America Reprieved and Canadians Invade DC

 Sunday 12th February to Sunday 19th February 2012


I am pleased to say that I have warmed to America in this past week; we left the Disney resort on the 12th and during the taxi ride to the Orlando Amtrak station we engaged the driver in conversation – something that we had not previously been able to do – found out more about the general feeling of America and Americans about a number of issues.

The scene at the station was very much as I had imagined it would be for a smaller station on the Amtrak line - the waiting room was a cross-section of part of America and it was interesting just being able to sit and watch everyone – we did after all have over an hour wait for the train – I can hear Diane saying – “nothing unusual in that”.
The train trip was overnight; the seats were quite comfortable and we were both able to get a fair amount of sleep during the trip; we did also get to see a fair amount of the surrounding environs through to Jacksonville and a bit beyond there.

Arrived in the capital at about 7am; the weather was decidedly colder than that we had left behind in Florida. Breakfast was had – quite nice really – used Google maps to find the exact location of the B&B – not very far at all so we decided to walk and take in a bit of the city.

We were able to drop off the bags at about 8:15am and had a good chat with Keith Byrd (Mt Vernon Square Bed & Breakfast); picked up the key and got some valuable information about DC. Keith is a very engaging person and we had many conversations about many things - he was particularly interested in our lifestyle aboard the boat.

We took a walk around the city area to familiarise ourselves with the overall layout and the proximity or not of the various places that we wanted to visit.
We had not seen Canada Geese since we had left the UK - they were vistors to all locations and now we find them here.

The Canadians have invaded Washington

Along the way we found the Washington Monument – not able to get close as a 5.8 magnitude earthquake last year had caused some damage to the structure and consequently it was deemed too “dangerous” to have visitors – it was pretty easy to see the cracks in the obelisk on the outside.

The cut down version of the Washington Monument - the top really is still there

See, there it is - and some woman in the foreground

Further on we spent time in the Smithsonian museums for American History and Natural History, after which we headed for the National Air and Space Museum – this was impressive – you walk into the foyer and immediately confronted with the returned command modules of the Mercury and Gemini missions as well as the Apollo 11 CSM.

The original Wright Brothers biplane that flew at Kittyhawk

The Apollo 11 module

The staff were marvellous in explaining what was where – but in a much more jovial manner.

We really are not in Kansas - although these red shoes want to be.
(from The Wizard of Oz)

We sadly were starting to lack enough stamina to continue through the whole of the exhibit and returned to the lodgings for a much needed nap (we are getting old).

Revived and reinvigorated we headed out to dinner and it was thoroughly enjoyable – Busboys and Poets – just around the corner from where we were – can highly recommend this eatery.

Our morning companions at breakfast were reasonably chatty and we warmed to them – gaining valuable information about how they found the country as residents and naturally gaining further insight into this land.

We headed off to the Metro this was built sometime in the 1960’s and we have found it to be a wonderful well-run system; very efficient and at a reasonable cost, even for the visitor to the city – Diane on a mission to visit a JC Penny looking for a particular coat (I thought it would simply have been easier to nick off with Sam’s). Alas we had misunderstood directions from the previous day and ended at Greenbelt – no relevant store – then back to Prince George’s Plaza – it was all good in the end – no coat but plenty of people watching.

Just one of the immanculate Metro stations
- they really were all were like this

We trained it back into DC city and thought that we might be able to get a reasonably close photo of the White House – we knew that not being Americans and not having a 6-month background check, we wouldn’t get onto the tour – but even as we got close, the security people were closing down the access areas which were normally open – no explanation, just a stern and uncompromising “move along” – with which we of course had no option but to comply.

Anyway we were able to get some shots (oops wrong word there!!) – I mean photos – of the White House – but from a considerable distance – all the while there were just so many security people – DC police; Federal police and Secret Service (not really very secret – it was written on the cars).

The White House from afar - about 500 metres was as close as we could get

In fact we have seen so much security personnel at all government buildings; and so much checking of people going into buildings and rules and regulations that it is easy to see that there can be no end to this upgrade of security – it does seem that the enemies of the US have really have won – the viewpoint is that everyone is potentially an enemy of the state.
The government is certainly in a state of heightened alarm and "fear".

Despite all of this we have found Washington as an extremely enjoyable city to visit, with so much going for it, so many friendly people who have a sense of humour about them – even in their official roles.

The ubiquitous American yellow school bus - Diane just wanted
to get a photo of one - she had hundreds to choose from

A more solemn visit was to the Arlington National Cemetery – this defines a lot about America – the history; the gratitude of the nation; the pride of the nation; the understanding of the future governed by their past.

The view from the Arlington Mansion in The National Cemetery

The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; the mansion of Arlington (at one time it was the home of Gen Robert E Lee); the tomb of President Kennedy as well as many many others – all heroes in America.

Changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

We past a group of obviously young Armed Forces recruits touring around the site – a most probable part of their induction.

Onto the memorial to another hero of the Republic – that which was built to honour Lincoln – this is an inspiring site – the words of the Gettysburg address resonate as clear today as they would have done almost 150 years ago.

Diane and friend - I think he is quite well known

at 60 feet tall - this is imposing

and incredibly poignant

And the memorial from afar

We decided that we would not get into the Capitol visitors centre – “No Food allowed” – we suspect that there might have been an internationally wanted terrorist slug in the salad.

We did manage to get just a little closer than this

For our last day in Washington we only had a couple of places that we really wanted to go – two more memorials.

The first was the memorial to World War II

WW II memorial - surprisingly only opened in 2004

The second being one that no-one visiting Washington should miss – the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial.

see the whole memorial - it really makes you think about this very special man

Both are impressive in their own and unique ways.

And then it was back to pick up the cases and off on the Metro to the bus stop for the trip out to Dulles and back to Heathrow.

Keith had been able to advise that there was a bus direct to Dulles from DC for about $6 – a lot better than the probable $50 taxi fare.

We were not too early, but just enough to allow for the endless searching that we knew was likely to happen at an American airport.

Alas - time to come home

Do we have an impression of America?

Yes we do – after a start that was less than welcoming and a numbing week of getting used to “Can’t do enough for you” greetings in a tourist city (Orlando), we started to find a bit more about a part of America which is more down to earth – still very welcoming and friendly and warm.

We saw how concerned and in some ways frightened America has become – security is very tight in all federal buildings.

We did not see any troubles on the streets – we felt safe in both Orlando and in Washington DC – we also know that this is such a small part and the outcomes here could not be extrapolated to the rest (neither of the kids experienced any problems in LA or Las Vegas either and Mitch has had no problems in New York).

Would we go back there again? We have already marked it in as a country we would go back to and see more of – maybe around the New England area.

The flight back was only 6 and ½ hours instead of the original 7 and ½ hours.

We arrived back in England and it felt like we had come home – we were off to visit Maggie and Paddy in Watford and then train it back to Stone – we had booked a taxi to meet us at the station earlier in the morning and a more lovelier sight we could not have seen at the station – within 10 minutes we were back on the boat – home at last!!

In the process of our travel to Washington, Diane managed to pick up a rather serious cough which has become a bit more serious, so she will need to take it a bit easier for the next few days to get over it.
We were exhausted and slept for 12 hours, but glad to wake up in our own bed.

Saturday was then filled with unpacking and washing and of course we needed to pick up the dog – thanks to Andy and Jean who were so kind to give us a lift to the kennels and back.

A rather relaxed Sunday for both of us – we had intended to walk to Aldi, but Diane was still feeling unwell so she stayed back on the boat and left me entrusted with the list and the trolley.
Gill and Malcolm had saved some of the snow which had fallen whilst we were away and Diane decided to make a very small snowman.

Later on we watched the FA Cup tie between Stevenage and Tottenham and then the draw for the Quarter Finals – after which it was another reasonably early night.

To America and Beyond (well just a little bit past the start)

Monday 30th January to Saturday 11th February 2012


I am sure that I have mentioned this before, that her indoors has been very industrious in the past and has not only cutback the paintwork to remove the oxide layer but has now twice polished the boat.

We have been told on a number of occasions, the latest of these being Mo (nb Balmaha) when we saw them last week that you can use some baby oil to maintain the shine to the appearance.

As you get older I have found that it can become a bit of an ordeal to ask a young female shop assistant where the baby oil is, and so it came to pass this week that I needed to leave that easy transferrable task to the good lady wife.

How to fit in things to do into an already reasonably busy week (lesson 1) – throw in a football match with ManU v Stoke where Rory DeLap may be playing and then “she who must be obeyed” will be asking for tickets and making plans on how we will get there.

Man United and Stoke on the way out - as close as it was all night

Tickets acquired – check off the list
Car arranged – check off the list
Plans sorted and dog being dog-sat – check off the list

It was actually a very good idea to do this as we needed to sort out a better way to see mid-week matches than trying on the train – there is literally no way to get home at that time of night. So now we have found a safe decent place to park; right near a decent pub; within easy walk of Old Trafford; and relatively easy to drive away from after the match – we were back on the boat by midnight, safe with the knowledge that the “reds” had won again and that the blue side of Manchester would be crying in their beers with an ex-Red (Darron Gibson) scoring for Everton to beat City.

Dog was disposed of the following day – not literally - but driven to the kennels – he doesn’t like change and hates being away from Diane, but he is not able to come with us; which just left Diane with the packing – mine was done in about 2 minutes flat – she was just a little bit longer than that.

We headed off on Thursday to Stafford to catch the train down to Gatwick – as we had an 11:30am departure on Friday – the trip down was very good with no problems – managed to find our way through London to Victoria via Euston.

We very much liked the twilight check-in that Virgin Atlantic have – so we were able to deposit our luggage there and then; fixed up the boarding passes and so then we were off to the Ibis and able to relax a bit.

Friday morning was no problem whatsoever – knowing that we didn’t have to particularly rush – with no bags to have to worry about. We were there in plenty of time but not too early.

The flight was not long by our standards – just 9hrs and 30 minutes – pity that it was an older style plane with the older entertainment system – the controls were fixed into the side of the chair arm – I really couldn’t get at them – so didn’t bother.

We touched down in Orlando about 20 minutes early, so we then needed to clear US Customs and Immigration – as nice as Americans try to make you feel welcome, it really didn’t work for me – I think the process is designed to make you feel intimidated and the officials don’t raise a smile at all. Coming out of the shuttle train into an area leading to the general airport concourse, gave me the feel of being under close scrutiny all of the way – way too many officers and officials on one side and the other was glass with people lined up to look in at you the whole way – not having had the experience, it felt a bit like what I would describe as the arrival at a prison as a new inmate.

However, once through all of that it was very relaxed.

The kids soon arrived – Mitch from Las Vegas and Sam from Los Angeles – sorted out a taxi to take us to the resort which was very nice and much larger than we have seen in our past exchanges.

The two munchkins - Mitch and Sam

Of course, we found out about all of the wintry conditions that have beset all of Britain, and then found out that if we had been a day later in setting off, we may not have made – a train derailment on the line into London and the conditions could have combined to prevent us getting away in time – but we did make it out.

An email from Gill and Malcolm (nb Shoehorn) advised us that there was 6” of snow on the boat, so we have some disappointment at missing the snow, but we do feel a few degrees warmer at the moment.

Look what we have left behind

and this too looks cold - even from here

Hope you are all coping OK with the conditions and that there are no problems there.

Getting familiar with new surroundings is always a bit of a time consuming job, but the staff here made it much easier and we felt a bit easier after a short while – even though we were all very tired from our travels for the day.

One of the outdoor guests where we first stayed

Saturday turned out to be a bit of a sleep in day for Diane and I – well at least for me – not up until 830. We had a relaxed breakfast before tackling Day 1 of Disney.

Off to Magic Kingdom – despite everything seeming to be around the area it still takes a fair while to get to anywhere – we used the facilities of the shuttle bus (at a cost).

Magic Kingdom - Disney day 1

Three of the four of us on one of the rides

The hat maketh the man ?

It turned out to be a particularly long day as we didn’t read early enough the times that the bus returned for pick up – no way we could get to the 17:30 bus and the next was at 22:45 – so another late night.

It was a great day at Magic Kingdom and we enjoyed it immensely – I have completed Sam’s need to drag me onto some roller-coaster rides, so I can sit back and pick and choose a little bit from now on.

Sunday is Super-Bowl day here in America and all the news and talk is about who will win and who will play well.

Mitch was a long-time follower of the Patriots and naturally he needed someone to take the other side as their own – which I did – expecting to have some of his jokes directed at me as to their worthiness to be there.

Well, always pleased to say that the underdog won the day – 21-17 result for the Giants.

Monday was back on the Disney trail with a trip to Epcot – which was originally designed to be a showcase for what the future would hold – it has however not worn well and is a bit dated.

Just a big kid at heart

The international area with an insight into many different countries was a change and one that was pleasing to visit – although on this day we restricted ourselves to Canada and England – having lunch in the English pub – the beer was OK and lunch was fine – the price however was a bit on the high side.

We have to say that what we are seeing here at Disney and surrounds (including where we are staying) would not / could not be construed as anywhere near to being representative of America – it is very much skewed to the more well-off of the population.

Tuesday was a “relaxation” day for three of us – Sam in her infinite enthusiasm for all things Disney went solo for the day to Animal Kingdom; the remaining three of us (well me at least) stayed behind for a truly relaxing day.

Gorilla(s) of the forest - no mist to be found

Please smile for the camera

Birds of a feather - all these one-legged flamingoes
The drumsticks must be quite tasty.

Amongst my many definitions of pastimes and fun, I do not include shopping as meaning anything remotely associated with rest and recuperation.

Diane on the other hand found it a perfect day to capture the talents of Mitch and I at carrying around packages.

Wednesday we returned to the fold with a trip to Hollywood Studios land – having completed my allowance for rides involving free-falling I opted away from the Hollywood Tower of Terror with its promised 100 feet fall and the intensity of the screams of young (and older) women, and most likely a number of boys and men.

The weather has been what many would describe as perfect – sunny, warm and with a light breeze (mine would be a slightly different description, but it was nice).

We have gone again to visit Animal Kingdom, been back to Magic kingdom and re-done Epcot – to see parts that we missed the first time; to re-do things that we have already enjoyed; and to have a good time.

A local at Epcot

The three Cabaleros - plus a mate

Balou and King Louie with friends

and Tigger too !

Everything we have seen and encountered and everywhere we have been, everyone of the people we have come across, whether it be in the hotels and resorts, the buses, the restaurants and cafes, the parks and attractions, has come out to be without imperfection.
Oh how I am craving for something not to go just perfectly – a little bit of not quite right will do me just fine, as will a dose of practicality and improvisation – anything resembling true life.

Saturday started off brilliantly – the Man United v Liverpool game was on live (7:45am) – of course a 2-1 win makes it worthwhile; Diane and Sam were off to the parks again – their last day – Mitch had left yesterday for New York so we couldn’t sit down quietly for a couple of beers – but we have already had done this – just the two of us together.

I had a chance to complete all of this for the blog update and just to sit and watch everyone else for a change – without being part of the cast.

I have not warmed to America, but I have enjoyed the efficiency of what people do; there are many aspects of life here which I have so-far found to be what I would imagine that I couldn’t tolerate for a long time – I do enjoy the Australian ability to find fault with oneself and to enjoy a bit of a laugh at your own expense – it just doesn’t feel like something that people here would be able to cope with – I have found far too much seriousness amongst people.

Trains, Planes and Automobiles - 2 out of 3 ain't bad

Monday 23rd January to Sunday 29th January 2012



No travelling this week

This has been about our busiest week since we have moved into the marina back in early November.

We had been in touch with Vanessa and Mo (nb Balmaha) since arriving here and had hoped that we could catch up with earlier, but sadly it didn’t happen. We knew that they were going to be on the move earlier than usual and heading our way, so it was a happy surprise when we got an email to say they were on our back door (in relative terms) and we were able to catch up at Rugeley – they were heading off at Great Haywood down the Staffs and Worcester canal and we wanted to have the boat to stay put in preparation of the US trip.

The train to Rugeley was just 2 stops and everything was fine.

A great day was spent catching up on everything since we had last met, which was way back in May 2008 when we were less than novices only having just completed our 6-week stint with a hire boat and still planning all that we are now doing.

Lunch with Vanessa and Mo

Lunch was wonderful – thanks guys – we wish you a pleasant time cruising and already looking forward to seeing you both again.

Our earlier exploits from cruising last year had finally taken its toll on our front button and we knew it was time to replace it – Diane had been in contact with nb Alton (Brian) about a new one – they were not that far away on the Macclesfield and we only needed to work out travelling there.

As is usually the case, it seems, something always comes along and Diane was talking to Ruth and Peter on nb Kathryn – just 3 berths down from us and they were explaining that they needed to replace both the front and back buttons. Diane contacted Brian again to ask about other sizes.

Peter was very pleased that some of the work had been taken out of the exercise and with Peter driving we made the necessary purchases and within an hour of return all three old buttons had been removed and replaced with the new ones – very impressive they all were indeed.

We are pretty happy with the finished article - the new bow button

Next in line was a spot of boat-sitting – well actually it was keeping an eye on the fire and keeping it well stoked.

Jean and Andy (nb Josephine) – about a dozen berths from us – needed to return home to decide what they were going to do with the house – sell it or rent it – and asked if we could keep the fire going for them whilst they were away – just one night.

With all of the instructions we kept it cosy and warm inside for them so that their return was not so cold.

We didn’t even have enough time to put the boat on e-Bay for them!!

It was the time to almost strike a line through one of the last two items on our list – to get the tractor seats installed onto the rear deck. We had also been talking with Jean and Andy and they decided that they would talk with him when he came over. Jon was a friendly guy and easily understood what each of us needed – measurements taken, prices agreed, dates set for installation – just way too easy – a nice guy for an Everton supporter.

The finished article for the cratch cover

and the pram hood cover - I realised that I hadn't shown any
decent pictures of them

Fine weather - just perfect for talking -
she was talking to her mum and dad back home

All that was left for us to take care of this weekend was to take the boat over for a pumpout and fill with diesel – checking on the weather including the winds gave us a timeframe of about 10am Sunday morning – no problem for me, but Diane had seen that the Mens Final of the Australian Open was on BBC from 8:15am – now she hasn’t seen a single match of the tennis and it being one of her favourites I wanted her to be able to sit down and enjoy it – well at least she saw the 1st set before deciding that we must go – she only missed the second set, but the boat had one tank filled and another emptied and all was well with the world again.

The weather this week has been superb (on the whole) and sunrise
this Sunday morning was particularly colourful

A particularly busy week for most days – but items crossed from the list, good times enjoyed, and preparations made – can’t be much busier again can it?

You just never know what is likely to come up

Well things do come up which can change plans for the week ahead and that has been the case for the week ahead – more than we had originally planned for.

The Quiet Week - before the Storm

Wednesday 11th January to Sunday 22nd January 2012



No travelling this week

It has been back to marina life for us, but it could not be described as boring or dull. There seems to be something to do all of the time. This week we have concentrated on removing a few of the damp spots that appear when the moisture levels are high. Diane read in the January edition of Canal Boat, that putting up some carpet onto those areas where the moisture appears should have the effect of insulating and the moisture will not appear.

So into a couple of cupboards, attached to the inner side of the boat’s outer walls have been carpeted (wall and cupboard ceiling) – both successful; so then it was onto the lounge where one side was damp and the other not – of course we knew why one was not – it had the central heating pipes behind it.

Nevertheless we have carpeted halfway up the wall on the other side and problem gone.

In addition, the windows continue to be remarkably dry – both inside and out – a bonus and another success for Diane – I may have to keep her on for a bit longer.

The outer side of the boat has been attended to as well with some elbow grease and polishing – looks much better as well - she really is quite a marvel.

Celebrations abounded for a 40th birthday for Stella, as friends and family descended from down south (or should that be “ascended from down”) and we went along to help – for both lunch and dinner – afraid that we couldn’t keep up the pace when mention of the pub was made after dinner – it was just a wee bit too late for both of us.

We have had a trip into Stafford by bus (first time) – now we know where it leaves from and how to get back – more trips are already being planned – we both need to go because the nature of things is such that one gets to spend and the other gets to carry (I know my place).

The weather has been very up and down during the last 10 days – we have a mixture of sun, rain, wind but alas the temperatures are (as they say on the reports) – mild – so no snow yet again. Latest reports were that this was, so far, one of the mildest winters on record.

We have now finalised the last of the bookings for our upcoming US trip. We were going to fly between Orlando and Washington, but have now decided to go by overnight train and have found a very nice B&B in Washington.



Stafford park - still with the heavy frost - even in the afternoon

Whilst we were in Stafford we managed to book our train travel to Gatwick and the return from Heathrow – the advanced purchase has saved about ₤60, so another win with that.

This week ahead is looking rather busy with a number of things coming up – I suspect that by the end of it we will be exhausted again – will have to wait and see.

Gone with the Wind

Friday 30th December 2011 to Tuesday 10th January 2012


38 Miles, 18 Locks – for these 12 days


Totals: 1011 Miles, 824 Locks, 28 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridges, 20 Swing Bridges


We have really taken advantage of this very unseasonable weather and had a decent cruise – down to Penkridge and return.



The outward journey - who would believe that it would be so great

A visit to the markets on Wednesday whilst we were there allowed "she who must be obeyed" to lighten my wallet a little bit.

We found a printing place in Penkridge and the people have said that they should be able to do the lettering for the new name for the boat as well as few other bits and pieces which we want to add - stay tuned for further updates.

You just never know what you might find in some of the towns along the way.

A few days each way at Tixall Wide – we had been expecting many more boats here given the conditions but there has been no more than 3 or 4 at any one time.

Moving into Tixall Wide and not another boat in sight
Just could not believe the weather could be this good

Admittedly the towpath is a little bit muddy but no problems in getting back to Great Haywood for a pint at the Clifford Arms – a favourite for us as we can take Banjo inside and they even have doggy treats for any of the canines in there at the time.

Dare I say it again, but this weather has been mostly very good – even sunshine on a lot of the days out – some of it was quite warming.

A lovely morning for cruising - no wind, sunshine and beautiful scenery

Even though it was leisurely cruising time we still were making sure about the weather in case it suddenly turned bad and we needed to get back, but (touch wood) apart from one or two days it has been ideal.

Look at that sunshine - definitely time for the sunnies - maybe
time for the deck chairs and suntan lotion

One of the worst days we could cruise was the day we decided to move from Penkridge back to Baswich – a brute of a day – extremely windy and with a bit of rain early on.

No this is not a disused canal in need of restoration - just a very
muddy towpath, which I am pleased to say was the exception
rather than the rule

We can now say that cruising in the wind holds no great fears for us – the boat handled very well and even though there were many gusts we didn’t move off course – however the same couldn’t be said of Diane’s cap which flew off back into the water – she wasn’t giving up it – not a $30 cap.

Reuntied with her cap.
This is the lady with whom I have been in love with for 30 years
- and now as much as ever

We had an email come through from Gill and Malcolm on nb Shoehorn in the marina that things had indeed been very rough – the winds had been extremely bad and there were items being blown off the roof – for quite a few of the boats.

We seemed to have none of this – we knew that it was very windy overnight and of course on that day of wind cruising, but it really didn’t seem quite so bad. Looking back on where we had moored, we seemed to have naturally taken the safe option of protection from the housing and trees around.

I think this is what BW mean for you not to do - running your
engine in gear - who knows how much damage is being done
to the bank

We later saw Andy and Jean from nb Josephine and they related the very windy conditions again – they had lost the Satellite dish off the roof – as Andy has said – it takes a lot of struggling with both hands to remove it from the roof (so strong is the magnet) – but to have the dish blow off, means the wind was STRONG !

It just felt so very very good to be out and moving over this time and to re-establish the feel for being on the move.

Brilliant sunshine, cool air and "stern" concentration

We took an extra day and went up into Stone, winded and moored on the 48 hour moorings below the bottom lock. It gave us a chance to go to the supermarket and not have a long walk back to the boat in the marina; a chance to have dinner out without needing to get a taxi back.

If this is winter cruising then I am all for it – but I feel that it has been just a time of very unseasonable weather – in a perfectly good and enjoyable way – the turn will be on the way.

Even the crew enjoyed being out and about - Banjo in his
favourite spot out the back

Xmas and New Year - our first in the UK

Monday 19th December to Thursday 29th December 2011


With it being Christmas week, naturally it is a busy time of the year, and it was to be for us as well.

A slightly smaller tree than usual

Of course there is the usual shopping that has to be done and we spent an inordinate amount of time needing to shop – there are just so many times that it is possible to fill the fridge – I think we managed to fit twice its volume inside.

We have a really dumb dog – on one of our shopping expeditions we decided to walk into Stone via the towpath and whilst it was a bit muddy and wet in places it really wasn’t any real problem at all – until Banjo decided to walk a bit too close to the edge and simply slid into the water. He clung to the edge waiting for a hand to drag him out – interestingly, he had one of his coats on, which was completely saturated, but he was not – maybe, because of his many ventures into the canal, he might be picking up some of the protective oils from the swans.

Lazy good-for-nothing dog - doing what he does best - SLEEP!!

As it was the walk into Stone he remained that way until we got back, after which he was bathed – the bath may never be white again.

We decided to hire a car for the holiday weekend as we had a visit down to Watford planned and not wanting to or having to rely on public transport was just a little bit of a luxury.

The finished pram-hood cover - her indoors refers to it as the conservatory

So as to not waste having the car we then had to make sure that we got use out of it – a visit to Stoke to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie – again an enjoyable film to see; a bit of Toy’R’Us shopping; into Stone on Xmas eve to catch up with Howard and Janet (nb Compass Rose); there was also a Stafford visit on the day we picked the car up, so that ASDA didn’t miss on any further profits

We had Xmas lunch with Mike and Stella – so nice was the meal that it remains one of the great highlights of this last week – roast duck with an apricot-based stuffing and a blackcurrant-spiced gravy – very very nice indeed.

wouldn't trust these two where there are drinks around



Stella and Mike and some interloper

Xmas lunch - very very nice indeed

The usual post-xmas day of getting over too much sparkling wine (and the crook prawns).

A further trip into Stafford for a better look around the town – fortunately not too many shops open and my stomach felt decidedly better than in the morning.

We found plenty of time to catch up with everyone at Watford.

a new olympic sport - synchronised something or other - Debbie and Pam

never trust a Liverpool supporter - Jonathon with Emma (brother and sister)

or a Chelsea supporter - Phil with his smart look on

And the other great thing to happen was the completion of the pram-hood cover for the back of the boat – it makes getting in and out much better and easier – putting on and taking off coats and shoes when it is raining or just plain cold outside is a breeze, as of course is the extra benefit of minimising the draught in through the back doors. The finish is as we wanted and the amount of light we now get in when the internal back doors are open is really good.

The weather has been a mixture of nearly everything – sunshine, wind, rain, cold and warm – only missing some snow – but that will come soon enough.

It has been so mild that we are planning to go out for a cruise for a few days – it is all nice and good with the marina, but you do start to get itchy for some movement – so we will be off (if it is not too cold or wet or if there isn’t something good on the TV or some other excuse – getting a bit soft we are).