Woodmanton

So sorry to hear of your loss

Isn't it a great feeling when you have your winter coal delivered. Thanks to mark from star class for keeping us supplied. Such a wonderful sight, a fully laden working nb. I just wish he would leave his little dog behind, she is so adorable.

Spent a fantastic day at the locks actually walking through a lock rather than taking our boat. Canal Trust are doing a great job making a safe and enjoyable passage through Foxton

Yes Tim, my thoughts as well.

Matty40s I only work at the marina, I don't have any say in what they charge, but we are more or less full. Good news is water is rising gradually. Thanks to Pete (Nb Bella) & his gang from BW for working very early this am sorting out the problem.

Apparently not lol. They, (BW ) reckon on it taking 5-6 hrs for the water level to get back to normal. I've lost count of the number of phone calls I've had today asking me what I can do!!!! Unfortunately I don't have a big magic tap lol

Some thoughtful person left gates & paddles open all night at Braunston. All boats at Weltonfield marina are stuck on the bottom.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. I've also been charity shopping for years. I remember some of my friends being horrified that I actually bought clothes etc from them. This is back in the seventies. I find it very amusing how its now become trendy & called Vintage. What I do miss is the jumble sales. I can never seem to find them now. When we were moored at Bramwith on the Aire & Calder I did manage to find one & a very good church fate. This summer we went from a 50' to a 70' so I'm relishing the prospect of filling her to the gunwales ! I have tried to do the minimist bit, (sorry about spelling) but have failed. Lol

Seeing as I had a day off, thought I would go into town & give the charity shops a thorough check out. Such fun, managed to find lots of fabric, wool & other much needed stuff. (My partner would strongly disagree on this point ). Our settee is in need of recovering, luck was on my side & I've purchased well over 10 Meters of fabric for just £4.99 .Don't you just luv it when a bargain comes your way. Another great find was an Aga kettle, hardly used for as little as £3. It is now sitting on the stove ready for action. Still miss Lichfield though, the charity shops there were brilliant. Daventry ain't quite the same.

I usually wrap my pricked spuds in foil, smeared with butter & place in the ash tray. You can do the same with sliced parsnips carrots, what ever takes your fancy. You can also use this method with a piece of braised steak, just make sure it's well wrapped. I usually place an onion & fresh herbs in the parcel. Leave for few hours to cook. Baked onions & apples work really well too.

Funnily enough got the front doors open as it got too warm. Strange when people say, o I wouldn't want to live on a boat in the winter. You must get so cold. Think this is the best kept secret. Lol

Never used to like the thought of winter when I lived on the bank. But having lived on our Nb now for many years, it's my favourite time of year. Stove lit & travelling is easy. O and of course, lovely stews cooking on top of the stove & jacket potatoes in the bottom. Aah!

One more coat to go!! My poor knees. Oo I would so luv to afford to pay the marina to paint our boat. Hey ho, stop dreaming & get & clean the brushes.

Thanks. I hope that after a few weeks I will feel more confidant. Love having the extra space, but there is still a lot of work to be done. She hadn't moved from the marina for the past 8/10 years. We've just spent the last week in dry dock blacking her. The hull is in good order, so that's good.