Market Harborough to Black Horse again.

Hi Friends.

Moving day again and for some odd reason we were awake at 3.30am. I really must adjust my internal alarm clock, I am not cut out for waking that early in the morning. Thankfully I did go back to sleep until 6.30am ish. I was then in need of a cuppa, so got up and put the kettle on. Marmite was doing her level best to get our attention, what with scratching at the back cabin curtains and running up and down the boat. This told me that both her food dishes were empty and she wanted feeding, but as she does not rule the boat, she would have to wait until Paddy was walked. He did not get walked until we had had our Porridge for breakfast. As we stepped off of the boat, it was clear we had had some rain over night, so the towpath was muddy once again underfoot. A couple of Mallard's were seeing who could quack the loudest, they were making quite a din. I then heard the whooshing of wings in the air which could mean only one thing. A Swan was coming into land. The local cob had been on his own for a couple of days with no sign of the Pen, so people were a little worried as to where she had gone, but the worry was over because she swooped down over the basin and landed with extreme grace alongside the boat. I just wish I had had my camera to hand, because I would have got some stunning photographs.
We made the boat ready for the off. Firstly we winded in the basin, took on water, disposed of rubbish, etc. Then we headed off for Foxton, and Black Horse Bridge where we would be taking on a food delivery. The cruise was only an hour and half, but was lovely in the intermittent sunshine.
We arrived at Foxton at 11.35am and moored up in our usual place with no other boats on the moorings. The morning sunshine has now turned into sunshine and showers, April seems to have arrived early. Marmite is a sleep in the back cabin and Paddy keeps popping his head out of the back cabin doors to see if anyone is around. He loves to greet people walking along the towpath. I am now waiting for our Tesco food delivery to arrive. Then we can have a Coffee, because we have run out, which is not usual for us. I blame myself, I usually know exactly what we have in the cupboard. I know I have ordered two jars this time, so one in use and one in stock. I like to keep a good stock of everything, just in case we should get stuck somewhere, where there are no shops. With a new food delivery arriving later, I have washed out the fridge and the food cupboard, so they are spick and span for the food to go into. Spring must be here ;0).
Not sure if we are moving tomorrow, because Keith may have to go back into Market Harborough to collect his new laptop which he has ordered. The fiasco of the old one went on until yesterday, when Keith finally asked for his money back because Dell were just messing him around and as this had been going on since December, enough was enough. So hopefully coming in the post tomorrow will be another laptop, which I sincerely hope does not let us down.
I now have to decide what we will be having for dinner tonight. There are days when I really have no desire to cook anything and I think this is one of them.

I hope your day is a good one or has been a good one, depending on where you are in the world.

Chat soon xx

Last Food Shop and a lost dolly.

Hi Folks.

I actually managed a lie in this morning woo hoo that is a miracle and a first for a while. Maybe my brain was so tired from spending hours apologising to friends about the morons who were using my e-mail address to spam my dear friends, that is decided it needed its sleep. Anyway I was up by 8.30am and Paddy was the first to get my attention, because the poor boy must have been crossing his legs. Every morning he always heads for the same BW post. He has set out his territory and likes to mark it out each and everyday, ready for the next dog to come along and do exactly the same thing.

Breakfast over and done, it was time to stoke the fires again and put the Copper Kettle on the back stove ready for the days hot drinks. Today was Tesco day, so all jobs had to be sorted before I headed off to wait for the Tesco van to arrive between 11am and 1pm. I put some Oxtail's in the back stove to stew with an Onion, Carrot and Garlic Cloves. They will cook slowly all day, ready for a stew for tomorrows dinner. Keith headed off with John off of NB Acen to Hams Hardware in Market Harborough to buy a couple of plastic water containers, just in case we should run out of water. He also bought some engine oil, as we used the last of ours yesterday when we did an oil change on the old girl. Keith said that Hams was an aladdins cave full of goodies. So next time I will have to go with him for a nose around. Afterwards he went to Welland Valley Feeds to get a bag of Paddy's dog food. We like to buy his food in the large 15kg bags, it makes it cheaper and of course means we are not constantly stocking up on feed. I sometimes get Marmites food from there as well, but it is just as easy for me to get her Whiskers food from Tesco and let them do the carrying. Whilst he was doing that, I was then setting off along the towpath to wait for Mr Tesco to arrive. Half an hour had gone by and Keith and John were back from there shopping trip. Another hour passed before the Tesco van came around the corner, by then we had chatted to several people going about their day, including Don and Gill off of NB Idunno, who had been to Debdale Marina to get some cans filled with Diesel. 70p a litre they were charge there, but another boater went to North Kilworth and got charge 85p a litre. Someone is making a killing. Thank goodness we hold enough diesel for a year and filled up in October.

Delivery stacked on to the trolley's we wheeled it back to the boat and I then stowed it away. That is the last big shop from Tesco before Christmas for us. If I need anything else I will walk down into the town. I know I will need things like Bread, Fruit and Veg, which I am happy to put in my rucksack and trudge up the hill.

Talking of the hill, I had to nip down the town to use a public phone box, because an 0800 costs to much to use on a mobile. Why pay for a free phone call when you do not have to I thought. By the time I got to the third phone box I was beginning to think I should have used my mobile. The other two boxes were out of use arghhhhhh. Phone call made and new wheels ordered for our other coal trolley, I began the trudge up the hill, and there lying on the footpath was this dear little dolly.She was laying on the cold footpath, lost and forlorn. So I gathered her up in my arms and took her to the Police Station near to where I found her only to be told they were not interested in taking her in. So much for Christmas Spirit. I was told they generally only take in wallets and keys these days. Long gone are the days when you could take any lost and found into a Police Station and they would keep it for 3 months, then either dispose of it, find it a home or give it back to the person who found it. So for now she will be living on the boat with us. I have sent a message and a photo to the local radio station and tomorrow I will go to the school down the road and see if anyone there has lost Fifi the Flower Tot doll. I would hate to think of some little girl crying all night because she does not have her Fifi. I will keep you posted as to whether i find her owner. I think we all had favourite cuddlies when we were tiny, I know I did and I would have been heartbroken if I had lost it.

The smell coming from the back cabin is extremely yummy and is making my mouth water. The Oxtail's are cooking nicely. I will leave them in the oven until tomorrow morning, when I will then strip the meat off of the bones and make a Oxtail and Vegetable Stew with Dumplings, this will last us for a couple of days and will taste better the longer it is left, so all the flavours come to the fore. I have some cooking Apples so I think I am going to make an Apple Crumble for afters. Ok now I am hungry, so I am off to organise tonights dinner. have a nice evening everyone xx.

Tesco delivery

Hiya Friends.


I was woken this morning by barking dogs. There is a house opposite our ovdernight mooring and the dogs enjoy continually barking when they are outside, it must drive the neighbours mad. The morning began very damp and overcast. Infact as I took Paddy out for his walk it was drizzling. The highlight of our morning was going to be the Tesco food delivery. I know I have an exciting life ha ha ha. My concern was that despite placing the order last week, we had not received a confirmation e-mail and by 9.30am this morning I had not been texted telling me the delivery time, so there was I beginning to think that maybe we were not getting our delivery at all. I had checked on their webiste and it had said that the delivery was being packed, but to be sure I thought I should ring Tesco to make sure we had not been forgotten. I spoke to a lovely lady who could not find our postcode on the system, so alarm bells were beginning to ring. I gave her the order number and that showed up that we were getting a delivery. She then put me on hold, whilst she went and checked something else. I guess she was contacting the driver of the van. I was entertained by some music whilst I waited for her to return, with thankfully good news. Our food order was on the road and would be with us at 11.30am approximately phew, I could breath again. I had visions of it going off somewhere else, or not being on the van at all. I thank the lady for all her help and a smile returned to my face. We never normally have problems with Tesco deliveries, but because it is at a new address, I was unsure whether this would cause an issue. I need not have worried because having stood on the corner of North Lane for 45 minutes, a Tesco van with lights flashing came down the hill. It was Donny who we had met before when we were stuck in Market Harborough Basin last Winter. Thankfully Donny knew exactly where he was going as he had delivered to friends here previously. Thank you Donny, you are a saint.
Whilst I put the shopping away, the contractors for British Waterway's came along the towpath, strimming and mowing the grass. We always love it when they keep the grass short, but it does annoy me when they strim alongside the boat and cover the side of the boat with grass. The mower then kicks up stones, which does not do much for the paintwork. But like everyone they have a job to do, so after they had gone, I went out and washed the side of the boat down with the mop. In some areas I know that the guys will not cut the grass when boats are moored, clearly that does not apply here.
With the shopping all safely stashed away, we left the mooring and winded the boat below Foxton Locks. We gave all those eating their lunch in the Foxton Locks Inn something to watch as they tucked into their meals. I guess for many of them, they would never have seen a boat winding before. Some waved at us as we spun around and moored up on the water point to supply a customer with Toilet Blue. I noticed that Margaret and Dave on NB Adrastea were moored up on the stretch towards Debdale, so I hot footed it down the towpath to go and say hello to them both but only Dave was at home. It was nice to catch up with him and we hope to see them at The Village at War weekend. Time was pressing and we wanted to be back near Market Harborough, so I said my goodbye's and we were on our way once more. It was just typical as we headed off the drizzle began to fall and the wind was getting stronger. By the time we reached bridge 14 and moored up opposite the Union Canal Society moorings, it was blowing a hooley and the rain was beginning to lash down. With a fair amount of haste, we moored up and dived inside for cover. As the afternoon passed into the evening the rain stopped but the wind was still blowing, which did nothing for a decent TV signal once I managed to get the ariel up and in the right position, so we had to watch bits of programs, because either picture or sound would faulter.
We are staying here for a few days, as Keith has to have blood tests done and we need to wait for the results.

Leighton Buzzard and beyond.

Hi Folks.

So much for watching anything on TV last night. The signal was so bad, we only had BBC1 and that was bad. So we dipped into the DVD collection and watched 'The Dirty Dozen' first and were watching 'The Golden Compass' when the DVD player packed in arghhhhhh. So hubby set up his computer, so we could finish watching the film. After that it was time for bed.

Awake early, as cars and people were coming past the boat. So we were up and ready to set off at 9am leaving the Globe Inn behind once more. Our first port of call was Tesco at Leighton Buzzard. I went in and got a few bits, which hubby stayed on the boat. It was all done and dusted in 30 minutes and we were on the move again at 10am. I put the food away on the move.

On this boat the food is always on the move. In the hutch are Chickens and there were more in a cage on the stern. Fresh Eggs everyday mmmm. I have seen a lot of different animals and birds on boats but this was a first for Chicken's.
Have a look at this photo and tell me what you see or don't see?
We did not see it until the last minute and by then it was to late to slow down to tickover.

It was a year ago since we were on this part of the system. Even in that year there have been big changes. We arrived at Grove Lock and was shocked to see a new Marina above the lock. Grove Lock Marina was finished in December 09 and looks very nice. We got through Slapton Lock and as we left the lock NB Skystone pulled out in front of us. We both got to Horton Lock and I set the lock as the gentleman was single handing. When I say single handing, he was not a lone, he had his dog Sadie onboard. But as he said "I have not trained her to do the locks yet". So it was down to me, with his help once in the lock. Now the plan had been to stop above Horton Lock, which is where we have stopped before, but we could not get in at all. The pound was down about 4 inches, which did not help. So we decided to carry on with NB Skystone. I went down into the galley and made us some lunch, which consisted of Panini Rolls and homemade cake. I was gonna need the energy for the remaining locks of the day. The one thing I really needed was a drink, but there was no time for that. I was in charge of the locks and the one swing bridge. We arrived at the swing bridge and I opened it for our boat to go through and NB Skystone was following close behind. Coming in the other direction, was a small plastic cruiser, which what sounded like a very poorly engine. We passed through and before NB Skystone could cruise through, I heard an elderly gentleman on the cruiser shout "Floor it, go on go for it". They barged their way through, meaning NB Skystone had to take evasive action. Apparently they said that they did not see him, but that was rubbish, because it was on a straight. I hope their boat breaks down in the middle of no where, after what they did.
After a busy day, we are now moored below lock 37, Marsworth pair, 8.7 miles, 10 locks, 5hrs 40mins. Some of the pounds were a little low. It has been another good day though. I know I will sleep well tonight. NB Skystone carried on up the next lock, so we may see him again tomorrow.
Thankfully my shoulder seems to have survived the day ok. I am not in any major pain, which is a blessing. The TV ariel is up and we have a fabulous signal, so it will be a quiet night in front of the box tonight and probably an early night for me, as I am feeling cream crackered right now.

Busy Tuesday.

Hi friends.

Phewwww what a day it has been so far. Having had a much better nights sleep than of late. I woke up with a spring in my step. Maybe it was the anti-inflammatories that knocked me out. Whatever it was, it felt nice to wake up feeling refreshed for once. I was up at 8.30am and before I even laid up breakfast Paddy got his walk, as the poor boy was crossing his legs. Marmite was still snoozing in her bed. She lays awake most of the night, looking out of the porthole at the birds, so she needs to sleep allday.

With Paddy walked, I sorted breakfast out and a cuppa, whilst Keith was getting himself organised. Having set the mobile into life, I immediately got a text from Tesco to tell me our shopping was arriving between 11am and 12pm, so that meant I knew what time I had to play with, before the van arrived. I actually spent most of it chatting to Steff  on NB Annie Wright. We began with chatting about coal and ended up chatting about our other halfs and their health issues. It is nice to meet another boater. 11am came and so did our shopping, delivered by a young man who has been to us a few times now. Oh how grateful I am at the moment for my shopping coming by van, especially with this shoulder situation. So with the shopping stowed away, it was then lunchtime. I did Keith some soup and bread and butter, whilst I made myself a crisp sandwich. Yep a sandwich with Ready Salted Crisps in it. Every now and again I love a crisp sandwich. Was trying to eat my lunch when Hilary and Andy turned up, they were out with friends, and were going for some lunch in town. So we had a quick chat, before they went off to find somewhere to eat. I finally finished my lunch and hung out a board on the boat, explaining that we were not selling coal at the moment, I then headed down the town myself, as I needed to go to the bank and then to get some veggies. I also dropped off some clothing to Cancer Research. Over this past year I have lost some weight and some of my clothes have got to big for me, so it was time for them to go. It now gives me a good excuse to buy something new. I want some new jeans, but have not seen anything I like yet. It has now gone past 3pm and I feel like I could do with a nap. But if I sleep now, there is no way I will sleep tonight. Arghhhh napping in the afternoon, must mean I am getting old hahahaha. So it has been a busy morning. I am planning on a quiter afternoon and evening.

The funniest thing I have read today is about the Celebs, throwing their toys out of the pram, because Twitter wiped their fans of their Twitter pages LMAO. It seems that Twitter had a bug, which wiped everyone's followers back to zero. Are celebs honestly that shallow, that they throw a hissy fit at losing their followers?

I am quite sure, if these people are real followers, they will soon find their celebs again and the whole process can begin all over again.