A good day

Good morning. The view from my window this morning. I get the feeling it's going to be a good day. There is a Christmas Market locally today, within walking distance, mostly outdoors, and the Hall will be open to view the decorations. All free. Yipeeee.

No time to waste, wash hair, get breakfast, and go. Catch ya later.   ilona

A corner of North Lincolnshire.

Yesterday I left my car in Winteringham Village opposite the butchers shop. A wide road with no parking restrictions. Down the road towards the River Humber is Winteringham Haven. The weather was a bit overcast with patches of blue coming through. It wasn't too cold. 

There is quite a substantial boatyard here with a club house. 

And if I zoom in I can just make out the Humber Bridge in the distance. 

The site is for members only so I couldn't get a closer look. 

I took the path along the river bank. Three miles to Whitton, that is going to be doable in the time I have got. There are no views of the river along this stretch as the reed beds block the view and it is not possible to get down to the waters edge. 

Canada Geese all chattering away as they landed for a break from flying. 

The Church in Whitton looks a solid building.

The door was locked. 

A little bit of road walking as I came out of Whitton, then a left turn down a track. I see by the marks on the map that I have been this way before, but it was quite a few years ago. At one point I didn't seem to be going in the right direction. I came to a junction and decided to follow the arrow on a post, and walk where others had walked before me. I followed the boot prints in the mud. Luckily that was the right thing to do as in the distance I could see the church that I was heading for. I made it back to the car at 4.20pm, just as it was getting dark. 

Check out this short video I made. 

Winteringham has a famous posh hotel and restaurant. It has won awards for it's food, and is visited by wealthy and famous people. Have a look at their web site. 

That's it for now. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.   ilona

It crossed my mind.

 I did a six mile walk today, drove half an hour to get to the start of it. I really enjoyed it. Not too cold, and not raining. It took me two hours. I will put some pictures up tomorrow.

Tonight I have been on the Trans Siberian Railway. The scenery is magnificent. Everyone was happy to be on the holiday. Plenty of eating, drinking, and sightseeing. It made me sad to think that travelling for ordinary people is coming to an end now. Only people with a lot of money can afford to charter private travel, trains and planes. The cost of  testing and quarantining is going to be beyond what ordinary working people an afford. 

Another thing crossed my mind. There is so much space in Russia, why can't the people who are having to leave their country go there. Russia could accommodate many more people. I know someone who sold up here and went to live there. He bought a house, said it was an OK place to live. It was a few years ago, not sure if he is still there. 

My next train journey was in the cab going through Switzerland. Two hours through deep snow. Beautiful scenery there. It made me think that there are so many places in the world to see. I let my passport go a few years ago, I couldn't see me flying anywhere again. An overland trip across Europe would be nice, but with all the hoops to jump through it's never going to happen. Feeling a bit sad about that. I shall make the most of my time on this island as interesting as I can, with the scenery we have here. 

Got to go, another train to catch. Toodle Pip. ilona

New artwork and a coffee chat

Here are a few photo's of my new artwork. This is how it started out. A piece of fabric which fits perfectly on a 12 inch canvas. The canvas is second hand from a car boot sale. I did a collage on it but didn't like that.

And this is how it ended up. There was no plan, I just kept adding bits and bobs to it. 

The small flower sequins were from WH Smith, they have a reduced section of stuff they want to get rid of. 

 

The flower petals in the centre is an artificial flower which had been in the garden for almost a year. The red colour had faded so I painted it purple. After it was stitched on I decided that it needs some sparkle, so I painted it with red glitter glue. 

The centre is a broken brooch. The lace and red beads I have had for years. 

The silver chain is covered elastic. I inherited it from a friends house clearance. 

I laced the finished fabric at the back to pull it tight over the canvas. Then covered the back with a piece of plain cotton fabric. I like a tidy back. 

And here is a coffee chat video in which I show it. 

Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip    ilona

A slight adjustment.

I said to my friend, back in August 2016, let me know when you have finished with that jacket, I would like it. So she gave it to me. 

I haven't worn it very often since then because I have other jackets, but it is coming in very useful in the high winds we are having at the moment. The only trouble is the furry hood is loose fitting and is either hanging down at the front over my eyes, or the wind is blowing into my face and pushing it backwards. 

I gave the fur a haircut at the front and that has helped a bit. I have tried fastening the buttons and press studs right to the top, but it is too tight and half strangles me, and the hood is still loose. There must be an alteration I can do. 

A strip of fabric and make two ties. Sew them onto the hood through buttons. 

That's better. Now it fits snugly around my head. 

Ready to do battle with the Arctic winds. Catch ya tomorrow.  ilona

Easy shopping

It's nice to come downstairs in the morning and find the fridge is full of my essentials. It is comforting to know that I have a choice rather than scanning an empty fridge and thinking what the heck do I eat. 

The cupboard is rather full. I have more than I need at this moment in time, but at least I am prepared if fresh produce and dairy becomes scarce. Plenty of tins, packets, nuts and seeds.  

It is three weeks since I last went to Aldi. This shopping routine suits me fine. I no longer pop to the shops for this and that if I have forgotten anything. There was one other person in the store last night, and a couple of staff members tidying up. £65 spent in one fell swoop, and that included cat food as well. £40 spent at the Filling Station to top the car up with petrol.

The closer to Christmas it gets the shops get busier. I have always avoided that mad shopping frenzy anyway, ever since I gave up Christmas a few years ago. 

I've finished the latest picture so I'll post that up soon. I see that the 20 21 Arts Centre in town have an Open Exhibition coming up in the new year and they are inviting artists to submit work for the selection process. Three pieces can be submitted. I have three in mind for that, it would be nice if they chose one of mine. 

The weather is still very dull here, I long for the spring. We can but make the most of the time we have, no matter what is going on outside. 

Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.   ilona

Stealth car camping is fun

Hello. This car camping guy makes me laugh, he is so likeable. I think his name is Adam. He lives in Leicester and takes off into the countryside when he needs a break from work. Have a butchers at this one for light hearted entertainment. 

In his latest video the battery went flat in his hand held device which meant he couldn't access the map of a trail he was walking on. Then of course the signal can also be lost in a hilly area. He had to double back and go straight back to his car because there wasn't much daylight left. He uses an app to find locations for wild camping, places which have some interesting walks nearby. 

I put a comment on to suggest he buys paper maps as a back up. Admitted they are a bit expensive but you can use them over and over again. I have got plenty of use out of my OS maps. Good walking around the Settle area. I love it there. 

I've done lots of exploring around Malham. 

Some wild campers like to find their overnight spot before they set out, so the App is good for that. Others drive to an area they want to explore then look for a layby. A map is all you need for that.

It's chucking it down with rain outside today. I am putting the back on my embroidered picture, then a soak in the bath is planned. 

Thanks for popping in.  We'll catch up soon.   

Toodle pip.   ilona 

In the Christmas spirit.

I was in two minds whether to go out today. It rained, then it stopped, then the sun came out, then it clouded over. I decided to take a chance. It was going to be too muddy to go across the fields so the plan was do two circuits of the three mile village walk, thus adding six miles to my total. 

As soon as I stepped out of the door, all togged up in boots and big jacket the rain came back. Oh bother. Grab the umbrella and go for it. 

As I was passing Val's house I thought I would knock the door and ask her how the Christmas Fair went yesterday. She invited me in and offered me a coffee. I declined because I had just drunk one before I came out. Cheeky me said, have you got a small drink, like a glass of sherry. She rummage in the drinks cabinet and found a half bottle of Harveys Bristol Cream. That will be very nice, I said. I asked her if she had any mince pies. She said, no she doesn't like them. I said, neither do I, but I will eat one if somebody offers one. I can say anything to Val, she is a good laugh. We always had fun at the Crafty Club. 

We nattered for about an hour and when it was time to go she put the sherry, and a cracker in a bag for me to take home.  I didn't do the second circuit so I have only done three miles. 

Thanks Val, and Merry Christmas. She doesn't read my blog, she doesn't surf the net, she only does emails. 

Now it's dinner time. I have something left over from yesterday. I shall bulk it out with a potato in the microwave. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona 

Christine Anderson

Listen to Christine. She is one of the good guys. 

Here is a link to a new video where she speaks out in support of the people of Australia. 

I am off out for a couple of hours. Have a nice Sunday.   ilona

Quick look at Gainsborough Old Hall

I've been meaning to do this post all day, but it's funny how jobs mount up when you thought you had nothing much to do. I set the video uploading when I went out to walk Billy dog. Then I got into a chat with a friend on Messenger while I was eating my dinner. Then I watched some videos from my favourite yoootooobers. Andrew Ditton the caravan and motorhome man, David the narrowboat and campervan man, and Adam the car camper man. I commented on them and they replied, and I replied back. So you see I even get held up chatting to people online.  

The trouble is that I have six pages all open at the same time. I'm watching the top bar and getting notifications of anything that is coming in. Now at last I am here writing this. 

A video I made on Thursday. 

It's been a busy day here in the village. It was the Christmas Fair in the Village Hall. I didn't take a stall this time because from previous experience it is usually quite busy, and they squash a lot of stalls in. Too many people too close together for my liking. I know this is the sacrifice I have to make, and I'm ok with that. 

They had carol singing on the village green tonight, when they turned the tree lights on. There was booze and food to buy in the marquee. I didn't go to that either, because it was too cold to stand about. 

I cooked kale, carrots, and potatoes in a pan and added some pasta. It was very nice, there is some left for tomorrow. 

I never really moaned about the cold before, but now I am getting older and my skin is getting thinner, I feel it more. I am longing for the spring to come with some warmer days. 

Enjoy your Sunday. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.   ilona

All Saints Church in Gainsborough

For those who like churches you might like to take a walk around this one with me. It stands quite close to the town centre in Gainsborough, near to Old Hall, and across the road from the library. 

Today I have been mainly sewing. I went to my friends at 5.30pm, where we chatted over a glass of cider. I took some grapes and a cabbage for her guinea pig. She gave me a bowl of home made sherry trifle. She didn't have any cream but that didn't matter. I like sponge and peaches set in jelly. 

We'll catch up tomorrow. Toodle pip.   ilona

A look at Gainsborough

I thought I might have to have a stay at home day today, big flurries of snow were falling at 7.30am. Thank goodness it didn't last for long. I got my bits and bobs ready and off I went to Gainsborough. I haven't been there for a long time. I remember walking through it when I was on a long walk along the River Trent. I needed to find a bed for the night and found a cheap one on Morton Terrace. 

This is All Saints Church close to the Town centre. It is pretty impressive. I made a video of it which I will put on tomorrow after it has been loaded onto yoooohoootooob. 

Close by is Gainsborough Old Hall. I did a shorter video of this as it was locked and I couldn't go inside. 

Across the road is this lovely building, it's the Library. 

I found my way onto the Riverside Walk. The sun was blinding me as it reflected off the water. 

This is the main road bridge over it. The A631. 

A little bit of information about the Aegir. It's a bit like the Severn Bore. You might be able to read it if you click on it. It will enlarge. You can find some information about it here. Someone filmed it close to where I was standing. See it here. 

This is the Trinity Arts Centre. There is a theatre inside with a stage. I used to come here quite a lot with my then boyfriend to watch stand up comedy. I decided I wanted to have a go at that so rang them up and booked a slot on the Open Mike session. I was a bit nervous, it was scary, but I managed to get a few laughs. It was much harder than doing a forty minute presentation in front of a group audience.  

This lovely building looks like it was a picture house, but there were no signs on it. 

I was starting to get hungry, I only took a few biscuits with me. I went to Tesco because I had some vouchers to spend. I bought a few extra items and put the money to it. I sat on a bench and devoured a small cheese and onion quiche. 

A twenty minute walk back to the car, and home. It was flippin freezing cold. 

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

Just saying

Here's one I prepared yesterday. How long before this happens here? Other countries are already working on this kind of approach. Austria and Australia, next Germany. Others will follow. All countries are floundering around in the dark, watching each other. Let's try this? Maybe that will work? Don't forget, it is still an experiment. 

The Greek Prime Minister has made an announcement.

Οι συμπολίτες μας άνω των 60 ετών που δεν έχουν εμβολιαστεί θα πρέπει να κλείσουν την 1η δόση έως τις 16 Ιανουαρίου. Θα έχουν απόλυτη προτεραιότητα. Διαφορετικά, κάθε μήνα θα επιβάλλεται διοικητικό πρόστιμο €100, το οποίο θα βεβαιώνεται από την ΑΑΔΕ και θα χρηματοδοτεί το ΕΣΥ.

Translate

Our fellow citizens over the age of 60 who have not been vaccinated will have to close the 1st dose by 16 January. They will have absolute priority. Otherwise, an administrative fine of €100 will be imposed every month, which will be certified by the AADE and will be funded by the NHS.

Full article here. 

The Greek Prime Minister is a member of the World Economic Forum. All his qualifications are in finance, not in health. Just saying. 

Please note the threats in this poster. Failure to keep your vacccccs up to date on an ongoing basis will result in your passport becoming void. Two jabbbbs already done, four more to go. So you have to earn your freedom over a period of time, perhaps for ever. How many per year is that? Pick a number, it will be whatever they decide. It is still an experiment. 

News coming through this morning. My copy and pastes will not left align. One day I will work it out. 

Britain has bought 114 million vaccine doses despite reports most Omicron cases are mild. Tory MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith: "The Government is worried about being caught out not acting quickly enough. We are bogged down in this EU precautionary principle."

Professor of Immunology Kingston Mills discusses 114 million booster jabs being ordered by the UK government to 'future proof' the country.

Ursula von der Leyen has urged the EU to consider mandatory Covid jabs.

As always, you must do as you think fit. Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.   ilona

Walking Group check in

 Good morning. We all know what day it is don't we. The first day of the month and the last month of the year. Checking in every month seems to make time go faster. 30 days are gone in a flash. Time is precious, time is valuable. Every moment of every hour is a gift. Once it's gone it cannot be brought back. So, make some memories now. 

Howz your walking been going? Have you done much, have you done any, or are you on the home stretch heading for a glorious end to the challenge. Will you cross the finishing line on the 31st of December with your held head high. 

I am now on 939 miles, so I'm chuffed with that. Plain sailing from now on to the finish. Lets hear it from you. Please check in and let us know how you are doing. 

Pictures taken in my village from the archives. Worthy of a second look I think. 

Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.   ilona