Day 90: HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY 

Captain Tom Moore.

A true gentleman, who has shown us all that is good in the world.

A truly inspiration man.

Day 89: Rainy Tuesday.

Dear family, friends and followers.

We have all gotten so used to the sunshine, but this morning we woke up to the pitter, patter of rain on the back cabin roof. April has apparently been the sunniest April on record, which we have all welcomed and enjoyed, especially for those of us who have gardens or nice places to do our exercise. Our garden certainly benefited from the rain, because I have been watering everyday with canal water. Using the watering can has been good exercise, which is a bonus.

Right I am going to get on my high horse for a minute or two, so if you do not want to read my rant then feel free to find another blog to read.
This past weekend, has seen people having bar-b-ques with friends and this is not just people living in houses inviting their friends around, this has included boaters doing the same thing. Friends have recorded this happening and there was absolutely no social distancing whatsoever. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
Have people not been listened to a word that has been said?
Have they not read about all the deaths of the public and key workers?
Have they not seen any of this on the TV or listened to the radio?
NO ONE AND I MEAN NO ONE is immune from this killer virus. It is killing millions across the world. Not only are these people putting their lives at risk, they are risking the lives of others including their families. People have been photographed and videoed gathering at locks, which is putting the lives at risk of the ones who are still working on the canal, supplying diesel, coal, gas and pump outs. Daily exercise is not an excuse to gongoozle. GO HOME. People are gathering in parks and not exercising, instead they are sitting around on the grass. Daily exercise is walking, cycling, running and then you go straight home. You do not hang around in groups nattering and drinking. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. Do as you are asked. Because if you do not, this virus will just carry on killing people and it will kill someone you love.
Ok rant over.
Sorry, but this makes me both angry and sad, because the majority of people are doing the right thing.

So the rest of my day was spent crocheting more Palliative hearts and tidying in the boat, because with the rain lasting all day, I was never going to any work done outside. I did have to venture out to collect a parcel at the gate for a neighbour, because we are not allowing anyone in the gate unless we know them.
We have now watched 6 seasons of Game of Thrones and need to buy seasons 7 and 8 to finish the amazing series off. We have both really enjoyed it so much. I do find the violence tough at times and some of the fruity language, but the story line is so brilliant, I kind of let those things go over my head a bit. I am not a violence and bad language kind of lady, as my family and friends will tell you, but the series has been amazing, with it special effects and just the sheer brilliance of the characters.
Tomorrow is another day and we will all hopefully wake up healthy and safe.

Pop back soon xxx

Day 88: Bees and hedge row.

Dear family friends and followers.

With it being another fine and sunny day, it was going to be an in and out day for getting jobs done.
Our day began with a lay-in and for us it was a big lay-in, because I did not actually wake up until 8 am, which for me is incredibly late. I am guessing sitting up late trying to get a food shop delivery slot helped with the sleeping in. In these days of lockdown, there is little point in getting up mega early. I am spreading all the jobs out, so there is no urgency to be up and at them.
Once up and about, Mr Robin got his breakfast. I dare say he was extremely miffed at having to wait so long to get his daily dose of suet containing mealworms. I went for my stroll in the Arm. The sound of the birds was drowned out by the road works and the traffic. It seems for some the lockdown is at an end, because there was a definite increase in cars on the road. Now of course it is possible they were all going to work at the hospital or Sainsbury's, but I wonder how many were out, just because they thought they could?
9 am I sat and watched the statement from Boris Johnson on his return to No10 after his fight with the Coronavirus. It is good to have him back on the front line. It was also good to hear, that he has no intention of lifting the lockdown until he is absolutely sure it is the right time. So it is now time for the media and press to stop asking the question about when will we be coming out of lockdown. It is beginning to sound like "Are we nearly there yet". After all how long is a piece of string?

Our hedgerow was beginning to look a little shaggy and in need of a trim. I used our strimmer to take the front of the hedge off and tidy it up. Because it is on a bank, we have a walkway along the base of the hedge, which was put in my the previous moorer. It is brilliant for someone who is vertically challenged. 

There is however a downside. The staging is old, slopes and is going rotten.

We are looking into replacing it and are waiting for quotes to have the work done for us. We also want it extend the staging right to the end of the garden, so that we do not have to climb the slope every time we want to do something to the hedgerow. I managed to tidy the hedge without causing myself a mischief thankfully.

The Bees using our Bee hotel have been very productive this past couple of days. One of the hotels is filling up nicely. It is fascinating to stand and watch them going about their work.

With so little breeze in the Arm today the reflections have been glorious. The only downside was the noise from the road works. Otherwise it was perfect for relaxing and enjoying the calm. Hard to enjoy the peace with the noise on the road.

Well that is it for today.

Pop back soon xxx

Day 87: Films and hearts.

Dear family, friends and followers.

A beautiful sunny start to Sunday. The Robin and Wren were battling for top spot in the singing chart this morning. But as most of us know the top spot has been taken by Captain Tom Moore and Michael Ball. I am quite sure the Robin and Wren are happy to be second best to an incredible man, who has now won two Guinness World Records.
He is now:
- The most money raised by charity walk (individual)
- Oldest person to reach number one in the UK charts
Well done Tom ❤️

Neither of us were up with the larks. With this lockdown comes lying in bed longer, because there is no rush to get up and about. We are spending the time to relax in bed, drink our tea and watch the news, before we spring into life. As I said yesterday the news is purely filled with the Coronavirus and no other world news, which is depressing. There is however light at the end of what is a very dark tunnel for some, because we are hearing good news stories of people who have survived the virus and are now back home with their loved ones.
A part from feeding Mr Robin, another of my new morning jobs is to water the garden, because we have had very little rain of late. We are promised some showers this coming week, which the garden will welcome, because our soil is really hard. I am thinking of mixing some compost with the soil to try and soften it a bit. In place it is like concrete. All the residential gardens were made up from the digging out of the Arm when it was restored back in the early 80's and so we know there is clay mixed in with the soil. I will have some horse manure coming, once the lockdown is over from friends who live nearby. Plants watered, I went for a stroll in the Arm to stretch my legs. Whilst pootling along, it was so wonderful to hear the birds and no vehicles on the Birmingham Road. The birds are not in competition with the road noise at the moment, they are only out singing each other. The Butterflies were out in force. Orange Tips, Peacocks and Small Whites. I could have very easily just sat in the Sensory garden and enjoyed the sunshine and birdsong, but jobs had to be done and no sitting allowed when on daily exercise.
Back onboard, I packed up 30 hearts for Palliative Care patients at the local hospital and put them in the post box.

The reason for the hearts is visiting is severely restricted in hospitals in line with national guidelines, so Trust staff hope giving patients and their loved ones matching fabric, knitted or crocheted hearts will help them feel connected. By giving the patient a heart, and sending a matching one to their family, it can help them feel like they have an emotional link, and a small token to focus on. The hearts are quarantined for seven days before they are given to the patient, to ensure any risk of infection is minimised. It is a new task learnt and it may give comfort to patients and their families.
Sunday for me has always been a day of doing very little, because it was once a day of rest and church. For me going to church stopped a very long time ago (long story). But doing little on a Sunday has always remained. I like to get any jobs done of a morning and then spend the afternoon watching Sunday movies. Today's choice of movies starred Hugh Grant. Have you heard about the Morgan's and 9 Months. Followed up with One Fine Day with George Clooney. I was crocheting at the same time as watching the TV. The evening we carried on with the Game of Thrones series. We are in Season 6 now and although I do find the language and violence extreme, I have enjoyed the series. We need to buy seasons 7 and 8.
See you next week.
Pop back soon xxx

Day 86: Food and painting.

Dear family, friends and followers.

Here we are, another weekend and another day in lockdown. Whilst sitting in bed drinking the first cuppa of the day. It struck me that the only news we seem to be getting is about the Coronavirus and Donald Trump. Is there no other news going on across the world right now?
What has happened to the conflicts?
What has happened to the starving children of the world?
What has happened to climate change?
Yes we hear about the none existent sport and we get the weather, but apart from that everything is around the virus. Also why are they only mentioning certain countries? This virus is worldwide and yet it is the same countries that get mentioned. It is just my observation.
My first task of the day was to feed Mr Robin, who was sitting on the fence waiting to be fed.

This morning, we thought we would see if Mr Robin would take food from Keith's hand as well as me and the answer was yes. He was a little wary at first, but the thought of food got the better of him and he flew to Keith. I have noticed he is feeding a partner and that is why he comes more often. I do not feed him every time, because he needs to find his own food, such at caterpillars and bugs. But I am happy to supplement hi food with the odd piece of suet. It is nice to have him around.

Next job was to give our saloon rug a good beating and brushing. We have the rug down during the Winter when on the mooring and I roll it up and put it away when we are out cruising. The reason being, that when out cruising we sometimes walk through the boat with dirty boots and it is easier to clean the laminated flooring than it is to clean the rug. Anyway as it seems our cruising season is at a close, I decided to put the rug back down as it is warmer under foot.

Task three. I have been touching up the paintwork on the forend, where the paintwork was scraped off whilst out at the beginning of March. Having done the prep work, I undercoated and double top coated the Red, White and Blue. It is not perfect, but tidy, which is absolutely fine. I can now turn my attention to the cabin side and roof. Once the pontoon side is done, we will then turn the boat around and I can do the other side.

Yesterday Mr BT came and sorted out our broadband and phone line, which were playing up. It turned out it was a cable problem into the boat, so he very kindly put a new box in our bunker at the stern, so we can now plug in both ends. We now have a clear line and quicker broadband, which is a huge bonus. Having a landline on our mooring is such a joy, because we do not have to run out of the boat in the pouring rain with the mobile phone. Because we have no windows only portholes, we do not get a good signal inside, which can be such a pain. Therefore the landline is a godsend. The added bonus is having the broadband, especially at the moment.

We had a Tesco delivery booked for between 4 and 5 pm. The driver arrived at 3.50 pm, with our precious food. She dropped the bags at the gate (not literally) and had a chat, before she was on her way. Although very busy, the drivers are finding with no traffic to contend with they are actually getting their deliveries to there destinations a little earlier than normally, which is a huge help. I stowed away the food in the fridge/freezer and cupboard. This will see us okay for a while. The bonus was I got UHT and fresh milk. So if I cannot get any fresh milk, we can go back to the UHT.
Neither of us is keen to go and queue up for shopping, because it has its dangers as far as spreading the virus, even with the precautions being taken by most supermarkets. Keith misses his weekly trip on the bus to Aldi, but I am thinking about our safety first. So as long as we can get a delivery slot, we will carry on. I am using our shopping slot to buy for others in the Arm, which is a help to them as well.

I thought I would finish today with Pam Ayres.

Pam Ayers has been at it again. I think she wrote this for me and all the oldish girls out there.

This needs to be read so true and funny.😷😂😂

I'm normally a social girl
I love to meet my mates
But lately with the virus here
We can't go out the gates.
You see, we are the 'oldies' now
We need to stay inside
If they haven't seen us for a while
They'll think we've upped and died.
They'll never know the things we did
Before we got this old
There wasn't any Facebook
So not everything was told.
We may seem sweet old ladies
Who would never be uncouth
But we grew up in the 60s -
If you only knew the truth!
There was sex and drugs and rock 'n roll
The pill and miniskirts
We smoked, we drank, we partied
And were quite outrageous flirts.
Then we settled down, got married
And turned into someone's mum,
Somebody's wife, then nana,
Who on earth did we become?
We didn't mind the change of pace
Because our lives were full
But to bury us before we're dead
Is like a red rag to a bull!
So here you find me stuck inside
For 4 weeks, maybe more
I finally found myself again
Then I had to close the door!
It didnt really bother me
I'd while away the hour
I'd bake for all the family
But I've got no flaming flour!
Now Netflix is just wonderful
I like a gutsy thriller
I'm swooning over Idris
Or some random sexy killer.
At least I've got a stash of booze
For when I'm being idle
There's wine and whiskey, even gin
If I'm feeling suicidal!
So let's all drink to lockdown
To recovery and health
And hope this awful virus
Doesn't decimate our wealth.
We'll all get through the crisis
And be back to join our mates
Just hoping I'm not far too wide
To fit through the flaming gates!

Pop back soon xxx

Day 84: Another year older and wiser.

Dear family, friends and followers.

Thank you for your birthday wishes. I can honestly say I had a lovely Birthday, even though we are in lockdown. Normally we would be off out for the day and enjoy a meal out in a restaurant. Obviously that could not happen, so we had the meal come to us.

I ordered a Thai meal from Totally Thai our fabulous local restaurant, who we like to visit for lunch every now and again. They have been in Warwick over 20 years and we have always had wonderful food and service from them, so we are supporting them in this difficult time. I had a bottle of wine on the boat (phew), so we enjoyed a lovely meal. Throughout the day, it was just a normal day. Keith gave me a charm for my trollbead bracelet as well. During the evening, we had a Zoom conference chat with my wonderful family, which was such a lot of fun. I have never used Zoom before, but it was brilliant because we were all on screen at the same time. We had a lot of laughs and swapped all the news, which of course included the virus and how we are all coping with it.

Incredibly special was receiving cards from my family and grandsons. It made my day and my year. We cannot wait to get together once this is all over for a proper family get together.
Day 84 of this virus in the UK and it looks like we will be in lockdown in some form for quite sometime, so it is time to knuckle down and get lots of jobs done. Today was the day to be getting some of the boats paintwork sorted out. There is touching up to be done, where Keith has knocked the paint off, whilst we were out at the beginning of March. I like to keep on top of the paintwork, to keep the boat tidy. This of course involve getting out my sander. There is nothing nicer than working with power tools. I am now just hoping I have enough paint to get all the jobs done.

I am beginning with the fore-end which has taken the most punishment.

I sanded down the dodgy bits with my little mouse sander and then undercoated the patches. Unfortunately I do not have any grey primer for under the blue, so had to use white.

No one will really notice the white undercoat once the blue is on top. That is a job for tomorrow.
After lunch, I sat and began crocheting heart for palliative care patients at our local hospitals in Warwick and Coventry. I contacted them to see if they needed anything and they need crochet hearts. So with the help of Youtube, I am going to see how many I can make. I am making them in different sizes as well. I love a challenge.
It has been another fabulous day weather wise and we are set for the same tomorrow, so I will be painting once again.

I am finishing today's post with a laugh, because I think we can all do with one right now.
I pinched this from another site - enjoy 👍

These are ‘supposedly’ genuine clips from council complaint letters:

1. My bush is really overgrown round the front and my back passage has fungus growing in it.
2. He's got this huge tool that vibrates the whole house and I just can't take it anymore.
3. it's the dog mess that I find hard to swallow.
4. I want some repairs done to my cooker as it has backfired and burnt my knob off.
5. I wish to complain that my father hurt his ankle very badly then he put his foot in the hole in his back passage.
6. And their 18 year old son is continually banging his balls against my fence.
7. I wish to report that tiles are missing from the outside toilet roof. I think it was bad wind the other night that blew them off.
8. My lavatory seat is cracked, where do I stand?
9. I am writing on behalf of my sink, which is coming away from the wall.
10. Will you please send someone to mend the garden path? My wife tripped and fell on it yesterday and now she is pregnant.
11. I request permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.
12. 50% of the walls are damp, 50% have crumbling plaster and 50% are plain filthy.
13. I am still having problems with smoke in my new drawers.
14. The toilet is blocked and we cannot bath the children until it is cleared.
15. Will you please send a man to look at my water; it is a funny colour and not fit to drink.
16. Our lavatory seat is broken in half and is now in three pieces.
17. I want to complain about the farmer across the road; every morning at 6am his cock wakes me up and its now getting too much for me.
18. The man next door has as large erection in the back garden, which is unsightly and dangerous.
19. Our kitchen floor is damp. We have two children and would like a third, so please send someone round to do something about it.
20. I am a single woman living in a downstairs flat and would you please do something about the noise made by the man on top of me every night.
21. Please send a man with the right tool to finish the job and satisfy my wife.
22. I have had the clerk of works down on the floor six times but I still have no satisfaction.
23. This is to let you know that our lavatory seat is broke and we can't get BBC2.

Pop back soon xxx

Day 82: Birthday in lockdown

Dear family, friends and followers.

Another year has past and yes it is my birthday today along with her majesty the Queen. I know so many will be spending their birthday in lockdown, so I know I am not alone. It does feel rather odd, knowing we will not be going out today or having a meal out, but I will make the most of it. The one big downside is I have no chocolate on the boat. How stupid is that. I do however have wine and we will get a takeaway delivered later. Keith gave me a lovely letter K charm for my troll bracelet and I have had a couple of cards, with I know more in the post, but they will not get to me till Friday, because we only get our post twice a week at the moment. Anyway it is what it is and I will have a lovely day no matter what.

Thought I would share this:

(Not mine and not sure of original source)

Here is a great analogy of the Coronavirus situation.

If you have to climb up a tree to escape from a lion then what is the primary criteria for deciding when to come down again?

Is it a question of how long you have been sitting up in the tree, or of how uncomfortable it is up the tree, or how there are other places you need to go to and things you need to do?

No, the most important question is, where is the lion now?

Is it still waiting for you at the bottom of the tree? If not is it still nearby to the tree and have you acquired any better tools for locating the lion and also tools for defending yourself when you climb back down.

At the moment all we know is that the Lion, if not at the bottom of the tree, is nearby, and the only way to defend ourselves from the Lion at present is to stay up the tree.

And here we must stay until we know that the Lion is either gone or until we know how to get rid of the Lion.

In short there is no reason to return to normal just because there's been abnormal for a few weeks and people don't like it.

Pop back soon xxx

Day 80: Our garden bloomin marvelous.

Dear family, friends and followers.

A beautiful start to Sunday, with the sun shining and the birds singing. Yesterday it was rather nippy and so I re-lit the stove, but on waking this morning, it was clear I would be letting the stove out again, because inside the boat was very toasty.
It has been a day to fling open all the doors and galley doors and let the sunshine and fresh air in. Because there are so few cars on the road, the birdsong was flowing through the boat this morning. Mr Robin was in fine voice as he waited for me to go and feed him.
As you will see and hear in the video we are blessed with being able to hear the birds and the bees. I think the wildlife is making the most of our enforced lockdown.

Today has been a day of cooking, gardening and of course making another video. Thank you for your kind messages about my first attempt at videoing our garden. I am giving it another go and I promise I will get better over the coming weeks. A couple of weeks ago, we had a meat delivery from our local butcher and in the pack was some steak. Now I am not normally a steak kind of girl. I like my steak in gravy, rather than it cooked on its own rare, medium done or well done. So I thought I would fry off the steak and add it to gravy for lunch. It actually turned out really lovely. There were two pieces, so the second steak is going to be had with pasta tomorrow. I am making everything go further, even though we have a food delivery coming this Thursday. We are of an opinion get it whilst you can, whilst not going and queuing at a supermarket. I am still not happy about going and queuing and so getting an online delivery is important at this time, especially as we do not have a car and I do not drive.

Having enjoyed a lovely lunch. The afternoon was spent chatting at a distance with fellow residential moorers. Although we all live here together, we do not see that much of each other, so it is always lovely to have a chat and put the world to right. Catching up on their news passes the time away as we all find things to do at the moment. Some of us more enthusiastic at getting jobs done than others. It was then time for Sunday afternoon films on Channel 5. Bridge over the river Kwai  and then Jason and the Argonauts. Classic films are always a welcome watch, especially on a Sunday.
Another week is drawing to a close. I wonder what next week will bring.

Pop back soon xxx

Day 79: You'll Never Walk Alone

Dear family, friends and followers.



I have been following this truly inspirational man Captain Tom Moore, who has now raised £22,819,827.62 (at the time of typing). He has with Michael Ball bought out You'll Never Walk Alone and it made me cry. Here is a gentleman who has fought for his country and who is still fighting. This time he is fighting for the NHS. An amazing gentleman who has captured hearts across the world. Hopefully he will reach number One.



It is Saturday and we had rain overnight and for most of the morning. The garden was really happy to have some water and it saved me having to water, which I have been doing since returning home. Mr Robin came for his breakfast, and lingered on my hand this morning, whilst he filled his tummy with food. He is getting ever braver. I have a feeling he maybe feeding a family, so I am now wondering if I will be introduced to the offspring. Whatever happens, I will continue to feed him for as long as he wants to come to my hand.

I had a walk down to the Sensory Garden and back when the rain stopped. I feel the need to stretch my legs, especially as we are locked in for at least another three weeks.

Lunch today was baked potatoes and chilli, with grated cheese on top. I think we maybe eating more baked spuds, because they are easy to do and you can add any topping. I secured a food delivery for Thursday, where I can top the freezer and fridge. I think getting a delivery maybe harder, because of the further lockdown, but I will keep plugging away. I am still not happy about queuing outside a supermarket. Having had Bronchitis for many years pre-boating, I know my lungs are not as strong as they were before the Bronchitis, so I am just being careful. Some may say paranoid, but rather that than poorly big time.



Due to the weather it is a day of watching films. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to start the afternoon off and then we have the delights of Oliver, so an afternoon of Musicals for me this afternoon.



May your Saturday be a safe one.



Pop back soon xxx

Day 78: Three further weeks.

Dear family, friends and followers.

Well we now know, we have a further three weeks of this virus lockdown.
How are you feeling about it?

At least a further 847 people have died with Covid-19 in the UK in the past 24 hours.

I am quite happy to do a further three weeks, because we all have to do our part. I think for most boaters, we are kind of used to being shut in over the winter and so this is just an extension of that. The only difference is the evening are lighter and of course the sun is shining. For us being on our mooring, it is a bonus because we can get out into our garden and onto our pontoon and we have the benefit of having our TV and landline. I of course realize for many it has been and will continue to be a huge struggle to stay home for another three weeks. For anyone with mental health issues or children at home, I can imagine it is a bit of a nightmare and of course if you or anyone you know is living with an abusive partner it must be dreadful. Always know that there is help out there if you feel you cannot cope. Please seek that help. Do not suffer alone.

After doing my garden video a couple of days ago. Irene on Freespirit asked to see our Bank Voles, who live in our wood pile. So above is a short video for you Irene of our furry friends, who are just so cute and funny.

I do not know if any of you have been following this story, but it has pulled at my heart strings. Captain Tom Moore, wanted to do something to help support the NHS. So he decided as he approached his 100th birthday, he would do 100 laps in his garden. His aim to begin with was to raise £1000 and then the media got hold of the story and his story went global. As I type this rambling Captain Tom Moore has raised an incredible £18,771,139.92. Here is a man who fought in WWII and he is still serving his country by raising this mind blowing amount of money. I sat in bed yesterday morning watching him do his last lap with tears rolling down my cheeks. This man is a beacon of hope in our time of crisis. If you have not seen his story please google it, because it will warm your heart.

Today has been a day of feeling chilly. We have had some lovely warm days and so this morning I thought it was time to get my legs out. I put a pinafore dress and t-shirt on, but immediately wondered if I had done the right thing, when I stepped off the boat, because there was a rather brisk chilly breeze blowing. I am not one to be put off though, so I decided to keep the dress on and hope that it would warm up. One of my first tasks of the day was to visit the laundry on site. It was big wash day, with bedding and towels. Whilst waiting for the washing to do its thing, I stood watching the workmen who are doing road works along the Birmingham Road. The Stanks Island roadworks were over running, mainly due to all the wet weather we had. The decision by the council and the company doing the works was for the roadworks to continue whilst the the lockdown, self-isolating and social distancing is going on. So you can imagine my horror this morning, as I watched the workmen most definitely not keeping their social distance with each other. If the powers that be are going to allow work to carry on, they must make sure that those doing the job are following the government guidelines. These men are seen by motorists, walkers and cyclists and they should be setting a good example. If they do not follow the guidelines, then others may think, why should we. I have contacted the powers that be to let them know my concerns, and await to see what happens.

I achieved very little on the run up to lunchtime. I did manage to catch up with e-mails and social media. I am trying to keep a routine, because it would be so easy to sit online all day nattering or watching films.

Hope that whatever you are doing it is keeping you busy.

I have been getting on with some more crochet. I have managed to learn how to crochet a rainbow and clouds, all with the help of Youtube.

This afternoon, having wanted to learn something new. I have made my first crocheted heart. Once again Youtube was my teacher. Perhaps in this time of being in lockdown we should all learn something new.
If you are trying something new, do let me know what it is you are trying.

Pop back soon xx

Day 76: Our garden.

Dear family, friends and followers.

Hello. I said a while ago I would do a video about our mooring and garden and today is the day. This is my first video where I am chatting, which is weird listening to for myself, so bare with me. I will do more if you enjoy this one.

I am having a cleaning day. The engine room is getting the attention today.
Have a fabulous day everyone and thank you for popping by.

Pop back soon xx

Day 75: Back to jobbing.

Dear family, friends and followers.

I am here and doing fine. I did not post yesterday, because I felt like a day off. With it being the Easter weekend, I thought hey I will not post today. Sorry if that worried anyone?

How was your Easter weekend?
I was forward thinking on the chocolate front. I bought our chocolate before we headed out at the beginning of March. My thinking was, that on the run up to Easter at Ellesmere Port, which was where we were supposed to be, I may not get an opportunity to buy Easter eggs, so I bought ours before we left our mooring. As it turned out we did not make it to the port and I would not have been out and about to buy eggs, so I was glad I thought about it in advance. I do love to think ahead of time. I just wish I had done the same thing with soap. Yes chocolate came before soap in my head. We are not desperate for soap, but having opened the last bar, I suddenly thought, heck we need soap. I have ordered some for our next delivery, so we will see if it arrives. We use Simple Soap because we both have allergies and this appears to be the only soap we can use. Hopefully we will have some soap, when the new food order comes at the end of the month.

With the Easter weekend over, it was back to getting the jobs done. Today's jobs was to finish polishing the boat.

Hadar's paintwork is now over Twelve years old and it is beginning to show its age, with the paintwork getting thin and scratched. But polishing twice a year has kept the red from blooming, which usually happens with Red. I have lovingly looked after the paintwork to delay the repainting, which will have to happen at some point. Repainting is costly, so the longer I can delay that day, the better. I also do a lot of touching up of the paintwork as well.

With the polishing done, I turned my attention to the bathroom, which required a darn good clean. Our bathroom is only two foot by four foot and so does not always get the attention it deserves. The tiles got a good scrubbing and the grouting whitened. When Hadar was built, we thought that tiles was the best way to go, but I think if were doing the bathroom today, I would have chosen shower panels instead. When we eventually get round to changing the bathroom decor, I think we will remove the tiles and plump for shower panels, because it will be so much easier to keep clean.

The past few days we have had some lovely weather and today was no exception. The sun was out, with a nip in the air, so I kept the fire going, which I re-lit yesterday. 

Butterflies were out and about.

It is always lovely to see the Butterflies in the garden and the Orange Tip is one of my favourites. 

At this time of lockdown, having our garden is a godsend. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be shut in a high rise apartment or flat and not being able to get out. But with the death toll still rising, we will all be in lockdown for a while long and I am thankful for our garden. 

Today's totals is such depressing reading. There has been an increase of 778 in the last 24 hours. I know I sound like a broken record. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE STAY AT HOME. There are still people out there going out for non-essential trips.

Pop back soon xx

Day 73: Happy Easter.

Dear family, friends and followers.

Happy Easter to one and all. May your day be filled with sunshine, laughter and of course Chocolate. xxx

Day 72: It is bunker time.

Dear family, friends and followers.

How is everyone doing. The UK is now 72 days into the Coronavirus Pandemic. For us it all began on the 31st January. How the time has flown and yet there are more people dying and still people are NOT listening to the guidelines. Yes I know it is the Easter weekend, but we have been asked repeatedly to stay at home. Only leave home for food, medication and exercise. It would seem that some people think that when they go out for their exercise it takes all day and requires a picnic. NO NO NO. Even here today, we have seen more walkers and cyclists and there have been more cars on the road. Now of course some of those people will have been sticking to the restrictions, but having listened to some of the people walking over the bridge, some were out on a jolly. I will repeat myself yet again for those who are reading this and not getting it.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE STAY AT HOME. YOU WILL BE HELPING TO SAVE LIVES. Today 917 people lost their lives, that brings the total number of deaths we know of to 9875. This does not include those who have died in care homes or at home :-(

We are at home on our mooring and following the restrictions to the letter. I have not actually left the Arm at all yet, because I am actually too worried to do so. Keith only went to the post office, because he had too. But he went straight there, and came straight back. With so much time on our hands, it is a great time to get done all the jobs we have put off, or had no time to do. One of those jobs was our hosepipe bunker. It used to house the other moorers tumble drier, but as we do not have one, I store out hosepipe and bits and bobs in there. Anyway we noticed that our long bunker lid which is connected to it was always wet, I then figured out that when it rained it was seeping through the felt and into the long bunker.

The plan was to take the roof off the small bunker with the letter box on it. Lower the roof and re-felt the roof, making sure that rain water would not be able to seep into the long bunker.

Out came all the tools.

Small bunker emptied and decisions taken on how we would achieve what we wanted too do. Hoping that it was not going to be a long job.

I got on with stripping the old felt off. The board underneath was a touch soggy, where it had been soaking up the rain water.

We managed to get the roof off without to much messing about. Some of the screw heads were rusty and there was no chance of getting them out with a screwdriver, so we used a hacksaw and some brute strength. 

Because the previous moorer used slated boards, it was easy to remove a layer and cut the uprights shorter.. The roof then went back on and we laid on some new felt, which was fixed into place with wooden battens. 

We trimmed just over an inch off the bottom of the door, before rehanging it. We are really quite chuffed with how it went and looks. Hopefully no wet bunkers for a few years. To do list has another tick next to a job well done. It has to be said the job took us all day, but that was only because we took breaks to get out of the sun and the heat, which was really hot before and after lunch. I used to be a sun worshiper, but not these days. Anyway it did not matter how long it took, because we are going no where.

Dinner was Chicken Korma and rice with all the trimmings. Now I fancy a beer.

Time to put my feet up and watch the evening films.

Pop back soon xxx

Days 14 and 15: Easter weekend.

Dear family, friends and followers.

Let us start this ramble with some great news. Buddy in the photograph above has been found safe and well after his owners van was stolen with Buddy inside. In a time when we are all struggling to find some good news, this warms the heart to know that owner and dog are back together.

Yesterday Thursday day 14, would have been our last day self isolating and a day to be able to enjoy the small things in life. Yesterday was actually spent getting dustbins in and taking in a Tesco delivery for us and others we were shopping for in the Arm. With the weather being so lovely, I spent some of it in the garden sorting out the weeds, which are trying to take over at the moment. I will win the weed war eventually. Because we are in lockdown and not cruising, we will be able to spend more time in the garden, enjoying the flowers, birds and bees and keeping the weeds under control. As I have said there is always a plus to any minus.

After our food delivery yesterday, I delivered food to the other boaters who I had added to the list and then spent the evening crocheting. I am trying to perfect my rainbow.

This one was a bit too big, so I am playing around at making a smaller one with clouds attached.
Today is Good Friday and the sun is out. It has been yet another lovely day.

In 2018 some of you who read my ramblings will know our Border Collie died, but even today his fur is lining the nests of Blue Tits. I kept his fur after brushes and put it in a cage on the bird table, so the birds can come and take his fur for their nests. Today the Blue Tits were helping themselves. They are nesting in one of the boxes on site.

A Solitary Bee is interested in our bee hotel, so we may see that filling up over the coming days.
Now we are all hearing how people are not obeying the restrictions and how some think it is all just a con, well yesterday a friend heard it all first hand. This was her post.
Well heard it all now. He was cutting some wood up and the lady in the nearby farm came to tell him he was welcome to help himself to wood on the field next to us. Very kind of her and he might do that if we need any. But...... she stood there (well apart from us and downwind) and said she didn't believe any of this coronovirus rubbish, that it was all a con, that Boris wasn't in hospital at all and probably spending some time off with his girlfriend somewhere sunny. And all the time complaining of a headache the likes of she's never had before. At which point he steps back again. And still she goes on about it being over oil. When she'd finished I politely pointed out that if this wasn't real she should tell that to the parents of a little boy in hospital with it and the families of the doctors and nurses who have died. I also told her to keep an eye on the headache and to call 111 if it got any worse.
Some people eh🤔🙄
For anyone reading this rambling, who  thinks that this virus is a con. You really need to think again. This is very real and wonderful people are dying. We are losing nurses, doctors, old, young, healthy and not so healthy to this virus. Stop looking through rose coloured glasses and do the right thing. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE STAY AT HOME.
Let us get the numbers down, so in the future we can get our wonderful country and the world back to some sort of normality. All over the world people are losing their lives to this horrible virus and it should not be happening.

This weekend is the Easter Weekend and whilst it may seem like a great idea to go out and about. Please Do Not. Stay home and enjoy the weather and Easter eggs in your own home and garden. Today's numbers The UK death toll has increased by 980 to reach a total of 8,958.

Pop back soon xxx

HELP GET BUDDY HOME.

HELP GET BUDDY HOME. PLEASE SHARE.

 Buddy is a support dog so much more than a friend or family member. His human dad suffers with POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.Buddy travels with him in the Van to help him cope with his PTSD. Yesterday 08-04-2020 someone stole the van with Buddy in it. Approx time 1pm #cv6 #Coventry. Please help to find Buddy. Contact 07871538 or West Midlands Police.

Day 13: Baking and crochet.

Dear family, friends and followers.

Well hello one and all. What a beautiful day we have had. We woke to wall to wall sunshine. There is nothing nicer than opening your eyes to the sight of the sun pouring in through the pigeon box portholes. The morning ritual of a cuppa and the news took place and once again it is all about the virus. It was good to hear that Boris Johnson is improving in ICU and I sincerely hope he makes a good recovery. It does not matter what your political bent is, no one deserves this virus and I happen to think at the moment he and the government are doing the best they can. Of course it could be helped better if other parties got involved instead of putting this current government down. Out local MP on the one hand wished Boris well and then in the next breath, made it clear the short comings of the government. What he could of done was offer to help out in anyway he can and give support, but I guess that was asking to much. Anyway once Boris is back on his feet it will be all hands on deck and full steam ahead, because we still have Brexit to finish, which of course at the moment is not that important.

I was thinking that having the lockdown for us is something which is relatively easy for us to do, because from November to March that is pretty much what we do anyway. We come back to our mooring and basically sit and wait for March to arrive. Okay we do go shopping and out for meals and chat to folk, oh and I go to the ladies coffee afternoons, but really it is not so different to now. Yes I miss the coffee afternoons with the ladies, and nipping into town for a mooch around the shops, but that will still be there when this is all over. If anything I will look forward to them all the more. I am gregarious normally, but I am also quite comfortable with my own company when push comes to shove.

I was chatting to someone this morning and we were laughing about how people must be managing with their hair right now, because you cannot just walk into the hairdresser or book an appointment at the moment. I reckon there will be a lot of hippy looking people out once we come through this virus. Already friends are trying to cut their own hair and having varying degrees of success. Fringes are being cut at odd angles or way to short and I dread to think what people will be doing with the rest of their locks. Keith and I are okay, because I have always cut his hair for him and began my hair is long it is easy to trim the ends.

To trim the back of my hair I use plastic bag sealer clips. They work like a dream and keep my hair straight. I have been using them for at least 4 years, when I cannot get to the hairdresser. One of my friends actually allowed her husband to dye her hair. Not sure I would have been so trusting, but it actually turned out pretty good, so no rows in their household. Can you imagine if it had all gone horribly wrong?

Our friendly Robin came again this morning for his breakfast. He is getting braver and braver, which is so sweet. Wildlife is so wonderful and it is always a joy to have it in my life. Once he has taken his two pieces of suet, he heads off to carry on with his day. I have not seen the Bank Voles for a few days, but the food I put out for them is always gone, so I am hoping they are alright. We have had a cat from the houses wandering around, so maybe that has frightened them.
During the morning, I baked some Lemon Muffins for the cake tin, which was once again empty and then went and did a bit more boat polishing. I have completed the pontoon side of the boat and the paintwork is looking much shinier now and protected by the wax coating.

After a sandwich lunch, I sat with Youtube on and crocheted my very own rainbow of which I am proud of. I need a bit more practice, but I think it is pretty good. I am going to crochet some clouds for it next, if I can figure out the pattern. I have never been one for following patterns, but if someone shows me, I can generally get it eventually, so Youtube here I come again.
We treated ourselves to a Thai takeaway from our favourite Thai restaurant in Warwick, because whilst this virus is ongoing they are not open, but have started to do takeaway deliveries. The meal arrived on time and was fantastic. There driver was so polite and lovely even with his gloves and mask on :-). I think we will do that again.
Tomorrow is food delivery day, which is something to look forward to. I may get some more polishing done, but we will see what the morning brings. At the moment we take a day at a time.
Sadly today I learnt that Twelve people have died at Warwick Hospital from the virus, all had underlying health issues. My thoughts go out to their family and friends at this really sad time. Today the UK had its biggest rise in deaths from the virus 938 in a 24 hour period, which brings the total to 7097, which is just unimaginable and incredibly sad for all concerned.

Hopefully be back tomorrow. Please stay safe and healthy.

Pop back soon xxx

Day 11-12: Hand feeding.

Dear family, friends and followers.

There seems to be no other news going on across the world at the moment. Coronavirus is all consuming and in many ways that is how it should be, but I do find myself wondering what else is going on out there, so I sat and checked out the news on the tinternet, just to see if there is anything else happening and it appears there is not. Everything in the news at the moment is connected to the virus in one way or another. It makes you wonder what the news will be full of once this is all over and over it will be as long as we all do our part.
Day 11 had very little news, so I will not bore you with the usual boating chores. It will end up with you snoozing and we cannot have that.

Day 12: Finally I got a video of Mr Robin eating from my hand. He came this morning, but Keith could not get a photograph, so we tried again this afternoon and hey presto it worked. Mr Robin is very friendly and is happy to follow me around the garden when I am out there. First thing in the morning, he will sit on the bench or fence looking at me through the side doors, making sure I know he is there for food.
Today has been a lovely one, because I had a lovely long chat with my daughter, whose birthday it is today. I think we managed to put the world to right and had a laugh along the way. There plans for her birthday are on hold for obvious reasons. Both my grandsons are coping with the lockdown at the moment, which is really good, because it cannot be easy keeping two young boys happy, when being stuck indoors. I very much look forward to seeing them all when this is over.

Today was the day to begin the Spring polish. I like to polish and wax the boat twice a year to keep the paintwork ticking along. The Red is hard to look after because it blooms easily if left unpolished. The paintwork is now Twelve years old and although a little thin in places the red is still vibrant. I have made a start and will continue to do some more tomorrow.
I got to have a chat with fellow boaters in the arm of course at a 2 metre distance. It was nice to chat with our nearest neighbour, who is on his own and at high risk because of his age and medical conditions. I just like to know he is doing alright and also chatting to him makes him feel he is not alone. No one wants to feel alone at time like this.

As the number of deaths from the virus in UK has climed to 6,169 deaths, 786 in the past day. The government say they are not seeing "big upswing in cases", which means staying in is making a difference. So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE keep it up. Stay indoors, Save more lives.

Pop back soon xx