Paranormal Lockdown "The Black Monk House" Hallowe'en Special

                                           
Before even watching this Paranormal Lockdown special you knew it was going to be extremely, moving, powerful and disturbing from the nature of the location.  As most of you will be synonymous with The Black Monk House, 30 East Drive, especially in you live in the UK, it's a part of our haunted history; or moreover are an investigator.  The widely reported and discussed haunting of the Pritchard family, who experienced poltergeist activity and much more.  It was ominous and as Katrina Weidman said from the outset, there's much more going on here than just poltergeist activity.  There was demonic activity and both Nick Groff and Katrina talked of how such entities manipulate and control and use people for their own purposes, ultimately to break them down and gain power.  Something we're all too familiar with.

The episode began with a look back to the 1.5 investigation of season 1 of Paranormal Lockdown which concentrated on Hinsdale House and the fallout from the investigation.  I call it fallout which is too simple a word.  It is much more than that as Nick was plagued by dreams and nightmares, not only before he went there, but afterwards too.  The shocking activity in his house which sadly his family have also been subjected to and the effect it has had on Nick especially was and still is harrowing to watch.

I was glad they did concentrate on Hinsdale House in particularly explaining what happened then and now, how a year later when the special was filmed, this activity was still continuing.  Not only giving it a context but to show how once Nick appeared to be marked by the goings on at Hinsdale and how now this location, all the way in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England, was not only heard by him on the Geobox but it chillingly was a foreboding, willing him to come here.  As they also spoke of how once these demonic entities know you, they follow you from location to location.

Using Steve Huff's portable Wonder Box, to find what was there.  As Nick said and has said several times over in his book and his interview it's never a good idea to investigate your own house, but he needed to see what was happening here.  A lot of voices on that.   I'm sure I heard "Nick...ambush" before he gets the "demon" response on there. At 4.27 it sounds like a voice saying "my house..." The main gist of it:
"do you miss... Nick...ambush..."

The 'yes' comes before Nick asks if, "there's someone here with me?"  Then you get "...demon..."

Do you faintly hear 'Hinsdale' whispered at 5.12 when Nick asks, "where did you come from?"

I sad the same as Nick when he was looking at that window when they arrived at 30 East Drive, it was the first place my eyes were drawn to, eerily.  Not to mention that pink bathroom. With all the activity, the scratches, the black mass, the figure and the door closing, as well as Katrina seeing Nick as Joe himself, the door of the coal store opening and closing behind Nick.  The scratches.  It was as though they were also being marked here by this house, but was it, or could it have been an extension of the Hinsdale entity even.  As well as noticing the crooked pictures on the wall, which remained straight throughout the 100 hour investigation.  I have to also say that there was a sickly feeling in my stomach and at the back of my throat.  Like being in the moment with Nick and Katrina.  Or perhaps it was just Katrina talking about demonic hauntings and her case, first demonic case ten years ago. Though I have had those "synchronicity" moments with Nick before.

Rob Saffi mentioning Nick wants to find what's haunting his family which made him angry. The door opening when Nick was asleep, said to sis it was a door, didn't realize there was one there and she said the curtain on the side moved onto camera shot.  The marble being thrown at Rob, the knife on the stairs, reinforcing Phil saying earlier on how things are just thrown.  At 50.44 did that growl sound like evil laughter to anyone, when they were sitting on the stairs speaking of warnings and Nick said this isn't a warning.  They've come too far for that.  I'd say the warning phase was when Nick had his dreams and before they went to Hinsdale.

Instrumental Trans Communication box (ITC) designed by Keith Weldon. Which Katrina called the "videobox to the dead."  That figure, caught on the stairs, looks like it could be the monk?? Creepy either way.  Uncanny how Nick said he's hoping they can see the shadow figure of the man who's been seen here. Cue response!

Does anyone see a face here?  And what's weird is that everytime I look at this, I've seen like three different types of faces so far??
At 52.45 when they review the footage of the ITC, can anyone hear some sort of breathing/sighing, like a 'haah' then Nick says he doesn't feel right? It doesn't appear to be Nick or Rob.

Katrina also saying to Rob how Nick opens himself up a lot when the activity was concentrated on him after 72 hours of being so deeply involved in their lockdown.  Then that figure through the glass door, the black mass, after they invited the entity in.  Which I pointed out to my sister.  Actually when Rob leaves the room with his camera and he's shown through the static camera, he appears in a white shirt, though he's wearing black and that figure also seems to be wearing the same through the door. However I was glad and relieved in a way that Nick decided to review their footage there and then instead of later.  Especially when he saw the door was closed.

As Rob tweeted, "We spent hours trying to figure out what we captured there. No explanation. #ParanormalLockdown"

The end was also mind numbingly eerie, that after what they went through here, still marred Nick back home and haunted him and the others.  That he needed to return to Hinsdale House and called Katrina to do this.  She was equally moved and had no idea what was happening.  They discover him already inside the house and wanting the entity to take him and leave his family alone.  He would sacrifice himself and his body and he was giving himself up to this entity which as Katrina said and tried to stop him, he shouldn't do.  Which is exactly what it wanted.  Not only his body but his soul and that is something Nick can never do.  They called it out at the Black Monk House, but  it was "trying to break us down."  As Katrina said it's gotten a piece of them and they can't let it get the rest of them, which Nick at Hinsdale was doing.

John Zaffis told them in the beginning, "Some of us this is our journey, this is our lives...that's why you must always keep your guard up 24/7!"  Something which Nick didn't do when he returned to Hinsdale at the end of the episode.  Wanting the entity to control him and take him over and it was a relief to see Katrina arrive in time and to make him stop.  No matter what, you can never give yourself over to the evil that lurks and awaits, as that's exactly what it wants.  As Nick stated this is their destiny and what they set out to do.  There's no going back and I think even if they leave it now and stopped their investigations, I think it would still affect them in some way.  As they are known by this evil presence and others.  Perhaps the best way is to continue, investigate and find some sort of a conclusion.  Not in what they do but what it is that haunts them.  If that makes sense.

It was emotional to watch and was so relieved Nick, Katrina and Rob came through this all and continue on the road mapped out for them, especially Nick and Katrina in their investigations they've been doing for so long now.  You can see why Nick says this has been a long journey for him and Katrina this one year past.

Some words from Nick, as tweeted: "sometimes you have to face the things you fear, or challenge you in order to overcome them in this Life's journey."

Whatever path they have chosen and continue to travel on, we are behind them completely...

http://mila255.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/paranormal-lockdown-15-hinsdale-house.html

Ghost Adventures "Route 666" Hallowe'en Special

                                                  

From the articles and trailers, you knew his episode was going to be unlike any you've seen.  Leave behind all the episodes that have gone before and all the seasons.  This season 13 of GA is dark and extremely haunting and disturbing in many ways.  This season in particular is most definitely about demons and demonic rituals.  The portals and evil that people conjure up, without even asking why or going behind the reasoning of it all.  When it comes to devil worship and satanic rituals, there is no reasoning.  After all who in their right mind would even contemplate doing such a dark and macabre thing.  Aside from the fact whoever takes part in it doesn't seem to be in the right headspace.

Including those who partake in such rituals for the fun of it.  Which makes it worse, what fun exactly are you getting out of it, when you know it will torment.  Maybe not you personally, but your families, friends and loved ones.  There's no fun in evil and certainly nothing comes close to fun with demonic possessions, oppression and depression when conjuring up the unknown.  Yet it's not really the 'unknown' is it.  It's been researched, documented and investigated.  People know exactly what they're opening up and letting themselves and others in for.  The misery, the agony, the pain.  The consequences aren't just momentary.  They continue and they last and linger and they lead to heartache, anger, and more especially death in some circumstances.

Zak: “Not all locations we do are negative however most of them we choose are. ALL the locations in the ‘Route 666’ special are level 10 dark.” 

As shown by his Twitter post too
"Just finished filming our "Route 666" Halloween Special. Its safe 2 say we just took #GhostAdventures to the most extreme darkest level ever

3:44 AM - 20 Jul 2016"

Route 666 of Ghost adventures is the episode that is the most agonizing, depressing and volatile. There was nothing remotely good about it.  When I say that I don't mean it lightly or am putting the GAC crew down.  When I say that I mean it was pure unadulterated hell from start to finish.  The De Soto Hotel investigation was like opening up a can of demons and it went on from there.  The reactions in the basement and Zak standing on the exact spot of the pentagram for the rituals without even knowing it.  The events couldn't have been foreseen or contemplated.  The possessions and the poltergeist activity.  Saging the basement and wanting that evil out of there was going to be terrifying. It was going to have consequences but it was something that was necessary.  Even just to try.

But tempers flared and it was saying it's in control and can use and abuse humans and their emotions in any way it wants to.  Seen in Jay's reaction and how he physically exhibited his anger. Which we haven't see him do.  The Reverend even said not to stir anything up in the basement.  Yet this was the entire point of the investigation and to get to the bottom of it.
The staircase to nowhere was like Winchester Mystery House.  It was almost ironic the number of times the fan was shown on the screen and how they stood by it.  The camera being ripped from its secure position, a reminder of the Paris Catacombs.  The three knocks in the basement even before Zak mentioned the holy trinity and the hissing heard by Jay.
That fan being thrown and as Zak said he did touch it with the sage as sparks flew from it.

Billy alone at the Concordia Cemetery and the crow appearing the moment he finished the prayer, followed by the three ominous figures.  They almost looked like they were wearing robes.  But as Zak said they weren't human and nor did they look it.  Crows having been long symbolized as not only messengers of death in some cultures, but also bridging the gap between the realms of the living and the dead.

It was like the attachments/energy from the hotel followed onto Denton, Texas.  Adding more fuel to the fire.  Goatman's Bridge and forest.  Another disturbing and gut wrenching episode with moments of sheer evil.  If we felt this way watching it, there is no way to imagine what they all went through. There was no need to imagine as you could feel every moment of anxiety, unpleasantness and torture for yourself and if you really felt nothing then you must have been devoid of all humanity and human emotion.

Wonder if Billy wasn't so affected at the bridge as he was on the river, kind of maintaining that divide between the land and the spirits/negativity being kept on the land.  I have to add how Billy mentioned, as if with some foreshadowing, how he could be shot at.  Then the gunshot that goes off later which he hears on the river and was heard nearer to Ashley.  Then there was the ritual that Jay felt was necessary, despite objections, but still trying to work out why Aaron told him to stop it. Especially since Jay said it wasn't satanic.

So having watched the episode on Sunday night, was re-watching Monday night/Tuesday early morning and the video just cuts out with 'an error occurred'! At 2.37am.  Can't explain that cos no youtube video of a GA ep has ever cut out like that.  It was on the moment when Ashley sees the light phenomena in the woods.  Not to mention how I woke on Sunday morning with a sore throat and a chokey (my word) sort of a feeling and it was hard to swallow, before we even watched the ep.  Not saying that's anything to do with Zak or what happened to him when some unknown force was making, forcing him to choke himself.  Yes I've had synchronicity moments but nothing like this, not physically.  It was uncanny.

The voices on the spirit box when Jay was holding it in the circle, Aaron asks "who's responsible for what happened on top of the bridge?" That voice sounds more like ironically, it's saying, 'breathe'???? In which case it was pertinent to what happened to Zak.  He even says, "it's really hard for me to breathe right now."   It was taunting them and causing them to bicker and it was leading them to the bridge.  Aaron says he'd rather be with Zak and look at what happened to both Zak and Aaron when they were on the bridge.  Then Aaron tells them to come back down here, but convinced Jay to also go the the bridge.  Have the feeling it was luring them there.  After Zak's disturbing incident, Billy tells him to "breathe just breathe..."
Also Aaron asking, "did you like what just happened right here?" The voice replies, 'like.'

This episode was named Route 666 for a reason.  It was chillingly ominous, heart stopping and genuinely moving.  Showing you how far they have come in their investigations in pursuit of finding answers and the truth.  That demonic creatures are nothing to be scoffed at or laughed, but feared and taken seriously.  That what they all do in their investigations has led them to something affecting them negatively and dangerously.  The fallout from which continues and isn't easily gotten over. Ashley still suffers and that was sad and painful to watch. It takes time and with cleansing, prayers and positive thoughts, we all hope she will heal very quickly.

The same goes for Zak, Jay, Aaron and Billy who put themselves out there for every investigation they undertake and endure the pitfalls of searching for the answers.  Of how they give of themselves little by little and piece by piece in every lockdown and reliving it afterwards. Particularly the ones like this.  Which won't be forgotten by many of us for the foreseeable future, if at all.
This is what they do and as I said, 'when destiny beckons, you face your fear' and these guys have been doing that for years now.

Read Zak's facebook post, which he posted on 31st October.

https://www.facebook.com/therealzakbagans/posts/10153819948516805

Hallowe'en Vampirica

"I just wanted to conjure up the image of the perfect, gnarly prince," she uttered to herself behind the smoke of the fading candle. It was Hallowe'en and she was dressed in the right attire, luscious, crimson velvet dress with a plunging neckline and her waist was the thinnest her corset would allow her to be without actually suffocating her.  This is something she had yearned for a long time.  As the wind screamed in customary spooky fashion and the wolves howled, she imagined her lover appear to her as she had once dreamt he would.  She wasn't one to go for magic spells and even if she would be the talk of the town; everything would hinge on her making sure this was the one and only time she had left.

Climbing the cold and granite staircase and arriving at the top of the castle, she was engulfed by the overwhelming size of the grey turrets, which threw dark shadows across the stone floor.  This was where Giselle wanted to be, stopping by a sharp jutting side wall for a second to scratch her itchy back.  "Ahh that felt so good," and was needed since no one was around to do it for her.  It felt cool and damp yet eerily familiar.

An age ago, a winsome witch had given her a spell which she thought was funny at the time and yet she used to wonder everytime she opened that majestic treasure box adorn with trinkets and poultices of old, whether real magic actually worked, or if she was fooling herself.  Anyway she lived in a time of superstition and  folklore.  Where the grimmest of fairytales were not meant for children or the fainthearted.  But tonight as the moon shone brightly and an eerie echo was heard throughout the barren and empty stone walled castle, tonight she would make it or break it.  As Giselle gathered her wits about her and pushed back her raven black hair behind her ears, she bit her lip out of hesitation, licked her sultry lips and then wondered...is this what she really wanted, a man from magic, out of make believe and how would that romance really last?

Bubbles fizzed and hissed and as she threw more herbs and other unmentionable items into the steaming pot, she leaned over it, closed her eyes and whispered the inaudible spell.  It was magic after all and not meant for anyone's ears.  Moments later, a red smoke hit the chamber and out popped a being of the most handsome and beautiful visage she had ever gazed upon.  Oh wonder of woes, he turned out to be a vampire, sharp teeth, the most supine of bodies and emerald greenest of eyes.  He was her soul mate, at least for this All Hallow's Eve.

As they roamed the grounds of the castle, windswept from the glistening rain and a little wet still. She still remarked at the wonder of how he was a vampire in all his glory, and brought tears to men's eyes as well as bite to their recoiling and naked throats.  Sucking their life force every second and Giselle ached with pleasure at the sight.  It was amusing to watch humans get such a fright on this the most scary of nights.  She clapped with enthusiasm as she watched him and felt her heart race.  She couldn't do much, only scratch at her prey and the scourge of humans as they inflicted their terrors and torments on those less fortunate than themselves..  She could however be free with Henry...

He told her his life history though it should've been in potted version she thought.
"I arise every hour at midnight when the clock strikes the echoing toll, when the moon shrouds the sky and I walk across from past centuries.  I roam, I am liberated until the first signs of the breaking dawn; thence I return from whence I came.
The dark, sodden, trodden earth, deep beneath the hallow'd ground where mere mortals fear to tread when alive.  Perhaps they loathe me and are jealous of my agility; my prowess and ingenue.  Those who know me; see me, fear me.  Not because they are afraid but because I am all-powerful, all consuming.  Avaricious.
I once was a man, beautiful and strong.  Friends family and home I possessed, until I re-possessed them in my hideous rage.  A possession so cruel and unholy in nature and yet nothing could I humanely do to prevent my rampage.
But for my sins I received everlasting life.  I still am - a man - eternity is my namesake, never to age - this my reward.  Dreams keep me afloat or are they just pitiful nightmares fervent in my ambitious desires.  An anger rotting in my heart.  Depth of flames, deep and unfulfilled.   Akin to a desolate mire.  Yet still in my eyes there is a fire lighting my already darkly shining eyes, containing hidden secrets, lost meanings.  More apparent in my consciousness is lust and the need for hunting grows without resistance in all my proud being.  The need for practicing evil beckons me on...

Recalling my transformation - a stormy, dank night.  Windows rattling, wind breezing in gusts.  That night pre-empted my doom, drawing me to an eternal destiny, that which once filled me with dread, now masks my glory.
She appeared to me in her haunting splendour.  Rosebud, scarlet lips; face so sweet, bewitching eyes. Masking a bewitching hour and a foreboding smile.  Mesmerizing me in an instance.  I was turned into what I am now...

'Dear boy,' my sweetheart called me.  Losing me was her agony and torment, but she too eventually became as me and joined me in my perilous plight."

This was part of the explanation he gave to Giselle and she wished she had surrounded herself by a circle of salt, than listen and took it with a pinch of salt - or rather to his feigning some sort of apology for his vile assault on humanity.  Yet who was she to pass judgement on his plight and agony. Wasn't she just as bad and reprehensible in watching the blood curdling, blood letting and deep down revelling in some perverse sense of macabre pleasure.  Akin to some form of soulmate or two dancers parading their waltz on the supernatural dancefloor.  With gleaming crystal chandeliers providing enough sapphire hues of light to cast shadows where real people would once have danced.  Was she nothing more than just heartless.  As she examined her wrist she felt a pulse, strong and regal, almost.

Henry continued his story:
"Centuries later they came for her.  Leaving me alone to witness my gigantic destructive appetite - all consuming, never caring.  My heart does not beat, no blood flows through my vessels, yet my memories are intact, never to abandon me.  Revenge is my calling...

Retribution has been sought and paid.  Although I ponder on what might have been had I not returned late from my blood fest that fateful night.  Still that is the all too distant past.  To dwell on sadness may make me seem human.  A disguise so unruly and wicked; which is part of my cunning.  Would I have you eating out of my hand as I garner sympathy for my marauding plight...

I keep returning in my ravenous splendour when the moon shrouds the land, the cycle restarts.  One night.  Two nights.  I shall return once more.
My family has long gone, my family was weak, they had no will to live on.  I alone survive sentenced to this prison called life.  These walls termed time immemorial.  Confined to a hell or to some, everlasting eternity....

Watch out for the night.  I'm at my most powerful then.  Don't leave open any windows, nor any doors ajar.  There are no depths to my abilities, my cunning, my stealth.  I strike when least expected...but expected... I sometimes never am.

I dare you to fight me, to wield your great swords.  No one can defeat me, no mere mortal or knight upon white horse.  Once you know of my prowess, you'll run for deep cover.  I am one to be feared, heeded and dreaded.  But never ignored.
You cannot destroy me - but ways there are three, and plenty.  I vanish when the sun hits me.  I evaporate into thin air.  Garlic repels me.  My greatest fear is the stake made of wood.  For if you hammer through my 'heart' I shall be no more.  Nor stand as I once stood.  My face you'll remember and the hollow of my desolate eyes.  For I stare, stare, STARE into yours....

Fear not, for although I shall be no more.  My legacy will live on.  All that I've done will never fade with me.  Those I have touched, those who have nurtured my existence for millennia will rise at each twilight and take  my place...for my blood flows through their hearts.  Moot point: you see as I said, I have no blood, no heartbeat, only cold ice.  My veins are bone dry.
All that I am.  All that I was will remain, blossom and grow.  All that I've nourished will live to torment you.  Those who crossed me will remember my name.  They'll long to wake from the cursed dream, but the nightmare will not pass.  I will be your bete noir.  They'll curse me forever, they'll wish they'd never seen me or my kind.  For I am invincible - the king of all vampires!

Giselle found this most amusing and yet was frustrated for messing with the black arts and conjuring up this paranoid imposter.  She was after a child of the wolves, a babe of the woods.  Raised in the forest and as every full moon she waned into her life force and she became what she was and always had been, not just out of destiny or fate, but her true calling.  She was a werewolf...and yet she wasn't. She only seemed that way in the large mirror that seemed to cast huge shadows of reflections everytime she went to look in it.  But this was no trickery, it was what Giselle really looked like, all two foot of her with her black fur and silky smooth four paws.  Giselle was a cat and she sat by her mistresses's feet once more and yawned satisfactorily.  That was enough fun for one year.  Perhaps next year she'll conjure up something quite different.  For Henry was nothing more than a vampiric cat too!

Stylist Live 2016

Stylist Live 2016 at The Business Design Centre, London was one of the highlights of the Autumn. With the chance for many to experience life changing advice and encourage to make business altering decisions, with talks, workshops.  As well as how to get that perfect hair, make-up, fashion look and pick up a gift or two for Christmas.

Talks with many aspiring and inspiring women, such as Liz Earle on how she got her business started, all experts in their chosen field, lots of motivational talks, how to write blogs on cooking and wine appreciation.  The list was never ending.  As well as general talks with guests such as Joanne Froggatt, Mel C.  There was something for everyone and one of the highlights was the Stylist Live Catwalk with Swarovski.

The Mel C talk was especially entertaining and also she had plenty to say on how platforms such as social media show how people can be cruel and it's cos they don't say it to your face, but think since it's over the Internet, they can be as mean as they like.

She'd love to work with Sia and a lot of her inspirations were Mo, a Danish artist.  Mel C covered two of Sia's songs. Covering one for the Jools Holland Radio 2 Show in November.  But she hasn't met Sia yet.

Both are on Twitter.  Mo is @MOMOMOYOUTH  
and Sia is @Sia
Her thoughts on fashion, especially from the '90's and those trackies she wore and how she's got lots of  memorabilia, which host Scarlett said she should put on eBay.

She even gave us a few lines from the chorus of her current single called Anymore. And spoke of how the Spice Girls were the inspiration and guide for many girls who are now older and how they're approached by them to tell them this.  How they grew up "to be really cool women, they've got great jobs, are mothers.  It's insane, and we don't feel responsible, we just feel that if we were a tiny part of helping them and this girl grow up and be the incredible woman that she is."

Her daughter Scarlett is 7 and is proud of her mother.  She's terrified of the world that she's growing up in but they're going to go through it together.  "When you become a mother everything changes and so do your priorities" and she makes time for her and can't be away from her so much!
"Kids are cool these days and they're brilliant, so savvy they can do anything."

This year's Autumn fashion trend includes navy coats, sporty wear (appropriate for Sporty Spice) and the Intergalactic trend.  Sparkly bling especially for this year's party season.  Some highlights.

A great time was had by all and already there's excitement for next year!

Victoria 1.8 "Young England" Review

                                        
You couldn't help but think you'd seen it all before in this episode.  What with Cumberland (Peter Firth) back again in the hopes Victoria (Jenna Coleman) would die in childbirth and being accused of setting an assassin upon her.  It was hard to see him as not being behind the attempt.  Also that Edward Oxford (Harry McEntire) of the 'Young England' movement was of unsound mind.  He kept a tight lip and perhaps he was only being used as a patsy by Cumberland, but it didn't appear he had written the letters to himself, putting aside the scene where the maid brought him a letter.

Cumberland vehemently denying he would even contemplate regicide.  However his past actions and record speaks for itself.  I love the Latin legal phrase, res ipsa locquitur (the thing speaks for itself!) He was a bit too eager to deny and was on the defensive.  When I say his past record speaks for itself well, he had been accused of such actions before and he even told Victoria how he's done away with the Constitution in Hanover.  Thus ruling as an iron king.  Especially as he also tells her perhaps next time she's out the violets will be much 'harder.'  Now if that wasn't a threat, disguised as a warning.
Even Leopold (Alex Jennings) suspected him.

However Victoria just wanted the birth to be over with, asked for a wet nurse and even went out driving, as she was fed up with being cooped up.  Another reason why it was so easy for Oxford to take a pot shot at her, whether or not the gun was loaded was beside the point.  Victoria almost getting harassed by Captain Childers (Andrew Scarborough) who had written her so many letters wanting to take her away from the "German tyrant."  He could provide everything for her, barring his sanity.  Oxford is questioned, refuses to speak and ends up being found non compos mentis (of unsound mind) by a jury of twelve men and at fist Victoria is shocked to hear of this.  He attempted to kill the queen of England and almost faints at the news.  Since she wants to be free and if Oxford were to be acquitted, then she and her baby won't be able to go out.  Albert (Tom Hughes) promising to keep her safe.  She loses her temper at Albert though it's no fault of his for the way she's feeling, he did want to see her safe.  That's why he went out with her, then he spotted Oxford in the crowd coming towards her.  but who makes a move like that pushing though the people if he's got assassination in mind!

Victoria accepts the verdict at the end since she is queen (how many times has she said that now?) and she swore to uphold the laws of England at her coronation and no matter their personal feelings that is what she will do.  Albert also intercepts her letters instead of Lehzen (Daniela Holtz) reading them, especially since Penge (Adrian Schiller) sees her throw away the one from Captain Childers, who 'attacked' Victoria with a bunch of violets.  Ernst (David Oakes) is back awaiting the birth of his nephew and returns the Duchess of Sutherland's (Margaret Clunie) hanky to her.  Telling her how he dreamed of the curls on her neck.  She is enamoured with him of course, but won't jeopardize her marriage.  Although he tells Albert is was nothing but harmless flirtation and he's over it.  Their conversation is about love and how they thought they could not find the real thing, but they have with each other.

He gets Brodie (Tommy Knight) to deliver a note to her and meets her in her boudoir, where they do kiss and he sees her with her hair on her neck and she gives him a lock of her hair, which he shows Albert, disproving his disapproval (ha) of him from Albert in that he did nothing wrong.  The staff also speculating about the queen's health.  Mrs Jenkins (Evie Myles) refuses to believe anything will happen to her and lets her feelings known.  As Penge says childbirth is a nasty business.  Everyone telling Victoria again how she should rest, including her mother (Catherine Flemming) who's been telling Victoria stories of her carriage ride across Europe so that Victoria could be born in England. As well as her uncle Leopold reminding her of Charlotte.  How he didn't let her eat sweets cos her doctors advised against it and Victoria loves her sweet cherries.

Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) asks Skerrett (Nell Hudson) to go with him as he's been offered a position at an establishment but she prefers her employment here. As well as Eliza (Samantha Colley) telling her not to go cos of her situation.  She fell for a man and ended up with children.  Yeah she wasn't too put out accepting his help when she needed it with the fever going round and eating his food now as well!

Skerrett changes her mind but Francatelli has already left.  She was accosting the new chef! Ha. Skerrett also tells Victoria that her friend who had a baby was so glad she did and loves them.   The moment finally arrives and well, no privacy for the queen during childbirth it seems, as she gives birth, at least close the damn door and finally calls out to her mother.  She has a baby girl and Albert is proud of her, wanting to call her mother.  She promises the next one will be a boy.  With a despondent Cumberland who realizes he's missed his chance of being king.

Seems for many Ernst is the new Melbourne, ha, and it's a toss up between the two brothers between the fans!

However the real Queen Victoria was fired at on 10th June 1840 in her carriage with Albert. Her would be assassin was an unemployed 18 year old, Edward Oxford.  However he was only the first of a number of assassins who who attempt to take her life.  Why was she that unpopular.  Or was it just to make a name for themselves, as Oxford says in this ep how he will be remembered by Young England and others.  Victoria even wrote about the incident in her diary.  Mentioning how Lord Melbourne paid her a visit after the attempt.  (No such luck here it seems for fans of Lord M!) Oxford's family wanted him declared of unsound mind, as the guns did not contain anything other than gunpowder and Victoria herself didn't think Cumberland was behind the plot.  Oxford was finally released in 1867 and travelled to Australia where he changed his name to John Freeman and died a year before Victoria.  Some fascinating history here, which not many know of.

Victoria will return in 2017 - as we knew it would.  Before that there will be a Christmas Special.

Victoria 1.7 "Engine of Change"

                                                  
As Victoria (Jenna Coleman) and Albert (Tom Hughes) listen to music she becomes nauseous and has to walk off, with there being speculation.  Lohlein (Basil Eidenbenz) says their queen is sick and Brodie (Tommy Knight) tells him he must say, "the queen is indisposed."  Everyone especially Victoria's mother (Catherine Flemming) knows what she should be doing for the baby and gives her brandy with cream for the sickness, of course Victoria doesn't want to listen to anyone.  She sends for a doctor who confirms her pregnancy and Albert is pleased as they announce the news to the politicians and court.  She also says that in the event of her death, as her mother doesn't stop reminding her about Charlotte, she will need someone to rule and she appoints Albert as Regent.  Of course there is an uproar especially amongst the Tories, led by the Duke of Wellington (Peter Bowles) who is adamant he can't have a German ruling the country.  Compounded by the fact they already are running the country.

No one is ready to endorse Albert and she says she'll abdicate if no one accepts her decision.  He says he will leave the country and she says she'll kill herself.  Albert wants to do more and has been learning about the British industry, as Victoria mentions engines and trains.  He wants to visit and find out more so she plans a trip for them to the Gifford's.  Peel (Nigel Lindsay) has an estate, Drayton, which is practically next door.  Leaving behind her mother as she doesn't want her to come and Harriet (Margaret Clunie) to look after her.  She takes only Mrs Jenkins (Eve Myles) and Albert takes Lohlein. The Gifford's aren't too happy to see her and especially not Albert as they have nothing but snide things to say about them both.  Such as Victoria was only so high when he saw her and she replies, "she still is."

At dinner Sir Piers Gifford (James Wilby) has organized a hunt for them the next day and Albert says he doesn't hunt, he shoots.  Victoria will accompany them and Lady Beatrice (Annabel Mullion) thinks it will be too taxing on her, telling her to stay and relax.  However Victoria will go.  The Gifford's butler tells Lohlein that he needs to have a "kit" for shooting and he will give him one.  Mrs Jenkins spots Lohlein with it the next day, white breeches, and tells him they only wear dark colours and he is only looking to embarrass Albert.  Albert of course shoots two birds whilst Gifford can only stand by and snigger, saying he won't let the sausage get the better of him, however he fails.  He accuses Peel of siding with Albert, whereas he has been sent there by Wellington to ensure Albert doesn't become regent.

At lunch once again Beatrice thinks Victoria should rest, but she goes off for a walk.  As Albert stresses his interest in locomotives.  Peel says he has one on his land and he should see this.  Gifford hates the thought of his land being overrun by such monstrosities and later tells Peel he should not encourage Albert.  Victoria is fed up and Lehzen (Daniela Holtz) calls Peel a "stuffed frog," she saw one once at a museum, which amuses Victoria.  She thinks Albert needs to learn to talk properly and keep his mouth shut more as people laugh at him.  Next day she wakes to find him gone.

He meets Peel for a ride on the locomotive and knows how it works.  He wants to ride at the front and not sit on the seat.  He tells Peel he likes him and hopes he's not here to make sure he doesn't become regent.  Peel hopes he's not here to convince him into approving Victoria's choice and they get on. Victoria is mad at Albert since he went off and did his own thing.  She doesn't approve of engines and she will only do what she wants to take the country forward and hates the use of the word, 'future'; and approve what she wants, as queen.  It isn't up to him.  She was rather hypocritical, she doesn't want anyone ridiculing him or telling him what to do unless it's her.  Albert replies he didn't want to wake her.  As she's out for a walk she too rides on the locomotive and Albert runs up beside it and asks if she likes it.  Which she does.  The butler tells Lohlein that he should have the prince singing whilst getting dressed and Mrs Jenkins tells him they're all trying to make fools of Albert and him and she won't accept that happening to Albert. They don't like people who are different.

Peel tells Gifford and the Tories he will be supporting her choice of Albert as regent since she is his queen and when he leaves, Wellington tells them that if no one's going to oppose his choice, then he too will support Peel in his decision.  As Peel tells Victoria of this, she tells him it's not really relevant anymore since she is well and doing her job.  That was after a pep talk from Albert on their way home when she told him she's afraid of the pain and he told her it will be painful, but she is strong and has fortitude.  She allows Albert to sit beside her and help with the papers she must sign, handing him over the ones involving the cotton trade and other industrial matters.

Her mother tells Harriet she doesn't like being left behind and also as Harriet keeps looking at the photo of Albert with Ernest, she tells her that he's a liar.  Harriet telling her she's a married woman. Especially as at their game of cards, she asks if Harriet has a knave?  When Victoria returns home, she asks for bacon and peas and doesn't want to stick to any diet.

Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) impresses Skerrett (Nell Hudson) with his cooking and hot chocolate, which he prepares for the queen and she thinks he should give her his wafers along with it too.  He also sets up  a dinner table in the queen's quarters for her and treats her to some more chocolate, which she tells him he must name a "bomb surprise" as it resembles a bomb.  "Francatelli's bomb de surprise."  Didn't anyone tell him the way to a woman's heart is not through sweet treats, she'll bomb herself soon eating so much, or should that be balloon!

Not much to say on this ep as slowly Albert begins to find his place by her side and she gives him more responsibilities.  She was afraid of losing him when he went off gallivanting on the locomotive, as she wouldv'e called it.  As she wants him by her side all the time.  Finally Lord M is forgotten as here was absolutely no mention of him this ep either.  Of course the title refers not only to the industrial revolution but Victoria and Peel accepting Albert and that he is capable of having more responsibilities than just being her husband.  As well as allowing him to feel the baby, as their relationship grows even more.  Which was a touching moment as she earlier told him, "you are going to look at my body and be revolted."  Whereupon thousands would've said, he's already seen your body!  As Victoria earlier claims he looks like a peasant when he returns all dirty and he exclaims, "at least I'm not eating beetroot - the food of peasants!"  Ahh the poor beetroot!

Cos 140 Characters Ain't Enuff: Patrick Muldoon

                                                 
Cos there aren't enough characters to tweet how Patrick Muldoon truly is the object of my affection on Twitter (and off!) and always will be!

 An all round great guy, brilliant actor and just as wonderful a singer/musician.  Although there's no way to decide between the singing or the acting.  Luckily don't have to!  Only wish his films got more screen time here, aside from the ones where he just has a bit part in them! Oh how that leaves me reeling!

This appreciation's more about Patty's songs (with the band, The Sleeping Masses and without) and if you haven't heard them yet, there's some on SoundCloud, the haunting Glowing Like Gold, the desirable Red Dress. Cumin Over, Changed.  Sadly Grey Again disappeared from there; another one of my faves.  All of his songs/tunes are so catchy and unforgettable.
On youtube you'll find the equally impressive The Woman Is The Way and what I particularly rave on about quite a bit!  (Sorry friends!)  As well as Patty's enjoyable Concerts From My Living Room series.  Albeit short!  So when we getting the Concerts from My Kitchen, Pool, Beach...?  Or Surfboard!! ha.

Patty rocks and his songs definitely "kick it like lightning!!"

http://mila255h.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/patrick-muldoon.htm

Victoria 1.6 "The Queen's Husband" Review

                                           
Albert (Tom Hughes) finds it increasingly difficult to fit in and is frustrated.  Even when Victoria (Jenna Coleman) has documents to sign he wants to help her but she tells him to play the piano or he'll get bored, she can hear him play. Of course when he does help she just wants him to be chief blotter as she's already read them all.  Did she really read them.  Also it appears Melbourne has 'retired' to Brockett Hall as Peel (Nigel Lindsay) and Wellington (Peter Bowles) mention it in passing, that he can't run the nation from there forever.  As Victoria also comments on how she wishes "Lord M were here."

Victoria is approached by Buxton (Terence Beesley) and Anson (Robert MacPherson) who are from the abolitionists of slavery society and wish her to open their proceedings, which she thinks is a most noble cause as she's been backing them since she was a child, but as their sovereign she can't do so. Giving the opportunity for Albert to come up with doing something good and what he believes in and addressing the society.  As he tells his secretary, Peeler (Scott Arthur) he's fed up of being nothing more than a figurehead, not even that, and being seen as the queen's husband, as well as his portrayals as a sausage in cartoons.  Everyone hating the way he dresses too.  He writes a speech in German and asks Peeler to translate it into English and he offers to abridge it too.  Quoting Shakespeare's Julius Caesar about men not being cowards.  He meets with Buxton and Anson and tells them he will be opening the proceedings and Victoria will accompany him and watch him from the side.

Albert also notices that Ernest's (David Oakes) flirting is more than that with the Duchess of Sutherland (Margaret Clunie) and he wants him to return t o Coburg.  Ernest tells him he's not like their father and he actually is in love.  However she's married and she too thought this was just some harmless flirting and wishes him "bon voyage" when she finds out it's not.  Obviously she didn't really want him to go, as she drops her handkerchief for Ernest to keep.  Victoria also wants Albert to accompany her to dinner and this is usually done by her uncle. the Duke of Sussex (David Bamber) and is traditional.  However he refuses for this to take place or to change.  Even though he's a staunch supporter of hers, he will not depart from tradition.  Until Victoria finds out his wife is not of royal blood and is not permitted at court.  She offers her a title, Duchess of Inverness (Daisy Goodwin) as it is a discretionary sovereign title, she wants to meet her.  But also to show him that she wants Albert to be treated with respect too.  Peel and Wellington of course comment on her catipns as Wellington thinks she's won a battle.  Which she wasn't really fighting.

Albert wants children as soon as  possible and Victoria doesn't.  Even her mother (Catherine Flemming) tells him once he has a male heir everyone will accept him.  Victoria asks Lehzen (Daniela Holtz) for help on how not to get pregnant and after her night with Albert, she jumps up and down on the sofa.  What can you say, no comment!  Ha. Ernest also wants him to have children already so he can be a godfather.  Albert doesn't want to see him go as he's been with him for twenty years and Ernest is protective of him since their mother left as he tells the Duchess of Sutherland.  Of course Victoria and Albert can't their hands off each other, so having children won't be a problem, for him, as he catches her jumping and informs her Lehzen was wrong in her advice. The only way not to have children is if she abstains.  Which she can't and kisses him some more!

Elsewhere there is Indian cholera as Mrs Jenkins (Eve Myles) calls it, abounds and especially in Seven Dials where Skerrett's sister, Eliza (Samantha Colley) lives and she tries to see her but is stopped by the 'Peeler', she can go in but can't come out.  Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) gets her to tell him what's wrong and he has ways of getting in there.  He sees her sister and she writes a letter informing Skerrett (Nell Hudson) of being rehoused where hopefully the baby will recover too. Skerrett is impressed with this and thought she knew men but didn't know anyone who would do this. Nah he's in it for himself!  He leaves her a sugar 'N' on her pillow (sweet nothings! ha) after she tells him her name is Nancy.

Albert rehearses hi speech and is introduced to Jonas Barratt (Cornell John) a runaway slave, who is told how to address royalty.  Victoria tells Albert to speak up so he will be heard and she does turn up to support him, but not incognito enough so she feigns feeling faint and returns to the palace.  Albert eventually speaks and is a resounding success.  Even Peel acknowledges this and they shake hands as Albert tells him they finally agree on one thing.  Although Victoria doesn't still like him.  So the sausage can speak after all and hold is own in public.  Ha.  Me thinks a baby soon, judging from next week's clip, or is Victoria really ill?  Only a mention of Melbourne now in passing twice which was frustrating for his fans!  Thought he would've turned up at least to hear Albert's speech, but that wasn't to be.

The writer and executive producer of Victoria, Daisy Goodwin, makes an appearance as the Duchess of Inverness.  No wonder Victoria was anxious to meet her!

Dream Home: The Property Brothers' Ultimate Guide to Finding & Fixing Your Perfect House Review

There have been property shows and designing shows and all creativity shows under the sun, but only one or two come along that actually impress and give you the lowdown on what's what.  One of them being Property Brothers, Property Brothers At Home, presented by the mighty fine Scott Bros, Drew and Jonathan (in no order of preference! ha) hotly followed by Buying & Selling and Brother Vs Brother.  Dream Home provides so many hints, tips and actual facts that will help you improve your house if you're in the market to sell or what to look out for if you're looking to buy, but also to improve it in general if you're not.  The best thing is you don't need a large budget to do some 'cosmetic' make-overs which can provide the wow factor!  Yes I fancy myself as a bit of a creative person, which has nothing to do with being 'arty farty' or taking up Art at school (that was just to get out of doing another subject which involved hard work!  Funny should've taken a leaf out of my own thinking and not taken up the profession I did!  Cos that involves mountains of work and studying - still!)

Okay back on topic, Dream Home: the book by Jonathan and Drew Scott (what took you so long?) provides you some fresh insights and refreshing ideas on how to spruce up your home, or maybe some of the rooms in your home, so you too can end up with your 'Dream Home.'  I enjoyed the format and how both Drew and Jonathan give you their insights on every aspect of home decor you could ever think of or need.  There are other designers out there, but none of them caught my eye or particularly interested me, some of their ideas were just plain.  Yes that's the best word for it, but Jonathan and Drew have oodles of talent, luckily twice over!

It's not just about designing though, but features insight and their wealth of experience on renovating, how to get the best deal and more importantly negotiating the best deal for you, cos let's face it, that's where many people slip up.  They're so into wanting to buy or sell their house they just go for the easiest and quickest out and sometimes it's not the best price being asked for.  (I was going to say touted! ha)

What made Dream Home stand out is the brothers 'tell it like it is.'  It's honest and no holes barred, as well as bringing their fun personalities into the pages.  It reflects what you've seen on TV but more so as each page is like actually getting personal advice from them and more importantly you can ponder over the features inside to your heart's content, without rushing.  They are sooo down to earth, it's more like giving you friendly advice.  Beauty, brawn and brains all in one, well in two here!  You get double the fun, double the trouble and double the real deal in Drew and Jonathan!   Also choc full of photos to bring those creations to life.

Oh and I liked how as many style, lifestyle books etc were featured in the display photos on the shelves and tables!  And how when you read it, you can hear their voices, like they're reading to you! Very sublime!  As well as some general background on their early years.  Dream Home isn't just a must for fans, but also the seasoned designers in us all and yes there is creativity in us all, we just need the right approach and help to bring it out the best way possible! As well as the excellent Brother Vs Brother section where Jonathan and Drew give their own personal advice and views.

You can perfectly display your copy on the rustic coffee table you just whipped up!

Now guys when you coming down to London cos I need my copy personally signed and personalized to me??!!

@mila255h

Available at https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Home-Property-Brothers%E2%80%99-Ultimate/dp/0544715675/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474248217&sr=1-1&keywords=dream+home+property+brothers

Or you can get signed copies from  https://scottshop.thescottbrothers.com/products/dream-home-book