Cats - garden - nature - friends

Good morning, again, ha ha. This hedgehog arrived a bit early last night, at 8pm. It was slightly smaller than the big fat ones I get, so I suppose it must be a teenager. It didn't seem to bother when I walked about in the garden filling up the water bowls, it carried on munching. He looked healthy enough, even though they are not supposed to appear in daylight. Later on there were more comings and goings as the whole family came for their supper. 

Breakfast this morning, porridge, my special mix of seeds and nuts, with fresh strawberries. blueberries, and grapes. 

This is Mayze pictured yesterday outside the back door. Empty saucer she has eaten her breakfast. The same this morning. Happy to report that she is eating and pooing normally. 

When it gets too warm she finds shade. 

My friends at the Crafty Club had a meal out at a Garden Centre after the Monday morning meeting in the Village Hall. I didn't go. It's not my thing to sit around a long table in a busy restaurant waiting for my food to be delivered. Besides I had something else to do, a visit to the Scrapstore with Angela. As we went over the Humber Bridge I noted that the car park was jampacked full. Apparently it was very hot in the conservatory where they ate their meal. I think I made a wise choice. The lunch out was a treat to use up some of the money accumulated in the kitty. As I didn't go, they brought me back this lovely flower arrangement. That is very kind, a nice surprise. 

The sun is shining , looks like it is going to be another hot day. I won't be going far, it's a pleasure to be in and around the garden. I have some ice cream in the fridge. 

I woke up with an idea in my head for a new project using the masks from the Scrapstore. I am keen to get on with that. I can see it in my mind of how it should look. A statement picture. 

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

A post just for Cro.

Dan and Steve live in their van. They have just posted this video on their yoootooob channel. Cro might like to watch it. He may just recognise some of the streets and bars, and may even recognise his own home. It's a lot of fun, they are a comedy duo who bounce off each other. I had the pleasure of their company a couple of months ago when they visited my village. They have part time jobs which enables them to fill in the non working days by making videos. If you watch it on yootooob you cab click the like button and leave a comment. 

A note for Cro. I love your post yesterday singing your praises for your community. Your last two sentences say it all. I think you have decided that Brighton is the place you would rather be. 

Talking of Brighton has reminded me of another blogger who we have not heard from for some time. I hope Briony is alright. Is she still doing crochet? Anyone heard anything? 

I am enjoying my garden at the moment. Cats and birds, big birds, little birds, ducks and hedgehogs, and the cats. I might wander off to the park later but won't be going any further on this Bank Holiday weekend. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Two legs safer than two wheels.

Good evening. Up until yesterday I had received four birthday cards. That all changed today. The ladies at the Crafty Club bumped that number up to ten. And look at the presents they gave me. A bottle of wine, and a few miniature boozy bottles to sample there. I am blessed with some very nice friends. 

This afternoon I was going to go for a walk. I did half an hour in the garden, but it was too hot for a walk. So I got the bike out instead and had a whizz round the village. I thought I might do some more biking, but to be honest I have lost my confidence wobbling around on two wheels. Even with a soft saddle it makes my bum sore. I wobble when starting and stopping, and my knees ache going uphill. Trying to dodge thousands of pot holes plays havoc with the concentration, and some car drivers do not allow for the wobble when overtaking. Tomorrow the bike goes. I'll stick to two legs, much safer. I am going to donate it to a charity which passes them on to people who need a bike but cannot afford to buy one. 

That's all for now. One last post with pics from the Sculpture Park coming soon. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM TERRY MILES

 Today had a day out at The Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It was lovely, sunny with lots of walking. It's a very big park. I have been before. I have photo's and a video to post here. When I got home there was a delivery waiting for me. A box of fresh flowers from my friend Nikki. Now I am eating cake, a present from Janet, and drinking cider, a present from Jenny. I have had four cards, from four lovely friends. I am happy. 

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

Inspiring lady

 Good morning. First coffee drunk. Birds and ducks have been fed. Cats been fed. Mayze snoring her head off by my side as I type. Looking good outside. The garden is taking up more of my time. I want to keep on top of the work, keeping things tidy and not let it get out of hand. I was out trimming bushes until 9pm last night. 

Anyone watching Brenda from the Boro? She hasn't posted for a long time and I was worried that she might have stopped. Nope, she has not and is back with a new post. 

Brenda is my inspiration. When the going gets tough, she carries on. I have happy memories of Brenda when she invited me into her home in 2013, when I was on a long walk. 

She called into my house another time when she was on her way down south. Brought me some crafting supplies as I remember. 

Then a surprise in 2021 when I was in The Outer Hebrides. I was at a campsite and Brenda was there on her bike with her hubby. Amazing coincidence. 

Brenda is a survivor. So what has she been doing these last couple of months? Getting on her bike of course. Check out her blog to see where she has been. 

Now to enjoy this sunny day. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Safety first

Good evening. This is a video that I recorded this morning, asking the question, when will we all be safe? 

This is the tweet that Mr Starmer put out tonight. He attended a street party at number 10. Watch the video. 

Keir Starmer

@Keir_Starmer

·

11m

It was really special to welcome heroes of 1945 and military families to Downing Street today — together we celebrated a Britain that is free and secure, as they did eighty years ago.

Here is another promise.

Keir Starmer

@Keir_Starmer

·

11h

We owe a debt of gratitude to those prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. That's why we are giving veterans better access to housing, employment, health and welfare support. As we celebrate VE Day, we honour all those who have served in our armed forces.

Keir Starmer reposted

Home Office

@ukhomeoffice

A series of arrests made yesterday, as part of

@TerrorismPolice

operations, marked some of the largest counter state threat and counter terrorism actions seen in recent times. Watch Home Secretary

@YvetteCooperMP

's message.

So who did they arrest, and why did they let them into the country in the first place? And will they be sending them back home?

In other news. . . . .This morning I went to Crafty Club. Only two people missing, so it was business as normal for this Bank Holiday. Someone made a cake which was very nice. Some members left at 12 noon, some of us stayed a bit longer. We had a serious chat about important things, it was very civilised. No one bickering, each of us listened to what the others had to say about it.

After that I called in to see Angela. A quick half hour chat because she was going out. As I walked through the pub car park I found a gathering of vintage tractors, the owners were enjoying a pint. Someone called my name. It was John who used to work on the security gate at my last job, B & Q Warehouse. Amazing chance meeting him. It is 16 years since I last saw him. He was always a jolly chap, always cracking jokes. He is now retired himself and tells me how busy he is. His tractor is lovely.

After a late lunch I took Billy dog a walk. I was surprised at how cold it was. Back in winter clothes again. Now it's time to put the hedgehog food out so I'll cut you loose.

Toodle pip. ilona