Anyone for car camping?

This is a bit personal. Where do you go to the toilet when you are sleeping in your car? The question many people ask, and the question that some are too embarrassed to ask. This is what I do. You can work out the method which works best for you. 

Thanks for popping in. See you soon. Toodle pip.   ilona

Well dodgy.

Morocco cropped up on my news feed this morning.

Brits have been issued updated travel advice if they expected to visit Egypt or Morocco in the wake of serious events in the Middle East this weekend.

This reminded me of an incident that happened many years ago. I had a spell of freelance driving, self employed, driving for anyone who wanted to hire me. I had a phone call from someone offering me work. The job was to drive a coach to Morocco, deliver it, and they would fly me back. Sounds interesting I thought. Scary but I like a challenge. 

I asked around some experienced continental drivers for advice. Several phone calls later with the man who offered me the job, and I said yes, I would do it. 

It was getting close to the date to leave and I was having doubts. Something didn't seem right. What if they didn't fly me back and I was stranded. What if I was hijacked and the coach stolen. What if I was being set up. Up to that point I hadn't driven abroad before so was not familiar with going through borders, and customs, and suchlike. 

A week before the due departure date I decided it was going to be too risky. I rang the man and said I wouldn't do it. Didn't give a reason, just said no thanks. He was mighty angry, said I was wasting his time. I had enough UK work anyway to keep me going, and forgot all about Morocco.

Fast forward a year or so later. I had a phone call from someone saying they were from Customs and Excise, and could they come and interview me and ask some questions. Straight away I knew what it was going to be about. Two people came to my house, a man and a woman. I was right, it was about the Moroccan job. It was indeed dodgy. They couldn't give me specific details of their investigation, but it had to be about drugs. 

Luckily I was writing a diary at that time.  I wrote down everything that was said in the phone calls. Plus the most important bit of information, that I had turned the job down. The last thing they said was that I was right to refuse the job. I heard no more about it. 

I trust my own instincts, well most of the time. We can all do daft things, and it's ok to be wise after the event. But if something doesn't feel right, then it isn't right. 

Off to Coffee Morning now. The sun is shining. The weather forecast says snow is on it's way, but they have been saying that for a while now. I don't believe them

Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona 

Wicked Little Letters

I finally made time to go to the Vue Cinema in town yesterday. It was super windy so that curbed any garden activity. I needed to get out of the house. It started at 5.45pm, well the actual film didn't start then, you have to sit through the adverts, and trailers for what will be shown in the future. There was nothing in the list to take my fancy so I doubt my cinema trips will become a habit. 

On paying for my ticket I perused briefly the selection of chocolate on offer. Errr, £4 for a bag of Maltesers, I don't think so. I had a few sweeties in my pocket, that will do. 

I found the screen and found a seat to my liking. No one else there. I wondered if they show a film for only one person. After rushing in at the last minute I expected to see some activity on the screen. I sat and waited, perhaps they allow a few extra minutes for those who are late. Two people came in and sat somewhere behind me. The lights were lowered and the place burst into life. 

I really enjoyed the film. It's supposed to be a comedy. I was drawn into the web of mystery by the storyline. Apparently it's based on a true story. I was soon playing detective trying to work out 'who dunnit'. Picking up a few clues here and there, by watching the facial expressions. 

Just a note here. If you are planning to see the film don't goooogle the title first, it will spoil your trip. 

The acting is superb. With me not being a film buff I cannot compare it to any other works that the actors have been seen in. This has prompted me to goooogle a few names. 

Here is a yooootooob video of Olivia Coleman as Queen Elizabeth 11. 

I got a right soaking as I walked back to my car. The heavens opened. I wondered should I bother going to Aldi or go straight home. There were only a few cars in the car park, so best to get the shopping now. I dripped my way around the shop and came out almost sixty quid lighter. This morning it was nice to see a full fridge once more. 

The weather is still hit and miss, so I will decide what to do next as the day goes on. 

Toodle Pip.   ilona

Made up recipes.

It's rather blustery here today. I didn't know whether to put my sun visor on my head, or a woolly hat. The hat was needed, it started raining when I left home to go to the Village Hall. Not many at the Chat and Craft, some people are away on holiday. Afterwards I called in to see Angela and had a coffee and catch up chat there. 

I am liking my new pans. The bigger stainless steel pan is ideal for making stews and soups. This frying pan with deep sides is great for chucking a few veggies in and cooking up a stir fry. This is so simple. Chop an onion, add a handful of frozen peas, and a few pieces of Quorn chunks. A dash of oil, a splash of fruit juice, and spices, cook until everything has softened. 

Then add some Ready to Wok noodles. Ready in a few minutes. This makes two portions. I don't mind having the same meal twice in one day. 

I've checked the times at the Vue Cinema in town. There is a film I want to see in two hours time. I think that's the best bet for this rough weather. I will pick up a bit of shopping at Aldi afterwards. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

A Man's best friend.

Today the weather is sunny and dry. I am working in the garden, lots of jobs to do. Yesterday I went a walk, I extended my normal walk and went a bit further, checked it at 7 miles. I went to the Park on the way home. Lovely to see it coming to life as the colours, and greenery, are making a good show. It lifts the spirits. 

I wasn't going to stay long, just long enough to get a few snaps. Then into the car park came a motorcycling dog, on the back of it's owners bike. Had to stop and have a look. How wonderful is that. Me being nosey I had to ask about the pooch. This is Phoebe, who loves going out on the bike. She took to it straight away, right from the start. She is securely fastened in, and watches the world go by through her designer sun shield. 

She likes the look, or should I say smell, of the doggie treats I have in my pocket. Oooh, yes please. 

Her mum and dad came on two bikes, a lovely BMW and a very smart Honda. Both kitted out with fashionable leathers, and helmets with intercoms, so they can keep in touch during their journey. They were fairly local so had come for an afternoon ride out. 

Now here is the good part, Phoebe has her own Facebook Page. Take a look here, there are lots of photo's. 

I change my walking routes as I go along. Do I need to shorten the distance if I am feeling tired, or should I carry on and go a bit further. Yesterday was the right decision, because I met Motorcycling Phoebe. What a bonus that was. You never know what is up ahead and what you might come across. 

Thanks for popping in. I'm going back out into the garden. Got lots to do out there. Toodle pip.   ilona