You have two choices.

Good evening. I am dead chuffed when I get complementary emails dropping into my 'in' box, it puts a big grin on my face and gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. Such a lot of you tell me I'm an inspiration, well let me tell you it works both ways, you are an inspiration to me. From the lengthy comments and emails you send me, I get an insight on what's going on in your world, and there are a lot of people who are far more talented and cleverer than I am. That's a new word I have invented, cleverer :o)) 

I get inspiration for blog posts from you. This quote came in on an email recently from a lovely reader.'I always enjoy your blog because it spits in the face of my worst fears- ending up alone in my retirement'.

As soon as I read that I thought, aha, yes, I may be alone but I am not lonely, there is a difference. Living a single life on your own is nothing to be fearful of, lovely reader. You have two choices, if you live in the middle of a town or city and stay indoors all day, you will be lonely, or you can say stuff it and get your coat on and go out and meet people. I have never let my singleness stop me from doing what I wanted to do. When I was a teenager I went long bike rides by myself. Took some sandwiches and had a picnic. When I got a motorbike I went even longer bike rides on my Honda 125. I once set off from my home in the Midlands, kept on going, and ended up in Aberystwyth. I was only there about half an hour when I had to set off back. Boy was my bum sore that day, ha ha. 

I wanted to go a bicycle ride in France so I booked myself on a coach trip. They wouldn't put my bike in the boot so I had to go without it, and have a walk round Calais instead. I wanted to go to Germany on a coach trip, so I booked it and went. We stopped for a break at Lubeck and I wandered off, then couldn't find the coach. They eventually found me. We went through Checkpoint Charlie to the Eastern side, for a look around. I asked all my mates if they would go on holiday to Moscow with me. No one did, so I went by myself. It was amazing, very cold but amazing. I fancied having a cottage in the Lake District but no one wanted to go with me, so I went anyway. Had a lovely time exploring, in my battered Bedford Viva van. 

Look at me now, all these walks I have done, and days out. I don't wait around for someone else to say, I'll go with you, I get on with it and do it for myself. No one is going to hold my hand. So, I know I have two choices, I either don't go anywhere, or I go by myself. 

So lovely reader, ending up alone in your retirement need not be scary, you have two choices. Stay in, or get out, and maybe join a group, get a dog, do voluntary work, help friends, chat with neighbours, coffee mornings, gardening, join a gym, keep fit classes, there are all manner of things you can do when you are retired. I'm sure lots of our lovely readers will add to the list of things you can do as a singleton. 

Retirement is when you stop living at work, and start working at living. Best of luck lovely reader, you'll be fine.Toodle pip.

Please excuse small writing, don't know how that happened. Too late to start messing around with it now, I'm off to bed. Goodnight.

x

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All's well that ends well. A fab day.

What a difference a day makes. Thank goodness we had a second chance because the weather was fantastic today. I was up at 6.30 this morning, getting ready, making the sandwiches, washing the grapes, and making up a bottle of diluted juice. Because our spaces weren't allocated I wanted to get down there early to make sure that we got a good pitch. I wanted to sell from all four sides so an end of line pitch was ideal. 

The four tables fitted in the space perfectly, with room for us to stand, or sit, in the middle. Janet brought her gazebo, which actually wasn't needed to keep the rain off us, because it didn't rain. But it was very useful to keep the sun off us so we weren't burnt to a crisp. There was a slight, but welcome breeze when the clouds came over, so I anchored the gazebo to the ground with ratchet straps, and used a couple of straps to tie one side to the pub sign.  

Squeals of delight were coming from the bouncy castle next to us. It was busy all day, and free to play on. The kids loved it. Boxes of books for people to browse through. Large thick hard back books �1, smaller and thinner ones 50p and 70p, paperbacks 50p.

I had a walk round for ten minutes and took a few snaps. It was so busy it looked like the whole village was out enjoying the sun.

The bouncy slide was popular also.

The ladies from the W I, sitting in the shade of a tree, selling their mouth watering cakes. 

The boat trips were popular again. People were queuing to get kitted out with a life jacket, prior to boarding the boat.

Only one military vehicle was in attendance this year.

The scooter enthusiasts were keen to show off their much loved pride and joy.

A few classic vehicles lined up against the pub wall.

It was great to see so many friends and neighbours. stopping by to say hello. I gave a wave to Joanna who lives in the 1939 house, as she was passing by She was dressed up to the nines in her forties gear. I saw her house was open to the public again. Although we were busy serving customers it didn't seem like work, it was good fun. Sales started dwindling at about 5pm so we decided to pack up, although the party will go on late into the night.

We are very pleased with the takings, I've just had a call from Janet with the good news. Everything we sold was donated, and a lot of it was what I found in the house clearance skip. Well worth the effort to dive in  and remove them, and bring them home to be sorted, washed, cleaned, and polished.

It was a quick home made ready meal of veggie stew in the microwave for me tonight, couldn't be bothered to cook. I don't know how it went in the church today, I was too busy to go and have a look. I am going in the morning to remove my things, before I go to craft club.

Hope you had a nice weekend. Catch you tomorrow. Toodle pip.

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Sharing ideas at the craft club

We had a lorra lorra laffs at the crafty club this morning, all were all in fine fettle, I'm sure we must have been heard along the length of the High Street. Folks must wonder what the crafty ladies are getting up to. We never stop nattering the whole time we are there. Such an entertaining lot. 

We also pick up new ideas, the ladies have such a diverse range of crafty talent and like to share. Here is one I thought I would pass on to you. I am going to have a go at this. Stretch a piece of netting from a fruit bag over a piece of plain fabric, and clamp them down tightly in one of those wooden ring things. Then proceed to use the grid as a guide and embroider inside the squares. Lots of crisscross star shapes in the same colour are pretty.    

I think you could also embroider over the top of the mesh, fastening each corner of the squares to the fabric, rather than use it as a template, it could be part of the design. You could also add some tiny beads to the design.

Then when the piece is finished you can turn it into something small like a scissor case.

 Add a few beads for embellishment.

 Put a lining in it.

 And add a bead and loop to fasten it. Doesn't it look cute.

Another member brought in two bookmarks that she has made. Some delicate cross stitching here. She has put a red backing onto them. I love these colourful designs. 

Lots of ideas and not enough time. Must get on, I want to try the sewing through net.
Toodle pip.

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Sing your heart out

Something to share with you today. Something quite amazing, something chuffin brilliant. I am not a fan of talent programmes, they build people's hopes up and then they knock them down. Not everyone can get through to the finals, not everyone has talent, in fact some of them have no talent at all, but they are prepared to put themselves in the firing line in the hope of a big break. Instead all they get is a lot of ridicule. The programme makers know that. They include them because they will increase ratings, a terrible example of exploitation, a cruel way to make money. I don't watch talent programmes because I feel for the people entering, also I don't have a television set, a good enough reason I think.

Last night, while pottering around on yooootoooob I happened to come across some of the better auditions, and these people definitely have got talent. I absolutely love the way first impressions go completely out of the window once they open their mouth. Remember Susan Boyle, and Jonathan and Charlotte? Absolute gems of inspiration.

I am beginning to appreciate good music, and find myself being drawn to fabulous voices, the type that can actually sing. I have picked out these for you to listen to, see if you agree with me, that these are absolutely amazing. There are some surprises here, you will be blown away, and you will need your hanky. There is raw passion here, and it shows as they give it their all. Enjoy your Sunday.











Well, what do you think? Stunning eh! Catch you tomorrow. Toodle pip.

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Nature walk

You can't beat a walk in the park for getting close to nature. It's ages since I last visited Normanby Park, so this morning I put on my boots and went for a stroll amongst the trees. A lot of the leaves have already fallen, but there was still enough left on the branches to add a splash of colour to the Autumn scene. As I walked amongst them the heavy mist gathered into droplets and fell all around me like rainfall.

I came across some marker posts with a notice on saying they are going to lay an all weather track through the woods. This will be good for wheelchair users who will be able to take the same route as I am walking.

The bark of this tree is so tactile, I couldn't resist running my fingers over it. It was massive, I wonder how long it has been there.

 

 

This tree was the other side of the fence in the deer park, I could see some stags with magnificent antlers grazing in the distance.

 I came across three other people, I almost had the park to myself.

 I love the mix of colours in this photo.

 

I waded through piles of multi-coloured leaves of all shapes and sizes. Looking down at the ground is as interesting as looking up.

 

Back home for lunch, which was a microwaved pot of frozen home made courgette and lentil soup, with half a tin of baked beans added, and a slice of wholemeal bread. A smashing filler after a walk in the park.

I've been busy this afternoon re arranging my furniture. The living room was a bit crowded so I've moved a sideboard, (I have two), upstairs to the spare room. I made a space for it by moving an old dressing table into the garage. I might end up chucking that as it's battered and chipped, and old. It's much better now, I've been able to insert the extending leaf into the dining room table so now I have loads of workspace for my crafty and arty hobbies. Now all I've got to do is to sort out all my stuff in the drawers and cupboards, and have a good old de clutter. I'll keep chipping away at it.
Toodle pip.  

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What a bloody mess

Lots of rain today but at least it's not cold. All the cats are in, asleep in different parts of the house, they have their favourite spots. Heidi has decided she rather likes the snugliness of the new quilt, I had to move her because I want to work on it.

First I cut four pieces from the duvet cover, ten inches wide, for the binding. I folded it in half lengthways and ironed it flat.

Next I machine stitched it to the four edges putting the folded edge onto the patchwork squares.

At this point the middle and back are just pinned down, these will get enclosed in the binding when I fold it over to the back and sew it together. I did think about using the machine again for this, but I think it will spoil the look of the front if I don't get the stitching just perfect, so now I am in the process of hand sewing the binding to the back. Time consuming but a much neater job.

The show last night was fantastic. It's billed as a Rock and Roll Pantomime and is said to be one of the best touring production shows. It's in it's tenth year and once again Steve Steinman plays the evil Baron Von Rockula, owner of the Live and Let Die club. In search of a new bride the Baron must convince Pandora who auditions for the new singing position, to cross over to the dark side, and live forever in Rock n Roll Hell.

The cast of singers, dancers, and band, were brilliant. The stage sets were amazing, fireworks, flame throwing, and flashing lights. It was full of classic rock hits that got us all up on our feet . It's the only way to watch, impossible to sit in your seat, just got to dance. Steve Steinman has a powerful voice, he does some Meatloaf numbers which were just perfect.

The lead guitarist did a solo at the front of the stage right above where I was sitting in the front row. Throwing his head around in a frenzy, his wild long hair thrashing around, his face made up to look like a vampire, when all of a sudden there was a splurge of blood pouring from his mouth, it ran down his chin and onto his chest, it looked amazing. Later on in the show, the two lady vampires bit into the neck of Pandora and emerged with blood dribbling down their chins and it went all down Pandora's white dress. The effects were amazing.

After the show some members of the cast came into the foyer to sign autographs. I didn't see Steve Steinman however, someone said he did make an appearance but he didn't stop long. A bit disappointing I thought. These two girls were fantastic dancers.

The leading lady singer had an amazing voice, by herself as solo, and doubling up with Steve.

Now this chap was brilliant. He was the comedy character, he played the drunk when he first came on stage, he was acting the fool, so funny. Then he got to sing, and he had an amazingly powerful voice. I think he should have had more songs to sing.

The dancers looked so happy and put such a lot of effort into it, they did their vampire impersonations so well. Looks like she has taken her fangs out now.

There was a stand set up to buy merchandise, which wasn't doing a big trade as the theatre was only about two thirds full.

They've still got a lot of dates left to do and seem to be criss crossing the country from now until well into next year. If you are a fan of rock and roll I can say this is a great show to see.

Must get on, want to finish the quilt. Catch you tomorrow. Toodle pip. Oh, and before I forget again, welcome to the new followers. I see there are now 666, you little devils, ha ha.

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Visit to The Old Tile Works

There is quite an interesting history of tile works along the banks of the River Humber. This one was established in 1840, and at one time there were twelve other tile works in the area. I remember walking past this place many times about twenty years ago when I lived and worked in South Ferriby. It looked pretty derelict then, but it was still a functioning tile factory. Today, they still make tiles in some of the sheds, as they did all those years ago. Now it has a new lease of life as a visitor centre.   

 It was a lovely sunny day when I was there yesterday. Some of the buildings have been completely restored, the factory is on the other side of this wall which is not open to the general public.

The walls have been built by laying roof tiles in a vertical position with a dollop of cement along the bottom of each row to keep them in position.

Here we are in the drying shed. This old building is full of character and is like an Aladins Cave of individual and interesting things for sale, from reclaimed garden furniture to hand made Lincolnshire flower pots and lots more.

Here's a look inside. Getting ready for Halloween.

 

Huge great pots big enough to plant trees in.

Decorative pots of all shapes and sizes, all hand made.

Tiles made on the premises are used on the roof. I asked about them leaking as there appears to be nothing else to stop the rain getting in. I was told, no there are no leaks. Amazing when you can see the sky through the cracks.

 Old fashioned post boxes refurbished and freshly painted, for sale.

You can see the Humber Bridge in the background. I walked up there to take the first photograph, looking down on the site.

I walked around the back of the restaurant to the Artisan Village. This is a row of studios rented out to local crafts people to make and sell their traditional wares.

They use traditional methods with clay dug from their own fields along the river. Sadly the pottery man was not at his wheel. I would love to have a go at making a pot and getting all messy.

 

On the wall outside the Potters Shed.

I walked along the row of studios, Yellowbelly Woodwork was not open. He makes bespoke kitchens and freestanding furniture using traditional techniques. Wold Cycles was also not open, he makes hand made custom bikes. Disappointing that they were closed. A delicious smell prompted me to take a look inside Egils Preserves. The jams, conserves, chutneys and pickles smelled gorgeous.
Then I came to Natur-ally Yarns and Knitwear. This is Alison Casserly who has been a knitting and crochet fan for most of her life. She buys her locally sourced yarn in it's natural pale cream colour and dyes it herself using plants she gathers from the countryside.

Her designs are stunning, this is the work she produced for her university degree.

Alison teaches knitting and crochet to beginners here in her studio. She is thinking about teaching machine knitting, using the three machines she has. There are items for sale, from fingerless gloves and teapot cosies, to fabulous dresses and jackets. All individual and hand made.

You can also buy wool to take away and make your own creations. Alison has a website here.

The Tiles Coffee Shop and Restaurant is open 10am to 4pm daily. In fine weather there is a decking area overlooking the lake. It looked quite popular yesterday. I might go back one day and enjoy a coffee and cake in the sunshine. Inside it can seat 100, and looks to be the ideal location for a party.

So, if you are anywhere near the south bank of the Humber Bridge it's worth an hour or so stop off if you have time. It's quite close to the Reeds Hotel which is a short distance along the river bank. If you are walking you can get to it easily from Barton, just follow the river underneath the bridge.

That's all folks, this is not a sponsored posts, as you know I get nowt for plugging the places I have visited.

I will leave Thornton Abbey until tomorrow. Toodle pip.

PS. Car passed it's MOT test. BIG GRIN  :o)) 

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