patty-ann

Visited my boat yesterday, felt absolutely fantastic, she has lining and electrics , came home along the motorway with Birminghams stationary traffic, Sailaway time cannot come soon enough.

Swans all belong to "Queenie" so guess not allowed as fodder for commoners. We had swans at Foxton, 2 adults and 4 almost grown cygnets then 1 adult and 2 cygnets, later in the season the other adult turned up but minus 2 of the cygnets. I often wondered what the story was, whether they had overgrown the nest and eviction orders served but like our teenagers there's some that stop put!. I am interested to go and see whats happened this year. Its sad about the dead one as they mate for life

Throw enough fuel on a fire and it'll ignite

Hi June, I am in the process of buying a narrowboat, have the shell ,its being lined out and then I take over--sort of. I have attended x 2 driving courses, one in a wide beam and one with willow wren and then my son gave me a VHS radio course for Christmas and my next plan is the diesel engine course because I see the need to get as much knowledge as I can.

Thanks everyone guess needs must research more.

So its port and starboard not left and right And its bow and stern not pointy end or blunty end I saw two young girls in a canoe paddling like crazy, they reached a swing bridge and laid flat to coast under--I was kinda impressed.

I do not think that people are anti cyclist I think the issues are that cycling at speed along towpaths can be dangerous and also a bit irresponsible as indicates a lack of regard to other users, Towpaths are not designed to be used as racing tracks, nor should they be. Pedestrians and cyclists can co-exist as can motorists and cyclists, people just need a little understanding about needs of each other.

Ok list very good and saving it but with my memory I will forget what to look for when needed. What a lot of uses for empty toilet rolls--I have read all.

One of my sons does not claim benefits since he's working--he works silly hours yet cannot manage on minimum wage since he's in a flat with travel expenses, another of my sons still lives at home and despite sending off an unbelievable amount of c.v's cannot get work in the field he's trained in. He will not claim dole due to his perception of it being scrounging. If people need benefits we should not judge, its a tough world job hunting. I have helped people fill out claim forms, some live in terrible circumstances.

Not sure "fair" is quite the descriptive word I would use, "abusive, aggressive" seem to fit the scene. Some people do not stop but hurtle through life as "the end is nigh" . Each to their own.

We have lots of towpaths around us and they are to narrow to sustain a herd of stampeding lycra clad cyclists whose only desire appears to be how fast one can get from A to B. Bells and Lights not cool additions since it seems to be a extreme sport for some so has to have challenging aspects. I do not think they cycle to see wildlife. All to soon bikes will take over towpaths and rambling aimlessly will be a thing of the past. Fortunately they are banned from riding up the side of the stairway, but I have seen them try. I cycle, have helmet and bell and probably womble along at an uncool speed. Towpaths are pleasant and they are there for us all. WE just need to have respect for other users.

I have not yet painted my boat, is it easy to apply? Does it have lots of colours--as one of the fairer sex colour is kinda crucial Is it mega expensive compared to the other products on the market?. I am planning to paint my boat late April.

Hiya and welcome. Lots of good advice on here. Hope you find what yu are looking for

Re velvet jacket look---Leicester has vintage charity shop which does all the retro gear, I occasionally have a wander round to show son that "Yep I walked around in that gear".

The cases of those unable due to health to fight for themselves always raises issues of what is right. I spend a lot of time filling in forms to try to help disabled and am so aware that those unable to fight for themselves are in danger of becoming pawns. I know that those with mental health issues are so vulnerable and I believe there is no right way or solution. I always feel these people need rational people to speak on their behalf who have both knowledge of law and awareness of all the issues involved. Its easy to sit on the side lines and judge. I can see both sides, who champions the sick? Compassion, a non existent quality in the harsh reality of life where rules and regulations dictates life.