Before we went to bed last night I had to set the alarm on Paul's mobile to wake him at 5.30 so he could watch MOTOGP which is so sad. At around 2.30 I was woken by Paul's phone beeping as the battery was low, I tried to ignore it but then thought if the alarm doesn't go off and he misses his motorcycling all hell would break loose. So up I got set the alarm on my phone and got back into bed. When both the alarms went off I hadn't had a wink of sleep and all the time Paul was snoring in fact the alarms didn't even wake him. He smashed and crashed his way out of the bedroom swearing and cursing as he knocked into things. Give him his due he did thank me for waking him. I did eventually fall asleep for a whole 2 hours. At least when the new dinette is in situ he can sleep on that when he wants to watch his motor racing at some ungodly hour and I will get an undisturbed night.
The next phase of the wiring was tackled so now there is a great big pile of surplus wiring destined for the bin. Paul has got it in his mind to measure how much he has cut out of this boat. The next thing on the agenda is the dreaded consumer box. Which he will probably do on Tuesday.
Tomorrow we must turn round yet again so when we get the phone call from the upholsterer we can get back to the marina, weather looks grim for Tuesday so Monday it will have to be.
Have had a nice chat with Bottle and Wozie on nb Oakfield transpires we both know Maffi and Bones. Paul did his good deed for the day by getting out the chain saw to cut up some wood for them, he hates to see a lady struggle with a bow saw. (unless that lady is me and then he would tell me to put my back into it).
Next part of the motor racing is just about to start and it looks like Jenson will need a lot of luck to get the points he needs to win the championship. I'm off to make a steak and kidney pie for dinner and the bottle of wine in the fridge is calling out to be opened, I'm on my way my Rose friend.
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Part 2
Here I am again, hopefully pictures will load a bit quicker than last night, still Paul is watching F1 qualifying so he will be out of my hair.
Forgot to mention yesterday that as we were leaving Blue Haven we met up with John and Angela on nb Ellen who held up the boats for us as we reversed out of the marina onto the canal. Angela said she had emailed but as the boat was in chaos I never got to open the email until yesterday and found that we had missed out on a bottle of wine oh bugger don't worry Angela we will catch up with you sometime.
Washing machine has been fixed as well, chap came while we were in the marina to replace the seal so I was able to take advantage of being hooked up to the 240v to catch up with all the washing.
We caught the bus to Rugby where we purchased a nice solid wood coffee table. Had a look at some rugs but nothing jumped up and grabbed me so will wait a bit. When we got back a few silly jobs got done like repairing the door Paul fell on when the day boat hit us, sorted out under the dinette so I can find paperwork etc and made up the new coffee table. So perhaps tomorrow we can have an easy day doing nothing. Obviously I am wrong as Paul has just informed me after he has watched the MOTOGP at 5.30 in the morning he is going to start the next phase of the wiring. Which he hopes to finish in time to watch F1 in the evening. Come on Jenson!!!!!!!
No floor. Nice floor.
We are more than happy with the new dinette and as you can see gives us a bit more space than the pullman did, (Paul was forever hitting his hip on the side), we also choose not to have it raised so the floor area is larger. We haven't lost any storage and I still have my pull out shelf with my printer on. Of course my de-cluttering has helped, in fact I gave all my crystal decanters and glasses to Roy at Blue Haven as he does a lot of fundraising for the local Air Ambulance and was looking for raffle prizes. A good cause I thought and I didn't have to carry them in to town to a charity shop.
Dinette, drop leaf table is being made to complete it.
Double bed.
Cant wait to get the new cushions then the work will be all done. Must congratulate the carpenter at Blue Haven who did an excellent job and actually listened to what we wanted and delivered 100%. Nothing was too much trouble it was nice to find a craftsman who did what the customer wanted with a bit of input if he thought he could improve on our suggestions.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Back to normality.(I hope)
At last the boat is out of the marina, we only have to call back in on Thursday as the upholsterer is bringing the dinette cushions. So I can settle in to writing my blog on a regular basis.
To make life easier for the floor layer Paul removed all the carpets and underlay, pulling up staples, made good all the screw heads and de-snotted the floor (this is a professional term I am told). All the gripperrods came up and the carpet edging. 
Paul has removed all the old light switches and put in the new ones and very nice they look too.
Of course he found the odd wiring nightmare but now everything is to his satisfaction.
Old light switch, this is neat!!!!! and this socket is even better.
This is how it should be nice and tidy
Must admit he removed so much excess wiring that re-doing the consumer box should be a doddle when he gets round to it of course.
Floor going down, two heads are better than one (so they say).
Part two of this tomorrow with more pictures.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
What an eventful Sunday.
We had to leave Blue Haven Friday as the shared ownership boats come in for their turn around, so we went back to bridge 72 until Sunday morning. The work is progressing nicely, the book shelves are in and we are very pleased with them.
No shelves
Nice shelves
We discovered that the door seal on the washing machine had a hole in it hence the leak so there is a guy coming Monday or Tuesday to fix that. The flooring man came Friday and the new floor is going down Wednesday, we had a slight disagreement on the price as what we were quoted differed to what he was telling us. Paul said he would remove the flooring that is down so everyone is happy now. Then Monday or Tuesday the upholsterer is coming to measure up so hopefully by next weekend everything bar the cushions for the dinette should be done.
While we have been near bridge 72 all the wood that has been taken out of the boat has been cut up and put into bags, Paul had to move a couple of sockets which par for the course involved a lot of swearing and a loss of temper (my blood pressure went up a tad too). The ham fisted person who fitted the back boxes in the original position had butchered the fixing screws so Paul had to make them redundant and modify the box to accept the socket plate.
He may have been praying here.
Note the lash up on the original electrics.
Couldn't cook or wash up result!!!!!!
Original dinette all gone!!!!!
This morning it has been very hectic on the canal, we heard sirens and looked out of the window to see 2 fire appliances 1 rescue appliance and a Land Rover and trailer with inflatable boats at the entrance to the farm, couldn't see any smoke though but lots of people were on the bridge so I just had to be nosey and go and have a look, just as I walked under the bridge I could see what was going on, a young heifer had gone down for a drink and obviously got stuck up to its neck in the canal and the firemen were trying to get the poor thing out. Now why this needed all these appliances I do not know it was a good job there wasn't a fire the other side of Rugby. It took a couple of hours to get the animal back on Terra firma and it was exhausted, perhaps now the farmer will put a fence between the posts that are already there. Around 11 we decided we would make a move as we had to turn round at Granthams boat yard to come back up to Blue Haven, needless to say about 4 boats came by all going the same way. We has just set off when we heard yet more sirens and as we went under the bridge saw an ambulance on the bridge and a lady walking the tow path said there was a bit of a queue at the first lock as her friend had had an accident, apparently the windlass had slipped and cut her hand quite badly across the knuckles so she was now on her way to hospital in the ambulance. We negotiated the two locks turned round above the bottom lock and then made our way back up again, found out that the lady who hurt herself had a broken finger as well as a cut hand could have been so much worse, at least she had got out of doing the locks for a while.
We have made it back into the marina ready for round two of the work. The dinette still has a bit of work to be done, the pull out part for the bed has to be made and there is varnishing to do but hopefully this won't take too long. Feel a bit happier now that there is some semblance of order, but can't wait for the whole lot to be finished.
No shelves
Nice shelves
We discovered that the door seal on the washing machine had a hole in it hence the leak so there is a guy coming Monday or Tuesday to fix that. The flooring man came Friday and the new floor is going down Wednesday, we had a slight disagreement on the price as what we were quoted differed to what he was telling us. Paul said he would remove the flooring that is down so everyone is happy now. Then Monday or Tuesday the upholsterer is coming to measure up so hopefully by next weekend everything bar the cushions for the dinette should be done.
While we have been near bridge 72 all the wood that has been taken out of the boat has been cut up and put into bags, Paul had to move a couple of sockets which par for the course involved a lot of swearing and a loss of temper (my blood pressure went up a tad too). The ham fisted person who fitted the back boxes in the original position had butchered the fixing screws so Paul had to make them redundant and modify the box to accept the socket plate.
He may have been praying here.
Note the lash up on the original electrics.
Couldn't cook or wash up result!!!!!!
Original dinette all gone!!!!!
This morning it has been very hectic on the canal, we heard sirens and looked out of the window to see 2 fire appliances 1 rescue appliance and a Land Rover and trailer with inflatable boats at the entrance to the farm, couldn't see any smoke though but lots of people were on the bridge so I just had to be nosey and go and have a look, just as I walked under the bridge I could see what was going on, a young heifer had gone down for a drink and obviously got stuck up to its neck in the canal and the firemen were trying to get the poor thing out. Now why this needed all these appliances I do not know it was a good job there wasn't a fire the other side of Rugby. It took a couple of hours to get the animal back on Terra firma and it was exhausted, perhaps now the farmer will put a fence between the posts that are already there. Around 11 we decided we would make a move as we had to turn round at Granthams boat yard to come back up to Blue Haven, needless to say about 4 boats came by all going the same way. We has just set off when we heard yet more sirens and as we went under the bridge saw an ambulance on the bridge and a lady walking the tow path said there was a bit of a queue at the first lock as her friend had had an accident, apparently the windlass had slipped and cut her hand quite badly across the knuckles so she was now on her way to hospital in the ambulance. We negotiated the two locks turned round above the bottom lock and then made our way back up again, found out that the lady who hurt herself had a broken finger as well as a cut hand could have been so much worse, at least she had got out of doing the locks for a while.
We have made it back into the marina ready for round two of the work. The dinette still has a bit of work to be done, the pull out part for the bed has to be made and there is varnishing to do but hopefully this won't take too long. Feel a bit happier now that there is some semblance of order, but can't wait for the whole lot to be finished.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
if it's not one thing!!!!!!
New book shelves are coming along nicely cant post any pictures as I cant find the lead for the camera. Not liking the mess we are living in but it's not forever. Was a shame that when our friends from Hungary called in to see us yesterday they saw the boat in a shit heap but at least I will be able to send them some photos of the finished article.
This morning there was frantic shouting from Paul (I was up the back of the boat on the laptop) and when I went down there were bubbles all over the kitchen floor from the washing machine. Of course I had towels in it at the time and they are now dripping on the airer on the pontoon. Don't know what is up with the machine but Paul will have a look when he has 5 minutes. At the moment he is looking at resiting some sockets but on investigation it is not going to be an easy job, which isn't a surprise. I am hoping that Paul can repair the washing machine because it will be a hell of a job to get it off the boat. I think everything must have been built round it, you have to take the door of the cupboard off to get the machine out and then we found that the cratch door opening is narrower than the machine so it means taking the beading off the door to get it out, hatch is also too narrow, so lets hope it is repairable. Only saving grace is we have plenty of bodies here to help us if we need to get the thing off the boat and we have the carpenter here to put back the beading.
Dinette is the next job old one has been dismantled and we have wood everywhere cant throw it away as some of it is going to be utilised elsewhere. Then the floor layer is due (should have been yesterday) to measure up for the new flooring.
Shelving should be varnished tomorrow then at least I can put some of the stuff back up once thats dry, I have books all over the place. Next installment soon.
This morning there was frantic shouting from Paul (I was up the back of the boat on the laptop) and when I went down there were bubbles all over the kitchen floor from the washing machine. Of course I had towels in it at the time and they are now dripping on the airer on the pontoon. Don't know what is up with the machine but Paul will have a look when he has 5 minutes. At the moment he is looking at resiting some sockets but on investigation it is not going to be an easy job, which isn't a surprise. I am hoping that Paul can repair the washing machine because it will be a hell of a job to get it off the boat. I think everything must have been built round it, you have to take the door of the cupboard off to get the machine out and then we found that the cratch door opening is narrower than the machine so it means taking the beading off the door to get it out, hatch is also too narrow, so lets hope it is repairable. Only saving grace is we have plenty of bodies here to help us if we need to get the thing off the boat and we have the carpenter here to put back the beading.
Dinette is the next job old one has been dismantled and we have wood everywhere cant throw it away as some of it is going to be utilised elsewhere. Then the floor layer is due (should have been yesterday) to measure up for the new flooring.
Shelving should be varnished tomorrow then at least I can put some of the stuff back up once thats dry, I have books all over the place. Next installment soon.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
In the Marina
This morning we had an early start for the whole half mile to the Marina, when we got here the berth we were supposed to moor on has been used so we are sitting here waiting for said boat to move off sometime in the next couple of hours.
Friday evening we walked up to the Royal Oak pub which is part of the Hungry Horse chain to have a meal. We have eaten here a few times. Paul decided to have a steak I had scampi. Now Paul likes his steak to be pink not charcoled or raw. This time he got a piece of sirloin steak that not only was it a bit on the underdone side but was so tough that he struggled to chew it. Of course there was quite a bit left on the side of the plate and when the waiter asked if everything was ok Paul told him that no it wasn't, now we appreciate that the chef cant be held responsible for the toughness of the steak but the waiter after he had asked the question just cleared the plates. No "I'm sorry sir I'll see if we can give you a refund" nothing. So as we left the place Paul went up to the manageress and suggested they change their butcher and explained why, again no response at all. Why do they even ask the question if they aren't prepared to do anything if the customer complains?
We have managed to re-house all the gubbins that resides under the dinette and on the bookshelves temporarily until the work is completed. Think tomorrow morning I will be taking myself off for a long walk to get away from the upheaval, as you can imagine Paul will be there supervising and no doubt giving his assistance even if it isn't needed. Poor old dogs will have to spend the day up the back out of the way.
Wood has been sawn up and put in bags so the roof is a bit clearer. It's the inside that a tip but it will be worth it.(I hope)
Friday evening we walked up to the Royal Oak pub which is part of the Hungry Horse chain to have a meal. We have eaten here a few times. Paul decided to have a steak I had scampi. Now Paul likes his steak to be pink not charcoled or raw. This time he got a piece of sirloin steak that not only was it a bit on the underdone side but was so tough that he struggled to chew it. Of course there was quite a bit left on the side of the plate and when the waiter asked if everything was ok Paul told him that no it wasn't, now we appreciate that the chef cant be held responsible for the toughness of the steak but the waiter after he had asked the question just cleared the plates. No "I'm sorry sir I'll see if we can give you a refund" nothing. So as we left the place Paul went up to the manageress and suggested they change their butcher and explained why, again no response at all. Why do they even ask the question if they aren't prepared to do anything if the customer complains?
We have managed to re-house all the gubbins that resides under the dinette and on the bookshelves temporarily until the work is completed. Think tomorrow morning I will be taking myself off for a long walk to get away from the upheaval, as you can imagine Paul will be there supervising and no doubt giving his assistance even if it isn't needed. Poor old dogs will have to spend the day up the back out of the way.
Wood has been sawn up and put in bags so the roof is a bit clearer. It's the inside that a tip but it will be worth it.(I hope)
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Another panel installed!
Paul has been busy again installing yet another panel, this one has a switch for the water pump and a switch for the condensate fan in the cupboard and incorporates the water gauge, soon we will have so many panels this boat will look like a planes cockpit. But Paul feels happier being able to isolate these things. He has also installed a new Ariel socket for the cable we have just run in.
Here's the main panel all lit up like a Christmas tree.
Yesterday I walked up to the post office to get the post, now we have our new licence that only took about a month, not like last years when it took 12 weeks. Also got our prescriptions so its back to Rugby tomorrow to get those dispensed. Paul's phone has packed up it doesn't ring any more so looks like we have to get him a new one. Got the chain saw out today to cut up the wood roof is a bit tidier now. Had a nice chat to a guy on nb Twinkle have seen him around and about over the past few weeks. Its good to have a conversation with these people you wave to in passing.
Paul informed me today that he will be getting up at some un godly hour to watch the qualifying for F1 on Saturday and again for the race on Sunday as long as he doesn't disturb me he can get up at what ever hour he likes.
Have packed away some bits in readiness for our visit to the workshop on Monday, also our friends from Hungary who are over here visiting family are coming to see us on Tuesday will be nice to catch up again after 2 years.
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