Does she ever stop talking!

Hello. Some smashing stories on yesterday's post, worth going back to see if any more have been added since you last looked. Thanks to all those who shared their inspiring stories of things not going according to plan, and how you have found a new direction. I applaud you all. 

The talk I did for the the WI last night went down really really well. One lady came to me afterwards and said what a rotten day she's had, and my talk was just what she needed. I was chuffed. The ladies were lovely, must have been about sixty of them. The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned, the larger the audience the easier it is for me. I get my feedback by watching their reaction to my stories, that tells me where I should be going next. Whether to speed it up or slow it down. If they miss something they can always come and ask me later. 

I move about a lot, wandering up and down, using a lot of gesticulation. No point in standing there like a plank. My aim is to enlighten them about the joys of a frugal life, my good life on a pension, and  to make them laugh. I want them to go away chuckling to themselves. That certainly happened last night. 

I take some props with me in bags, then after the stories, I get them out and lay them on the tables, explaining a bit about my arts and crafts. I donated the last two of my shopping bags to the raffle, now I need to make some more, ha ha. After tea, the ladies come and have a closer look and ask questions. I hope I have inspired some of them to think about using recycled materials when they do their own crafting. 

There isn't a photo of me from last night, but I have found this old one from a few years ago when I did a talk at the Arts Centre at Caister. Showing the bag I made from Judo belts.

I popped to town yesterday to pay some bills into the bank, and to get some of Heidi's favourite cat food. She likes Sheba in the mini pouches. £1.50 from B & M. I had a look in the Age UK charity shop while I was passing. They sometimes have some lovely picture frames in there. No frames, but a rack full of recently donated jackets. Worth a look. Wow, spoilt for choice here. I chose these two. I really need to throw out some of the rags I am walking around in, ha ha. 

Nice eh! Good condition, hardly worn, zip up to the chin, pockets, just the job. The best part is they are only £1 each. I know, amazing isn't it. So lucky to have a £1 charity shop in our town. 

That's it folks. I've just remembered I should have picked up some magazines from Paul's house on the way back from the Jade dog walk. I had better go and get them now. My head would fall off if it wasn't screwed on.

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

Smelly bits

Hello. Any time I come across a minor problem it is my wish to solve it. I am of the opinion that all problems are solvable, if ideas are not forthcoming early on in the thought process, they will surely emerge later when almost all options have been dismissed. And so it is that I have put much thought into the solving of this problem. 

I mentioned that I cut my wash sponges in half, because they last longer, all well and good. You can use a whole sponge to clean the whole of your body, but that might not be very hygienic as the sponges become a tad smelly with use. So my idea of cutting them in half alleviates that problem because you can use half of it to wash the non smelly bits and the other half to wash the smelly bits, if you get my drift. 

Well that's solved that problem then. Well not quite. If the two halves look the same, how do you know which is the one designated for the smelly bits? Erm  I don't know. Could sniff them I suppose. I'm going to have to give this more thought. 

Brainwave, they need to have a mark that identifies which sponge is to be used for the corresponding parts of the body. Of course, why didn't I think of that before. So, with my permanent marker I have solved the problem. It all makes sense to me.

If you have any problems which you are struggling with, just ask me. It might just need a logical brain to come up with the answer. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

Hairbrained ideas.

Hello. I need to do something with my hair. It's hanging around my face, in my eyes, and annoying me so I clip it up out of the way. I only do this in the house though, it's not really a good style for a 67 year old woman to be showing off  walking around the streets. 

Wondering what to do next. It definitely needs a trim, but I am not keen on the mousy brown colour. I think blonde suits me better, or maybe I should go a little bit red, like the pic on the sidebar. I quite like that colour. Maybe I should go completely whacky bonkers and have it multicoloured. Or shave it off. Or be a punk. Or have a perm. I will think about it.  

I did my walk in the dark tonight, I wanted to see the big bright and shiny super moon. I caught a fleeting glimpse as it emerged briefly from behind the clouds. It was only a second or two. Bit disappointing really.

I'm going to watch a bit of tele now on yoootooob. Don't watch BBC iplayer any more, don't have a licence. Found some interesting programmes on Channel 4od yesterday. Three Grayson Perry programmes, watched them back to back while I was sewing.

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

Watch fireworks from your armchair

Hello.
No need to go outside in the cold tonight to watch fireworks, stay snug and warm in your own house and watch this. They know how to do it in Orlando, I was there a while ago, it was chuffin brilliant.



You may wish to turn the sound down a bit, it's very loud.

Have a nice weekend. We'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

Have a little titter

Hello. Before I turn this computer off and go and enjoy the rest of the day, I will leave you with this short ten minute video which made me titter. Last of the Summer Wine fans will like this, and if you are a fan of good old fashioned silliness it will probably tickle your fancy as well.



Bye for now.
Toodle pip

A big thank you

Hello. I've got some pictures sorted out for you, and to keep a record on my blog about the time my shed won the best Budget Category in the Shed of the Year. I could not show you this one of me and George before because I have my rosette pinned to my bag, and it would give the game away. I did so enjoy hugging him, now I'm not so sure which one is more huggable. George is taller, I like tall men, but I like William's cheeky grin and floppy hair. I bet George would look nice with a beard, he should give it a go. 

I've made a little video to thank everyone who voted for my shed.



Next are some photo's I took from the TV screen while Paul backtracked and paused the recorded programme.

Someone asked about the William picture. I was asked to do that by Plum Pictures the film company, they thought it would be good fun. I didn't want to do it because I am not very good at faces, I am more a landscapes, trees and flowers stitcher, but I said I would give it a go. I have added some stitching but it needs a lot more. If it gets finished it won't look like William, because I can't do faces. I am thinking of making it into a 'Wanted', poster, more of a joke that a portrait.

The ones with the blue button at the bottom of the screen are those that Paul took with his phone. 

 I must say that the Summer House/Beach Hut looks magnificent on a large flat screen. The colours were dazzling.

And this is what I won. A plaque which is now in my kitchen front window for the time being until I can decided where to put it permanently. Note the red lettering, I am customizing it. The dark letters are a bit boring, a touch of paint will brighten it up. 

A perfect rosette in pink.

And a mug for my morning coffee.

Ooooh William, I didn't know you cared. 

He's gone, I am alone once more. It was nice while it lasted.

That's it, it's all over.

Cheers, thanks to Janet and Paul, my best friends in the village.

When I stood on the stage at the end as George was about to announce the overall winner I knew it wouldn't be me. I built mine in about six weeks, some of them had taken a lot longer, and had a lot more work and detail in them. There were far better sheds than mine. West Wing was a very worthy winner, I loved his eco shed with the secret door. So pleased that Oliver's shed on the allotment won his category. I liked Povero, the artists massive shed with all his artworks. I liked the home made sheds the best, those that had been built from scratch by one person.

What next? Oh, I'll find something else to do. I've got four spare doors out the back and two pieces of poly roofing plastic, might build an extension. I'm pleased that so many people have been inspired by my 'have a go', outlook on life. It's true, you don't need loads of money to have a good life. The only limitations are those you impose on yourself. Have a go, and let's see more ladies in Shed of the Year, next year.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Have a nice weekend.
Toodle pip

Joan's sheddie poem

Hello. Our resident poet Joan has sent in another poem. It certainly made me smile, I hope it does you too. Thank you Joan, I'll be back later.

Hi Ilona. My humble offering to all the work you put into your summerhouse.

The Shed That Ilona Built.

We were there at the beginning,

When Ilona hatched her plan.

To build a bespoke summerhouse

As only Ilona can.

Enthralled with her vision,

And marvelling at her skill.

In only using materials

Destined for landfill.

She worked it out precisely,

With pallets and reclaimed doors.

Taking on a brand new life

As sturdy walls and floors.

We saw, like the rising phoenix,

The summerhouse grow and grow.

Taking form and taking shape,

Somewhere to relax and mellow.

With colourful mis-matched paint,

And furnished with jollity.

How could this 'shed' not win

First prize?  In all honesty?

No, it doesn't have a motor,

To rotate it round and round.

Nor does it have four wheels

To drive at speed on the ground.

Not used as storage,

For dolls houses and mowers.

Its purpose is tranquility

Amongst the plants and flowers.

The voting is all over,

And soon we'll know the result.

First prize by right should go

To the 'shed' that Ilona built.

It's just a bit of fun so I hope you like it. I couldn't let this momentous event go by without applauding you and your vision and skill. 

Take care

Joan (Wales)

Not another Shed post !!!

Hello. Not long now, Shed of the Year will be on the box again on Friday night, 8pm Channel 4, the last one of the series. I've been saving these pics of the day of the filming, now is the time to post them.

Lillibrooke Manor is a party, corporate, and wedding venue near Maidenhead, Berkshire. It's part of the Heritage Group, quite pricey if you have the dosh to spare. We were able to wander around the gardens and courtyard during breaks from filming. 

Nice setting for wedding photographs.

Two of the sheds were able to get there under their own steam. You will recognize them from the programmes. 

William and co didn't play a big part on the day, so they arrived later. It was mainly down to George the presenter to take charge of presentations, with the judges putting in an appearance towards the end when it came to announce the overall winner. William looks dapper, don't you agree. 

Larking around and posing for photo's during the breaks. So pleased it was a sunny day.

Chrissy Darling in the patriotic outfit, didn't remove any part of it at all. He must have been very hot under all that fabric.

There was a lot of standing around while the crew did their bit. 

Briefing George, he has his cue cards in his hand. He should know it off by heart now.

Pensive look on his face, gathering his thoughts in anticipation. In fairness his lines were near perfect. It was the director in his quest for perfection which created extra takes, and quite rightly so. When I did a bit of filming years ago around my trucking work, I hated being told what to do, I was a bossy madam and rebelled with a strop. I used to get annoyed that they weren't taking me seriously and wanted to make me look a complete plonker. I was quite protective about my professionalism as an experienced lorry driver, and wanted to be regarded as an equal to men, not some bimbo in a big lorry playing at it. Move on a few years and I can see now that you have to follow the director, they know what they want. Now I am older I am a lot more relaxed and deliberately act the fool, people can laugh at me because the pressure is off, I have nothing to prove and can laugh at myself.

You did a good job George, it was great meeting you.

Come back tomorrow, Joan has written a shed poem for me, and it's great.

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

A big cheer for the Sheddies

Hello. I met a smashing couple at the hotel when I was down south for the filming of Shed of the Year at Lillibrook Manor, near Maidenhead. I arrived at seven-ish and checked into my room then went to the restaurant for something to eat. I was hovering around the bar area looking for someone to allocate me a table, Oliver and Adele were also hovering wanting to eat. They very kindly invited me to share a table with them which I gratefully accepted, much better than sitting on my own. After the meal, we mingled with the other sheddies.

Oliver's shed is in the Cabin/Summerhouse category, which is on the same programme as mine, to be shown on Friday. It is sited on their allotment in Warwickshire. Here are some pictures of it,  and here is a yoootooob video of it being constructed.



All the sheddies were good fun, we all joined in the spirit of it. Oliver and Adele were great company, look out for them on Friday.

Still a few more pics to come, I'll post them before Friday.

I'm busy again, lots to do. Tatty byes, we'll catch up soon.

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

The day I met William

Hello. Hello. Another busy day, Crafty Club, and in the garden. My neighbour is going to put a fence up between us so I have cleared the weeds from my side. Also taken down a bit more of the lilac, only two more trunks to go.

I haven't posted these pictures before, so now is as good a time as any. Remember when they came to do the filming of the summer house for Shed of the Year. William is getting miked up by the sound man. 

The director waiting to get started.

I had to move my car out of the way so they had room to set up the camera. There were two vehicles packed to the roof, with six people and all the equipment.

Here is William doing his first takes, strolling down the street.

No, I'm over here William, not that house.

After an hour or so it was time to get the kettle on. As you can see, I did buy a box of tea bags. What was left over have been donated to the Crafty Club. They were a great bunch to work with, all smiley and jokey, we had a laugh.

That's a nice photo. As well as being drop dead gorgeous, he is also a very friendly chap.

The camera had a very long arm and could reach up high over the whole garden.

One last picture before they left.

It was a fab fun day, thankfully very sunny, just perfect. You will see the results of the filming on Friday the 19th, so don't forget to tune in to Channel 4 at 8pm. I shall be going to watch it live at Janet's house. Oooh, now I'm getting excited to see my summer house on the telly.

It's 9pm and I've still got to do my walk, better get on with it.

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