Help for Patsy

Let's start the new week with a question, can anyone answer Patsy's query?

I want to do this next year, but have had problems with mileage trackers. What kind do you use?

I don't use a tracker so I have no idea of what is available on the market. I have two walks around my village which I have checked on a web site, a 2 and a 3 mile walk. I walk the same routes almost every day, but not in the rain. If I walk elsewhere I go back to bikehike to check. It's not working for me at the moment, may be a fault at my end, so I need to find another web site which will do the same job.

So, if any walkers can offer advice to Patsy please feel free to add a comment. By the way, Patsy, don't wait till next year to start, there's no time like the present. Make a start on December 1st. You need to aim for 84 miles a month.
Thanks.  ilona

Only a matter of time.

Guess who has found the best place in the house to snooze? Oscar Boyo joined me on the bed last night. He must have liked it because he has taken himself up there now. 

This is normally Mayze's place, but she has stayed downstairs on a chair for the last few weeks. Don't know what will happen if she suddenly decides to come back to bed with me. Got to love them.
Toodle pip.  ilona

I can see clearly now the rain has gone

I went to speccy savers this morning for my eye test, three months overdue. I first had a letter in August, then another reminder last week. All is well, a slight change in the prescription in my right eye, but nothing to worry about. My eyes are healthy and I am legal to drive. I said I wouldn't be buying new glasses as the ones I have are just fine. He gave me my prescription to take away with me. The staff are very nice and friendly in there. 

I had a free two hour park on my ticket so I went to the bank and paid a bill. They know me in there. They are forever trying to get me to use the automatic till in the wall. I always say no I spend enough time on a computer at home, I don't want to be punching numbers into a keyboard while I'm out. I'm afraid they will have to keep on dealing with me over the counter, except when I want to withdraw cash, which I will get from a simple cash machine inside the bank. 

I remembered that WH Smiths have a clearance section in their shop so I had a look in there. They have opened up the upper floor and you can have a mooch through the stock they are trying to get rid of. I found these letters at 20p each, they are erasers. I dug deep to find the letters to make my name. Sadly there wasn't an 'A', but I thought a 'D' on it's side would do the job. Don't know what I will do with them but they are pretty. The 'N' is purple by the way. 

I bet you are wondering what these are. I should have photographed a ruler next to them for the size. They are two and a half inches long and one and a half inches wide. They are also erasers at 20p each. They remind me of pebbles so I thought they could be decorated with small sparkly bits and pieces.

A lot of books have been reduced, although I didn't go through them, because I don't buy books. This one caught my eye. It's a colouring book but I am not going to colour in any of the pages. The designs are the sort of thing I could use for my art projects. I could trace them, transfer to fabric, and stitch them.

A couple of example pages. Smashing, aren't they, all sorts of designs.

A little bit of what I am doing now. This is for the church window. The colours on this piece of fabric are not very bright but the design is what I am looking for. I am using felt tip pens to add colour, the blue flowers were white, then outlining them with back stitch to make them stand out more. When I've done all the background I will be adding more foliage and flowers to give it a 3D effect. It will take a while to do. 

I did my walk just as the sun was going down. I love to see the geese flying in formation, chattering away to each other. 

Interesting pink fluffy clouds.

Now it's dinner time. I had a large cooked lunch so it's a piece of cheese and onion quiche and some salad now. 

Toodle pip, ilona

We wish you a Merry Christmas tra la la

I've had two conversations along similar lines with two different friends recently. They have both decided not to send any more Christmas cards to people they haven't had contact with for years, and not to go round to their neighbours and put cards in letter boxes. They see them frequently anyway  while out and about, so what's the point. Hoo-bluddy-ray, at last, I thought, some folks are getting it.

Friend (number one) was feeling terribly guilty about her decision, I wonder whether she is going to follow through with her plan. She is worried what people might think of her, what will they say about her when no card arrives. She admits to sending cards to people she has not seen for many years, even some from school days. WHAT! I said in amazement. Yes, 35 years of sending a card to someone she never sees. They were friends once when they were young, but haven't physically seen each other for many years.

I have a friend like that but we do see each other and ring each other up. We remember birthdays, having both reached 70 this year. We both know what we are up to by constant communications. But when someone has had no contact whatsoever except for the Christmas card, what's the point. Life moves on, we all go our different ways. It's called clinging to the past. At some point you need to let go.

This same friend (number one) is also wondering how to get out of an invitation which she receives every year from a woman who lives a few doors down the street. She is just someone she knows, but this woman makes crafts throughout the year, then has a three day open house pushing invites through people's doors asking them to come, but says they don't have to buy anything. My friend (number one) doesn't want to buy anything, but she feels the woman is stepping up the pressure at this time, when normally all they do is say hello in the street. Funny how people suddenly become your best friend when they want something. My friend (number one) asks me what she should do, because she doesn't want to go. I replied, don't go, simple as that.

You can't go through your life doing what other people expect of you. Don't fall for the guilt trips, the blackmail, don't be coerced into doing something you don't want to do.

Friend (number two) has a much more robust outlook on life. She swears that's it, no more Christmas cards except for family, it's a complete waste of time and money. And I believe her. I know her quite well, she is outspoken, is well able to stand up for herself, and is not afraid to say what she thinks.

I will ask them both later on, what kind of a Christmas did they have. Will be interesting.

Lousy day outside, more sewing I think. Need to go to Aldi, running out of things. Toodle pip.  ilona

Microwave dinner

A month ago, I posted about some new packets of grains that I found at Aldi. The first one I tried was lentils, spelt, and quinoa. It was ok, but the strange aroma coming from the packet when I opened it was not very nice. A bit off putting if I tell the truth, I wont be getting it again. 

I have just opened this one and it is lovely. No smell and very tasty. Couldn't be bothered to cook tonight, because I had a big lunch, so I warmed some of these green lentils in the microwave, one minute, and added some cheddar cheese with garlic. And that's it, nothing else. They are very nice, I shall be getting them again. 

Sewing today. Finally made a start on the church window. Toodle pip.  ilona

Let's make some brooches

Hello peeps. I've been making Suffolk Puff brooches to sell at the Christmas Fair. Easy to do if you want to give it a go.  

Looking in my bit box for small items to put on the front.

 Colourful cotton fabric works best, trying some satins and silks.

I've run out of clasps, need to buy some more, 18p each.

Keeps me busy, weather not too good again.

I've been pondering about my next art project, had a bit of a creative blockage, today it suddenly hit me what I have to do. It's the wire church window which I was going to use for the lollipop trees, but didn't. I was thinking about the view I might see if I was looking out through a church window, countryside, trees, garden, flowers. I had three pieces of fabric which might be suitable, now I have chosen the one I am going to use. I can see what I want to achieve. Best make a start.
Toodle pip.  ilona

Lucky

I don't very often make plans, I am a spur of the moment kind of person. If I do something with other people then I only plan a week or so ahead, but if I do something on my own and an idea pops into my head, I do it. Like yesterday, it was a nice day, I had been busy in the house, had lunch, then put my boots on and went out. Got to get the fresh air while I can. A five mile walk takes two hours. If I didn't go I wouldn't see our beautiful countryside. 

Almost back now and the sun is going down behind the clouds. It looks very dramatic. 

We are very lucky to live here. Toodle pip.  ilona 

I didn't forget.

Remembering all those who have fallen.

ilona xxx

Another little weaving finished.

The little weaving is done. It went from this, small home made loom. . . . . 

 . . . . to this . . . .

 . . . . . and finished up like this. It is 11cm from side to side, 20 cm from top to bottom.

Loose French knots, wool wrapped round needle 5 or 6 times, more like messy bullion knots.

Red crayon to hang it with.

Small tighter French knots.

Tidy up the back by covering it with a piece of felt.

I previously made this one, it was a practice piece. Although ok, I thought it could be better, so I made some changes. Made on the same loom, it is a bit smaller.

I used string for the warps, now think it works better using wool. I quite like the fluffed up fringes. It also has a felt back on it.

It's quite enjoyable making these, it doesn't take long, three days at most. Now need to get on with other stuff. The sun is shining, I will go out after lunch. In the meantime I need to get a few things ready for Crafty Club tomorrow. Someone wants to make a Suffolk Puff brooch so I will take enough materials in case anyone else wants to join in. Now to look through my stash for suitable fabric. 

Toodle pip.  ilona

Lets weave

It was a beautiful sunny morning this morning, the opposite to yesterday. I got my walk in early while it lasted, lucky I did, the rain came this afternoon. It stopped raining later so I've been another walk tonight. Got to keep the miles topped up. 

This is the state of play with the little weaving I am doing. I have added some needle felting on the blue sky. Not sure if that was a good idea or not, but it's there now, and it will have a tree to cover some of it. 

Fishcake asked if I could do a weaving tutorial. There are so many out there already on yoootooob, plenty to choose from, there doesn't seem much point in me re inventing the wheel. Try this one to get you started. No words, just watch.



It's like musical chairs in here, as soon as I get up this little madam is quick to take my place. It's a good job the two chairs I use the most have wheels on them.

A few more fireworks tonight, I expect there will be more tomorrow night.
Toodle pip.  ilona

It's raining. Planning a day indoors

Well hello my little blogerettes. Not many comments on the last Trucking Life video, are you sick to death of it? Did you get the message at the end?  A lot of comments on yoootoooob. Fear not, there will be no more trucking vids.

Are you having a wet time of it as well? The view from my window this morning, looks like it might be a day indoors. Oscar has been in for his breakfast, and a snooze on the chair, now he is out there in his shelter by the side of the garage. It's dry, he has a bed, he likes it out there. Heidi has had her tablet, and breakfast, now she is upstairs in her hidey hole. Mayze is still snoozing, can't be bothered to get up. 

The light over the work table goes on first thing, so I can do something with my hands while I drink my coffee. 

The view without the light. Still a bit dark, might have to put it on again.

Started a little weave this morning. Not sure where it's going, maybe a mini landscape, maybe a tree, maybe some flowers. 

Didn't post yesterday, this was my breakfast. Fancied something cooked. If there was another person here it would have been enough for two. It filled me up alright, only needed to have a fruit smoothie for lunch. I have a small seeded baton, yellow sticker, 11p, so cut some slices off for this. On top is mushrooms, spinach, chopped spring onions, last bit of pasta salad, and an egg. The bread is spread with houmous. My goodness, it was lovely.

This morning was porridge, but not just ordinary porridge, I add things to it. I stewed some apples yesterday which my neighbour gave me, so a couple of spoons of that went in. And a small banana, and some chopped nuts and seeds, and some grapes. I put the dry ingredients in the mini chopper before I cook it, makes it smooth and creamy. I cook it in water, then add a splash of milk towards the end. A warm breakfast to set me up for the day. 

Now I'm going to move over to the back table and carry on weaving. Mayze has stirred so she will be asking for some food very soon. Toodle pip.  ilona

My Trucking Life. Last video in the series.

Bonfire night, bonfire night, all the fires are burning bright. Do you remember that song. A few bangs going on outside, Mayze looking scared next to me, Oscar is in but has hidden, same with Heidi, can't find them. They will come out eventually.

This morning I made the 13th and final video in the Trucking Life series. Wrapped it all up, it's about my last job at B & Q, and what happened after. There is a message if you watch to the end. About 20 mins I think.



I took the fabric into 20 21 Arts centre, they were pleased. They said they would think up some new activities that the kids could do with it. Picked up some more tablets from the vet for Heidi.

It's gone quiet, I'll see if I can find the cats. Toodle pip.  ilona

Sorting fabric

Breakfast this morning, porridge with nuts and seeds, and FIVE fruits. As well as the ones you can see, I added frozen raspberries and cherries. I start off by microwaving the porridge for one minute, stir and add more water if needed. Then add any frozen fruit, microwave another minute, take out and stir, back in for a third minute. Then add whatever fresh fruit I have on the top. Yellow sticker strawberries and grapes. Bloomin lovely. 

Had a laugh at Crafty Club this morning. Not a full house so opportunity for me to join in the chat. I popped to a friends house after to put some bunting up on the front gate. He is due back today from the USA, with his new wife. They were married months ago but she had to wait for her visa. I am so pleased for them, she is a lovely lady.

This afternoon was sorting out day in the fabric store, aka the spare bedroom. I started off by looking for a specific kind of fabric for a new project, it has to be just right, and ended up going through the lot. I thought I might as well ditch some of it, the fabric I will never use. So now I have some bags to take to the 20 21 Arts Centre. I asked last time I was in there if they could use it on their activity table. They said they could. The kids will be able to cut it up and make collages.

I've got four possibilities for the new artwork, I need to make my mind up and decide which one will be best suited. Some kind of floral which I am going to add embroidery, beads, and sequins.
Toodle pip. ilona.

Out to lunch.

Joyce's family came today to put her ashes into the ground at the church. Our vicar, Alison, said a few words. Bailey poodle was over the moon to see me, he recognised me straight away. They gave me a thank you card with a photo of Joyce on it. She was a lovely lady, the whole village loved her. 

After the ceremony I was taken to lunch. It was a smashing meal, carvery for everyone, and a choice of three veggie options for me. The lasagne was lovely, with a selection of vegetables. All plates emptied. 

I feel I have made friends for life now. They have been making regular visits to see Joyce while I have been walking Bailey poodle, so I have got to know them quite well. Bailey has settled in well with Pamela who lives near Nottingham. I have been invited to Norfolk for a walking holiday in the spring, something to look forward to.

Yes, it's been a very nice day.

Toodle pip.  ilona

International Walking Group check in

Here we go again, another check in for the International Walking Group, doesn't seem like five minutes since we did the last one. How have you all been doing? I am pleased to say I have done slightly more than the target, not much mind you, but better than lagging behind then having to catch up later. My total for 10 months is 844 miles. This is mostly made up of two or three miles each day walking locally. You see, a bit every day does mount up.

Sometimes I think I can't be bothered, I am watching the time and thinking shall I shan't I? But then I think what else do I need to do with an hour that can't wait till later or even tomorrow. Walking has to have priority because it benefits my health. I need to do it.

Quite a lot of members are still with us, still plodding away, and that's a good sign. Think how much this is benefitting you, how much better you feel both physically and mentally. Walking gives me thinking time, as well as exercising my joints and muscles. I see people hobbling to the doctors surgery, I don't want that to be me. I want to keep going for as long as I am able to put one foot in front of the other.

You don't need to break records with your walking, don't need to keep up with me or anyone else, all you have to do is some walking, as much as you can manage. It is better if you give yourself a target because that can motivate you to keep going. Seeing the numbers increase daily is a great incentive.

Today is the first day of November, if you are not in the International Walking Group, why not start today. It's a year long challenge, no need to wait till the end of the year, you can do November to November. It's not too late to start making a difference to the rest of your life. Do it now, no excuses.

Your turn, let's have some reports, how are you all doing?
Toodle pip.  ilona