tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74077223367396713112023-11-15T23:39:47.673-08:00N.B.ShiraleeThis Blog has been set up in order to chart the progress of the Narrow Boat Shiralee around the Inland Waterways of England and Wales.Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-79291350431777783182016-12-30T22:49:00.002-08:002016-12-30T22:49:38.844-08:00Bosworth Marina Winter 2016/17 # 10<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday
24<sup>th</sup> December to Saturday 31<sup>st</sup> December</div>
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Sunday 25<sup>th</sup> December (Christmas
Day)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday; and just for a change for a
Saturday; we walked up to the village twice. The first time was for the paper
and other shopping. The second was for the pub. We don’t know what Christmas
Day is like here and didn’t want to be standing for an hour. It was pretty busy
yesterday, so I think it will probably be busier today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, we’ll be walking up that hill again
tomorrow, again twice, and again for the paper and the pub. But, before the
pub, we’ll be watching the local Hunt go by.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, last night we watched the film about The
Lady in the Van, on BBC 2, which was written by Alan Bennett and was,
supposedly, a true story. It was Bennett’s account of the 15 years that this
lady spent parked in his driveway, because she thought she was responsible for
the death of a young cyclist. In short, she was on the run from the law.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a consequence of this film not finishing
until 10.40 pm, we were rather late going to bed and I was rather late getting
up this morning. 06.30 to be precise! Ah well, we are retired you know, and I
can get up when I darn well please.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wifey did the hoovering yesterday, so it will
be all day cooking, of sausage rolls and, much later on, because we like our
turkey cooked on the day, the turkey will be cooked. So, apart from a small
amount of sausage rolls, Wifey should have a relaxing day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 26<sup>th</sup> December (Boxing Day)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wooohooo! What a Christmas Day we had. A very
good breakfast and a short walk with Alex. Lunchtime we had a couple of sausage
rolls, as made by Wifey. Yum! Dinner at about 5.30 pm consisted of a few slices
of turkey, with all the usual trimmings. No boiled bacon this year, as we had
more than enough turkey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We had a 10lb bird, complete with legs. We
were going to have just a crown, which is enough for Christmas dinner and
Boxing day dinner, plus enough left over for a turkey and ham pie. But, I think
we have too much meat now. No matter, we’ll manage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At lunchtime today we’ll walk up to the
village and watch the local Hunt pass through and I’ll take a few photos of
same. We’ll then stop off at the Olde Red Lion for a couple of drinks with
fellow boaters. No doggie today as we think the sight of all those other dogs
could give him a heart attack.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 27<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, so much for seeing the local Hunt
yesterday. When we first visited this marina, Chris told us that about 40 boaters
walked up to the village at about 11 am, to watch the Hunt pass through. Some
of them would then call in to The Olde Red Lion for a beer, or three. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ve been told the same thing recently and,
after waiting to see how many boaters converged on the office here, I walked
across and asked one of the boaters who didn’t go. He told me they already went
and that he thought the Hunt actually went through the village at 11 am.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, since we were already too late – thanks
for giving us a shout guys – we put Alex on his lead and started walking, with
a view to grabbing a couple of drinks at said watering hole. What we didn’t
account for was the amount of people who had assembled there. The whole of
Station Road was awash with cars and, along with those boaters who did go, many
of the attendees were walking down the hill to their cars. Unfortunately, that
left many more who were filling up the two pubs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We stood no chance of grabbing a drink, much
less grabbing a seat. I don’t believe I have ever seen pubs so full of people,
and they were still trying to get in and to the bar. Still, we did have our
Christmas drink, only we did so on Christmas Eve, when it was much quieter.
Still, we did benefit from a good, round-trip walk of about 2½ miles yesterday,
so that was something. It did, at least, help to walk off some of the
over-indulgence of Christmas Day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Now, listen up good people.<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Some time ago, as certain readers will know,
we had a spate of ‘hacking’ of my email list. Some idiots out there have gained
access to that list and have emailed some of my readers. This has annoyed me to
such an extent, that I have decided to look at transferring my blog to a
different site. There are quite a few out there, including WordPress and a few
others. However, I’m at a loss as to which one to go with. Suck it and see,
seems to be the only option. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, watch this space for further news. I
might even build a free website. Who knows?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 28<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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By heck, it’s blooming chilly here! According
to my mobile weather app, it’s currently 0⁰ C and, from efforts filling up with
water yesterday, we know the pipes are frozen. We’re not yet desperate but, so
long as these freezing conditions don’t last too long, we’ll be ok.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Normally, on Boxing Day, we have cold meat
and bubble & squeak, which would consist of turkey and boiled bacon.
However, we had such a large bird this year, that we stuck to turkey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The day following Boxing Day – that’s
yesterday, in case you’re getting confused – we usually have a turkey and ham
pie. However, once again we still had too much turkey for us to cook the ham
joint, so it was just a turkey pie. It was HUGE!! Far too big to eat at one
sitting. So it looks like more of the same today. Not that I’m complaining, you
understand. I do like my turkey pie, even if it doesn’t have any ham in it.
But, what to have with it, that is the question. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As for the rest of the day, well, we’ll probably
take a walk around the Water Park later, but that will be it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 29<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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The New Year is nearly upon us and the days
are lengthening, thank goodness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, with regard to a new blog, I’ve decided
to take the easy route and open a new blog with Blogspot. This will have a new
name, obviously, but, instead of having the posts come direct to you, my
friends and family, I’ll be giving you the address at which my posts can be
read. I will then email all interested parties each time I post a new blog, so
that you may access it at your convenience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hopefully this will prove to be a safer way
of blogging. The new blog address will be included at the end of this, my last
blog of the year. I have tried several other sites on which to start a blog,
but Blogspot is by far the easiest and besides, I’m used to using it, so we’ll
stay with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Right now, at Bosworth Marina, we have a cold
snap, which has meant that the water supply has been turned off. (I actually
thought the pipes were frozen) This is not unusual in marinas and we know that
Trinity Marina; which is a few miles away from here; do this for three months
of winter. Braunston Marina also switches off, but for the whole of winter, or
so we’ve been told.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The only real problem with this, is that our
nearest tap doesn’t supply water at all. However, there are one or two taps
that are left open during this period, so that we can either run several
connected hoses to one of those, or take a container to them and fill up. No
big deal really.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday we finished off the turkey pie,
with the addition of beans and tomatoes. We still have some turkey meat left
but, whether it’s still edible, we won’t know until we try.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 30<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was a funny old day for me. For
some reason that I am unable to fathom, I felt very tired for most of the day.
We took our usual walk into Market Bosworth first thing and, upon our return
had our coffee and biscuits, after which I sat down to have a read. It didn’t
take long before my eyes started drooping and I dozed off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some might suggest, from the above, that I
have a problem with my blood. Perhaps I’m anaemic, for instance. Well, I think
I can count that out, because I recently had a blood test, and that came back
as normal. Perhaps I just didn’t get enough sleep the night before. Or, it may
simply be that, with it being the Christmas period, I simply ate too much for
my own good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning I feel quite chipper and I’m
hoping I don’t go the same way today. Otherwise it will be a trip to the doctor
as soon as possible. It has to be said though, that my blood glucose readings
have been rather higher than normal, so that might be it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, instead of the usual 2 x toast this
morning, we’re having porridge. And, instead of a sarnie for lunch – the turkey
has all gone now – we’ll have a cuppa soup. And, instead of a proper, cooked
meal this evening, we’ll have a pasty. That should do the trick.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Attention please!<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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My new blog address will be: <a href="https://boatmandave.blogspot.com/">https://boatmandave.blogspot.com</a> I haven’t entered a list of emails to send
each new post to but, what I will do is email all who wish to continue reading
my blog, as boring as it can be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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May I suggest therefore, that anybody
interested in continuing to read my new blog, please email me and say so. I
promise I won’t be offended if you are no longer interested in my day to day
ramblings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Hey! I sometimes wonder why I continue
blogging. But it gives me something to do between getting up in the morning –
usually 1½ hours or more before Wifey –
and when I stop to do breakfast.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, please take note of that address as you
won’t be able to read my new blogs without it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 31<sup>st</sup> December <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is it, the last day of 2016. Tomorrow
will, as I have already mentioned, be the start of a new blog and the start of
a new year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday started out very foggy and we didn’t
think we would be able to go anywhere. We intended going to Morrison’s for
shopping and petrol, but we had to wait for several hours before we could do
so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the event, we managed to do the shopping,
but the petrol station was so packed we decided to try the garage nearer to
Market Bosworth. But, that lazy so and so doesn’t appear to care too much about
local customers, because he was closed. I remember coming home from Harlow a
while back, and that was quite early in the evening. He was closed then. I have
since learned from other boaters, that he’s totally unreliable and loses a lot of
trade.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, as it’s the last day of the year, we’ll
relax and gird our loins for the new one. We only have about three months to go
and we’ll be ‘out there’, rather than stuck in here. It’s a great marina and
the village is also very good, but we prefer to be cruising.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And, on that happy note, I’ll be saying ta ta
for now and remind you of the new blog address once more, which is: <a href="https://boatmandave.blogspot.com/">https://boatmandave.blogspot.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All the best for 2017 to all my readers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cheers me dears<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-13087872928178171762016-12-23T22:31:00.002-08:002016-12-23T22:31:27.570-08:00Bosworth Marina Winter 2016/17 # 9<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Bosworth Marina
Winter 2016/17 # 9<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Wednesday 14<sup>th</sup> December to
Saturday 24<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 14<sup>th</sup> December <o:p></o:p></div>
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We planned on doing a bit of running around
yesterday, which would have included posting Christmas cards, visiting
Halford’s, topping up with petrol and washing the car. None of this was
accomplished, because, for some strange reason, I just felt too tired to do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know I didn’t enjoy a good night’s sleep
and, after breakfast I felt the need for forty winks, but those 40 winks would,
under normal circumstances, have set me up for the rest of the day. They didn’t
and so, after driving up to the village and doing a bit of shopping, I decided
it would be best if we put all that running around off until today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having had a reasonable night’s sleep last
night, I think I can now manage all that running around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, I have Alan’s 70<sup>th</sup>
birthday bash to attend tomorrow. I’m hoping to call in on Les and Dave before
meeting up with Alan and Co, but she has to be at the Vet’s by 11 am, so I
might miss her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I would normally sleep in Darren’s bed
when I visit, but Darren will also be there, so it’s the small bedroom for me.
Who cares? A bed is a bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 14th December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, we finally got all that running around
done. Newbold Verdun is the village that houses the Post Office, so that was
our first trip. From there we called into Morrison’s and did a bit of shopping.
Now, Wifey’s intentions are, on the whole, just to but a few bits and we
usually use a basket. But, knowing how big her list gets, I took a trolley. Half
an hour and two shopping bags full, and I was glad I did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Next on the agenda was petrol and car wash,
which didn’t take long and then it was off to Halford’s, where I picked up a
small vacuum cleaner. I also picked up a screw-in and lockable filler-cap.
However, since I wasn’t sure it would fit, I took it out to the car and made a
new discovery about the SAAB. I discovered that, if the car is locked, then so
is the flap that covers the filler-cap. That being the case, I decided I didn’t
really need the lockable filler-cap. Money saved is, as the saying goes, money
earned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 16<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, Harlow. Tomorrow, home via my daughter
in Bedford.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 18<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alan’s 70<sup>th</sup> birthday bash went
very well on Friday and the food and drink flowed freely. Although, not so much
drink for us drivers. I stayed over until Saturday morning and, on my way home,
I diverted to my daughter’s place near Bedford. I even managed to get her laptop
up and running again. Unfortunately, the programme I bought online, was no help
at all. However, when we booted the laptop up and the password box emerged, it
had a wee message below it, which read, ‘password hint – Now That’s’.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It took a while before Teresa herself came up
with, ‘Amazing’, which actually worked. However, since I didn’t want her to
forget it again, I persuaded her to do without a password altogether, and I
removed it. She’s now a happy bunny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the age of 74, I’m finding this long distance
driving a bit of a strain. But, with the SAAB, I have to say it’s certainly
less stressful than the Alfa. Why do bigger cars reduce driving stress, I
wonder?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, today is Sunday, Wifey’s sewing
machine turned up yesterday and we’ll spend our usual hour in the local pub at
lunchtime today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 19<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wifey has yet to properly unpack her new
machine and we’re taking the bus into Hinckley today to see if we can find some
material with which to practice. We’ll do some shopping at Sainsbury’s also.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday we walked into the village twice;
that’s a total of about five miles. No wonder I’m knackered now, even after a
reasonable night’s sleep. Today will be more relaxing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, it’s brekky time, so time to close this
laptop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 20<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was not quite as relaxing as I
expected it to be. Well, actually, the first part was OK. That part where we
sit and have breakfast and then, because we were taking the bus to Hinckley, a
relaxing hour or so doing sweet Fanny Adams. After that it was, take the car
into Market Bosworth and park in the local car park. Then, it was stand at the
bus stop until the 10 minutes late arrival of the 159 to Hinckley.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The journey to Hinckley takes about half an
hour, so we arrived there at about 10.40 am. From there it was a walk to the
High Street and a visit to several of those shops. (Actually, we now know why
so many people get off the bus early. They are then much nearer to the
Britannia Centre, which leads to the High Street)<o:p></o:p></div>
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After the High Street, we then walked to
Sainsbury’s and did some shopping there – a trolley and shopping bag full.
After that and since we were too late for one bus and far too early for the
next, we sat and had a coffee and Cinnamon Roll, before walking to the bus
stop, where we sat and waited for the 10 minutes late arrival of the 11.30 bus
back to Market Bosworth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, we rescued the car from the car park
and drove home. Not exactly hectic, but a somewhat drawn out affair. I really
must study a map of Hinckley and find a suitable car park there, which would
shave at least an hour off future shopping trips. It’s either that, or we drive
to Atherstone, where we can park at the Co-op and stroll around the town.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll walk into the village and do much
of nothing for the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later……..<o:p></o:p></div>
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As usual for first thing in the morning, we
walked into the village for the paper and other odds and sods. We also called
into the Surgery and asked about the results of my blood test. This was done in
order to check my blood’s ability to clot. (I’m taking pills that are supposed
to ensure that I DON’T suffer an embolism.) The receptionist told me that all
was normal, but no advice was forthcoming from the GP who ordered the test. So,
rather than take it upon myself to stop taking the pills, I now have an
appointment with the aforementioned GP. But that’s not until January.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ah well we can’t have everything, now can we?<o:p></o:p></div>
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At about 12.30, seeing such a bright sky out
there and negligible wind, we decided to take a walk around the local Water
Park. Blooming marvellous it was and Alex enjoyed a good run around. We arrived
back at about 2 pm, so it was a pretty good stretch of the legs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Incidentally, and before I forget, whilst we
were in Hinckley yesterday, we called into Ryman’s for a new mouse – my old one
now belongs to Teresa and I hate to be without a spare. I also wanted a bigger
USB stick. Anyway, we walked over to the racks and attempted to remove a mouse,
just to see what kind it was. Would you believe, the darned thing had been
locked on to the rack? So, there was no way it could be removed for inspection.
It was the same with the USB sticks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, since it’s obvious they don’t trust
anybody anymore, I walked straight out, never to return. Instead, we took a
further walk into the Britannia Centre and walked around Wilkinson’s and found
what I wanted there. Not only that, they weren’t locked up and they were
cheaper.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sorry Ryman’s, you’ve done yourself no
favours there. I know it’s Christmas but, if Wilkinson’s trust the British
public, so can you. Nuff said!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 22<sup>nd</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday went without an hitch or a hiccup,
as you would expect from a couple of well organised boaters with 10
years-experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We took our usual walk into the village
where, after Wifey did the small amount of shopping, I took a look in the
Newsagent’s for a Christmas Card for herself. Sadly, none was available, so I
tried the Co-op, but all they had were ones for a Special Person, so I settled
for one of those. We really didn’t want to drag the car out and go over to
Newbold Verdun for just one item.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll walk into the village again and,
I have no doubt, we’ll walk back again. After that, well, coffee and biscuits
seems like a good idea, followed by a relaxing day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, it may seem that our lives consist of a
round of easy-peasy days. In the main this is indeed the case, except that I
now spend an awful lot of time on the mobile with my daughter, who has got
herself in a bit of a pickle. Suffice it to say and without going into too much
details, she needs a lot of pacifying. Not that I’m complaining, you
understand. It’s just that I’m not used to all this chatter over the phone,
which can be somewhat exhausting, to say the least.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 23<sup>rd</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today is the day we collect our Christmas
turkey from the local butcher. Most folks will do so on Saturday morning but,
since we have no wish to queue up outside, we’re getting ours today. There’ll
be plenty of meat on it as it’s weighing in at 9lb. Sheila originally ordered a
crown but, when she was told it would be the same price as one with legs on,
she decide to get the lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other than that little chore; which will
involve driving into the village; we have nothing special planned for today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 24<sup>th</sup> December (Christmas
Eve)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Almost there! Less than 24 hours and
Christmas Day will be upon us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We collected our turkey yesterday morning
and, as usual, Wifey managed to squeeze it into our fridge. How she does it, I
don’t know. But she seems to manage it every year and, this year, we don’t just
have a crown. This is the real thing, all 9lb of it, wings and legs and all. By
my reckoning this will take about 3 hours and 20 minutes to cook.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our Alex entertains us in many ways, but
yesterday was quite different, even for him. Early on in the evening, while we
were watching TV and he was lying at Sheila’s feet, he suddenly jumped and
started spinning in a circle. When we looked we saw he was chasing a wasp. A
wasp? At this time of year? Well, I know it’s been mild, but surely they can’t
survive in these conditions? It’s been far too cold and windy, surely?<o:p></o:p></div>
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The answer came to us later in the evening.
We bought coal and logs yesterday morning and, we assume, the poor wasp was
resting in amongst the logs and must have woken up and crawled out of the
log-box under Sheila’s chair. It gave Alex a fright but that didn’t deter him
from trying to catch it. He missed, of course, but Sheila soon caught it, with
a towel wrapped around her hand. It was disposed of through the hatch, as she
normally does when we’re out cruising. This applies to bees and other insects,
daddy-longlegs being one of the main intruders.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later on we were watching BBC 2 and a programme
about the creatures that lurk among things in our gardens and sheds. Not to
mention our rooftops and gables. Anyway, Alex was lying across Sheila’s lap, as
he does most evenings and, there on the screen was a squirrel. This animal was
jumping up at a bird feeder and, afterwards, when a female came into view, it
was chasing her across the rooftops. Alex meanwhile was going potty. His head
was going back and forth and, eventually, the growl started in the depths of
his chest. Finally, he started barking and we were in fits of laughter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This all reminded me of Rusty, our previous
Jack Russell. When driving in the car with her, she would sit between Sheila’s
feet, quite quietly for the most part. However, when it rained, that was a
whole new ball game. Because, once those wipers started, she would bark like
fury and try to get at them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I tell you, dogs are a fun addition to any
boater’s life. They really are.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And, on that cheerful note, I’ll wish you all
a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, to all friends and family who sent us
Christmas, many thanks, they are much appreciated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All abreast from Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-12246036934894600102016-12-13T22:33:00.002-08:002016-12-13T22:33:32.332-08:00Bosworth Marina Winter 2016/17 # 8<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday 2<sup>nd</sup> December to Wednesday
14<sup>th</sup> December</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 3<sup>rd</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today I’ll be driving down to Harlow to visit
my brother Alan. On the way back home tomorrow I’ll call in on my daughter,
Teresa. However, ‘the best laid plans….’ Etcetera!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, as expected, I drove down to Harlow
yesterday to spend the day with Alan and Val. On the way down and for some
reason best known to itself, the nearside wing mirror glass came adrift and
ended up resting against the body of the car. So, I pulled onto the hard
shoulder and, applying some firm pressure to the glass, ‘stuck’ it back on.
Unfortunately, after pulling back onto the motorway, the darned thing fell off
after a few minutes. By this time I was too far away to go back and retrieve
it, so I simply carried on to Harlow and, later in the day we called into a
motor parts shop in Bush Fair and bough another glass. This one is a wee bit
smaller than the one I needed, but will suffice until I can find the right one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, you may think I should have simply put
that recalcitrant mirror glass in the boot and waited until I could buy the
right one. And, you would be right. But, I hate driving without wing mirrors.
As a bus driver I was required to use them all the time, so their use has
become habit with me. I’m sure you understand.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After watching Alan make his batch of
marmalade and, after a few beers in The White Admiral later, it was home to a
dinner of sausages, eggs and chips, as requested by me. Actually, the marmalade
was at my request also, or, should I say Wifey’s, because she was running out
and she does have a thing about Alan’s three fruit marmalade. She now has a
couple of jars to keep here going. Of course, when we leave here in April, for
our 2017 cruise, I’ll have to prevail upon him to make more; enough to see us
through six months cruising.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we spent an hour in the local pub,
after a walk into the village.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow we’ll take the bus into Hinckley.
This time I’ll be looking for some sweatshirts to hide these blood eruptions on
my arms. These are as a side effect of my medication. I’m due to see a
different doctor on Wednesday. Hopefully he’ll prescribe something else.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 5<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Frosty this morning, which means I’ll have to
scrape the ice off the car before driving into Market Bosworth for the bus to
Hinckley. While we are there, as you know, I’ll be looking for a couple of new
sweatshirts. I also need to post off a pewter car that I sold on eBay. Sadly,
it’s the only one of seven that has sold.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately, there are no car part shops in
Hinckley, well, not that we know of. However, we could take a run down to
Halford’s, on Thursday for that new wing mirror.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other than that we have no specific plans for
this week. Except, of course, my doctor’s appointment on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Incidentally, having enjoyed my first run to
Harlow in my latest car, I’m pleased to say I’m very happy with it. Finally I
have become ‘one’ with my new vehicle and now know how to handle it. Why does
it take so long to familiarise oneself to a different car as one gets older?
Yet another mystery for someone to solve.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 6<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was rather hectic, what with taking
the bus to Hinckley and shopping etcetera. We lead a hectic life, we boaters.
Resting up for the rest of the day, was not an option, because I have family
matters to attend to and they have been taking up my ‘rest’ time. Darn it!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, however, will be a rest day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow, however, I have a doctor’s
appointment in the morning, and I’m hoping to dispose of several containers of
oil and a naff radiator, to the tip. Other than that, I have no idea what’s in
store for the rest of the week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 8<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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An interesting day yesterday. Some of you are
aware of a particular family problem I am currently trying to solve, and some of
you aren’t. Well, for those of you who are, my visit to the doctor; which was
not of significant importance; was interrupted by a phone call. Thankfully I
managed to complete it before being called in to see said doctor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Following on from that visit, we drove down
to the Post Office and deposited a bunch of 50p and £2 coins. Sheila saves the
50ps and I save to £2 coins. We came away with £120 in crisp £20 notes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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From there it was off to the local tip to
dispose of our broken radiator and oil. Unfortunately, one of the oil
containers had some lagging caught in the lid and I simply couldn’t open it.
So, that one came back with us, but only temporarily. We’ll dispose of it
later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally we topped the petrol tank up and went
home. The rest of the day saw me fretting over this family crisis. However,
after a reasonably good night’s sleep, I’m as ready as I can be to face the
day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 10<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Thursday I drove down to Bedford to see my
eldest daughter. The trip there was pretty normal but I left it rather late
leaving; about 4.30pm; with the consequence of spending the next 2½ hours
getting home. It was wall to wall cars all the way home, both on the M1 and the
A5. What made it worse was the dark night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, as you all know, we spend 6 – 7 months
cruising the canals and rivers, although we tend to avoid rivers for the most
part. Nasty things, they tend to flood from time to time, and you never know
what time to time that will be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, we’ve now been living on the boat for
10 years and, during that time we spent most winters at a static mooring,
sometimes on the canal side but most times in a marina. Except for my trips to
Harlow, which usually occur on Saturday, with my return on Sunday, we simply
poodle around the area doing shopping and such. However, it’s very rare for me
to be driving at night. Therefore, I’m now 10 years out of practice and, what
with the headlights glaring at me almost continuously, that ride home was very uncomfortable,
to say the least.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On top of that and due to the late hour, we
didn’t even bother with a proper dinner. Instead we settled for half a sausage
sarnie each.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We certainly made up for it last night though
and indulged in a gorgeous steak and kidney pie. Heaven! We bought that pie at
our local butcher’s, but he buys them in from another butcher in South Kilworth
and, as we know from experience, his pies are to die for. Our next one will be
a chicken and leek. Yummee!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, yesterday was not as relaxing as I had
hoped, but it did pass without incident. We took our usual walk to the shops in
the morning and indulged in a coffee and biscuits when we got back. As for the
rest of the day, apart from having my phone glued to my ear, we muddled through
it as usual.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, since Wifey still hasn’t tracked down
the sewing machine she wants for Christmas, we might take a run down to Tesco
in Hinckley and order it there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hey!! Success on a plate, I finally managed
to find the sewing machine Wifey wants for Christmas. Not only that, I found it
at Hobbycraft who, the last time we looked, had run out of stock. Also, they
only had two in stock when I visited their website, so I quickly snapped one
up. Won’t Wifey be pleased? And, it’s free delivery to the marina.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 11<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh dear, silly me! When I ordered Wifey’s
sewing machine yesterday, I ran into a problem on the PayPal site. It suddenly
came up with a message that the site was unavailable, or some such rubbish. This
was after I had gone through the process of paying and, not wanting to miss the
opportunity of buying the machine – Hobbycraft only had two in stock – the only
thing I could do was to backtrack and try again. All went well after that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, while we were sitting there,
watching tele, my phone rang and it was a man from Hobbycraft. He asked if I
had deliberately ordered two sewing machines, or had I made a mistake. So,
after explaining what had gone wrong, he said he would get it sorted and I
would be reimbursed the additional payment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll have to keep an eye on my PayPal
account. In fact, I’ll check that now, although I haven’t received an email
from them about this, so I don’t expect the payment to have gone through just
yet. Probably not until Monday morning now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today is lazy Sunday, although walking into
the village twice in one day, can hardly be called lazy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 13<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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OK, it seems the double payment has been
credited to my PayPal account, but has yet to be paid into our bank. Such
things take time and it’s just as well we’re not skint, because it could take up
to 30 days. Marvellous!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, at about 11.30, off we trotted to the
village, by car I hasten to add and we took Alex with us. Wifey had a hair
appointment at 12.20, so we parked up in the local car par, which charges just
20 pence per hour, but 50 pence for two hours!! Hmmmm !! Crafty!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, of course we were early, so I took
Alex for a bit of a stroll through some of the back streets of the town and, on
the way back, we passed (almost) the pub we use on Sundays, which is The Old
Red Lion. I say almost because, at that point I was feeling a wee bit chilly
and, since we had at least another 20 minutes before Wifey would be sitting in
her chair, we swivelled around and entered said establishment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Up came a pint of Stella and a packet of
crisps, which our wee pooch helped me to devour. No flies on him, you know!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, I sat there for a few minutes,
soaking up the atmosphere and feeding Alex, when I decided to phone Teresa, my
eldest daughter. Unfortunately, as with much of this village centre, the mobile
signal is pretty naff and, although she could hear some garbled speech, it was
pretty useless, so I switched off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a few more minutes, during which time
we had finished our bag of crisps, and I had polished off a good part of my
pint, I decided to text Wifey and let her know where I was. She texted me back
saying she would meet me there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, just to test the situation, I
moved over to be nearer to the window and, hey presto, a clear signal, so I
tried Teresa again and was rewarded with clear words. Lovely!! A good, long
chat ensued.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sadly I felt the need to reply to a call of
nature by then but, since I had Alex with me, I decided to walk around to the
hairdresser’s and wait for Wifey. By this time I had imbibed another half pint
of Stella, so my situation was getting quite desperate. Had I but known it,
Wifey was just paying up and would have joined me in the pub. But, as I had had
enough anyway, we tootled off home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lunch followed, but only after a quick visit
to the head. Ooooh, that was good. What do you mean, too much information? Tsk,
tsk!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow is blood test day and I have to
submit to the local vampire.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 14<sup>th</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few weeks ago I listed my old mobile phone
on eBay and somebody bought it, or so I thought. So, I waited for the money to
find its way into my PayPal account, but it never did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday I received an email from eBay
which, I thought, said the item had been paid for. Well, that particular mobile
has been allocated a different use, so this ‘buyer’ won’t be receiving it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning I accessed my emails and
discovered I had read the message incorrectly. I should have read, ‘This item
hasn’t been paid for’. Ooops!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, thanks to eBay’s Resolution Centre, I
was able to cancel that particular transaction. Which was just as well, because
I had already contacted this buyer twice, telling them I would not be selling
the mobile after all. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Okey, dokey, that’s this blog done and
dusted, so I’ll list it now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cheers for now and best wishes for Christmas
and the New Year, just in case I forget.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex, our wee pooch<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-49537668598803119772016-12-02T08:17:00.000-08:002016-12-02T08:17:01.303-08:00Bosworth Marina Winter 2016/17 # 7<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday 26<sup>th</sup> November to Friday 2<sup>nd</sup>
December</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 26<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I mentioned yesterday, having checked
online to determine if the skirting on the SAAB should be black or body
coloured, and having decided on black, I now need to find a sunny spot in the
marina where I can see clearly to apply the black.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, although I do have a system disc
for this laptop; or is it a USB drive?; I think I’ll make another one, because
the one I have is now quite old.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 27<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I girded my loins and, whilst Wifey was
playing with her latest toy – a much quieter vacuum cleaner – I trotted off out
with my bottle of skirting cleaner. What I expected to be a black paint like
cream, actually turned out to be white in colour. However, after taking my
trusty cloth in hand and liberally soaking it in this liquid, I was very
surprised at how well it cleaned that skirting. There are still a couple of
patches that require further treatment, but, on the whole, I’m very pleased
with the result.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having read up on the SAAB prior to buying
this 2007 model 9-3, I know that changing the oil on a regular basis, is
paramount to keeping the engine healthy. I also know that, if this is not done,
it can result in a build-up of sludge. So, my next move will be to get Dale to
service the car. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However, I’ve also noticed that, when I start
the engine from cold, a warning message comes up, telling me that the car is
due for a service. This warning can be turned off, as I discovered just a few
minutes ago whilst trawling the Internet. But, since the only evidence of a
service being carried out on this SAAB dates back to 2013, I don’t know if it
has been serviced by the owner recently. Best be safe than sorry, so I’ll get
it done as soon as I can.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today will be a typical Sunday, with a walk
to the shops for the paper, followed by an hour in the local pub at lunchtime.
This will further be followed by a roast dinner tonight, which is something we
very rarely bother with, preferring a snack instead. But, since we have a
rather excellent butcher in town, we intend to make full use of him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 28<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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For yesterday, see above paragraph. Roast
pork was excellent and succulent. Since we rarely indulge in a Sunday roast,
it’s an even greater pleasure when we do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the pub at lunchtime, we sat next to a
family that included a young daughter, her parents and their parents. We got
chatting to grandpa, who gave us some ideas about this area and especially the
Ashby canal, which we might pursue whilst we are here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today is a ‘free’ day, in that we’ll probably
do very little of anything important. Although, I might just give the car a
polish, assuming the weather allows. Other than that, we do have a bathroom tap
that needs a new washer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Interestingly, I asked Dale how much to
service the SAAB and was told, the same as any car, £75.00 plus parts. So, on a
bit of a whim this morning, I looked up the price of oil and filters; of which
there are three; and the total came to about £68.00, depending upon where you
order them from. I could, therefore, save myself Dale’s service charge if I do
it myself. How hard can it be?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow we’ll be driving to Ventura Park in
Tamworth, where we’ll be indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Wifey wants a
new and better sewing machine and I want some more long-sleeved sweatshirts. I
also want a 12 volt vacuum cleaner for the car. I’m sure we’ll do some
Sainsbury’s shopping also and we might call in at Atherstone on the way back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 29<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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A really cold and icy start to the day.
Hopefully the sun will come out and we’ll get to Ventura Park this morning.
But, as there’s no hurry, we could take the bus into Leicester and do Ventura
later in the week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday, when we went out to the car to look
for polish, the key fob wouldn’t work. Fortunately we have two, so it wasn’t a
problem. All I needed to do was put a new battery in. However, I wonder how I
would have got out of that had I been out and miles from home, when suddenly I
can’t get into the car!! Hmmmm! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 30<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pretty darned cold again this morning, so on
went the fan heater. Much better!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday we took a drive to Morrison’s for a
BIG shop. And, it was big, a trolley load and two bags full to the brim. Most
of our shopping is done in the village, simply because we have a very good
Co-op, an even better butcher and a greengrocer, so big shops aren’t always
necessary. However, since we needed to call in at Halfords for polish, we
decided on a big shop at Morrison’s. Simples!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, having shopped and bought polish, we
headed off home for a well-deserved coffee and biscuits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, later in the afternoon, I took it upon
myself to get out there and clean the windows on the car. I discovered
yesterday that the windscreen especially, was in need of some TLC, so out came
the bottle of glass cleaner – that stuff as recommended by Aston Martin, no
less, and gave all but the rear screen a good clean. Sadly, due to the fact
that we now have a saloon car, and also because I find it difficult to kneel
down on my six year old new knees, Wifey has been delegated to carry out that
chore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, since we’ve now bought all we need from
Morrison’s, and all we need from Halford’s, and since the only thing we needed
to go over to Ventura Park was Wifey’s new sewing machine, we have decided not
to take that particular trip. Why? Well, because, where the sewing machine is
concerned, we can either order it online and get it freely delivered, or I can
buy one in Harlow on Saturday. This, of course, is a decision for Wifey to
make.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, today we’ll walk up to the shops in the
village, grab ourselves a coffee and biscuits when we get back, and then, once
Wifey has cleaned the rear windscreen on the car, we’ll run down to B&Q in
Hinckley and buy a much-needed radiator, because our one in the bedroom has a
leak. On the way back from Halford’s, we’ll call into the local garage and top
up with go-faster juice, ready for my first trip down to Harlow in the SAAB.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Later…..<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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So, there was I, sitting on a bench in Market
Bosworth, waiting for Wifey to finish shopping, when an email popped up on my
phone, from an old friend, in which he told me he had received an email from
someone who had accessed my blog mailing list. This is now the second such
‘hacker’ sending messages to my blogger email list.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, the obvious thing for my friends and
family to do when they receive such messages, would be to consign them to their
spam box. This is easily done in Outlook, because I do so myself with messages
I don’t particularly want to read. My server doesn’t always filter out spam,
unfortunately.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, it would be unfair of me to sit on my
hands and do nothing here. However, since it is impossible to contact Google
direct to explain the situation – all that’s on offer is the ‘community’ – I
can see no option, other than to close down this blog and start another one
elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, if anybody out there, who has
access to my email address, can suggest an easier alternative, I’d be willing
to consider it. But, if nobody can come up with such, I’m afraid this will be
my very last posting on Blogspot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, I will be contacting all those
people who currently receive my blog automatically, asking their opinion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 1<sup>st</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the moment I’m putting aside any decision
regarding the blog. Still thinking!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, what did we do today? Well, after taking
a walk into the village, we read the paper and enjoyed our coffee and biscuits.
However, since we are in desperate need of a new radiator in the bedroom, we
ventured forth, in our nice, new, shiny SAAB and made our way down to Hinckley
and B&Q. Fortunately my wife is a pretty good navigator and we found the
store quite easily. Apart from a slight, inadvertent diversion on the return
trip, all went well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the way back we called into one of the
local garden centres for logs, followed by the garage for go faster juice. Not
that we’ve used much since taking possession of the car, but I did need to top
up for my trip to Harlow on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow we plan on fitting the new radiator,
but that will come after I’ve checked the batteries and given the engine a run.
We also need to clear the engine bay of oil containers. Over the last couple of
years I’ve taken it upon myself to change the oil and filter whilst cruising;
purely as an interim service. Dave Hull will be asked to carry out a full
service before we leave next April.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday, as I mentioned above, will be my
first trip to Harlow in the SAAB and I’m quite keen to see how it performs.
Incidentally, with a number plate that starts YG, I immediately called it Yogi!
Dumb? Of course. But, I simply couldn’t resist the idea. All I need is a small
dummy of Yogi Bear for the back windscreen and I’ll be all set. Any ideas
anybody?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 2<sup>nd</sup> December<o:p></o:p></div>
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We topped up with petrol yesterday and
managed to squeeze just under 3½ gallons. (Yes folks, I’m still using British
measurements!) That amount of fuel has allowed us to cover 106 miles which, by
my reckoning, equates to almost 31mpg. Not a patch on the Alfa, but then the
Alfa only had a 1600 engine, whereas the SAAB is 1800 and a considerably
heavier car. What I need to do now, is reset the trip meter to zero and figure
out what it will do on a combined urban and motorway run of about 240 miles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Throughout the past 54 years since owning my
first car – a Hillman Estate that cost me £1400 at the time – I’ve never
concerned myself with the cost of running my car. The whole point of owning
one; to my mind at any rate; is the expediency of getting me from A to B without
the hassle of buses and trains. The aforementioned Hillman was the best I could
afford at the time, although it did cause some friction between myself and my
girlfriend at the time. Nuff said!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ve owned two SAAB 800s in the past, along
with an Audi 100 LS, a Jaguar Mk 2 3.4, a Ford Escort xr3i; stolen and burnt out within two weeks; a Toyota Celica and
RAV4, and several Alfas, not to mention company cars, always the best for
economy, if you get my drift. The SAAB 800 that we had when running our shop in
Kent, was a very good workhorse and allowed us to do some really heavy stocking
up of the shop. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, having spent many weeks perusing the
Internet, looking specifically for a much newer car than the Alfa; which was a
2002 147; we now have a 2007 SAAB 9-3 which, we hope, will last us until I pass
from this mortal coil, or until I feel I am unable to continue driving safely.
Of course, the ‘powers that be’ might decide on that point for me, but I remain
optimistic on that point. Indeed, my licence is due for renewal this year, so I
hope my optimism isn’t misplaced, otherwise I’ll have a car to sell.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later……<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ok, so, as soon as we had had our coffee and
biscuits this morning, and read the paper of course, we set to to tidy up the
engine bay and check the batteries. I also ‘muffled’ the heater pump, which
ticks away like fury, disturbing the peace in the process. Thus it is
impossible to run the heater in the morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, all that having been done, we then
set about replacing the bedroom radiator. Oh joy, was I looking forward to that
chore? Everything, from removing the old radiator and removing and fitting the
end bits from the old to the new, went well. The problem came when it came to offering up
the new radiator which, due to a slight difference in the position of the
support brackets, meant the pipework didn’t meet up correctly. It didn’t matter
how we wiggled the radiator around, it simply wasn’t possible to screw the ends
in for the water to flow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, after much hemming and hawing, we
repositioned the support brackets on the wall and, after some more wiggling,
finally got everything fitted and, most surprisingly, without flooding the
bedroom floor. Success is its own reward.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, it only took me a few minutes to
type the above. The job though took a couple of hours. Normally, where specific
jobs are concerned, I like to leave it to professional tradesmen. My brother
Alan, being one such, was too far away to call upon, which is why we decided to
do it ourselves. I HATE WORK!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This evening we’ll be having a really nice
trawler pie – or fisherman’s pie, if you prefer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Soon after completing the radiator fitting
and, having taken Alex out; rather late as it happens; we were asked to move
our car, because they are having a Jazz evening in honour of the NSPCC which,
at £15 a ticket is far too expensive for us. We, of course, could simply sit in
the downstairs lounge and listen to the music from there. But we’ll probably
hear enough from inside the boat, so we’ll probably stay put.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And finally, on that note and having nothing
more important to do today, I’ll post this blog and ask you to take note of the
info regarding the ‘hackers’ of my email list. I haven’t decided what to do
yet, but will let you know as soon as I have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cheers one and all and have a great weekend.
I certainly intend to, because I’ll be visiting Alan tomorrow and, on my way
back home Sunday morning, will be calling in on my eldest daughter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-74805976887762946192016-11-25T22:15:00.002-08:002016-11-25T22:15:42.377-08:00Bosworth Marina Winter 2016/17 #6<div class="MsoNormal">
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Thursday 17<sup>th</sup> November to Saturday
26<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 18<sup>th</sup> November (Black
Friday)<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have been putting off our trip into
Leicester and, after much deliberation, we settled upon today. But, as you can
see from the above heading, it’s Black Friday, which means hundreds of idiots
on a spending frenzy. Thanks to Amazon and the like, we’ll leave it for another
day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday morning I received an email, from
my new car insurers, asking for details about my No Claims Bonus and a
photocopy of my Driving Licence along with the Counter Part. (That’s the slip
of paper that comes with it)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I’ve held a UK Full Licence since the
age of 21; yes, I was a bit late; and I’ve never been asked for these details.
Anyway, I phoned LV; because you can’t always trust emails and their source;
and spoke to a nice man, who assured me this was the case.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I then phone Bradford and Bingley; with whom
I had my Alfa insured; and the nice man there assured me that, not only had
that information already been forwarded to me, but that he would also email me
those details. So, far, no email from B&B. Now, there’s a surprise!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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From LV, it seems that, if I do not comply
with this request within 10 days, not only will my insurance be cancelled, but
I would incur a cancellation fee of £40. Hmmmm! Who’s doing the cancelling here
and why should I pay for them to do so? Still, so long as the NCB comes through
from B&B, I’ll be a happy bunny, because LV have saved me £300 on my
insurance, which is about what B&B saved me six years ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s a funny old world, isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our planned trip into Leicester had one
particular aim in mind; aside from a bit of shopping; and that was to call into
the 02 shop, to see if they could sort my new mobile out. I am still unable to
send and receive emails through this phone, despite following my server’s
instructions on how to do so. Goodness knows, I’ve set up Outlook on so many
laptops now, that I can probably do it blindfold. But, whatever mobile I have,
I have never been able to do so with them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What I might try to do later today; since
we’re not going to Leicester anyway; is go online to 02 and see if I can open a
Live Chat with a shop Guru in Hinckley, which is where I upgraded to my latest
phone. Perhaps he/she can help me sort it out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This wouldn’t be an issue, were it not for
the fact that, at about 15 minute intervals, my phone peeps at me, telling me I
am unable to receive emails. I already know that but, do you think I can turn
the wretched thing off? No chance! So, I’ve got to live with that pesky peep
until somebody can sort it out. That somebody not being me, of course.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dunno what we’ll do today, but we’ll think of
something.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 19<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I didn’t bother with the 02 online
chat. Since we are going into Leicester on Monday, I’ll see what the people in
the shop there have to say.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When we went to Halford’s a few days ago, for
something with which to improve the state of the side skirts, the nice man
there; and I had to agree; said that it should be the same as the rest of the
external trim, which is black. So, I bought a bottle of stuff as suggested by
aforementioned ‘nice man’. However, having checked photos of SAABs online, it
seems these skirts should be the same colour as the bodywork, which is Titan
Grey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have you seen the price of car touch-up
paints these days? I think I’ll try to clean those skirts up, before I go out
and buy paint.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, on to this blog. I have emailed
everybody who, I think, should be automatically receiving my blog. So far just
three have responded and told me they have not. So, I have checked up on my
blog settings and, silly me, I think I put all those names in the wrong box.
Hey! I’m getting on a bit, so I’m entitled to my silly mistakes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, you should all be getting them now,
you lucky people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, what are we going to do with ourselves
this weekend. Well, one thing we really must do, is take our pooch over to the
park for a run-around. He’s been to the nearby water park, but we haven’t tried
him at the town park, which we’ll have to drive to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other than that, I have no idea what’s on the
agenda. But, we’ll think of something.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 20<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday, very cold and sunny. This morning,
still cold, but raining and a gusty wind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We didn’t bother with the park yesterday, mainly
because I couldn’t be bothered. However, just for a change, Wifey bought a
selection of vegetables, with which I made a thick vegetable soup for our
lunch. In fact, there’s enough left over for a snack this evening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We stopped having the traditional roast
dinner on Sundays several years ago and, depending upon how the days fall – you
may have noticed, there are seven in a week – we’ll either have a snack or a
proper meal. So, since this Sunday falls on a snack day, we’ll finish off the
soup.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ll also spend an hour in our local,
although with a 2½ mile round walk, it’s hardly ‘local’ to us. Other than that,
we won’t do much of anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As for the skirting on the SAAB, well, that
will have to wait until I get the correct colour paint. I did try Halford’s
online, but they only seem to do black. Whereas, the nice man in the store
seemed to think they would have all the SAAB colours. It’s not a problem
though, because first I need to see if it will clean up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 21<sup>st</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Didn’t fancy finishing off the soup
yesterday, so Wifey popped into the Co-op on our way back from the pub and
bought a chicken/cheese thingy, which came in a roasting tin. We had this with
pasta. Quite nice, actually.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning; as I’ve mentioned in previous
blogs; we’re planning on taking the bus into Leicester, but that depends upon
the weather and, as it’s pretty nasty out there at present, if it doesn’t stop
raining we ain’t going anywhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 23<sup>rd</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, after all the rain we’ve had over the
past couple of days, it looks like we’ll get to Leicester today. The weather is
still fairly mild and dry at the moment and so, provided we can circumnavigate
that darn great puddle at the main gate, we’ll be OK. By the way, there are two
entrances to this site, one of which takes us to the towpath and one which we take
when walking into the village. The one we need, when catching the bus, is the
access from the lane, which joins up with Carlton Road. That lane will,
eventually, take you to Shackerstone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our main reason for visiting Leicester, is so
that we can call into the 02 shop and sort out the email on my new mobile. As I've said before!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 24<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having given some consideration regarding a
bus ride to Leicester, we decided to go to Hinckley instead. The bus ride to Leicester
takes about 50 minutes and there’s only one bus per hour. So, adding up the
trip time and time spent in town, we would have been gone for about four hours,
which we considered to be a bit unfair on Alex. Hinckley, by contrast, is only
half an hour away and, by taking the car into Market Bosworth, we could save
some time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, Hinckley it was. Our first visit was to
the 02 shop but, upon our arrival and after speaking to the nice young lady
there, we were told that their expert was off that day. Great! Now we had to
consider going online for a ‘chat’ with a shop guru. I can’t say I was happy
with that idea because, unless the guru was actually handling the phone, I
could see no way for him to set up my email account.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, as luck would have it, the manager of
the store; quite a young fellow; was called into the shop and, after some fiddling around and,
what he called a ‘lightbulb moment’, he did something that I was unable to do.
He managed to enter my User Name into the correct box. I think that when I
tried to so, I was unable to simply because I had already inserted the
incorrect User Name. As a result, the manager of 02 only had to delete my
information and start again. Then, once my User Name and Password were
correctly inserted, in came a flood of emails. Job Done!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the event, after doing some shopping, we
were home before lunchtime, so our wee pooch wasn’t busting for a pee when we
walked in the door. What a lucky pooch he is, to have such caring owners!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, apart from an afternoon appointment
with the practice nurse, I have some stuff to list on eBay. We’re having a bit
of a clear-out – again – and I’ll be listing some pewter cars. These are model
Jaguars that, unfortunately, I was unable to complete a set of. We were running
our shop in Kent at the time and, when our customers deserted us for a new
Safeway store and our income plummeted, I was unable to continue collecting
them. Anyway, I have seven out of the 12 and will be listing them on a 10 day
listing, so that they finish on a Sunday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also have a full set of 12 WWII Aircraft; a
couple of which have not survived completely intact; that I will also be
listing sometime in the future. Unfortunately, where the Jaguars were kept in
their original plastic covers and inside their delivery boxes, the aircraft were all in one box, covered with paper stripping, so they are a wee bit tarnished
and are in need of a light clean. This should only involve warm, soapy water
and a very soft brush or cloth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also have a couple of cameras to dispose
of. One is my Olympus E500, along with a bunch of accessories, and a Yashica
Half-Frame. But they too are for a later listing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, I have a pretty busy day ahead of me, but
that’s after we’ve taken a walk up to the village for the paper and other odds
and sods that we missed yesterday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 25<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I managed to list all seven pewter cars
yesterday, but not without a few mistakes along the way, that had me revising
several of the listings. This was because, quite inadvertently, I uploaded the
wrong photos. Annoying, but easily rectified.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, after taking a trip into MB for
Wifey’s doctor’s appointment, and after coffee and biscuits, I’ll see if I can
list the cameras. Other than those couple of things, today will be restful, I
hope!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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Can’t be bothered listing the cameras.
Probably Sunday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shopping done, Sheila’s doctor’s appointment
also done. Couldn’t decide if the skirting on the SAAB should be black or body
coloured. So, after a look online at similar cars, it seems that the darker
colours, i.e., reds, blues and greys, all have black skirting. So, I don’t need
to buy paint, because I already have the stuff for the trim.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 26<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another cold start to the weekend but, until
we get our Webasto pump sorted out, there’s no way I can put the heating on
first thing in the morning. I took a look down there in the engine bay, but it’s
the pump itself that’s making so much noise. I had hoped that, by muffling the
pipes that go from the pump to the Webasto unit, it would stop that infernal
ticking, but to no avail. I’ll just have to ask our engineer to take a look. He’ll
probably have to replace the pump though, which is a shame, because it was only
replaced last year. Or, was it early this year, before we left to cruise around
the system? I’ll have to ask Sheila to look back on her records.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, since I’ve now typed six pages and
it is the weekend, I guess I’d better post this latest scribe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Enjoy your weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-86215381906246837722016-11-17T04:32:00.002-08:002016-11-17T04:32:27.940-08:00Bosworth Marina Winter 2016/17 #5<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday 12<sup>th</sup> November to Thursday
17<sup>th</sup> November</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 12<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s still persisting out there and it’s
pretty windy too, so I’m afraid our wee Alex will have to wait awhile before he
goes out. He doesn’t seem to be all that concerned and is laying by the fire.
Besides which; just in case you consider me to be a heartless dog owner; when I
go down to Harlow; Wifey still doesn’t get up until her normal 7.30 on Sunday
morning, and he doesn’t seem too concerned. I only wish I could hold myself for
such a long time. He goes out at 10 pm and I usually take him out at 5.45 am;
almost 8 hours later. How does he do it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we don’t have much to do and, if this
rain persists, we won’t be walking into town this morning. Fortunately, the
marina office sells the daily papers over the weekend and, since that’s all we
need today, we’ll wait until they come in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow I test drive the SAAB.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 13<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday we had rain, lots of it. So much in
fact, that we didn’t bother walking to the village for the paper. Instead, I
took the car up there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, as you all know, we’ve bought a new,
Bosch cylinder vacuum cleaner which, as we expected, is much quieter that the
old Electrolux. So, having packed the old one in the Bosch box, I lugged it out
to the car, ready for disposal to the tip in Barwell.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday afternoon, realising that we
couldn’t take it with us to check out the SAAB today, I went out there
intending to bring it back to the boat. Along the way I bumped into Daz – Darren
– and, purely by chance, asked if he was in need of a cleaner. Lucky me, he agreed to take it off
my hands. What a stroke of luck!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 14<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hallelujah! The problem of a newer car is
solved. We drove over to Toton and the Evans Halshaw site yesterday morning.
Although the car we were to test drive was only 2007, I didn’t harbour any
thought of it being perfect. The car in question, was a SAAB 9-3 1.8i SE and
had done less than 100,000 miles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However, we were both pleasantly surprised at
the clean condition of the car. We took it for a spin around the local streets;
although that was probably no very wise, because the fuel tank was banging on
empty. After that there was no doubt in either of our minds, that we would buy
the car.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we bought the Alfa, back in 2009/10, we
did so from a man who worked from home. The process of buying that car was
short and sweet. A short spin around the streets and a good look over the car
and, after signing on the dotted line, the Alfa was ours.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Where the SAAB was concerned the process took
forever. We left here at about 8.45 in the morning and arrived at 9.30. The
site doesn’t open until 10 am, so we had to wait for that half hour. Even so,
by the time we had test driven the car and signed away our money, it was well
past 12.30 by the time we had driven home, making us somewhat late for our
lunchtime drinky poohs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to say, I am well pleased with the car
so far. However, at some point in the future; before we set off for our 2017
cruise; I’ll ask Dale to check it out. We don’t want to be landed with a hefty
bill when the car goes in for its MOT in August.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning we’ll take a walk into MB for a
wee bit of shopping and then chill out for the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 15<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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The story so far: We’ve had no end of trouble
with our mobiles, because the transmitting tower at Twycross has been out of
action. This has caused problems with insuring our pretty, new SAAB, because
the insurance companies will not accept two addresses online when applying for
cover. Why this is so baffles me, but then I’m easily baffled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, our existing insurers; Bradford and
Bingley; have offered us cover at double what we were paying on the Alfa, so
we’ve looked elsewhere and, through LVE have saved £300 on B&B. So far so
good. Well, no, actually, because of their rules governing two addresses.
Living on a boat does have its difficult points, and this is one of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday, whilst trying to arrange our
insurance with LVE, we went to Live Chat in order to try sorting out this
problem with where our bank details are registered – Harlow – and where we
currently reside – Market Bosworth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately, since the mobile transmitter
was still down, I was unable to phone them to discuss the situation and they
were unable to call me. This morning, thank de lawd, our mobiles are back
online. So, since my LVE quote is valid until Thursday, I will call them today
and get this sorted.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 16<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday, after our stroll into town, our
coffee on our return and reading of the paper thereof, we settled in for a
quiet day. Around midday I took Alex for a walk and introduced him to our new
car. Thankfully our pooch is able to contain his excitement and didn’t pee all
over the upholstery. So, as I happened to be there anyway, I set up the time
and date and then the radio. I’m hoping that the reception will be better as I
leave the M1 and onto the A414, when visiting Alan. I always took a couple of
cds with me when driving the Alfa, because reception went all haywire at that
point. No amount of retuning solved the problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today I ‘m not sure what we’re doing. We do
need to replace the radiator in the bedroom though and that requires a visit to
B&Q in Hinckley. I’ve also noticed staining along the skirting of the SAAB,
which will require a visit to Halfords for paint. No doubt they will be able to
advise me on that. B&Q and Halfords are both located in Hinckley, but in
opposite directions to each other. Well, of course they are!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other than the above I also need to tackle
sending and receiving emails on my new phone. This has been a problem with the
last three phones. Even when accessing the Internet through Yahoo, going to my
Absolute Email site and entering my details, I have never been able to get to my
email Inbox. Fortunately Absolute Email have directed me to the relevant
instructions for the correct settings. If I’m still unable to send and receive,
they have asked that I send them precise details of the fault. Happy days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the moment this phone is pinging me, at
about 15 minute intervals, complaining that an email I tried sending cannot be
sent. Well, I know that and have tried to delete that email, all to no avail.
Where are all the schoolkids when you need them? I was watching the news last
night and was appraised of the 14 year old who is a multi-millionaire. How did
he do this? He set up a small business, sending out reminder stickers to car
owners, that reminded them of when their car tax was due. How simple is that?
He then went on to but a huge patch of land for £40k and sold it to a developer
for £2million. He, no doubt, would sort my phone problem out in a flash!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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First thing this morning, I tried using the
mobile but, once again the transmitter is down. So, after walking to the shops
and back and enjoying our coffee, I went on to Live Chat with 02 again. Of
course, apart from the usual platitudes, I got absolutely nowhere and we’re
still without our mobiles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, at the suggestion of the nice man at 02,
I downloaded TUGO from the 02 site. This is a WiFi programme that allows
messages to be sent through WiFi on a mobile phone. This would have allowed me
to contact my daughter, using my mobile, through my WiFi unit. There’s only one
problem with this, the PIN for the signing in of the programme, is sent to my
mobile, which, as I’ve just explained, is not in use, because the transmitter
is down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, being the clever so and so that I am, I
thought I might download and use WhatsApp. But, as I soon discovered, this only
applies to all but Windows Laptops. Oh, Joy!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 17<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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After downloading TUGO yesterday, to this
computer, I noticed that, each time I booted up the programme it took over my
screen. I’m sure there must be some way of stopping this but, since I don’t really
need it on the laptop, I deleted it, pronto!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, the skirt along the sides of the SAAB is
looking pretty stained, so we needed to get to Halford’s for something to tidy
them up. We also need mats for the car and, just in case we get a bit low; like
the Alfa did from time to time; we also needed a container of oil. So, off we
trotted to Halford’s for said items, which gave me an excuse to spend time with
my shiny, new SAAB. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have to say, compared to the Alfa, the SAAB
is a joy to drive. We seem to keep our cars for several years and, during that
time, certain things tend to deteriorate, but we don’t seem to notice the
deterioration. As a consequence of this, when we drive a newer car, we notice
the difference. For example, the engine is much quieter and the drive is
smoother. Also, as you would expect, the gear change is easier too, thank
goodness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we got back to the boat, I decided to
get the laptop out and do some printing, But, having set it all up I
discovered, to my horror, that our printer had disappeared from the list of
hardware. This has happened in the past and always seems to be after a
Microsoft update. Remember you folks who think about upgrading from Win 7 to
Win 10, you won’t have a choice. Windows 10 insists on periodic updates,
whether you like it or not.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, we now had the task of finding the
printer and, after many attempts at reinstalling the software and such, our
only recourse was to restore the laptop to an earlier time. I don’t much like
doing this, because it can cause other upsets, but I had tried everything I
knew to get the printer back, so I set to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately, the first attempt failed, so I
returned it to a restore point of my own making. Now, from time to time, at a
point where I know the laptop is performing reasonable well, I make a restore
point of my own and apply a name to it that I recognise. This action meant that
I had a point at which I could return the laptop to where, I hoped, the printer
was still there. Thankfully, this worked, although I did take an age to
complete. The only trouble is, I notice that there was an icon missing from the
desktop and, to this time, I have no idea what it was??<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, TUGO! This is the programme I downloaded
to the laptop and then deleted. Well, later in the evening I discovered, to my
extreme anger, that our mobile phone transmitter at Twycross, was out of
action, yet again. Poor old Wifey, she really suffers when I rant and rave at
the incompetence of big business. But, she remains stoical and tries her best
to ignore my tantrums.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyway, I really wanted to get in touch with
my daughter, Teresa, so I turned on the WiFi unit and proceeded to download
TUGO to my mobile via the Internet. This worked perfectly and I was able to
text Teresa and Alan without a problem. So, lucky me and very happy me, I have
no need to go online to 02 and have another online chat session, with someone
totally anonymous and someone who can do absolutely nothing to solve the
problem. All he or she can do is commiserate with my plight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, if the weather improves; and it
doesn’t look as though we’re in for a pleasant day; I might just give the
skirting on the SAAB a going over. However, even if the weather is unpleasant,
I could still fit the mats. Who knows? Who cares? It’s just another day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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The weather has not improved. Well, it did
brighten up for a while, but it is now chucking it down, some of which is
sleet. So, apart from dragging the dog out, we’re not doing much today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, many years ago; in fact, back in the
late 80s; I started collecting Danby Mint Jaguars. Sadly, due to circumstances
beyond our control; i.e. the fact that our customer base deserted us for a
Safeway store just four miles away; we became quite skint and I was unable to
complete the set.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, what is this leading to? Well, I managed
to collect seven of the 12 cars and they have been nicely boxed up since the
day I bought them. This morning, therefore, I have, with the help of my ever
loving Wifey, been photographing them and intend to list them on eBay. The
trouble is, I can’t make my mind up whether to list them separately, or
collectively. Horns of a dilemma come to mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, while I stew on that particular
conundrum, and while I’m sitting at my laptop and have nothing better to do, I’ll
post this blog. I do hope you enjoy reading these six pages and that you enjoy
the forthcoming weekend. We certainly intend to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take care all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-66533439189524948792016-11-11T22:34:00.003-08:002016-11-11T22:34:55.239-08:00Bosworth Marina Winter 2016/17 #4<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday 4<sup>th</sup> November to Saturday 12<sup>th</sup>
November</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 5<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday morning, with Dale having taken the
Alfa in for a new gearstick, we walked into the town and, as I suspected, down
came the rain. We’ve walked up there on many a morning since we arrived here,
but have never been subjected to rain. It had to happen on a day when we didn’t
have the car.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, our wee pooch was not amused. He
hates the rain. But, since we had no option but to walk up there, then he had
to get as wet as we did. Shame!! The trouble was, he kept trying to turn around
and head back to the boat, which can be a pain in the ‘arris. Eventually though
the rain did stop, but not until Alex was well and truly soaked. So, now that
we have the car back, albeit with a still floppy gearstick, we might take a run
over to the Garden Centre and buy him a coat. He does need one anyway for when
it’s really cold on the stern deck when we’re cruising.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today is the worst day of the year for dogs,
and our Alex is just as prone to problems where fireworks are concerned.
However, since we’re on a marina and quite a distance from bonfires and such,
perhaps it won’t be too scary for him this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, our car; which Dale took into his garage
yesterday. We had hoped that he would have replaced the gearstick but, when he
returned with the car yesterday afternoon, he had to admit that this part of
the job had not been completed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Apparently, the removal of the old gearstick
is something of a nightmare and, having taken the trouble to check this out
online this morning, I can see why. I have found quite a few people out there;
most of whom simply wanted to replace the bushes around the base of the
gearstick; who have had problems with this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Among the listings for this problem, I found
a blow-up of the whole gearstick assembly and, as Dale reported yesterday, it
does seem impossible to replace the gearstick from inside the car. Dale hasn’t
had to do this job on an Alfa 147 before and was surprised to see that, instead
of simply opening the gaiter and removing a few bolts, he will have to remove
part of the exhaust pipe, because the
only way of removing the gearstick is from underneath the car, and the exhaust
pipe is in the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s no wonder that Malcolm shied away from
getting involved in this problem. Even the bushes around the base of the
gearstick are a problem to replace. I’m concerned that Dale thought it
necessary to replace the whole gearstick, and not just the bushes but, now that
he has a new one, he might as well go the whole hog. He’ll take the car in
again on Monday morning, but I am concerned as to the final cost of this job.
Had I known the problems he would have, for what should be a straightforward
task, I wouldn’t have asked him to carry out a service as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There’s no chance of me buying a different
car this year now. But, the Alfa is a joy to drive and will be even more
enjoyable once the gearstick is changed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 6<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we will sit around after taking Alex
out and collect the Mail from the office and then come lunchtime, we’ll walk
into Market Bosworth and enjoy an hour at the Rising Sun. Of course, we’ll then
have to walk back, by which time I’ll probably be busting for a pee. Bu that’s
probably too much information!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 7<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, that’s another weekend over, and a very
pleasant one it was too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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First off and just after breakfast, I asked
Wifey when the papers would be delivered to the office. Sadly, since the office
doesn’t open until 10 am, the papers aren’t available until about 10.30, so,
off to the newsagents in town. Well, we’ve had breakfast by 8 am and there’s no
way I’m sitting around for 2½ hours.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, with that done, we had coffee and set to
reading. A short while afterwards, Dale knocked at the door and asked if I minded
leaving the car job until Tuesday. Apparently, he was double booked for an MOT
on Monday, so he was a bit pushed. Well, that’s no problem, so the car will go
in tomorrow instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, after a bit of a chat with Dale, I’m
convinced that the gearstick can only be removed from underneath the car. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, although I had assumed that this
additional expense would put paid to us purchasing another car this year, Wifey
assured me that we’ll still be able to do so. However, with the Road Tax due at
the end of December, we need to start a proper search now, and then, once the
car is sorted, we can go looking for something much newer. Still not sure
which, but I’m leaning towards a SAAB 9-3 or 9-5 Aero. This is the turbo model.
There are some around that are well within our price range, so it’s just a case
of finding the right one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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More on this later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 8<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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We drove over to the Morrison’s yesterday and
called into the garden centre on the way back. We were intending to buy a coat
for Alex, because in colder weather, when he’s sitting on the stern deck whilst
cruising, he does tend to shiver. However, on second thoughts, we couldn’t see
him tolerating any of the coats we saw. Some had a Velcro strap under the chin,
and he certainly wouldn’t have liked that too much. Another had a zip under the
chin and, again, we couldn’t see him enjoying his hairs snagging in that. So,
at least for the moment, no coat for doggy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wifey is not happy with her current vacuum
cleaner. For one thing it’s very old; purchased when we bought the boat. For
another thing, it’s not very efficient and seems to leave more behind than it
picks up, especially where dog hairs are concerned. And, for another thing,
it’s far too noisy in such a confined space.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, in looking around for a suitable
replacement, we’ve been considering the rechargeable G-Tech Multi, Hand held
model. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find any reference to the noise
(decibel) level of this machine. I also haven’t been able to find the noise
output of our current cleaner, so comparing this with other models is
impossible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, looking at the Shark rechargeable; which
seems to come apart for easy storage; this runs at about 82 decibels. According
to a chart I also found online, this equates to normal background traffic
noise. This is a common level for many vacuum cleaners. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If the G-Tech Multi is reasonably quiet, this
is what we’ll go for. It runs for about 20 minutes on a full charge but; and
it’s a big but; it takes 4 hours to fully charge. Hmmmm!! Any suggestions
folks?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, finally, the Alfa will be fitted with
it’s nice, new gearstick. Perhaps I’ll be able to enjoy driving it again, at
least for the short while I’ll be keeping it. Some people might suggest I
should have traded it in before replacing the gearstick? And they would be
right. But, in all honesty, I couldn’t pass it on with a floppy gearstick.
Silly me, I know, but one thing I am not, is a con man.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, in this really crisp and cold
weather, we’ll walk up to the village for the Mail. We’ll then wait and see the
final cost for the car service and gearstick replacement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 11 November <o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday and Thursday were pretty much of a
muchness here at Bosworth, so no real need to report our days. Although, Wifey
did, finally decide on a new vacuum cleaner, and that turned up yesterday. It’s
a Bosch and, thank goodness, it’s much quieter than our old one and, what’s
more, it easily picks up dog hairs. Wifey is chuffed and so am I, if only for
the quieter motor. When I say quieter, not only is that the case, but it also
draws less power; 800 watts, compared to 1800 watts. So, Wifey will be able to
hoover up when we’re out cruising, just so long as she has the engine running.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The old cleaner is now in the car, ready for
disposal at the local tip. But, the nearest tip is at Barwell, and they are
closed Thursdays and Fridays, so it will have to wait until Monday, because
those places can be really busy at weekends.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I’ve been chuntering on of late, about
trading in the Alfa. I’ve been dithering between Jaguar, Mercedes and SAAB.
Well, after careful consideration, we’ve decided on a SAAB. Despite the fact
that we’ve spent so much on replacing the gearstick and having the Alfa
serviced, we still think it best to trade it in. Of course we’ll lose money
but, in all honesty, I couldn’t pass it on in the condition it was in. So,
we’ll suffer the loss. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On Sunday morning therefore, we’ll be test
driving a SAAB 9-3 1.8i Linear SE. I was reluctant to even consider a 1.8
litre, because I know they have a cam belt rather than a chain. However, the
nice man at Evan-Halshaw has checked with the service record, and the cam belt
on this particular car, was changed only 15,000 miles ago, so it should be good
for many more miles yet. By the way, for less that £2,000 we <u>could</u> be
buying a 2007 SAAB that has done less than 100,000 miles. Assuming I can find
no problems on the test drive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning we’ll be paying a visit to our
local butcher, and probably doing some other shopping.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 12<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shopping over yesterday morning, we repaired
to Shiralee for our coffee and biscuits, and then, after reading the paper and
tackling the puzzles – not very successfully – we decided to contact our car insurers,
Bradford and Bingley; with whom we’ve been insured for about six years; and
find out what a SAAB 9-3 would cost to insure. I very nearly fell off my chair
when I was told the cheapest they could do was over £800.<o:p></o:p></div>
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£800 is more than double what we paid last
year, even taking into account our monthly payment method. Anyway, after
checking what would happen if I went elsewhere for my cover, I was told that I
would not incur any penalty. In fact, if I were to take out alternative
insurance on Sunday, when we will be viewing the car, I would receive a rebate
of about £19.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, after rummaging through the alternative
insurers listed in Compare the Market.com, we found that Liverpool and Victoria
will insure this car for about the same as we have been getting on the Alfa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What puzzles me is, why can’t B&B find
that insurer? After six years as a regular client, with no claims or accidents,
what have I done to deserve being cast aside like an old slipper? Ah well,
onwards and upwards!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning we have rain, so doggie will
have to wait until it stops for me to take him out. He won’t mind though, as he
hates the rain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow morning we have a car to check out.
But, for now, I’ll post this and wish you a happy weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-4663319330409620662016-11-03T23:13:00.003-07:002016-11-03T23:13:39.215-07:00Bosworth Marina Winter 2016/17 #3<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday 29<sup>th</sup> October to Friday 4<sup>th</sup>
November</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 29<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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We took a walk into the village this morning;
about 8.30 or so; just for the Mail and milk really. Luckily for us the weather
stayed dry, although it did look and feel as if it was about to rain. Later in
the day the sun actually came out, which was something of a blessing. For this
time of year, it’s very mild and, according to the forecast yesterday evening,
this time in 2014 the temperature hit 22⁰ C. I suspect we’re at about 15 or so,
but that’s not to be sneezed at.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, for the past couple of weeks, my
daughter, Teresa, has been having problems with her mobile phone, house phone
and Sky. She’s been back and forth to the EE shop in Bedford, trying to get
them to sort out the problems with the mobile. This is a new phone and has
given nothing but trouble since they foisted it off on her. Today, much to my
surprise, she called to say that this problem has now been solved. So, we
should be back to text messages soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her house phone; which is connected to Sky;
has also been a problem, in that the Voice Mail box has been filling up. That
too she seems to have sorted out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On top of the phone problems, she also had
trouble with the TV, also on Sky. However, after calling sky; who, initially
wanted to send her a new Sky Box; the problem was sorted out over the phone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, all three problems now seem to have been
sorted. Praise be for that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow lunchtime we’ll take a run over to
The Red Lion at Shackerstone, where we know we can take Alex. Although, if the
weather is as mild as today, we should be able to sit in the pub garden. Won’t
that be nice?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 30<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday; apart from our walk into town; was
something of a bore. Why? Well, as I was passing the office on my way to
walking Alex, a fellow boater asked if I fancied joining him and others later
in the evening, for a bit of a get together. When I asked what the occasion
might be, he told me “It’s Halloween”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh Boy!! Halloween!! Another round of trick
or treat. I imagined a booze up par excellence and kids banging on boats. The
whole nine yards, as our American cousins would say.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, anyway, when I put it to Wifey,
unsurprisingly she declined the offer. Not only could we expect a load of
hooting and roaring, almost outside our boat, but kids banging on our boat
demanding, “Trick or treat”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, none of this happened. We heard
sounds of partying, but nothing untoward and certainly no kids banging on our
boat. The most unsettling thing was the barking of the dog next door. It never
ceases to amaze me, just how many people leave their dogs alone and expect them
to enjoy that loneliness. Some, like our Alex, are Ok with that and can be left
for several hours without complaint. But, some don’t enjoy being left alone and
sound very distressed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ah well, such is life and all its praise,
when you die you’ve had it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 31<sup>st</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday lunchtime we decided to spend an
hour in the Old Red Lion in Market Bosworth; rather that drive over to
Shackerstone. However, since we didn’t know if dogs were allowed, we left Alex
on the boat. Aaaah! In the event, we discovered that dogs are allowed, which
comes as no surprise, since most pubs in this part of the world are happy to
allow them. There are differences, of course. Some allow them in only certain
areas of the pub, usually away from people who are eating. So, next week we’ll
take Alex with us and all will be back to normal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One man, who was sitting in the same area as
us, looked familiar and, when I asked if he was from Bosworth Marina, he agreed
that he was. His name is Daz, which is short for Darren and he’s only lived on
his boat for a couple of years. He’s self-employed and travels quite a bit in
his work, so living on a boat makes sense to him, if only for the security
aspect. Nice bloke. No doubt we’ll see him again around the marina and in the
pub.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, we both have our preliminary
appointments with the nurse, which is usually to discuss medication and, in my
case at least, probably make appointments regarding my diabetes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 1<sup>st</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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First thing yesterday, straight after
breakfast, we took a walk into town for newspaper and milk. Normally our wee
pooch is happy to take this walk. But we’ve noticed lately, that he’s not so
keen on the return journey. He seems to hold back at the start of the walk,
even though he’s had a good rest while we wait for Sheila to do the shopping.
He’s only six or seven years old, and he seems to have plenty of energy left
over to chase a ball about inside the boat. Strange!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, we’ve decided to take him into town
on alternate days. Today we won’t bother because we’ll be taking the bus into
Hinckley, partly for food shopping, but also because, since I’ve now paid for
my 02 mobile, I’m probably due for an upgrade.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After paying a visit to the practice nurse yesterday,
it looks like we’re back on the medical merry-go-round. My next appointment is
with the nurse again, this time to check out my diabetes. No doubt other things
will follow, such as the Chiropodist and a retinal scan of my eyes. Thank
goodness we cruise for six months, else they would have me running around, like
the proverbial indigo for the rest of the year too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 2<sup>nd</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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We took the bus into Hinckley yesterday
morning and we were not impressed. Even though there was a brand-new Sainsbury’s
and other shops in a new precinct, the rest of the town centre looked tired and
jaded. Several of the shops were empty and, well, the place didn’t look too
bright. However, at least a start has been made, which is more than some towns
we’ve visited around the canal system.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The one good thing that came out of our trip,
was the signing up for a new iPhone for me – a Samsung Galaxy A3 6 - and we also did a bit of shopping in
Sainsbury’s. This new store is very good, with all the clothing and household
goods available, but with Morrison’s just a short drive away, we’ll only be
coming to Hinckley very rarely.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll be chilling out, but first a walk
into Market Bosworth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dale; our neighbourly mechanic; will be
taking the car in on Friday and so, with a bit of luck, I’ll get to visit with
Teresa on Saturday morning. Her phones are now working; although she doesn’t
yet have her email on the go. Still, perhaps I’ll be able to rectify that on
Saturday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 3<sup>rd</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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Winter is beginning to bite now, we’ve had
frost for two mornings running, so I don’t expect to see any more heat wave
weather.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As usual on most mornings, we walked up to
the village yesterday. Wednesday is market day in Market Bosworth; although
there are only a few stalls there, which is a shame. Still, the veg stall is
useful and there’s a fresh fish van there also. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, although we have a fish and chip van
come to the marina on Thursdays, we prefer our own fish and chips. Or, should I
say, Wifey’s own fish and chips? Fish shops, and fish vans, don’t come close to
making crispy chips, although their fish is usually pretty good. You see, she
makes a rather good beer batter which, this time around, will be made with
Newcastle Brown Ale. Of course, I get to finish the bottle off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sheila also makes very good chips and insists
on Maris Piper spuds for these. No other spud seems to crisp up as well as
those. She first par boils them and then deep fries them in veg or sunflower
oil. The fish, once battered, is fried in our deep-frying pan and is
transferred to the oven while the chips are finishing off. The local veggie
shop, Rose and Radish, didn’t have Maris Piper, but the lady who served Sheila,
persuaded her to buy a different type, which, she said, do make perfect chips
and roast potatoes. The proof will be in tomorrow’s fish and chips.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I received something of a shock yesterday. I
have been having problems opening the bonnet of the Alfa of late and decided to
give the necessary linkage a WD40 spray. So, with Wifey on hand to lift the
bonnet, once I had pulled the lever, I did just that. While we were there I
also decided to check for the cause of a mysterious rattle, that I heard a
couple of days ago. This I tracked down to a loose battery cover. No doubt
Malcolm, at the garage in Crick, had to charge the battery before passing the
car back to me and didn’t replace the cover securely.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My next thought was the oil and water levels
and, to my horror, the oil was just below the minimum mark. This has never been
allowed to happen since we bought the car. However, it soon dawned on me as to
why this was so. I didn’t check the level when I collected it from Malcolm in
Crick. But, even worse, I didn’t check it before I drove down to see Alan. So,
I’ve probably done over 300 miles since it was last checked. Fortunately, I
keep a 5-litre container in the back of the car. Unfortunately, this container
was almost empty, so we’re going to have to drive down to our nearest garage
for some more. I’m only surprised that I managed all those miles, without the
oil warning light coming on. Phew!!! Still, with what I had left in my 5-litre
container, Dale will get it safely to his garage tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I discovered something of interest yesterday
while I was chatting to Chris, the man who runs this site, with his wife Jane.
It has been the practice of about 40 boaters; along with Chris and Jane; to
walk up to the village on Boxing Day where, on that mooring, the local Hunt
passes through the village. After watching this spectacle, some, if not all the
boaters concerned, usually repair to The Red Lion Pub. Needless to say, Sheila
and I will be walking with them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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(Whether you support or abhor fox hunting is
not my concern here, so please do not comment on that subject.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 4<sup>th</sup> November<o:p></o:p></div>
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My new iPhone tells porky pies. Yesterday
morning was very cold, in fact we had frost. But, when I turned on my new
Galaxy S3 6, the temperature shown was 11⁰ C. Whereas, I’m pretty sure it was
closer to 2 or 3⁰ C. That erroneous reading continued throughout most of the
day and, it was only when I manually updated it that it came down a little.
Indeed, it didn’t rise by much throughout the rest of the day. So much for
modern technology.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, as you all know, since I’ve been
bleating on about it lately, our Alfa goes in for repair and service today.
Which means that, we still have that 2½ mile round trip up to the village and
back again. It’s somewhat milder this morning and could rain, but we will have
no choice because, if we want a newspaper today, that walk is essential. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The weekend is almost upon us; I’ve written
five pages of ‘stuff’ and I’ve been trying to post my blog once a week. So, let’s
get it done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Enjoy your weekend folks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Regards from, Dave Sheila and Alex. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-7136866233293935542016-10-28T23:08:00.001-07:002016-10-28T23:08:48.756-07:00Bosworth Marina Winter 2016/17 #2<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday 22<sup>nd</sup> October to Saturday
29<sup>th</sup> October</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 24<sup>th</sup> October.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A little over six months ago, we left Crick
marina, for the last time, and set off for our summer cruise, which we enjoyed
immensely.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As you all know, just a couple of weeks into
this month, we arrived here at Bosworth marina and settled in for the next six
months.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Saturday, I finally managed to get down to
Harlow and visit with my brother, Alan. A great time was had by all and I came
home yesterday, having enjoyed a few drinks with said brother, and toting a
huge envelope, full of mail; some of which, by its very nature, goes directly
to Alan. There were also some letters that were re-directed from Crick; such as
hospital and doctors stuff.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, after a most enjoyable day and a good
serving of bacon and onion pudding on Saturday, Sheila and I started wading
through our correspondence and I had to face up to the fact that I had been a
naughty boy. In among those letters were three from Rugby Police Camera
Enforcement. I had run a speed trap on 25<sup>th</sup> April. Woops!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, what to do. Do I simply email the unit,
explaining the situation? Accept the £100 fine, assuming I can still do so
after all this time? Go on a Speed Awareness Course, as suggested in the
letter? Or a What’s Driving You? course, both of which cost £80. The £100 fine
also includes three points on my license, whereas the other two don’t. Ignoring
these letters is not an option.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think, in the first instance, I should give
them a call this morning and see what they suggest. More on this later!!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today is a chill-out day and all we’ll do;
unless Wifey wants to do a big shop at Morrison’s; is walk up to the town and
do a small shop instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 25<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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I emailed the Rugby Police yesterday, explaining
why I hadn’t replied to the original notice and reminders and, in reply, was
told that the case had been submitted to the Magistrates Court, who will
contact me in due course. We’ll see what happens next.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, my neighbour; who owns a garage; is taking
the Alfa in to see what can be done to the gearstick, which is not at direct as
it should be. If it can be fixed, at a reasonable cost, I might still trade up.
However, if it means a new, or recon, gearbox, then I may keep it for another
year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, having carried out a Morrison’s shop
yesterday, we’ll walk into the village for the paper, and stuff we may have
forgotten yesterday. Actually, we didn’t forget anything, we just left the meat
items for today, so that we can purchase them at the local butcher’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After that; since we’ve both bought new
T-shirts, tops and jackets; we might have a go at sorting out some old stuff.
What we find, that is good enough for a Charity shop, we’ll put by until we go
into town. The rest will be rubbished.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, we watch the 6 o/clock news every
evening and, having seen the item about the perils of Diabetes, I’m even more
determined to get my condition under better control. This means cutting down
even further on carbs and increasing the vegetables. My Blood Sugar readings
are mostly in single figures, but fruit always causes a spike into double, so
I’ll reduce that a little. Other than that, and, of course, increasing my
exercise, I can’t see what else I can do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 26<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whilst I was in Harlow visiting my brother
Alan, we discussed trading in my Alfa for something newer and chunkier. I have
been considering a Jag or Merc. Being the pragmatic one of the family, Alan
suggested ‘the devil you know….. etcetera.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, once home, I had a chat with our
friendly, neighbourhood car mechanic; my next-door neighbour, Dale; and I asked
him to see what could be done about my floppy gearstick!! So, he took the car
away yesterday and, when he returned in the evening, he told me that a new
gearstick was needed, which would cost, with labour charges, something over
£200. After a very small amount of consideration I asked him to order the part
and arrange to get the job done, asap.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I can now relax, because this puts a totally
different slant on the purchase of another car. I do like driving the Alfa.
However, that loose gearstick has been driving me frantic for quite some time
now, which was why I was considering trading it in. Instead, I’m going to keep
it for another year and think about a trade-in while we’re out cruising next
summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, we have nothing special to do, so
we’ll just walk up to the village for the paper and milk. Later on, we’ll
probably take a walk over to the local Water Park. No doubt our wee pooch will
enjoy a run around there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 27<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prior to purchasing Shiralee, back in 2006,
we paid a visit to a colleague of mine, who still lives on a boat. Bill and
Babs still permanently moor at Keckys’s Farm, on the River Stort, which is
where we also moored for the winter of 2006.07. Anyway, one of the things Bill
pointed out, was the shortage of storage space and his advice was, “When you
buy a new shirt, chuck out an old one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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During the last couple of weeks of our 2016
summer cruise, we visited a few clothing stores and topped up our supply of
tops and T/shirts, some of which are becoming somewhat tatty. The problem with
such a venture, especially when living on a boat, is having to cram everything
into such confined spaces, which prompted us to recall Bill’s advice of 10
years ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday afternoon we had a clear-out and
boy, was it a clear-out? Now, although some of the stuff we put aside for
disposal is still wearable, it’s not wearable by us, simply because we’ve both
lost weight. For example, some of my t-shirts are XL, whereas I’m now down to
L. Similarly, some of my trousers and jeans are rather baggy and don’t feel
comfortable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, we spent a good hour, going through
cupboards and separating the good stuff – for charity shops – and the not so
good stuff – for disposal in a clothing bank, which just so happens to be in
the local car park. Today, when we go into Market Bosworth for Wifey’s blood
test – I had mine last week – we’ll dispose of a huge, plastic bag full of old
stuff. Next week, when we take the bus into Hinckley, we’ll take the other two
black sacks of wearable clothing to a charity shop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We now have lots of space for more clothing.
Talking of which, when we drove down to the farm shop cum clothing outlet,
which lies on the road to Hinckley, I spied a rather good wax jacket. They
didn’t have one in Large size, but the Medium sized one did fit. Unfortunately,
the darn thing had one of those double zips up the front, which I find very
difficult and frustrating to operate. They’re so darned fiddly!! So, that was out.
Keep looking !!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 28<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Frustration rules today. I was replying to a
message from my pal Alan and, in his message he gave the temperature in Germany
as 2 degrees, only he added the symbol beside the 2. With me? Anyway, when I
replied I couldn’t find the Symbols Menu, and I still can’t. Anybody out there,
who has my email address and can tell me where this menu is, please respond to
this desperate plea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Off to Atherstone today, to dispose of some
old clothes and do some shopping.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 29<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Armed with two black sacks full of old
clothes; and I mean FULL; we ventured forth to Atherstone. We parked in the
Co-op car park, because that’s where we would be shopping afterwards. Trudging
down the High Street, with the aforementioned sacks, we finally found a charity
shop and dumped them with the nice lady.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On a table in front of the till, was a small
box containing a pack of cards, a set of dice and a set of dominoes. I don’t
know why, but I couldn’t resist buying it. All I have to do now, is get my wife
to join me in a game of dominoes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Just out of interest,” I said to that nice
lady, “you don’t happen to have a game of ‘Shut the Box’, do you?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“No”, she said, “but, if you pop across the
road, there’s another shop that does have one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, after paying for my purchase, we popped
across to the other charity shop and, lo and behold, for the princely sum of
just £1.99, I bought a De Luxe Shut the Box, that has 15 numbers on the swivel
bar. I now have to persuade my wife to give that a go too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I remember the landlord of The Chequers, in
Commonside Road, Harlow – Alan Birkbeck – playing this with friends. Much money
changed hands on the odd occasion. The game can be quite addictive, but great
fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And, on that note, I’ll wish you all well and
post this blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Good health from Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-47986400012292828122016-10-21T22:34:00.002-07:002016-10-21T22:34:35.637-07:00Bosworth Marina Winter 2016/17 #1<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday 14<sup>th</sup> October to Saturday 22<sup>nd</sup>
October</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 14<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having sorted out the odds and ends
concerning our stay here, and after taking Alex around the marina and along the
towpath, we repaired to Shiralee and settled in for the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later in the day, having finally sorted out
the Microsoft Money programme for Wifey, I then removed same from the VAIO. Not
that we’re likely to get anything for it if we try to sell it, but we really
don’t need that programme and the accompanying details left on it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then, sometime later in the evening, I
received a strange phone call, purporting to be from a company calling itself
The Credit Investigation Department, or some such nonsense. To be honest, the
person on the other end of the line, was broadly Pakistani or Indian and I had
trouble understanding what he was on about. In frustration, I asked him to
speak more clearly and, when I finally understood what he was saying, I said,
“I haven’t a clue as to who you are, or what you want from me. Goodbye”, and I
put the phone down. He didn’t call back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once again, out came the laptop, this time to
check up on this company and, no surprises here, it was a scam. You have been
warned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, assuming Dave is able to give me a
lift, we’ll be collecting the car from Crick Garage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Incidentally, as with most marinas these
days, security is very important, so we were obliged to purchase an electronic
fob for the main gate. All internal gates also have entry codes, and all are
different, but the main gate has its own electronic fobs for cars to come and
go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 15<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our second day at MB, although not a complete
disaster, could have been better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave picked us up at about 9.30 am and drove
us over to Crick to collect the car. After a quick chat with Malcolm and Chris,
we set of for the village Post Office and Co-op and, after coming out of the
C0-op, I noticed a cardboard box on the back seat. In it were some rather fine
cups and, since they weren’t ours, we decided to take them back to the garage.
Unfortunately, the back door wouldn’t close and so Sheila had to sit in the
back and hold it closed, while I drove back to the garage. Chris soon corrected
the problem with some WD40 and we were soon on our way again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, when we left Crick at the end of April,
Malcolm asked if it would be OK for him to use the car, just for short runs
here and there. No problem there. In fact, better to be used than stand around
and have a flat battery and tyres when we returned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I can safely say that the car hadn’t
been used much. How do I know this? Well, the time and date were both wrong,
pointing to a flat battery at some point. Also, having taken a reading of the
mileage done before we left, it hadn’t moved by much when I picked it up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Still, it started first time and we got to MB
without problems.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What almost turned into a disaster, is what
happened later in the evening. Sheila was almost ready to dish up dinner, and
as is his usual wont, Alex was hovering nearby. In fact, he was hovering behind
me. He was so close to me that, as I turned around, I tripped on him and
scraped my arm against the wooden cooker surround.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Under normal circumstances this might not
have been too much of a problem. However, with these blood patches under the
skin of my arms, it proved to be a problem indeed. Because, that scrape took
off the top of a few of those patches, with the result that I bled like a stuck
pig. And, it wouldn’t stop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, after much faffing about and holding a
damp cloth to the offending areas of my arm, we sat down to dinner, with me
giving Alex some nasty stares. I think he got the message. He’s forgiven now,
of course.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Being unable to stop the slowly weeping
blood, Wifey dug into our medical cupboard and emerged with some lint and crepe
bandage, which, after slathering my arm with antiseptic cream, she wrapped
around my arm and all was well. At least, all was well until this morning, when
the bandage had slipped, so Wifey had to get out of bed and help re-do the
bandage. All is well again, at least until later, when I should be able to
remove the bandage and lint and expose the wounds to the air. Hopefully, even
if I have to dab at them occasionally, they’ll eventually dry out and should be
OK until Monday, when we’ll be signing up with the local GP practice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As for the marina? Well, we have two close
neighbours and that’s a different scenario to Crick, where live aboard boaters
usually have empty boats beside them. The neighbour to our left is a car
mechanic. How useful is that? On the other side, we don’t know. But I’m sure
we’ll find out eventually.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 16<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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We had a pretty good day yesterday and
started it with a walk up to the village. From the moorings outside the marina,
this is about a mile but, from our boat; which is moored just outside the main
office; we have to walk around the perimeter before we reach the towpath, so
the distance is considerable more. However, on a dry day, this walk is rather
pleasant and takes in the, now defunct, golf course and the turning to the
country park. It’s mostly uphill, which is fine, because coming back is mostly
downhill.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My rather nasty and angry looking wounds
have, for the most part, dried up now. Goodness knows what the local GP will
think of the mess though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll probably drive over to Shackerstone
at lunchtime, for our usual tipple and snacks. By canal it’s about three miles
but, from the marina, much less, I think.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The marina also sells newspapers on Saturday
and Sunday mornings, so there’s no need to walk into the village for these. Unfortunately,
the one thing the village lacks, is a decent car park, so it’s best to walk
there, unless it raining or snowing, in which case, parking in one of the many
side streets is probably best. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 17<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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We took a couple of good walks yesterday, but
didn’t bother with our usual Sunday lunchtime drink. I think the fall that
caused my blood patches to open up, also banged me up in the tummy area,
because I really didn’t fancy food or drink. Although we had our usual boiled
eggs and toast for breakfast, we just snacked for the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Off to the local medical practice to sign in
and make an appointment to see about these blood patches. Other than that, we
have no plans for going out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 18<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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We booked ourselves into the local surgery
yesterday morning and I made an appointment for later in the afternoon. After
checking out the nasty looking blood patches on my arm, the doctor told me
that, regardless of the adverse cosmetic appearance of those patches, I must
continue taking the pills that cause them with their side effects. So, it looks
like I’m stuck with them. Keep taking the pills, he said, or should that be
pils? Ho, ho.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning we’ve had some pretty heavy
rain, so we might have to drive up to the village for the paper. Other than
that, a pretty easy day beckons.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 20<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another long walk into the village yesterday,
and all the better for it. I have to say, I do find it a bit daunting at first,
simply because it’s quite a long walk around the marina, before we hit the road
to the village. But, I do feel refreshed by the time we get back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other than that walk, life goes on quietly
and gently. We don’t even get any traffic noise here, so it’s very peaceful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, Wifey has an appointment with the
hairdresser, so I’ll run her up there in the car. She might want to walk back,
or she might ask me to wait. Either way is ok by me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Saturday, I’ll be going down to Harlow to
stay with Alan. On the way back, on Sunday morning, assuming I hear from my
daughter, Teresa, that it’s ok to do so, I’ll divert to her place. She has a
few problems with her house and mobile phones, which I’m hoping to help her
with. But she’s also unable to get into her laptop, because she’s forgotten her
password. I’ve downloaded a programme that should rectify that problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, if I’m unable to visit her on Sunday,
she’ll still have problems with all three items. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 22<sup>nd</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, it’s off to Harlow this morning. I was
hoping to call in on Les and Dave, but it seems they’re still away on holiday.
My daughter is busy Sunday, so a visit to her on my way back home is now out.
No doubt I’ll get there eventually. However, I will still take the necessary
software with me, just in case she phones and says it’s ok to visit after all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, I’m still searching for another
car. Taking all things into consideration, it looks like a Jaguar X Type.
Whilst I also fancy the Mercedes C Class, I’m afraid the fuel consumption is a
wee bit too high, especially considering the fact that they are diesel engines.
Also, for the price I am able to pay, I can buy a much newer Jag than I can a
Merc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My search goes on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, happy days are here again. Winter is
almost upon us and we’ll be stuck in a marina for the next six months. We’ve
watched this place being built over the past couple of years. Each time we’ve
passed, or moored up outside, a bit more has been done. It’s not complete yet,
because there’s still quite a lot of groundwork still being done. But the
pontoons are almost full now, so it’s become quite popular. Our neighbours, on
both sides, seem to be permanent residents and go out to work. Both are quite
friendly too, so we’ve made the right choice of marina.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And, I think, that’s about it for this, my
first blog from Bosworth Marina.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take care folks and enjoy your weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-77395301143415605362016-10-13T22:09:00.001-07:002016-10-13T22:09:33.178-07:00Cruise 2016 # 12<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday 5<sup>th</sup> October Thursday 13<sup>th</sup>
October</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 6<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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We took the bus into Rugby yesterday, as
planned, and did a bit of shopping. After that, we walked around to the bakery,
which is just around the corner to Brooke’s café, but the bakery was closed
and, according to the new waitress at Brooke’s, had been for some time. Not
only that, but our favourite waitress had left Brooke’s. I just don’t know
what’s going on her. We turn our backs for a few months and everything goes
cuckoo. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Still, we did enjoy a latte and a cake, with
me having the fruit scone and Wifey having a lemon drizzle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our day was further spoilt at the bus stop. A
young couple sat downwind of us and he produced one of those, foul smelling,
imitation cigarettes. I think I prefer the original variety. Yeuk!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Back to my old VAIO. I downloaded this huge
programme yesterday, which is supposed to set up that laptop back to its Window
7 configuration. Having done that, I then, as per instructions, downloaded
another programme, which was supposed to allow me to burn the first programme
to a USB drive, so that I could load Windows 7 onto the VAIO.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So far, so good, or so I thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, intending to carry out this
further operation, I plugged in my new USB drive and clicked on the new
programme, with which I would be able to burn Windows 7 ISO onto the USB. This
programme came up with a message, asking me for the ISO details. Hmmm?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, this programme now sits on my hard drive
and, according to what I am reading, it is called VLan, which is a media
player. Hmmm? Again. I’m not too sure now, if I’ve downloaded the correct
programme and, since it took an age to do so yesterday, I’ll have to wait until
later today to have another go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This I will do while we’re at Hillmorton.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 7<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday morning, prior to leaving for
Hillmorton, we took a walk to the shops, for the Mail and other odds and sods.
Along the way we met up with another boater, who said, “I’m leaving early
today, because I don’t want to be stuck here while CRT remove the car from the
canal.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we rounded the bend and walked under the
bridge, sure enough there was a Ford Fiesta in the water, and it had been
dropped in so that it was pointed across the canal, which could give some boats
a bit of a problem getting past it. Fortunately, we were facing in the opposite
direction, so it should be gone by the time we return that way today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We eventually decided that, rather than go
through to Braunston, we would turn around at the bottom of Hillmorton locks
and moor up at the golf course, about a mile back from there, where it’s nice
and peaceful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll head on back to Newbold and,
after popping into the shop again, move along to bridge 26. Hopefully that
Fiesta has been removed. That’s the second time we’ve been faced with a car in
the canal. The last time was on the Huddersfield Wide, just after coming out of
Huddersfield, when we found a car in a lock and couldn’t pass through until it
had been removed, about 3 hours later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After arriving at the golf course and after
coffee and reading the Mail, I set to to make the bootable USB for the VAIO.
However, when I had done so, a message came up telling me that a certain part
of the process had not completed. But, when I checked the USB, that part had
been included. Strange, or what? Anyway, just to be on the safe side, I’m now
creating a bootable DVD. Clever Forsythe!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 8<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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We left our moorings at the golf course at
about 8 am and made our way back to Newbold, where we intended to do a bit of
shopping, before carrying on to bridge 26. Along the way another boater,
heading in the opposite direction, waved us down and told us that the car was
still in the canal at Newbold. The mind boggles, it really does. Not only is
this obstruction a nuisance to boaters; it’s on a bend where other boats are
moored; it’s also a danger to wildlife, especially the large group of swans
that congregate there, (They do so, because some fool comes out and feeds them
every morning) <o:p></o:p></div>
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You would have though, wouldn’t you that,
instead of sending a tender, with a small crane, which would normally be used
for dredging, they would have arranged a real crane with which to do the job.
Well, at least there was somebody from CRT in attendance. So, that’s something,
I suppose.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another odd thing that happened on our way to
Newbold, was the lady walking her Spaniel. This dog was clearly getting on in
years and, by the owner’s own admission, was stone deaf. And yet, not only was
it walking along off its lead, she was unable to call it back when it jumped
into the canal, swam to the other side and clambered out, only to disappear
through the undergrowth and into the field.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The last we saw of her, was when she stood on
the nearby bridge that ran alongside the canal on the towpath side. I think she
had a good half mile walk, to the nearest bridge that spanned the canal. She
then had to find her way back to where her dog had disappeared. There are some
strange people about and no mistake.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning we’ll be heading for Hawkesbury
Junction again, where we’ll spend the final weekend, before taking up our
winter moorings at Market Bosworth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 9<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Arrived at Hawkesbury Junction at 10 am and,
after topping up with water, Wifey popped across to the local shop for the Mail
and a bottle of milk, whilst I made the coffee. Works for me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later in the day, having already created a
reboot disc for my old VAIO, I set about getting the thing working and, yippee,
it’s all running nicely now. Mind, you, it’s so old that I have no idea what
I’m going to do with it. But, at least it’s up and running again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 10<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ll probably be at our new moorings before
the coming weekend, so this is probably the last blog for our 2016 cruising.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have been searching for a programme that
will allow me to recover my daughter’s password. Most of what I’ve seen has not
filled me with confidence. However, and finally, I found Lazesoft and have
downloaded their free software and made a bootable DVD. Hopefully, when I
finally get to visit Teresa, I’ll be able to get her back into her laptop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, despite the dodgy looking clouds
out there, I think it’s time we took our pooch for a walk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 11<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, we took that walk and, although rain
threatened, we made it back without getting wet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we have several things to do, the first
of which is to walk down to the shop for the Mail. After that, it’s a quick
read and then catch the bus to Nuneaton, where we’ll do a full shop, so that it
won’t be necessary again until we reach Market Bosworth marina.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In addition to the above, I’ll have to give
Chris at Market Bosworth a bell, just to ensure that our pontoon is clear for
our arrival later this week. When we booked our winter moorings, sometime
before leaving Crick, we said we would probably be arriving on the 1<sup>st</sup>
of November and, since these pontoons don’t stay empty during the summer
months, there could well be another boat in our spot, and that would never do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, having burnt the necessary Password
Recovery software to a DVD, I decided, just to be on the safe side, to also
burn it to a USB. Surely one of them should work? Now, when I get my car back
and an early opportunity presents itself, I’ll be able to visit my daughter and
sort out her laptop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately, she’s still having problems
with EE and her non-working iPhone. This has been going on for at least the
past 10 days and should have been sorted by now. In desperation yesterday, her
mum took her into their shop in Bedford and, after a right old bull and a cow,
she was given a temporary, Pay as You Go phone, to keep her happy until her
new, working iPhone actually arrives. She’s been reluctant to cancel her
contract; despite her right to do so, after being let down for so long; because
she’s been with them a long time and, up until now, hasn’t had any problems
with them. Hopefully, once this temporary phone is online, we’ll be able to
continue texting by mobile, rather than using her house phone. Texting, I have
found, is so much simpler.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 12<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was a mixture of fun and frolic.
After walking Alex down to the paper shop and buying the Mail, we walked him
back to the boat – naturally – and had a quick read of the paper. After that,
we caught the bus into Nuneaton for a big shop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Upon our return and after supping a
well-earned cup of coffee, I booted up the laptop and continued my search for a
low mileage, Jaguar X Type. There are quite a few about, so I shouldn’t have a
problem finding the right one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With nothing much else to do, I put the
laptop away and, later on, after dinner, out it came again. Only, this time, I
ran into a wee problem when I accessed the Internet. Because, up popped a
message from 3, my ISP, telling me I had exceeded my monthly allowance and
that, in order to continue using the Internet, I would need to log into my
account and upgrade to a new monthly plan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I keep all my Internet info, such as web
sites and passwords, in a programme called Typitin. So, when called upon to
provide a password, I know where and what it is. Unfortunately, 3 did not
recognise my password, so I attempted to ask for it to be reset. And this is
where the fun started.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My main email provider id a company called
Absolute Email and, I have set up Outlook to automatically download my
messages. However, by the time 3 had sent me the necessary link to change my
password, I could no longer get online. Great!! They want me to upgrade and pay
more for their service, but they’re not willing to allow me the time to reset
my password and o through that process.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the moment I am without Internet access. I
phoned my brother, Alan and asked him to do this for me, simply by providing
him with my login details at Absolute, so that he could then click on the
message from 3 and reset my password for me. But, unsurprisingly, that didn’t
work either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the rest of the evening, I wracked my
brains to find a way around this problem, without actually paying 3 any more
money per month and I think I’ve found the answer. It all depends on whether
Market Bosworth marina has free WiFi. If they do; and I shall phone them later
to find out; I’ll be able to use that for the first six days, which is when my
next month’s allowance with 3 begins. Simple!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This still doesn’t help with the password
problem, but that can be sorted by phone. Although, I’ll be asking 3 to call me
back, because theirs is a pay by the minute line, and that gets expensive when
calling from a mobile phone. The alternative to this, would be to wasted part
of today, taking the bus into Nuneaton again and paying a visit to the 3 shop.
Nah!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, we’ll walk down to the local shop
again, but we’ll leave here a little later than usual, because we want to stop
off at the local marina for diesel and coal. We also want to call into the Farm
Shop at bridge 23, for some meat, which they have a fair range of.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The weather out there is not looking too
clever this morning, but we do need to move along to Stoke Golding and then,
tomorrow morning, take up our moorings at Market Bosworth, because I have now
arranged with Dave and Malcolm, to collect my car from Crick Garage on Friday
morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t expect much excitement over the next
couple of days, so I’ll keep this blog going until we reach our moorings. It
will be a long, final blog entry, but it will give you all some bedtime reading
over the weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later……<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since we’re quite likely to be without
Internet access for the next 8 days, as a direct result of me using too much
data with my “Three” account, we decided to pay a visit to their shop in
Nuneaton. Unbeknown to me, until the staff at the shop told me, their system
was being updated yesterday, which is why I couldn’t access my account and
change my password. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, if I had been told that in their
onscreen message, I would have been aware of the problem. With the level and
sophistication of 21<sup>st</sup> century, this simple piece of advice should
have been equally simple to include in that message. I despair of the ignorance
and stupidity of big business these days. Mind you, the owners of “Three”, a
company called Hutchinson’s, are Australian. Nuff said!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having sorted my Internet problem, by the
simple expedient of purchasing a £10 SIM from the shop, I should be OK until my
next month’s allowance pops up an about a week’s time. So, all’s well that ends
well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are now at Stoke Golding and, after
topping up with fuel and coal at the Ashby Boat Company wharf, we arrived here
at about midday and will stay until tomorrow morning, when we’ll stroll up the
hill for the Mail and then head off to Market Bosworth Marina.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 13<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, here we are at last our final day of
Cruise 2016. If there are any downsides to this year’s trip, it’s been the
weather. Watching the 6 o/clock news every weekday evening, and the Countryfile
“Weather for the Week Ahead” on Sundays, we’ve noticed a distinct disparity
between the north and south of the country. Lots of rain in the north and
heatwaves in the south. Other than that anomaly, it’s been a pretty good five
and a half months.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Up until yesterday; and we still have about
six miles to go to Market Bosworth; we’ve cruised for 216 hours, passed through
235 locks and traveled 317 miles. During this time, we’ve traveled along
parts of the Grand Union, Oxford, Coventry, Ashby, Trent and Mersey, Staffs and
Worcester, Shropshire, Middlewich Branch, and we’re now back on the Ashby,
heading towards our final destination.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bearing in mind, the fact that, in years past
we’ve left our winter moorings at the beginning of April, and returned to them
at the beginning of November, I think we’ve done pretty well this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, just in case something untoward happens
on today’s final leg, I’ll wait until later today, or maybe tomorrow morning,
before I post this blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 14<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday morning, at about 8.45, we set off
for the final six miles to Market Bosworth marina. Thankfully, the weather
stayed dry for us, because we had no choice, as I’m meeting Dave Hull this
morning and going over to Crick for my car.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The only thing that struck us as odd,
especially considering the really cold wind, was the appearance of a Painted
Lady butterfly. This beautiful creature landed gently on the rear hatch and sat
there, wings wide open catching the warmth of the sun. It stayed with us for
about half a mile and then, having warmed its wings, off it flew. Sadly, with
the weather so cold, I doubt if it would have survived for much longer. Nice of
it to hitch a lift though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, we arrived at the marina at about 11 am
and, after sorting things out at the marina office; card for electric, codes
for the various security gates etc, we settled in for our coffee and then took
Alex out for a walk. The rest of our first day here went as usual.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, around about 9 o/clock, Dave
should be picking me up and, hopefully, he’ll have room for Wifey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And, that’s it. Cruise 2016 is over and done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks for joining us on our trip. Your
presence is much appreciated. Naturally I’ll keep the blog going whilst we are
here, although there probably won’t be as much to report.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take care folks and enjoy your winter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kind regards from Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-18309283643654616542016-10-04T22:34:00.002-07:002016-10-04T22:34:58.331-07:00Cruise 2016 # 11<div class="MsoNormal">
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Monday 26<sup>th</sup> September to Wednesday
5<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 26<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, before leaving Polesworth, we
walked into the village and, on the spur of the moment, I called in to the
Medical Centre, to enquire about these red patches that have been coming up on
my arms. I originally thought it was just liver spots, as afflict many older
folks like me. However, having taken the belated trouble to read the leaflets
that come with my medication, I discovered that two of the pills I am taking
for my diabetes, have side effects that can cause this problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, I was fortunate enough to have called
into the centre at just about the right time, because a doctor agreed to see me
immediately. Not only that, but the nurse was also able to carry out a blood
test, the results will be texted to me if there is a problem. Otherwise, all
OK.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We eventually left Polesworth at 9 o/clock
and, after three miles and two locks, we moored up just past bridge 47, where
we’ll stay today and, if the weather is OK tomorrow, we’ll go through another
nine locks and two miles, which will see us at the top end of Atherstone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 27<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning has dawned quite windy and with the smell of rain in the
air. Should the rain come down and/or the wind increase in strength, there’s a
pretty good chance we’ll stay where we are. At 7 am it’s not looking good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If we do go on, then we’ll be going through nine locks in a little
under two miles, and will moor up at the top end of Atherstone. Normally, when
we come through here, we would moor up about half way through. Unfortunately,
there’s a railway track running just behind the moorings, which plays havoc
with TV reception. So, just for a change, we’ll push on through to the top of
the Atherstone locks. We’ll still be within striking distance of the shops, but
we’ll have better TV reception.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m currently looking for a newer car. So far I’ve narrowed my choices
down to just three, which are: Jaguar X Type, Mercedes C Class and SAAB 9-5.
I’m still pretty much undecided but, if value for money was my only
consideration, it would have to be the SAAB, simply because a 2007 plate would
be the newest model that I could purchase with my limited budget. For style and
sleek lines, it would have to be the Jaguar and, I could probably pick up a
2006 plate for the same money. However, this would come with pretty high
mileage. Then there’s the Merc. Great cars, highly recommended by a very good
friend, but I would only get a 2004 for my money.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Decisions, decisions!!! Now doubt something will turn up. Of course,
there’s also the question of servicing and repairs, which does vary
considerably between the three choices.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 28<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was rather blowy, so we decided to stay put and walk into
Atherstone. Looking at our Nicholson’s guide, this appeared to be about 2½ mile
round trip. In the event, after walking there along the towpath, traipsing
along the High Street, stopping at two shops and then stopping off at the Co-op
before returning the same way, the whole trip took us just over an hour and 45
minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have three puzzle magazines that we like to buy every month. I like
Sudoku and Suguru, whilst Wifey prefers Killer Sudoku, which I simply don’t
have the patience for. The Suguru magazine is always the most difficult to come
by. Even Smith’s rarely have it in stock. So, since I hadn’t been able to find
the latest copy anywhere, we tried a Newsagent along the High Street. Still no
luck.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also wanted a new external hard-drive, which I found at the local
computer shop. This I need, in order to copy stuff that I’m not currently
using, onto. Somehow, I just don’t trust the iCloud for saving my stuff
securely.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll be moving along to the top of the remaining nine locks, and
we’ll be mooring up at the top end of Atherstone, rather than our usual spot,
which is roughly in the middle of those locks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 29<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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We arrived at the top of Atherstone locks, none the worse for wear and,
quite naturally, made ourselves a lovely cup of coffee. We then strolled into
town, for shopping and to see if we could find some more T-Shirts; those with
short sleeves and button-up collars. In the event, all we found were two such
shirts for me, but nothing that Wifey fancied.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, if this rain desists, we’ll make our way to Hawkesbury Junction,
which joins the Coventry to the Oxford canal. This is a 10 mile run, so the
weather had better be in our favour. If we can make it to Hawkesbury today,
then we can spend the weekend at Newbold, where we can catch the bus into
Rugby, and where Wifey might be able to find her T-Shirts. We could also visit
our favourite coffee shop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 30<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, that’s the end of another month and winter will soon be upon us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After returning from the shop yesterday morning, the rain had already
stopped, although the sky was looking a bit bleak. There were really heavy
looking clouds scudding across the sky, but they were going our direction and,
coming up behind were blue skies. So, we set off at about 8.30 am and had high
hopes of reaching Hawkesbury Junction before lunchtime.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, one of my pet hates; and I do have a few where boating is
concerned; is having to rely on the boat in front, to keep up a sensible pace.
I know, I know, the speed limit is only 4mph on canals. However, when the berk
in front crawls along at just above my tick-over speed, I do get a bit irked,
to say the least.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, on a bright and sunny morning, and hoping to reach Hawkesbury
Junction, 10 miles away from Atherstone, we had just reached Springwood Haven
marina, when another boat pulled out ahead of us. We had only completed three
miles of our trip by then, so I was somewhat dismayed at noticing the smoke
billowing from his engine. So, not only was he just puttering along at a
snail’s pace, we were going to be subjected to the stink of diesel fumes, quite
possibly for the next seven miles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yes, you guessed it, we pulled in and stayed at Springwood Haven and
will go on this morning. This means that, instead of spending the weekend at Newbold
and going into Rugby on Monday, we’ll be staying the weekend at Hawkesbury
Junction and Newbold on Tuesday. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We’re hoping to reach Braunston by the following weekend, giving us
time to turn around and reach Market Bosworth by the middle of October. We have
nothing else planned and we do need to register with the local GP and I do need
to retrieve my car from the garage at Crick.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 1<sup>st</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, the day started out dry and bright but, by the time we left, it
was looking decidedly dodgy, weather-wise. However, we managed to get to
Nuneaton OK, but, by the time we were part way back on the bus, down came the
rain and it’s been raining ever since. Still, it is supposed to be brighter
tomorrow. So, that’s OK then!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 2<sup>nd</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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A bright, but cold start to the day. Should be good to sit in The
Greyhound pub garden lunchtime. Probably the last chance we’ll get before
winter closes in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We took the bus into Nuneaton yesterday, initially to find a new winter
bed for Alex, which we did. It’s somewhat bigger than his summer one and, of
course, much warmer. He did look a wee bit perplexed when we took the old one
away and put the new one down, but he soon got the hang of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wifey also wanted to find some new tops for herself, but, after
visiting several shops, she came away with nothing. A wee bit fussy, methinks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow morning, all being well weather wise, we’ll turn onto The
Oxford canal and make our way to bridge 26, which is well out of the way of any
group of houses and we’ll stay there for just one day. Then, on Tuesday
morning, we’ll make our way to Newbold, where we’ll stay a couple of days and
take the bus to Rugby.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ah, Rugby, where we know of a really great, friendly coffee shop. Latte
and sticky bun coming up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 3<sup>rd</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s getting much colder now. This morning we had the first frost of
autumn, so it will be thicker coats when we get going later on. That will be
after a walk to the local shop, for the Mail and milk. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To be honest, I won’t be sorry to get snuggled down at our winter
moorings. It looks set to be a cold winter. Even sitting in the sun yesterday,
in The Greyhound pub garden, here at Hawkesbury Junction, we could still feel
the chill in the air. Still, I am getting a bit long in the tooth now and,
having lost quite a bit of weight over the past five months; I have now cracked
the 13 stone mark; I suppose I’m bound to feel the cold more. Not enough fat
stores to keep me warm!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 4<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></div>
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My daughter, Teresa, hasn’t used her laptop for quite some time. As a
result; since she didn’t think to write it down somewhere safe; she’s forgotten
her password and, since she’s also having problems with her iPhone, regarding
the Internet and emails, I’m trying to help her sort out the laptop. With me so
far?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Looking around on the Internet myself, I discovered various ways of
recovering a password, none of which is easy. So, since she’s not desperate for
the password; doing most Internet stuff with her phone; I thought I would sort
my old laptop out first and, at a later day, loan her that while I endeavour to
recover that password.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I, eventually, found a programme online, whereby I can get my old VAIO
back to normal. At present it’s telling me that my version of Windows 7 is
hookey, which it should not be, because I’ve had it for several years without
problems. It was only when I tried; many months ago; to update it to Windows
10. But, that’s another story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, the first thing needed for my VAIO, is a copy f the 64bitISO, which
I’m downloading now. But, trust me, I’m in a place where the download speed is
a wee bit slow. Hopefully this process won’t take me past breakfast time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Further news later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll be heading for Newbold, where we’ll take the bus into
Rugby.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 5<sup>th</sup> October.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday went very well. We left bridge 26 at 8 o/clock and, with just
one small problem, arrived at Newbold at 10am. That small problem? Well, just
before entering Newbold, there’s a short tunnel. This tunnel takes two boats,
side by side, one heading one way and the other going in the opposite
direction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, we’ve never had to go through this particular tunnel, whilst
facing a boat coming towards us. Normally, this is not a problem with other,
similar tunnels. But, where most tunnels; of whatever length; usually have
boarding running along the sides, so as to avoid damage to paintwork, this one
has, what appear to be, old railway lines. Either that, or just thick, steel
strips.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a result of this stupid system, we have now suffered considerable
damage to the starboard side of the boat. So, next time we come through here,
we’ll make sure nothing is coming the other way. If there is, well, we’ll just
have to wait until they are through, before we proceed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Right, different subject. As I mentioned earlier, I have an old VAIO
laptop which gave me so much trouble, that I went out and bought this Acer
Aspire, which, so far, has given me very little trouble.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My eldest daughter, Teresa, has a laptop that she hasn’t used for quite
some time, and she has forgotten the password. So, since she’s not in a hurry
to have it sorted, I’m trying to get the VAIO to behave, and then I can loan
her that whilst I try to recover her password. This is all for a few weeks’
time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The VAIO is almost beyond redemption because, since trying to get it to
work properly, when I bought a programme that would reset Windows 7, I now have
a message, telling me this version of Windows 7 is illegal. How this has
happened, goodness knows. But it has, and so I have to do something about it.
And besides, it gives me something interesting to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have now looked around on the Internet and have found another
programme which, when burnt to a USB Drive, should reload Windows 7, with the
result that I have a legitimate version of the programme. Of course, any
programmes already on the VAIO, will be wiped off, but that’s not a problem,
because I intend to upgrade it to Windows 10.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’re taking the bus into Rugby where, amongst other things, we’ll
enjoy a latte and sticky bun at Brooke’s Café.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow, on to Hillmorton, where we’ll either turn around, or go up
the locks and stay for two days, proceeding on to Braunston on Saturday
morning. That’s the plan anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, with six pages already done, I think I’ll post this blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take care folks. It’ll soon be Christmas!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-23845501096609556302016-09-25T22:37:00.004-07:002016-09-25T22:37:13.536-07:00Cruise 2016 # 10<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday 16<sup>th</sup> September to Monday 26<sup>th</sup> September</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 18<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Friday morning we took the bus into Lichfield but, having visited
all the shops that sell coats, we weren’t able to find what we wanted. Sheila
is not quite as fussy as me; for a start she doesn’t mind hoods on coats, I
hate them. Even having said that, she wasn’t happy with the coats on offer.
Perhaps it’s too early for the full range of winter warmers to be in stock.
Whatever the case, nothing suitable was found. Not to worry though, we’ll be at
Fazeley Junction on Tuesday and will be able to take the bus to Ventura Park,
where there’s a Black’s clothing store.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, yesterday was a pretty fine day and so, after walking to the paper
shop; which has been closed for a while, apparently; Sheila popped next door
and found that the Mini-Market had taken over newspapers. That done, we headed
back to the boat, where, much to my surprise, Sheila volunteered to get down
the engine bay and remove all that spilled oi. I have to confess, I wasn’t looking
forward to that particular task. My back is still aching from my last foray
into that place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, since some of this spilled oil had been contaminated with odd
particles of other muck, we decided to remove at least some with old tea towels
and cloths, putting those she collected into an old paint kettle. However,
after a while she thought perhaps the amount of oil there was too much for just
old cloths, so out came the oil remover thingy. This is a bowl, with a thin
tube attached, that can be pressurised and, with the tube shoved down the
dip-stick hole, engine oil can be sucked up under pressure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That idea became a non-starter almost immediately, because the tube
became clogged up. So, more cloths and more time and, eventually, all the oil
had been removed. We now have a paint kettle full of oil and soggy cloths,
along with more oil soaked rags, all in a black bin bag. In fact, since leaving
Great Haywood we have accumulated three bags full of rubbish, which we’ll
dispose of when we get to Fradley Junction, probably tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, thanks to my thoughtful wife, job done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning we have a clear sky and no wind, so we may be lucky and be
able to spend an hour at the local watering hole.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 19<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Supposed to be going on to Fradley but, as it’s raining, and very well
may continue to do so for the rest of the day, that may not be the case.
However, it was a great day yesterday and we did manage to enjoy our usual hour
at the pub. So, that’s alright then!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 21<sup>st</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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We finally made it to Fradley Junction yesterday morning and, much to
our surprise, found very few boats moored on the Coventry arm. That soon
changed later in the day though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, as normal when we’re at Fradley, we took a walk through the
Wildlife Park and, on the way back, called into the local café for ice creams.
Other than that, we spent a peaceful day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, bright and early, we made our way to Whittington, where
we enjoyed a cup of coffee and then walked to the shop for a few odds and ends.
We’re now resting our weary bones.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow, we’ll go on to Fazeley Junction where, on Friday morning,
we’ll take the bus to Ventura Park, where there’s a Black’s store and where we
hope to buy winter coats.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 22<sup>nd</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s the Autumn Equinox today, which means that the daylight hours are
the same as the night time darkness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We should be going on to Fazeley, and will probably do so, if the rain
stops. Otherwise we could be here for an extra day. Whittington is fine for a
couple of days, so it would be no hardship to stay and we could still get to
Ventura Park on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve spent a lot of time recently, searching for my next car. The Alfa
is now 14 years old, so I’m hoping to find something younger. It’s a habit some
of us get into, trading in for a newer model!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, as a hard and fast rule, I
hate diesels, simply because they are so damned dirty. However, for the sake of
economy, I have set aside that hatred and have narrowed my search down to the
Jaguar X Type, Classic, SE, or Sport 2.0 diesel, all of which are pretty
economical on fuel and all of which have only £145 Road Tax.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then there’s the SAAB 9-5 Vector Sport 1.9 TiD, which has slightly
better fuel consumption, but a higher Road Tax, at £185.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The trouble is, I also like the Mercedes C180 and the Jaguar S Type, so
I’m twixt a rock and a hard place. In years gone by I’ve ignored running costs
and have simply gone for what I like or fancy. However, since this will
probably be the last car I buy, I’m being a bit picky.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, the other consideration, is the age of the car. With the
Mercs and jags, I’ll be lucky to find one with an 04 plate. Whereas, with the
SAAB, it’s not uncommon to find an 07 plate. That’s probably because SAAB are
no longer in business. But, that should not be a worry, since there are quite a
few mechanics out there who specialise in SAABs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, it looks like the rain has stopped, so we might get away this
morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 23<sup>rd</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lucky old us, no rain to spoil our trip to Fazeley. In fact, the day
turned out rather good, all bright and sunny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One unusual happenstance occurred on our way here though. As we were
approaching Hopwas, a fellow boater, who was coming towards us, called out to
be aware that there was a dead body on the towpath ahead, and that the police
were there. Sure enough, as we came out of the other side of the village, there
was a blanket lying there and the shape of a body underneath it. Of course,
there were police everywhere, some of which seemed to be conducting house to
house enquiries.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll definitely be taking the bus to Ventura Park to see about
warmer jackets. There’s a definite chill in the air this morning, so Autumn is
approaching. Thankfully, our fire is throwing out the heat, so we should have
no problems on that score. In fact, now that the fire ropes have been replaced;
courtesy of my good wife; the coal is burning much more slowly, or so it seems
and, provided we clean the chimney on a more regular basis, it won’t get
blocked up again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later……<o:p></o:p></div>
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Managed to find the ideal winter coat at Black’s. I’m right chuffed
with this coat, for three very good reasons. One, only one zip-catch at the
bottom, where most of these have two, ostensibly to allow for riding a bike!!
Also, no Velcro, instead it has press-studs and, finally, no hood. I hate hoods
on coats. All in all, a bargain at just £42.00p.<o:p></o:p></div>
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From Black’s we went across to Sports Direct, where we found a coat for
Wifey. All the bells and whistles, including fur-lined hood, which she just
loves, although she’ll probably remove the furry bit. At just under £50.00p,
another bargain. Bring it on!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow, Polesworth for the weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 25<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday, thank goodness, dawned bright and calm and so, after topping
up with water and disposing of rubbish, we headed off for Polesworth. This was
a straightforward trip, and was only broken by stopping off at Alvecote for
coal and a 5ltr. container of engine oil. Now, since we’re probably staying
here tomorrow too, perhaps the weather will be kind enough, to allow me to
change the oil again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday, after arriving at Polesworth and imbibing the obligatory cup
of coffee, we took a walk into the town for groceries, and then settled in for
a lazy day. We had planned on taking Alex for a walk around the local park, but
the wind blew up quite strong and rain threatened, so we decided against it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, well, at the moment it’s raining but, when I got up, it
was teeming down. It eased off just long enough to get the pooch out for a pee.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 26<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thankfully, the rain did stop yesterday and we had a very pleasant day,
although the wind did spring up quite strong later. Unfortunately, that meant
we had to sit inside the Bull’s Head for our Sunday tipple.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning started out dry and cloudy, but it has now progressed to
wet and cloudy. We had intended to move along a few miles and up a couple of
locks today, but we may not be able to. We just hate cruising in the rain, even
though we do have waterproof gear. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I think that will do for this blog. Have a good week folks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-16169192951463973822016-09-15T23:02:00.001-07:002016-09-15T23:02:06.580-07:00Cruise 2016 # 9<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Cruise 2016 # 9<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Thursday 8<sup>th</sup> September to Friday 16<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 8<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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My sincere apologies for forgetting to include the finished colour
cartoon of my daughter, Teresa. This I will do when I post this one, Promise!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqhvdPfxdeepzkyw15WwEIcxVFkttrczVo927bknxTmoekLoh2RtDct-sOiE07upiAyCfpMldwvmqjdaXpd2_813kGGfGZ7Ffk7Y3M0l7lq835YZOLZVCuglTxktsUxV_1qZ80RiJV8E/s1600/Cartoon+Portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqhvdPfxdeepzkyw15WwEIcxVFkttrczVo927bknxTmoekLoh2RtDct-sOiE07upiAyCfpMldwvmqjdaXpd2_813kGGfGZ7Ffk7Y3M0l7lq835YZOLZVCuglTxktsUxV_1qZ80RiJV8E/s320/Cartoon+Portrait.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Teresa's Cartoon Portrait</div>
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I do believe we had some rain last night. Although, I didn’t hear a
thing if it did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday we took Alex over to the field for a run around, which he
thoroughly enjoyed and which wore him out. The field in question spans the two
rivers that run by the canal and, as far as we are aware, serves as a flood
plain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, weather permitting, we’ll be off to Tixall Wide again and will
take a walk into Great Haywood later in the day. We might even stay there for
the weekend and then, on Monday morning, take the boat along to the marina,
where we can top up with diesel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now that the warm and sticky spell has broken, we’re expecting it to
cool down, so I suspect we’ll be lighting the fire soon. At least the chimney
is clean, Now, all we have to do is reseal the door.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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After walking down to the nearest newspaper shop; sits just opposite
the entrance to Queens Shopping Centre; we got back to the boat, only to find
it started raining. So, rather than travel in the rain; especially with the
building wind speed; we sat around for an hour and finally left at 09.30.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fortunately for us, the rain stayed away and we arrived at Tixall Wide
at 11.00. We have no great rush to be anywhere in particular; well, not until
the 1<sup>st</sup> of November; so we’ll probably stay here for the weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow we’ll walk into Great Haywood for shopping and, on Sunday,
we’ll walk I again for the pub.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday? Who knows? Who cares?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 10<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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As expected, we had high winds later in the day. However, it did stay
dry for the most part. During the night we had rain, but that has stopped now
and so has the wind. After brekky, assuming the weather is still on our side,
we’ll take a walk into Great Haywood for some shopping.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whilst we’re still OK for diesel, we’ll probably leave topping up until
we get to the pig farm, outside of which is a fuel barge. This is just the
other side of Rugeley and we should be there for Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are planning on taking the bus into Litchfield, but that won’t be
until we reach Handsacre, on Thursday or Friday. We’re hoping to find a couple
of decent winter coats. Ours are now too small, due to some success in losing
weight. I also want to get a new strap for a watch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later……<o:p></o:p></div>
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Immediately after breakfast, we took a walk into Great Haywood for
stuff. Our walk took us past the rubbish tip, where we did just that, then on
to the paper shop and Post Office, then back to the Farm Shop, where we, once
again, spent lots. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Once back at the boat we enjoyed a cup of coffee, and a well-deserved
one at that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After coffee, out came the laptop. Now, saving emails is a fairly
straightforward procedure. However, when following that procedure, as set down
by Microsoft’s Outlook programme, the resultant emails must still be opened
with Outlook. But, being the ornery cuss that I am, I don’t want to do that. I
would rather simply save them and open them, without having to also open
Outlook. So, I looked online and, lo and behold, all that’s required is to make
a new folder somewhere on the laptop, and drag the email that needs to be copied,
into the new folder. It’s then a case of simply double clicking on the email
that’s been saved.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why do I want to save emails once they have been read? Well, many of
them, especially from my RAF pal Alan and Sheila’s Sister-in-Law, Sandra,
contain jokes, photos and links that I wish to keep. Saving them all in
separate folders means I can then delete them from Outlook, which has the added
benefit of speeding up the loading process.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 12<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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A pretty good weekend, with fair weather yesterday, which allowed us to
walk along to Great Haywood and enjoy an hour in the pub garden. Other than
that little outing, Sundays are for resting. Although, Wifey chose Sunday to
replace the fire bricks and seal the doors on the solid fuel burner. Job done! Now,
after this week’s fine weather, we’ll probably be lighting the fire. It does
get rather chilly inside the boat in the mornings, and again once the sun goes
down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ll be moving along and making a call into the local marina for
diesel and then, if we can do so, moor up in Great Haywood.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 13<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was interesting, for several reasons. We left Tixall Wide at
about 8.15 am and made our way to Great Haywood and we were fortunate enough to
get in on the water point. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After topping up with water and disposing of rubbish, we then carried
on the Great Haywood Marina, where we were again very fortunate in being able
to go straight on to the diesel point.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After filling up with diesel, we left the marina and made our way back
to the Great Haywood moorings. We noticed as we passed under the bridge, on our
way to the marina, that there was a mooring space there and hoped to moor
there. Wouldn’t you know it? Just as we were approaching that spot, another
boat pulled in. So, we carried on and under the bridge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That boat, that stole our intended mooring space, actually did us a
favour because, as we passed under the bridge, we spotted a much better mooring
point, just past the water point and junction. This is an ideal spot, for two
very good reasons. Firstly, we have our stern to the junction, with nobody
behind us, so we can virtually run our engine without disturbing our
neighbours. And, secondly, the Wi-Fi transmitting tower is directly opposite,
ensuring a strong signal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After the obligatory cup of coffee, we took a slow meander to the local
shop and then on the way back from there, called in at the Farm Shop. As
mentioned before in these blogs, they do sell some pretty yummy goodies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The rest of the day was spent doing much of nothing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’re expecting the start of a mini-heatwave. We’ll see!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 14<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday started out bright and sunny and we managed to go for a
couple of walks. However, later in the afternoon, we had severe thunderstorms
with lots of really heavy rain. Apparently, so did the rest of the West
Midlands. OK, this morning though, so perhaps we’ll get to the pig farm without
a soaking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 16<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few weeks ago, I don’t remember where, we bought oil and filter for
the boat, in preparation for a pre-winter oil and filter change. We usually
have a proper service carried out, by a professional – Dave Hull – prior to
leaving for our summer cruise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, this Wednesday just gone, was the day I decided to get down
into the bowels of the engine bay, and do right by this boat. All went well
and, having run the engine to check for leaks, I was happy to run it again in
the evening, as usual. We lifted the lid yesterday morning, prior to setting
off for our current moorings, at Handsacre. All was well and no additional oil
was found. Happy days! Or, so I thought!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having only a short way to go before our shopping stop at Rugeley, we
left somewhat later than normal but, within about 20 minutes, on cam the oil
pressure warning light and on went the accompanying siren. Oh bugger, I
thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, we pulled in just as soon as we could, lifted the engine bay lid
and were confronted with a great pool of oil. Not quite the five litres I had
poured in, but not far from it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On went my grotties and down I climbed into the engine bay. After
emptying that nice, new oil and removing the nice, new filter, I then felt
around the holding screw thread and, lo and behold, out came the o/ring from
the old filter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, this o/ring is solidly fitted into a slot and, were you to try
removing that o/ring from a new filter, even with a pair of long-nosed pliars,
you would not find it easy. However, this one had come adrift, when I removed
the old filter, and I didn’t notice it. So, no amount of tightening of the new
filter, was going to prevent a leak. The trouble her is, that I had only run
the engine on tick-over and I really should have run it under pressure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, be warned, anybody who hasn’t done so before. If you’re doing this
for the first time, do check that the o/ring comes away with the old filter.
Because I didn’t do so, I not only have an engine bay swimming with oil – now being
soaked up with sundry, soft items – I also have a mixture of old and new oil in
the engine and will have to buy some more oil, remove that mixture and refill
with new oil.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In my defence I must say that, for all the times I’ve done this simple
task, I’ve not had this happen to me. We live and learn.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, on to today’s events. We are; assuming we don’t have to suffer
those predicted heavy rains; taking the bus into Litchfield, to see if we can
find some new winter coats. Due to some weight loss; I am now down from 14 stone
9 pounds to 12 stone 12 pounds, and Sheila now sits at a little over 9 stone;
we find our coats are too big. So, a shopping we will go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And that, as they say, is that. Another blog completed and ready to
post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ta ta for now and enjoy your weekend, whatever you have in mind to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-82386397538071138332016-09-08T04:16:00.002-07:002016-09-08T04:16:45.328-07:00Cruise 2016 # 8<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday 26<sup>th</sup> August to Thursday 8<sup>th</sup> September</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 27<sup>th</sup> August.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We arrived here at Stone on Tuesday, planning on staying just a couple
of days. However, it’s now Saturday and we’re still here, with no plans to move
along any time soon. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After seeing Alan and Chris on Wednesday, and because we’re on 14 day
moorings, we decided to see the Bank Holiday weekend out and turn around on
Monday or Tuesday morning. We’ll have to turn around on Monday anyway, because
we’ll probably run out of water by Tuesday, and that wouldn’t be at all funny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stone is a really busy Staffordshire town and this weekend; or rather
on Monday afternoon; there’s a parade on to welcome home their Gold Medal
Winning Olympic Champeen. So, it’s got to be worth staying. Besides which,
there are a few decent pubs here, where we can enjoy our Sunday lunchtime
drinky poos.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we do leave here, we’ll be heading back to Great Haywood and then
taking the Staffs and Worcester canal through to Stourport on Severn, where
we’ll turn around and make our way to Market Bosworth for the winter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 30<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ve spent the entire Bank Holiday weekend here at Stone, and very
pleasant it has been too. In fact, we arrived here last Tuesday, so we’ve been
here a whole week, which we have never done before. I suppose we just wanted a
lazy week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After seeing Alan and Chris on Wednesday, we kinda chilled out for the
rest of the week. On Sunday, of course, we paid a visit to the nearest pub, The
Star, and sat in the garden with our drink and snacks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday, since we knew we were getting low on water, we moved down to
the water point and topped up our tank. Then, since Wifey will insist on doing
at least one wash per week, we took the boat up a couple of locks, but, because
somebody was already on the waste disposal point, we continued up another two
locks; which we would have had to do anyway, because we wanted to turn around;
Turned around at the nearest winding hole, and came back down two locks, once
again to use the waste disposal facilities. After that, another two locks down
and back to our previous mooring point. And, here we stayed for yesterday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was a very special day for Stone, because their hero Kayaker,
Joe Clarke, was being paraded through the town and being taken to the big field
just behind the moorings. This field, is, essentially a playground, with a
Gymnasium, tennis courts and kiddies play area. This was all roped off for that
special welcome only we Brits know how to conduct.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Further away from that particular field, is another big field, which we
used on several occasions to let Alex off his lead. He does enjoy a good run
around when he can. Sadly, those opportunities don’t present themselves very
often but, when they do, he goes potty and wears himself out from running in huge
circles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I can happily state, that we’ve quite enjoyed our stay at Stone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll be moving along to Weston, but that won’t happen until
we’ve done a bit of shopping. We particularly like the local baker’s multi-seed
G.I. bread. Yummee!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 31<sup>st</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday, after popping into town for some of that GI bread and the
paper, we headed off to Weston, at about 9 am. After five miles and two locks,
we settled in and moored a short way before the village. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The day was really quite hot, so we didn’t do very much exciting.
However, I did finish off Teresa’s pastel cartoon portrait. All I have to do
now, is mount and frame it and it will be ready for posting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our next stop from here, will be Great Haywood, where we’ll buy a new
gas bottle and then turn onto Staffs and Worcs canal, stopping off at Tixall
Wide again. We’ll probably walk back to Great Haywood for the paper.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow, assuming the weather is kind to us, we’ll make our way to
Weeping Cross and, from there we’ll take the bus into Stafford. Our wee pooch
is moulting quite heavily at present and, despite regular brushing, he
continues to do so. Whilst out cruising, the only way to remove his hairs from
the carpets, is on one’s knees with a dustpan and brush. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately, using our hoover is out of the question, simply because
it draws too much power from the batteries. So, off we go to Stafford to see if
we can buy a carpet sweeper at Argos. We would prefer a cordless one, that can
be charged up whilst the engine is running. It should then be easier to sweep
up those hairs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Arrived at Great Haywood at 10 am and, luckily for us, there was a
space open on the water point. So, having topped up with water and bought a new
gas bottle, we decided to head for Tixall Wide. However, before we could do so,
we spotted a boat that was about to leave the nearest mooring point to the
junction, so we slipped in there. This meant we could go and get the paper and,
later in the morning, take a walk up to the Farm Shop and spend some more cash.
Fruit, sausage rolls, pork pie, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So now, tomorrow morning, we can go on to Weeping Cross and visit
Queens Shopping Centre, where I’ll pay another visit to Hobby Craft and, if the
Asda Home Store stocks them, we’ll also buy that new carpet sweeper. If they
don’t, then we’ll take the bus into Stafford later, or the next day and call in
at the Argos store.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, after a cloudy start, the weather has turned really warm and,
just as soon as Wifey has finished brushing up dog hairs – for the last time,
we hope – I’ll make us a cuppa. Goodness knows that lady certainly deserves
one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 1<sup>st</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, according to those BBC weather people, today is the first day of
Autumn. Now, I do like Autumn weather. Misty in the morning; like this morning;
and plenty of colour in the trees. However, it’s only the first day of Autumn
for those weather people, but since the trees haven’t started shedding their
leaves yet, I’m still on Summertime, so there. And besides, the clocks don’t go
back until the last weekend in October, so that’s when my Autumn starts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whatever the case, it looks set to be a fine day today, so we’ll be off
to Weeping Cross. We’re hoping to get as far as Stourport, but will turn around
when necessary and head for Market Bosworth for the Winter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 2<sup>nd</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did you know, the weather forecasters work in 3 monthly blocks and, as
far as they are concerned, Autumn started yesterday. Similarly, Winter starts
on 1<sup>st</sup> December, Spring starts 1<sup>st</sup> March and Summer
starts on 1<sup>st</sup> of June. Me? I like to think that Autumn starts on 1<sup>st</sup>
of November, which is when we moor up for the winter months. What’s more, our
Summer starts on 1<sup>st</sup> of April, because that’s when we like to leave
the marina. Spring and Autumn don’t exist for us. So there!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, we’ll take the bus to Stafford and then, if the weather is kind
to us, move along to Acton Trussell.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 3<sup>rd</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, we moved along to Acton Trussell, and then we carried on to
Penkridge, arriving at about 10 am.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Coffee was first on the agenda, then a short walk for Alex, then a walk
into town, initially for some ‘dirt’ for the top boxes; which we bought from
the farm shop. In addition, we called into the Butcher’s, naturally, and also
bought a big, padded envelope from the Post Office, in which to post Teresa’s
cartoon portrait. I know, I know, far too much information. But, such useless
info does help to fill the pages.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the rest of the day, we did absolutely nothing. Today will be a
different story, because we will visit the market and, in order to make use of
the dirt we bought yesterday, Wifey will buy some plants for the flower boxes
on our roof. We’re also hoping to buy a new, winter coat each. If not, then
we’ll take a bus ride into Stafford on Monday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Sunday, assuming the weather is kind to us, we’ll spend an hour in
the pub garden.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wifey settled on violas for the flower boxes and, with a little help
from yours truly, she emptied out the old, stagnant soil and planted them. Our
rooftop now looks much prettier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today is pretty dismal, with heavy clouds and very little sun. But, so
long as it stays dry, we’ll have our hour at the pub.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 6<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is now exactly 10 years since we took to the water. Happy
Anniversary to us. We still haven’t covered all that the Inland Waterways have
to offer. But, we’ve done a fair chunk of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We took the bus into Stafford yesterday, again, and I managed to find a
new, shower proof jacket, whilst Wifey found her carpet sweeper and, after
getting back to the boat, put that item to good use.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll be going up one lock, here at Penkridge, and turning
around, to head back towards Great Haywood. (We changed our minds about going
on to Stourport.) We’ll stop at Acton Trussell, assuming the weather doesn’t
put a stop to that plan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, instead of buying a new frame for Teresa’s cartoon portrait; which
I couldn’t find in Stafford anyway; I have ordered one from eBay, which will be
sent directly to her. All I had to do yesterday, was post the picture to her.
Job done! Now I’m looking for another project, which will probably be a
landscape.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 8<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was yet another of those, rather scarce, hot, summer days. We
arrived at Weeping Cross at about 10 am and, after supping our usual cup of
coffee, we set out for the new C0-op, up that steep hill. After a bit of
shopping, we decided to try a different route back, feeling pretty sure of our
bearings, Wrooong!! What a mess we made of that! We finally ended up three
bridges short of the boat and must have covered a good two miles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’re staying at Weeping Cross and will be taking a walk down to
Queens Shopping Centre, where there’s a Hobbycraft shop and where I’m hoping to
buy some oil pastels. I’ve been advised by my pastel expert, Emma, to only
purchase a small pack and to experiment, which I’ll do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After that and a cup of coffee, we’ll take our wee pooch for a run
around the local field.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow morning I’ll do my best to post this blog and will include a
copy of Teresa’s colour, cartoon portrait.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later………<o:p></o:p></div>
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We finally took that walk to Queens Shopping Centre and found a box of
25 oil pastels, for the princely sum of just £3.00p. Now, assuming they are
easily blendable, that’s a bargain. If not, then we’ll wait until we get to
Fazeley Junction, where we can catch the bus to Ventura Park, where there’s
another Hobby Craft and where I can probably buy a much better set.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And that, as they say, is that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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May I wish you all a very pleasant weekend to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-53981227621581936722016-08-25T23:04:00.003-07:002016-08-25T23:04:45.065-07:00Cruise 2016 # 7<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday 9<sup>th</sup> August to Friday 26<sup>th</sup> August</div>
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Thursday 11<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday we cruised the five miles to Wheaton Aston and, because we
couldn’t see as far as beyond the pub bridge, we were obliged to moor up just
after the previous bridge. This line of moorings is overshadowed by trees, on
the towpath side, and by houses on the other side, thus making it rather dim.
However, we later spotted another space, just a few yards further along, and we
moved along there, simply because a little more light shines through.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The weather still hasn’t improved much, even though the forecaster had
predicted elevated temperatures, into the high 20s and even 30 degrees plus.
This morning, for example, is quite windy and overcast and I still had to put
the heating on when I got up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll stay here, walk to the shops for the paper and then enjoy
our usual cup of coffee. Later today I’ll have another go at Teresa’s cartoon
portrait.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 12<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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After spending time with the cartoon portrait, I suddenly realised that
I had been doing something wrong. So, rather than carry on and make a complete
hash of it, I’ve decided to start again from scratch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was an OK day as far as the weather goes. Unfortunately, the
same can’t be said for a certain fellow boater. There seems to be some
misunderstanding regarding the period of time allowed for the running of
engines. In order to allow boaters ample time to charge batteries, the powers
that be have set a limit of between 8 am and 8 pm, for this task.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We bend over backwards to ensure that we don’t antagonise nearby
boaters, and don’t start up until well after 8 am; unless we’re moving on; and
always run the engine no later than 7 pm. OK so far?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, the boater behind us seems to be resident of the house opposite,
where a new pontoon was being built. They finished about 7.30 pm and he decided
to take the opportunity to move his boat across. What we didn’t expect, was for
him to then leave his engine running until 10 pm, which is when we like to
retire to bed. It took a heck of a lot of hollering to grab his attention, and
it didn’t help that his house is on a hill. Eventually he came down and, after
much mumbling and cussing, turned the engine off. He wasn’t content with that
though. Oh no. He then claimed that engine running is allowed until 10 pm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some people!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, this morning we left early and pulled in to the garage for
diesel. Yes, garage. The local garage owner has had red diesel available to
boaters for some time now. He has a hose that reaches down to a jetty below the
garage and we boaters simply pull alongside and top up. Simple. What’s more,
he’s the cheapest on the cut at the current price of £0.519p per litre. Eat
your hearts out folks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After leaving the garage we headed along a-ways to the water-point,
topped up with water, disposed of rubbish and then made our way to Brewood,
where we did a bit of shopping at the excellent butcher’s and baker’s. After
that, and only because the moorings at Brewood are so dim and dismal, we made
our way to bridge 8, about 2 miles further on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow we will go down just one lock at Autherley Junction, turn left
onto the Staffs and Worc canal, pass through the narrow cut and stop at Cross
Green, where we’ll take a walk into Coven for the paper.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 15<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s the middle of August; supposedly summer; and yet it’s still pretty
chilly in the morning and I’m still turning the heater on before I get up.
Still, at least it’s dry and there’s no sign of clouds in the sky.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday went the same way as most Sundays. We strolled down to the
village of Coven for the paper, returned to the boat for a coffee and read the
paper and did our puzzles. Well, actually, we attempted to do our puzzles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At lunchtime, of course, we poodles on down to the local pub and sat outside
with our drinks, our snacks and our pooch, Alex. He likes his beer and snacks
too, although I do have to restrict his beer consumption to the occasional lick
of foam off my finger.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll be off to Gailey but, instead of mooring up at Gailey itself,
we’ll stop short and moor up in the open. Gailey moorings are rather dark and
dismal, with trees on both sides of the canal and, since we won’t have a paper
to buy; cos we will buy one here before we leave; we prefer to be where it’s
more open. On Tuesday morning, we’ll continue into Gailey, top up with water
and dispose of rubbish. After which we’ll make our way to Penkridge, where it
will be Market Day and where I’ll be looking for a frame for Teresa’s Cartoon
Portrait.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Cartoon Portrait for Teresa, will be in pastels, something I’ve not
done before. As a consequence of it being my first pastel, I’ve already made a
few cock-ups and have had to start again. This was supposed to be a birthday
present, but that day is long gone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 17<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, we made it to Penkridge without problems and, as luck would have
it, we found a mooring spot above the final lock. This area is much more open
than the stretch of moorings below that lock.<o:p></o:p></div>
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W first enjoyed a coffee and then walked into town for some shopping. A
visit to the Butchers was a must. Today is market day, so we’ll be taking a
wander around that this morning. Hopefully I’ll find that frame I want,
otherwise I’ll have to wait until we hit a bigger town with a Wilkinson’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It looks like being another scorcher today, so we’ll make the most of
it. I’ve been complaining long enough about the bad weather, so I’m certainly
not going to moan about this fine stuff.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 18<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, it was a really warm and sunny day, here at Penkridge. Sadly, I
didn’t find a frame for the Cartoon Portrait, so I guess I’ll have to wait
until we visit Stafford again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll be off to Acton Trussell, which is a mooring area way
outside the village and really peaceful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 19<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our trip to Acton Trussell involved four locks and 3½ miles, taking us
almost two hours. But, that was OK, and we soon settled in for a coffee. The
rest of the day was bright and sunny but, having been warned of rain to come,
we weren’t too surprised when it came down this morning. We were hopeful that
it would stop and we could move on but, as from midday today, it’s still
persisting. So, for the rest of the day we’ll be staying put. Tomorrow, with
luck and no rain, we’ll move along to Weeping Cross, where we’ll probably catch
the bus into Stafford. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately, we are not very fond of the pub at Weeping Cross,
because the last time we tried it we were expected to line up, just as you
would in a Post Office or Bank. We’ve given it a miss ever since. So, if we’re
to get a drink on Sunday, we’ll have to get ourselves to Great Haywood. This
assumes good weather. It’s not that we don’t cruise in the rain, because we
sometimes do. But we do try to avoid heavy rain and strong winds, which make
for a very unpleasant journey. We’ll just have to see.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 22<sup>nd</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Apart from the persistent rain, the weekend went well. We didn’t bother
with the bus to Stafford while we were at Weeping Cross. Instead, we walked
down to the Trading Estate and called in at Hobby Craft, where I managed to
purchase a frame for Teresa’s Cartoon Portrait.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’re hoping to get to Weston. The skies seem to be brightening
up, although we do still have fairly strong winds. But, as the wind will be at
our backs, we’ll manage OK. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 24<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was the warmest day that we’ve enjoyed so far this summer. In
fact, it was bordering on the uncomfortable. Apart from shopping at Morrison’s,
we didn’t do very much. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, at some time this morning, we’ll be meeting up with Alan and
Chris. Stone is one of only a few places at which this is possible. No doubt
we’ll enjoy a pub lunch and plenty of chat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’re on five day moorings here, so I don’t suppose we’ll leave here
until Friday morning, stopping at Weston and then on to Great Haywood for the
weekend. After that, well, it’s just a matter of making our minds up as to
where we go from there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 25<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was great. Alan and Chris arrived at about 11 am and walked
with us to the boat, where we had coffee and a chat, as usual. We then took a
walk into town and had lunch at Wetherspoons; me for the All Day Brunch which,
naughty me, also included chips. After lunch, back to the boat for more coffee
and more chat. At about half past three we sent them packing to the bus stop.
Well, we just don’t have room for overnight couples to stay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, after some rain, it’s now bright and sunny. Whether it will stay
that way, remains to be seen. But, if so, then we might just make our way back
towards Great Haywood. Whatever happens, we have decided to spend the rest of
this summer cruising the Llangollen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friday 26<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to say, I’m thoroughly disappointed with our summer so far.
Apart from the odd one or two days of sunshine, it’s been mostly rain this
year. A case in point would be yesterday when, after a bright start; which saw
us walking up to the chandlery, and then the town; we had lots of rain later in
the day. Last night, at around the time Wifey takes Alex out for his final ‘business
venture’, it absolutely thundered down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning we have a clear sky and it must have been pretty chilly
outside, because our windows were steamed up. It is supposed to stay bright and
warm today, which gives us an opportunity to turn around and head back to
Weston. And then, tomorrow morning, with all being well weather-wise, we’ll
head back to Great Haywood and round to Tixall Wide, where we’ll spend the
weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, first thing this morning, after breakfast, of course, we’ll pop
across to the town for the paper and more bread. There’s a really good baker’s
there, from whom we bought a great, multi-seeded loaf that was all burnt and
crusty on top. Hopefully we’ll get another one today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, I’m gradually wading through Teresa’s Cartoon Portrait.
However, as she wants it in colour, I’m undecided as to which medium to use. I
have my pastels, of course, but I also have water-colour paint blocks and some
rather good, waxy coloured pencils. According to the blurb on the tin, these
can be mixed and built up, so I’m keen to give them a try. I will, of course,
post a copy when I’m done. Which should be in my next post – I hope!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, with five pages done and a reasonably strong Internet signal here
at Stone, I’ll attempt to post this blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cheerio for now and have a great weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-68389922888806033062016-08-08T23:06:00.003-07:002016-08-08T23:06:27.697-07:00Cruise 2016 # 6<div class="MsoNormal">
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Tuesday 26<sup>th</sup> July to Tuesday 9<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 26<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></div>
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After yesterday’s rain, we have a somewhat clearer morning and, since
we should be in Barbridge today, we may have a longish trip today. We’re trying
to keep to a schedule, so that we arrive at Stone before the end of August, at
which time we can meet up with Alan and Chris again. What we’ll do after that
will be decided upon later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thursday 28<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday was quite warm and, unbeknown to us until we arrived, it was
also the Nantwich Show, but just for the one day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We walked into town for shopping and managed to find an A3 Watercolour
pad, which will come in useful for the Cartoon Portrait I’m doing for Teresa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll be taking the bus to Crewe, because that’s the nearest
place where we can buy new boots and guitar strings. Yes, I’m going to have
another go at learning that instrument. I had intended to star again a few days
ago, but I discovered that one of the strings was broken, and I don’t have a
spare set. So, off to Crewe we go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 30<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our trip to Crewe was pretty uneventful, although we did manage to buy
our boots, so that was a result. Unfortunately, the music shop was too far to
walk from the bus station, so I didn’t get my guitar strings. No matter, there
are a few music shops in Stafford, which we will visit from Gnosall next week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, I’ve been busy producing a pastel cartoon portrait, for my
daughter, Teresa. This has taken quite some time and I won’t be able to deliver
it to her for her birthday next week. But she will get it eventually. I’m doing
this one on A3 watercolour paper, so it’s taking somewhat longer than expected.
It’s also the first one in pastels and I want to get it right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We were planning on going on to Audlem today, from our current moorings,
which are at Cool Pilate. Alas and alack, there’s a working boat festival,
which means the chances of getting moored there are pretty remote, so we’ll be
stuck here until Monday, at the earliest. Unless, of course, we move along
about a mile, to the marina, which is still a longish walk into town.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is not a big problem, as we do sometimes sit in one spot for a few
days. We should make up the time though and still be able to meet up with Alan
and Chris at Stone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 31<sup>st</sup> July<o:p></o:p></div>
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Walked into Audlem yesterday morning, just for a bit of shopping and to
see how many working boats were there. The whole place was chocker block with
them, and some were double moored.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The walk into Audlem is about a mile, give or take. So, by the time
we’d finished shopping and walked back to the boat, we probably covered two
miles or so. Not a bad stretch of the legs at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, if the weather stays kind to us, we’ll walk in again and get the
Mail on Sunday and sit outside one of the pubs for an hour and then walk back.
And, if I haven’t lost another couple of pounds in weigh by Monday, I’ll want
to know why.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 1<sup>st</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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We walked into Audlem again yesterday, but we left it until about
11.30, so as to be able to do some shopping and round it off with an hour
outside a local pub. Luckily for us it stayed dry and sunny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning we’ll do the same, but miss out the pub, and we’ll walk
around a bit, to see if there are any spaces for us to moor at. Hopefully, all
those working boats will be gone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 2<sup>nd</sup> August <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday morning, we managed to grab a space just above lock 14, and
there we stayed for the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, after shopping for a few things, we moved up above lock
14, topped up with water and set of for the bottom of Adderley locks. This took
us three hours, but we managed to complete the 2½ mile run without getting wet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow, depending on the weather, we’ll go up those six locks. We
hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wednesday 3<sup>rd</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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At first sight, this morning looked to be a day full of rain. But, by
the time we had had breakfast, and although it was quite windy, it was still
dry and so we headed for the first of the five Adderley locks. We were in
Market Drayton 10.15 and, after our obligatory cup of coffee, off we went for
some shopping.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ve been to Market Drayton almost every year since we bought the
boat, and yet, we still forget that Wednesday is market day here. As a result
of this I enjoyed a pork pie for my lunch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, while we were in Audlem, we got talking to a couple of locals, who
were sitting on a bench watching the boats go by. On the off chance that they
might know Market Drayton well; since they did mention the town; I asked if
they knew of a decent pub here. Not only did they know a decent pub, they also
knew the local brewery, that also has a pub attached. How come we hadn’t found
this place on previous visits? Well, it’s because we never have reason to walk
along the street where it is situated. So, next time we’re here, we’ll be
paying it a visit. Wifey has made a note of it in our Nicholson’s Guide, se we
won’t miss it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ll probably stay here for tomorrow and move on to Norbury Junction
on Friday morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday 6<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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From Market Drayton, we passed through five locks and four miles,
taking 2½ hours to reach Goldstone Wharf. From the top of the locks, right up
to Goldstone, there’s a narrow cutting, which is very high on both sides and,
should it pour with hard, consistent rain, can be liable to land slip, or trees
falling across the canal. This happened to us a couple of years ago, when we
came across a fallen tree and had to reverse all the way back to the wharf.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday evening, as I was charging my phone, I received a message
from my pal Alan and, as I opened his message, another message popped up,
telling me it was too hot to continue charging. I’m assuming the phone was
overheating, though why this should happen is a mystery to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, I mentioned this to Wifey, who then told me that, while she was
doing the washing, our remote Sterling panel popped up the same message. It
would be just our luck, after a pretty clear run so far, to now have a problem
with the Alternator to Battery Charger. WE really could do without that kind of
problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, before we trot off to Norbury Junction, I’ll be checking
out our domestic batteries. I’ve checked them several times since we’ve been
out, but haven’t even had to top them up as yet. But, as a result of those
mysterious messages, we think it might be a good idea. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Other than that, the weather looks fair for the weekend, so we should
be able to spend a pleasant hour at the pub on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday 7<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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It took us three hours to cover the 8 miles to Norbury Junction
yesterday, but we found a good mooring spot when we arrived. Whilst I made the
coffee, Wifey popped across to the Chandlery cum café for the paper. Later on
we popped across there again, this time for oil and filter and an ice cream.
When we find an out of the way spot, sometime next month, I’ll be diving down
into the bowels of the engine bay and doing a small service.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we’ll spend an hour in the pub garden because, just like
yesterday, it promises to be a real scorcher.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday 8<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, yesterday didn’t turn out to be the scorcher I expected. In fact,
it was pretty chilly sitting in the pub garden. But, at least it stayed dry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, after waiting for the papers to be delivered to the
chandlery cum café, we’ll poodle off to Gnosall, which is only a mile or so
distance. Tuesday morning we’ll take the bus into Stafford where, with a bit of
luck, I’ll find the music shop and we’ll meet up with Alan and Chris.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tuesday 9<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></div>
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Arrived at Gnosall at about 10 am and, after our usual, boring coffee,
strolled along to the local shop for bread. We didn’t do much else for the rest
of the day, other than Wifey giving the stern deck a good clean and we three
taking a long walk in the afternoon. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Once upon a time, a railway ran through here and across the bridge,
just behind where we are moored. The lines were removed quite some time ago
and, in their place there’s designated cycle track. From the bridge the track
runs roughly east to west and we turned eastwards, which took us down to the
main road and into the village. Not wishing to pass the local shop without
purchasing something, Wifey popped in for ice creams.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After that, we rested for the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, as already mentioned, we’ll catch the 09.40 bus into
Stafford and, providing Alan and Chris have finished their carpet laying, they’ll
meet us there outside Sainsbury’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And that, my friends, is that for this blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wishing you a very pleasant week to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All abreast from Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-84197129962475011172016-07-25T22:38:00.002-07:002016-07-25T22:38:14.855-07:00Cruise 2016 # 5
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 28<sup>th</sup> June to Tuesday 26<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 29<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We are having some pretty awful weather lately, cold enough in the
morning to put the heating on, but not cold enough to light the fire during the
day. Besides which, before we light the fire, we need to clean the chimney. And
that’s best done when, as now and into Market Drayton today, we’re moored up
with the port side against the towpath. Hopefully we’ll get that done today or
tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">But first, and as soon as we get to Market Drayton, we need to visit
the local quack for some of my pills. Being diabetic invariably means damaged
nerves in the feet, and they can play up quite a bit, especially at night. So,
I have pills to ease the discomfort. Trouble is, I seem to have run a wee bit
low on those and we won’t be contacting the surgery in Crick until the end of
July. This will be three months’ supply of all medication. They’re good like
that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The dark red side panels on Shiralee are looking pretty tatty and both
sides really do need a paint job. The problem we have is that, neither of us
has the foggiest idea as to how best to go about it. Employing a professional
would be too expensive and besides, we’ve managed to repaint the plain old
green roof and such. However, the red panels have lots of writing on them and,
getting around the writing, not to mention the Shiralee figure, would be rather
difficult.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Ah well, these things are sent to try us, or so my mum would have said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">At the moment – 07.10 on Wednesday morning – the weather is dry and
calm. Hopefully it will stay that way for our run down the five locks and three
miles to Market Drayton.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 4<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today would have been my old Oxford friend, John Barefoot’s birthday,
who passed away a few years ago. Very sadly missed and a lovely man.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We’ve been at Audlem for the weekend and, although we’ve had some rain,
it didn’t spoil our visit to The Shroppie Fly yesterday lunchtime, nor did it
spoil our tennis watching on TV. That’s only the 4<sup>th</sup> time in
Wimbledon’s history that the middle Sunday has been used for catch-up due to
bad weather.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll be moving on to somewhere out in the sticks and will enjoy
a relaxing day and more tennis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 6<sup>th</sup> July<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">On Monday morning we left Audlem at about 8.30 and, after passing
through the four remaining locks, carried on for another couple of miles to
Cool Pilate, a very straight stretch of the Shroppie, with 48 hour moorings and
picnic benches with BBQ stands alongside them, all supplied by the Shropshire
Union Canal Society. Many thanks for that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Spending just one day there, because we’re on a time schedule for
meeting Alan and Chris, we then headed off for Nantwich on Monday morning. With
heavy cloud above, along with a strong headwind, we fully expected a thorough
soaking, but we arrive at Nantwich after just one and a half hour, two locks
and four miles later, none the worse for wear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">After the obligatory coffee, we then took a walk into town for a few
odds and sods, such as T-shirts for me and new jeans for Wifey, all bought at
M&Co, where Nantwich is one of the few places on our travels that they have
a store. After returning to the boat, we then settled in for more tennis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll be walking into town again, but this time for proper
shopping. Having put ourselves back on our Bikers diet, we need to stock up on
enough stuff to see us through to Middlewich.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 7<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Off to the Middlewich branch today. Shopping again yesterday in
Nantwich, bought new duds. Spent too much and now we have to discard useless duds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 8<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Moved on to Venetian Marina yesterday and spent the night just above
the lock. Walked down to the marina chandlery, but couldn’t see anything we
wanted, apart from an ice cream each, with some for the pooch. He likes just
about anything we like, but he can’t have everything we like. Tough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we moved along for five miles and stopped just after bridge 17,
where all we can hear are the birds twittering and passing boats. Semi-finals
day for the fellas, so we’ll be watching all that. I’m hoping for a
Federer/Murray final, but the other two semi-finalists are pretty good, so we
might have another upset today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Sunday 10<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday was great, all peace and quiet and lots of tennis on TV.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday was not so good. Lots of rain on our 1½ hour, 3 miles and 1
lock to Middlewich. We were soaked through by the time we moored up. And, it
didn’t end there. It continued raining, on and off, for most of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">On top of that, when we arrived at Middlewich, we had to pass under
almost all the bridges, and just managed to find a spot, before having to go
down the next lock. Phew! That was close.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We have the pleasure of Carole and Bob’s company today. They’re on
their way back to Glasgow and are taking a detour to be with us, which is much appreciated,
as we’ll get a pub lunch for a change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 11<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">A great day yesterday. Carole and Bob took a detour to us, from their
route to Carlisle. After walking over to The King’s Lock pub and finding it
wasn’t doing food, we took the car and drove up to The Big Lock pub instead.
Really good food and a very pleasant chat, filled with lots of laughs and
gossip. Smashing stuff!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today, what with this awful rain, I have my doubts as to whether we’ll
be going anywhere this morning. Maybe later in the day, if it brightens up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 12<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Well, we didn’t bother moving yesterday. Instead we stayed for a third
night at Middlewich.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We left there early this morning; about 7.45 am and, with six miles and
six locks to do before reaching Wheelock, we expected a journey of three hours
plus. Of course, we were not surprised to find it raining as soon as we set
off. Then there were the holiday boaters in front of us, which all added an
extra half hour to the trip. All in all, not a bad run and we didn’t get too
wet. Hopefully the weather will be kinder to us tomorrow, because if, as I
suspect, we are unable to moor up at Hassell Green, we’ll have to go on to Rode
Heath, which is four miles and 14 locks away; about four hours away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 18<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">At last, we’ve had some good weather. Yesterday was bright and warm and
enabled us to sit outside The Red Bull pub at lunchtime. The rest of the day
became pretty humid and allowed us to throw open all the doors and windows and
the, after lunch, we sat back and watched some Davis Cup tennis. A very
pleasant day indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning we have to move the boat up a couple of locks, then pay a
visit to the local Lloyd’s Pharmacy, followed by Tesco shopping. And then,
depending upon whether we get all the medication we ordered, we’ll either turn
around and go back the way we came, or continue up another lock and cruise
along the Macclesfield canal until the rest of our medication. Don’t ask, this
has become something of a nightmare, but we’ll get there eventually.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 20<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Much like the rest of the UK, we’ve had some pretty hot weather over
the past couple of days. Yesterday morning, after spending just one night a
couple of locks up from the services at Red Bull Basin, we went up another lock
and turned around in order to retrace our route. We are now a few locks further
down, where we spent last night in really uncomfortable conditions. Looking out
of my window this morning; it’s now 6.45 am; I can see the clouds building up
and, if the forecasters are right, we’ll be cooling down pretty soon, with the
help of a few splashes of rain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">About three years ago, whilst cruising the Llangollen canal, we got
talking to a young boater by the name of Andy. He was in the process of
painting his boat and just cruising up and down that canal. During our initial
conversation, he mentioned that he had run out of coal, so, while he was out
shopping, we bagged some of ours up and left it on the front of his boat. We’ve
been sort of passing acquaintances ever since.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We, that nice young man passed us while we were moored at Red Bull
Basin and is now just a few boats in front of us. He intends moving along from
here on Thursday, but we haven’t decided what we’re doing yet. However, if we
leave today, I have no doubt we’ll meet up with him later. If we leave
tomorrow, we probably won’t, because Andy doesn’t let the grass grow under his
feet and tends to cruise for much longer than we do. Still, since he’s heading
back to the Llangollen, we may see him again later.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Incidentally, after discovering that some, if not, all of my usual blog
readers have not been receiving them, I have now delved into the dark dungeons
of Blogspot and set that problem to rights. If you have missed out and want a
copy of those listed so far, please email me and I’ll attach them by return.
They’ll give you some bedtime reading and, I hope, help you to nod off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 22<sup>nd</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday we had the company of our friend Andy, who helped us down the
six locks to Hassel Green. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll pass through the 10 locks and two miles back to Wheelock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 26<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Blooming heck, the time has flashed by again and I’ve neglected this
blog, again. Sorry folks, I’ll do today’s one and post.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">After spending the weekend at Middlewich and spending an hour outside
the King’s Lock pub, we did a final shop on Monday morning, before heading for
Aqueduct Marina, which we didn’t get to because of the following, heavy clouds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Carole and Bob? You wouldn’t have been happy in that pub, honest!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Anyway, while heading for the aforementioned marina, and noticing those
nasty clouds, we pulled in sooner than intended, so as to avoid a soaking.
Sometime afterwards a boat, named Just Billie, passed us and moored in front.
The couple on that boat were none other than Roger and Wendy, who we last saw
at Kegworth Lock back in 2007, our first year of cruising.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">It was Roger who, after spotting our boat gradually rising in ever
rising water, came across and suggested we back up and into the lock. Which we
did and remained stuck there for 10 days. Had we not stopped here yesterday, we
wouldn’t have had the opportunity to say ‘hello’ and thank them for their
timely rescue and the ‘garden party’ that followed. It’s a small world indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, after almost a month, I’ll get this blog posted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Cheers to one and all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-49535094255154931442016-06-27T23:08:00.002-07:002016-06-27T23:08:44.988-07:00Cruise 2016 # 4
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 7<sup>th</sup> June to Tuesday 28<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 8<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Another sweltering day yesterday and we took the bus to Ventura Park.
We had hoped to buy some new jeans for Wifey but, unfortunately, Dorothy
Perkins didn’t have the ones she likes. So, apart from other shopping, a wasted
journey.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning we’ll be going into Tamworth, this time to buy my puzzle magazines.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 9<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Diet update: It has been two weeks since we weighed ourselves and so
out came the scales. Once again I am 2 lb lighter, which means I am losing an
average of just 1 lb per week, which suits me very well. I now weigh 13 stone 4
lb and, at the rate I am going, I will be down to 11 stone 12 lb by the time we
reach Market Bosworth. However, my normal fighting weight is about 12 stone 8
lb, so I will see how that feels when I reach it and make a decision about how
much more I want to lose.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">As for the diabetes, well, I’m still taking a low jab of the long term
Insulin, both night and morning. Whether I will be able to dispose of that
also, remains to be seen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">After our trip into Tamworth yesterday morning, we decided to move the
boat along a bit, top up with water, dispose of rubbish, and moor up again
opposite the water point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We had quite a lot of heavy rain later in the day, but all is calm and
quiet this morning, so we’ll probably make our way to Whittington.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 11<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We travelled up to Fradley Junction yesterday morning, after walking in
to Whittington shops for the paper and milk. Arriving at Fradley at about 10.30,
we sat down for a coffee and then took Alex for a walk around the Nature
Reserve, after which we sat down outside the café and enjoyed an ice cream.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Later in the day though, the weather changed to a right downpour.
Happily, it looks OK this morning, so we’ll head off to Handsacre this morning
and stay there for the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Sunday 12<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We had lots of rain yesterday, but not until after we arrived at
Handsacre and walked to the shops.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">A couple of weeks ago, we met up with Annie and Dave, who live on their
boat and are moored at Crick. During our brief visit, Dave loaned me a book
called, “Red Notice”. The book is about a guy named Bill Browder and what
happened to him and his colleagues when he upset Vladimir Putin. If you can get
your hands on a copy, I would seriously recommend that you do so. This book
will really open your eyes to the true nature of the Russian regime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll stay here at Handsacre and, hopefully, it will be fine
enough for us to sit in the local pup garden. Cheers!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 14<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We left Handsacre yesterday morning and, after shopping at Rugeley, we
went on to the Pig Farm; one of our usual stopping off points. Sadly, the day
turned into a disaster weather-wise, so we watched tennis at Queens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning we have more rain, so we could be stuck here today also.
However, if the weather brightens up later, we head off to Great Haywood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 16<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Well, we’re half way through ‘flaming’ June and it still ain’t
‘flaming’. Like most of the West Midlands and beyond, we had plenty of rain
yesterday, although it was still mild. We did manage to get to the shops and
take a couple of long walks, without getting wet, but it wasn’t a very pleasant
day at all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today, after getting The Mail, we’ll be off to Weeping Cross, or Acton
Trussel, whichever of them has a space. Sometimes Weeping Cross is full, so we
carry on to Acton Trussel and moor up outside the main village.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">On Saturday morning we’ll move on to Penkridge, which is a very big
town, with several pubs and Market Day on Saturdays, so we’ll stay there for
the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 17<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday we made our way from Great Haywood to Weeping Cross and,
along the way, managed to get another soaking. Passing the fields just outside
Weeping Cross, we noticed that much of the land was flooded. Just short of
where we moored up, there’s a wooden bridge, which seems to be there so that
people cutting through that field, and on to the town, don’t get their feet
wet. This is, in fact, a very long walkway and is raised well above the grass,
so we assume that those fields are a flood plain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning we’ll take a walk up to the nearest shops and buy The
Mail, then it’s on to Acton Trussel, where we’ll stay the night and then, on
Saturday morning, we’ll continue on to Penkridge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 18<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday passed almost without incident. We left Weeping Cross at 9 am
and, after a couple of miles and one lock, arrived at the outskirts of Acton
Trussel. We had no problems with bad weather along the way, which made a
pleasant change after recent downpours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> A</span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">t about 1.30 pm we switched the TV on, to watch the tennis from Queens
Club in London.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, as you are probably aware, we have one of those new-fangled oblong
shaped box aerials, which requires a 12-volt DC supply. Up until recently this
unit has given us very little trouble. However, yesterday was a nightmare, with
the slightest thing; such as passing boats and overhead helicopters; breaking
the picture and sound up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Past experience has shown, that the problem might lie in the connector
to the 12-volt unit that connects to the back of the set. Indeed, I tried
re-wiring these connectors, all to no avail. So, we watched what we could under
these difficult circumstances, trying all I could think of to improve the reception.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Later in the evening – still trying to improve matters – I decided to
take a look at the other end of the system, the aerial and, lo and behold, the
co-ax cable at that end was ever so slightly loose. Why I hadn’t thought of
this earlier, after dragging our old, spikey aerial out of its hiding place, I
can’t imagine, but I had completely forgotten that part of the system. But,
better late than never, I suppose, and the rest of the evening remained
reception good, stress levels down. Hopefully, that’s another problem solved,
in my usual roundabout way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 21<sup>st</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The weekend went as well as can be expected, although, for some strange
reason, there weren’t many boats moored at Penkridge. Anyway, we paid a visit
to the local market on Saturday morning, and spent a pleasant hour in the pub
garden on Sunday. Other than that and the persistent rain, all went well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning, since every boat imaginable turned up yesterday, we’re
hoping to get away early and be the first one through the first lock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 22<sup>nd</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">In a huge break with our normal practices, we left Penkridge yesterday
at 6.45 am and didn’t bother with breakfast. Why did we do this? Well, we had
seven locks to go through before reaching Gailey, and the first one was immediately
ahead of us. What’s more, during Monday almost all available moorings had been
taken and most of those boats were pointing in the same direction. In addition
to those reasons, above the first lock are the facilities; such as water and
waste disposal; and we didn’t want to have to wait whilst someone else used
them. So, a really early start.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">In light of our early leaving, we arrived at Gailey at 9.15 am, still
having time for breakfast. The rest of the day remained dry and calm but, with
tall trees on both sides of the canal, we lacked sunshine. However, we did
enjoy a walk back to the last lock and the Roundhouse, where they sell all
sorts of goodies, including ice creams. Yeah!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll move along to Cross Green and walk into the village for the
paper and other stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 23<sup>rd</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I’m disappointed. My weight has only fallen by 1 lb in the past two
weeks. I’m now down to 13 stone and 3 lb. It must have been the roast chicken
on Tuesday evening. Gotta try harder!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We watched some more tennis from Queens yesterday and it looks like our
girl, Jo Konta is going to go a long way. Unfortunately, the BBC, in its
infinite wisdom, showed her match against Kvitova last, so we only saw part of
the first set. This means we won’t know the result until we get the paper
today. It’s not really the BBC’s fault, but the way the matches are fixture for
the day. Still, it’s a shame not to be able to see it all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll be heading for the Shroppie and stopping a short way before
Brewood. Ordinarily, we would go into Brewood and moor up there, but the
moorings are so dim and dingy, that we now stop outside and pass through on the
following day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 24<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">A great day today, the UK has voted to leave the EU, but by a very
narrow margin. But, will the powers to be overturn the decision, by the
electorate, and decide to remain in the EU? Only time will tell.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 25<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday was a good day weather-wise, well, for the most part it was.
A short spell of rain in the afternoon, but nothing to worry about. We left our
wide open moorings just after 8 am and arrived at Wheaton Aston at 10 am, after
five miles and just one lock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll top up with diesel and then head off for Gnosall, where
we’ll stay for the weekend. The village boats several pubs and other shops,
including a very good butchers, so we’ll shop for a decent meat pie and bread.
An hour in one of the local watering holes on Sunday, will round off our
weekend quite nicely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Sunday 26<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We arrived at Gnosall at about 10.30 and immediately trotted off to the
local shop for bread. This is one commodity that we have to be wary of running
out of. We have to be aware of where we might be when it does run out and time
it so that there’s a shop where it can be bought. We then have to ensure that
we arrive there early enough to buy some before they run out. We only buy solid
bread, not those packets of cardboard that most people seem happy with. Even
thick sliced stiff still seems inedible to us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">On the way to the shop we intended to drop in on the local Butchers
shop, but that has now closed. Gnosall is quite big for a village, with housing
spreading out around the centre, so they were probably getting enough trade.
Perhaps they decided to retire and couldn’t find a buyer for a going concern.
Who knows?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 28<sup>th</sup> June (Wifey’s Birthday and our 36<sup>th</sup>
Wedding Anniversary)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday we left Gnosall for Norbury Junction, which was only two and
a half miles away. We left a wee bit later than usual, say around 8.45 or so,
and arrived just at the right time to brew a cup of coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">A short while after that, who should come cruising by than none other
than Bill and Babs, our old friends from Keckys’s Farm in Sawbridgeworth. We
only saw them a few weeks ago, so it was a pleasant surprise to see them again
and exchange gossip. There’s nothing we boaters love more than a good chinwag.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll probably celebrate our special day by walking down to the
pub for lunch. Bon appetite, as they say in Swaziland, or is it France. Don’t
remember. We’re so used to foreign languages in Britain now, that it’s hard to
tell them apart. LOL.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Ah well, six pages now, so I’d better post.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Cheers one and all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-14581588664588932162016-06-06T22:20:00.001-07:002016-06-06T22:20:11.475-07:00Cruise 2016 # 3
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 23<sup>rd</sup> May to Tuesday 7<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 23<sup>rd</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today has dawned bright and sunny and, since there’s nothing much we
want to do here at Shackerstone, we’ll move along to Snarestone. While we are
there, and assuming the weather is kind to us, we plan on emptying the bow
section, rubbing down and priming all the green paintwork, readying it for a
couple of topcoats of green. This is the most important area to get painted,
although the maroon panelling on the outside, all needs doing too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Unfortunately, all red colours seem to fade more quickly than other
colours. This means that, although we already have the correct shade of red,
rubbing down and repainting those areas that are damaged, still won’t blend in
well. What those sections really need, is a complete re-paint, preferably by a
professional. So, all we can do, is rub down and treat with a good rust
preventative and wait until we have the cash to get it all done properly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">From Snarestone, we’ll make our way back to the Coventry canal and make
our way up to the Macclesfield canal. Alan and Chris don’t arrive in Blighty
until the end of June, and we know they have things to do when they get here,
so we’ll just have to wait and see how that goes before we can meet up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">After that, and although we had planned to go on to Birmingham, we
won’t really have enough time, so we’ll probably save that for next year and do
the Llangollen instead. We missed it last year and we do like that canal. I
don’t think we’ll get to Llangollen itself, but we’ll be happy if we make it as
far as Ellesmere, before we have to turn around and make our way back to Market
Bosworth for the winter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">There’s one huge bonus to staying on the Ashby canal; the Internet and
mobile phone signals, are both good and strong.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 24<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We had a really glorious start to the day, with wall to wall sunshine.
So, after disposing of rubbish, we made our way back to Market Bosworth, where
we settled in for a cup of coffee. After which we strolled up to the village
for supplies of comestibles and the strolled right back to the boat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This certainly seems to be the best time of year for cruising the
Ashby, because there aren’t too many boats out there yet. Come next month I
dare say that state of affairs will change, by which time we’ll be long gone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 26<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We didn’t bother walking into Market Bosworth yesterday morning,
because we were going to head for Stoke Golding, where we knew we could get the
Mail. Instead, we set out at 8 am, topped up with water and arrived at Stoke
Golding at about 10.30, when we had our usual cup of coffee and then walked
into the village for the Mail, bread and milk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Most surprising to us was the fact that, when we arrived there was only
one boat moored there. Any other time of year, we would expect to just about
find a mooring spot. Which just goes to show, that this time of year is best
for cruising the Ashby.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, back in February, I embarked on a diet which, I hope, will
eventually see then end of my Type 2 Diabetes. However, as I explained at the
time, I had no intention of following Dr Michael Mosley’s recipes (Yeuk) and
neither was I going to weigh myself every couple of days, as he also suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The result so far, of following the hairy Bikers recipes, along with
other light snacks is that I have lost a total of 17lb. I am now down from 14 stone
9 pounds, to 13 stone 6 pounds. However, although my blood glucose readings are
much lower on average, I am still taking my long term Insulin, but, instead of
taking it at night, before bed, I am following my nurse’s instructions, and
splitting the dose between morning and night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Obviously, I still need to lose more weight, which I am continuing to
go for. But it is taking longer than expected. But, I did have quite a lot to
lose and, considering that my normal, healthy weight is about 12 and a half stone,
I still have some way to go.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 28<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday was fine and bright all day and, after another bus trip into
Nuneaton; this time for loads of dog food; we managed a couple of good walks
and ate very lightly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ve moved along to Lime Kilns, only about half a mile away and
which gives us the opportunity to visit the eponymous pub, which sits across
the canal from our mooring point. This is a really welcome pub and it has a
large garden to whit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We’ll stay here until Monday morning, when we’ll top up with water and
head off to Bridge 3, from which point we’ll head for the Coventry canal, turn
right and head for Atherstone. The difference this time, will be that we’ll
moor up above Atherstone locks and walk into town from there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 31<sup>st</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">On Sunday we stayed at Lime Kilns and took advantage of the pub garden,
where we sat and enjoyed a couple of drinks, on a warm and sunny lunchtime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">On Monday morning, after topping up with water, we headed off for the
five miles to bridge 3, which is a very quiet spot, about a mile from the end
of the Ashby canal. So, this morning, assuming the wind doesn’t turn gale force
and, of course, it doesn’t rain, we’ll set sail for Springwood Haven marina,
which is about another five miles, but on the Coventry canal, heading for
Atherstone, which is where we’ll be tomorrow, all being well. Phew!! Some
sentences do get rather long, what with all the commas dotted here and there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 2<sup>nd</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Atherstone moorings were virtually empty when we arrived yesterday
morning. Only three miles from Springwood Haven, this trip took about one and a
half hours, mainly due to lots of boats moored along the route. It’s only
polite, when passing moored boats, to slow down, so as not to rock them and
thus shatter sleep, or delicate ornaments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">So, we arrived at Atherstone at about 10 am and settled in for our
usual cup of coffee. Soon after that, we noticed another boat, that had just
come up the locks, had pulled in in front of us. There was a woman at the bow
of their boat, tying off the mooring line and she was wearing a red jacket;
very much like the one worn by a fellow boater named Annie, at Crick Marina.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">So, I said to Wifey, “Who does that look like, mooring that boat. It
looks very much like Annie, to me.” “Yes,” she said, “That’s because it is
Annie.” After big cuddles and handshakes, we soon joined them for a cup of tea
and a gossip. It’s really great when we come across someone we know, and with
whom we can have a good old chinwag.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">After our chat, we walked into town for some shopping and, later in the
afternoon, off we went again, this time for a long walk and an attempt at
buying a new radio aerial. Unfortunately, the first place we tried didn’t sell
them, and the second place; which was way down at the other end of the High
Street; sold them but, since they didn’t sell many, they had to order them in.
So, not much luck there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday afternoon I tried setting up the TV aerial and tuning in. Of
the 200 + channels that are normally available on Freeview, we managed a grand
total of 39, and none of them was a BBC channel. The top of these locks is not
where we would normally moor up. We would usually stop off about five locks
down. But, as experience has shown us, TV reception is marred by the constant
interference from passing trains. At the top of the locks, the situation is
much worse and that could be because there’s a huge, great, monstrosity of a
building, across the other side of the canal. We just can’t win here. However,
we do have to stay another day, because we have booked Alex in for his booster
jabs, with the local vet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Some weeks ago, soon after we left Crick, I received a message from
Annie. In it she told me that they, too, would be leaving Crick, but not until
much later in the year. However, she did ask me not to reveal this to anybody
else. That’s OK by me, and I told her so and, since we haven’t seen anyone else
who might be interested, that particular secret was easily kept. However,
unfortunately for Annie, the secret already seems to be no longer a secret.
Apparently, Noel, the manager of Crick Marina, has already spread the word. So
much for keeping secrets. As one wise person once said, “A secret is only a
secret, if just one person knows it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Sunday 5<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Up until yesterday, June was not living up to its name of “Flaming”.
Yesterday however, after leaving our moorings at the bottom of lock 9, we arrived
at Polesworth to glorious sunshine, and there it stayed all day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">After our usual coffee and walk to the shops, we settled in and opened
all windows and other orifices, so as to allow the boat to cool down. It didn’t
make a lot of difference, but we at least gave it a try. We also made the
decision to allow the fire to go out, something for which I suffered this
morning, because it was quite chilly in here when I got up. However, rather
than put the heating on, I donned my new cardigan; that’s the one I bought when
we spent a few days at Rutland Water.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We also watched the Ladies Final at Roland Garros, in France. To see
Serena Williams lose in two straight sets, was something to behold. Having also
watched her in the semis, it was plain to see that she was not playing at her
best. Still, that doesn’t detract from the skill of her young, Spanish opponent
yesterday, who played a real blinder of a game. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll stay here at Polesworth and, since there is no time
restriction here, we may stay on Monday and catch the bus into Tamworth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 6<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">It’s a funny thing about the canal system because, depending upon where
you are moored, and if there’s a breeze, depends upon how hot the inside of the
boat will be. Yesterday morning, when I got up, it was quite cold, but not
really so cold as to need the heating turned on. Instead I wore my cardigan. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning however, and despite the high temperature during
yesterday, the heating definitely needed to be turned on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, we’ve moored here at Polesworth on numerous occasions, and we’ve
never had a problem with TV reception. Last evening was really quite awful and,
despite re-tuning the set, we had constant interference. Sometimes this was on
account of aircraft flying overhead, at other times it was passing boats. We
even noticed the picture braking up when people walked by. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The thing is though, our TV aerial; which is one of those oblong, flat
box things; is supposed to eliminate such problems. Plainly, it doesn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Anyway, instead of going into Tamworth this morning, we’ll be going on
to Fazeley Junction and taking the bus into town from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 7<sup>th</sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">After walking into Polesworth for the Mail, we left there at 8 am and
headed for Fazeley Junction. This is five miles away and includes two locks at
Glascote. Now, these two locks are, for some reason, really slow to fill up and
empty. However, our progress through these locks took much longer than normal,
due to the fact that there was already one boat going down the top lock and
another waiting to follow. We also discovered that, when the one already in the
lock had left it, the next one to come up didn’t have an engine. Which meant
that the people on that boat had to tug it along, with bow and centre lines,
until they finally lugged it into the lock. All of which took up quite a lot of
time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">So, the trip from Polesworth to Fazeley took about an hour longer than
the expected two hours and we arrived there at 11.30.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll be taking the bus into the big, out of town shopping centre.
Sheila will be looking for a couple of pairs of jeans, whilst I will be hoping
to find a new radio aerial. On Wednesday we’ll be taking the bus into Tamworth
for shopping and then, on Thursday morning we’ll be moving on. Somewhere in
between we’ll try to get the chimney cleaned, now that we’ve let the fire go
out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">And that, dear friend, finishes this blog.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Take care and enjoy the rest of your week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-91574700373334798712016-05-22T22:55:00.001-07:002016-05-22T22:55:21.856-07:00Cruise 2016 #2
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 9<sup>th</sup> May to Monday 23<sup>rd</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 11<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We stayed at Hillmorton yesterday, because it was raining when I got up
at 5.45 am, and continued to rain for most of the day. This morning it isn’t
raining, but it certainly has overnight, so we’ll have to wait and see. We’re
in no hurry though, because, when we consider that we usually average three
miles per day, we’ll still arrive at Middlewich before Alan and Chris get here
from Germany.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, I haven’t mentioned our low calorie diet lately, but it still
seems to be doing its job. I weighed myself on Monday and I had lost another 2
lb and am now down to 13 stone eight pounds. Also, after talking to the
practice nurse before we left Crick, she agreed that, while my blood glucose
readings continued to be low, I should only take my evening shot of Insulin,
but that I should split it between morning and evening, to make it more
effective. So, although this is taking much longer that Dr Mosley’s eight
weeks, I’m in no hurry and, just as long as I get below 13 stone, I’ll be a
happy bunny.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 12<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I’m sure that many of you saw the news item regarding new ‘treatment’
for diabetes sufferers, aimed primarily at losing weight. Instead of a gastric
band, they now insert a long tube, that looks like it’s made from flimsy
plastic sheeting and, as far as I could tell, does a similar job to a gastric
band.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, I’m not blowing my own trumpet here, but many of you know about my
attempt at beating diabetes, simply by following good advice from a respected
Doctor, and reducing my calorie intake. I know it works, and so too do hundreds
of other diabetes sufferers. So, with the NHS really strapped for cash, why
spend £3,500 on people who simply won’t control their eating?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I know, I know, there are some who simply can’t control their eating
and who would struggle with a calorie controlled diet, but shouldn’t all the
other, overweight diabetics, at least try? Nuff said!! I am now off my
soapbox!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday morning, rather than walk around to the shop for our Daily
Mail, we decided to get away earlyish and get down Hillmorton locks before the
rush. I’m so glad we did because, when we arrived at the bottom we found a
chaotic situation. Boats were milling around, mostly near the water point and,
if they were all planning on going up the locks, they were going to take quite
some time. When we took a walk down those locks on Tuesday, we noticed that, of
the six single locks; which are doubled up at each of three levels; three of
them were out of action. This can be a very busy area, especially at peak
summer times, so the six locks are essential for a smooth flow of traffic.
However, with a CRT tender lying idle at the bottom of the locks, we are
hopeful that the CRT crew are about to make a start on necessary repairs. Happily,
we won’t be back this way for a while, so the shortage of workable locks isn’t
going to affect us any time soon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Anyway, we made it to Newbold by 10 am and had a coffee prior to
walking down to the Co-op for the paper and some milk. Job done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll take the bus into Rugby and shop at Asda’s, then have our
final coffee at our usual café.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 13<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We took the bus into Rugby yesterday morning, did a bit of shopping at
Asda and had our final coffee at our favourite café. The weather was great and
this morning is still dry. This is just as well, because we’ll be moving on, to
Bridge 26, one of our usual stops along this canal. We’ll only stop one night,
because we want to be at Hawkesbury Junction for the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">A great day yesterday. Fine and sunny, although with a chilly wind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We left bridge 26 at about 8 am and had arrived at Hawkesbury Junction,
on the Coventry canal, by 10 am and that included topping up with water.
Luckily for us, and most unusual, we managed to moor up in the nearest spot to
the Greyhound pub, so just a short walk for our Sunday drink. If the weather
stays as it is, all bright and sunny, we’ll be able to sit in the garden.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, some time ago I built a new top box using decking. It’s the same
square size as the old one, but is slightly taller. So far it’s been fine going
under bridges, but I’m rather apprehensive about some of the narrower ones, and
especially the one on the Ashby canal, that leads to the Trinity marina.
(That’s the one before our one at Market Bosworth).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This particular bridge is rather flat and somewhat lower than most.
Indeed, we find it prudent to lower our heads when passing under it. In short,
will our new top box make it under there? Well, the proof of the pudding is in
the eating, so we won’t know until we try.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">However, since I didn’t glue the sides together, it should be pretty
easy to dismantle and leave it as a single decking height. In fact, when we get
to our first mooring on the Ashby, we might just do that anyway. The box would
still have enough room for all the stuff that’s in it, but the cover would
bulge upwards in the middle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Meanwhile, we took a couple of longish walks yesterday, making the most
of the sunshine. But, we were disappointed that the local newsagents didn’t
have a Daily Mail. So my dear Wifey bought an Express. Not our favourite
newspaper, but fairly acceptable in the circumstances. We were rather late in
going to the shop yesterday because, above all other considerations, we always
have our coffee before venturing forth for unimportant things, such as
newspapers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 16<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">It looks like it’s going to be another fine day, so we’ll be off to the
Ashby canal after we walk to the shop for the paper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 17<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Arrived at bridge 3 on the Ashby at 10 am yesterday morning and did
absolutely nothing for the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today has dawned bright and sunny, although, if that pesky Shefali, on
Midlands Today has her way, we’ll see lots of rain later. But, should it stay
fine enough, we’ll be off to Hinkley Wharf and will take the bus into Nuneaton.
I am now in desperate need of new jeans, because my lightweight trousers are so
loose around the waist, that I have to pull my belt in really tight for them to
stay up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 18<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I’m pleased to say that we passed through the bridge safely. No problem
with the new top-box. Hallelujah!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">As Shefali, of BBC West Midlands predicted yesterday, it’s raining this
morning. But, like it or not, we have to go into Nuneaton for some shopping. We
spent a couple of hours there yesterday, looking for new jeans for me, but no
joy there. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I tried on Wranglers size 36, but, even though they fitted me OK, they
didn’t feel comfortable. I suspect it’s because they were new and I haven’t
worn jeans for quite some time. I also tried a pair of trousers, that were
lighter in weight, also size 36, but they were too baggy around the bum. I then
tried a pair of Jasper Conran jeans, also size 36, priced at £76 a pair, but I
couldn’t even do the button up. I’m so glad because I didn’t really fancy
paying the price.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">So, no jeans as yet. However, my favourite and, on previous occasions,
the ones that fitted me properly around the bum, are Lee, or Lee Cooper, so
I’ll be looking online for those, just to see where I can get them. Who knows?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 19<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday was a complete washout, with rain just about all day long. But,
since we had to go into town for shopping, off we went and strolled across from
the bus station to Asda.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Remembering that Asda do a range of clothing called George, we took a
look around for my jeans before doing the shopping. Now, I’m no skinflint and,
had those Jasper Conran jeans been a comfortable fit, I would probably have
forked out the £76 asking price. Also, had the Wranglers been comfortable, the
same goes for their £38 price tag. But, at just £12 per pair of well-fitting
and comfortable jeans, I decided to buy two pairs of Asda's own make. All I
have to do now, is await Wifey’s pleasure to dig out the sewing machine and
alter the leg length.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today, after our 48 hour stay, we’ll move along and stop off for diesel
and a gas bottle at the nearest boat yard, which just so happens to be the
Ashby Canal hire company.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">When it’s time to turn the telly on; around 3.45 pm; we also have to
switch on the Inverter/Charger, otherwise, no 240-volt system. Also, in order
to save on battery power, Wifey turns it off prior to taking Alex out. Last
night she forgot this, most basic of duties and I forgot to check and make sure
she had done so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">So, when I noticed that the I/C was still on this morning, when I took
Alex out, and fearing the worse, I checked the battery power and, much to my
amazement, the main panel was still showing 12.3 volts. With our earlier bank
of six domestics, that figure would probably have been down to 11 volts,
maximum. Which all points to Dave’s advice to have only four domestics as very
sound indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 23<sup>rd</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We moved on from Hinkley Wharf on Friday morning and, after stopping
off at the boat yard for a gas bottle, we made our way to Stoke Golding. We
didn’t bother with topping up with diesel, because they were sorting out a boat
for a holidaymaking couple from New Zealand, and their boat was across the
diesel point. If possible we’ll do that on the return trip.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We stayed at Stoke Golding on Friday and Saturday, then moved on to
Shackerstone, for our Sunday tipple, which we enjoyed sitting in their garden.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll move on to Snarestone, which is the end of the navigable
stretch of this canal. We may stay there for the full wo days and, if the
weather is kind to us, we’ll get some painting done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">All that needs to be done now, is to post this blog and, with a really
good signal here, that’s what I’ll do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Take care folks and enjoy the coming week. We certainly will.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-25745676215705893132016-05-09T22:39:00.000-07:002016-05-09T22:39:01.376-07:00Cruise 2016 #1
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<u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Cruise 2016 #1<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Sunday 1<sup>st</sup> May to Monday 10<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Sunday 1<sup>st</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Oh what fun we’ve had already.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We left the marina yesterday morning and moored up a short way from
there. As usual, we took a walk through the village, had some lunch and then,
at about 5.30 pm we ran the engine, to charge the batteries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">At about 7 pm Wifey noticed that, although the starter battery was
being charged alright, the four domestics weren’t, and this can be a real
problem first thing in the morning – no power equals no hot water, etcetera, etcetera.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, along the cut here at Crick, mobile reception is pretty poor, as
any boater will tell you. So, after taking a look inside the engine bay and
noticing no lights on the Sterling Alternator/Charger, I searched for any loose
wires and, not finding any, I then walked up to the main road and phoned our
engineer, Dave, who didn’t happen to be in the area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Just a couple of hours before all this happened, a carpenter called
Neil, had fitted a new engine cover – ours was looking the worst for wear after
10 years on board. Anyway, Dave suggested I contact Neil and see if he could
help. Luckily for us he had a petrol generator lying around and we brought that
round to the boat and plugged it in and off we went.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Unfortunately, the time limit on running engines and chargers is up
until 8 pm, so I had to my nearest neighbour if he would be Ok with running the
generator a bit later, which he was OK with. But, we still only had about an
hour of charging, so I’ll still have to take another look for a loose wire.
We’re hoping that’s all it is, because we dread to think what it will cost to
repair the Sterling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Meanwhile, Neil, who has access to landlines in their small marina;
which is devoted to keeping boats that are for sale; will be coming along later
this morning and, if necessary, will take us over there until Dave comes on
Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">What a great start to our 2016 cruise!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Meanwhile, we’ve decided to stay here until Wednesday morning, because
we need to go into Rugby for some shopping on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 2<sup>nd</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday morning, before Neil came around to move us onto a landline,
I decided to take another look in the engine bay, because Wifey seemed to
remember a loose wire causing this same problem some time age. After much
searching I finally found a small, bayonet fitting that appeared to belong
under a sticky bit of black tape and, when I reattached it, Bingo, job done.
Who’s a clever boy then? Phew! But, what a relief!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We also took the WiFi out of its cover and removed the Instruction book
for further reading. Would you believe it; it doesn’t record direct to the
inbuilt CD unit. Alan and I bought this some time ago and, according to the
blurb in the advert, it did do. Now we find that it records vinyl in MP3
format, which is not really what we wanted. Still, it’s too late now to return
it, so we’ll have to make do, I suppose. I’m not sure how though.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">You see, we had intended to do away with the TV during this cruise, and
sit the Hi Fi in the place where the TV sits now but, since that is not an
option; because we have to record to the laptop first; the only solution would
be, to remove the TV, replace it with the Hi Fi and lay the laptop on the
floor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Ah well, such is life!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 3<sup>rd</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">As I type this entry, Wifey is outside cleaning the starboard side of
the boat. By the sound of all the scraping she’s doing, I would imagine that
the bird pooh is pretty difficult to remove. Well, we have been under these
trees since Saturday morning. Never mind though, we’ll be moving along tomorrow
and, if we moor up at the same spot as usual, she won’t have that problem.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We’re aiming to spend the weekend at Braunston where, although we can
get a TV signal and the Internet, the mobile is another gether altomatter,
unless we walk into the village, which is up a long path. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We’ll spend tomorrow outside Welton Hythe Marina, Thursday we’ll go
down Watford Locks and head towards the top of Braunston Locks, where we’ll
stay the night. Then, on Saturday morning, we’ll go down those locks and into
Braunston.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We have been thinking about heading straight for the Llangollen Canal,
but we may instead go on the Peak Forest canal, which we haven’t seen for a few
years. In fact, the last time we saw that place was when we had the boat
blacked at Mercia Marina, and spent a week in a cottage in the Peak District.
Had we not left the cottage on the Friday, instead of Saturday, we would have
been snowed in for several weeks. As it was, when we left the cottage and hit
the main road, we slotted ourselves in behind a snow plough. How lucky was
that??<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 4<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">At last, we’ll be leaving Crick today. We took the bus into town
yesterday and picked up a few bits of shopping and had a coffee and sticky bun
at our favourite café, and that will be the last time, unless we also go into
Rugby when we reach Newbold.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 5<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">For the first time ever, we made an early start yesterday morning. Why?
Well, as much as I enjoy my cruising, two-way traffic through a tunnel is not
my cup of tea. Oh, it’s fine if the boat coming towards you is being run by a
professional, i.e., someone who knows what they are doing. But, when it comes
to some of these holiday boaters, well, they don’t have clue. And, of course,
until they bump into you, you have no idea. So, in order to avoid such a
confrontation, I walked up to the Post Office for the paper; at about 6.30 am
and we left Crick immediately after that, without bothering with breakfast,
which we sorted out after going through Crick tunnel and mooring up at Bridge
eight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning we’ll make our way to Watford Locks and, after checking in
with the Lock-keeper, will descend them and find a decent mooring spot. And,
unless we make a specific point of visiting Crick again, we won’t be going
through those locks, or Crick tunnel anytime soon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Later…..<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">There doesn’t seem to be much canal traffic about so far, but just to
be safe and avoid any hold-ups at Watford Locks, we left our moorings a little
earlier than normal. When we arrived there we found one boat waiting to come up
and, since we had to top up with water, the lock-keeper decided to allow him to
do so. As soon as we had finished, we entered the first lock and, once through,
waited for the one coming up to pass into the top lock, at which point we
continued on down all seven locks, arriving at Welton Hythe Marina and Norton
Junction by 10 am.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">So far it’s a lovely, sunny day and we have all doors and windows open.
Lovely!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We might even pretend it’s Sunday and walk around to The New Inn at
lunchtime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 7<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Later on Thursday we did indeed pretend it was Sunday and spent a very
pleasant hour sitting outside The New Inn, taking the opportunity to do a bit
of gongoozling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday morning, we made our way to Braunston and, after passing
through the tunnel without meeting any boats coming the other way, we moored up
at the top of Braunston Locks. Then, after the obligatory cup of coffee, we
walked into Braunston village for a few supplies. From the top of the locks,
all the way to the shops, is not a short walk and, after shopping and walking
back to the boat; stopping on the way for an ice cream; the walk took well over
an hour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning, at about 8 am, we made our way down the six Braunston
Locks and, after the first one teamed up with another boater to go down the
last five. These are double locks and are much easier to negotiate with several
hands helping.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">On exiting the final lock, we were surprised at how busy the canal was
for that time of morning – about 9.30 am – and had a pretty difficult job
finding somewhere to moor up. Then again, after the obligatory cup of coffee,
we, once again, took a walk up to the shops. This time it was just for the
paper and milk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">After lunch we took another long walk, this time to the local chandlery
for a new glass front for the fire, along with sealing tape and heat resistant
rope. We also bought a couple of non-slip pads for the new plank that Alan
knocked up for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Where mobile reception is concerned, Braunston is worse that Crick.
However, we are normally OK for the TV and Internet. So we can at least
communicate by email from here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tomorrow morning we’ll take another walk into the village, which
entails a slog up a long hill. The coming back, of course, is easier. However,
our favourite pub here, The Admiral Nelson, is yet another long slog along the
towpath. But it’s always worth the effort and we’ll do that tomorrow lunchtime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Sunday 8<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">It’s a really good start to the day, bright and sunny and according to
the forecast, it should stay that way for the rest of the day. Hopefully, we’ll
enjoy an hour, sitting outside the Admiral Nelson this lunchtime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tomorrow, assuming the weather is reasonably kind to us, we’ll be off
to the top of Hillmorton Locks, where we’ll stay for two days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 10<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We left Braunston on Sunday afternoon. Not because we were in any
particular hurry to get anywhere special, but just because it was such a nice
day. We only cruised for about an hour and then pulled in somewhere, but have
no idea of exactly where we were. Who cares, right?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday morning, we upped sticks and continued on to the top of
Hillmorton locks, walked to the local paper shop and then settled down to a
coffee. Or, did we have the coffee before going to the shop? Dunno!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Our intention this morning is/was, to continue on through the locks and
then moor up outside the golf course, which is just a couple of miles away.
However, at this moment in time the rain has turned up, as promised by those
good people at the BBC. Why don’t they find a decent job??<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Of course, should the rain stop some-time this morning, we’ll do just
that. Otherwise, we’ll stay put for another day. Again, who cares??<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, since this first blog of the season is now five pages long, and,
since I have nothing better to do, and, since I don’t know if I’ll have
Internet access at our next stopping place, I guess I might as well post this
offering.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Take care folks and have a great week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><o:p>R<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">emember this: ‘If you love everything you have, then you have everything you need’. How true.<o:p></o:p></span></span></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Dave, Sheila and Alex<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-45134254986261446692016-04-28T22:16:00.002-07:002016-04-28T22:16:14.251-07:00Winter Crick 2015 16 10
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 15<sup>th</sup> April to Friday 29<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 15<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This will be the final blog from Crick. I’ll start a new, Summer 2016
after this one, probably starting from 1<sup>st</sup> of May.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 16<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I contacted Bosworth Marina on Thursday, using their online enquiry
form, and received their automated response the same day. But, since they
hadn’t actually contacted me personally by yesterday, I decided to phone them,
and it’s just as well I did, because they appear to be having problems with their
automated response system. Anyway, I spoke to Chris and we’ve been assured of a
welcome, should we decide to pay them a visit this weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We might just do that today but, alternatively we could go tomorrow. At
present we have drizzly rain, so I’m hoping it will clear by 9 am, which will
make for a much more pleasant drive. I’ve been told that it’s only about half
an hour from here, up the A5, so we won’t have to suffer the rain for long.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">On Monday will be popping over to Daventry, to collect my new specs
from Boot’s Opticians. I should have collected them on Wednesday, but they
hadn’t arrived. However, they texted me yesterday and I can now go there on
Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Also, if this pesky loose tooth doesn’t fall out by then, I’ll be
calling in to the dentist there as well. Oh, the joys of being diabetic!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Later…….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Although the weather didn’t look too promising, we decided to take a
run up to Market Bosworth and pay a visit to the new marina. It still has much
to be done before it’s completed, but we like the look of the place. Chris, the
owner, gave us the guided tour of the offices – plush is the only word to
describe it – and pointed out the various pontoon areas. We have chosen one
near to the office, simply because it will also be close to the coal, gas and
log storage areas, thus limiting the lugging of same to our boat. We’ve paid a
deposit and will probably take up our moorings on 1<sup>st</sup> November.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The drive down from Market Bosworth will only take an extra half hour,
so I’m OK with that. I’m still debating whether or not to trade the Alfa in for
something sturdier, but will worry about that when we get to Bosworth Marina
for the winter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 18<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I received a text message from Boot’s Opticians on Friday and have
arranged to collect my new specs today, so we’ll do our shopping in Daventry at
the same time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We’re still sticking to the diet but, for some unaccountable reason,
we’re not losing as much weight as we would like. We both weighed ourselves on
Thursday morning and, whilst Wifey had lost a pound, my weight was the same as
last week. Now, at those times when I feel a bit peckish, I do tend to dip into
our pot of nuts. Wifey suggested that this may be the problem, so I’ve stashed
them away in the cupboard – out of site and out of mind. We’ll probably weigh
in again on Wednesday or Thursday and see how we’ve done this week. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We’re now in the eighth week and final week of the diet, but I’ve only
lost 11lb so far. Yes, it’s good. But I really do need to lose more, so we’ll
probably continue with it for a while more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> Be</span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">ing on this diet has had a beneficial side effect, in that we now
draw up a shopping list on Sunday for the coming week, and we only list what we
need for the diet. This means that we don’t buy things we don’t really need
and, as a consequence of that we are saving money on our shopping bill. Ta da!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 22<sup>nd</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Well, we are now just eight days away from leaving Crick Marina for
good. Hellelujah!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">A short while ago I mentioned the notice that had gone up outside
Noel’s alternative office. This read something like, ‘please keep your dog off
this area as it is now a nature reserve’. That ‘nature reserve’ is just a few
square feet in area. Anyway, Wifey took Alex for a short walk yesterday evening
and, in this short walk, she passed the ‘nature reserve’. She returned to the
boat with a huge grin on her face and, when I asked what was so funny, she
explained that the nature reserve now had a pond in it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A pond?”, said I, “That piece
of grass doesn’t have room for a pond. How big is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">“Oh, about six foot by four foot”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">“Blimey, that’s just about big enough for a couple of ducks. Do you
think we should find a small, fisherman type gnome for it?” At which point we
cracked up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The world’s gone mad!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tomorrow I shall make the last of my Harlow visits before setting off
for our World cruise of the Inland Waterways of England and Wales. With a bit
of luck my Sister Carole and my Aunt Barbara and cousin Karen will also be
there. The latter two I haven’t seen for some years. Indeed, it must be two or
three years since I last saw Carole, so it should be a very pleasant day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Later…….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We took a run over to the Chandlery in Braunston and bought some last
minute items for use on our travels. We have just eight more days until we have
to leave Crick marina and, to be honest, it can’t come soon enough. We’ve spent
three winters here and, although we feel we have been poorly treated of late,
three years is long enough at one marina, so we’re looking forward to our first
winter at Market Bosworth. But first, summer cruising beckons!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 23<sup>rd</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning is looking good for my drive down to Harlow, the sun will
be up pretty soon and my car will defrost – I hope. The only problem will be
the sun in my eyes on the way there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 26<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">For several months I suffered a loose tooth, which finally fell out of
its own accord. It didn’t take long for another one to come loose, this one
right next door to the first one. However, this so and so would not fall out,
and it soon became really troublesome. I soon found it almost impossible to eat
properly, because my top teeth would crash down on the loose one and give me a
sharp reminder that it was still there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">So, sometime last week, while we were in Daventry, I booked an
appointment to have it removed. Unfortunately, for reasons of another health
issue, I had to cancel that appointment and, as a consequence had to wait until
yesterday to have the offending tooth removed. Happy days at last, now I can
eat without fearing a clash of teeth upsetting my meal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning, on the advice of the very nice young dentist who removed
that tooth, I’ll be popping back to see the hygienist for a good clean up. I
now have a rather wide gap at the front and bottom line of teeth. Not a pretty
sight but, since we have to vacate our spot in the marina by Saturday, there’s
no time to have a plate made. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We now have a new plank for mooring up in those odd spots, where the
stern is too far from the bank and we need to bridge the gap. Thanks Bruv, you
did a fine job. Now, all I have to do is stain it and affix some non-slip pads
to it. Hopefully, as it has started off bright and sunny this morning, I’ll get
that job out of the way today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 27<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">On Mon, after having that loose tooth removed, I made an appointment to
see the Hygienist for the next day – yesterday. How blooming annoying to arrive
there at the allotted time, only to be told she had called in sick. Of course,
the receptionist sought to re-book the appointment for the following week, but,
having already explained that we would be gone by this weekend, and that there
would be no way to get there without the car, I had to accept a refund. Yes, I
did pay for all the treatment the day before! Unfortunately, refunds can only
be issued from their head office, so we’ll have to wait for that to be sent to
Alan and for him to post it on to us, wherever we might be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I had thought to keep this dental practice, even if it meant a half
hour drive if needed in the future. But I no longer think that’s a good idea
and we’ll see what we find at Market Bosworth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, we don’t have all the bells and whistles of Sky or BT television,
just Freeview, so we’re rather limited in what we are able to watch and, for
the most part, that’s a load of rubbish. So, on our cruise this year, the tv
set will be packed away and out will come the new Hi Fi unit and we’ll be
recording as many of our old vinyl records onto cds. We should have been doing
so whilst here at Crick, but we never got around to it. However, in view of the
aforementioned rubbish now being shown on Freeview, we feel this would be an
ideal time to get onto it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We’re hoping the weather stays calm enough for us to take the boat
around for a top up of diesel today. We’ll probably leave here on Saturday and
will be taking the car up to the garage for safe keeping in Friday. Whether we
stay for the weekend is still an open option. It would be nice to spend a final
hour at the club on Sunday, but if it’s a fine day, we might just go on our
way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Incidentally, since starting on my low calorie diet, I have lost a
stone in weight. It has taken me eight weeks so far, so I still have some way
to go before I’m free of diabetes. However, I’ve not been following Dr Mosley’s
book to the letter – his recipes are hardly inviting. Shei and I have been
using recipes from two of the Hairy Bikers books, which are far more appealing
and do give calorie contents for them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">When I paid a visit to the nurse last week, she applauded my efforts
thus far; I’ve managed to leave out the three daily doses of Insulin and am
just taking the late night one; but she insisted I would not be able to get rid
of my diabetes altogether. Well, I’m not one to argue unnecessarily, but I’ve
read several reports about people who have done just that and under medical
supervision, so I’m still going to try.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">There’s also a suggestion that, in order to keep weight off
permanently, it is necessary to keep to the diet for a year, at last. With the
Hairy Bikers recipes, we’re both happy to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 29<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">As you all know, we’re due to leave here tomorrow, the last day of our
stay at Crick Marina. So, since we’ll have no Internet signal once we get
ourselves outside, I’ll make this my last entry. On Sunday I’ll start a new
blog for our 2016 cruise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Of course, being outside the marina also means no mobile signal, so
those who have my number, please don’t expect any contact from me until we’re
well away from here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Up until the news that our fees were going up here, we had enjoyed our
stay. But now? Well, we’ll be happy to leave, as much as we love the village
and the people in it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We don’t know where we’ll be heading for, as we haven’t made any proper
plans. But you’ll be the first to know. Quite possibly we’ll head for the
Llangollen Canal, simply because we didn’t get to it last year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today I’ll be taking the car up to the garage for safe keeping. While
it’s there I’m hoping Malcolm will have a few faults fixed, so that I can put
it up for sale when we get to Market Bosworth in November.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">And that’s about it, apart from wishing you all a very pleasant summer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Take care.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-68039199368902835552016-04-15T05:53:00.003-07:002016-04-15T05:53:38.573-07:00Winter Crick 2015 16 9
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 26<sup>th</sup> March to Friday 15<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Sunday 27<sup>th</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Having retired to bed at the usual 10 pm last night, and getting up at 06.00
this morning, also as usual, I found it dark and cold out there with Alex.
Still, it is now officially Summer time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning I received an email from Mr Langer, the owner of Crick
Marina, who assured me that there are several marinas that do operate a two
tier system of fees. He also said that his decision was, in part, as a result
of complaints by long-term moorers. Now, having already submitted a cheque for
three months’ stay, we’re on the horns of a dilemma; do we stay for the full
three months’, or go at the end of April, which Mr Langer is amenable to?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">In the meantime, we still have lots of work to do on the boat, which is
easier done whilst in the marina, so…….!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 28<sup>th</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We had a chat yesterday about when to leave Crick, and we both agree
that the end of April would be best. Since Mr Langer has OK’d this and Noel
must still have our cheque – it is a Bank Holiday – we’ll be at the office
sometime this morning in order to change our leave date.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, I received another appointment from Northampton General Hospital
yesterday. Once again they have taken no notice of my cancellation, a
cancellation, incidentally, that was necessary because, despite the surgeon
telling me there was no need for a follow-up appointment, one was actually
made.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">However, I do have an email address for the department concerned, so
I’ve now advised the lovely Maureen of our current situation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We now have emails out to three separate marinas and are awaiting their
replies. The nearest one, at Barby, would probably suit us best, since the area
around it is served by our current GP. However, there are two more that we like
the look of, and they are Market Bosworth – a new addition on the Ashby Canal –
and Fenny Compton, which lies on the South Oxford Canal. The latter of these
would only add about 20 minutes to my Harlow trips, which is no big deal,
whereas Market Bosworth might be a little tricky time-wise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Last night we had some really heavy rain, resulting in me having to
slacken off our bow line. I’m hoping this won’t be an ongoing thing today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 5<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Apologies for such a lengthy delay in topping up the blog. Time seems
to have got away from me. Although, in mitigation, we have been rather busy of
late, what with putting the top box together, shopping and hospital
appointments. But that’s just me, finding excuses. The truth is, I’ve had this
problem with the marina and it’s increase in fees, and nothing else seems to
matter in such circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday we took a ride over to Daventry for some cupboard rail end
supports, which will be used to hold the corner posts on our new top box.
Luckily I already have a broom handle that I can cut to size, so I won’t have
to go hunting for that. The weather should be dry today, so we’ll get to
sorting that out – we hope!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, since we don’t know where we’ll be next winter, I had considered
leaving the car with Alan, in Harlow. But that would mean asking someone other
than Alan to bring me back to the boat. So, we’ll probably leave it with
Malcolm at the garage, and worry about collecting it when we’re settled in
another marina.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 7<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">No luck with the weather so far this week, so we’re no nearer finishing
our top box. Hopefully today will brighten up enough to get on with it, but
it’s not looking good so far, with heavy clouds and strong wind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we’ll go over to Daventry, to get some shoes for Wifey, otherwise
not much to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I had thought to try my hand at drop-shipping online and found a
company that did all sorts of prints. However, there was no sign of any
advertising material and the prices they would have charged me for the stuff,
was almost as high as some of those, similar prints on eBay, so I’ve decided
against that one. Still, I can keep looking. It’s not so much for the money;
although that would be useful; it’s more for something to do in my spare time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 8<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We took a drive over to Daventry, initially to buy Sheila a pair of new
shoes, but we also called in to Boot’s Opticians to clarify when my new specs
would be in. I should be able to pick them up next Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We’re waiting for Peter to give us a call, to let us know when the coal
barge will be coming through. At which time we’ll take the boat out and meet
him for coal and diesel. After which we’ll return to the marina.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, we should be staying here until the end of this month, but we
might just leave a little earlier. If I can leave the car with Alan, in Harlow
and get his son Darren to fetch me back here, then it won’t matter where we end
up for the winter, because Alan will be able to deliver it to us. If we leave
it with Malcolm at the local garage, then I’ll have the problem of getting to
him to collect it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today, hopefully, the weather will stay dry and we can concentrate on
finishing the new top box.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 9<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday, for the most part, it was fairly dry, I’m pleased to say.
So, Late in the afternoon, after returning from walking Alex around the
village, I grabbed a tin of undercoat and gave the base of our top box a heavy
coat. That should save it from wilting in the next rainfall. Mind you, it is
about half inch thick, so it would take quite some time – which we don’t have –
for it to start distorting. Anyway, that’s done now. All that remains to do is
fit the corner rests and stain those, then put the box on the roof, transfer
all the stuff from the old one, and put the cover on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Actually I still have the corners to trim down and the lashing points
to fit for the cover. I also need to find some suitable timber, with which to
make a “Shiralee” sign for the two outer facing sides. If, when this current
bout of rain stops, maybe we’ll get something done. But, according to the
forecast, tomorrow will be the drier of the two days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tomorrow, apart from any work on the top box, we’ll spend a leisurely
hour at the club at lunchtime. Monday is planned as shopping at Sainsbury’s,
whilst Tuesday should be a run into town on the bus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, on the 23<sup>rd</sup> of the month, I will be driving down to
Harlow, for the last time this year. I’ve decided to leave the car with Alan
and also put it up for sale. If he manages to sell it; and I can see no reason
why he shouldn’t; he won’t have to bring it to wherever we end up for winter
and, with the cash I already have, plus anything else we save while we’re
cruising, we should have enough to buy a newer car. To be honest and although I
do like the Alfa, it’s becoming expensive to keep on the road. I don’t know
what we’ll be getting; I’ve looked at Jags, Mercs and Saabs; I haven’t decided
yet. It all depends on price and other things. We’ll see in due course.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Sunday 10<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Well, Wifey has now decided she would like us to moor up in the new
marina at Market Bosworth. And, I have to say, I wholeheartedly agree. It looks
to be a great place and we’ve seen it whilst cruising up the Ashby canal. The
town is about a mile away and, as I’ve mentioned before, mostly uphill.
However, it does have a bus service, which stops just a short walk from the
main gate and goes all the way to Leicester.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The mooring fees for our length of boat is £2600 per annum, or £650 per
quarter; about £75 less than Crick; so would suit us well. The Ashby canal is
about 22 miles long and has no locks. Indeed, it’s possible to cruise for about
35 miles without locks, taking in Atherstone and Hawkesbury Junction. In fact,
taking in Coventry and Hillmorton; including the stop-lock at Hawkesbury
Junction could add a further 25 miles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The town of Market Bosworth has all the usual amenities, including
Co-op, butcher, greengrocer, doctor and vet and we usually manage to get all
our groceries there without any problem. Well worth a look methinks. We’ll
probably head straight there when we leave Crick, which, at the speed we
travel, will take about three weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I’ve now finished staining the top box supports, so it’s now a case of
waiting for them to dry, when we’ll have the arduous task of emptying the old
and disposing of the old one, lift the new and heavier one onto the roof and
filling it with what came out of the old one. Get me??<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 13<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">To catch up………Monday, shopping at Sainsbury’s, finished off top box and
sat it on the roof. Tuesday, took a bus ride into Rugby and enjoyed a Latte and
toasted tea cake at Brooke’s café, along with a few odds and ends of shopping,
that’s the cheapy stuff from B&M.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today we have earmarked for collecting my new specs from Boot’s
Opticians in Daventry. Hopefully, if it stays dry today, we’ll clean up our
engine cover and give it a coat of black paint. Also, since said cover tends to
bend up at each end when the sun gets on it, I’ll try to attach a thick length
of timber to the underside; running front to back; which should alleviate that
problem. Come the winter time, we’ll try to find a new cover.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday, as a result of the Latte and tea cake, my blood glucose
reading shot up to 12.5. This is not unusual and, because it was so high, I
took a reduced amount of Insulin. Later in the afternoon, as I was sitting at
this laptop, I started to get a wee bit shaky. This is a sign that my blood
sugar level has dropped, quite dramatically, almost to hypo level at 3.3.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Of course I chewed a couple of Dextrose tablets, which soon put it
right. However, the mere fact that my reading fell to such a low level, tells
me that my diet is working and, it may well be, that my pancreas has started to
work again. As it is I am now down to just my late jab, but am now; very
tentatively; cutting that one down, but ever so slightly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I’ll be seeing the practice nurse on the 19<sup>th</sup> and, whilst
she will be pleased with my weight loss, I’m not so sure about her reaction to
the news that I’ve almost eliminated the need for Insulin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I received an email from Tony at Barby Moorings yesterday morning-which
was in reply to my email asking about visiting the marina-telling me we would
be welcome anytime. So, we’ll pop along there tomorrow. Most marinas now ask
for a £400 deposit when booking winter moorings. This, of course, comes off the
first quarterly payment. So, as soon as we’ve decided whether or not to spend
next winter there, we cough up the necessary readies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 15<sup>th</sup> April<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We took a run over to Barby Marina yesterday and had a long chat with one
of the female moorers there. The upshot of this chat was that we would go away
and give the marina some serious consideration, this despite the fact that Kim,
our local driving instructor, had given us cause for concern about the place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Anyway, when we returned to Crick marina, we found our boat engineer in
the car park. Well, no sooner had we mentioned the fact that we had been to
Barby, he immediately threw his hands in the air and said, “Don’t even think
about it!” Wow, now that’s a reaction. He moors his own boat nearby, actually
along the cut, and won’t even go into the marina to carry out work on boats
there. He then gave his opinion on both the owners of the place, amongst many
other detrimental remarks. Knowing him as we do; he’s taken care of our
problems for the past three years; we tend to take his advice and, after due
consideration, we’re now leaning towards Market Bosworth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Talking of which, I emailed them again yesterday, with a view to making
it our permanent home. I haven’t heard back from them yet, except for an
automatic response to my email, so we’re going to phone and see if we can make
a visit there this weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">As for the car, well, we’ve now decided to keep it. I know, I know!! I’ve
said I want a newer one, and I do. But, having spent so much on it over the
years, I doubt if there’s much more that can go wrong with it. Yeah! I know………!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Anyway, the reason for leaving it here is that, after speaking to Dave,
our engineer, and telling him about our plans for Market Bosworth, he agreed to
pick me up there; if and when we get moored there; and take me to Crick to pick
the car up again. Problem solved!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">There are a couple of things that need doing before it will pass
another MOT, but I’ll get Malcolm to fix those before we get to Market Bosworth
for the winter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">So, that’s it for this blog.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Have a great weekend folks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Dave, Sheila and Alex.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7407722336739671311.post-84395364633802934502016-03-25T23:17:00.004-07:002016-03-25T23:17:58.102-07:00Winter Crick 2015 16 8
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 14<sup>th</sup> March to Saturday 26<sup>th</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 14<sup>th</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Surprisingly for us we found the cottage without losing our way or
missing a turning. First impressions, a great little place to stay, with easy
access to Rutland Water. Economy 7 electricity does not keep the cottage as
warm as we would like, but then we do have a solid fuel burner on the boat and
diesel powered radiators, so we’re not used to a cooler atmosphere. Which is
why we’ll be taking a drive into Oakham so that I can buy a warm cardigan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We were far too early for the cottage; although it was already open
when we arrived at half eleven; so we stopped off at a car park and had a
stroll around, eventually finding a café that was open. We ordered a coffee and
slice of carrot cake, which came to £13.00p. Yes, folks, you read that right,
£13.00p for coffee and slice of cake each. Now that is taking the wee, wee!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Still, we’re only here for three days and the nearby hotel boasts of
being dog friendly. So, if we’re caught in bad weather, we can always dine
there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 15<sup>th</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This is a lovely little cottage and, along with a second one of similar
proportions, has a short, private drive down to it. Also, and apart from the
lack of warmth for this time of year, we didn’t have any hot water for washing
up or washing ourselves. So, when it came to dirty dishes after dinner, we had
to boil the kettle up. Then, just after I had done the washing up, my phone
rang and, who should it be but Rebecca, the owner of the cottages. She’d phoned
me instead of the person she should have phone and I told her about the lack of
hot water. Apparently this is an ongoing problem, but it was soon solved by
switching on the immersion heater.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">As it happens, as I mentioned earlier, we drove into Oakham; instead of
walking to the nearest village; where I found a really comfortable, warm’
zip-up cardigan and Wifey popped into the local Tesco for a few odds and ends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning we’ll probably take a walk to the aforementioned village,
just for the sake of doing so and to enjoy some more of the stunning views
around the area. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Wednesday 16<sup>th</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday morning was pretty cold in the cottage, despite the radiators
and, although we went out with the intention of taking a long walk by the
water, we took a trip into Oakham and bought a fan heater instead. We then went
straight back to the cottage and switched it on. It seems a pity that we had to
resort to such a move, but I’m afraid it was absolutely necessary in this
instance. Perhaps we’ve been spoilt with our solid fuel burner and 3 radiators
on the boat. We’ll probably leave a note for Rebecca before we leave.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Also yesterday morning, I found I was unable to log on to the Internet.
Initially I thought it was because the WiFi had switched itself off, but this
wasn’t the case. It was simply because I had connected the WiFi unit to the
mains, rather than directly to the laptop. As a result of this the WiFi then
wanted my security details, which I couldn’t enter, simply because I hadn’t
brought the card with me. The problem was soon solved by connecting to the
laptop via an extension lead which, luckily, I had brought with me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">This morning, however, I have been unable to download my messages using
Outlook, and it’s not because the WiFi is off. So, rather than waste time
fiddling, I accessed my Absolute account online. Strange that I can access the
Internet, but not Outlook. Hmmm!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Thursday 17<sup>th</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Well, we’ll be on our way back to Crick this morning, having spent a
very pleasant three days by the side of Rutland Water.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday we simply chilled out, having first walked along to Edith
Weston; the nearest village; for the Mail. After which we did nothing in
particular, except take Alex out for a couple of longish walks. The cottage has
been pretty comfortable since we included a fan heater. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">So, what next for our future moorings? Well, I have drafted a letter to
Tim Langer, voicing our concerns and have toned it down somewhat in order not
to offend. I’m pretty good in that regard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">As we see it, we have two choices. We pay the man his new fees
throughout the year – not likely. Or we simply look at alternative marinas for
next winter. The third option would be to hope we can return here, but we’re
not sure that that’s a good idea, as we’ll be leaving under a cloud. We’ll just
have to see.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 18<sup>th</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Returning to the rise in mooring fees at Crick Marina. Sheila and I are
quite puzzled as to why we received that letter. After all, we normally only
winter over, wherever it may be, and then get out for more cruising by the
beginning of April. The fact that we paid for the whole of 2015, was simply to
guarantee a mooring spot for this winter. Had we not done so I would have
missed several hospital appointments and diabetes checks. So it was essential
that we come back here. Now, as far as the hospital is concerned, I no longer
need to return at six monthly intervals, so I can just as easily make an
appointment at another hospital. My diabetes checks can also be carried out
locally, wherever we may be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Well, after a heated discussion about our commitment to this marina,
i.e., the payment of a termination fee, we have decided to pay up and use the
additional time here working on the boat. Nuff said!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Today is the long-awaited Kennett family bash, which starts at midday,
for a sit down meal at 1.0 pm. As far as we are aware we’ll be at The fox at
Matching, but nobody has confirmed this. Won’t it be a surprise when we turn
up, only to find nobody there? Nah! Carole would have told us of a different
venue – wouldn’t she??<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Alex, as usual, will stay with his bestest pal, Tommy and his owner,
Peter, for the day. Peter is the one person that Alex took to as soon as they
met. He was very wary of other men, but took to Peter as if he’s known him all
his life. Tommy is also a Jack Russell, although much smaller than Alex. And he
has a tail and a full set of kit, if you know what I mean.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Monday 21<sup>st</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The Kennett family bash went well yesterday, although there were far
fewer attendees this time. Still, the food was good and the conversation
brought quite a few laughs, especially from Michael, Sheila’s brother. Next
year we’re hoping to change the seating arrangements. Thus far we’ve been
separated into two distinct groups but, if we can join tables together next
time, we can all natter across the table and generate more noise. Lovely!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">So, everything is back to normal, with shopping our first priority
today. Alex was very pleased to see us again, although he does enjoy his stay
with Peter and Tommy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We’ve now decided to stay here until the end of June, so that we can
carry out more work on the boat; mostly painting, but there’s also the top-box
to put together. Of course this means paying the increased fees for that
quarter, but saves us carrying out the paintwork out there on the cut. In order
to do so when cruising, it’s necessary to have a spell of dry weather, It’s
also important to find a mooring spot that’s near a turning point, or winding
hole, as it’s known in the trade, so that the boat can be turned around as and
when necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Tuesday 22<sup>nd</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday was just another one of those non-days, in that, apart from a
bit of shopping at Sainsbury’s, we did nothing of any account. Although, the
following might give you a chuckle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday evening, at about seven of the clock, Wifey took Alex for his
evening stroll, as is her wont. Between our marina and the next; there are
three altogether here at Crick; there’s an alternative office, which sports a
WiFi aerial. This log cabin sits on a small hillock, along with a few trees. On
passing the office Wifey spotted a notice and, being the Nosy Parker that she
is, went to investigate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Now, bearing in mind that the hillock upon which this office sits is
only a few square yards in area, she was most surprised to find the words,
‘This area is a wildlife preserve and dogs must not be allowed on it’. Had it
stated that some owners were allowing their dogs to use the area as a toilet,
we wouldn’t have thought if very funny. But, what do we know, we’re only a
couple of unwanted boaters?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Friday 25<sup>th</sup> March (Good Friday)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I received a return email from RBOA this morning, having asked for
their comments regarding the new structure here at Crick. Their comments were
as I expected and I was reminded that the owner of Crick Marina can do as he
pleases where fees are concerned. Well, I had already stated that obvious fact
in my email to the owner, so we feel that the situation is what it is, and
we’ll vote with our feet, or boat in this case. It’s a real shame though, as we
quite like Crick and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, Noel’s offer of seven
months’ moorings at the end of this year, with payment up front, is not
something we can contemplate at this time. We’ve had the expense of the boat
blacking and the enforced three-day break whilst that was being done, so we’re
hardly in a position to find such a sum right now. We also had the additional
expense of having our engine serviced.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Ah well, that’s life, etc, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">I’m due for a kidney scan on 2<sup>nd</sup> April, a Saturday, would
you believe? So, we now have to go out and find me a decent housecoat. This is
to preserve my modesty when walking across the waiting room in one of those
soppy gowns. Those ridiculous thingies’ that tie up at the back and show your
bum. We’ll probably pop over to Sainsbury’s for that little item.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Hopefully, this Bank Holiday won’t be the total washout that the
forecasters would have us believe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Saturday 26<sup>th</sup> March<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Didn’t bother with Sainsbury’s yesterday as we’ll be going there on
Tuesday, so I can get my housecoat then, if they have one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Yesterday was great weather-wise. We took a walk over to the office and
paid our ‘dues’, so we’re officially here until the end of June. Of course, we
won’t spend all the intervening weeks here, but will g out for a week or two
here and there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning we’ll be
putting our postal forwarding address in to the Post Office.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">We have yet to receive replies from the two marinas we emailed about
winter moorings for this coming November, but it’s early days yet. As soon as
we know, you too will know.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><o:p>So, with no further ado, I'll post this blog.</o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><o:p>Have a great Bank Holiday</o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><o:p>Dave, Sheila and Alex</o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Shiraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700434649258259832noreply@blogger.com0