…. Off to Barnard Castle today. Not so much of an eyesight test as I won’t be driving, but more of a taste experience with a ‘posh’ Sunday roast. It’s our umpteenth wedding anniversary, the one where we give each other glazed carrots… 🥕 🥦 (And they said romance was dead..!)

🍿 Good Friday November morning! Off to the movies later for two hours of popcorn. Looking forward to a little bit of winter magic… 🪄✨🧊

I find myself in a rather chilly North East where the weather outside is frightful 🎶❄️ Another week or so then back across to the Continent where I fully anticipate a Yuletide in shirt sleeves! 😎 Optimistically, I’m already booked up until March 2027, which is hopefully a wise plan! Stay warm! 🥶

Morning all. Monday, 17th November! It’s beginning to look a lot like you-know-what round here, albeit the wrapping is still not complete. The thing about doing it early is that you don’t have to panic last minute, so there are advantages. There’ll be more shopping before Black Friday… 🎅🏻 🎄🤶🏼

Hi Maureen! 😃🤚🏼💙 TY.

I’m in a spare bedroom drowning in festive paper and sellotape! Yes, as we’ll be away in Spain this Christmas, all gifts have to be wrapped in November! Next year, (to save me from tears 🎶!) we anticipate this performance inside the camper van… Ho Ho Ho! 🎅🏻 (They’ll get less, but good quality!)

Good Morning 👇

Updated! go.bsky.app/3ajRzJX

I’m going south of the Tees tomorrow to an area that used to be part of North Yorkshire, but is now Redcar & Cleveland or similar. I believe that a lot of people that live there still consider themselves Yorkshire folk. It was successive Tory governments that changed it, 1974 & 1996. Heath/Major.

Been out in Jarrow today, Christmas shopping. Bought several bits in every charity shop, (5 places I think), including contenders for the upcoming Worst Festive Attire competition(!) Thinking of Yuletide on the Costa Blanca already… Can’t wait!

🎥 #StandWithUkraine #peace🕊️ take Putin's power, income & influence (and other tyrants' too) switch to renewables & get off oil & gas PL RP🩷💚💙 #ClimateAction #Klima @michel.poula.in @vonmallinckrodt.bsky.social @richardfordshow.bsky.social @captainpeterquinn.bsky.social @anahatamama.bsky.social ‪

Two of my DJ colleagues didn’t make it through last week, so a poignant Monday morning. I find myself in the North East of the UK having made it successfully up part of the A1(M) yesterday. I’m alive, and experiencing my first coffee of the day, so positive steps. Make the most of it, guys! 🪩 🙂🤚🏼

Hello to you, Maureen! 👋😉💙

@sedonablue.bsky.social @laurieagard.com @georgewachsmuth.bsky.social @richardfordshow.bsky.social @shawmrosen.bsky.social @theoriginaltomjoad.bsky.social @antonineaz.bsky.social @cardwell4u.bsky.social @oldandblue.bsky.social @chuckcjmmn.bsky.social‬ @normajeen.bsky.social

I’ve just realised that I won’t be able to ride my motorcycle at all in November due to commitments in the UK… This is fairly unusual as I keep monthly records of my two wheeled activities. All is not lost though, because I’m taking the bike to Spain over Christmas and into the New Year! 😎 🏍️🎄🇪🇸

It’s raining. Mid October, and I’m considering Christmas Day! I often plan ahead, but this is unprecedented even for me. Anyway, Feliz Navidad and all that. For the first time in history… 🎶

SATURDAY❗️ (Any excuse to overindulge…) Have a great day, and spread the love… 🤗

I’ve started playing one of those games on the phone. (I know, there are better ways to pass the time!) The object is to drive various cars in the right direction to clear the board. Sounds easy, but put in a time sensitive fire truck, an ambulance, & even a road sweeper… Challenging! 🚘🚒🚑🚙🚐🚗🚛 🤨

If you’re easily cold, like me, drink it hot! Definitely helps your water intake!

Another overcast sky but the sun is on the way. Probably true of life, that, as there’s always hope around the corner. Whichever rut you find yourself in, there’s always a way forward. I’m sourcing and wrapping gifts again today… how about you? Have a good one, whatever your plan… 😃🤚

BREAKING: “There is no doubting that the impact of Brexit is severe and long lasting” says Chancellor Rachel Reeves It’s about time!

Midweek mayhem. I don’t mind a Wednesday. Happy Hump Day said someone. I have to wrap some presents today. 🎁 A couple of imminent birthdays in the family. 🎂 Having said that, I need to get into Santa mode soon due to being abroad at Christmas. 🎅🏻 First time ‘ever’! Have a great day… 😉🤚

An overcast start here but lots to do. Time for a free October flu jab for a start… 💉 Prevention being better than cure. Enquire about a COVID injection whilst there… You have to be proactive and go for these things. Look after yourself as a way forward; you know it makes sense. Happy Tuesday!

Image thanks to International Buddhist Meditation Center - Los Angeles, CA Via Samuel Long

When transporting the Kawasaki inside the camper, the bed has to be reduced in width to single size, or settee. We’ve made cushion covers and a valance today, as well as tidying up the memory foam bits, & I think the result is alright for DIY. Of course, put up the table and it’s very cosy! 😃🤚🏍️🏕️

Apparently, it’s Thursday. Not sure how that happened… It’s also a granddaughter’s birthday (school!) & a daughter’s wedding anniversary (aunt, work!) Life carries on, but tick-tock… Tempus fugit! This time lark is a bit concerning sometimes. Good job I’m not on the sauce like Captain Haddock!

I’ve been cutting up foam for camper mattress infill today. The electric carving knife usually saved for Sunday afternoon came in very handy! Those blocks now need covers in excess curtain material, and it’ll be good to go. Total cost: zero, as all ‘kept in stock’! #BargainLovingBrits 😎🤚 🚐…

🧲 Wednesday. Let’s go! Have a great one! 😃🤚

The recent full moon has a lot to answer for… That, and the cheese, of course… 🎃 💤

Insulate the loft at number one…

It’s early October and likely to fall to 7 degrees tonight around here. That’s not exactly Arctic but I’m feeling it. On the Costa Blanca it’ll remain around 20C even at 4 in the morning. Just saying…

In order to get the bike into the 5.4m camper, I had to use lateral thinking. On site, we have a good annex with garage, so the van reverts to a more sensible space. Roll on winter near the Med; we’re already starting to feel the cold! Also planned is UK camping, but that’ll be when warmer! 🚐…🏍️

Monday, Monday. You have to put up with it just because it follows Sunday. The weather’s not great here, but could be worse, so it’s a meh start to the week. Injection of positivity required, it’ll be fine. Perhaps something motorbike-y beckons. That’d do it. Lighten the load; remove luggage! 🏍️ 😃 👍🏻

Can’t believe it’s Sunday night already 🙄😳

Sort of chilling but still doing something useful… Moving forward but not going too far… Not too much exertion as after all, it is Sunday! That nasty rain and gales have gone, so something outside is doable. After coffee, obviously. No real hurry. Enjoy your day, it’s there to enjoy! 😉🤚

16 days or so until I’m on the road again. The initial camper build has proven itself, and highlighted a few adjustments required. Like the microwave’s difficult to access when the table is up, which it usually is! Storage is the big issue, as there’s too much stuff. Plus, I need the motorbike!

Attention U.S. citizens! Starting October 12, the European Union is rolling out a new automated Entry/Exit System (EES). U.S. citizens traveling to most European countries should expect new automated border checks and to have their biodata digitally collected upon arrival and departure. Us and them…

The Conservatives will pledge to create a new "Removals Force", modelled on US immigration enforcement, which would be tasked with deporting 150,000 people a year as part of plans to detain and deport illegal immigrants. The force would be expected to “integrate closely” with the police. (ITV News)

“Be inside before the fallout arrives. After a detonation, you will have 10 minutes or more to find an adequate shelter before fallout arrives. If a multi-story building or a basement can be safely reached within a few minutes of the explosion, go there immediately. The safest building is concrete”

October. Almost forgot. Pumpkins. 🎃 🎃 Orange. Rain. Colder. Skellingtons. Ghouls. Bats. Spiders’ webs. Black. Dark. Scary. Ish. Trick or treat? Who started that? Won’t be long. What? Christmas! 🎄 Surely not! New Year’s Eve. Another year. Scary. Again. It all is… 😳

Very good to meet up with @intruder1500stevie.bsky.social whilst traversing France. It’s a very small world and we’re all interconnected in several ways perhaps not always realised. Try giving Stevie a follow if you aren’t already as he’s an exceptionally nice chap! 😃🤚🏍️

Almost can’t believe that I’ve lost a couple of pounds following a fortnight of perceived over-indulgence! Mind you, driving hundreds (nay, thousands) of kilometres on a diet of Spanish oranges and Special K bars must have an influence! Blood pressure is good too! 🤷🏻‍♂️ Have a very good weekend! 😃🤚

Back to life. Back to reality. Returned to Ford Hall after days on the road, and likely to be here for 2/3 weeks before the next adventure. The weather in Spain bears no resemblance to today in Northern France, where rain is expected later. And strong winds obvs. Still, always nice to be home! 🏡

It’s a long drive to take the camper to Mediterranean Spain! From our Brittany base, not far short of 20 hours driving each way, although that’s avoiding French toll roads, thereby saving well over £100! Notwithstanding the distance, I’m driving back again for the New Year! Oh yes! 😎 #RunToTheSun

Of course, after The Avengers came the New Avengers. These titles turn up something completely different these days. So this is what old age feels like…!

Final evening for the moment at the Beni campsite, and I have cable TV which includes the original series of Star Trek. Also available is the first outing of Charlie’s Angels, and old Avengers with Diana Rigg as Mrs. Peel. Pretty good for a Spanish caravan park, eh? I may have to return! 🤔

And another month bites the dust. If that was September, it must have been Benidorm. Amongst others, we’ve witnessed Elton John, Michael Jackson, Gary Barlow AND Robbie Williams, plus Diana Ross & the Supremes! Need a holiday to get over the excitement! Heading towards the Pyrenees tomorrow. 🚐…

Maureen. TY. Again. 💙