Is the Walking Group ready to go?

Hello. Are you ready for the big one? The WALK 1000 MILES CHALLENGE.. It's the 1st of January and this is where we all start. Choose your boots or your trainers depending on the terrain. I use trainers for walking on tarmac around my village, and boots when on tracks and rough footpaths. Make sure you have the right footwear. Note - my home made shoe rack made out of pallets.

So, let's go through the rules. You can walk wherever you like, whenever you like, the aim is to complete the 1000 miles by December 31st 2017. You can break it down to 2.73 miles a day, I have two measured routes of two and three miles, from my front door. This takes me 35 minutes for two miles, and 50 minutes for three miles. I like to do a fairly brisk walk, a saunter or stroll will not do, I aim to work up a bit of a sweat. Sometimes it's cold when I set out but after ten minutes the heart starts pumping a bit harder and I warm up. When I get back I am ready to peel off some clothes.

The monthly total to aim for is 84 miles. If you are somewhere near that figure that will be fine. Some months you will do more, and some less. If over several months you find you are dropping back, you will have to put more effort in to catch up.

You can ignore the daily and monthly totals, and take on some long walks if you like. When on a walking holiday you could walk ten miles a day for eight days and have the rest of the month off.

Of course all this walking will depend on how fit you are, how much you have done in the past, and how much time you can give to it. If you are working full time can you incorporate walking too and from your workplace into your schedule. If not, can you walk during your lunch break.

There will be some people who will not be physically able to 1000 miles. That's ok, it isn't a competition or a race. Set yourself a lower target, even if it is one mile a day. The aim of this is to at least get you doing some exercise. Anyone who has sever mobility problems should consult their doctor first for advice. They may be able to embark on a different exercise routine, eg, swimming, aerobics, or yoga.

You  will be checking your own mileage, it's up to you how you do this. Some people use a pedometer, or a fitbit. I use a web site, Bikehike.co.uk  Toggle map sizes so the larger OS map is on the right hand side and use your mouse to plot out your route either before or after you have walked.

You can count any miles that you walk in the course of a normal day. I don't know how steps convert to distance, you will have to work that out for yourself. I prefer to count only the miles I set out to walk for the challenge. I don't count in shopping or dog walking, unless it's a big dog that's going to pull me along pretty fast.

On the first of every month you can check in with your miles walked over the previous month. Put this in a comment, then it is all on one blog post. It doesn't matter if you don't get it in on time, it can be updated any day in the month, just go back to the post on the 1st and put it in. This is the only record, there won't be a separate page. So, to start you can comment on this post to say you are in, and for the first day of every month after is where you check in. I want to see those numbers rising.

You will be full of enthusiasm when you start, that's how New Year Resolutions work. A few weeks or months into it you will wonder what you let yourself in for. You will then look for excuses not to do it, and start missing days. Haven't got time, got to go shopping, got to pick the kids up, need to get your hair done, etc etc. If you are opting to walk daily, it is better to build that time into your daily routine and find a slot for it. I am thinking now I had better get off my bum and do it now. If you are struggling, tell the rest of the group. Don't just stop and say stuff it, I can't be bothered. You will feel the benefits if you stick at it. Sore feet, try different footwear. Aching leg muscles, hot bath and massage.

Here's a little bit of inspiration to get you started.



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

PS. I think there are still some mileage totals for December to come in. When I have them I will have a complete list for 2016.

Crafty Club Christmas Tree.

Hello. I remembered to take my camera with me this morning to Crafty Club, and called in at the church on the way to get a few snaps of our tree. Eeeee, it does look grand. I think it is better than the conventional tinsel adorned artificial tree they have on display at the front of the church. You can't beat hand made. 

There is a children's party on Thursday and they have a competition to name ten of the decorations on our tree. 

We were a bit short on numbers this morning, people have other things to do on the run up to Christmas. We are not meeting again until the second week in January because the next two Mondays are Bank Holidays.

Several people have asked about doing the 1000 mile walking challenge next year. I have already mentioned that I will not be making a separate page to log the monthly miles, however, in view of people's interest in the challenge I am willing to give everyone a day a month to log their own miles in a monthly comment. Therefore it is up to you to keep track of where you are, but everyone can see it.

So, starting on January 1st you can register your name as a participant. and on the 1st of every month you check in with your mileage. Note, there are people with the same name, please add something to your name to make it different from the others. Please try and stick to this plan because then it is a group effort and everyone can support each other. You can comment on your walking at any time of the month, but it would be better if you logged your mileage on the 1st, then everyone is in the same blog post.

Basically, I am not going to hold your hand, you need to do it for you. I will be there to urge you to keep going, and to encourage you. I want to see those number increase month by month. It's up to you how you do it, long walks, short walks, and how you check your own progress. Whether you use an electronic gadget, or use a site like bikehike. you check your own miles.

People start New Year Resolutions with good intentions, but run out of steam part way through the year. If there is a good reason why you physically can't do it, don't worry. Maybe you could scale it down and find an exercise plan a bit easier. If there is nothing physically preventing you from walking then get off your bum and make the effort. 2.73 miles a day can be done in just under an hour. Remember, you are doing it for you, for your health, not for me or anyone else. Best of luck.

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

Almost there, keep walking to keep fit

Hello. With only a month to go to the end of the challenge, I've just been checking the state of play on our Walking Group page. I am really chuffed that so many of you have done so well. To be honest I thought more would have dropped out, but I'm pleased to say that a great many of you have stuck it out and are still soldiering on.

Everyone walks at their own pace so it's not fair to say some have done better than others. You can only do what you can do. I always say as long as you can do some walking, it's better than none.

I'm going to put a few names on this post of those who have really pulled out all the stops. Indeed, some of you have finished well before the time. The finishing line is midnight on December the 31st, so if you have already passed the 1000 miles, you can relax and do no more, or you can carry on for your grand total.

These are the figures which came in at the end of October, (except mine which is up to date), so they will be higher now if you are still walking.

Take a bow......
AMY IN FLORIDA  1777
VAMPIRE HEART   1153
SIMPLESISTA   1132
LAURA BLACKPOOL   1111
JILL 1018
JANICE C 1008
VICKIEY 1000

Coming up close behind almost there.......
SCARLET  995
LISA IN MIAMI  992
ILONA  948
HELEN D  948 km
HILDE  943
HAZEL  916

Keep going ladies, last push......
GILLIE  872
JULES  859
BEACHCOMBER  858
CHERIE  827
SALLY C  808

Please check the Walking page to see your mileage if your name is not here.

You may remember that I started on December the 1st last year as a trial. So with that 75 miles, I have gone over the 1000, but I will carry on to the end of the year, just to keep you company, and to cheer you on. Come on ladies, you can do it.

People have asked, what next. I haven't decided what I am going to do yet, I might think of another challenge or I might carry on with this. Whatever I do it will include some form of exercise, as I feel it is important to look after my body for life, not just for one year. I won't be making another walking group page for 2017, but I hope that some of you will continue the good work you have already started and record your own mileage.

If you feel you would like support, you could register with the Country Walking magazine challenge where you will be able to keep track of your own mileage and chat with like minded people. This is the link to their site.  Another option is to join the Walking Forum, of which I am a member, and put your name down on their list. Then it's up to you to update your own mileage by going to the thread, quoting the list, then adding your new miles, and posting it back on. I have been updating mine here. The thread is in Long Distance Walks.

It's been a long walk, but we are not far off now, everyone should be proud of what they have achieved.

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

How do you wash your feet in the shower?

Hello. Let's talk about skin, we have all got some. It's that stretchy stuff which covers our bodies. According to my Human Biology folder, (1962) page 81, the function of the skin forms a boundary between us and the environment, acting as a protective layer against friction, bacteria, water, heat, and cold. It also helps to keep our temperature constant in spite of changes in the temperature of our surroundings. Pretty clever eh!.

Here on page 79 is my diagram of the components which make up the different layers. 

Today, I scrubbed the skin all over my body while I soaked in the bath. These are the torture cleaning implements which I use. I like to remove all the dead skin. I start with my feet. Lying on my back I pull one knee up to my chin and work my way up the leg with this rough stone thing. The knee gets done, then the upper leg as far the bum cheek. Repeat the same procedure with the second leg. 

Then I swap to the sponge with the honeycomb rough side. I cut the sponge in half so it lasts twice as long. Still laid in the water I give the arms a good scrub, paying particular attention to the armpits. I then sit up and proceed to attack the upper body, front, neck, and around the sides as far as my arms will reach. When that's all done I stand up and do all the body parts which were previously below the water line, with the sponge.

How to reach the back, with a brush, so while still standing up I use this.

For a final rinse off I lie back down in the bath and have a bit of a swish about. All nice and clean, and the dead skin all removed. You may have noticed that I didn't mention my face. I wash my hair over the full bath of clean water, (no soap added), and wash my face, before I get in.

Now what I want to know is how can you give yourself a full body scrub in a shower? I had showers at the hotel, but all they entailed was a soapy sponge and reaching as far as my little arms could stretch to around the middle of my body. My back didn't get done, forgot to take the brush, but there was no way that I could balance on one leg on a slippery surface to scrub my feet and below my knees.

It baffles me when people say they they have a shower every day, which usually entails dispensing half a bottle of shower gel into the palm of your hands and smearing it around all the crevices of your body then rinsing it off. Unless you have got sandpaper on the palm of your hands, I don't call that getting properly clean. And how do you wash your feet in the shower, that's what I would like to know, especially when you have soap running down your face and have to keep your eyes clamped tight shut. Do you wobble about on one leg and hope you don't slip?

Shower cubicles are so darn small. Drop the soap and you have to bend down and go scrabbling about  for it. You have to remember where you put the towel when you reach for it with your eyes closed. You open the shower door and it's cold in the rest of the room so you try and dry yourself within the confines of the cubicle, or step out onto the bath mat and rub yourself like crazy before you freeze to death.

Give me a bath anytime so I can have a good soak and a good scrub to get rid of the dead skin, then I feel clean. Albert has the right idea.



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

Good news, and other stuff.

Hello. I've got a big smile on my face today, I went for the second part of my free health check at the surgery. My bloods have been checked and all seems well in that department. I weighed in at 59kg (9st 4lbs) and my height is 5'5". The print out says my ideal weight is 8st 13lbs, so I'll have to watch that I don't creep up a bit over winter. My blood pressure is 118/60, and my BMI is 21.67 kg/m. Pulse rate 76 bpm. There are some cholesterol readings, and she did explain to me what they mean, but I am still baffled. Nevertheless she said they are excellent. 

All the information fed into the computer gives a score. My risk of having a heart attack in the next ten years is 7.4%, which is below the score of 10.5% for a healthy person of the same sex, age, and ethnicity. My healthy heart age is 63. The nurse questioned me about diet, alcohol use, and exercise. She said, whatever you are doing, keep on doing it. So, I'm a little bit chuffed. Making an effort is hopefully paying off. 

I've put these two dollies side by side so you can see the size of the latest one. Little Polly dolly is 7.5 inches tall so will be ok for the Christmas tree. She is not bald at the back of her head, and I have put a narrow strip of plastic inside her body and head, and a bit more stuffing, so she isn't floppy. 

She's had some fillers in her lips, ha ha.

I've seen this small lizardy thing in my garden for must be over a year now. Not sure if there is only one, or whether there is a family. It was in a bowl of water outside the back door and I thought it was struggling to get out, so I fished it out. Cute isn't it. I have to be careful when I am walking about in the garden so I don't stand on it. I wonder if it will hibernate. 

Plenty of rocks for it to hide under. It moves very slow, does not run away and is easy to pick up. Off you go little lizard.

I forgot to include this map photo in my walking posts. It isn't very clear, but you can see how I fill in the lines with a marker pen for the different walks. When I check the mileage on bikehike.co.uk I trace out the lines with the mouse on the screen and it gives me a total.

A comment came in from Anon.......

Have you ever thought of collecting all your walking wanders up on a map/travel page? That way, if one was ever able to, they might be interested to duplicate some of your jaunts, and this would make it easier to hunt up the details/links..

Hello Anon. Thank you for your idea. Unfortunately I don't have time to do all that. It's the same reason why I don't write recipes, or give detailed instructions on how to make craft items. I write about quite a lot of topics on my blog, and will cover some of the basics with limited details, but can't spend more time on it, or I would never get anything else done. 

I suggest if anyone has a particular interest in something you goooooglie it, or go on yooootooob. There are specialist web sites/forums/blogs/ videos for just about any topic. Here is one for long distance walking.  And a link for the Ramblers. And the Walking Englishman. 

I've updated the latest mileage figures to come in, thanks for sending them. All is looking good, and I'm pleased to hear that a lot of you are feeling the benefits of regular exercise. keep it up. It's not just for one week, one month, or one year, it's forever. Look after your body.

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

Update on the Walking Group

Hello. As we are on the last straight towards the end of the Walk 1000 miles in one year challenge, I thought I would give you a condensed update taken from the original list. Click on the link above for the monthly scores. Thank you for updating and sharing your progress. From the original 64 who signed up, 43 are still on the list. I have deleted those who never really got off the ground. I don't like to give up on people too soon, but as I hadn't heard anything from them it added extra time for me to scroll through when updating. I suspect a few more have given up as I haven't heard anything from them since February. Or maybe they are still doing the challenge but just haven't told me.

Anyway, in no particular order, this is the state of play today. We have some who have already passed the 1000 mark, a fantastic effort, well done, you should be proud of yourselves. You can carry on to the end of the year if you like, to give you a grand total for the twelve months, or stop now, it's up to you.

Ilona 890
Ellen Anderson 669
Lisa in Miami 886
Mrs LH 255
Frugal in the Valley 260
Vampire Heart 1153
Hilogene Oltman 567
Simplesista 876
Julie 691
Juhli 135
Janice C 1008
Laura Blackpool 1002 1111
Sue G 606
Hilde 943
Gillie 872
Cherie 827
Helen D 948 km
Shesewsyouknow 347
Jill 1018
Patricia 345
Jules 859
Sally C 808
Sonja 300
Pam 396
VickiEy 957
Amy in Florida 1777 walk/jog/cycl
Hazel 916
Annie 178
Tigerlove 159
Clynnestra 97
Momsav 781
Wanda 113
Lizzie L 247 walk/cycl
Laegalegle 217
Beachcomber 858
Solo Walker 285
Tracy 129
London Livin 271
Ann Ewart 93
Christine Neumann 692
Scarlett 995
Kay Schmitz 354
Wendy 756
Susan q 577

Some of you are so close, you will definitely finish it, possibly during November, but definitely by the end of the year. Don't worry if you are a bit behind, all kinds of things crop up which can knock you back a bit. The fact that you made a start and did your best is all credit to you.

Any challenge you take on will have it's ups and downs, the fact that this started on January the 1st made it more like a New Years Resolution. A burst of enthusiasm and you're all fired up to give it a go. It's just the same as giving up smoking, or trying to lose weight, or spend less, or save for an expensive item like a holiday or wedding.

Everybody has the idea of creating a new start in January, when in fact you can make a start at any time during the year. Telling yourself that you will do such and such, or give up or cut down is the easy part, it's keeping up the momentum that is hard. I have paced myself with this walking challenge, I'm a steady plodder and prefer to chip away at things rather than go hell for leather then experience burn out. Far better to lose a couple of pounds a month over a period of a year, rather than starve yourself for two months, then binge and put all the weight all back on again.

The key to any challenge is how long can you sustain it for. Looking at the long term to achieve the result you want can be daunting, it means you can often lose sight of your goal. Keeping that in your mind and focusing on the new you is imperative. Take your eye off the game and you can slip back down the slope. If this happens, pick yourself up and vow to do better.

A couple of people have asked, what next? It's looking like a new challenge is needed when this one has finished. I am hoping that some of you will be carrying on with your walking for health. I will always find an excuse to get out and walk. I will keep track of my miles by writing it on my calendar, maybe you could do the same.

I have things to do. Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

What a cheek.

Hello. I have a currant stuck on my face, not a pretty sight. It ruins my flawless 67 year old skin. No, that's not quite correct, I do have a few flaws, mainly wrinkles, saggy jowls, and a scrawny neck. However, I am not going down the route of sticking needles in my face to plump up my skin with fillers. I will just have to put up with how I am. But what I don't want is this currant stuck on my right cheek.  

My doctor at our village surgery treated it earlier this year, and it went away. But then it reappeared so I went back to see him. He referred me to the Dermatology department of the Virgin Care health centre in town. I didn't know Mr Branson had medical establishments as well as running an airline. The Ironstone Centre is a brand new building and in a part of town I don't normally go to. It was very nice, the staff were nice, and the young specialist I saw was very nice.

He peered through his magnifying eyeglass to get a better look and declared that it was only a wart and nothing sinister. I said I have something similar on my arm as well, so he had a look at that. Only a wart he said. Then I mentioned that as I live alone I am unable to see my own back, and could he check it for me. He obliged and said only moles, which I knew about but thought it's best to get them checked out.

The doc said he would zap my currant with something to freeze it. I said my doctor has done that, three times and still it came back. He said, my liquid is stronger, and it will work. He got a plunger contraption off the shelf. which looked like a space gun. I closed my eyes and waited, he zapped. It felt like a thousand needles sticking in my skin. He zapped it twice, I said, yeah, kill it.

So this is the result. The currant is apparently dying and will drop off. I'll let you know when it does.

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

A question you can all help with

Hello again. I have had an email from a reader in the US, she asks a question. I will try and answer as best I can, but I don't know everything, so perhaps some of our UK readers can help me out here. Please comment with your own experiences of our UK healthcare system. Are you using the NHS at present, no need to go into details about your condition), are you an NHS or private patient? Do you need ongoing treatment or is it a one off? Have you insurance to cover the cost? How do you rate your care? If you don't want to write too much about it you could just answer the US readers question. Thank you for your responses.  

 I live in the US and have been thinking about the differences in our health care systems since we visited your country in April.  I have searched your blog to see if you have posted about this subject and how you deal with the possibility of a health issue in the future.  I know you lead a very healthy lifestyle and that you have a NHS in your country.  The thing I hear most (and feel myself) is the fear that one illness could ruin a person financially. 

Right. How do I deal with the possibility of a health issue in the future? I do not know what the future holds for me, so I don't spend too much time worrying about it. Up to now I have only been a hospital in patient three times in my life. I had my tonsils out at age 10, I had a sterilization at 37, and I had a hysterectomy at 59. The first two were planned, the last one was a shock because up to that time I had been healthy for most of my life. With this track record I am optimistic that my good luck will continue. However, saying that, it may not. 

I don't feel the need to do any prepping for something that may or may not happen. If I became ill, I would expect the NHS to look after me, and I will put myself in their hands, and hope they would do their best. I don't have any private insurance to pay for any care I might need. I have an NHS dentist that looks after my teeth, I don't pay a monthly scheme, I pay for checkups and treatment as and when required. Luckily I haven't needed any treatment for about five or six years. 

If I were to become ill I would still get my pension. If I needed pills I wouldn't have to pay. I'm not sure if there are things to pay for when in hospital because the last time I was in there eight years ago everything was free. I don't know if it is different now. Perhaps others will know. 

I hope to be able to stay in my house for a long time yet, hope that my health holds out and that I can wash, dress, and feed myself. I may have to move to a smaller more easily managed house eventually. I haven't thought about what might happen beyond that, it's too far into the future. One thing I will consider is to find a way to release money from my house and spend some of it to make my life easier. Ideally I would like to die penniless, if that happens then I will have gone full circle, coming in with nothing and going out with nothing. That's fine by me, I can't take it with me and I have no dependents. 

You mention that one illness could ruin a person financially. The only thing I know about the US system is that you have to pay for your healthcare through an insurance. I was taken to hospital in an ambulance once while on holiday, in Ohio I think. It was a minor illness that just required antibiotics, the first thing they asked was have I got insurance, and when I answered yes and showed the certificate, they went right over the top, flashing lights, siren, etc. I didn't actually need to go to hospital but they insisted. It must be a worry for you that at anytime you could become ill and your ability to pay would determine what treatment is available to you. 

When you think about it I have paid for my healthcare throughout my working life. Luckily I haven't needed to use it very much, but our system where we pay as a collective means that others not so lucky can have access to the care they need. I don't know how much longer that will continue, that's another debate which I don't want to discuss here, so please don't get political. I've had enough of politics. 

So, to sum up, the question from our US reader is, How do you deal with the possibility of a health issue in the future? Thank you for the question, and your replies.

It's Tesco night tonight. My fridge is bare and I have a £4 off voucher. I'll go on the yellow sticker hunt. We'll catch up soon. 
Toodle pip.    

Ten good reasons why ..............

Hello. There are a lot of things going on around us which might cause us a lot of worry and upset, whether it  be inside our friends and family circle, or outside in the big wide world. It is very easy to be affected by what we see, what we read about and what others tell us face to face, because we all have feelings. Quite often it is difficult to control what we feel because our emotions are personal to us and part of our genetic make up. We can appear to be in control but we can also be caught off guard and become angry or sad pretty quickly when something negative happens. We don't always have a choice about how we feel.

But..... I also believe that in some circumstances our emotions can be controlled and we can learn how to deal with situations which may have a less than desirable outcome.  There are times when I feel that whatever I say or do will not make any difference to how a situation pans out, so it's best to take a back seat and do nothing. This is not to say I am not a caring person because I am. I do feel hurt and sadness, I do have empathy for someone who is in a bad place, but I am not going to beat myself up about something I have no control over whatsoever.

If something has affected me I will try and identify the solution. If I can't do anything to change things, to turn  a negative into a positive, I have to put my own feelings first. My coping strategy is to switch off.

So here are my ten good reasons why I might bury my head in the sand.

1. I can't do anything about it.
2. It's got nothing to do with me.
3. I don't want to know what happened.
4. I don't need to know what happened.
5. I need to protect my sanity.
6. It's not my fault.
7. I can ignore it.
8. It doesn't affect me.
9. I am not responsible for the outcome.
10. I don't need the stress.

You may have your own coping strategies. In these modern times in a fast moving world it would be very easy to absorb all the turmoil and upset we see around us. There has to be a cut off point, a time when we think of ourselves. It's not being selfish, it's a matter of self preservation, putting our own health and well being first.

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

You owe it to yourself to look after you

Hello. I know I bang on a bit about walking, but it is a topic that has the potential of leading everyone to a better, more fitter and healthier lifestyle. For me it is vitally important that I do the best I can for my body, my love of walking benefits me in so many ways. I feel alive when I am outside striding along. I feel connected to nature. I feel like I am oiling my joints, which need movement to slow up the process of seizing up, if I didn't use them. I cannot think of one negative thing about walking, it is so full of positives. 

I am really chuffed that some of you have taken on the 1000 mile walking challenge, Your mileage updates are heartwarming, I am so proud of you for making the effort. 

No matter where you live in the world you can find a place to walk. It might be from your front door, or at a local park, or along a beach, or around the streets if you live in a city or town. All it takes is that commitment and determination that you are going to do the best for your body. 

I really like this walking map of London. Everyone will recognize this as the Underground map. It has the different lines and the stations, and it also has the times it would take you to walk between the stations. If you use this to get to and from work, wouldn't it be a good idea to get off one station early and walk the rest? When I was in London a few years ago I walked everywhere and didn't use buses or the Underground at all. 

I have found an inspiring video on yooootooob, which you might want to look at. It explains all the benefits of walking, not only for your body fitness now, but also also holding back the ravages of old age, and keeping the mind active as well. Have a look if you need some motivation to keep moving.



There is a web site called Everybody Walk as well. It's American based but the message is the same the world over. Lots of videos to get you out of your seat and walking. Walking benefits everyone.

So there you are. The sun is out and I have things to do today, but you can bet your life there will be a walk in there. My own three mile walk, and I am walking Bella the Labradoodle.

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

Thumbs up for the teef ;o)

Hello. Good news on the toothy peg front, me gnashers are good, don't need any treatment, £18.80 paid for checkup, don't need to go for another year. Brushing and flossing is good for teeth, it saves you money, and pain. Clean teeth every morning and every night. Don't go to bed with dirty teeth, even if you are dead tired. Don't have a mug of cocoa in bed then go to sleep. Get up and go to the bathroom and brush. Don't drink that first cuppa of the day before you have brushed your teeth. Get up and brush first, then go downstairs and make a drink. Or get someone else to make it for you. These are the rules ;o)

My dentist is very nice, she is called Emma. She gives me a thorough check up around my whole mouth, sticks her fingers in, put your tongue to the left, and to the right, stick your tongue out. She prods and pokes about. Today she didn't have to say anything to her assistant who takes the notes, there was nothing to write down.

I had a terrible fear of dentists as a child. I remember going to the school dentist when I was at junior school. A big man came to the school once in a while, we all had to go and see him. It was an old building, there was a coal fire in the grate, and his sausage dog lay next to it. There wasn't a chair to sit in, you had to stand in front of the dentist with your mouth wide open. I remember having a tooth out, he dabbed some foul tasting brown liquid on it with cotton wool, then took a pair of pliers and yanked it out. He was horrible, I hated it.

When I was a bit older mum took me to a dentist in town, he worked from home, it was a big house and his front room was his surgery. His name was Mr Brown, everyone called him Butcher Brown. Another horrible man, more bad experiences.I was scared to death of him. Mum only took us if we were in pain, we never had regular check ups because my mum was scared of dentists herself. Eventually when I left school and started working, I found another dentist, Mr Stone in New Street was much better, though I only went when I had to.

When I went to live in Blackpool I went with my friend to the dentist, she was happy to go. I remember I had toothache on one particular occasion and she said come in with me and see the dentist. I said no, and stood outside waiting for her. I was in agony but wouldn't go in. Then some children came and happily skipped in through the door. I felt ashamed that I was too much of a coward to go in. Eventually the pain got so bad, and I thought of the children going in, and thought if they can do it I can do it. So I plucked up courage to go, and after that went more regularly. After three years living in Blackpool I went back home, and picked up with Mr Stone again. I stayed with him for many years until I moved away again.

When I came to live here I went to a dentist that someone recommended. I didn't like him though, he didn't say much and I like to be kept informed about what is going to happen. I don't like surprises, I want them to be nice to me. I mentioned it to my next door neighbour, who luckily enough was a dentist practice manager. She said come to our surgery, ring up and make an appointment, so I did. And that's how I met Emma. I will stick with her. Everyone at the practice is nice as well, the receptionists, and assistants, it's even nice sitting in the waiting room. It's a bit further for me to drive there, as it's the other side of town, but worth it so I'll keep going.

Anyway, that's my teef, now share your teef stories.

Tomorrow I will start getting a few things together for the holiday. Looking forward to that. Three blog readers have said they might be able to meet up, if they can spare the time. That would be nice, but if you can't ladies, don't worry. I don't expect people to drop what they are doing if you have commitments elsewhere. I have added an extra day to the holiday, a friend who used to live here in the village now lives near Great Yarmouth, so I'm going over there to visit. That will be nice.

Off to bed now. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip

A very useful hippy bag

Hello, as promised, the latest bag. It's a sort of multi purpose, patchwork type colourful hippy bag. It's got loads of room and can be used as a work bag, with the option of picking a few items up at the supermarket on the way home. It could be a beach bag, or a day out bag, or an overnight bag. It's strong and sturdy, some machine stitching and mostly hand stitching. 

The handles are attached onto the outside with cross stitch, and are long enough to go over the shoulder. 

It's quite thick, each side has four layers, an inside and an outside and two layers of hessian in the middle. 

The back is just one piece of colourful fabric. I love the vibrancy of this, and I have plenty more left.

This close up pic makes it look slightly pink, but it is more red, as above.

The lining is plain red cotton.

I'm chuffed with it. It was a bit of an experiment after I did the book cover in a similar style, I wanted to make something bigger.

Kitty news....a pregnant mum came into the rescue and she has given birth to three adorable kittens. Mum is grey short haired and so are the kittens. She lived before with an elderly gentleman who went into care and the family couldn't take her in.

A letter has arrived from the NHS, my poo test is clear, says she heaving a sigh of relief  :o))  Dentist annual check up tomorrow, wish me luck. There will be extra scrubbing and flossing of teeth tonight and tomorrow morning.

The car is booked in for it's MOT. If anyone is looking for a cheapie place to take their car, check out the Halfords Autocentre web site. An MOT costs £30 if you book online. They also do deals on servicing as well. Worth a look if you don't already have your own local reliable garage services.

The sun has come out and I am off outside for an hour or two, so I'll say tatty byes and toodle pip. Catch you soon.

JUST DO IT

Hello. Apologies if you are eating, maybe read this after you have finished your meal. A question. What is the most important thing in your life. Most people would say their kids and their family, their other half, followed by pets perhaps. What is at the top of the list for you? I admire those that love other people more than themselves, it shows a compassion for their fellow human beings, and should be applauded. I admire those people who go through traumatic experiences, and somehow come out the other end to pick up the pieces and carry on with their life. It is very important to build up a resilience to all the unpleasantness that might come our way.

So what am I waffling on about? For me, the most important thing in my life is trying to maintain my reasonably good health. If I were to fall ill I would be the worlds worst patient, I would moan and groan that I can't do this or do that. I would sit around and become a right miserable and crabby old witch. I would feel sorry for myself, I would be depressed saying why me, why has this happened to me. I don't want to become that person, so I try hard to look after myself.

Our NHS offers free healthchecks, eye tests, tests for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and bowel cancer. And if we have any other concerns about something which is not quite right with our bodies we can make an appointment to see a doctor. We are lucky to have this service.

I was reading in the newspaper that people ignore the test for bowel cancer because it is too much faff. I don't like faffing too much because it wastes time, but this is one faff I am happy to put up with. It could save my life.

Here are some figures.
Cervical screening has 79% take up, breast cancer screening 72%, on average only 54% of the target population accept an invitation for bowel cancer screening, with only four out of ten taking up the offer, according to the charity Beating Bowel Cancer.

My test is ready to put in the post. If you get one of these, don't bin it, don't leave it lying around to think about it, don't moan that it's too much faff.  Ok, it's not very nice to mess about with your own poo, it stinks, you might feel sick, but for goodness sake, it's only the waste matter from all the food you have noshed. Put a face mask on, open the window, spray some perfume around, it only takes a minute or two. If  your health is the most important thing to you, JUST DO IT. If not for yourself, do it for your loved ones who will be left behind if you die.

Thank you for reading. Come back soon.
Toodle pip

A money saving tip

Hi. I have just thought of a new money saving tip which I thought I would share with you. I know you all like to save money wherever you can, cutting down and cutting back. Reducing, making do, and generally using less so you ultimately have more. More money to spend on the little pleasures in life, and more time to enjoy your pleasures. 

To live my simple life I cut corners, reduce the amount of time I spend in the kitchen by creating simple no cook, or one pan meals, thus reducing my spending on gas and electricity, and giving me more time to play and create, and go out. 

I don't have the washer on the go until I have enough clothes to fill it. I have enough in my wardrobe, I don't think oh I need to wash a certain item of clothing because I want to wear it, I just pick something else out of the cupboard or wardrobe. A bit like meal planning actually. I don't go to the shop because I want some potatoes or bread, I eat something else until I need several items, then go to the shop. I don't do a wash every Monday as it used to be done years ago, and I don't do a weekly shop every Friday either. I do these chores when they actually need doing. 

I keep the garden tidy by doing an hour or two at a time. I enjoy working in the garden much more than working in the house. Time spent outside is healthy, getting the sun on your skin is healthy, doing exercise outside is healthy. I have a big garden and sometimes I think oh heck, the lawn needs mowing, but when it is done it looks nice and I have had some exercise. I don't get the same buzz when I have washed the pots or dusted. Time spent not doing mundane things means time to do exactly what I like. 

Summer means wearing less clothes. Less clothes means less to wash. I have dug out my skirt from the back of the wardrobe, it's several years old, someone gave it to me. It's fine for pottering around the house. 

Wearing a skirt means less clothes to wash, howzat? Easy. No need to wear anything underneath, nudge nudge wink wink  ;o)) No need to wear socks either, barefoot is fine around the house, feels nice walking around on freshly cut grass as well. So, long skirts out girls, cast aside your knickers pants, feel the breeze and free yourself from the drudgery of housework.
Toodle pip

Mr Gormley has sent in his little men

Hello. It's three years since I last had my knockers squashed, and today was the day for another checkup. They hide this trailer in a quiet corner of the hospital, not easy to find, no direction signs anywhere, though everyone gets a map on the back of the invitation letter. I park in Sainsbury's car park for any hospital visits. and take a brisk ten minute walk there. Just outside one of the entrances near the bus stop is where all the smokers gather for a crafty fag. The disgusting mess that litters the pavement and hedge bottom is awful. I have to hold my breath when I walk past, the stink is vile. 

In a few minutes the job was done. It's bloomin uncomfortable when the nurse manipulates my boobs into place, lean this way, look that way, drop your shoulder. It's not my fault I have two fried eggs, it's a wonder I didn't end up with cracked ribs. Anyway, best to get it done regardless of the discomfort. They will send a letter in the next two weeks.

I decided to pop into the Baths Hall, our big entertainment venue, which is next to Sainsbury's, I've had my eye on a show I fancy going to see. I've booked a seat for 'An Evening of Burlesque'. It's not till June but the tickets are £3.50 cheaper if booked before the end of March. Something to look forward to. I noticed a poster for a Body Building Competition, hmm, I wouldn't mind seeing that, never been to a live one before. I asked which seats are available. Seems they are removing the first block of seats nearest the stage and replacing them with tables, and these will be reserved for invited guests only. The available seats for the general public are behind them, quite a distance from the stage. No good to me, I like to be close to the action, not squinting at little dots on the stage. Bit disappointing.

We've got quite an important exhibition on at the Arts Centre at the moment. Field for the British Isles features 40,000 clay figures sculpted by over 100 pupils from two schools in Merseyside.

I couldn't take any photo's, not allowed, but the whole floor area of the church is covered in them. It took 20 volunteers a week to set them out. They look just like the picture on the leaflet, right up to the edges of the walls, there isn't a bit of floor space visible. An estimated 30 tons of clay was used, and 100 people turned up in September 1993 to make the models. You can read more about it on the Tate web site. Here is an article in the Mail with pictures of it being set up in another venue. It's here in Scunthorpe until the 27th of June if anyone wants to see it. It is pretty amazing.

Couldn't be bothered to cook tonight, and these peas and beans needed eating, so a simple zap in the microwave, and dinner in a couple of minutes at a cost of 2p. Don't worry, I won't starve, I've been nibbling so not very hungry. I think the wind will be getting up tonight. 

Thank you for your comments yesterday, I read them all, they are much appreciated. Catch you tomorrow.
Toodle pip

Food for the brain

Hello, Getting on with things a bit earlier this morning. It was a big ask yesterday to point you in the direction of a video that takes an hour and a half to watch. Not everyone has the time to sit through something that long. There is a natural break at the point where the first story appears to finish, and a second story emerges. You could split it that way and still enjoy the whole thing, because the two stories run parallel, drawing it to a very emotional conclusion at the end.

You know I am a nosy person, I have said it many times, but I am not nosy for the sake of it, it's not that I want to know everybody's business. It's just that my little brain keeps asking me, what's that all about, I want to know how things work, how they fit together, why things happen, and what makes them happen. The internet is an ideal tool to satisfy my curiosity. I wasn't interested in learning at school, the only lessons I liked were practical subjects like cookery, sewing, art, and cross country running, and writing stories. I hated being forced to sit for a couple of hours my head jammed up with a mass of numbers that made no sense at all, or listen to the teacher drone on about some battle or other that happened a million years ago.I didn't need to know that stuff. I wanted to know about life, how and why things happen, right now while I am a part of it.

I walk around my village in the evening, and now it is getting dark early I see people watching the tele. The screens are that big these days, it's easy to see what they are watching, and the same tele's in the same houses are on, night after night. There seems to be a lot of run of the mill stuff, which is neither taxing to the brain, or even remotely interesting. I suppose they call that entertainment. I ask myself if I am perhaps missing out, should I get a tele. But what would I learn from Strictly Come Dancing, or the X Factor, or the many quiz programmes it seems to be awash with. And don't tell me I can learn a lot from cookery programmes, my mum was there to show me how to knock up a meal.

No, tele on the whole does not add to my learning experiences at all. I have an appetite and I need to feed it. Just like my body needing food, my brain also needs sustenance in the form of stimulating information which I can dissect and consume.

I do pick out a few programmes for their entertainment value, to watch on the computer, but I am paring that down now in favour of  something that will give me food for thought. Even Coronation Street has been given the boot, where do they get those barmy stories from, and so repetitive as well. Same old same old is not what I want. I need fresh, new ideas to feed the old grey matter.

I've been checking out a few crafty web sites which I am happy to share. You never know, there might be some new ideas here to give you inspiration.
Contemporary Quilt is all about erm,... quilting. There are lovely pictures of amazing quilts and details of events which you can visit.
Effie Galletly is a landscape artist and quilt maker, her works are inspired by the landscapes and structures of the Western Islands and the West Highlands of Scotland. She runs workshops on the Isle of Lewis, which were very successful in 2013.
Gillian Travis is an award winning textile artist living in the north of England. Her web site is choc a bloc full of interesting stuff, I will have to bookmark this one. Her work is colourful and contemporary, inspired by her extensive travels, all are documented on her blog.
Anne Kelly is a textile artist who lives in Sussex. She collects recycled fabric and paper to create a range of work which is mostly framed. She has a blog, and teaches at her workshops.

There's a few to be going on with, Now here's the question....what do you read up about on the internet, what subjects feed your desires for more knowledge?  What are you studying, what subjects  are you keen to learn more about? Are you feeding your brain with the right fodder, or are you slumped in front of the box, content with chillin after a hard day with your nose to the grindstone? Hey, that's more than one question, never mind, I'm being nosy again, ha ha.
Toodle pip.

Inspiring

Hello, I'm a bit late with this, I've been watching yoootooob again, someone on a forum posted a link to a video which was 1 hour 30 mins long, I stuck with it as it was so interesting. If you are into healthy eating and food nutrition and losing weight, you might like to watch. It's a documentary about an Australian guy called Joe Cross who described himself  as fat, sick, and nearly dead. He decided he must do something about it because he didn't want his life to be dependent on the tablets he had to take every day. 

His plan was to take himself away from his usual environment and travel around America for 60 days while living entirely on juices. As time went on you could see the changes in him. He lost a whole lot of weight, he looked and felt better, and it looked like he was reversing the aging process. 

As well as the benefits to his slimmer frame he was also able to stop taking his medication. This was all done with the support of a medical doctor, who monitored his blood throughout the experiment. 

As well as it being a story of one man's determination to change his unhealthy lifestyle, there is a twist to it about three quarters of the way through. I won't tell you what it is in case you want to watch it, but it is so emotional it brought tears to my eyes. As well as being a heartwarming story, it is also educational, describing exactly what happens to your body if you choose to eat all the wrong kind of foods. It is well worth watching if you have the time.Switch the tele off when there is nowt on and watch this instead.

This is my dinner tonight, no cooking required. Lettuce, carrot, pickled onions, tomato, chickpeas, portion of quiche, cottage cheese, and dips. Lovely jubbly.  

Can't write any more, Heidi has her head on the keyboard. Toodle pip

I do look after me teef

Hello me hearties. My nice lady dentist Emma has had a good prod around and given me a clean bill of health, me gnashers are good for another year. She asked me lots of questions about my lifestyle, drinking, smoking, how often do I brush my teeth, how often do I floss, and which toothpaste am I using. I have very low risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. I have scored a zero, meaning I have healthy gums. Whooopeeee. My teeth are not perfect by any means, with two crowns, a four teeth bridge, and several fillings this is as good as it's going to get, and I am hanging on to what I have. If anyone overseas is interested in how much a dental check up costs here, it's £18.50. My practice has both private and national health options. For most things I pay the cheaper national health rate, mind you, I haven't had anything done for ages. I went private for the bridge, opted to pay more for a better colour match, and shorter waiting times. They offer the services of a hygienist at £35 a time. I have never been to a hygienist in my life, I have never needed to. 

So, what's for dinner tonight. The usual steamed veg, all out of the garden except the spinach which was on a yellow sticker. I thought I would give these Tesco chicken style strips a try, they are the size of potato chips. I'm not very impressed by them, not much taste and a bit rubbery. I much prefer their veggie burgers. 

I thought you might like some kitty photo's. These are Janets cats, I'm feeding them for her while she is away, a sort of favour swap if you like, she will be feeding mine next week. There are seven cats,  I've got five of them here. This is Teddy, Janet raised him from a tiny kitten when he came into rescue, then she kept him.

Mr Beasley or Mr B as we call him, wouldn't stay with his owners when they moved home he kept wandering off. After picking him up and taking him back several times they had to admit defeat and he was put up for adoption. You can see where he ended up. We are not supposed to keep our rescue cats, but sometimes we do, ha ha.

I can't remember the names of the others, they are written down on a menu plan, each one has their favourite food.

I sat and watched the tele with them tonight, they are all lovely.

Because I was at the dentist this morning I missed what they put into the skip. By the time I got back, some traveling people in a van had stopped to ask if there was any metal. The owner said they could take it. But, they not only took the metal they took a load of other stuff as well, cheeky beggars. Anyway, after they had gone, the owner put a large box in the skip, and it was full of soft toys and dolls, so I nabbed it quick. These will be ideal for selling on the stall at the Christmas market.

I put some of the bulky items in my car this morning and after I had finished at the dentist I went to Lindsey Lodge Hospice shop with it. They were chuffed to receive it.

It's late so I am off to bed, it's been a busy day. Sewing has been put on hold for the moment, I must start getting a few things together for my adventure. Catch you tomorrow.
Have a laugh with Pam

Toodle pip

Genes or choices?

Quite a few emails land in my box every week, I try and answer them all, eventually. I like to hear what you are getting up to, and it's nice that my blogging efforts are appreciated. I've picked this one out to reply here, I know who sent it but I shall leave the name off, I don't need to identify the writer.

Hi Ilona,

I am almost 4 1/2 years older than you are and I am wondering if your diet and lifestyle are keeping you off all medications?  I am pretty fit but have had to take a statin to control my cholesterol and now fosamax to help my bones.  I also take vitamins.  I am also warned that I am pre-diabetic.

I know you eat a vegetarian diet and I do not.  Also you walk SO far.  I do 2 miles every day but that's it.

I am not sure if it is your lifestyle or your genetics which keep you so healthy!

Thanks.

Hi. So I am 65 and you are 69, not much between us. It's difficult to say why one person appears to be healthy and another has problems, there are so many variables to be taken into consideration. I suspect that genetics do play a big part in our makeup, we can inherit the wrong genes from our parents and grandparents, but they are not the whole reason why we become ill. There has been talk in the press lately that people should take more responsibility for themselves, because self inflicted illnesses brought on by unhealthy lifestyles are costing the NHS millions. You only have to walk down the High Street in any town or city to see that there are more overweight people around these days, and that can't all be put down to genetics. True, some people may be prone to put on weight through some malfunction of certain organs in their body, and those people do genuinely need help from the medical profession, but now they are talking about offering gastric bands to more and more people as a cost cutting measure, meaning they won't have to spend so much money at a later date when people become incapacitated through excess weight.

Leaving all the genetic reasons aside why some people are not as healthy or more healthy than others, I believe the rest is down to lifestyle choices. You've heard the saying, 'You are what you eat', which makes sense to me. The body is like a car engine, you've got to put the right fuel and lubricants in to get optimum performance out of it. You've got to drive it right as well. If you thrash it around and neglect the servicing, you get a shit ride and eventually it will grind to a halt, just like a body would, given the same treatment.

Another factor which I think affects how the body performs is how you cope with the stresses and strains of every day living. Some people don't give a stuff about anything, they sail through life with apparently not a care in the world. Others will worry about every minor detail, however insignificant it is. I am somewhere in the middle, leaning more towards not giving a stuff. I have been a worrier in the past, worried what people think about me, not any more. That was when I was young, I am older now and more able to cope. I do think about what is happening to the world, the violence, the nastiness going on all around us, but I can't do anything about it so I try not to dwell on it, and can only hope that what goes round comes round.That might seem like a 'burying my head in the sand', attitude, but I think of it as self preservation.

Of course, mental attitude can also be linked to genetics. I think I take after my father, he had a carefree nature, if anything bothered him his answer was to go to the pub. Mum on the other hand was a worrier, oh my goodness did she worry. I'm not sure if that was what sent her to an early grave, but it couldn't have helped. Father died too early as well, but that was mainly through alcohol and tobacco abuse, something that won't affect me.

I believe that most of us, and I'm talking about able bodied here, have choices. We can choose what we put in our mouths, and we can choose whether to get up off our backsides. Nobody force feeds us with crap, it is all out there in the shops, we don't have to eat it. Nobody ties us to the settee and tells us to watch TV hour after hour, we can choose not to switch it on, or in my case, not to have a TV at all.

To sum up, I can fall off the wagon, I am not perfect. I can have a packet of crisps, or an ice cream or a choc bar, but to keep things in perspective, these are treats and not everyday food items. Remember the advert years ago, A Mars a day helps you work rest and play'. Ha, they got that wrong didn't they. They should make an up to day advert now, A Mars a day will make you fat, rot your teeth, give you spots, and bring on the diabetes.

Regarding my level of fitness, I was always active. I did a manual job for many years. As well as sitting in a lorry cab I also loaded and unloaded it. I physically lifted five hundred bicycles out of box trailers. I roped and sheeted wagon loads of timber or beer barrels. I chained massive lumps of machinery down on my low loader. I multi dropped fifty parcels, or catering deliveries a day. I delivered three piece suites and carpets to furniture shops. I was up and down inside tipper trailers pulling the fly sheet over and fastening it down. It was chuffin hard work, but now I am so grateful that I chose that career, and didn't opt for an office job.

Who knows what the future holds for me healthwise. I've tried my best, I won't worry about it now, just wait and see what cards I've been dealt. Keep on doing what I am doing. Try to keep to a healthy diet, try to keep busy, and keep on using my brain for as long as it functions. That's all I can do.
Thanks for reading. Going to get up off my backside now and go for a walk. Toodle pip.    

Walking your way to health

Eeeee, aint this sun grand, makes you want to get out and walk. And so, the topic today is walking. My friend is a member of the Ramblers, he goes out once or twice a week on group walks, and he also gets a magazine sent through the post, four times a year. When he has finished with it he passes it on to me, and when I have finished with it I pass it on to another friend who likes walking. 

Something in this copy caught my eye, and I am going to pinch bits from the article to pass on here. You might find it interesting. The title, '20 reasons why walking can change your life and the world you live in'. This is about a new report from the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support, on how walking has major benefits to the health, the economy, and the environment. Some of them we all know about, but this report backs up the obvious benefits with real facts. 

1. Physical inactivity is responsible for 17% of early deaths in the UK, and 6% of deaths around the world, making it the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality.

2. A major study comparing the health impact of brisk walking with running found that walkers benefited as much as runners from a reduced risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary heart disease, as long as they used the same amount of energy over a longer period.

3. 12,061 emergency admissions in England for coronary heart disease could be avoided each year if everyone did the Government's recommended level of exercise, and heart disease and related strokes could be cut by up to 35%

4. Studies on the brains of older people have shown that keeping physically active can improve cognitive function, memory, and processing speed, and reduce the risk of dementia.

5. The mental health charity Mind, recommends that outdoor activities should be recognised as a clinically valid treatment for mental distress. Studies have shown that it improves your self perception and self esteem, and produces feelings of well being.

6. Walking improves sleep quality.

7. Walking is free, you don't need an expensive gym membership, and you don't need any special equipment, and will save money on making shorter journeys on foot.

8. Walking is proven to blunt the effects of blood sugar spikes, which can lead to type 2 diabetes in high risk individuals. If everyone in England was sufficiently active nearly 3000,000 cases of diabetes could be avoided each year.

9. Physically active older people are up to 68% less likely to fracture a hip, and are far less prone to falls because of the stronger bones.

10. Like many developed countries, England is experiencing a serious inactivity crisis. 61% of adults and 30% of children between 2 and 15, are classed as overweight or obese. Walking for Health is is England's largest network of health walks, supporting and engaging an inclusive programme that meets the needs of local people.

I have summarized a few of the reasons how walking can change your life. If you want to read the full report click on the link to the Walking for Health web site, and click on Walking Works, Our new report. There are also links to help you find a group in your area if you don't want to walk alone.

There is a lot of useful information in the Ramblers magazine. Top ten walks from around Britain, with maps, to keep for reference. Stories of volunteers working hard to keep footpaths open. Ask the experts feature. Reports of walks in other countries. Walking events around the country. And lots of ideas of where to walk.

Although I am not keen on walking in groups, I have decided to join the Ramblers. They are a charity and do a lot of work to keep the footpaths open. I have been out today with my shears chopping back the vegetation on a footpath in my village. It was getting rather overgrown and wading through waist high nettles wearing shorts is not very nice.

The annual membership fee is £33, for a pensioner it is £20. I have paid with £11 of Tesco Clubcard vouchers, so Ramblers will get the money from Tesco. If you want to read up about the Ramblers, go to their web site. 

Have I inspired anyone to get walking? It doesn't have to be a ten mile slog, it can be what ever you want it to be, as long as you get off your bum and do something. I will be out tomorrow. Starting at the Humber Bridge I shall be walking across it and along the Yorkshire Wolds Way, to meet up with some guys from the Walking Forum. They will be on the last leg of their long walk, and when I meet them I will turn round and walk back with them. Looking forward to it. Let me know how much walking you are doing this weekend, or anytime, it isn't just a weekend activity. Any spare hour will do, any day you like.
Toodle pip.