Water Rat.

Really struggling now. Done everything to get the gas fridge going but it is not working at all. We should be in Stourport tonight, does anyone know anyone within a reasonable distance who either services these things or sells them. It seems caravan establishments won't even consider them being on boats and we do need a fridge. Thanks.

Why should wanting a few plants on the boat be controversial ? If you don't want any, fine, not a problem. But it is hardly a great crime having a few petunias on your roof surely?

Almost any low growing summer bedding will be good. I always like a pot of geraniums and a few herbs on my boat. My Nemesia is doing very well this summer despite not great weather and windy conditions.

We had a gas safety chap out looking at the fridge( he said turn it upside down and leave it for 12 hours) we also detected a gas leak. He gave us a thorough check and said all is ok. I am now relighting the fridge and think I can smell gas again. How can I check if a joint it leaking gas? It it just the washing up liquid thing?

The Electrolux gas fridge has decided not to do its thing! It used to be pretty good and I could freeze stuff in the ice box, but now it is not cooling at all. Any ideas? We are away until September so rather need it.

Am I the only one who uses Ecover stuff? Can't find any in Stratford on Avon at all and I am out of shower gel. Oh no! What to use? ?

We gently cruise pass moored boats so as not to disturb or disrupt. But, sitting here in the middle of the countryside, the boats are hammering by, no sign of slowing down at all! All private boats. I have just yelled at one as we were catapulted back and forward. They were most indignant, so am I!

Coming up the Stoke Bruerne flight today we has the pleasure of sharing the locks with two delightful gentlemen. They are brothers and have been hiring boats together for over thirty years. They just love boating and the canals and have seen far, far more than I have. One of them plans to buy his own boat next year. While chatting they were telling me tales of far flung bits of the system, but, the one blot on the landscape was that they have frequently been treated like idiots because they are in a hire boat. Someone even came out of a cottage at Stoke Bruerne telling them that they should open all the paddles when they were the only boat and choosing to take their time. When they pointed this out apparently the person huffed off and slammed their front door! So folks, lets all be nice to hire boaters, not jump to conclusions and offer help when needed.

Agreed. I love the Eau de Cogne mint.

Mint is my favourite herb. I make loads of minted youghurt for dipping crisps into. Good as tea as well.

Yes it has been a bit cold at night for tomatoes but they will harden up and now we have had some sun they should get going.

I am having a bit of fun with gardening on my boat during our extended summer trip. If anyone is interested in canal boat gardening please feel free to join my Facebook page The Canal Boat Gardener.

I had a mouse on Jade last year. It managed to drown itself it the washing up bowl!

Please don't let this stop your painting - you are my inspiration.

Sorry you can't make it Alan. We will be heading north for the summer from Ricky on Monday, would be nice to see you on the way.

Well said. I have always argued that point, we women can never get it right. We are just about to go off for the summer and the hair drier issue was one I had so, I have grown the hair a bit longer at let it go a bit curly. Hair styles have to change with boating. Has she tried a hat?

We are on 32A

We will be there.

The final choice was down to the editor. I submitted several pictures but I love this one. Thank you for you lovely plants.

I have recently spoken to a couple of people who clean their boats with baby oil. It does seem to bring to paint up beautifully bright. Before I do this I wanted to know from others what they thought. Is it safe practice?

They both said no................................................. Not really.

Yes I did ask permission from both of the people in the photo.

Very disappointing!!