Winter 2017-2018
Greetings…...Its been a long time !!...First blog of 2018…..What a winter its been…
It’s
been quite good being back in Yelvertoft Marina, the other people who
moor here are a lovely bunch and also the people in the village, we
are starting to feel part of the community.
There
was the usual Halloween party in the canvas tent on the grass outside
the office, the marina band didn’t play this year but they had a
disco and karaoke. The guy running it was very good, not too loud so
we could enjoy a drink and a good natter. There was a piece of
romance during the evening involving the neighbours who live on the
boat next door, Greg and Jane, dressed as Dracula and his lady, . .
He knelt on one knee and proposed, Jane said yes, so there will be a
wedding in May. He did manage to fall over while kneeling down which
was very funny ...we were recording it on our mobile phones so can
wind him up using the evidence. They are a lovely couple, who we will
miss when they sell their boat and move into a new home in Wales
after the big day.
I
have always said, a good village must have two things, a good church
with genuine people and a good pub. We are lucky we have both.
Church life goes on, we have good teaching with a man who knows his
Bible and can explain it in down to earth language. Thanks Jim for
what you do.
Also
the life in the local pub - The Knightly Arms - Yelvertoft village is
very lucky having a good dog population as well. Friday night,
between 5pm and 6.30pm has become ‘doggie night’ in the pub.
There have been up to 10 dogs of all types wandering around (all off
the lead) and playing together brilliantly.
There
are two little dogs ‘Sprockers’ one is about 18 weeks old and she
is as mad as a hatter.
So
funny as she (Bo) jumps on peoples laps and says hello. She has had a
few glasses of wine knocked over. Her owner always replaces them, so
no-one is out of pocket(except him). Other dogs range from a huge
German Sheppard, Black Lab, Border Collie, 3 Jack Russell’s and the
occasional visit of a Bull Mastiff.. our friends Piggy Pete and Sue
came over the other week with their two Bernese Mountain dogs !! They
couldn’t get over the fun. Its a lovely atmosphere and a great
start to the week end. Good beer ..good company...who could ask for
more. Life is good.
It’s
been good to catch up with family and the grand children. Sophie had
a family birthday party at her home in Redhill, we went down to the
party but stayed over in a lovely dog friendly hotel first built in
1388..it has a great atmosphere. On Sunday morning, after a huge full
English breakfast we had a few quality hours with them, playing
snakes and ladders at Clive and Chloe’s with Sophie but baby Hannah
was asleep in bed.
The
following week we had another birthday party, or rather a ‘neon
disco’, organised by my daughter, it was Amy’s 13th
all the family was there. My late sisters children and ex in-laws
great to catch up.
We
have of course had our pick up from school duties of Rebecca our
other granddaughter, she has a very full social life, it puts us to
shame. What with horse riding ..Brownies..Stage school... and
Gymnastics to name just a few.
As
for Narrowboat . . .Infinity. . .. what about her ??. . . . Jenny has
been very busy over the winter time with basic cleaning and
rejuvenating of the interior. It looks great now its finished.
We
have been very warm over the snowy weather. The central heating has
come into its own, it’s been lovely, the wood burner ticking over
and just press a button (if needed) to boost the temp up.
Saved
a lot on electric but that was offset by using more diesel. However
!!! We have been warm, at our age, we need that.
What
have I been up too ? . . An honest answer not a lot. As a few people
know I suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) this year it’s
been pretty bad. I’ve been unable to concentrate and get on with
things which need doing. I really need to be in a hot sunny climate
...
My
problems with my diabetes are causing a few problems, my diabetic
nurse has changed my insulin but we are struggling to get the levels
right. Now injecting twice a day. The side effects extreme tiredness.
But !! the sun is on its way, hopefully..We are planning this years
cruising and if all comes to fruition we should be eventually heading
for the peak district and further if time allows.
We
plan to pull out of the Marina here next Friday...back to our chosen
boatyard for the boat bottom to be blacked...and a few days at
Newbold on Avon.
Back
then to the Northampton Arm just to say ‘we have done it’
..returning to Yelvertoft Marina for Jane and Gregs wedding in
May...then of to the peak district. Hopefully spending more time in
Birmingham en route. Loved Gas street basin but would like to explore
more of the canals around Brum. May till October the time is ours.
As fast or as slow as we want...Loving retirement.
For
day to day information on where we are, . . . follow us on FACEBOOK
That’s
it for now, just a short one this month, as and when we get going I
will hopefully have more to say ...Lunch is served….TTFN
XXX
