New meaning to "Hot Dog"

Still here at Hillmorton, decided that I would walk up to the PO to collect the post that Jess had sent Saturday, needless to say it hadn't arrived but then she may have sent it after the post had been collected in Sittingbourne so for once I cant blame Royal Mail (can I?).
Wind certainly has a bite and I was frozen by the time I got back to the boat. Crystal gave me a warm welcome so warm in fact she was nearly alight, her wagging tail was hitting the fire and there was a distinct smell of burning fur, Paul swears that her tail was close to bursting into flames but I am not so sure. Stupid dog was oblivious to it all, we have now put the coal scuttle in front of the fire to give her a bit of distance from the heat.
Now have our secondary glazing in the bathroom. Paul has made these so that the units can be removed for ventilation then replaced to stop the condensation I think the cost for all the windows will come in at around £100. Oh he is such a clever bunny, must take a picture so you can see the finished article.
Looks like we will be here for a couple more days then its on to Rugby to get the other sheets of perspex from Wickes for the rest of the windows. Once we get the call from B&Q in Coventry to say the rest of the extrusion is in Paul can get the remaining windows done and we will be nice and cosy and condensation free.
There was a knock on the boat Saturday and it was Ian and Alison on Gosty Hill so we have fuel and coal. Was nice to have a chat and catch up again.

Sign the petition!!!!!! Got the address right now

Have you signed the on line petition to voice your opposition to the government selling off BW's assets? If not why not, we have to make a stand so do it now.


http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/protectourcanals/

Thanks.

Thats sad!

Saw on the local news that nb Phyliss May of Narrow Dog to Carcasonne had been gutted by fire while in her home marina at Stone. Apparently the fire started on the boat moored next to her and 3 boats in total were destroyed. After all the adventures she has been on un scathed it is sad that she should meet her demise in the marina. Police haven't ruled out arson which makes it worse.

Had to go to Daventry yesterday as we had a phone call from Nobles to say the brass knobs we had ordered were in, ended up being quite a long day as the buses to and fro Daventry from Rugby are only every hour. While Paul was picking up the knobs I did a bit of shopping in Tesco's. When Paul met up with me not only did he get the knobs but a hand drill and a clamp on vice which he has been looking for for ages. These things weren't stocked by the likes of Homebase and B&Q so he was well chuffed that he had finally found them. By the time we got back on the boat it was too late for Paul to start, although I could tell he was itching to get on with putting on the fiddler rails on the shelves in the galley.

This morning after a very lazy start the job was done and here is the finished result not bad eh!

Considering its made up of brass knobs and phosferous brass brazing rod. Needless to say it didn't take me long to fill the shelving up. Total spend £25, to get the brass rods and fittings from Midland Chandlers £70 although on reflection these would have been a bit too bulky for the shelves hence option 2. Next job is secondary glazing for the windows. Have already done a trial window and it works a treat, as we got some of the plastic extrusion from B&Q (ordered the rest) and we have enough perspex to do two small windows this is a job for the morning, while I go to Rugby to get inspiration for christmas presents.

Nice day out

Had a nice drive through the country today courteous of a number 86 bus. Went to B&Q in Coventry as Paul wanted some plastic extrusion which we had only seen in B&Q. Was a nice trip stuff was ordered then back on the bus to Rugby where we had to go into Wilkinsons to return a purchase from yesterday. Now this purchase was a JML dog claw trimmer which we had seen advertised on the TV now if any of you are thinking of getting one DON'T it is absolute crap. In fact the lady in Wilkinsons said loads of these things had been returned. We did try it out but it would have taken us about a week to file one of Crystals claws down. As the journey was so easy we will go back again for our sight seeing trip soon, of course I want to do a recce to get some inspiration for Christmas presents no doubt Paul will be in the Motor Museum at this point.
We gave Ian on Gosty Hill a call yesterday to find out where they were, poor Ian had fallen in the canal with a bag of coal but was lucky enough to retrieve the coal this made Paul laugh, Ian told us they were just leaving Braunston and would be with us between 10 and 11pm. We got another call from Ian to say that the head gasket had blown on the boat so they wouldn't be with us until it was fixe, so it certainly wasn't Ian's day. Still we aren't desperate so we can wait until they are on the move again.

Hillmorton

It was definitely a good move to moor up round the corner in fact this morning we didn't get up till 8.15.

The weekend has flown by prescriptions have arrived Paul's on Friday and mine on Saturday so will have to go to Rugby now to get them dispensed. Can't say we have done much because we haven't, just taken it easy. I was at a loose end Sunday as Paul was watching a real cruddy film so out came the recipe for "boat cake" this time I used the one given to me by our friends and I must say it was so much better than the one I used before so it looks like Paul will be having some for his pud tonight, with custard of course.

This morning after rising so late we never left Braunston until around 10.30 the sun was out and the wind was relatively light so it was a pleasant cruise. The nearer we got to Hillmorton the greyer it got and the wind was very gusty only saw a couple of boats going in the opposite direction. Moored up just before bridge 72 between an old wooden boat and a boat that is being refitted, had a bit of a problem as the wind was blowing us across the canal I got off okay with the centre rope and then Paul got the stern against the bank so he could jump off to pull the nose back in, was a bit of a struggle but she is now secure and we will be here for a bit as Jess is sending post up.

Internet signal is good but only got GPRS even though we are opposite a mobile phone mast. Well that's it for now must ring Ian on Gosty Hill to find out when they will be this way again. Needless to say while on our journey Paul remembered something he should have bought in Midland Chandlers, oh well that's another job that will have to wait.

Moved round the corner.

After another sleepless night with a lot of rocking, rolling, creaking and bashing the pontoon wasn't working too well due to the change in wind direction and the strong gusts. So this morning we thought bugger it we are definitely going to move today. Also water situation was getting pretty dire. Lady on the old boat called Zodiac which was moored in front of us said that the winding hole up the way was narrowed by a sunken butty that had broken free from its mooring. This may make turning round difficult especially in the wind.
Paul took the dogs out came back after around 10 mins saying we were going to go NOW as there was a lull in the wind, not only that he told me he was going to REVERSE back to the junction BLOODY HELL Paul are you mad or what. Now I had a dilemma, did I stand on the back of the boat or walk the tow path to the junction to watch out for moving boats. needless to say I took the easy option and stood on the back. As we reversed past the boat behind us we waved to the couple who were still in bed (it was only 8am at the time) think we gave them a bit of a shock.
We reversed on tick over letting the wind do some of the work, everything was going swimmingly until we got to the first bridge, because the bridge was causing a tunnel effect the wind was at its strongest point so the bows were all over the place but once through we carried on with no problem. Reversed round the triangle and got onto the water point where we spent about an hour filling up. We are now just in front of nb Moonshadow hopefully a bit more sheltered as Paul tells me we are on the "lee shore" (do what) away from the bad weather expected this weekend.
Now have to walk to the village to see if the prescriptions have arrived. Don't think we will be able to make contact with Paul's brother in Oz this weekend via Skype as the signal isnt too good here.

Oh what a night.

Was last night blowy or what? All the time we were watching the TV we couldn't hear the banging at the back it wasn't until we were in bed that we realised just how bad it was. Obviously the wind had changed direction a tad, no longer was it hitting us broadside and keeping us against the bank. it was coming down the canal and hitting the rear quarter knocking us up against the submerged stonework.

I don't know what time Paul got up in the early hours, I thought he was going to have a cigarette but no, the hatch went back the doors opened and then the cover zips zipped, I was getting a bit concerned but he came back shut everything up and got back into bed. Needless to say I didn't let on that i was awake I might have been asked to make tea. After what seemed hours I was just dropping off (snoring was coming from across the boat) when the boat hit the bank with such a force it even woke Paul up. So that was the end of our nights sleep, it was 6.30 by now so cup of tea was in order.

Now Paul wouldn't be Paul if he didn't come up with some contraption to keep us off the bank and here is the picture. A plank of wood just happened to be floating by so he retrieved it and made up a small pontoon and even if I say so myself it works a treat proof will be tonight when the forecast is for more high winds.

I decided to go to Daventry leaving Paul to watch over things here, there is a boat moored up near by and it turned out to be Beccy the boat painters boat so Paul told her he would keep an eye out while she was at work. Have changed the lead and got Lou to remove some unwanted programmes from the notebook. When I got back on board we tried out the lead and it is weird to see everything that is on the laptop also on the TV screen, don't know if we will ever use it but at least we have the option.

Quiet day.

Yesterday after we returned from Daventry I asked Paul how long we were going to stay here as we need repeat prescriptions and I wanted to know which PO to use. "we aren't in a hurry to get any where" he says, so off I toddled in the rain to post said prescription requests. This morning he says "shall we move today as the weather is fine" well I could have throttled him. After spitting out my dummy we are still here and will be until the prescriptions arrive.
Had to walk the rubbish and toilet to the sanitary point, as we left the boat met up with a nice couple walking their retriever, they are from nb Moonshadow as yet don't have a blog of their own even though Maffi and now us have told them how easy it is to do. Hope they take the plunge soon.
This afternoon I unearthed a couple of recipe books to get a bit of inspiration fed up with eating the same things all the time. Found a couple that suited the ingredients I had lined up so I thought I would mix the two together and come up with a culinary delight. Of course I had a wise crack from Paul "so we are having casserole again" No, we are having Beef cobbler with a few extra ingredients thrown in. He just can't keep up with my cooking at the moment as on Sunday I made a CAKE. Our friends when they visit always bring what is loving called "Boat Cake" they e mailed me the recipe so as I was bored I thought I would give it a go. Turned out nice even if I do say so myself in fact there is only one slice left. Paul has been having his with custard as a pudding (he also has cornflakes and custard!!!!!) As the beef was simmering on the hob I unearthed another recipe for some oat biscuits and they are now cooling on the side. Trouble is with all this home cooking of sweet stuff it doesn't do your waist line any good.
Paul has just returned from Tradline fenders where he has had to buy another length of rope to make Crystal a new long lead as the old one rotted breaking in a couple of places.

Guess where we have to go in the next few days, that's right Daventry, to the computer shop to change the lead we bought to connect the TV to the laptop should we need a larger screen. The one we were given had the wrong fitting one end. Not Lou's fault as you cant see what is in the packets.
It has been so nice today not rushing around catching buses, still haven't managed to get the jobs done we planned to. Too much talking and not enough doing that's our trouble.
Quite a bit of boat traffic today, seems everyone is taking advantage of the good weather.

Windy or What?

Wont bore you with our too-ing and fro-ings on Saturday suffice to say we have sorted out the rugs they are being remade it was the company that did the whipping that got it wrong. So in another two weeks we have to go to Rugby to pick them up. This time we are going in the boat cant face two bus journeys. Have picked up the Samsung notebook and it is soooooo fast its bliss. Of course the dongle signal is a bit intermittent but I am having fun.
Friday night was very windy and me being a bit of a woose as far as the wind is concerned (I remember 1984) I didn't get much sleep. Saturday night I slept like a top and Sunday we did absolutely nothing.
Today it was back to Daventry to top up the larder just in case we decide to move in the next couple of days depends on the weather of course but when we do move it will be back towards Hillmorton.
Have decided we want to go to Coventry on the bus soon for a visit to the motor museum and the cathedral, may even do a bit of Christmas shopping who knows.

Busy again.

Yesterday was a busy day for us, yet again. When we went into Daventry for the shopping Paul had gone into a computer shop to ask for some advice about our laptop. Yesterday we took the bull by the horns and took the thing into the shop to see if there was any hope and un-fortunately there isn't. We had compiled a list of things that were giving us a problem, the chap (called Lou) stopped us when we had mentioned a few, he said that listening to us it would be uneconomical to repair, it transpires that the laptop is about 6 years old, we have had it 2 years and it was second hand then, so all in all it hasn't done too bad. Now the next problem was a new one! Did we go for another lap top or a conventional tower and screen. Okay, I can hear you telling us to go to Comet or Curry's but my daughter recently had a problem with her laptop which was 6 months old and Curry's didn't want to know, it had to be returned to the manufacturer collected by courier, now we don't have the luxury of being able to go up this route so our thinking was, at least if you use a small independent store you have personal service a face to talk to if you have a problem and as we are going to be in the area until the spring should a problem arise we could sort it easily. Any way after about an hour in this little shop we were totally confused, Paul favoured the tower option but where would we put the screen and keyboard, I hankered after another laptop but we didn't want Vista we wanted Windows 7 or XP. Lou rang round for a laptop to see what he could get us for our budget and came up with an option but although it had Vista there was an upgrade to 7 this involved a voucher system which would be sent out, so all in all we were flummoxed. I'm sure Lou was relieved when we said we would go off for a coffee to consider our options. Hour later we were back in the shop he threw a spanner in the works by asking us if we had considered a Netbook well the answer to that was no we hadn't, in fact we hadn't even seen one up close. Pros and cons were weighed up and we will be going back in the morning to pick up the new Netbook which comes with XP but should we wish at a later date 7 can be installed. I also wanted Office put on which Lou is doing at a third of the cost of Comet. Although smaller than our current laptop the key board on the Netbook is the same size, it is only the screen that is smaller but we can plug it into the TV should we want a larger screen. It has everything that we want and a battery life of 4-6 hours. Crowning glory, cheaper than a laptop what a result.
When we got back Paul decided to install the new chimney liner but this involved cleaning around the roof fitting so that he could get a nice tight fit. The fire was already alight and un-be known to him the residue of the cleaning had lodged in the bend of the chimney, within seconds the boat was full up with smoke and all the alarms were going off. With no hesitation Paul removed the fire plate from within the fire jumped onto the roof and pushed the chimney brush down into the fire to clear the obstruction, this was achieved at warp speed, by now all the windows were open to let the smoke out (curtains need a wash now) at least the fire was at last burning normally. The new liner was fitted and since then there seems to be less tar residue running on to the roof this has yet to be proven. Had to leave the windows open for a few hours to clear the boat of smoke and smells. Hope the neighbours didn't think it was my cooking.
Had a phone call from Carpetrite to say the rugs were ready for collection so this morning it was on the bus into Rugby and then another bus to Brownsover (what would we do without our bus passes). Everything was parcelled up and as it was raining we didn't want to unpack the rugs. Caught the buses back to Braunston Paul going on ahead to the boat as I couldn't keep up with his long strides and we didn't want to get the rugs wet. I took the dogs for a quick walk while Paul unwrapped the rugs, when I got back on the boat I could sense there was a problem as there was a definite chill in the air and the language was very ripe. He was absolutely fuming, when we had ordered the carpet which was to be cut into the rugs we gave them a drawing of how it was to be cut so that the pattern on two of the pieces matched, but no, although the drawing went with the carpet they got it completely arse about face. Paul wasted no time in getting on to the phone to Carpetrite, he asked the young lady to retrieve our drawing from her bin, it was agreed that it had been cut incorrectly and we now have to go back in the morning with the carpet. Hopefully they may get it right this time, Paul cant understand how some dip stick finds it so difficult to read a drawing. We aren't being picky the two rugs being side by side looked awful with the pattern not matching and anyway we paid over a £100 for them to get it right. So tomorrow is going to be yet another day of bus journeys, firstly to Rugby then back to Daventry for the computer.
Thank goodness Friday the 13th is nearly over.

Braunston.

Yesterday we left bridge 81 and made our way to Braunston in the rain, well it wasn't heavy rain it was that really fine stuff that gets you soaked through. It was cold as well, were going to stop at the sanitary point but there were two boats there so we had to give that a miss, one of the boats was tied to a tree and its stern swung out and nearly hit us as we went past, it was on about 10foot of rope.

We are now on the Puddlebanks yet again and as there is a boat on the only decent mooring we have the plank out at long last Saffy has got the hang of walking the plank, Crystal just launches herself onto the towpath.

Couldn't get a signal for the laptop yesterday probably due to the awful weather, today no problem. This morning we caught the bus to Daventry for the shopping had a quick look in Homebase Paul has come up with a new idea re the fiddler rail round the kitchen shelves and needed some door knobs, needless to say they didn't have what we wanted. So he popped into Nobles and they have ordered him just the thing, should be in tomorrow. Paul also went into the computer shop to check out this new Windows 7 that has just been launched. As we are thinking of getting a new laptop he wanted a bit of advice. Chap was very helpful just have to save up now.
A new bilge pump had to be fitted as ours was inadvertently switched on and it burnt itself out. Don't know how that happened but too late to worry about it now its over and done with. Shall check in future to make sure everything on that panel is switched off.
Will probably stay here till next week then who knows where we will be, probably towards Napton in the country for a few days then back towards Rugby and beyond.

Exciting e mail!

Yesterday was a very quiet day, wet in the morning but a bit better in the afternoon so the dogs did get their longish walk, it was left to me to do this as Paul was talking to his brother in Australia via Skype. Had to take advantage of having a decent signal as no doubt once we get to Braunston it will be non existent. When I was allowed access to the laptop I checked the emails and there was one from The National lottery ( I had bought tickets on line) headed "exciting news" well I knew I hadn't won the euro millions so what was the "exciting news" I was beside myself with anticipation, went into the account and found to my surprise that I had one £10 yes a whole £10 I would have preferred a few noughts after the 10 but I should be grateful for small mercies and who knows I might be on a roll now and the next e mail I get in another year or so will be to tell me I have won a million. A quarter of a million would be nice we could have a new boat built while we are still living on this one but all this is just a distant dream but then some one has to win and I have as much chance as the next person.
I thought we were moving today but obviously got that wrong, so tomorrow it is when the weather forecast is cold and wet good job it isn't far to Braunston!!!!!!!

My chairs done!

Couldn't relax this morning as Paul was raring to get my chair sorted. Webbing on mine had moved as well so now with the new foam inserted I am another 6 inches off the ground and my feet swing in the wind. No more shelves today thank goodness but I finally managed to take advantage of the dry weather to polish the side of the boat. Paul was watching his motor cycling at the time, when I was half way he popped his head out of the window and told me to leave the rest until tomorrow as if I could leave half not done I ask you.
Investigated the footpath and it does take you to the road at the prison so if we get stuck here we know we can get the bus for supplies. Every one deserted us today taking advantage of the good weather so we are here on our own in the peace and quiet.
Tomorrow we are going to do absolutely nothing except maybe take the dogs for a nice long walk weather permitting.

Yet more jobs done

I didn't ask, but today Paul has been like a banshee doing stuff. Our recliner chairs are a bit saggy so in his infinite wisdom Paul took his to bits to see if it would be possible to pad out the seat a bit. He did find that the support webbing across the frame had moved so that was re-aligned and made secure using his rigging skills. Paul had some high density foam hidden away in the gas locker which was found in a skip (like a lot of junk he collects) about a year ago. This was cut to size and moulded, inserted between the frame and the seat cushion re-assembled. Chair is now 100% more comfortable. Sure he has only done this so I wont harp on about getting new chairs. Mine will be done tomorrow as my poor little soldier worked up such a sweat he couldn't face doing my chair today, altogether now.................
He also put a shelf in the back cupboard, (yes another shelf, we have so many now) but we are now able to hang our jackets up with out having a fight to get them out. The wood that has been saved "just in case" has been sorted and the majority of it is now destined for the fire, however there is one nice piece that may be used for a SHELF but he has yet to find a space to put it.
It is a really grim day but it is November after all so what can you expect. Paul has earmarked his TV slot for the weekend as it is the last MOTOGP of the season so I will be able to spend this time doing what I want.

At last!

Well at long last we have moved, of course because we had made the decision it rained. Tuesday we went to Rugby to pick up my new glasses and yippee I can see properly now. We also met up again with Keith and Ann on nb Oakfield and during the afternoon there was a tap on the roof and it was Brian and Diana from nb Harnser it is so nice to put faces to blogs that you read. Wednesday was an easy day (well aren't they all) and as it has been a bit crisp of late it is a good excuse to light the fire early and read my book while Paul watches his old films. It is so nice to be able to stretch out on the new dinette in comfort. Also much to Paul's annoyance I have been on Facebook catching up with family and friends.
As I said we left the mooring this morning around 10, stopping for water on the way, I had caught up with the washing so the tank took an age to fill, with it raining it wasn't a very pleasant wait. A few weeks ago I said to Paul that we really should use our wax coats,we have had them years and they have been in the top box for ages, up until now we have used our pac away anoraks which seem to make you sweat so you are as damp on the inside as the outside, anyway today the wax coats came into their own and certainly kept us nice and dry why we haven't used them sooner I will never know. Was nice to be on the move again although we have travelled this way so many times each season gives you a different perspective of the scenery. We have moored up by bridge 81 there are 4 of us here at the moment but I am sure there will be a few more by the weekend. I think I may go exploring tomorrow as I have found a footpath no doubt it will take me towards the young offenders prison but who knows!
Not many jobs left to do now, when we get to Braunston we have to buy the brass rail for the shelving and one of the sensors has gone on the hob so that had to be sorted, other than that it is just the usual run of the mill jobs like touching up the paintwork etc. Give me time, I am sure I will think of something for Paul to do. Can't have him sitting around all day can I !!!!!!!!!!

Back again.

Well here I am again back onboard after a lovely weekend with the family. Thursday evening we all went to a very nice Indian restaurant in Rochester to celebrate my grandson Eddie- Jay's 18th birthday. Saturday we all went to a Halloween party and Sunday middle son and family came to visit, so all in all I have had a very social time

Eddie-Jay and his mum Daughter Jess and grandaughter Emily

While I have been away Paul checked the 240v box and luckily it wasnt too bad. The connections were a bit "iffy" so they have all been cut back and remade. The antifreeze has been changed and by all accounts this was not an easy job as there was no drain plug or tap on the skin cooler so the original antifreeze had to be syphoned to make sure it was completely drained. All the jubilee clips were cleaned and greased all the hoses were also checked for any deterioration and the new antifreeze mixture was added to the cooling system in the correct proportions. Needless to say the boat didn't get polished so it looks like it will be down to me to finish the job. Paul blames the weather but I know it was the Grand Prix and the fact that the Playstation is in use again.

We have an appointment in Rugby so hopefully we will be away from here by Thursday heading for Braunston stopping in the country on the way for next weekend away from the fireworks as Saffie is a scaredy cat. Glad the weather has calmed down after the wind and rain on Sunday. It is nice to be back on board again.