All ready, no stress.

Hello. Only a few hours to the big day, in 24 hours it will be almost over. I didn't dash round the shops at the last minute frantically pulling my hair out wondering if I had remembered to get everything. I didn't buy in any extra food and booze. I didn't stress about sending cards, only one was posted and half a dozen put through doors in the village, and they have been in the cupboard for years. I didn't wander aimlessly around the shops with a glazed look on my face, wondering what presents people might like. I bought one, it was something I spotted in an instant which was just right. 

Much easier for me to go to the bank for my Christmas shopping. Six envelopes for six kids. They can go and buy their own presents after Christmas when everything has been reduced. I hope their parents will help them to choose something, and also encourage them to save some of it. Five of them are quite young and will need some guidance. 

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas Day, whatever you are doing. Thank you to those who have sent cards, thank you to everyone who visits my blog. I have been invited out so I will make the effort and go. We'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

A walk in North Yorkshire with my buddies

Hello. I've had a day out today, with my walking buddies, Paul and Paul. I was designated as the driver, because the plan was to call in a pub on the way home, the two boys like a drink, and I'm not bothered. A 7am start was planned, and although I was up early enough I tried to cram too much in the time I had allowed for getting myself ready. A misjudgment on my part, maybe it was the hair washing that made me a bit late. It's hard to get ready on time when I have three kids to think of, ha ha. 

We went over the bridge into North Yorkshire. Past Beverley and Malton, to Welburn, a small village just off the A64. A parking spot was found next to the church. Paul was leading the way so we set off across the fields. 

Here we are going into pretty Wood, it's not far from Castle Howard.

In the middle of the wood is this monument, The Four Faces.

Over there is the Mausoleum, we are now on the Castle Howard estate.

This is the closest we got to Castle Howard, the walk took us around the outer perimeter of the grounds.

This is the Temple of the Four Winds. We were lucky with the weather, it was gloriously sunny.

A good photo opportunity.

The Centenary Way footpath took us into the village of Coneysthorpe. 

Lovely little cottages, and a big wide village green.

The path took us through Coneysthorpe bank wood.

 Looks like this dead tree has been struck by lightening..

Time for a quick pose. 

We did a circular route of 11 miles, and got back to the car before it started to get dark. I have found this web site with more photo's of the area we were walking in, there are some smashing photo's on it.

Paul had a pub stop in mind at Goodmanham, just outside Market Weighton. The first photo I took without the flash, this shows how dark and cozy it was. Candles on the tables, log fires, it had a real homely feeling about it.

The rest of the photo's I put the flash on so you can see all the nicknacks lining shelves and hanging on the walls. It was very olde worlde, and had a good atmosphere.

We hit a massive traffic jam on the way back, queuing on the A63 going towards Hull, for the turn off for the Humber Bridge. Not sure what caused that.

I've been to the Village Hall tonight to help set up the tables for tomorrow. It's been a busy day, and I am pooped, so I'll love you and leave you and say Goodnight.
Toodle pip.

More free stuff

Hello. It's been foggy here all day, and a bit damp and miserable. I got a call from my friend asking do I want to break up the other two single beds they want to get rid of. I said I would do, after my walk. They came apart quite easily, and now the wood is stashed in my garage. I think I would be the ideal candidate to work in a bed factory now I know how they are assembled, ha ha. 

It's not long now until my friends will be moving, there isn't much left in the house. The furniture removals company are going to do the whole job of packing everything up and transporting it up to Scotland. They are driving one of the cars as well, as my friend is not used to doing long journeys in her own car. 

I was very kindly given a freebie. They bought a posh car four years ago and a cleaning kit came with it. As neither of them wash their cars, it hasn't been used. So now I have everything I need to keep my own car clean. The roads round here are filthy at the moment, what with tractors dragging the mud out of the fields on their massive wheels. It's not worth spending a lot of time on washing cars for them only to get dirty again half an hour down the road. 

This kit will come in useful , though some of it I won't use, so I will donate it to the cat stall at the Christmas Fair next week. 

The new brochure has arrived for the Baths Hall and the Plowright Theatre in town. I've had a flick through it and there's a couple of shows I am interested in. I will have to get them booked early because I like to sit on the front row.

All is well here at Tightwad Towers. Heidi has decided she rather likes snuggling into my dressing gown on the landing carpet, so I have left her there. I have got my old copies of Countryfile magazine out again from 2011. No need to buy new ones, I can't remember what I read five years ago, so these are just fine.

My first Christmas card has arrived, Carol is always the first one I get. Now she has moved I don't know her new address, I'll have to send her a text.

I hope we have a better day weatherwise tomorrow. Whatever you are doing, enjoy your Sunday. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

Trying not to cry.

Hello. Does anyone remember when Rocky and Henry used to come and stay? It was a while ago now. I shared my bed with two dogs, it was a bit cramped, especially when Henry laid across my legs. 

I haven't seen Helen and Henry for ages, we have both been busy with various things, family and holidays, and in Helen's case she has been working more hours. Today was catch up time, I went to visit. 

Henry looks really chilled in the sunshine, but in truth, he's had a short walk and is tired. Sadly his arthritis is getting worse, he is lively in his excitement to go out, loves to sniff about, but can't walk very far. 

We went in the car to a quiet lane and took a steady stroll while Henry amused himself on the grass verge. Oooh, all those lovely smells.

When he had had enough he told us he wasn't going any further and lay down. That's when I took these photo's. He knows exactly how to pose for the camera. Look at me, aren't I handsome. Yes, Henry, you are.

Helen walked back up the lane to fetch the car while we waited. And here is Henry's taxi arriving to take him home. Some adjustments are having to be made in their home life now to take into consideration Henry's limited mobility. Helen is like me where pets are concerned, Henry will get all the love and care he needs.

Crikey, that has choked me up, I thought I was all cried out. I'm going for a walk.
Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon
Toodle pip

Breath in

Hello. I've got the sloppy habit of draping my trousers over the banister, because I can't be bothered to put them in the wardrobe and keep taking them out. I wear trousers all the time, alternating between four or five different pairs, so to have them handy makes dressing and undressing a lot quicker and easier. 

Some of them I haven't worn for ages, so I thought I had better try them on and see if they still fit. I think I have gained an inch or two around the middle, so best to check. 

Oh heck. These are my last pair of black denim jeans, it must be over five years since I last wore them. At one time I was always in denim and I preferred black rather than blue. They are a size 12 and the label inside says waist 26 inches, hips 37 inches. Looks like my bottom is not a size 12 any more. Nope, it isn't, the tape measure says I am 29 waist and 39 hip, so that's more like a 14. 

Maybe if I just breathed in I could perhaps manage to fasten them up. Yep, can do that. However, I can imagine that spending any length of time with my insides squashed up like a vacuum packed trussed up chicken would result in horrendous abdominal pain as my wind struggled to find the way out. I also doubt very much that I could sit down. Nothing for it, these will have to go to the charity shop. 

I don't think I need to be too worried about an extra inch or two, these are a perfect fit and so comfortable. They are lightweight and lined, with elastic around the back and a drawstring at the front, and supposedly a size 10. Very strange. It pays to try on clothes before you buy, not all labels tell the truth.

I had visitors this morning. Brenda and her family called in on their way to a caravan and camping rally at  Sandringham. The car was loaded up with three bicycles, they are hoping to get some rides in while they are there. I hope the rain stops for them and it brightens up a bit. Brenda very kindly gave me a bag of fabric which she doesn't need. I'm having fun sorting through it and adding it to my piles in the stock room. I'll take some to crafty club next week to see if the ladies can find a use for it.

I forgot to take a photo while they were here, but Brenda has one so I'm sure it will appear on her blog when she gets a minute to write up her trip report. Her link is on the sidebar, but here it is if you want to look out for the picture.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

Well done, Carol. Happy retirement

Hello. This is a blast from the past, an oldie picture of me and my best friend Carol. Taken about 30 years ago, I think. Note the big hair, ha ha, we were always having perms. 

Carol wrote this on Facebook last week.

Well I think I can now say I'm officially retired. After only working half my hours in August it was time to hang up my boots. After working 51 years without a break, plus during this time the longest period out of work I had was one week. That's not bad for the amount of moves I had.
I am now just waiting to exchange contracts on my sale, and purchase, and up north I will return after moving away 42 years ago. 

Carol is two months older than me, we have remained friends almost all of our lives, living just down the road from each other when we were at junior and secondary school. We sat together on the school bus, hung out together, people thought we were sisters. Carol went to college when we left school at 15, and I got a job in Wooly's. Her family moved to Blackpool, and when I was 17 I went for a holiday, and moved there when I was 18. I stayed three and a half years, then moved on to Birmingham, then back home to Burton on Trent. Carol met someone and married, and moved around quite a bit after that. Carol didn't have any children and neither did I. 

We always kept in touch, by phone, letter, and visiting each other. Now we phone, email, and text each other, with the occasional visit.  

I am mighty proud of my best friend Carol, she is the sweetest nicest person you would ever wish to meet. She has been through a rough patch or two but has never shown any anger or hostility to anyone when in a difficult situation. Her family are absolutely thrilled that their sister, aunt, and great aunt is coming home. 

It's funny that we are totally different when it comes to lifestyle choices, yet can still remain friends. Carol chose a well paying career and likes to spend her money on nice things. I did the opposite, had a career with reasonable pay, and don't place any importance on nice things. It must be down to our upbringing that we have both lived within our means. We are from working class families, and both learnt to make do and mend from our mothers.

I have been nagging Carol to retire ever since I finished work at 60. She has carried on another seven years because she enjoyed what she was doing, and got used to earning extra money to fund her chosen lifestyle. Now at last she is free from work, and is about to make the move from Hampshire back up north to where the rest of her family are. After working for 51 years, an amazing achievement, I think she has done her whack, and deserves to enjoy her retirement. 

When she is settled in her new abode I can see a visit on the cards, I will be popping over to the west coast, and who knows, I may even take the train and walk back, ha ha. 

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

Two days later

Hello. I'm trying to keep myself occupied when inside I want to weep buckets. Anyone who has lost a pet will know all about it, and judging by all your comments, most of you do know what it's like. The poor little chap couldn't go on any longer, his arthritis got worse, the fatty lump in his tummy got bigger, he was going off his food, he became deaf, and was getting very confused. He woke me at 4.30am on Sunday morning in a distressed state, trying to bury himself under my duvet. I knew then he was telling me something. As I had to go out on Monday I felt it was unfair to keep him hanging on until Tuesday. A lady vet and her assistant  came at 12.45 and I held him supporting his head and he fell asleep in a second or two. He knew I was there with him. He now lies in the garden. 

I have skimmed through all your comments, to read them brings on more tears. I will have to go back to them later when it is not so painful. Thank you all very much. One day I will tell more of Rocky's story, but for now I need to try and get on with keeping busy. 

Yesterday me and Janet set up our stall at Epworth Show, to raise money for the rescue cats. It was very busy and our sales went very well, we were please with the amount taken. I sold all the shopping bags, and chatting to the customers was a welcome distraction to take my mind off things. At the end of the day I dropped Janet off and I didn't want to go home, but I knew the cats would be pleased to see me. 

I took a few photo's at the show, I love the shire horses. 

Vintage tractors.

I used to drive a small truck like this Bedford, loaded with doors and window frames on the back.

A good show of vintage cars.

Do you know, I never got to drive a Renault Magnum, it was the tallest cab in Europe when they first came out. .

Two young ladies performed acrobats on the back of their horses while they walked around the show ring. Everyone was eager to meet them and pet the horses. 

This chappie was telling the audience all about his sheep. The sheep were busy eating the whole time.

Boy was it hot in the produce tent, like a sauna, couldn't stand it in there for very long.

I've been pottering around the house this morning, doing all the little jobs that usually get left. Anything to fill the time. This afternoon I went to pay the vet bill, and I went to Great Outdoors to buy some new walking boots. My feet have got used to walking in soft trainers and feel like they have spread out a bit, so I need a boot with a wider fitting. Found some, now I need to wear them around the house a bit, then do some shorter walks of around four hours and build it up to longer walks.

Going out for a walk now, almost the end of the month and I am on target reach 666 miles. How are you all doing with your walking? It is helping to calm my emotions. I did a second walk on Sunday night quite late because I wanted to tire myself out before I went to bed. It worked.

Thank you for popping in. We'll catch up soon.
Lots of love xxx

Goodbye, and hello.

Hello. I've been to Uncle Stan's funeral today. It was held at St Mary's Church, Stretton, Burton upon Trent. There were a lot of people there. This is his self portrait which was on the front cover of the Order of Service. 

After the service we all moved on to the Burton Albion Football Club for refreshments. This is a blast from the past. Ben Robinson, the chairman of the club used to go to the same school as me, he was a couple of years above me. Fifty two years have passed since I left school, and I am walking down the corridor at the football club and who should I see but Ben. We recognized each other straight away, how lucky that he was there today, and he remembered my name. He was very popular at school, all the girls liked him including me. I fell for his lovely smile, and look, he still has it. You wouldn't believe he is approaching his 71st birthday would you. He is as handsome now as he was then. I was so excited to see him today

It was a sad day to say goodbye to Uncle Stan, but it was nice to meet with relatives and share our  memories. And what a bonus to meet Ben.

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

Happy Birthday Joyce.

Hello. I've been to a party today, a 90th Birthday party. Joyce had an open house day and invited all her friends to drop in. Her little bungalow was packed to the rafters all day with a steady stream of guests. I was invited to join them for a bite to eat, and then take Bailey the poodle for his afternoon walk and to give him a break from all the noise. 

I think most of the village had turned out, it was full when I left and even fuller when I got back. Joyce is a very respected member of the community,  a regular supporter of the church, and an eager fundraiser for good causes. 

Joyce's grand daughter (standing), was on hand to supervise the food and drinks, there was a lovely spread of home made nibbles, pastries, and cakes. Joanna from the 1939 house turned up (seated on the floor), with Celia, one of the elderly ladies that she looks after. It was a smashing village get together.

I didn't get anything done in the garden today, so no more progress to show. I did ask Bob if he would come and cut down the last two trunks with his chain saw. He said he would but can't come for another two weeks because he is busy with visitors. Oh well, I might have them down by then.

I see the troll has struck again on yesterday's post. I have published it just to show how bitter and twisted they are. The comment doesn't bother me, but I do wonder about the state of this persons mind, as they have been coming and going over quite a few years now, and yes, I do believe all the comments are coming from the same person. It is someone who is obviously jealous, someone who has no sense of humour, and going by their persistence of keep coming back to attack me, they surely must have an OCD problem. Sad really.

Anyway, must dash. dinner time. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

All snug and warm

Hello. So I said to my friend a year or so ago, let me know when you have finished with that jacket, because I will have it. I had forgotten all about it as it was mainly spoken in jest thinking she will have a lot of years wear out of it. I saw her last week, and she gave me the jacket. What a fantastic surprise. It's bloomin lovely, warm, padded, lots of pockets, covers my bum, furry hood, just the job for walking about in the depths of winter. There's nothing like being prepared for bad weather. 

I have got some brilliant friends.
Thanks for popping in, thanks for sending your walking mileage, I will update the page soon. We'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

What a friendly day

Hello. I've had a fandabidozi day, haven't been very productive in the arts and craft department, but had a smashing time with friends. A knock on the door this afternoon and a surprise visit from Julie and Frank,  from Norfolk, I last saw them in September when I went over there for a holiday. They are here staying at the caravan park for a few days, visiting in the area. They still have friends in the village even though they left here a few years ago, they like to come back now and again. It was lovely to see them.

I was invited for tea at the 1939 house, my friend Joanna was having friends over and she sent a text asking me to come along and meet them. Here they are, also dressed in their 40's style clothes. She had made a stew for them in a big pot on the range, I had beetroot sandwiches, fruit pie and cream, and cake. It was lovely. After a discussion about the recent political events we changed the topic to a light hearted banter, and had a right good laugh. It was great fun.  

I've got some photo's of the exhibition I saw yesterday at the Arts Centre but I'll save them until tomorrow. And some photo's of one of my raised beds, I'll post them sometime this coming week.

It's raining now, I was hoping to do a second walk tonight but I don't think I'll bother. Four more days to the end of the month and I have 15 miles left to do to get to the magic 500. How are you all doing? Still soldiering on I hope. I must admit I am getting a bit bored with the same route, so I will get on the bikehike web site and work out a different route, though I am a bit limited here, living in a smallish village. Some of the roads leading to and from the village have fast moving traffic so it would be dangerous to take my chances there. I prefer a tarmac surface when I am walking fast to enable me to keep to three miles in 50 minutes.

I'm chillin with a glass of wine. I'm finding I'm having longer gaps between bottles, it just sends me to sleep, even one glass makes me feel dozy. I only buy one bottle a month now. A four pack of cider lasts me about two months, that has the same effect.

I'll wrap this up before I nod off. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

Fun and games with a friend.

Hello. I had a visitor today. I met blog reader Simplesista about a year ago when I was over in Yorkshire for a few days, so as it was time for a catch up and she had a day off work, she came here. It was great to see her again, we never stopped talking, so much to say. After a cuppa, yes I have got tea bags, and a tour of the garden, we went to the cash and carry so she could grab a few bargains. She is very price conscious so I knew she would appreciate some cheap food with a growing family to feed. 

Back home for lunch, we sat in the garden. She had her pack up, and I made a sandwich, then we went for a walk and had a bimble through the woods. We came across this swing and couldn't resist having a go. 

On the way back up the hill I wondered if Joanna was in, she lives in the 1939 house, and yes she was, so we stopped for a natter. We found her in the garden putting some plants into the ground. She very kindly let us look around her house. I have seen it before, but Simplesista was quite excited to see it in the flesh.

The time went far too quickly, we had a photo outside the summer house just before she left to go home. There is a blur across the middle of it, not sure how that happened. I look like a giant compared to her, she is tiny.

It was great to see her again. Thanks for coming over, SS, I enjoyed the day.

The pressure is off now and I don't have to chase anyone for votes, but blow me down, I did my walk and met someone who didn't know anything about the competition. That's one vote I missed out on, probably missed more. Anyway, all done and dusted so I can relax. It will be a long wait for the results, they won't be revealed until later on in the year. Thank you all for voting.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip.