It is all go.

Hello friends and followers.

This past couple of weeks for me have been filled with joy, which in time I will no doubt write about, but for now I am going to keep you all guessing and coming back to see what I am actually talking about.

It is marching towards us going cruising for the Spring/Summer and so it is all go. With the Spring, comes the time to Spring clean and that is exactly what I have been doing. I am a little methodical when I clean, because I like to start at one end and slowly progress my way down the boat. With that in mind, I began in the back cabin.

The back cabin stove, was beginning to look a bit sad, so I decided to rub it and the flue down. I then gave it a much needed coat of Stove blacking. I will be giving it a second coat, before we head out on our 2019 adventure.

I then turned my attention to the ribbon and lace plates, which hang behind the stove. They all needed to come down for a wash and some of the tatty ribbons needed changing. We keep a bag with assorted ribbons to hand for just such an occasion. it is surprising just how long it takes to do this job. I actually had to stop to do some lunch and I had started it all at 9am. The plates do get very dusty when the stove is lit and I know I will probably have to wash the plates again during the Summer.

Ta dah, Mission accomplished.

I also die the plates on the opposite wall. Stove done (tick), plates done (tick). It was then time to rehang the curtains. I take them down over the Winter, wash them and stow them away until the Spring, because otherwise they get very grubby.

The back cabin was finished by late afternoon. I even checked the gearbox, which is under the back cabin floor. I am the keeper of the gearbox. I always do its checks. Keith has the batteries to check, but that is his job. I will be turning my attention to the engine room next. it actually needs repainting this year, but this is a job I am hoping to do whilst we are out cruising.

Have you noticed how wonderful the weather is?
It maybe officially still be Winter, but Spring seems to have sprung early.

The Spring flowers are out.

The birds are definitely singing louder and earlier each morning. Not to mention the fact that they are all getting rather amourous. I reckon the nest boxes around the site will soon be filling up and the sound of little chirps will be heard. There is nothing nicer than a bit of warm sunshine on your face and the sound of the birds. It is supposed to get warmer over the weekend, so I will be sitting out and enjoying the weather whilst we have it.

Pop back soon xx

Feeling the Love.

Hello friends and followers.

Valentine's Day is not something we have always celebrated. Like most celebrations these days, they are over commercialised and Valentine's Day is just another one of them, but for some reason this year, we decided to go all out. I am of the opinion that showing you someone you love them is not just for one day, it is for every day of the year.

I am so lucky to have a wonderful man in my life, who I love to the moon and back. he is my husband, lover, soulmate and friend. Yes of course we drive each other nuts at times, but we have never had a row in the Eighteen years we have been together. I always think life is way too short to row.
Anyway back to the day. On Wednesday, I was given a dozen Red roses. Then on Valentine's Day morning, he had gone off food shopping, I got a phone call from our local radio station, saying they had a message for me from Keith. I was to pack an overnight bag. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I spent all morning wondering what he had planned. When he got back with the food shopping, I stowed it away and then told him we were eating out for lunch, so he needed to change. We walked into the town, where I posted a parcel off, we then went to Totally Thai for a romantic lunch and a bottle of wine.

Lunch awas fabulous. The food there is amazing. After such a wonderful lunch, we walked around the town, visiting one of the antique centres and the charity shops. Back home I packed a bag ready for the adventure we were going on. I had no idea what was planned. At 7pm we locked the boat up and began walking. We got about 300 metres from our home and arrived at The Kings Head.

Keith had booked us in for the night. Now for many people, they would think how odd to only go to a B&B up the road, but for us this was going to be pure luxury.

Our room had a king size bed.

Full size deep bath and a shower. There was also a TV. This was my idea of luxury to have a soak in the bath with lots of bubbles. But before the bubbles, we went down into the bar for a pint. We sat by the fire and enjoyed a lovely hour.

The soak in the bath was pure relaxation. I filled the bath with lots of hot water and bubbles and just lounged. It may seem like an odd joy, but this was only my second bath in 14 years, because we have a shower on the boat.
The bed was amazing, it had a deep plush mattress, which cuddled you. Having slept in a 4 foot bed for the past 14 years, having a night in a King size bed was fabulous.

Having enjoyed a good night's sleep, we had our usual cuppa in bed, watching the morning news, before coming down to a full English breakfast, with Orange juice, toast and coffee. We both felt so relaxed having enjoyed Valentine's Day and night.
It was then time to head back to reality and the boat, where the fire was still going, it just needed a riddle and some more coal.

I know there will be many out there who do not celebrate Valentine's Day for many reasons and I respect that. However having not bothered much over the years, this year was special for us both.

Pop back soon.

It is a beautiful day.

Hello friends and followers.

So come on, have you had snow where you are?

We sadly only got a sprinkling, but it has remained cold. The temperature got down to -4.9c overnight last night and so the canal is still frozen.

Once up and about, I fed the birds and stoked up the fires. I then made a chicken and vegetable soup, which I left on the stove to simmer away.
I decided on such a beautiful morning, I should get out and go for a brisk walk. I always find a good walk in the fresh air clears the head and therefore enables me to think clearly. I also love to see the wildlife, whilst walking on the crisp ground.

I left the boat at 9.50am and set off through the Arm. The winding hole is frozen solid.

The Winter moorers are all nice and snug on their boats.

I took myself off to St Mary's Lands and on to the Warwick Racecourse. It was beautiful on the Racecourse this morning, with the warm sunshine on my face and the mud underfoot crisp.

The view towards Warwick with St Mary's Church in the background was stunning.

The view across to the Racecourse stands.
Having enjoyed my brisk walk, I got back to the boat and made a nice warming coffee and checked on my homemade soup.
Lunch was homemade soup, with a roll and butter. I then did us fruit and yogurt for pudding.
My afternoon will be watching the Rugby Six Nations. Last night it was Wales v France. Wales won a thrilling match. So I am looking forward to the rest of the matches now.
I am about to get somewhat thoughtful.
There are times in ones life, when you hope and pray for something to happen (I am not religious), and dare not to dream. I can say that never give up hope, because dreams can come true.
I have had a lot of sadness in my life, which has seen my family pulled a part over the years. But having never given up, things can hopefully work out eventually and some sort of normality can resume, but it all has to be taken a step at a time. Most of all there has to be honesty. So if you are going through a tough time, never give up. Keep smiling, because things can change.

Pop back soon xxx

Underwhelming.

Hello friends and followers.

Have you got snow?

We have only had a sprinkling of snow. There I was expecting a couple inches at least, but woke up to this. I am very underwhelmed this morning.
Wednesday night the temperature got down to -10.5.

It was a beautiful day and did not really get above freezing all day. Mind you I should not complain about the weather, when you see what the USA and Canada have at the moment. The USA is going through a polar vortex and have had temperatures down to -37c brrrrr. I am a woman who loves a proper Winter, with cold temperatures and snow. I know it causes all sorts of problems for those who have to travel, but I still love the snow. The problem with this country is it grinds to a halt with a little bit of snow. In Chicago they are still going to work and life continues. Here in the UK we have a couple of inches of snow and we grind to a halt.
Anyway, I have a day to get on with. The fires are both stoked. We have had the first cuppa of the day and I am about to get out and about.
Have a wonderful day. Stay safe and warm. I may be back later.

Pop back soon xxx