Its not us!

Someone asked us the other day if we were the"Piston Broke" on the Canal Forum. Well we're not! Have just about enough hours in the day to write the blog, watch the tele and moan a bit (Paul) go onto Facebook (me) and do the other general things associated with the boat, washing hoovering, cleaning etc. So although Paul has been on the Forum site to have a quick read he admits its best that he doesnt get involved with leaving comments, anyway it would have to be me that did the typing and I would get really stressed out if he was making derogatory comments.
Yesterday Dave from Granthams came down to discuss with Paul the STRETCH, they went through the plans that Paul had drawn up and the specification. Dave got onto Beta to find out delivery dates and prices for the new engine, after a couple of hours Dave returned to the yard with plans and spec under his arm and he is going to draw up an itemised quote for us. Paul is now on tenterhooks as to what the quote will be. Hopefully within our budget. Paul is not hedging his bets on one quote he is going to get two others so then we can decide who will get the work, not necessarily the cheapest but the best value for money. Paul also phoned John (Johns Canopies) to warn him that we will require a new cratch and pram cover as we are going to change the livery colour and the green covers wont match the colours we have in mind, so at some point we will be selling our green covers on, will let you know when so if any one is interested they can buy them at a very good price!! Cratch cover is Wilson's and the pram cover Johns Boat Canopies.
Today I felt the need to get the bus to Rugby. Paul was glued to the Iraq inquiry hoping to see Tony Blair squirm but not much hope of that I think. Any way I had a good wander round popping in shops I don't normally visit. I then went into the Orange shop and bit the bullet changing from Pay as You Go to a contract got a nice new phone that will probably take me ages to get to grips with, Paul is having my old phone as his is well past its sell by date.
The wind has been absolutely bitter and I was glad to get back onto the boat. Paul sat in exactly the same place as when I left him about 3 hours ago glued to the tele and he is still there uttering the odd comment when Tony Blair responds to questions. The most used comment is "you lying b******d".
Will soon be Monday and the dreaded dentist visit first of two next week. Wednesday will see us heading for Rugby and then Thursday I am off to Kent. Feels strange being on our own, feel the need to make a cake of some sort.

Next mooring.

This morning we went through the locks and then had to queue for water, Nb Twinkle was on the point there was another boat waiting but his hose wasnt long enough to go between his boat and the other tap so he was waiting for Twinkle to move off, space behind him was too small for us to go into so we had to be patient. Paul noticed that we had lost one of our fenders so I trotted off to the bottom lock where I found it floating in the canal back for the net and I duly fished it out. We eventually got onto the water point I put another load in the machine and about an hour or so later we were able to move up round the corner to our current mooring where we will stay for about a week.
Around 2.30 a boat came alongside and it was Betty and Graham on Tranquilty they are now in front of us and we have been invited in tonight for a drink. Will be nice to see them again, its been all of 24 hours.

Change of scenery at last!!

After spending a very enjoyable boozy evening with our friends last night (thanks for drinking all Paul's beer fellas he has no excuse to not dry out for a bit now) we decided that today would be the day to move. Gosty had arrived Saturday morning so we are topped up with fuel. We made a quick call on Dot and Derek nb Gypsy Rover who had passed by us yesterday afternoon. Sorry to get you out of bed Derek but it was quarter to 10. After a welcome cuppa we made our way back to the boat to get ready for the off. Keith and Ann nb Oakfield had already set off to the winding hole by Blue Haven so the "Braunston 6" were down to 4 we said our goodbyes to Graham and Betty nb Tranquilty, then there were 2. Is sad to leave everyone, we have had such a good time together these past few weeks.
It was decidedly cold on the back of the boat in fact it was bloody freezing good job we bought those salopettes they certainly keep the chill out. Just approaching Barby Straight and who was coming towards us but Oakfield on their way back to Braunston. Ann had the camera out and snapped us resplendent in hats, scarves etc thanks for that Ann.
We carried on to Hillmorton deciding to moor up by the top lock for tonight then through the locks onto the water point tomorrow and hopefully onto the 14 day mooring near the Kent Road Bridge. Now moored up behind Ian and Carmen on nb Kerasea.
Paul has gone to see Dave in the marina as we owe them 25p from our last visit. Sky looks a funny colour hope there isn't any more of that white stuff waiting to come down.

Moving soon.

Well it looks as though we have all decided to make a move in the next couple of days. George the BW guy came past on Thursday just checking things out and asking if we were moving anytime soon. Wasn't pushing just asking, when Paul said he had dentist appointments he said all we had to do was tell them in the Stop House that we would be around for a bit and it would be okay to stay if we wanted to. Very accommodating I thought but we need to move as we are getting bored of the same scenery.
Thing with being in one place for so long is that Paul starts THINKING and that is not a good thing. His little brain goes into overdrive so now I am surrounded by drawings of the new boat layout once it has been stretched and I had to type out a specification of works as well. All this has come about because Paul went down to Dave Thomas's yard to get a couple of bits of steel (don't ask) and got chatting to Dave about stretching and the cost etc so now the original drawing has been scrapped and the new one done, just have to run every thing by Dave to see if it is all viable then hopefully we will get a quote from him. We will get other quotes as well but like to keep our options open. Of course with Caxton going to Dave for a stretch soon Paul will be watching the ongoing work.
As we are all on the move soon I decided that tea and cake in the afternoon was a bit tame so tomorrow we are all meeting on board Piston Broke for a farewell booze up with, wait for it ,NIBBLES oh we are so decadent. Will be strange not to have our friends around us we have had such a good time together and I hope we will all meet up again in the not to distant future.
Have been in touch with Ian and Alison on Gosty Hill and they are on their way to Braunston hoping to get here today, his leakage problem has been sorted a plate being welded onto the hole. Bad but not as bad as feared.
Chores have been done this morning, Paul has had a shower (about time) a hair cut and a shave so looks quite respectable again wont last long mind. Blow me he has had a brain storm he is making coffee first time this decade.
Met Chris and Debbie nb Ubique yesterday at the bus stop, we were all on our way for some food shopping. We all caught the same bus back well laden with grub.
Well coffee's ready I'll be off.

Coals arrived.

Well we have been busy doing nothing since Friday. Yesterday the coalman delivered our coal to bridge 90 40 bags of the stuff, so yet again the men were up and down the tow path with their barrows ferrying coal. The canal seems to be thawing but when I walked the dogs to bridge 88 the canal Hillmorton side was still heavily iced over. Bit deceptive really as Braunston is free of ice.
Sunday Keith Ann Paul and I went to The Old Plough for Sunday lunch and very nice it was too couldn't even manage a pudding I was so full.
It was Betty's turn to provide "afternoon tea" yesterday and she gave us warm apple cake which was to die for. This morning the girls went to Rugby I had to go to the bank and do a few other bits Betty and Ann had to hit Asda, when we got back it transpired that the men had gone to the pub. Paul and Graham to have a pint of Pedigree and Keith wanted to avail himself of the WI FI. Poor manager had his ears bent over the terrible curry night we had had and he said we should have complained at the time. Oh yes, would it have done any good I ask myself. When the men went up for a second pint they had run out of Pedigree YET AGAIN. So up they got and walked out much to the consternation of the manager.
Have decided that I will visit the family in Kent at the beginning of February need a bit of family time.
Wonder if we will get the snow tonight.

Snowy Pictures.

When I started this yesterday the snow was just beginning to thaw, this morning after torrential rain all night everything is now a sodden mess. There is still ice on the canal so I don't think that anything will move for a couple of days. I finally made my "boat cake" and dispatched Paul with warm slices to our neighbours, hope it didn't give you indigestion.
The pictures were taken over the time we have been iced in here. This winter has been far worse than the last two, so glad we have had neighbours, a bus service and facilities close by. Lets hope we can move soon just have to wait for the coal delivery now.

What did I say?????

At the end of yesterdays post I said I couldn't wait to go to the pub (the boathouse) last night, well at one point we couldn't wait to get out. As I mentioned there were 8 of us, Ian and Carmen are the latest editions to join our "happy band" hope we didn't put them off too much. Any way as I was saying, first thing no Pedigree beer the barrel had run out and they had to wait 12 hours for the new one to settle. Now why didn't they stand the next barrel alongside the one in use then they wouldn't have to wait 12 hours for it to settle. Paul and Graham weren't too happy as this is their favourite pint. We have even weaned Graham off of lager onto REAL beer. Next problem we had was, that when Betty and Graham selected their vegetarian curries they were told "there isn't any" now I ask you. We had got to the place by 7.15 there were our table of 8 a table of six and one of 2 you cant tell me everyone had had a vegetarian curry. At this point if it had just been the 6 regulars I think we would have walked out. Still the waitress returned to the kitchen and came back saying they could substitute a spicy Jambalaya for the curry so all okay so far. Paul chose a beef madras and when it turned up it looked like the insides of a meat pie with no hint of madras or spices just a bland goo on a bed of rice n chips. The Jambalaya looked like cat sick in fact Betty was convinced it was the scrapings of left over veg mixed with rice. The other non curry meals were okay 2 beef stews (ah that's where the meat for the madras came from) and a meat pie (maybe it was here). I had ordered a Jalfrezi which arrived just as every one else was half way through their meals was not happy about that I can tell you. Meals finished we all decided to have a pud Paul went really OTT and ordered a Banana and caramel sundae at £3.55 guess what!!!!! no bananas lots of sundae but no bananas. It was at this point that Paul made up his mind never and I mean never to return to this pub again, even if he is dying of thirst. When we ate there New Years eve the food was nice in fact we had high expectations oh how wrong can you be.
Today was the first trip to the dentist, I had a hair appointment so left Paul to his own devices giving him strict instructions to get to the dentist in plenty of time. Well we met up again with me nicely coiffured and Paul looking well normal, no funny lopsided face or blood oozing from an extraction. What have you had done I asked him, bugger all was the reply all the dentist had done was tell him that one of his teeth was past saving and had to come out and then they went through the plan of action for the rest of the treatment. Next appointment is for two weeks time when the treatment will begin in earnest so it looks as if we are going to be stuck in the area for about 2 months.
Don't know what it was like everywhere else but we woke to thick fog what else is there left just thunder and lightening I think.
We had just returned form Daventry when there was a knock on the window and it was Ann with a malt loaf she had made now how kind is that, what a lovely friend you are, that's another 2 inches on the waist line.
Paul also ventured to the sanitary station by Midlands with the cassette and he was gone for ages when he came back he was spitting feathers and got straight on the phone to BW. The Elsan point was literally full to overflowing and there was s*** running everywhere. Someone had put a notice on the door saying the pipes were frozen but the whole thing is blocked up. The BW guy could not believe it, luckily he was in Braunston so was off to check, also couldn't believe that the contractors had been mowing the snow a few days ago. Is this a case of the Right hand not knowing what the Left is doing I wonder.
Any way tomorrow I am doing absolutely nothing all this too-ing and fro-ing is wearing me out.

Just how much more!!!

I am beginning to get really p'd off now, more snow today only saving grace is we are able to get out on the bus. Yesterday the 3 intrepid ladies caught the bus to Banbury didn't quite make it to see "the cross" but managed a bit of retail therapy. Today Anne and I went to Daventry to top up we were very good only one rucksack and one bag apiece. Got ingredients for a cake of some sort either ginger or boat cake so will be busy baking soon.
Met up with Jackie and Tony from nb Timewarp they are moored at the prison with a couple of others. When we got back to the boats the men had been very busy. As we all need water they had taken two hosepipes to the water point at Midland Chandlers fitted them together thrown them across the canal to the tow path and have spent the last 2 -3 hours ferrying containers of water to their respective boats. Luckily we weren't too bad off, Betty and Graham had got dangerously low and Keith and Anne were just topping up like us. Hopefully I may be allowed to do one load of washing soon. We have also arranged for a delivery of coal for next week 40 bags to be split between 5 boats here. Not sure when next week as the coal merchant is rushed off his feet at least we know some is on the way.
We certainly have a bit of the Dunkirk spirit here mucking in and helping each other out makes it all worthwhile when you have good friends around you. Think its off to the pub tonight cant wait.

How much longer?

What can you write about when you are stuck in the ice and have been for nearly 3 weeks, not a lot really. We are so lucky that we have friends moored next to us it alieveates the boredom no end. We have been taking it in turns to provide "afternoon tea" although the cakes have been hit on the head as I have run out of ingredients. Saturday night we all went up the pub for a couple of drinks, the place was busier than it had been New Years eve. I think we are going to return there Wednesday evening as it is curry night 2 curries and 2 drinks for a tenner not bad eh. Mind you the curries may leave a lot to be desired but we will see.
This morning Paul did an oil and filter change while in the depths of the engine well he found a split hose so he has just returned from Midland Chandlers and is now in the process of replacing that. The temperature seems to be rising and there appears to be a slow thaw of the canal but as the ice is 3 inches deep in places it may take a while. We have been struggling to find a water container to buy obviously everyone else has the same idea. Couldnt even get one in Daventry and no hope of getting one here in Braunston. May have to look farther afield.
Well nearly time for me to get the kettle on as its my turn today. Stay warm everyone.

Is this worth it?

When I returned to the boat yesterday afternoon after spending a very pleasurable few hours in Rugby with Betty, Paul told me that the contractors had been past mowing "the snow" I didn't believe him but he had taken this picture.

Well I ask you what is the point of doing this in the snow? It seems a senseless exercise and a total waste of man hours and money. The day before the men had been along cutting the hedges back not a bad thing except for the fact that all the cuttings were left on the tow path and most of these consisted of branches with long thorns just perfect for the dogs to stand on and ideal for puncturing bicycle tyres.

Apparently the couple on the boat behind us had tried to get off of the mooring and this is the resulting mess.

Paul said they tried for about and hour giving their poor engine full revs and in the end they got nowhere. They need to get to Norton junction but as the tunnel closes on Monday I don't think they are going to make it.

At least this morning wasn't quite as cold as yesterday when our kitchen window was completely covered in ice. Paul wandered to the sanitary point while I went to the village on the way back I took these pictures.

There are loads more but the computer is very slow today so perhaps I will have better luck another day. Hope everyone else is fairing okay in these icy conditions.

Snowy morning.

Didn't know what to expect when we opened the curtains this morning. Of course it had snowed, the canal was frozen so no surprises there.
Yesterday afternoon it was Betty and Grahams turn to be mine host and we all ate our cake drunk our wine/beer like good children do. Paul was his usual argumentative self and was given the challenge to make an eco fan as he couldn't understand why they are so expensive. He looked through Grahams Maplins catalogue and the components apart from the power source came to £12.50 (this is sooooo typical of Paul he is becoming a real pain in the bum)
We had to go into Daventry to pick up the oil filters from the motor shop. I had seen a bus go by on the road so we wrapped up and trundled to the bus stop. Go chatting to the gentleman off of Old Speckled Hen who was also on a shopping trip. No 72 bus arrived on time but no Geoff Amos buses were running obviously had a few problems getting out of the garage. While I did a quick shop in Tesco Paul got the filters which were considerably cheaper than from the chandlery we now have three filters which should last a while. Back at the bus stop for the return trip again no Geoff Amos bus and the 72 was 20 minutes late but at least it turned up didn't relish the 3-4 mile walk to Braunston from Daventry.
Back at the canal and the ice appeared to be melting, a boat had broken through and during the afternoon 2 others went past, one being The Old Bovine hasty wave to Leon on the tiller and a comment that he must be mad we settled back inside. Paul rang Gosty yesterday as they were due in Braunston today not that we expected them to turn up Alison said they were stuck at Suttons Stop and would try to get through as soon as they could. We aren't desperate just want them to be safe. Nice blue sky now but the temperature is due to plummet again tonight.

Crispy morning again.

The boats of the 3 amigos from r-l Oakfield, Tranquility and Piston Broke

Last evening Betty, Graham, Bottle and Wozie came aboard for a cuppa and Boat Cake. Wozie came bearing gifts a lovely ginger cake she had made that afternoon. No way was I sharing that one!!. We spent a very pleasant few hours chatting, comparing journeys and generally having a good time. Paul finally asked the men if they would like a beer, well I had to raise my eyebrows as it isn't often Paul gets into his drinks cellar. This gave me the opportunity to get out the rose wine not that I needed any prompting. Dogs were a bit put out as I had shut them in the bedroom but I had visions of cups and glasses being knocked off the table by Crystals tail, not only that but everyone gets covered in dog hairs. Paul was winding Graham up Graham was winding Paul up and poor Keith was caught in the middle but he soon got into the swing of the wind up game. Us girls, well we bemoaned the fact that we had all planned to go on diets and there we were eating boat cake and drinking wine not at the same time I hasten to add. Still there's always another day. And I have a ginger cake to eat!!!!

This morning yet again we awoke to ice and the field opposite white with frost which has stayed all day it is that cold. Coal boat Towester came through heading north just as we got off the boat and she was really struggling against the ice we found out that 20 mins later she reversed back as she couldn't get through We had decided to take the dogs for a nice walk and as we needed to go to the Wharf house chandlery made that our first stop. Paul was after an oil filter but the chandlery didn't have any and they were expensive, so it was a quick call to Graham who was in Daventry to see if he could get one from either Halfords or the motor shop in town. 10 mins later he called from the motor shop, they have ordered 3 for Paul, will be in Wednesday at half the price. When we got up to the village met Keith and Anne heading for the canal quick chat and we went our separate ways.

Paul and I came back on the road at the rear of the church and this is the view from that angle. Pretty eh!

Just sitting down to lunch when another boat chugged past half hour later they reversed back saying it was too dangerous to continue why people even attempt to move in these icy conditions is beyond me. Looks like we are going to be here for a bit longer yet as the ice is at least an inch or so thick. Canal has now refrozen and where the plates of ice have doubled up it is now getting on for 3 inches thick and it's only 4pm.

Widow Twanky's apprentice or what!!!!!

Yesterday we awoke to the canal being frozen yet again, which was a real pain in the bum because we had planned to go and get water turn round and head off. About 10 a boat went past breaking the ice so Paul took a wander down to check out the situation at the water point and the junction by Midland Chandlers.

When he got back he informed me that we were going to get water with Graham and Betty reversing behind us, Paul making sure there was a clear passage for them.

Betty and Graham with Bottle and Wozie on the tow path.

On the way we discovered what the "blowy thing" had been new years eve, it was Graham with what sounded like a goose caller just shows how tight he is when he doesn't have an electric horn on his boat. I'm sure he makes Betty stand up the front to signal their approach (we love you really Graham).

It took an age to fill up mainly because only one tap was working I was using the washing machine and we didn't realise just how empty we were.

As our friends were full before us they went back to the mooring to put the kettle on, once we had finished we had to turn round, so it was nose up the South Oxford then reverse back out, ice hadn't been broken here steerage was all over the place so the boat wouldn't go where you pointed it. As we completed the manoeuvre Bottle and Wozie arrived to fill up. By now I was on my second load of washing having taken advantage of using the water as we filled up.

Back on the same mooring we had left it was onto Tranquility for a welcome cuppa, it was blooming freezing on the back of the boat I'm just glad we didn't travel any distance. But hang on we have our new Salopettes now why didn't I put mine on for a trial run?

Looking at the weather forecast it seems we are in for more icy mornings and may be some snow on the way. In fact this morning around 7.30 a boat when past breaking the ice and when Paul took the dogs out at 8.30 the canal had re-frozen.

As I sit here writing this the church bells are ringing, the sun is shining and Paul is waiting to contact Eric for his Sunday chat.

This was the boat last night full of washing and look like a chinese laundry.

Welcome, 2010

A very pleasant evening was spent in the company of Anne and Keith, nb Oakfield and Betty and Graham nb Tranquility. We had booked a table at the Boathouse they must have known Paul was coming as we were on a table out of the way not complaining about this as I was next to the radiator. Poor Sarah our waitress must have wished it was her day off. Paul was in a wind up mood and the poor girl was teased endlessly. Food was okay clear plates all round and then we really pushed the boat out (excuse the pun) and all had a sweet. We crunched our way back to the boats around 10.30, finally getting into bed about 11.30 as we had to give ourselves a bit of time for the meal to "go down". Not long after getting into bed the bells of Braunston church started to ring out and they continued until midnight when the fireworks started. Someone on the towpath had a blowy thing obviously on their way back from the pub.
This morning with the canal frozen again with a thin layer of ice a lot of boats have started to move on their way. Betty and I walked to the village as I needed to post a letter and get some milk. Also needed a bit of exercise, it certainly has been a lovely day a we meet a lot of like minded people out for a new year's day stroll along the tow path.
Just where did 2009 go it certainly is true what they say "the older you get the faster the years fly by"