Towpath Tale Part One.

Hi Friends.

We all hear about the things that go on with everyday life on the land. Some of the news is upsetting and at other times it is funny. The same things also happen on the water. We have funny, sad and scary moments all the time. I thought I would share some of them with you if you have a spare moment.

This first incident was actually scary, because we could have been injured.

We were happily cruising to Coventry Basin on our other boat a few years ago now, when a gentleman on the towpath called to us asking "Do you have a mobile Phone" I of course replied "Yes". He asked if I would phone the police, because youths were shooting at ducks with an air pistol. We were just rounding a bend when these youths came into view. I noticed that the taller youth was carrying something down by his thigh, so I kept my eye on him whilst Keith carried on steering the boat. I kept my eyes on the youths as wel past them by and with my camera to hand I waited to see what they would do next. To my amazement the taller youth lifted his arm up over the other and aimed at us. The next thing to happen was something hit the boat. He had fired on us. At that point I took the photos of the 3 youths. he was just about to do the same again, when I got on my phone and rang 999. The police were very good. I gave them all the details and they said they would meet us in Coventy Basin, because at this point we were about 15 minutes away. As we arrived in the basin we got a phone call back from the police to say they had caught the 3 youths, still in the place we had left them.

The police came out to us and took statements. They also took away the photos I had taken of the youths. My description of all three was what secured their arrest. Having given seperate statements, we were asked if we needed councilling. Which we replied "No". Thankfully we were not injured in the event.
The final outcome was the older youth got 12 months probation and 12 months community service. The other 2 were let of with a caution. The police did say to us that the older youth was well known to them and they did not expect him to stick to the courts conditions.


Thankfully nothing like that has happened since. Well not quite to bad anyway.

Tuesday Rant.

Hi folks.

It is still raining outside. This is just what is needed to top up the canals and rivers. Because there are already water problems. This does not bode well for the Summer if we do not get enough rain.
You maybe thinking that having wet weather and living on a boat do not mix, but the weather really does not bother me whilst on the boat. It is all about living with it. I have proper wet weather clothing for when we are on the move, so I make sure I stay dry. Keeping warm is also important. If you get wet and then cold it can make you feel miserable.

On the subject of being miserable. I am not so much miserable, just everso slightly grumpy.
This morning began ok, I woke up without my shoulder hurting, so that was an absolute plus. I even slept prettty well as did the other half.
He had an doctors appointment at 9am, so we had to be up quick smart. I walked the dog, then sorted out breakfast and a cuppa, before we donned our wet gear to walk to the doctors. The news from him was good. Hubby can stop taking all of his tablets which is fantastic and we can now get on with having a life. And more importantly we can move at long last. This will be good news for everyone connected with us. This past couple of days has been a nightmare, because the hospital has been giving us the run around. We were told then when Keith had his operation, they took biopsies and he would get the result after 2 weeks. So we have waited and waited and nothing. I rang twice last week to be told, were we sure they did biopsies. My reply was "yes". So yesterday I rang again, to be told "yes they did do something, but to get an appointment urgently the outcome would be poor". The best they could offer was July 8th, which was no use whatsoever, as we have to move. So Keith then rang and laid things on the line, he also spoke to PALS (Patient Advisory Liason Service) who as always were a great help. Keith left everyone in no doubt that he was fed up with being given the run around. Having seen the GP we have been reassured that we can now go off. So I have rung the hospital and told them that we are now leaving and could Keith have an appointment for his 3 month check up in October, as we will not be back until then. This has been done without any fuss this time. So sorted at long last.

At our surgery they have electronic board which calls you to your GP's room, this board also gives out messages and the one message that got my grumpy mood started was the fact that 264 people did not go to their appointments last month. That is completely appauling. This means that 8.5 people a day did not go to their appointment. Do these people not have a phone to cancel if they cannot make it?
I think those 264 people are totally selfish. There can be no excuse for not cancelling an appointment, whether it be with a GP or nurse. I guess you could say. What if that person had died, or had been rushed into hospital?
Even if that was the case, surely a family member of friend could make that call, so that someone else can take that slot. People complain that they cannot get an appointment, and now we know why.


Whilst on the subject of being at the doctors. In the waiting room there are notices up, asking that you refrain from smoking and would you please turn off you mobile phone whilst in the building, so why is it everytime we are down there, there are people using their mobile phones???
Before entering the building we always switch our phones off. It is not difficult. The last time we were down there. I approached a woman who was texting on her phone, right in front of the sign. I said to her "Excuse me, the sign says switch your phone off". Her reply way "I did not see it". Geesh it is flippin big and bold enough. Once again selfish people.


I am probably sounding like a grumpy old woman, but it gets my back up when people are so disrespectful to others. I try so hard to think of others, when I do or say anything. Maybe I am living my life incorrectly?
Ok rant over with for today.... I will put it down to a Menopausal morning.

The good news is my Tesco food delivery was early this morning. Thank you Mr Tesco delivery man. Having our food delivered has been an absolute godsend.

Let it rain !!!!

Good morning.

What a couple of days weather wise. You know us Brits we just love to talk about the weather. Living on a boat, you cannot but help chat about the weather, as it affects us quite a lot.

Before I get on to that subject though, we had a little visitor in the engine room. It was a Brimstone Moth. Now like most people I have seen many moths over the years, but never this one. it was such a pretty little thing, but not really welcome on the boat. Not only that Marmite would have loved it as a starter to her dinner. So having taken this photo, I scooped it up and put it outside. Just as well I am not scared of Moths LOL. 

So the weather. We have had a real mixed bag over this past few weeks. Firstly it is cold and then we are all getting burnt. It was inevitable that we were going to get some much needed rain and we were not disappointed. Having had the thunderstorm the night before, we were subjected to yet another on yesterday afternoon. It rained so hard that the water in the basin looked like it was boiling.

There will be many places on the system really glad of the water, because I heard the other day that they have closed parts of the Leeds and Liverpool between Appley Bridge and Poolstock due to lack of water. It will not be long before hosepipe bans come in, if we do not get some more rain soon. There is a real worry on the canal, that other areas maybe closed due to lack of water, which will affect not just Private Boaters, but also Hire Fleets. Some of this problem can be made easier if boaters share double locks with other boats and make sure that gates and paddles are closed after use. I am not saying this will stop stoppages, but it will help. We are always being asked to conserve water. British Waterway's put's up notices asking boaters to help save water. But still many take no notice.

Due to the rain yesterday, today is much fresher. it is really quite pleasant today.

My day will be spent, doing laundry and cleaning inside the boat. So not a huge story, but these jobs need to be done.

Have a lovely day.

The Passing Of Common Sense.

I have just been sent this from another close friend, so thought I would share it, because it rings so true.


You tell me what you think, once you have read it??


Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, common sense, who had been with us for very many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were lost long ago in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird catches the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it WAS my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable strategies ( adults, not idiots and children are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6 year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teenagers suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in discipling their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to seek parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Asprin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live when churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own own and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after 'Health & Safety Regulations' reared it's head and a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little down her lap, and was promptly awarded damages for millions in a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, TRUTH and TRUST, by his wife, DISCRETION, by his daughter, RESPONSIBILITY and by his son, REASON.
He is survived by his 4 half-brothers, I KNOW MY RIGHTS, I WANT IT NOW, SOMEONE ELSE IS TO BLAME and I'M A VICTIM.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone!!

Rumble, Rumble.

After a very steamy day yesterday the inevitable happened last night at 10pm (Get your mind out of the gutter). In the distance I could hear rumblings (not my stomach), a sure sign that we were in for a thunder storm. We were infact treated to an amazing light show, followed by thunder and heavy rain. This went on for an hour. I am not frightened of thunder storms, I actually find them fascinating. At the Restaurant people were sat outside under the large umbrella's watching the storm. It was as if it had been organised for their entertainment. As the rain began to fall, I had to close the windows, but continued to watch Mother Natures display. Amazingly neither the cat or dog were bothered by the going's on.
Did you see "Britain's Got Talent"?
I did and wow what a night. It was really difficult to decide who the winner should be. I felt so sorry for Janey Cutler, because she missed her cue and therefore got behind in her number. But at 80 years of age, she is a real star. I think the right act won. Spelbound were really fantastic and they will be a welcome addition to the Royal Variety. I loved Kieran the drummer. That youngman has a real talent and will go far. I can also Connected being signed up. Simon Cowell was seeing pound signs before his eyes, with those boys. People complain about all the talent shows we have on our TV, but they do show that this country really does have some fantastic talent, which deserves the chance to shine.
This morning I woke up to a very muggy, hazy start. It had been very clammy over night, so I was kind of hoping that the storm last night would have freshened the air, but no. I took the dog out for his stroll. I walked him down to the Cricket ground to see if any cars had arrived for the Car Boot Sale, which was going to take place there. I could not see any cars but could hear voices, from ladies setting up their pitches. "Your not selling that are you, its beautiful" one woman said. The other woman replied " Well I was, but if you would like it, I will keep it back", to which the first woman said "Well no you go ahead and sell it, I don't like it that much". So much for her saying it was beautiful. I wondered then what it was they had been talking about. The Car Boot was open from 9am, so after breakfast, hubby and I walked down to have a nose around. I was actually curious to see if I could find out what the women had been talking about. There were only twelve vehicles selling things and I saw nothing which I thought was beautiful. There was a lot of old tat there. We wandered round a couple of times, before leaving as the drizzle began to fall. It was all a little disappointing sadly.
I am not proposing to do much today. I have begun my shoulder exercises and it is not feeling very happy having done them. This I feel is to be expected as the muscles need to be toned up and stretched again. If I am lucky I may get hubby to wait on me hand and foot........ Yeah fat chance.
There is not much on the TV film wise this afternoon, so may have to have a DVD on. Later on we will be watching Soccer Aid. That should be entertaining.


Have a lovely Sunday.

Residential Moorings.

Good afternoon.

What a fabulous few days we have had. This is what living on a boat is all about. Thankfully I am an all weather person. I am quite happy to put up with whatever the weather chucks at me, but hey it is always nice to get some sunshine.
My shoulder is coming along I think. I have rested it as told by the GP and this morning I began the exercises. This maybe a slow process, as I cannot get my arm into some of the positions without pain, but it is early days. With a lot of time on my hands at the moment as I rest the shoulder, I have been doing some surfing on the net and I came across the British Waterway's Mooring site. To get a British Waterway's mooring these days you have to bid for one in the auction. The problem is that there are way to few Residential Moorings for those who do not wish to be in a marina. I did however spot this Residential Mooring. The main problem with it though is it is on the Aire and Calder, which is not where we would want to be. Infact on closer inspection they have three in the same place wooo hooo. Sadly though not for a 70ft boat. Finding a 70ft residential mooring is almost impossible. When we finally decide we can no longer move the boat, due to either old age or health issues, we would love to see our days out on the boat, but it is true to say that finding a residential mooring is never going to be easy. I remember when we were in Birmingham for the BCN Explorer Cruise a couple of years ago. There was a representative from British Waterways in the news, talking about the canal and that they wanted marina's to allow 10% of their moorings for residential moorers. Not sure what happened to that, it was it just a hollow promise. I know I have said we would not like being in a marina, but who knows by the time we get to the point of not moving the boat anymore we may like the marina idea. Time will tell. I really must go and sit outside and get off the computer.... Have a fun evening.

Not as bad as told........

Good morning.

I hope it is another beautiful day where you are?
It is beautiful here this morning, and is supposed to be another hot day.


Yesterday I had my steriod injection into my shoulder. Firstly the GP, who was very nice indeed, asked me to do all sorts of actions to see what mobility I had with my shoulder, which of course hurt like hell. He then asked me would I like the steriod injection, and of course my reply was yes please, if he thought it would help me. He said he thought it would.
I had not seen this GP before, and have to say he was very nice indeed and very gentle. We had a laugh about the fact that he got stuck in ireland, due to the Volcanic Ash for a few days whilst visiting his family. This broke the ice somewhat. He then put some local anasthetic into my shoulder, which I was grateful for. The Steriod then went in, which was rather odd, as I could feel it going into my joint. It was actually not as bad as I expected. Friends had told me horror stories. (NOTE to self, never believe friends). It was over with in minutes. I did not feel completely with it, the whole evening, so went to bed hoping for a good nights sleep. That did not happen arghhhhhh. The anasthetic wore off and oh boy the pain set in. Actually it is more of an aching feeling, which never stops, no matter where I put my shoulder and arm. So another crap nights sleep. I am gonna end up with dark rings around my eyes at this rate.


I got up at 7.45am and struggled with dressing. Mutt then got his walk, whilst the other half did something for breakfast. When I say did something, he just put cereal in bowl and made me a cup of tea. I have taken pain killers and will do some of the exercises given to me on a sheet of paper in a while to see how mobile I am. But was told not to overdo it for a couple of days, to allow the steriod to work. With the sun shining, I am going to sit outside and take it wasy I reackon. Of course yes I will be smoothering on the sun cream.


So my advice to you if you ever have to have a steriod injection, is not to worry about it. It is perfectly simple and nothing to worry about. Yes ok, you do get aching afterwards, but if it sorts the problem out, it is a small price to pay. If however after 6 weeks, my shoulder is still not right I have to go back to him. At this moment in time my shoulder is stiff and a little sore, but that should wear off in 24 to 48 hours I am told. Then I should see an improvement. It seems like a good excuse not to do to much today. But I am not exactly good at sitting around doing nothing, so this could be a challenge.

Phewwwwwwww Hot, Hot, Hot.

Wow it is hot already and it is only 11.10am. Infact when I walked Paddy early this morning it was rather on the warm side. The basin is a hive of activity at the moment, because the hire company is turning the boats around, ready for them to go back out later. When I say turning them around, I mean they are washing, cleaning and changing bedding etc. Thursday's and Monday's are always chaos here. But they have it off to a fine art. It is like a well oiled machine.


So did you watch "Britains Got Talent" last night?
Did you think the right people got through to the final?
I certainly did. I love Christopher Stone's voice. Even if he does not win this comp, he could go a long way. It is very humbling to see how he reacts to the applause he gets. He really has no ideal just how good his voice is. I was also chuffed for Paul Burling. He is just what the Royal Variety needs. This guy has worked the circuit for 25 years. he deserves a break. What the Royal Variety does not need is another dance group. As good as some of these groups are, they are all doing the same old thing. I love to see a good dance group, but there is now to many. Diversity and Flawless have cornered the market in the respect, so another will just be over kill. However Spellbound the other night were fantastic and that is more gymnastic than dance. I am looking forward too tonights edition to see who else makes it through.


I have received an appointment from the local cottage hospital, to go and have some physio on my shoulder and today I am going to have a Cortisone injection into the joint........ OUCH I hear you cry. I have been getting conflicting reports on this injection. Some say it hurts like hell and others say it is fine. Some say I will notice a difference straight away and others say you need to rest it for a few days afterwards for it to work. I will take the advice of the GP when i see him later. He is the only GP in the practice that does the Cortisone injections. Otherwise it would have ment me going to the hospital. Apparently women between the ages of 40 and 60 are more likely to get a frozen shoulder. This seems a little odd, but at 48, I qualify it seems. If you get it then make sure you seek help immediately, because if untreated it can take up to 3 years to get better :0(.


I am sure like me you were shocked to see the news last night about the shootings in Cumbria. I find it hard to comprehend that someone would want to kill inoccent people like he has done, just because of a feud over a will. This guy could not have been in his right mind. My thoughts are with all those who are injured and with the families who have lost loved ones. I remember when the Hungerford shootings took place. At the time, I did not live to far from that situation, and it was awful. It seems that the whole world has gone barking mad.


With the weather being hot, I am not going to be cooking tonight for dinner, so it will be a scrummy salad instead. I may even open a bottle of wine. That is if I am allowed to drink, having had this injection this afternoon. So I will sign off now and wish you a good afternoon.