Memories

Monday 3^rd December 2012

Everyday we create memories, sometimes we just do not realise it, but in days, months even years to come we will think back to what we did or who we were with and a smile may elicit from our face; maybe even a chuckle about what happened or what was said; sometimes it may not be something we want to think about any more.

Life aboard is just one long reality series of events that occur for no apparent reason until we look back on them.

I am sure that we will get a few good memories from the Monday afternoon coffee get-togethers that are now happening.

Of course we cannot discuss what Carol gets up to with her knickers; or just how Andy ended up with an orange car; or Jim’s love of chocolate; or Elly’s love of trains in England – but it was a lovely afternoon, which if not for the fading light (after 4:30pm) may very well have continued for a bit longer.

Ducks go Quack, Swans go Crack!!

Sunday 2^nd December 2012

Pretty cold is the best way to describe the weather last night; the thermostat kicked in a couple of times last night to get the heater going and keep the boat from freezing completely – well at least it kept it above 10C inside whilst outside the temperature plummeted (dropped like a rock I say) to -4C.

Mr. Frosty has cast his white wand around the boat

and the marina too!!

As the cold (very cold) light of day showed there was a significant amount of ice in the marina and also out on the canal.

A dusting of icy frost everywhere

The ice was about 3mm thick – certainly not too thick that you couldn’t cruise through it – we did see a couple of boats on the move today – never a bad time for a cruise.

The ducks had no problems with the ice – they easily scoot along it as they come into land, but the swans did have a few of their own – the ice gave way under their weight and the distinct ice cracking sounds were loud and clear.

the swans crack through the ice on the water

One of the cygnets - 5 in total

Mum and Dad and two of the "billy lids"

We decided that we would walk together to get the Sunday paper – usually I am despatched with the dog (after coffee and other sustenance is provided whilst Diane is in bed awaiting our return) – this morning we were all up and ready for a walk – plan changed shortly after leaving to going into Stone and back again.

just a part of the icy awakening this morning

It was such a very nice day today – crisp but not excessively cold by the time we were underway; no breeze at all and with just a hint of sun trying to break through – all in all a very good day for a walk – and via the towpath.

ice across the width of the canal as well

The beauty of a cold crisp icy morning and the towpath is that any mud and/or water, along the way, is frozen so no slush on the boots just a need to be a little careful on the frozen puddles as they can be slippery.

Of course once in Stone we had to have coffee – Costa is conveniently open on a Sunday morning – sitting outside (as we had Banjo) we were talking to a lovely elderly lady, Jill, seated in her mobility scooter – talking about dogs and the merits (or lack) of David Cameron (I didn’t vote for him so not my problem); the lack of funding for preserving old buildings and any number of other things that seemingly come up as things of complaint.

We feel a little sad at the state of the nation and the general feeling by so many people that they do not have any real say in the running of the country; no real chance to make improvements in their lives; the real feeling a sad decline of a once proud country – it is a constant theme that we hear in talking to so many on our travels.

We had purchased the newspaper, which contained a sizeable amount of despair similar to our chat with Jill – sometimes I wonder why we bother buying the paper, seems only for the sports results which contain some form of hope.

The walk back to the boat was pleasant and uneventful; we arrived back at the marina in time to catch up with Sam, who was taking his dog Angel for her walk – Sam along with Cheryl and Angel are aboard their boat Calon Lan.

We had usually exchanged hellos to Sam and Cheryl as they headed off to work, but this morning we had a bit of a chance to talk – it seems that Sam and Cheryl run a pub in Stafford and in talking with Sam, I got a real sense of a person with direction in his life; a life plan that they were following; someone who knew he had a future – maybe the type of person that this country needs more of – looking forward and progressing, not backward and hoping.

Winter arrives; the snow will be next

Friday 30^th November 2012 to Saturday 1^st December 2012

The kitchen work was done for now – nothing that could be worked on until we received the worktop which was due for delivery on Saturday morning, do Mike decided that he could have an early mark to return home for the weekend and the family Xmas party.

Diane on the other hand saw an opportunity to fill the new wine rack so contacted Elaine (nb Manly Ferry) and the two of them were off to Morrisons to take advantage of some low prices on good quality Wolf Blass wine – red and white.

At least some peace and quiet for a little while, before the phone call to confirm the quality of the red wine; and also to let me know that they had found Mick (nb Parisien Star) there as well – so the three of them would be coming back together.

Upon return Elaine came aboard quickly to view the progress and then needed to take care of the menagerie.

I took a little time to sort through the stack of wood that we still had – some for Mike to take; some for Mick to check through; and a small amount which was dumped.

During this time Diane put things away from the lounge and moved the two chairs around to give us a good idea of the final layout – I have to say that that the space that we thought would be there was in fact just jow we were thinking it would be.

Earlier in the day we decided not to continue with a purchase of some solid oak for the trim at gunnel level inside the boat – too expensive (at this stage) and two weeks to arrive – Mike wouldn’t be fitting that before Xmas – we will revisit it after the holidays.

It was quite relaxing to not have any work being done for a few days and just be able to relax a bit and enjoy where we were, but certainly looking forward to the rest of the work being done.

Saturday morning arrived and as is the norm one of us stays in bed and the other takes the dog for a walk to get the paper for her; but a little different today as we needed to wait for the delivery – we had been notified that it would be sometime between 8am and 1pm.

It was very cold and wet with the rain starting somewhere about 5am, but the temperature was way down as the rain was forming into ice on the roads.

The paper came in handy as we waited for the van to arrive and fortunately it came just after 10am; we got the worktop loaded back onto the boat and protected form damage.

We had made arrangements with Lyn and Phil to meet in Stone about 11am, and just had enough time to get there; coffee first before anything else – met a couple of more boaters – Ann and David (sorry I cannot remember their boat name but it is down at Great Haywood) - and then out for Diane and Lyn to reduce the sizes of our wallets (Phil and mine) – we also did a little bit of wallet reduction ourselves.
Naturally thinking of lunch – it was just after 12 noon by now – so we asked the guys at The Mill
setup if the restaurant was open – “yes” came the reply, so all settled – we walked and Phil brought the car.

Unhappily whilst they were open it was only for two pre-booked functions – we would need to try again on another day.

Second option was The Wayfarers – fast becoming our favourite restaurant in Stone – the food was again excellent – we all shared two sharer platters and mains were fairly reasonable choices without being overly large or overly priced.

Such was the enjoyment that we were all having that the time seemed to fly by and the arrival of coffees coincided with the 3pm chimes.

This is what happens when the food, company and conversation are excellent.

A great way to spend time and we had a great time – thanks guys – looking forward to the next one.

Lyn won the sober vote and very kindly returned us back to Aston – again greatly appreciated.

Friday morning

Saturday afternoon

two contrasting views of the marina

Just enough time to take Banjo for a walk where we met a boater we hadn’t seen before – Bob from nb Elysium, who is only down here for weekends – so great to meet him. I had seen this boat about two years ago at Rugby with another owner – Bob confirmed that he had purchased it only about 12 months ago and that it was indeed down that way.

A bit concerning that after a while you remember boats that you had seen a while ago in a different place (and remember where as well).

We also saw Elaine as well who was watering up and not long after this the sun had disappeared below the horizon – time to move back to the boat and be inside before the cold came down.

It very much appears that the cold temperatures overnight will continue; the ice and frost will continue; and sunny cold days as well.

The first signs of ice on the water for this season - it didn't
last that long but a sign of the things to come.

Saturday has been a lovely day – may more days like this be ready to arrive.

The end of the day - will it be so good tomorrow ?

Cometh the cold!!

Wednesday 28^th November 2012 to Thursday 29^th November 2012

Diane wanted to get some shopping and lunch in Stone – on our way we were talking about the Farmer’s Market on this coming Saturday – should give Phil and Lyn a call to see if they would be in the town and maybe organise lunch with them.

We wandered down to the Italian restaurant by the Star Lock and who should be locking through but nb Valentine with Lyn and Phil looking very well – they were on their way down to the marina for a diesel fill and get a look at the kitchen progress – you cannot go anywhere secretly without being found.

So they moored up below the lock and we all enjoyed a lovely lunch together, after which we travelled back to the marina with them – Phil and I looking after the diesel fill whilst the girls were off to view the kitchen.

By the time I had got back to the boat I walked in and stopped dead as I saw the starboard side cabinets had been assembled and in place.

We now had a perfect idea of how the space would be occupied and how we would manage in the newly bounded space.

a lot more room to walk through from the kitchen to the lounge

almost there - new cabinets on the right but no worktop and
new cabinets on the left with the makeshift worktop.

probably a better view and with less mess showing

It was looking absolutely fantastic and the cabinet for the pantry was essentially finished with the wine rack at the back.

We said goodbye to Lyn and Phil as they commenced their return journey and returned back inside for one final positioning of the newly formed cabinets.

There was a reasonable amount of the left a bit and right a bit advisement coming from the management. There was also a likely-not-to-end suggestion from her about making sure of the ease of moving the washing machine out of its cubby hole whilst the cabinets were moved back a bit – in the end it was just easier to give in and do it – she had worn us down.

After that the most important item to be properly positioned was her chair so that it would be able to be fully reclined and fit in the area next to the pantry – it was a case of “it’s about me and my chair” – she was indeed pleased with the result – so all’s well that ends well.

It really has come together quite well but we were all beginning to feel pretty tired – Mike and Diane relaxed to watch Masterchef and left me hard at work at the dinette – but now I am able to see all of the way through to the lounge – unlike 2 weeks ago – it has all changed and for the better.

Wednesday night was particularly cold – the frost was already setting in by about 7pm and in the morning there was a reasonable amount on the pontoons and boats alike.

You didn't need to be outside to know it was cold - it just looked
cold - silhouette of the church spire at sunset

The day was sunny but the air was extremely cold – even a very slight movement of air went straight through anything you had on.

Diane had a dental appointment in the afternoon, Mike had the cabinet ends to prepare and fix on as well as the extension to the bed; I had plenty of work to do – at least there were a lot of emails to sort through.

The cupboards are looking really good now – just need to wait for the worktop to arrive; the bed extension is progressing quite well and we will get to test it out tonight; and my work has been finished.

During the day we have had a visit from Mick to see about his radio and setting stations into it – he needed some reference point to work from; we have returned the wine to Carol (nb Winton’s Folly) and started to remove and get rid of the rubbish.

We estimate that only about 10% of the material coming out of the original kitchen will need to be dumped – most will be re-used and some will be used as kindling wood for fires.

It seems that Diane’s trip to the dentist was successful – at least for the dentist – he will be able to pay school fees for the kids for the next term at their private school – at least judging by the quote that she was given.

Oh well, we will need to get it done so that she will have a mouthful of correctly fitting teeth – how else will she be able to nag me – errr I mean advise me what I should be doing.

Pantry party time for a wine

Tuesday 27^th November 2012

The weather today has been very much colder than the past few – the wind was biting and went straight through, so it was going to be an indoor day – glad I had plenty of work to do in front of the computer.

Mike was busy with the outer wall of the pantry – it need to be in two parts as the wood we had been re-using was not wide enough – it also meant shaping one side to the wall of the boat and as anyone knows this is not a straight up and down – the fit has come out being almost exact to the wall – really do love the way it looks – but it isn’t in place yet.

one part of the panel for the pantry wall - partially
hiding Mike "the boat elf"

There is a lot of fiddly work involved in this wall – and now we have decided to include a wine rack into the back of it all.

The pantry is 300mm wide and will use a lot of the vertical height but at the back below the gunnels will be a space which will allow us to incorporate at least half a dozen bottles of wine – red of course – we will have to find a place to store the white for Diane (maybe in the engine room).

One of the things that we needed to do this was a wine bottle for the measurements – we had some somewhere in the boat but do you think we could remember where – no way, no how could we find them – the only thing to do was to borrow a wine bottle – preferably a full bottle and where else – ask Carol (nb Winton’s Folly) – always going to be a bottle spare there – only kidding Carol!! – but of course she had one to spare but it was a white.

In the meantime the spice rack and paper towel holder have been put up and being filled.

Spice rack and paper towel roll in place

We also needed some electrical work done to complement the rest of the work – one power outlet set had already been moved, but one other needed to be done; a new set put in and also some lights. There was also a little matter of a buzzing in the switch box for the boat’s engine.

Clive Penny duly arrived and as any good tradesperson will tell you – “Of course it can be done” – well done Clive – Diane was pleased with that response.

He will be back on Monday to take care of all of the work – Mike is away that day so they won’t be in each other’s way.

The switch box noise seems to be a problem associated with one of the alternator’s and Clive will investigate to see exactly what it is and rectify.

There are some bits and pieces that Mike will need to finish off little parts of the job – so we will be off to source these tomorrow.

From high and dry to High and Cry(ing)

Monday 26^th November 2012

Fortunately the overnight water levels had started to fall – by 6am they had dropped almost 30cm – but this also produced a couple of headaches.

When I went out to do a check on boats I met Phil and he had already done a run through at 5am and moved a few forward so that buttons were not over the pontoon, but now, about 1½ hours later there were two boats with the back button firmly on the pontoon and between us we could not move them.

Solution: Andy Webb and the guys came down – one was a little easier and five guys were able to push it off – the second needed a couple of heavier ones on the front of the boat to force the back up and then it seemed to just slide off without too much problem.

Steps were then taken to prevent them coming back to the pontoon.

A nice wakening for the morning!!

Breakfast out of the way; we just needed to wait for the expected delivery – not long after 9am it arrived – but wait – no worktop in the truck – the only thing we needed and it wasn’t there.

Mike carried on with some other work that could be done (needed to be done but not necessarily straight away).

Meantime I was on the phone – two tops were in stock but both were damaged – too much to be used – the next delivery – 29^th November if they could get one– you must be joking – a later phone call confirmed a delivery now to be Saturday 1^st December.

Mike had carried on with the pantry; I was stewing on not being able to get the worktop – I arranged with Andy (nb Josephine) for a trip to Stoke to return a couple of ends which I had ordered incorrectly – would also give me a chance to verify that I was getting the right story.

A short drive and short time later we were discussing the predicament with one of the B&Q people – he showed us the worktops in question – they were correct – could not be used – we couldn’t even salvage the two parts that we needed from these two top – just too much damage.

Andy then had a brainwave – did they have a section of worktop that they could not use and would be throwing out? – in the trolley was a 160 cm section to be discarded – could we take it until the proper delivery arrive? – yes, not a problem – at least we could create the worktop and fit the sink and hob so that they could be used until the new one arrived.

With this and the new ends that we purchased we squeezed them into the car which was smaller than they were and made it back.

End result is that Mike was able to create the finished worktop with the hob and sink in place – albeit this will be discarded in a week or so, but at least we could cook again and wash the dishes.

still some work to be done but taking shape

Mondays are coffee club days and at 3pm there was an assembly gathering – Andy and Jean followed by Jo (a new comer) and then Diane and I, Elly and Mick, and coming down the path were Jill and Malcolm (not dead yet) and also Jim and Joan (recent arrivals to the marina) and a bit later was Elaine – including Mike who came up we were 13 in total and the cakes displayed on the table were enough to feed a small army or a small African nation.

Huddled around a table in one of the cedar huts the initial cold became progressively warmer and we were very comfortable both temperature wise and with each others company – plenty of joking and stories to tell.

We may need to move to the larger hut next week – especially if Diane continues with her recruiting efforts during the week.

A day starting with some headaches and problems eventually leading to suitable outcomes (some solved and some temporary resolutions) ending with laughter and jocularity is indeed the right way around.

Rain Rain everywhere; not a drop to drink

Sunday 25^th November 2012

One of the joys of being able to live (and work) from a boat is that when it rains the sound of it hitting the roof can be very soothing. Inevitably the consequences of a night of continual soothing roof-hitting rain is that the water levels will rise and if the mooring ropes are just a bit too tight then when you get up in the middle of the night (usually due to the response that the sound of running water will produce), you may find yourself walking at an angle slightly nearer to being on the wall of the boat.

We had slackened off the ropes a couple of days ago as we saw some rise in the water and so we did not have the awkwardness that others may have had.

There is now a giant step down from the stern onto the pontoon – something that we are not used to doing – may need to have to buy a step ladder to be able to get aboard soon.

In the morning we rechecked the ropes and slackened them a bit more and just did a quick check of others on the pontoon to make sure that vacant boats were all OK.

Further checks throughout the day meant further slackening of ropes for 6-8 boats.

The other outcome from all of this rain is that the rivers also are swollen and fast flowing and when we were off walking at lunch time we saw the full effects on the river near to the canal.

normally a nice placid river - now in almost full flood

the cows and sheep have deserted the place

the houses in the distance are in Stone

This is why they call it a flood plain and do not permit houses to
be built here

normally the view from the deck of this house is over green
fields - now you can throw a line over to catch dinner

Talk about Inland Waterways – we had a vast inland waterway on our doorstep.

Spoke to a couple of C&RT guys near Aston lock – they were able to tell us that the flooded river had broken through to the canal and there was a height differential of about 2-3” in favour of the river and this has been the main reason for the rising water in the canal and the marina – there was doubt that this would be reversed any time soon.

The kitchen continues with its rebuilding and Mike has been able to install the first of the cupboards – 2 which will hold the sink – the washing machine has been relocated and above it the hob will sit as it had previously.

the existing pipework in the kitchen - no need to change any of this

however the gas line to the hob needed some reforming
to reduce the distance to the new hob position

here you can see how much Mike has had to do to get it right

All is ready for the delivery of the worktop and remaining cabinets tomorrow morning and we have just been notified will be with us by 10am – so all is looking well for resumption of full cooking facilities.

cabinets in place - still a bit more to secure them completely

It has been Mike’s little touches that has impressed Diane greatly – just a little concerned about exactly what she is referring to – she can be overcome by close proximity to trades people.

now with the washing machine in place

There are still a number of things left to be done and we have the electrician coming by on Tuesday to look at moving and installing a couple of power outlets and a few lights.

The weather is starting to turn again – after a bright and sunny day today, the clouds are beginning to roll in and the reports for tomorrow are for some more rain – we will have to wait and see what eventuates.

Just a word or warning - although the sun might be out in full sunshine - please do not sunbake on the road.

K-Day with the heat full on

Tuesday 20^th November to Saturday 24^th November 2012

Kitchen D-Day had been approaching for a little while now and the final push to clear out the cupboards and ready the boat for the kitchen work to start was in clear evidence.

The best thing that I could do was stay out of the way, with laptop open and in high gear and keep the head down.

Containers of cans and tins as well as saucepans and pots in the cratch area; the bath was filling fast with things that we would most likely not need for a little while (at least we hope we won’t need them) – now where exactly did we put the dog – just have to follow the whimpering noises.

Coupled with all of this and the reason why it was being readied on Tuesday was that Diane had doctor’s appointments down in Watford for Thursday and needed to travel down on Wednesday – coming back on Friday.


a view of the marina in full sunshine - we have had some good
weather even at this time of the year

Phone call from Mike to confirm that he was arriving on Wednesday evening; Diane departed on the train early afternoon – oooh a few hours to myself and time to finish my work.

Sunshine and country lanes - perfect walking conditions

still more of the same...

Think again young Ray – no sooner had I got back on the boat than a phone call from Ed Shiers – our Mykuni heater was on its way back to be re-installed – we would be having heat again tonight.

He showed me the state of the flame tube which governs the efficiency of the heating and fullness of the burn of the diesel – there was some serious deterioration of the metal and some serious cracking as well – even to the untrained eye I could tell that is was not in pristine condition.

When it was fully reinstalled, it was considerably quieter (even with the engine bay open); there was absolutely no smoke whatsoever; and certainly was heating up the inside the boat very well indeed.

In the time since the reinstallation, we have experienced the benefit of the improved efficiency and without smoke and noise – well done Ed.

Before the renovations begin

This has become too narrow for moving
between the kitchen and lounge

There was some need early on to check, double-check and triple-check calculations with work-top measurements; oven positioning, pantry dimensions – all just to make sure that we knew that we had everything correct before doing the final ordering of units and worktop.

lazy bones

the taller than normal fridge to be incorporated

After all of this Mike was into it and had quickly removed the cupboards and other woodwork where shortly the positioning of the oven and the fridge would be renewed.

There was an evolving plan as Mike went along of the timing of things to be done and we reached lunch on the first day (with no wickets down) it became self-evident that a trip to B&Q was necessary - to place the final order for cabinets (and other pieces) for delivery as well as pick up the first two cabinets – so a little later (about afternoon tea time – still no wickets down) – we were off to Meir Park B&Q – a mighty big place.

A final bit of work to move the gas pipework, from the stove, into place and that was the end to a very productive day.

Mike hard at work - the pipe is for gas supply to the oven

plenty of time for a laugh

it is taking shape

one clear bulk head

Day 2 emerged and more careful planning before launching into it all – the planned opening up of the dividing wall between the kitchen and the lounge gave a feel and look that we had hoped for – just so much more open but retaining some separation between the two areas; after this the second bulkhead was built; oven shelf in place and insulation for behind the new fridge position and final fixing of the pipework.

Removing the washing machine out of its normal hibernating place and reviewing the water pipes behind it all.

The secret is all in the planning and reviewing and amending.

Parisien Star coming back into the marina after a pumpout and
diesel fill - note the expert control from Mick (further directions
from Elly)

Maintaining that full control over the situation - gently
pivoting off the opposite pontoon and easing Parisien Star
back into the mooring slot

Saturday has been a bit “exciting” – we took a long walk into Stone to pick up some things that we needed – leaving Mike to do what he does best – I think that is the carpentry (not the singing along to the radio) – and so we could see the expected change in full once we returned.

Not disappointed at all – the fridge and oven in place – and they were working – just as we envisaged it to be.

Fridge and oven both in place.

and a little more open to the lounge

The two cabinets have now been built in readiness for the removal of the remainder of the existing kitchen – it also means the hob being disconnected; the sink being disconnected and the new cabinets to be put in place – all of this is for tomorrow and as we all know – tomorrow is another day.

Calm before the storm

Monday 19^th November 2012

After a pretty decent sort of day on Sunday, Monday did start off in a pretty spectacular manner, but the colour of the sky, the cold of the wind and the feel in the air provided an ominous sign of what we could expect for the rest of the day – it didn’t appear to be one of great excitement.

Beauty in the colours but beware of it in the morning

Luckily the rain held off, but the cold and the wind persisted and to tell the truth, the flu that I have at the moment didn’t help one little bit.

On top of that it was back to work day and the waiting deluge of emails was the last thing that anyone needed.

Anyway somehow I have struggled through it all and Diane has invoked all of those great skills that made her a very very good nurse – I am still alive and her repeated calls to increase the insurance policy have been in vain so far – it may still be early days yet.

Monday has become cake and coffee afternoon – a group get together – bring your own coffee, tea or other drink and cake(s) will magically appear. Andy and Jean (nb Josephine) were missing today – grandchild minding duties for this week, but Gill (nb Shoehorn), Elaine (nb Caxton alias Manly Ferry) and Elly and Mick (nb Parisien Star) were all there – Mick was coerced (or maybe threatened) to make an appearance.

The numbers will continue to grow.

The essence of this week appears to be fixing problems and a lot of internal works taking place, so we are all hoping that by week’s end it will be a long way further progressed.
Diane has commenced the process of clearing the kitchen and lounge of non-essential items; the bath has become a temporary storage area; and the dog still has his bed inside the boat – for how long will depend on how much he whimpers and whines – all readying for the great kitchen upheaval.