.  ilona

He would have been proud.

Freddie left a legacy of fantastic music. He lives on in people's hearts. Here are four covers. All very good, the last one brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure he would have been proud.   

Thank you Freddie.    ilona

Stunning sunrise

 There was an amazing sunrise this morning, did you see it? View from my window at 4.15am. 

Back to bed for another hour. Have a nice day. Catch ya later. 

Toodle pip.   ilona

Happy Mayday

 Good morning. The sun is back, that's a relief. I had a little potter in the garden yesterday in between showers, that was all. No walking. I did some washing which had to be brought in and draped over a drying rack. I shall hang them outside again today. There is a heavy knitted hoodie/long jacket which my friend gave me. I want to add some colour to it with some patchwork trimmings, or maybe some embroidery, haven't decided which.

I found some more rope, it's white and clean, so I am making another bowl. I fancied making a lined tote bag so I cut out the fabric last night, maybe I'll sew it together today. I found a pattern on yoootooob which looked pretty simple to follow. I don't normally follow patterns, but in this instance I can't be arsed to make one up myself. Brain fog. 

If the weather stays dry I will be off out for a walk this afternoon. I finished April on 348 miles, so I am ahead of target. How have you done? How is your walking going? This is where members of the International Walking Group check in so we can cheer each other on. 

Pics from the archives. I know, it's not autumn but I like these. Local park. 

It's a Bank Holiday weekend, enjoy. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona