Monday 13th December and it’s my little brother’s birthday today. Of course I’ve sent you a card Bruv, and I’ll try to remember to phone you later today, but you probably won’t receive this blog until next week, by which time it will be gone and you’ll be looking forward to Christmas.
As for me, well, once again I am suffering with my sinuses, so much so that I’m having trouble sleeping because I simply can’t breathe through my nose. The nasal sprays usually work quite well, but I seem to be up against something worse, possibly a viral infection if the stuff I’ve seen written about it on the Internet is anything to go by. I’ll try for an appointment with my GP for this morning and see what she recommends.
Incidentally, I’m currently using a Sudafed nose spray and I’ve tried Olbas Oil, but neither of them is of any use in my present predicament.
Today is Morrison’s day but, aside from that, we have nothing of any import on the agenda. In fact it seems to be a pretty unimportant time for us at present. Thankfully the ice and snow have gone, which allowed us to make the most of a pub visit yesterday.
I’ve been looking around for a disc burning system for labelling direct to the disc surface, rather than making sticky labels, which have a tendency to peel off over time. The best I could find was an external hard drive, with Lightscribe Technology, by a company called Ativa. I can’t find an outlet for it in the UK, but the item goes for $90 in the States, plus delivery charges of course. Temporarily then, until I make my small fortune, I’ll have to use the sticky ones.
Wednesday 15th December and just nine days to go to the big day. Yes, Christmas is almost upon us and, just for a change, if the weather men are to be believed, it will be a white one.
Last week whilst searching for a pressy for Wifey, I came across a section on eBay that sold all things Jack Russell. Amongst them I found a Christmas card with a Jack Russell dressed in a Santa suit, which I thought would be a great card to send to us from Rusty. (Strange how we get such wacky ideas at this time of year.)
Anyway, I sent for the card which arrived a couple of days ago. Well, I reckon a pre-school child could have done as well, if not better. What I got for my money was a piece of card, 10” by 5” folded in half, with a cut out cardboard picture of the head of a Jack Russell, wearing a Santa suit stuck to the front, with Merry Christmas printed underneath. We have decided that our pooch would not lower herself to that level and have dis-carded it!!
Sunday 19th December and, once again, we are in the grip of more icy weather.
With the marina frozen over it’s not possible to take the boat over to the diesel pump. So, if we can’t get to the pump, we have to take a Jerry can to it for a fill up. Fortunately for us we have a can on board. Even more fortunate so do our neighbours, Chris and Josie.
With these icy pontoons I am, once again, stuck on the boat but, when we asked Chris if we could borrow his can, he offered to drive Sheila to get the cans filled and so, since it was getting dark, we decided to top the tank up this morning.
Now that was not the best idea we’ve had this winter because, when I turned on the heater this morning, it refused to start up, which means we are too low on diesel for it to run. This is the first time we have had this problem in the four years since we bought the boat.
Anyway, since I find it difficult to stay in bed past 5.30 am, I am now pounding away at this keyboard, with my cardigan on, the fire topped up, the bedroom door closed and the gas oven on. Actually it’s now getting quite cosy in here, but we must top the tank up and get that heater going at first light.
According to my diary we last topped up on November 10th, which is only five weeks ago, so we really have been hammering the heater. At that time we only had to top up with 70 litres or so, which means that we have used well over 100 litres during the past five weeks. Knowing that the heater burns about ½ a litre per hour and we have only 36 litres in the two cans, we’ll be wanting to fill up again before the marina office shuts for the Christmas break. That’s only 36 litres because, being Jerry cans and having a spout well below the carrying handles, it is not possible to put the full 20 litres in each can.
Boating ain’t that cheap in winter!!
Thursday 23rd December
After a couple of inches of snow yesterday morning and, rather than take the risk of more to come and missing out on Christmas food shopping, we decided to go while the going was good. Luckily for us not too many boaters had driven over that 2 inches of snow, and so we made it there and back without mishap, turkey and all. We are now set for the festivities, even though our neighbours won’t be around.
Today Wifey will be trotting off to Derby by bus, because there are one or two things she still needs to get. You know women, always a last minute shop!!
Having had the heater system completely serviced just three months ago, we were most surprised when it broke down again last week. Fortunately the service people here are not greedy and Linden came along and sorted it out a few days ago.
Yesterday it broke down again and we had to call him in again. It seems that this time all that was wrong was a rather touchy plug and socket. With them closing for a few days and not wanting to be frozen solid on our boat, with just the fire and cooker to keep us warm, Linden pointed out the problem so that, should it stop working again, all we have to do is wiggle a plug about and all will be well – we hope!!
This will probably be my last scribe for this year, so we would like to wish all our family and friends
“A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Dave, Sheila and Rusty
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Shiralee at Willington #8
Friday 19th November
The weekend is almost upon us again, where does the time go?
Not much to do today, I am still wading through all the eBooks I bought and designing the CD labels. This task is taking much longer than I expected, simply because I’m such a fussy so and so. In my ‘umble opinion, if a job is worth doing it’s worth doing well. I don’t see the point in listing a whole host of books on eBay unless the discs I send out look professional.
The eBay member I purchased the information from has a really good looking listing, but this was spoilt by the fact that the discs had the name simply scrawled across them in marker pen. He had taken no time in designing and attaching a decent label.
I have just remembered what I told you in the last blog about the British Red Cross and their attitude towards me with regard to the toilet frame. I really am annoyed about that and am hoping to receive an email from them later today. If I don’t I will be telephoning them, so there!!
Wednesday 24th November.
I have to confess to being so busy organising my language courses for eBay, that I’ve lost track of time. However, since nothing else of any serious interest has happened to us since last Friday, you haven’t missed much.
Yesterday was shopping day at Morrison’s and today we are popping over to the Chandlery in Shardlow for some stuff to put in our new cassette loo to keep it fresh. Gone are the days of the smelly old privy at the end of the garden and that horrid smelling Jayes Blue, although a similar product is still available.
Next Tuesday we will be meeting up with Alan and Chris again, this time at their place when they will be taking us to an ‘up-market’ McDonald’s. Their description, not ours.
Thursday 15th November
Yesterday started out a bit frosty, but no so much as to give any cause for concern. So, off we went to Shardlow and the chandlery there to pick up some stuff for our new cassette loo.
Between the marina and the village of Willington there is a railway level crossing – well, they call them ‘level’, but they are anything but. Anyway, yesterday was the day that those nice railway people decide to shut off the road, leaving us with no alternative than to go the long way round, through Findern and onto the A38, then south to the A50. Still, it made a nice change I suppose, and we were back before midday.
I don’t feel too safe when walking on the wet timber pontoon and have to take it very gently. One slip and bang go my new knees. We do have a very thoughtful neighbour though, who goes out quite early and spreads sand along our stretch of pontoon, which does make it somewhat easier, for me at least. I have no idea who he or she is, but they have my thanks.
Today, if it doesn’t snow and the car defrosts easily, we’re off to Burton. I have managed to sell a few of my old books on eBay and need some more big, padded envelopes. Even in Burton at Ryman’s they cost £4.95 for 5, which I have to pass on in p&p to my buyers, but the alternative is to buy a big pack of them on eBay, which means I would be stuck with a whole load of envelopes that I probably won’t use. Still, nobody has complained about p&p so far and I now have about £38 in my Paypal account and can make more purchases without digging into our account.
Friday 26th November and it is much colder this morning; snow is on the way, according to those weather people. We took ourselves off to Burton yesterday for a bit of shopping and posted another three books. Having sold and posted several books now, I have about £30 in my Paypal account.
This is not a true representation of my wealth because we have had to pay for all that postage, my actual profit is quite small, but it does mean I have a few quid with which to buy stuff on eBay or elsewhere. Naturally Christmas presents come to mind, but I’m sure I can find other things I need/want.
Today Wifey will be taking the bus into Derby, probably to look around for decent birthday and Christmas cards, hopefully for a pressy for me!! As for me while she is out, well I have lots to do on the laptop.
Wednesday 1st December
Very much like virtually everybody else in the U.K., we have been inundated with snow; only about 2 inches or so, but it certainly put paid to me going out. It’s bad enough when it’s just wet pontoons, but when the snow turns to ice, watch out Dave.
It’s funny how things sometimes happen that cost you money but, at the end of the day – yeah! I hate that expression too – turns out to be in your favour. Having decided to get rid of our troublesome pump-out toilet unit and replace it with a cassette, here we are, with no hope of taking the boat to the pump-out station, and we don’t need to. Every cloud has a silver lining I suppose.
Now, with all this snow about and the state of the roads, we had to call off our lunch with Alan and Chris and, even more worrying, unless we can get out to Morrison’s or Tesco; which is somewhat nearer; Sheila will have to trudge into Willington for necessary victuals, or take the bus into Burton or Derby on Friday. We’re not desperate yet, but………
The other problem with not being able to get out and about, is that I have very little to write into the blog. I mean, I don’t have a lot to say as it is, but at least when we get out and, if something interesting occurs, I can report it.
My American friends; whom I have reported to you as Public Domain Pirates; have now come across with some information about how to set up a Recipe Blog. I am following this with interest and, if I feel it is a viable proposition, I might just follow it through. Goodness knows I have more than enough of my own to get going with. Could be interesting.
Saturday 4th December and finally, the rain has come to start washing away the snow. Wifey tells me it is still a wee bit slippery in places, but unless it freezes again overnight, I’ll be able to get off the boat for the first time since Monday. It’s been a long week!
Getting back to my ‘American Friends’, it seems they are now down to just the one. Debra is still running the ‘Pirates’ site, but it seems her partner has now left, for whatever reason we have not been made privy to. I think they were only business partners and it may be that Logan has gone off in a different direction. Now though, since Debra is a woman, the site does seem to be drifting towards womanly things, such as weight loss and diets and recipes etc. However, she is still maintaining the original theme of the site, which is Public Domain information, and that’s OK by me.
Thursday 9th December and it seems I will be a prisoner on this boat for another day at least. I blame the Wife of course, she is, after all, OIC weather and has been since we met. This position was agreed upon when we first went on holiday together. I distinctly remember looking out of our cottage window one morning and, seeing those heavy clouds, remarked that it looked like rain. “No,” she said, “It won’t rain today”.
She was quite adamant about it and, sure enough, the clouds passed over and we had a glorious sunny day. Ever since then, if the weather is bad and we are going out, I have to ask why this is so. Naturally, being a woman, she’ll find some excuse.
Anyway, she has kept me prisoner on Shiralee since Monday of last week and, what makes it worse, she hasn’t relented for my Sunday drink, of which I have now missed two. She had better not make it a third!!!!
We had planned to go shopping today, but it looks like Wifey will have to take the bus into Derby instead. Serves her right too.
Well, looking back on this blog, nothing much of interest has happened, apart from this foul weather. Even so, with five pages written, I might just as well post it.
I do believe I missed out on a recipe last time, so here’s another for you.
This one is a delightful sweet from Helston in Cornwall.
Helston Pudding
Helston (Cornish: Hellys or Henlys) is a town and civil parish at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula. It is the most southerly town in the UK, being around 1.5 miles further south than Penzance.
Ingredients:
3 oz shredded Suet
2 oz self raising Flour
2 oz ground Rice
2 oz fresh breadcrumbs
2 oz chopped dried apricots
2 oz soft brown sugar
2 oz currants
2 oz raisins or sultanas
1 tsp grated nutmeg
¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
Milk
Method:
Sieve the flour into a large bowl
Add all the dry ingredients and mix together thoroughly
Gradually stir in the milk until the mixture drops off a knife blade
Butter the inside of a 2 pint pudding basin
Spoon the mixture into the basin
Cover the basin with kitchen foil and tie off tightly with string
Steam in a large pan for about 2 hours adding more boiling water as required
Serve with clotted cream
Cheers for now
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
The weekend is almost upon us again, where does the time go?
Not much to do today, I am still wading through all the eBooks I bought and designing the CD labels. This task is taking much longer than I expected, simply because I’m such a fussy so and so. In my ‘umble opinion, if a job is worth doing it’s worth doing well. I don’t see the point in listing a whole host of books on eBay unless the discs I send out look professional.
The eBay member I purchased the information from has a really good looking listing, but this was spoilt by the fact that the discs had the name simply scrawled across them in marker pen. He had taken no time in designing and attaching a decent label.
I have just remembered what I told you in the last blog about the British Red Cross and their attitude towards me with regard to the toilet frame. I really am annoyed about that and am hoping to receive an email from them later today. If I don’t I will be telephoning them, so there!!
Wednesday 24th November.
I have to confess to being so busy organising my language courses for eBay, that I’ve lost track of time. However, since nothing else of any serious interest has happened to us since last Friday, you haven’t missed much.
Yesterday was shopping day at Morrison’s and today we are popping over to the Chandlery in Shardlow for some stuff to put in our new cassette loo to keep it fresh. Gone are the days of the smelly old privy at the end of the garden and that horrid smelling Jayes Blue, although a similar product is still available.
Next Tuesday we will be meeting up with Alan and Chris again, this time at their place when they will be taking us to an ‘up-market’ McDonald’s. Their description, not ours.
Thursday 15th November
Yesterday started out a bit frosty, but no so much as to give any cause for concern. So, off we went to Shardlow and the chandlery there to pick up some stuff for our new cassette loo.
Between the marina and the village of Willington there is a railway level crossing – well, they call them ‘level’, but they are anything but. Anyway, yesterday was the day that those nice railway people decide to shut off the road, leaving us with no alternative than to go the long way round, through Findern and onto the A38, then south to the A50. Still, it made a nice change I suppose, and we were back before midday.
I don’t feel too safe when walking on the wet timber pontoon and have to take it very gently. One slip and bang go my new knees. We do have a very thoughtful neighbour though, who goes out quite early and spreads sand along our stretch of pontoon, which does make it somewhat easier, for me at least. I have no idea who he or she is, but they have my thanks.
Today, if it doesn’t snow and the car defrosts easily, we’re off to Burton. I have managed to sell a few of my old books on eBay and need some more big, padded envelopes. Even in Burton at Ryman’s they cost £4.95 for 5, which I have to pass on in p&p to my buyers, but the alternative is to buy a big pack of them on eBay, which means I would be stuck with a whole load of envelopes that I probably won’t use. Still, nobody has complained about p&p so far and I now have about £38 in my Paypal account and can make more purchases without digging into our account.
Friday 26th November and it is much colder this morning; snow is on the way, according to those weather people. We took ourselves off to Burton yesterday for a bit of shopping and posted another three books. Having sold and posted several books now, I have about £30 in my Paypal account.
This is not a true representation of my wealth because we have had to pay for all that postage, my actual profit is quite small, but it does mean I have a few quid with which to buy stuff on eBay or elsewhere. Naturally Christmas presents come to mind, but I’m sure I can find other things I need/want.
Today Wifey will be taking the bus into Derby, probably to look around for decent birthday and Christmas cards, hopefully for a pressy for me!! As for me while she is out, well I have lots to do on the laptop.
Wednesday 1st December
Very much like virtually everybody else in the U.K., we have been inundated with snow; only about 2 inches or so, but it certainly put paid to me going out. It’s bad enough when it’s just wet pontoons, but when the snow turns to ice, watch out Dave.
It’s funny how things sometimes happen that cost you money but, at the end of the day – yeah! I hate that expression too – turns out to be in your favour. Having decided to get rid of our troublesome pump-out toilet unit and replace it with a cassette, here we are, with no hope of taking the boat to the pump-out station, and we don’t need to. Every cloud has a silver lining I suppose.
Now, with all this snow about and the state of the roads, we had to call off our lunch with Alan and Chris and, even more worrying, unless we can get out to Morrison’s or Tesco; which is somewhat nearer; Sheila will have to trudge into Willington for necessary victuals, or take the bus into Burton or Derby on Friday. We’re not desperate yet, but………
The other problem with not being able to get out and about, is that I have very little to write into the blog. I mean, I don’t have a lot to say as it is, but at least when we get out and, if something interesting occurs, I can report it.
My American friends; whom I have reported to you as Public Domain Pirates; have now come across with some information about how to set up a Recipe Blog. I am following this with interest and, if I feel it is a viable proposition, I might just follow it through. Goodness knows I have more than enough of my own to get going with. Could be interesting.
Saturday 4th December and finally, the rain has come to start washing away the snow. Wifey tells me it is still a wee bit slippery in places, but unless it freezes again overnight, I’ll be able to get off the boat for the first time since Monday. It’s been a long week!
Getting back to my ‘American Friends’, it seems they are now down to just the one. Debra is still running the ‘Pirates’ site, but it seems her partner has now left, for whatever reason we have not been made privy to. I think they were only business partners and it may be that Logan has gone off in a different direction. Now though, since Debra is a woman, the site does seem to be drifting towards womanly things, such as weight loss and diets and recipes etc. However, she is still maintaining the original theme of the site, which is Public Domain information, and that’s OK by me.
Thursday 9th December and it seems I will be a prisoner on this boat for another day at least. I blame the Wife of course, she is, after all, OIC weather and has been since we met. This position was agreed upon when we first went on holiday together. I distinctly remember looking out of our cottage window one morning and, seeing those heavy clouds, remarked that it looked like rain. “No,” she said, “It won’t rain today”.
She was quite adamant about it and, sure enough, the clouds passed over and we had a glorious sunny day. Ever since then, if the weather is bad and we are going out, I have to ask why this is so. Naturally, being a woman, she’ll find some excuse.
Anyway, she has kept me prisoner on Shiralee since Monday of last week and, what makes it worse, she hasn’t relented for my Sunday drink, of which I have now missed two. She had better not make it a third!!!!
We had planned to go shopping today, but it looks like Wifey will have to take the bus into Derby instead. Serves her right too.
Well, looking back on this blog, nothing much of interest has happened, apart from this foul weather. Even so, with five pages written, I might just as well post it.
I do believe I missed out on a recipe last time, so here’s another for you.
This one is a delightful sweet from Helston in Cornwall.
Helston Pudding
Helston (Cornish: Hellys or Henlys) is a town and civil parish at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula. It is the most southerly town in the UK, being around 1.5 miles further south than Penzance.
Ingredients:
3 oz shredded Suet
2 oz self raising Flour
2 oz ground Rice
2 oz fresh breadcrumbs
2 oz chopped dried apricots
2 oz soft brown sugar
2 oz currants
2 oz raisins or sultanas
1 tsp grated nutmeg
¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
Milk
Method:
Sieve the flour into a large bowl
Add all the dry ingredients and mix together thoroughly
Gradually stir in the milk until the mixture drops off a knife blade
Butter the inside of a 2 pint pudding basin
Spoon the mixture into the basin
Cover the basin with kitchen foil and tie off tightly with string
Steam in a large pan for about 2 hours adding more boiling water as required
Serve with clotted cream
Cheers for now
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Sheila, Dave and Rusty
Hi from Shiralee at Mercia Marina on Friday 5th November.
The good news is, Sam will be coming along to fit our new cassette toilet. First he has to remove the pump-out unit, but I suppose we will have to dispose of it and the tank that goes with it.
Even more good news is the fact that, by removing the pump-out and tank we will save about £400 a year on emptying fees and we’ll have even more storage space.
Even more good news!! We won’t have to suffer the smell when the wind is in the wrong direction and the tank is almost full.
The bad news is that, after all we owe Sam for his valiant efforts at repairing the pump-out unit, plus the cost of the new cassette toilet, we’re a wee bit skint. Hopefully we’ll have no more big bills for a while.
Tomorrow evening the powers-that-be at Mercia Marina are throwing a Bonfire Night celebration, at which there will be food and drink, the obligatory fireworks and some music. Just for a change we are going to join in those celebrations, although I don’t suppose our wee pooch will enjoy it as much. In recent years, and despite being close to some of the noise on this night, Rusty seems to have become inured to it and tends to sleep through it all. Perhaps she’s going a little deaf in her old age.
There has been absolutely no improvement in my mobility of late. Indeed, even after sitting down for a short period, I am finding it more and more difficult to get moving again. In truth I now find myself in a similar situation to before I had the knee replacement operations. I am told that it could take up to a year for my mobility to improve to an acceptable level although, it has also been said that only about 80% of normal mobility is likely to be achieved. It is now well over three months since the op, and I think I should be walking a lot better by now and without so much pain and discomfort. I have therefore booked an appointment with my local GP for Monday morning.
Thursday 11th November
Wow! It is almost a week since I wrote to the blog, and that’s because not much has happened since Guy Fawkes Night. Actually we had planned to gather round the bonfire here but, since the pooch is not fond of loud noises, we decided against it. However, sitting here watching TV, with all the noise going on, our Rusty didn’t even murmur. We’ll know better next year, assuming the marina we stay in has a bonfire night celebration.
We have finally moved the boat and are now moored just around the corner, outside the nearest facilities block. This is one of the reasons we moved. I’m still not too clever on the legs and, when it rains or is icy, the wooden pontoons are pretty dodgy for me. Being nearer to the facilities and having to take only a few steps on the pontoon is a much safer proposition. The other reason for moving you already know about. Out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes.
As promised by the weather lady on Midlands Today, it is now raining. From what they tell us, we’re in for stormy weather for the next couple of days. This is a shame really because our friends Alan and Chris are paying us a visit tomorrow. We were going to pick them up at their flat but, as Derby is nearer, they are going to catch the train instead.
The plan is to bring them back to the boat then take them to lunch at the big eatery by the A50/A38 junction. We were there a few Sundays ago and, although it was very busy and a bit warm, it certainly looks the business.
We have now emptied the old waste tank and part filled it with water, plus the addition of some “Blue”. We’ve done this so as to disinfect the tank prior to ripping it out and disposing of it. We took the old toilet basin down to the amenities centre in Burton on Tuesday.
I really can’t imagine why we insisted on having a pump-out unit installed when we bought the boat. Not only is it an inconvenience when cruising, having to find a marina or BW site to empty it, it can also be rather expensive. On our cruise during 2009 we paid as much as £20 to have it emptied. With a cassette loo, which needs emptying every 2 or 3 days, there is no expense because almost all BW sites have a disposal unit that costs nothing to use. Now, having paid £300 for the cassette, it will pay for itself within a year and we could save as much as £400.
I paid a visit to the doctor on Monday and discovered I have a skin infection in my lower legs. I am now on anti-b’s for a week. But, when I told the nice Dr. Gibbs about my sleeping arrangements; spending more time in the armchair than the bed; she said I must stay in bed if at all possible. (Easier said than done!!) This is because, in order to reduce the water retention, I need to adopt the horizontal position. If I don’t do so then the water simply follows the laws of gravity and accumulates in my valves and ankles.
So, I’m still on the water tablets, diuretics to initiated, and I’m on antibiotics and I’m on painkillers and I’m getting pretty fed up with the whole shebang. Still, I suppose I really shouldn’t complain, at least my legs are on the mend and I’m walking much better. Shopping and walking around the market at Burton are not too difficult now, which is just as well because we’ll be taking Alan and Chris around the markets at Derby tomorrow.
Friday 12th November. What a dreadful night that was, with nothing but wind and rain all the way. Hopefully it will calm down later for when Alan and Chris arrive. This is a really beautiful marina and it would be nice if they could see it in favourable conditions.
Last night, for me at least, was not too uncomfortable. I still have to leave the bed a couple of times during the night, but only for a few minutes, after which I can settle in for another hour or two, eventually getting up at about 5.15.
Saturday 13th November
Had a really good day with Alan and Chris yesterday. Of course, when we arrived at Derby station, we parked in the short stay car park on one side of the station – as you do – and they were on the other side; a sign of things to come perhaps? Having sorted out that small problem we then went off and parked in the Westfield Centre basement car park.
First thing first after all that travelling, a cup of coffee and a scone; a scone for me because I had to ensure adequate sugar in my system for the long walk to come, well, that’s my excuse.
After about an hour and a half of walking around both markets, Derby Market being the second of the two, we came away with a loaf of bread. Hmmm! Must remember to visit Derby more often, we could save a fortune over our visits to Burton.
From there we headed on back to Willington and the pub at the junction of the A38 and A50, (and, yes, I’ve forgotten the name of that place too), where the two girls and myself enjoyed Cajun Chicken for lunch, whilst Alan, being the difficult one, chose the Steak and Guinness Pie.
On returning to the boat the girls took a long walk with Rusty, leaving Alan and me to put the world to rights and discuss our individual aches and pains. Goodness knows what the girls talked about, but then who knows?
We had intended to drive Alan and Chris back to Derby for the train and, in hindsight that would have been best because, having chosen instead to take the bus, they eventually arrived home about three hours later. How do they do it, I wonder? They managed to find a noisy bus full of school-kids and were held up in heavy traffic, thus missing their train.
Hopefully, within the next three weeks or so; they are due to fly back home on 6th December; we’ll be able to squeeze in another visit, at which time we will probably drive up to their place, but this time we’ll follow the proper routs and not get lost.
All in all a pretty good day I think.
Monday 15th November
Well, it finally happened, as we knew it would eventually, Sheila came face to face with her “Bestest Mate” yesterday.
As I have already explained within the pages of this blog, when we thought perhaps, that we may have upset Brian and/or Marian in any way, because she seemed to be avoiding us, I challenged Brian about it. He assured me there was nothing wrong.
Yesterday, just a few days after we moved the boat, and a couple of weeks since we had enjoyed so much as a smile from either of them, Marian asked Sheila if “We have done something to upset you?”
To say Sheila was gobsmacked would be an understatement, and then some. I don’t suppose the ensuing conversation was very pleasant, but I feel sure, from Wifey’s explanation of said conversation, that they are no longer “Bestest Mates”
From my point of view, this is a great pity, I hate losing friends, for any reason. Still, having suffered several weeks where we might just as well have had the whole marina to ourselves, we now have a whole host of folks to get to know and to talk to. The end of an era!!
Today is Morrison’s shopping day. Whooppeee!!!
Wednesday 17th November
It had to happen eventually. Sheila and Marian came face to face and, for a change, Marian didn’t try to avoid Sheila. Instead she had the temerity to stop and ask if THEY had done something to upset US! Wow! Now, that takes some beating, especially after I had asked Brian the same thing a few weeks ago. And especially since they had been avoiding us for a couple of weeks.
This might all seem pretty petty to you lot, but I hate to lose friends, especially friends of such short standing. Some years ago, when we were living at Vicarage Wood in Harlow, I made friends with a gas fitter by the name of Charlie Hunt. We drank together, made wine and beer together and I even took him out with me on some of my jobs with Chubb Fire. We were friends for quite a few years and Sheila became good friends with Charlie’s wife Sharon.
One day whilst I was visiting and they had other friends round, and completely out of the blue, Charlie accused me of ‘having it off’ with Sharon. A total lie of course. Anyway, a couple of months later we discovered that my good friend Charlie had been molesting his step-daughter and had been reported to the police. We figured that our friendship was not strong enough for Charlie to face me once he’d been found out and sent to prison for a year. Did he think I would drop him as a friend because of it?
We now have to wonder if a similar problem is the cause of our latest friend’s attitude towards us. But, to ask Sheila that question when I had already asked the same thing of Brian, seems to me a strange way to act.
Not wishing for a confrontation with Brian if he happens to read this blog, you will notice that I have changed the title, just this once. At my age I need scarcely add that any kind of confrontation with Brian would be completely anathema in my current physical condition.
Today we will probably head off to Burton for a wander around the markets.
Thursday 18th November
We changed our minds about Burton yesterday, rain stopped play, so to speak, so we’ll probably go this morning.
I now have 17 books listed on eBay and have sold just one. It seems Joe Public is not too interested in what I have to offer. No matter, if they don’t sell on eBay, I will list them on Amazon and, if that doesn’t work, take them to a charity shop, which is what I probably should have done in the first place.
As you all know, much like everybody living an average life, nothing of any moment happens to us two. Today however has quite rocked my equilibrium and in the form of one of the greatest voluntary societies in the country, The British Red Cross.
When I left the hospital in July, having just had both knees replaced, this organisation delivered a toilet frame to the boat. As you can imagine, at that time I needed all the help I could get.
Last week, finding myself perfectly capable of sitting on the loo by myself, I telephoned the Red Cross to have the frame collected this Friday.
Just a few minutes ago I received a call from them to say that, because I now live out of their area, they would not now be able to collect it.
The following conversation will probably annoy you as much as it has annoyed me, so much so that I immediately emailed their head office to complain.
Me: “Hello”
BRC: “Mr Chamberlain?”
Me: “Yes”
BRC: “Hello Mr Chamberlain, I believe we have arranged to collect a toilet frame from you tomorrow?”
Me: “That’s right”
BRC: “I’m sorry Mr Chamberlain, but we will not be able to collect the frame from you, because you are now outside our area” (We are now in Derbyshire)
Me: “OK. Can you tell me what I should do now please?”
BRC: “Well, you could just dump it or even sell it!!”
Me: “What? You think I should dump a piece of equipment just like that, surely somebody else from another branch could collect it?”
BRC: “Well, you could try Nottingham. Just a minute, let me ask my supervisor”
BRC: “Yes, you could try Nottingham, would you like their number?”
And so on and so forth.
I now await a reply from BRC Head Office, but I’m not holding my breath. What is it with these people? Just what kind of people are they using nowadays? I really am astonished at the attitude.
And, on that unhappy note, I shall try to post this blog.
All abreast from:
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
The good news is, Sam will be coming along to fit our new cassette toilet. First he has to remove the pump-out unit, but I suppose we will have to dispose of it and the tank that goes with it.
Even more good news is the fact that, by removing the pump-out and tank we will save about £400 a year on emptying fees and we’ll have even more storage space.
Even more good news!! We won’t have to suffer the smell when the wind is in the wrong direction and the tank is almost full.
The bad news is that, after all we owe Sam for his valiant efforts at repairing the pump-out unit, plus the cost of the new cassette toilet, we’re a wee bit skint. Hopefully we’ll have no more big bills for a while.
Tomorrow evening the powers-that-be at Mercia Marina are throwing a Bonfire Night celebration, at which there will be food and drink, the obligatory fireworks and some music. Just for a change we are going to join in those celebrations, although I don’t suppose our wee pooch will enjoy it as much. In recent years, and despite being close to some of the noise on this night, Rusty seems to have become inured to it and tends to sleep through it all. Perhaps she’s going a little deaf in her old age.
There has been absolutely no improvement in my mobility of late. Indeed, even after sitting down for a short period, I am finding it more and more difficult to get moving again. In truth I now find myself in a similar situation to before I had the knee replacement operations. I am told that it could take up to a year for my mobility to improve to an acceptable level although, it has also been said that only about 80% of normal mobility is likely to be achieved. It is now well over three months since the op, and I think I should be walking a lot better by now and without so much pain and discomfort. I have therefore booked an appointment with my local GP for Monday morning.
Thursday 11th November
Wow! It is almost a week since I wrote to the blog, and that’s because not much has happened since Guy Fawkes Night. Actually we had planned to gather round the bonfire here but, since the pooch is not fond of loud noises, we decided against it. However, sitting here watching TV, with all the noise going on, our Rusty didn’t even murmur. We’ll know better next year, assuming the marina we stay in has a bonfire night celebration.
We have finally moved the boat and are now moored just around the corner, outside the nearest facilities block. This is one of the reasons we moved. I’m still not too clever on the legs and, when it rains or is icy, the wooden pontoons are pretty dodgy for me. Being nearer to the facilities and having to take only a few steps on the pontoon is a much safer proposition. The other reason for moving you already know about. Out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes.
As promised by the weather lady on Midlands Today, it is now raining. From what they tell us, we’re in for stormy weather for the next couple of days. This is a shame really because our friends Alan and Chris are paying us a visit tomorrow. We were going to pick them up at their flat but, as Derby is nearer, they are going to catch the train instead.
The plan is to bring them back to the boat then take them to lunch at the big eatery by the A50/A38 junction. We were there a few Sundays ago and, although it was very busy and a bit warm, it certainly looks the business.
We have now emptied the old waste tank and part filled it with water, plus the addition of some “Blue”. We’ve done this so as to disinfect the tank prior to ripping it out and disposing of it. We took the old toilet basin down to the amenities centre in Burton on Tuesday.
I really can’t imagine why we insisted on having a pump-out unit installed when we bought the boat. Not only is it an inconvenience when cruising, having to find a marina or BW site to empty it, it can also be rather expensive. On our cruise during 2009 we paid as much as £20 to have it emptied. With a cassette loo, which needs emptying every 2 or 3 days, there is no expense because almost all BW sites have a disposal unit that costs nothing to use. Now, having paid £300 for the cassette, it will pay for itself within a year and we could save as much as £400.
I paid a visit to the doctor on Monday and discovered I have a skin infection in my lower legs. I am now on anti-b’s for a week. But, when I told the nice Dr. Gibbs about my sleeping arrangements; spending more time in the armchair than the bed; she said I must stay in bed if at all possible. (Easier said than done!!) This is because, in order to reduce the water retention, I need to adopt the horizontal position. If I don’t do so then the water simply follows the laws of gravity and accumulates in my valves and ankles.
So, I’m still on the water tablets, diuretics to initiated, and I’m on antibiotics and I’m on painkillers and I’m getting pretty fed up with the whole shebang. Still, I suppose I really shouldn’t complain, at least my legs are on the mend and I’m walking much better. Shopping and walking around the market at Burton are not too difficult now, which is just as well because we’ll be taking Alan and Chris around the markets at Derby tomorrow.
Friday 12th November. What a dreadful night that was, with nothing but wind and rain all the way. Hopefully it will calm down later for when Alan and Chris arrive. This is a really beautiful marina and it would be nice if they could see it in favourable conditions.
Last night, for me at least, was not too uncomfortable. I still have to leave the bed a couple of times during the night, but only for a few minutes, after which I can settle in for another hour or two, eventually getting up at about 5.15.
Saturday 13th November
Had a really good day with Alan and Chris yesterday. Of course, when we arrived at Derby station, we parked in the short stay car park on one side of the station – as you do – and they were on the other side; a sign of things to come perhaps? Having sorted out that small problem we then went off and parked in the Westfield Centre basement car park.
First thing first after all that travelling, a cup of coffee and a scone; a scone for me because I had to ensure adequate sugar in my system for the long walk to come, well, that’s my excuse.
After about an hour and a half of walking around both markets, Derby Market being the second of the two, we came away with a loaf of bread. Hmmm! Must remember to visit Derby more often, we could save a fortune over our visits to Burton.
From there we headed on back to Willington and the pub at the junction of the A38 and A50, (and, yes, I’ve forgotten the name of that place too), where the two girls and myself enjoyed Cajun Chicken for lunch, whilst Alan, being the difficult one, chose the Steak and Guinness Pie.
On returning to the boat the girls took a long walk with Rusty, leaving Alan and me to put the world to rights and discuss our individual aches and pains. Goodness knows what the girls talked about, but then who knows?
We had intended to drive Alan and Chris back to Derby for the train and, in hindsight that would have been best because, having chosen instead to take the bus, they eventually arrived home about three hours later. How do they do it, I wonder? They managed to find a noisy bus full of school-kids and were held up in heavy traffic, thus missing their train.
Hopefully, within the next three weeks or so; they are due to fly back home on 6th December; we’ll be able to squeeze in another visit, at which time we will probably drive up to their place, but this time we’ll follow the proper routs and not get lost.
All in all a pretty good day I think.
Monday 15th November
Well, it finally happened, as we knew it would eventually, Sheila came face to face with her “Bestest Mate” yesterday.
As I have already explained within the pages of this blog, when we thought perhaps, that we may have upset Brian and/or Marian in any way, because she seemed to be avoiding us, I challenged Brian about it. He assured me there was nothing wrong.
Yesterday, just a few days after we moved the boat, and a couple of weeks since we had enjoyed so much as a smile from either of them, Marian asked Sheila if “We have done something to upset you?”
To say Sheila was gobsmacked would be an understatement, and then some. I don’t suppose the ensuing conversation was very pleasant, but I feel sure, from Wifey’s explanation of said conversation, that they are no longer “Bestest Mates”
From my point of view, this is a great pity, I hate losing friends, for any reason. Still, having suffered several weeks where we might just as well have had the whole marina to ourselves, we now have a whole host of folks to get to know and to talk to. The end of an era!!
Today is Morrison’s shopping day. Whooppeee!!!
Wednesday 17th November
It had to happen eventually. Sheila and Marian came face to face and, for a change, Marian didn’t try to avoid Sheila. Instead she had the temerity to stop and ask if THEY had done something to upset US! Wow! Now, that takes some beating, especially after I had asked Brian the same thing a few weeks ago. And especially since they had been avoiding us for a couple of weeks.
This might all seem pretty petty to you lot, but I hate to lose friends, especially friends of such short standing. Some years ago, when we were living at Vicarage Wood in Harlow, I made friends with a gas fitter by the name of Charlie Hunt. We drank together, made wine and beer together and I even took him out with me on some of my jobs with Chubb Fire. We were friends for quite a few years and Sheila became good friends with Charlie’s wife Sharon.
One day whilst I was visiting and they had other friends round, and completely out of the blue, Charlie accused me of ‘having it off’ with Sharon. A total lie of course. Anyway, a couple of months later we discovered that my good friend Charlie had been molesting his step-daughter and had been reported to the police. We figured that our friendship was not strong enough for Charlie to face me once he’d been found out and sent to prison for a year. Did he think I would drop him as a friend because of it?
We now have to wonder if a similar problem is the cause of our latest friend’s attitude towards us. But, to ask Sheila that question when I had already asked the same thing of Brian, seems to me a strange way to act.
Not wishing for a confrontation with Brian if he happens to read this blog, you will notice that I have changed the title, just this once. At my age I need scarcely add that any kind of confrontation with Brian would be completely anathema in my current physical condition.
Today we will probably head off to Burton for a wander around the markets.
Thursday 18th November
We changed our minds about Burton yesterday, rain stopped play, so to speak, so we’ll probably go this morning.
I now have 17 books listed on eBay and have sold just one. It seems Joe Public is not too interested in what I have to offer. No matter, if they don’t sell on eBay, I will list them on Amazon and, if that doesn’t work, take them to a charity shop, which is what I probably should have done in the first place.
As you all know, much like everybody living an average life, nothing of any moment happens to us two. Today however has quite rocked my equilibrium and in the form of one of the greatest voluntary societies in the country, The British Red Cross.
When I left the hospital in July, having just had both knees replaced, this organisation delivered a toilet frame to the boat. As you can imagine, at that time I needed all the help I could get.
Last week, finding myself perfectly capable of sitting on the loo by myself, I telephoned the Red Cross to have the frame collected this Friday.
Just a few minutes ago I received a call from them to say that, because I now live out of their area, they would not now be able to collect it.
The following conversation will probably annoy you as much as it has annoyed me, so much so that I immediately emailed their head office to complain.
Me: “Hello”
BRC: “Mr Chamberlain?”
Me: “Yes”
BRC: “Hello Mr Chamberlain, I believe we have arranged to collect a toilet frame from you tomorrow?”
Me: “That’s right”
BRC: “I’m sorry Mr Chamberlain, but we will not be able to collect the frame from you, because you are now outside our area” (We are now in Derbyshire)
Me: “OK. Can you tell me what I should do now please?”
BRC: “Well, you could just dump it or even sell it!!”
Me: “What? You think I should dump a piece of equipment just like that, surely somebody else from another branch could collect it?”
BRC: “Well, you could try Nottingham. Just a minute, let me ask my supervisor”
BRC: “Yes, you could try Nottingham, would you like their number?”
And so on and so forth.
I now await a reply from BRC Head Office, but I’m not holding my breath. What is it with these people? Just what kind of people are they using nowadays? I really am astonished at the attitude.
And, on that unhappy note, I shall try to post this blog.
All abreast from:
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Shiralee at Willington #6
Tuesday 19th October.
It is now almost 3.30 pm and it has stopped raining, at last.
I am now working on another recipe book, this time devoted to the Irish, of which there seem to be as many recipes for Irish Stew, as there are people in that fair land. I doubt that I’ll be able to itemise the recipes by county, as I did with the English book. Instead I will probably sort them into groups, such as Soups, Main Meals, and Sweets etc.
Wednesday 20th October and we still haven’t managed to get to Derby. Wifey still has a bad cough but, I’m pleased to say that, apart from a slight cough, my man-flu has just about cleared up.
Yesterday, when we went to Tesco in Mickleover, we walked up a slight gradient to the bank. Having completed our business there, we then walked down that same gradient to Tesco, walked around the store, back to the car park and home. All of which gave my legs something to think about.
I don’t know what it is but, whenever I go for a walk of even a short distance, I tend to suffer for it. Today we drove into Willington and called into the Post Office and the Co-op, but even that short stroll has left me with painful calf muscles. I have been told by all and sundry, that in order to reduce the water retention, I need to exercise more, which is what I’m doing, but I can see no reduction in the swelling and, to be honest, it’s becoming a blooming nuisance. I suppose I’m going to have to make another appointment with the quack.
I won’t know until we see how Sheila is feeling in the morning, whether we’ll be going to Derby, but I’m hopeful.
Friday 22nd October
Earlier this morning, when most of you are still crashed out in your pits, the sky was heavily covered with cloud and it looked to be turning into a pretty gruesome day. It is now 9.15 am and the cloud is clearing and the sun is out. What’s more, there’s only a light breeze and Wifey reports that it is ‘quite nice’ out there.
Yesterday we finally made it into Derby and parked in the Westfield Centre. This is a basement car park, which meant a climb up a flight of stairs and, I’m pleased to say that I had no problem with these at all. Things are looking up!
I had hoped to find a stationery store, such as Staple’s or Ryman’s but, alas, these were conspicuous by their absence. Unfortunately these two stores are in different locations and I wasn’t really prepared to drive around looking for them. I have about 17 books to list on Amazon, so I really do need to find one of these stores soon, because I don’t want to pay Post Office prices for padded envelopes.
I think I overdid the walking though, even though I rested frequently, because my calf and thigh muscles were screaming at me yesterday evening. However, those same muscles are pretty quiet this morning, I’m pleased to say.
Do you watch Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s Thursday evenings on Channel 4? Well, we try not to miss it, unless it clashes with something else of course, but that’s unlikely when you consider the rubbish being aired these days – (that will be a bit of a bitch for a future blog).
Last night Hughie was doing breakfast foods. He’s not a big fan of cereals and toast, which are the two items Sheila and I are most likely to consume. He’s more in favour of pancakes and drop scones and, after watching his efforts at cooking up these items, I decided to download a few from www.channel4.com/food this morning.
I eventually downloaded Drop Scones, which are a kind of miniature pancake, Honey and Peanut-Butter Booster Bars, which are similar to what our cousins across The Pond would call a Granola Bar and Blueberry and Cinnamon Scones., all of which I will print out for my dear wife to experiment with.
I didn’t much like his approach to splitting up the, almost sacred, Full English Breakfast. What was he thinking of? The concoctions he and his pet chef came up with struck me as rather dumb. Believe me, I’m a great fan of the Full English and, if I wasn’t so lazy and didn’t want to get any bigger than I am already, I’d get stuck in every morning. But, to split the usual ingredients of the FIB into sausage stuffed mushrooms and such, and turning the results into a 3 course meal for lunchtime consumption, well, words fail me.
This morning, sometime after Wifey has finished her washing, we might pop into Burton to see if we can find Staple’s or Ryman’s stores. Without those envelopes I cannot list my books on Amazon, because Amazon insist on posting within two days once a sale is made.
Saturday 23rd October and it has been raining for most of the night. No matter though because we had a very good morning out yesterday.
We had planned on going in to Derby but instead decided on Burton. There are a couple of really good indoor markets there and we enjoyed a good walk around them, picking up a few bits of shopping on the way. Of course, with my still rather tender knees, I had to stop and sit a few times, but I thoroughly enjoyed the hour and a half we spent there.
The object of the exercise was to find some large, padded envelopes so that I could list my books on Amazon. These we managed to find at Ryman’s, at a fraction of the cost of individual items at Post Office outlets. Later today I’ll be posting these books and, hopefully, will see a reasonable return on them.
Some books, those which do not have an ISBN number, or are too cheap to post on Amazon I’ll be posting on eBay. Unless you are a big seller on Amazon, books without ISBN cannot be sold there? Yeah, me too!!
As for today, well, if this weather continues we won’t be going anywhere, except perhaps our wee shop on the marina, just for the paper and a bottle of milk.
Tuesday 26th October and, after a gloriously sunny day yesterday, we have had plenty of rain today.
Last night was the first that I have been able to stay in bed all night, without having to spend time in the armchair. You have no idea how relieved I am about that. Of course, the night was not without the usual aches and pains in my knees but, rather than resort to the armchair, I simply spent 10 minutes or so relaxing at the dinette then returned to bed.
This evening we are off to Willington to their weekly auction, which is held in the Village Hall. We’ve not been before but, on hearing that Brian and Marian are going, we decided to tag along with them.
Yesterday we paid a visit to Morrison’s and, just for a change, I managed to walk around the store without having to stop and sit down. Things are indeed looking up at last.
Saturday 30th October
As you will probably have gathered, nothing much of interest has happened this week. I won’t belabour the point here but, despite one night where I managed to avoid sleeping in the armchair, I’m afraid I’ve had to return to that mode of sleeping. A visit to the doctor is called for I think.
Just for something to do, apart from the recipe books of course, I am now in the throes of starting to sell eBooks on eBay. There’s nothing really complicated about this, I just need to find suitable collections of eBooks to promote. The idea is to make a few quid extra per month, simply to top up our pensions. I have another five months to go before we go cruising again, and it would be nice to think I could amass some savings to help with the cost of diesel at least.
To this end I have purchased instructions as to how best to go about this venture. There is such a thing on eBay as a Power Seller. This is a person who achieves a minimum of 100 sales per month (bronze seller), which is the minimum level. I am NOT looking to be a Power Seller. This would entail working at it on a permanent basis, and that would not be possible whilst we are cruising. Internet access is not very reliable in some parts of the country, and this shows itself along many parts of the waterways.
Anyway, starting right now and once I have purchased some books, or even downloaded them for free, I will be going for it. Watch this space.
Now, how about another recipe? This one is from Cumberland
Apple and Bacon Pudding
Ingredients:
For the suet pastry:
8 oz self-raising flour
1 level tsp salt
½ level tsp dry mustard
4 oz finely chopped suet.
About ¼ pint cold water
For the filling:
1 lb streaky bacon, roughly chopped
4 oz cabbage heart, chopped fine
½ lb cooking apples, peeled, cored and diced
1 large onion, chopped fine
2 level tbsp black treacle
Pepper to taste
Method:
Sift the flour and salt into a bowl
Add the suet and water and make a stiff dough
Set aside enough pastry for a lid
Line two 2 x ½ pint, well greased pudding basins with the remainder
Mix the filling ingredients together and fill the basins
Cover the basins with the rest of the rolled out pastry
Cover with grease-proof paper and steam for about 3 hours
Serve with new potatoes and fresh vegetables
There now, that should stick to your ribs!
Monday 1st November and a new month is upon us, with a rather dreary start.
This morning I started the listing of all the books we don’t want, the first of which found its way onto eBay. This is a cheapy book about playing guitar.
Yesterday I ordered two DVD’s from an eBay seller, which will be the foundation of my new part time income. The first of these DVD’s contains 43 audio books, all of which I can sell individually or in small bundles if they seem to be related to each other. The second DVD contains 16 foreign language courses that include all necessary student notes in PDF format.
My next step will be to trawl through eBay to see how much these items are selling for and price them accordingly. I will also need to design labels for the CD’s or DVD’s that I burn them to. Initially I will be using sticky labels for the discs but, if I am fortunate enough to do well, I will outsource the burning of a design onto the discs; much more professional, don’t you think?
Thursday 4th November
Over the past couple of months we have had problems with our pump-out unit. Sam Matts, our friendly, neighbourhood engineer from Foxton Boatyard, has done his level best to repair it, but to no avail.
Last week, having discovered that a ribbon tape connector was damaged, he managed to circumvent the lead and got it working again. However, much to our dismay the toilet packed up altogether. When Sam visited us again he came to the conclusion that the motor is now incapable of pushing the contents of the bowl into the tank. After contacting Lee Sanitation for a price he tells us they want about £500 for a new one.
Sheila and I sat down and considered our options. On the one hand, when we looked back to when we bought the boat, we remembered why we had asked for a pump-out unit to be fitted. We realised that, following on from my cancer treatment, a cassette toilet – similar to those used in caravans – would not be adequate and would probably need emptying every other day, not an option when cruising.
So, yesterday we started looking around at the price of cassette toilets, because now, if we fit one of those it would not only save us £15 every fortnight for the pump-out, our boat would always be on an even keel and we wouldn’t have to suffer the smell from the tank exhaust when the wind is in the wrong direction.
Eventually we settled on a nice, new cassette unit that was on special offer at Shardlow Chandlery and saved about £70 on the normal price. £310 is a far cry from £500, don’t you think? All we have to do now is get Sam back here to remove the broken loo and fit the new one. We then have to find the nearest Public Amenities unit to dispose of the loo and the holding tank.
For reasons best known to ourselves and that would not be appreciated if they were included in this blog, we have decide to move to a different mooring spot. If I can find time later I may email friends and family about it. Suffice it to say that we are not happy about it. Not happy at all.
Now, a wee Irish joke and I’ll post this latest missive.
A young Irishman sat at a pub in the New World drinking beer and conversin' with the barkeep. Another comes in and sits besides him.
He says, "How you do", and hears the lilt and says, "You be Irish?"
"Yes I am".
The first man yells, "Barkeep, give us another round and one for my friend here, he's from the mother country as well."
The second man asks, "So where in the old country ye from?"
"Dublin", responds the first.
"Dublin you say - so am I" and the second man hollers "Barkeep, bring us another round and a shot of your best Irish whiskey for me and my friend here".
Afterwards the first man asks from where in Dublin and the second man responds with the street and the first man says, "Well I'll be - so am I", and yells, "Barkeep, another pair of beers and Irish Whiskey for the pair of us".
The phone behind the bar rings and the barkeep answers it. The owner of the pub asks, "How is business?"
The barkeep responds, "Not too bad, the O'Malley twins are here getting drunk again"
Cheers for now
Dave, Sheila and Rusty
It is now almost 3.30 pm and it has stopped raining, at last.
I am now working on another recipe book, this time devoted to the Irish, of which there seem to be as many recipes for Irish Stew, as there are people in that fair land. I doubt that I’ll be able to itemise the recipes by county, as I did with the English book. Instead I will probably sort them into groups, such as Soups, Main Meals, and Sweets etc.
Wednesday 20th October and we still haven’t managed to get to Derby. Wifey still has a bad cough but, I’m pleased to say that, apart from a slight cough, my man-flu has just about cleared up.
Yesterday, when we went to Tesco in Mickleover, we walked up a slight gradient to the bank. Having completed our business there, we then walked down that same gradient to Tesco, walked around the store, back to the car park and home. All of which gave my legs something to think about.
I don’t know what it is but, whenever I go for a walk of even a short distance, I tend to suffer for it. Today we drove into Willington and called into the Post Office and the Co-op, but even that short stroll has left me with painful calf muscles. I have been told by all and sundry, that in order to reduce the water retention, I need to exercise more, which is what I’m doing, but I can see no reduction in the swelling and, to be honest, it’s becoming a blooming nuisance. I suppose I’m going to have to make another appointment with the quack.
I won’t know until we see how Sheila is feeling in the morning, whether we’ll be going to Derby, but I’m hopeful.
Friday 22nd October
Earlier this morning, when most of you are still crashed out in your pits, the sky was heavily covered with cloud and it looked to be turning into a pretty gruesome day. It is now 9.15 am and the cloud is clearing and the sun is out. What’s more, there’s only a light breeze and Wifey reports that it is ‘quite nice’ out there.
Yesterday we finally made it into Derby and parked in the Westfield Centre. This is a basement car park, which meant a climb up a flight of stairs and, I’m pleased to say that I had no problem with these at all. Things are looking up!
I had hoped to find a stationery store, such as Staple’s or Ryman’s but, alas, these were conspicuous by their absence. Unfortunately these two stores are in different locations and I wasn’t really prepared to drive around looking for them. I have about 17 books to list on Amazon, so I really do need to find one of these stores soon, because I don’t want to pay Post Office prices for padded envelopes.
I think I overdid the walking though, even though I rested frequently, because my calf and thigh muscles were screaming at me yesterday evening. However, those same muscles are pretty quiet this morning, I’m pleased to say.
Do you watch Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s Thursday evenings on Channel 4? Well, we try not to miss it, unless it clashes with something else of course, but that’s unlikely when you consider the rubbish being aired these days – (that will be a bit of a bitch for a future blog).
Last night Hughie was doing breakfast foods. He’s not a big fan of cereals and toast, which are the two items Sheila and I are most likely to consume. He’s more in favour of pancakes and drop scones and, after watching his efforts at cooking up these items, I decided to download a few from www.channel4.com/food this morning.
I eventually downloaded Drop Scones, which are a kind of miniature pancake, Honey and Peanut-Butter Booster Bars, which are similar to what our cousins across The Pond would call a Granola Bar and Blueberry and Cinnamon Scones., all of which I will print out for my dear wife to experiment with.
I didn’t much like his approach to splitting up the, almost sacred, Full English Breakfast. What was he thinking of? The concoctions he and his pet chef came up with struck me as rather dumb. Believe me, I’m a great fan of the Full English and, if I wasn’t so lazy and didn’t want to get any bigger than I am already, I’d get stuck in every morning. But, to split the usual ingredients of the FIB into sausage stuffed mushrooms and such, and turning the results into a 3 course meal for lunchtime consumption, well, words fail me.
This morning, sometime after Wifey has finished her washing, we might pop into Burton to see if we can find Staple’s or Ryman’s stores. Without those envelopes I cannot list my books on Amazon, because Amazon insist on posting within two days once a sale is made.
Saturday 23rd October and it has been raining for most of the night. No matter though because we had a very good morning out yesterday.
We had planned on going in to Derby but instead decided on Burton. There are a couple of really good indoor markets there and we enjoyed a good walk around them, picking up a few bits of shopping on the way. Of course, with my still rather tender knees, I had to stop and sit a few times, but I thoroughly enjoyed the hour and a half we spent there.
The object of the exercise was to find some large, padded envelopes so that I could list my books on Amazon. These we managed to find at Ryman’s, at a fraction of the cost of individual items at Post Office outlets. Later today I’ll be posting these books and, hopefully, will see a reasonable return on them.
Some books, those which do not have an ISBN number, or are too cheap to post on Amazon I’ll be posting on eBay. Unless you are a big seller on Amazon, books without ISBN cannot be sold there? Yeah, me too!!
As for today, well, if this weather continues we won’t be going anywhere, except perhaps our wee shop on the marina, just for the paper and a bottle of milk.
Tuesday 26th October and, after a gloriously sunny day yesterday, we have had plenty of rain today.
Last night was the first that I have been able to stay in bed all night, without having to spend time in the armchair. You have no idea how relieved I am about that. Of course, the night was not without the usual aches and pains in my knees but, rather than resort to the armchair, I simply spent 10 minutes or so relaxing at the dinette then returned to bed.
This evening we are off to Willington to their weekly auction, which is held in the Village Hall. We’ve not been before but, on hearing that Brian and Marian are going, we decided to tag along with them.
Yesterday we paid a visit to Morrison’s and, just for a change, I managed to walk around the store without having to stop and sit down. Things are indeed looking up at last.
Saturday 30th October
As you will probably have gathered, nothing much of interest has happened this week. I won’t belabour the point here but, despite one night where I managed to avoid sleeping in the armchair, I’m afraid I’ve had to return to that mode of sleeping. A visit to the doctor is called for I think.
Just for something to do, apart from the recipe books of course, I am now in the throes of starting to sell eBooks on eBay. There’s nothing really complicated about this, I just need to find suitable collections of eBooks to promote. The idea is to make a few quid extra per month, simply to top up our pensions. I have another five months to go before we go cruising again, and it would be nice to think I could amass some savings to help with the cost of diesel at least.
To this end I have purchased instructions as to how best to go about this venture. There is such a thing on eBay as a Power Seller. This is a person who achieves a minimum of 100 sales per month (bronze seller), which is the minimum level. I am NOT looking to be a Power Seller. This would entail working at it on a permanent basis, and that would not be possible whilst we are cruising. Internet access is not very reliable in some parts of the country, and this shows itself along many parts of the waterways.
Anyway, starting right now and once I have purchased some books, or even downloaded them for free, I will be going for it. Watch this space.
Now, how about another recipe? This one is from Cumberland
Apple and Bacon Pudding
Ingredients:
For the suet pastry:
8 oz self-raising flour
1 level tsp salt
½ level tsp dry mustard
4 oz finely chopped suet.
About ¼ pint cold water
For the filling:
1 lb streaky bacon, roughly chopped
4 oz cabbage heart, chopped fine
½ lb cooking apples, peeled, cored and diced
1 large onion, chopped fine
2 level tbsp black treacle
Pepper to taste
Method:
Sift the flour and salt into a bowl
Add the suet and water and make a stiff dough
Set aside enough pastry for a lid
Line two 2 x ½ pint, well greased pudding basins with the remainder
Mix the filling ingredients together and fill the basins
Cover the basins with the rest of the rolled out pastry
Cover with grease-proof paper and steam for about 3 hours
Serve with new potatoes and fresh vegetables
There now, that should stick to your ribs!
Monday 1st November and a new month is upon us, with a rather dreary start.
This morning I started the listing of all the books we don’t want, the first of which found its way onto eBay. This is a cheapy book about playing guitar.
Yesterday I ordered two DVD’s from an eBay seller, which will be the foundation of my new part time income. The first of these DVD’s contains 43 audio books, all of which I can sell individually or in small bundles if they seem to be related to each other. The second DVD contains 16 foreign language courses that include all necessary student notes in PDF format.
My next step will be to trawl through eBay to see how much these items are selling for and price them accordingly. I will also need to design labels for the CD’s or DVD’s that I burn them to. Initially I will be using sticky labels for the discs but, if I am fortunate enough to do well, I will outsource the burning of a design onto the discs; much more professional, don’t you think?
Thursday 4th November
Over the past couple of months we have had problems with our pump-out unit. Sam Matts, our friendly, neighbourhood engineer from Foxton Boatyard, has done his level best to repair it, but to no avail.
Last week, having discovered that a ribbon tape connector was damaged, he managed to circumvent the lead and got it working again. However, much to our dismay the toilet packed up altogether. When Sam visited us again he came to the conclusion that the motor is now incapable of pushing the contents of the bowl into the tank. After contacting Lee Sanitation for a price he tells us they want about £500 for a new one.
Sheila and I sat down and considered our options. On the one hand, when we looked back to when we bought the boat, we remembered why we had asked for a pump-out unit to be fitted. We realised that, following on from my cancer treatment, a cassette toilet – similar to those used in caravans – would not be adequate and would probably need emptying every other day, not an option when cruising.
So, yesterday we started looking around at the price of cassette toilets, because now, if we fit one of those it would not only save us £15 every fortnight for the pump-out, our boat would always be on an even keel and we wouldn’t have to suffer the smell from the tank exhaust when the wind is in the wrong direction.
Eventually we settled on a nice, new cassette unit that was on special offer at Shardlow Chandlery and saved about £70 on the normal price. £310 is a far cry from £500, don’t you think? All we have to do now is get Sam back here to remove the broken loo and fit the new one. We then have to find the nearest Public Amenities unit to dispose of the loo and the holding tank.
For reasons best known to ourselves and that would not be appreciated if they were included in this blog, we have decide to move to a different mooring spot. If I can find time later I may email friends and family about it. Suffice it to say that we are not happy about it. Not happy at all.
Now, a wee Irish joke and I’ll post this latest missive.
A young Irishman sat at a pub in the New World drinking beer and conversin' with the barkeep. Another comes in and sits besides him.
He says, "How you do", and hears the lilt and says, "You be Irish?"
"Yes I am".
The first man yells, "Barkeep, give us another round and one for my friend here, he's from the mother country as well."
The second man asks, "So where in the old country ye from?"
"Dublin", responds the first.
"Dublin you say - so am I" and the second man hollers "Barkeep, bring us another round and a shot of your best Irish whiskey for me and my friend here".
Afterwards the first man asks from where in Dublin and the second man responds with the street and the first man says, "Well I'll be - so am I", and yells, "Barkeep, another pair of beers and Irish Whiskey for the pair of us".
The phone behind the bar rings and the barkeep answers it. The owner of the pub asks, "How is business?"
The barkeep responds, "Not too bad, the O'Malley twins are here getting drunk again"
Cheers for now
Dave, Sheila and Rusty
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Shiralee at Willington #5
Monday 11th October
I’m still sitting here at the computer and I’ve just remembered something I should have included in the previous blog.
I mentioned last time about my water retention. Well, what I am about to tell you should bring a smile to your lips.
Becoming somewhat fed up with having swollen calves, I decide to take a look on eBay for any books that may be available on the subject, and I came across the Waterfall Diet by Linda Lazarides and, since it was very cheap, I sent for it and received it a couple of days ago.
I took one look at what is required of me in order to eliminate the excess fluid I’m carrying and almost threw the wretched thing in the bin. Now, I’m just an ordinary man who likes his food, and I really wouldn’t mind losing some weight. But I don’t think I’ll be following this writer’s recommendations.
For the first two months I would have to eliminate all of the following from my diet:
Bacon, Batter, Beer, Bread, Burgers, Butter, Cakes, Cheese, Colas, Coffee, Cream, Ice Cream, Margarine, Red Meat, Milk, Milk Chocolate, Pasta, Rice, Spirits, Sugar, Sweets, Tea, Wine and Yoghourt.
Aside from Margarine, to which I would not offer house room, along with spirits, which I can only tolerate in small amounts, the rest are always a part of my normal food intake. Some are ingested more frequently than others, but they all contribute to my physical well being.
In addition of course, I consume the normal amount of fresh fruit and vegetables. Indeed, I eat at least three portions of fruit every day and vegetables have long been a main part of our diet. But I simply cannot imagine living on fruit and veg for two months. I’d be a shadow of my former self, probably bringing my weight down to less than 11 stone, at which point I would look like a ghost, assuming I survived the experience.
No, I’ll just have to carry on with the pill and plenty of water until such time as the tide goes out. Cheers!!
On top of all my other physical problems I now have man-flu or, as you women would have it, a cold. This is despite my best efforts at avoiding runny-nosed kids and those with obvious symptoms of a cold or flu. Vitamin C, in the shape of all the fruit and veg I eat, should go some way to avoiding this plague of modern man, but, no, October and April are the two months I am likely to attract this particular bug.
Still, looking on the bright side, this will be another of the millions of cold viruses I will now be immune to. Next year I’ll probably eliminate another couple, and so it goes on.
Our friend and neighbours Brian and Marian are off to Swindon today. We haven’t seen much of them of late, what with Marian’s lost tooth, which she’s spent some time at the dentist’s sorting out. And what with her also having a part-time job as cook at a nursing home, we seem to have been ships that pass in the night.
In fact I was beginning to wonder if we had upset them in some way and asked Brian about it yesterday. The result was his assurance that all was well and, just to prove it he invited himself and Marian in for a coffee. So, that’s all right then.
Thursday 14th October
I don’t know about you lot, but we’ve had some really great weather here in the Midlands. For the most part it’s been dry first thing in the mornings, albeit rather cloudy, but it has then brightened up in the late morning or afternoon.
This has helped me a great deal with my walking because, when it is wet on the pontoons, and since I’m still a wee bit unsteady on my feet, I have to rely on the crutches to steady. While it’s dry however, I am able to leave them behind. Indeed, I took my first walk around the perimeter of the marina just a few days ago. It was a bit of a struggle and I had to rest a few times, but I made it and without the crutches. Who’s a clever boy then and it’s only been 10 weeks since my op? The water retention is still a problem, but I’m hoping that will go in time.
We’re having a bit of a clear out and getting rid of some books, cd’s and dvd’s, some of which will go on Amazon, some on eBay and those that are not worth putting on either, will go to charity shops. If the ones we plan on selling actually sell, we’ll probably make about £80, which is certainly better than a slap in the face with a wet kipper!!
Apart from my rather lengthy stroll around the marina, we’ve done lots of nothing this week and that is likely to be the case today. I had to pay a visit to the doctor on Monday, as did Sheila, but that was to ask if there was any way I she could think of that would help me stay in bed at night, rather than sleeping in the armchair. She gave me some different painkillers, in the hope that they would ease the pain in my right knee, which is all that’s keeping me out of bed.
Sad to say they have made very little difference. However, I am now rubbing in some Voltarol Cream and this stuff does actually help, by reducing the ache to a level where I can get more comfortable in bed. Last night I only spent about two hours in the armchair, so things are looking up.
Some good news! In the last blog I told you about emailing Morrison’s about the high sound level coming from their P/A system in their Burton store. Within just a few days of that email and against our better judgement, we returned to that store, simply because we needed some dog food of a type that the other stores don’t sell. You can imagine our surprise at finding the sound at a level that is now enjoyable, rather than a pain in the ears. Naturally I emailed Morrison’s and thanked them although it could be that somebody else complained in-store, rather than them taking any notice of my email. Still, a good result all the same.
Tomorrow is Friday and, since the cupboard is bare and we’re in danger of starving, we’ll be going back to Morrison’s again for our weekly shop. Not only that, I’ll be going without the crutches and will wheel the trolley around for my dear wife, as is my wont.
Friday 15th October
Yesterday turned into something of a bum day – no pun intended. Once again, through no fault of our own, our loo became blocked and wouldn’t flush. This is something I have managed to cure but, try as I might, after about an hour of struggle, I had to admit defeat and called o Sam Matts to help.
He promised to be along in a couple of hours, during which time I spent another hour on it and finally succeeded in my heroic efforts. But, even though I had unblocked the wretched thing, we now had bubbles coming up after each flush.
Obviously something was still not quite right and besides, I don’t want to be lying in bed just after a call of nature, waiting for the bubbles to stop so that I can get back to sleep. So, along came Sam and, after pulling the whole toilet unit apart and descaling the macerator – this is the mincer type part of the unit that rips everything to shreds – he put it all back together and we paid him for his time and off he went.
Soon after he had gone and thinking everything was A-OK, upon my next visit to the loo, lo and behold, the darn thing flushed itself, not just once, but twice. It then failed to work at all, so another call to Sam but, despite our best efforts under his instruction, we couldn’t cure the problem.
Eventually Sam turned up again; by which time it was well past 6 pm; and, one again, turned the unit upside down and eventually discovered a ribbon lead was not doing its job of relaying instructions that told the toilet to flush.
All was not lost though because, even though he didn’t carry such a thing with him, by a bit of judicious rearrangement of wiring, our hero had us up and running again. We still need to order the ribbon lead from the manufacturers, and Sam will have to come back and fit said item, but at least we have a workable toilet again.
So far, in two visits, this darn loo has cost us over £100 and we have still to order the lead and pay Sam for fitting it. Who said boating was cheap?
Other things that need taking care of before we go cruising in April, include a change of domestic batteries, but this time we’ll go back to four instead of six. Sam assures us, and so does Linden from the local workshop, that four is plenty, even though we do live on board.
There are two ways of looking at this. Six domestic batteries would be an advantage in terms of power output. The problem with carrying six is the charging of them. In order to keep them adequately charged we would need a far more powerful alternator, but that would mean a physically much larger one than we already have, and we simply don’t have enough room for one. Besides which, the only thing we have on board that is likely to drain the batteries to any serious degree, is the washing machine, and Sheila only uses that when we are cruising or running the engine. While we’re in the marina it’s not a problem, because we’re taking power from the mains.
The other thing draining the batteries is the TV, but we only spend about four hours in the evenings watching it, unlike some people we know who seem to have it switched on all day. So, back to four batteries, and they will be the sealed ones, so that I don’t have to check if they are OK every couple of weeks.
The other thing to do, that will cost us a few quid, is the engine service. Now, I’m no different than the average petrol-head, I can at least carry out an oil and filter change. But we really do need a full blown service, which means calling on the experts. Another £150 plus parts.
Other than those two items we don’t have much to worry about, not until the next disaster befalls us that it.
Today we’re off to Morrison’s for a big shop, after which, with a bit of luck and a tail wind, we’ll be able to relax for the weekend.
Saturday 16th October and the weather has changed to cold, well, colder anyway. Watching the BBC 1 News at 6 o/clock last night, the forecaster even suggested we may have some frost this morning, although, I have to admit I haven’t looked out of the window yet to find out. Now, having just carried out that operation, I notice that the timber of the pontoon is nice and dry, with no sign of frost, but the sky is clear enough for there to be some around somewhere. Perhaps you’ve got it??
Anyway, although I am now managing to stay in bed a wee bit longer at night, a rather nasty cough saw me spluttering for the best part of an hour last night, which I had to continue out of bed and in the armchair. The good news is that I returned to bed at about 2 am and managed to stay there until 05.30. Things are looking up and, pretty soon now, I expect to be able to spend all night in bed. Whooppee!!!
Today I’m off to the surgery for my flu jab, which is a little late because I have already suffered the male version of this particular disease, and I’m still not in perfect condition for a man of my years. All in all though, even with the replaced knees, I don’t think I’m doing too badly. I’d feel better about my condition if I were, say, 75 or 80, but one mustn’t grumble must one?
On Monday I shall, for the first time since we came to this part of the world way back in September of 2009, accompany my wife into Derby and sample the joys of the two markets there. Sheila has told me so much about the place – although we did pay the town a visit whilst cruising in 2007, which is when I purchased my first walking stick – that I’m quite looking forward to the trip.
Sunday 17th October and we are both feeling rather unwell. (Obviously a little late with the flu jab.) Sheila has a sore throat and cough, whilst yours truly has had a relapse where the man-flu is concerned.
I firmly believe that many of these ailments can be laid very firmly at the doors of the local surgery. With modern medical science you would think, wouldn’t you, that they could find some way of preventing these nasty bugs from flourishing in such places, thus avoiding many thousands of lost work days and, more importantly, allowing we pensioners more freedom to pursue our hobbies and pastimes.
Instead, having visited the aforementioned establishment many times over the past few weeks, we now find ourselves in no fit condition to enjoy our Sunday drink. This is a very sad state of affairs, one which, had we been registered on the Electoral Role, I could have been persuaded to take up with my local M.P.
If this situation continues, or, even worse, prove to be completely debilitating, I fear that our trip to Derby tomorrow could be curtailed. However, with continued, but judicious use of that good old medical standby, the Beecham’s Powders, I will probably be Ok.
Wifey, on the other hand, is gamely pressing on with the honey and lemon drink, made up the proper way and from the raw ingredients. I have to confess to being somewhat amazed at her resilience. She slept through my coughing and snorting last night, and seems none the worse for wear this morning. Still, she’s a woman!!
Yesterday, for the first time in many months, we enjoyed a roast dinner. Yes, I know, it was Saturday, but we haven’t bothered much with roast dinners for a few years now, not even on Sundays. Indeed, we are just as likely to have a plateful of sausages and toast for our Sunday repast, as a full blown meal. After all, being less active than our younger brethren, and being retired to boot, we really do not need such heavy meals. The roast lamb yesterday was a rare treat though!
Talking of food, my tummy is rumbling and it’s only 0700. Sheila won’t be up for another 15 minutes or so and, after washing and dressing, she’ll take Rusty out, then I can think about breakfast. Women and dogs are so inconsiderate!
Just look at that, less than a week and we have another nine pages of blog. S’mazing!! If I manage to get online later perhaps I’ll post it. Then again, perhaps I won’t.
Tuesday 19th October
I am, at last, over the worst of this latest cold. Sadly the same cannot be said for my dearly beloved, who has the most god-awful cough. We were planning to take a trip into Derby yesterday but, like I said, I doubted we would make it, and we didn’t.
We didn’t make it to Derby today either, instead we drove over to Tesco at Mickleover for a few bits, and topped up with petrol at the local Total garage, then straight back home for a well deserved cuppa.
Tomorrow it will be a short trip into Willington, just to do the Lottery and, if Sheila is well enough on Thursday, we’ll finally get to go to Derby. Just why she should be so inconsiderate as to catch a cold, just when I am now able to do a bit of serious walking, is beyond me, but that’s women for you.
The rest of today will be a simple chill-out affair, apart from walking the dog that is, a simple chore that I shall carry out myself, unless Wifey feels that she needs a bit more fresh air, in which case she’s welcome to the job.
Now, with 10 pages in the blog, I suppose I should post it but, before I do, let’s see if I can find a decent recipe with which to round it off.
How about some cakes for a change? Here’s a recipe from Cornwall that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Saffron Cakes
Ingredients:
1 lb. 2oz. flour
4 oz. butter
4 oz. lard
½ oz. yeast
2 oz. mixed peel
3 oz. sugar
1 pinch of saffron
A little milk and salt
1 pinch of nutmeg
Method:
Mix all the ingredients together and add the yeast.
Leave the dough to rise.
Cut into cake sized pieces and place on a baking tray.
Bake in a moderate oven for about 1 hour, or until golden brown.
Until next time, enjoy.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
I’m still sitting here at the computer and I’ve just remembered something I should have included in the previous blog.
I mentioned last time about my water retention. Well, what I am about to tell you should bring a smile to your lips.
Becoming somewhat fed up with having swollen calves, I decide to take a look on eBay for any books that may be available on the subject, and I came across the Waterfall Diet by Linda Lazarides and, since it was very cheap, I sent for it and received it a couple of days ago.
I took one look at what is required of me in order to eliminate the excess fluid I’m carrying and almost threw the wretched thing in the bin. Now, I’m just an ordinary man who likes his food, and I really wouldn’t mind losing some weight. But I don’t think I’ll be following this writer’s recommendations.
For the first two months I would have to eliminate all of the following from my diet:
Bacon, Batter, Beer, Bread, Burgers, Butter, Cakes, Cheese, Colas, Coffee, Cream, Ice Cream, Margarine, Red Meat, Milk, Milk Chocolate, Pasta, Rice, Spirits, Sugar, Sweets, Tea, Wine and Yoghourt.
Aside from Margarine, to which I would not offer house room, along with spirits, which I can only tolerate in small amounts, the rest are always a part of my normal food intake. Some are ingested more frequently than others, but they all contribute to my physical well being.
In addition of course, I consume the normal amount of fresh fruit and vegetables. Indeed, I eat at least three portions of fruit every day and vegetables have long been a main part of our diet. But I simply cannot imagine living on fruit and veg for two months. I’d be a shadow of my former self, probably bringing my weight down to less than 11 stone, at which point I would look like a ghost, assuming I survived the experience.
No, I’ll just have to carry on with the pill and plenty of water until such time as the tide goes out. Cheers!!
On top of all my other physical problems I now have man-flu or, as you women would have it, a cold. This is despite my best efforts at avoiding runny-nosed kids and those with obvious symptoms of a cold or flu. Vitamin C, in the shape of all the fruit and veg I eat, should go some way to avoiding this plague of modern man, but, no, October and April are the two months I am likely to attract this particular bug.
Still, looking on the bright side, this will be another of the millions of cold viruses I will now be immune to. Next year I’ll probably eliminate another couple, and so it goes on.
Our friend and neighbours Brian and Marian are off to Swindon today. We haven’t seen much of them of late, what with Marian’s lost tooth, which she’s spent some time at the dentist’s sorting out. And what with her also having a part-time job as cook at a nursing home, we seem to have been ships that pass in the night.
In fact I was beginning to wonder if we had upset them in some way and asked Brian about it yesterday. The result was his assurance that all was well and, just to prove it he invited himself and Marian in for a coffee. So, that’s all right then.
Thursday 14th October
I don’t know about you lot, but we’ve had some really great weather here in the Midlands. For the most part it’s been dry first thing in the mornings, albeit rather cloudy, but it has then brightened up in the late morning or afternoon.
This has helped me a great deal with my walking because, when it is wet on the pontoons, and since I’m still a wee bit unsteady on my feet, I have to rely on the crutches to steady. While it’s dry however, I am able to leave them behind. Indeed, I took my first walk around the perimeter of the marina just a few days ago. It was a bit of a struggle and I had to rest a few times, but I made it and without the crutches. Who’s a clever boy then and it’s only been 10 weeks since my op? The water retention is still a problem, but I’m hoping that will go in time.
We’re having a bit of a clear out and getting rid of some books, cd’s and dvd’s, some of which will go on Amazon, some on eBay and those that are not worth putting on either, will go to charity shops. If the ones we plan on selling actually sell, we’ll probably make about £80, which is certainly better than a slap in the face with a wet kipper!!
Apart from my rather lengthy stroll around the marina, we’ve done lots of nothing this week and that is likely to be the case today. I had to pay a visit to the doctor on Monday, as did Sheila, but that was to ask if there was any way I she could think of that would help me stay in bed at night, rather than sleeping in the armchair. She gave me some different painkillers, in the hope that they would ease the pain in my right knee, which is all that’s keeping me out of bed.
Sad to say they have made very little difference. However, I am now rubbing in some Voltarol Cream and this stuff does actually help, by reducing the ache to a level where I can get more comfortable in bed. Last night I only spent about two hours in the armchair, so things are looking up.
Some good news! In the last blog I told you about emailing Morrison’s about the high sound level coming from their P/A system in their Burton store. Within just a few days of that email and against our better judgement, we returned to that store, simply because we needed some dog food of a type that the other stores don’t sell. You can imagine our surprise at finding the sound at a level that is now enjoyable, rather than a pain in the ears. Naturally I emailed Morrison’s and thanked them although it could be that somebody else complained in-store, rather than them taking any notice of my email. Still, a good result all the same.
Tomorrow is Friday and, since the cupboard is bare and we’re in danger of starving, we’ll be going back to Morrison’s again for our weekly shop. Not only that, I’ll be going without the crutches and will wheel the trolley around for my dear wife, as is my wont.
Friday 15th October
Yesterday turned into something of a bum day – no pun intended. Once again, through no fault of our own, our loo became blocked and wouldn’t flush. This is something I have managed to cure but, try as I might, after about an hour of struggle, I had to admit defeat and called o Sam Matts to help.
He promised to be along in a couple of hours, during which time I spent another hour on it and finally succeeded in my heroic efforts. But, even though I had unblocked the wretched thing, we now had bubbles coming up after each flush.
Obviously something was still not quite right and besides, I don’t want to be lying in bed just after a call of nature, waiting for the bubbles to stop so that I can get back to sleep. So, along came Sam and, after pulling the whole toilet unit apart and descaling the macerator – this is the mincer type part of the unit that rips everything to shreds – he put it all back together and we paid him for his time and off he went.
Soon after he had gone and thinking everything was A-OK, upon my next visit to the loo, lo and behold, the darn thing flushed itself, not just once, but twice. It then failed to work at all, so another call to Sam but, despite our best efforts under his instruction, we couldn’t cure the problem.
Eventually Sam turned up again; by which time it was well past 6 pm; and, one again, turned the unit upside down and eventually discovered a ribbon lead was not doing its job of relaying instructions that told the toilet to flush.
All was not lost though because, even though he didn’t carry such a thing with him, by a bit of judicious rearrangement of wiring, our hero had us up and running again. We still need to order the ribbon lead from the manufacturers, and Sam will have to come back and fit said item, but at least we have a workable toilet again.
So far, in two visits, this darn loo has cost us over £100 and we have still to order the lead and pay Sam for fitting it. Who said boating was cheap?
Other things that need taking care of before we go cruising in April, include a change of domestic batteries, but this time we’ll go back to four instead of six. Sam assures us, and so does Linden from the local workshop, that four is plenty, even though we do live on board.
There are two ways of looking at this. Six domestic batteries would be an advantage in terms of power output. The problem with carrying six is the charging of them. In order to keep them adequately charged we would need a far more powerful alternator, but that would mean a physically much larger one than we already have, and we simply don’t have enough room for one. Besides which, the only thing we have on board that is likely to drain the batteries to any serious degree, is the washing machine, and Sheila only uses that when we are cruising or running the engine. While we’re in the marina it’s not a problem, because we’re taking power from the mains.
The other thing draining the batteries is the TV, but we only spend about four hours in the evenings watching it, unlike some people we know who seem to have it switched on all day. So, back to four batteries, and they will be the sealed ones, so that I don’t have to check if they are OK every couple of weeks.
The other thing to do, that will cost us a few quid, is the engine service. Now, I’m no different than the average petrol-head, I can at least carry out an oil and filter change. But we really do need a full blown service, which means calling on the experts. Another £150 plus parts.
Other than those two items we don’t have much to worry about, not until the next disaster befalls us that it.
Today we’re off to Morrison’s for a big shop, after which, with a bit of luck and a tail wind, we’ll be able to relax for the weekend.
Saturday 16th October and the weather has changed to cold, well, colder anyway. Watching the BBC 1 News at 6 o/clock last night, the forecaster even suggested we may have some frost this morning, although, I have to admit I haven’t looked out of the window yet to find out. Now, having just carried out that operation, I notice that the timber of the pontoon is nice and dry, with no sign of frost, but the sky is clear enough for there to be some around somewhere. Perhaps you’ve got it??
Anyway, although I am now managing to stay in bed a wee bit longer at night, a rather nasty cough saw me spluttering for the best part of an hour last night, which I had to continue out of bed and in the armchair. The good news is that I returned to bed at about 2 am and managed to stay there until 05.30. Things are looking up and, pretty soon now, I expect to be able to spend all night in bed. Whooppee!!!
Today I’m off to the surgery for my flu jab, which is a little late because I have already suffered the male version of this particular disease, and I’m still not in perfect condition for a man of my years. All in all though, even with the replaced knees, I don’t think I’m doing too badly. I’d feel better about my condition if I were, say, 75 or 80, but one mustn’t grumble must one?
On Monday I shall, for the first time since we came to this part of the world way back in September of 2009, accompany my wife into Derby and sample the joys of the two markets there. Sheila has told me so much about the place – although we did pay the town a visit whilst cruising in 2007, which is when I purchased my first walking stick – that I’m quite looking forward to the trip.
Sunday 17th October and we are both feeling rather unwell. (Obviously a little late with the flu jab.) Sheila has a sore throat and cough, whilst yours truly has had a relapse where the man-flu is concerned.
I firmly believe that many of these ailments can be laid very firmly at the doors of the local surgery. With modern medical science you would think, wouldn’t you, that they could find some way of preventing these nasty bugs from flourishing in such places, thus avoiding many thousands of lost work days and, more importantly, allowing we pensioners more freedom to pursue our hobbies and pastimes.
Instead, having visited the aforementioned establishment many times over the past few weeks, we now find ourselves in no fit condition to enjoy our Sunday drink. This is a very sad state of affairs, one which, had we been registered on the Electoral Role, I could have been persuaded to take up with my local M.P.
If this situation continues, or, even worse, prove to be completely debilitating, I fear that our trip to Derby tomorrow could be curtailed. However, with continued, but judicious use of that good old medical standby, the Beecham’s Powders, I will probably be Ok.
Wifey, on the other hand, is gamely pressing on with the honey and lemon drink, made up the proper way and from the raw ingredients. I have to confess to being somewhat amazed at her resilience. She slept through my coughing and snorting last night, and seems none the worse for wear this morning. Still, she’s a woman!!
Yesterday, for the first time in many months, we enjoyed a roast dinner. Yes, I know, it was Saturday, but we haven’t bothered much with roast dinners for a few years now, not even on Sundays. Indeed, we are just as likely to have a plateful of sausages and toast for our Sunday repast, as a full blown meal. After all, being less active than our younger brethren, and being retired to boot, we really do not need such heavy meals. The roast lamb yesterday was a rare treat though!
Talking of food, my tummy is rumbling and it’s only 0700. Sheila won’t be up for another 15 minutes or so and, after washing and dressing, she’ll take Rusty out, then I can think about breakfast. Women and dogs are so inconsiderate!
Just look at that, less than a week and we have another nine pages of blog. S’mazing!! If I manage to get online later perhaps I’ll post it. Then again, perhaps I won’t.
Tuesday 19th October
I am, at last, over the worst of this latest cold. Sadly the same cannot be said for my dearly beloved, who has the most god-awful cough. We were planning to take a trip into Derby yesterday but, like I said, I doubted we would make it, and we didn’t.
We didn’t make it to Derby today either, instead we drove over to Tesco at Mickleover for a few bits, and topped up with petrol at the local Total garage, then straight back home for a well deserved cuppa.
Tomorrow it will be a short trip into Willington, just to do the Lottery and, if Sheila is well enough on Thursday, we’ll finally get to go to Derby. Just why she should be so inconsiderate as to catch a cold, just when I am now able to do a bit of serious walking, is beyond me, but that’s women for you.
The rest of today will be a simple chill-out affair, apart from walking the dog that is, a simple chore that I shall carry out myself, unless Wifey feels that she needs a bit more fresh air, in which case she’s welcome to the job.
Now, with 10 pages in the blog, I suppose I should post it but, before I do, let’s see if I can find a decent recipe with which to round it off.
How about some cakes for a change? Here’s a recipe from Cornwall that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Saffron Cakes
Ingredients:
1 lb. 2oz. flour
4 oz. butter
4 oz. lard
½ oz. yeast
2 oz. mixed peel
3 oz. sugar
1 pinch of saffron
A little milk and salt
1 pinch of nutmeg
Method:
Mix all the ingredients together and add the yeast.
Leave the dough to rise.
Cut into cake sized pieces and place on a baking tray.
Bake in a moderate oven for about 1 hour, or until golden brown.
Until next time, enjoy.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Shiralee at Willington #4
Saturday 25th September
I can’t say that very much of interest has occurred since my last posting, whenever that was, but at least I have not been sitting around idly doing nothing. With six months enforced idleness since we are approaching winter rather speedily, I have decide to look at ways to earn some extra cash. Not that we are in any desperate need ate present; after all, we don’t have the usual millstones such as mortgages, around our necks. What we do seem to have, constantly attacking us from all angles, is additional expenses for the boat.
Last Wednesday, I think it was, our heating system gave up the ghost and we had to call in the local engineer. A service for this system costs £140 but, if the burner needs replacing; which it did in our case; that will be £280! Thankfully it only took a couple of days for the nice man to get the necessary parts and fit them so we are now up and running again.
We also have another list of jobs to be done before we go off cruising in April. These include an engine service and we also need to replace the batteries, which are now four years old and well past their sell-by date. Thos two jobs alone will probably set us back another £500.
So, you can see the need for me to look for ways to bring in some extra moola, geldt, dosh, wongle, or whatever you like to call it. I do have one or two ideas on the subject and they all include the Internet.
So, what else is new?
Well, I trotted off to the surgery yesterday morning for yet another blood test, whilst my good lady took the bus into Derby. It won’t be very long before I’ll be going with her, that’s if my legs improve as they have been doing. I know I’m forever bemoaning the fact that I spend most of me sleeping time in the armchair, but during the day I am at least finding it easier to walk.
There’s also Burton upon Trent for me to visit, although Sheila much prefers Derby when it comes to the range of shops available. Indeed, that fair city is where I first bought a walking stick, and that must be at least three years ago when I was really starting to feel the strain and pain of dodgy knees.
As for today, well, since Wifey did all the necessary shopping yesterday, we only need to buy today’s Mail and the rest of the day will be thoroughly lazy.
Sunday 26th September
Up again at 05.30 this morning, getting to be a bad habit!!
Now, how about another recipe? This time from Cheshire
Vegetarian Brunch Pie
Ingredients:
2 medium potatoes
1 medium onion, diced
1 large flat mushroom, sliced
1 pinch chilli powder
½ tsp ground cumin
A little butter
1 tsp whole grain mustard
4 oz crumbled Cheshire cheese
1 egg
Short crust pastry
Method:
Roll out the pastry and line a deep oven proof dish with it saving enough for a lid
Boil the potatoes in salt water for 8 to 10 minutes
Lightly fry the onion in the butter until soft
Add the chilli powder and cumin
Cook for about 2 minutes and remove from the heat
Stir in the mustard and cheese
Drain and grate the potatoes and stir into the mixture
Season with salt and pepper
Fill the pastry to about ¾ full with the mixture
Make a well in the mix and break the egg into it
Cover with the rest of the mix
Add the pastry lid and seal it well
Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes at 210C/435F/Gas Mark 6
Even though this is a vegetarian dish and, even though I haven’t tried it myself, it certainly looks very appealing. Give it a try, you never know, you might even enjoy it.
Some time ago, having bought some ornamental plates depicting canal boats, Brian and Marian gave us the ones they were to replace. The plates they gave us are a set of four called Harvest Home Collection from Royal Doulton. We passed a few pleasant minutes yesterday hanging them on the wall and, I have to say, they do look rather good. We’ve probably got more pictures and plates hanging on our walls than your average two up two down but, since it would be foolish in the extreme to paper our walls, the pictures and plates are a great alternative.
Saturday 2nd October and we started off with a very bright day. According to those clever clogs at the Met. Office though, it won’t last past this evening, when we can expect some more rain.
This morning we took a run over to Findern in the hope and expectation that we would be able to buy out Lottery tickets. Sadly the shop there doesn’t do them, so we carried on to Littleover, but the same applied there. We therefore had to turn around and go into Willington. And that is the extent of our excitement for today, except for the fact that we can look forward to a rabbit stew for dinner. Yummee!!
Sunday 3rd October and what a lousy start to the day, pouring with rain and looking set for the day. When it rains the pontoons can be pretty treacherous, to say the least, so I have to be particularly careful. We received a sales page inside the Daily Mail yesterday that included studded slip-ons for shoes, to be used on slippery surfaces and in icy weather. I’ll be sending off for them soon, but Wifey has decided to go for a pair of snow boots instead.
The rabbit stew yesterday was really delicious, especially the herby dumplings. We gave a small taster to the pooch, which of course she thoroughly enjoyed. However, about 11.30 pm, after Sheila had been safely tucked up in bed for over an hour, Rusty became rather unsettled, which usually points to her needing to take a call of nature. Now, since I’m still using crutches to get around, making it impossible for me to take Rusty out, Wifey wasn’t best pleased at having to get out of bed at such an unearthly hour. Still, it’s better than a smelly boat, if you get my drift.
Believe it or not, I’m still playing about with this pesky recipe book and am now in the final stages of proof-reading. With a bit of luck, once I’ve converted it to a .pdf file, I’ll have it on eBay some time next week. I might even post it on Clickbank and let other folks sell it for me, always assuming it sells reasonably well on eBay.
Later today, as is my wont, we’ll be off to The Wheel in Findern for a Sunday drink, and I don’t care if it is raining. Of course you would be right is suggesting that, as we are retired now, every day is a Sunday, but I’ve become so used to a drink on Sundays that the other seven days are not quite the same.
Soapbox Time
I haven’t done this for a while, but something irritating has surfaced of late and I would like to pass it on to you.
What do you feel about background music in shops and stores? I think they used to call it Musak back in the day.
Now, I would be the first to admit to enjoying some easy listening music when I’m shopping. It certainly goes some way towards making a chore a relaxing experience. But I do object to that music battering my eardrums to such an extent that I can’t think straight. But, as if that wasn’t enough, when a superstore like Morrison’s; which we find to be far superior even to Sainsbury’s; rack up the volume when advertising their own wares, I think it’s time to go elsewhere to spend my money.
Over the past four years since buying the boat, we have sought out Morrison’s whenever possible. Indeed, when moored at Tring for two winters running, we always shopped in the Aylesbury branch and, more recently, when moored at Pillings Lock Marina, we shopped at the Loughborough branch, neither of which battered the ears with loud music and promotions. But the one at Burton is the giddy limit, so much so that I have emailed their head office with a complaint. Meanwhile, until I receive a reply to the effect that something is being done about the din, we’ll probably shop at Tesco in Mickleover, a store that does not subscribe to background music at all.
End of Soapbox!!
Wednesday 6th October and the weather has now turned Autumnal, with rain overnight and still raining this morning.
My apologies for the delay in posting this blog, I will try to do so later today. Meanwhile, Wifey is now up and will be wanting brekky soon.
Monday 11th October and, because it’s only just past 5 o/clock and it’s pitch black outside, I have no idea what the weather is like. I do know that it isn’t raining because, if it was, I would hear it on the roof of the boat.
Now, I realise that I seem to be leaving longer and longer gaps between postings but, in all honesty, even though we live on a boat, we still face the same daily grind as all you other retirees out there, and you wouldn’t be wanting to read about our daily visits to shops, or doctors’ surgery, or even the pub on a Sunday, now would you?
Ever since my operation in July, I have been looking forward to the day when I could walk without crutches. Well, that day arrived last Thursday when I decided to leave them behind and go for a walk with Wifey and the pooch. Mind you, I’m not yet into walking around the perimeter of the marina, which must be almost a mile.
You will be pleased to know that I have now finished the recipe book. I am doing no more to it, although, I have had to produce it as a .pdf file instead of that other book layout. So, I won’t be doing any more to that one.
Having finished that one I came up with the idea of compiling another one, this one being aimed at those folks out there who do not always have a lot of time for cooking. Believe it or not, just like that well known chef who advertises for a big supermarket chain, I decided to limit the cooking time to 30 minutes. I can guarantee one difference between us when it comes to the finished article, my book will be about REAL cooking, as opposed to all that fancy stuff and nonsense. It will be a darn sight cheaper too.
Anyway, that one is also finished and I am now working on a really good vegetarian cook book.
I don’t really want to be posting just one book on eBay, nor do I want to limit my offering to two, which is why I am getting stuck in to the veggy one, which will probably take me a while yet, but when it’s done I will have three good books, along with some of the other tat we’ve accumulated over the years. We have quite a few books hidden away under the dinette, some to do with how to paint in different mediums and others about how to play the guitar. Quite a few of those will go and they are all in very good condition and should fetch reasonable prices.
Of course, we haven’t checked our ticket for last Friday’s Euro Lottery, so all this talk about eBay and recipe books, could be a complete waste of time. Yeah!! Right!!
Now, not knowing just how busy I am likely to be over the next week or two, I suppose I really ought to post this blog now. Perhaps, once I am able to take longer walks and can take my camera along with me, I will find something of real interest to write about. You just never know, do you? We might be the ones to come across an exciting event and, unlike most times when we’re cruising, have the camera to hand to record it.
Incidentally, even though I am now walking just like other folks, I am still having problems sleeping and spend most of the night in the armchair. I am also still suffering with water retention, which is why I am seeing the doctor again this morning. Hopefully he will be able to help me on both counts. It really is a pain in the nether regions, having to get out of bed only an hour after getting into it.
It’s just as much of a pain having to drink so much water, just in order to encourage my kidneys to eliminate all the excess. That’s what kidneys were designed for, for goodness sakes, why can’t they get on with their job and leave me to decide how much liquid I take in?
Such is life!
Meanwhile all you lovely people, have a good week.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty
I can’t say that very much of interest has occurred since my last posting, whenever that was, but at least I have not been sitting around idly doing nothing. With six months enforced idleness since we are approaching winter rather speedily, I have decide to look at ways to earn some extra cash. Not that we are in any desperate need ate present; after all, we don’t have the usual millstones such as mortgages, around our necks. What we do seem to have, constantly attacking us from all angles, is additional expenses for the boat.
Last Wednesday, I think it was, our heating system gave up the ghost and we had to call in the local engineer. A service for this system costs £140 but, if the burner needs replacing; which it did in our case; that will be £280! Thankfully it only took a couple of days for the nice man to get the necessary parts and fit them so we are now up and running again.
We also have another list of jobs to be done before we go off cruising in April. These include an engine service and we also need to replace the batteries, which are now four years old and well past their sell-by date. Thos two jobs alone will probably set us back another £500.
So, you can see the need for me to look for ways to bring in some extra moola, geldt, dosh, wongle, or whatever you like to call it. I do have one or two ideas on the subject and they all include the Internet.
So, what else is new?
Well, I trotted off to the surgery yesterday morning for yet another blood test, whilst my good lady took the bus into Derby. It won’t be very long before I’ll be going with her, that’s if my legs improve as they have been doing. I know I’m forever bemoaning the fact that I spend most of me sleeping time in the armchair, but during the day I am at least finding it easier to walk.
There’s also Burton upon Trent for me to visit, although Sheila much prefers Derby when it comes to the range of shops available. Indeed, that fair city is where I first bought a walking stick, and that must be at least three years ago when I was really starting to feel the strain and pain of dodgy knees.
As for today, well, since Wifey did all the necessary shopping yesterday, we only need to buy today’s Mail and the rest of the day will be thoroughly lazy.
Sunday 26th September
Up again at 05.30 this morning, getting to be a bad habit!!
Now, how about another recipe? This time from Cheshire
Vegetarian Brunch Pie
Ingredients:
2 medium potatoes
1 medium onion, diced
1 large flat mushroom, sliced
1 pinch chilli powder
½ tsp ground cumin
A little butter
1 tsp whole grain mustard
4 oz crumbled Cheshire cheese
1 egg
Short crust pastry
Method:
Roll out the pastry and line a deep oven proof dish with it saving enough for a lid
Boil the potatoes in salt water for 8 to 10 minutes
Lightly fry the onion in the butter until soft
Add the chilli powder and cumin
Cook for about 2 minutes and remove from the heat
Stir in the mustard and cheese
Drain and grate the potatoes and stir into the mixture
Season with salt and pepper
Fill the pastry to about ¾ full with the mixture
Make a well in the mix and break the egg into it
Cover with the rest of the mix
Add the pastry lid and seal it well
Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes at 210C/435F/Gas Mark 6
Even though this is a vegetarian dish and, even though I haven’t tried it myself, it certainly looks very appealing. Give it a try, you never know, you might even enjoy it.
Some time ago, having bought some ornamental plates depicting canal boats, Brian and Marian gave us the ones they were to replace. The plates they gave us are a set of four called Harvest Home Collection from Royal Doulton. We passed a few pleasant minutes yesterday hanging them on the wall and, I have to say, they do look rather good. We’ve probably got more pictures and plates hanging on our walls than your average two up two down but, since it would be foolish in the extreme to paper our walls, the pictures and plates are a great alternative.
Saturday 2nd October and we started off with a very bright day. According to those clever clogs at the Met. Office though, it won’t last past this evening, when we can expect some more rain.
This morning we took a run over to Findern in the hope and expectation that we would be able to buy out Lottery tickets. Sadly the shop there doesn’t do them, so we carried on to Littleover, but the same applied there. We therefore had to turn around and go into Willington. And that is the extent of our excitement for today, except for the fact that we can look forward to a rabbit stew for dinner. Yummee!!
Sunday 3rd October and what a lousy start to the day, pouring with rain and looking set for the day. When it rains the pontoons can be pretty treacherous, to say the least, so I have to be particularly careful. We received a sales page inside the Daily Mail yesterday that included studded slip-ons for shoes, to be used on slippery surfaces and in icy weather. I’ll be sending off for them soon, but Wifey has decided to go for a pair of snow boots instead.
The rabbit stew yesterday was really delicious, especially the herby dumplings. We gave a small taster to the pooch, which of course she thoroughly enjoyed. However, about 11.30 pm, after Sheila had been safely tucked up in bed for over an hour, Rusty became rather unsettled, which usually points to her needing to take a call of nature. Now, since I’m still using crutches to get around, making it impossible for me to take Rusty out, Wifey wasn’t best pleased at having to get out of bed at such an unearthly hour. Still, it’s better than a smelly boat, if you get my drift.
Believe it or not, I’m still playing about with this pesky recipe book and am now in the final stages of proof-reading. With a bit of luck, once I’ve converted it to a .pdf file, I’ll have it on eBay some time next week. I might even post it on Clickbank and let other folks sell it for me, always assuming it sells reasonably well on eBay.
Later today, as is my wont, we’ll be off to The Wheel in Findern for a Sunday drink, and I don’t care if it is raining. Of course you would be right is suggesting that, as we are retired now, every day is a Sunday, but I’ve become so used to a drink on Sundays that the other seven days are not quite the same.
Soapbox Time
I haven’t done this for a while, but something irritating has surfaced of late and I would like to pass it on to you.
What do you feel about background music in shops and stores? I think they used to call it Musak back in the day.
Now, I would be the first to admit to enjoying some easy listening music when I’m shopping. It certainly goes some way towards making a chore a relaxing experience. But I do object to that music battering my eardrums to such an extent that I can’t think straight. But, as if that wasn’t enough, when a superstore like Morrison’s; which we find to be far superior even to Sainsbury’s; rack up the volume when advertising their own wares, I think it’s time to go elsewhere to spend my money.
Over the past four years since buying the boat, we have sought out Morrison’s whenever possible. Indeed, when moored at Tring for two winters running, we always shopped in the Aylesbury branch and, more recently, when moored at Pillings Lock Marina, we shopped at the Loughborough branch, neither of which battered the ears with loud music and promotions. But the one at Burton is the giddy limit, so much so that I have emailed their head office with a complaint. Meanwhile, until I receive a reply to the effect that something is being done about the din, we’ll probably shop at Tesco in Mickleover, a store that does not subscribe to background music at all.
End of Soapbox!!
Wednesday 6th October and the weather has now turned Autumnal, with rain overnight and still raining this morning.
My apologies for the delay in posting this blog, I will try to do so later today. Meanwhile, Wifey is now up and will be wanting brekky soon.
Monday 11th October and, because it’s only just past 5 o/clock and it’s pitch black outside, I have no idea what the weather is like. I do know that it isn’t raining because, if it was, I would hear it on the roof of the boat.
Now, I realise that I seem to be leaving longer and longer gaps between postings but, in all honesty, even though we live on a boat, we still face the same daily grind as all you other retirees out there, and you wouldn’t be wanting to read about our daily visits to shops, or doctors’ surgery, or even the pub on a Sunday, now would you?
Ever since my operation in July, I have been looking forward to the day when I could walk without crutches. Well, that day arrived last Thursday when I decided to leave them behind and go for a walk with Wifey and the pooch. Mind you, I’m not yet into walking around the perimeter of the marina, which must be almost a mile.
You will be pleased to know that I have now finished the recipe book. I am doing no more to it, although, I have had to produce it as a .pdf file instead of that other book layout. So, I won’t be doing any more to that one.
Having finished that one I came up with the idea of compiling another one, this one being aimed at those folks out there who do not always have a lot of time for cooking. Believe it or not, just like that well known chef who advertises for a big supermarket chain, I decided to limit the cooking time to 30 minutes. I can guarantee one difference between us when it comes to the finished article, my book will be about REAL cooking, as opposed to all that fancy stuff and nonsense. It will be a darn sight cheaper too.
Anyway, that one is also finished and I am now working on a really good vegetarian cook book.
I don’t really want to be posting just one book on eBay, nor do I want to limit my offering to two, which is why I am getting stuck in to the veggy one, which will probably take me a while yet, but when it’s done I will have three good books, along with some of the other tat we’ve accumulated over the years. We have quite a few books hidden away under the dinette, some to do with how to paint in different mediums and others about how to play the guitar. Quite a few of those will go and they are all in very good condition and should fetch reasonable prices.
Of course, we haven’t checked our ticket for last Friday’s Euro Lottery, so all this talk about eBay and recipe books, could be a complete waste of time. Yeah!! Right!!
Now, not knowing just how busy I am likely to be over the next week or two, I suppose I really ought to post this blog now. Perhaps, once I am able to take longer walks and can take my camera along with me, I will find something of real interest to write about. You just never know, do you? We might be the ones to come across an exciting event and, unlike most times when we’re cruising, have the camera to hand to record it.
Incidentally, even though I am now walking just like other folks, I am still having problems sleeping and spend most of the night in the armchair. I am also still suffering with water retention, which is why I am seeing the doctor again this morning. Hopefully he will be able to help me on both counts. It really is a pain in the nether regions, having to get out of bed only an hour after getting into it.
It’s just as much of a pain having to drink so much water, just in order to encourage my kidneys to eliminate all the excess. That’s what kidneys were designed for, for goodness sakes, why can’t they get on with their job and leave me to decide how much liquid I take in?
Such is life!
Meanwhile all you lovely people, have a good week.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Shiralee at Willington #3
Wednesday 15th September
Despite the promise of rain from the so-called experts at the Met Office, today has dawned clear but rather windy. The prevailing wind at Mercia seems to be coming at us from directly astern, which makes it rather difficult when we need to reverse out and go for a pump-out. Hopefully it will be a little calmer later today or even tomorrow morning, because we not only need the pump-out but diesel as well.
In future though, we’ll have to reverse into the mooring slot, which will place our side hatch in line with Brimar. However, I do not expect my earlier predictions, of a couple of fish-wives nattering across the gap, to amount to anything. For one thing Marian is usually far too busy to stop for a chat, except on the odd occasion when we invite her and Brian in for a coffee.
We’ve received a reply to my email to Lee Sanitation regarding the warning light in the loo. Hopefully they will be able to supply just the light, as opposed to the whole unit, which would set us back about £70. This is only the second time in the four years we’ve owned Shiralee that the LED has blown, so I suppose we shouldn’t grumble.
I am pleased to say that I am now able to drive with very little discomfort. This should help in strengthening my calf muscles a little, but I’m still concerned about the thighs, which seem rather weak. Whilst I’ve been hobbling about on dodgy knees for the past three years, they really haven’t had much to do. I suppose I’ll just have to do as much exercise as possible until they become more useful to me. I also must spend more time in a horizontal position to help alleviate the water retention problem. Perhaps my doctor, to whom I will pay a visit tomorrow, will be able to come up with some suggestions regarding both problems.
We’re having a wee problem locating a decent mini-market that is anywhere near as good as the one in Quorn. Our nearest is the Co-op in Willington which, to be honest is less than useless. The store in Repton is not much better, but the village does at least have a decent butchers.
We have yet to find a pub we like for our Sunday drink, but there are still two more to try in Willington. Sadly, neither of them has a large car park, so we may have to walk from the main one in the village.
Thursday 16th September
Sadly another rather windy and cloudy day, but then Autumn is well and truly on its way.
Like many thousands of people in the UK I have an email account at Yahoo. It’s true to say that I don’t use it very much, but it’s also true to say that it has been useful in the past.
Anyway, whilst I was online a little earlier this morning, I thought I had better catch up on any mail I might have there. Imagine my surprise when my details weren’t recognised. I’ve been with Yahoo and had the same user name and password, ever since I first had a computer that plugged into the Internet and, not once in all those years have I had this problem.
Of course I now had to go through the rigmarole of finding out why I couldn’t gain access. The first thing was to tick the box where it said my Password wasn’t recognised. This was followed by typing in those weird squiggles in a box that only somebody with wonky eyes could possibly understand. This procedure took me about 7 attempts and, with glasses, I do have pretty good sight.
Once this was done I then had to await the message Yahoo sends so that I could then go back to the same page and reset my password. I then entered the same password I originally used, which was accepted.
But it didn’t end there, oh no! I now had to set up two new security questions, a procedure that finally allowed me to access my account, only to discover I had nothing of importance in my Inbox or Spam Box. Deep Joy!
No doubt this was all as a result of not using the account for a certain period of time. There was a time, back when I was a complete novice, that I had more than 10 Yahoo accounts, but that was when I was fishing around for new money making ideas, the vast majority of which were, and still are, total rubbish.
We live and learn!!
Friday 17th September
I received an email from cousin Pauline this morning, although, with my current settings in Outlook, it found its way into my Junk box.
I have to say, she does sound positive, but also has many more visits to hospitals and a lot more treatment to endure. My own experiences with the big C were quite tame compared to what she is going through and we’re rooting for her here on Shiralee.
I’m not too sure what we’ll be doing today, apart from the pump-out and diesel top-up that is. We had planned to cruise up to Alrewas and back for a few days, but the weather does not look too promising for the weekend. Still, we do have six months here at Mercia Marina, so there will be ample time to do so later.
I’ve just taken my first look at the outside world, and all seems calm with not a trace of wind, so we should get to the pump-out station without difficulty. But that’s a couple of hours away and the situation could change dramatically by then.
Monday 20th September and another cloudy and windy day has presented itself this morning.
Sadly, although Friday started out as a very bright and mild day, the forecasters, who seem to get it right far more often than wrong these days, assured us that the weather was not set for a fair weekend, so we didn’t bother cruising off to Alrewas. This decision was a very good one as it happens because, when we tried to run the heating yesterday, it refused to start.
This system is run on diesel and is fired up electrically. The trouble with this type of system, is that it is prone to coking up inside with all the tar and such associated with diesel systems. In the four years we’ve lived on ‘Shiralee’ we’ve had the system serviced twice. Each time it has cost us over £200 and, in an effort to delay the inevitable, and on the advice of the owner of a fleet of hire boats, we installed an in line filter. This time around we have lasted about two years without a service, so the filter has certainly paid its way.
Fortunately for us the engineers here at Mercis Marina are not greedy, they charge just £140 and that includes VAT and, if necessary, the fitting of one of the pipes that can also become coked up. Had we gone off on our cruise therefore, we would have had no heating and would have had to rely upon running the engine for our hot water.
On Saturday we did much of nothing and simply chilled out, after going in to Willington to buy the paper and a few other bits. On Sunday however we decided to be a little more adventurous and drove into Findern, which is all of a mile away in the opposite direction, and we called in to The Wheel, which is their local hostelry.
From Monday to Saturday The Wheel offers up some pretty attractive fare but, on Sunday, the order of the day is a rather attractive looking Carvery. Judging by the clientele it is also an eat-as-much-as-you-can type of Carvery, because I spotted at least three customers going up for more.
The chef came out from his hidey-hole when it was necessary to carve the meat, but customers helped themselves to vegetables. There were three choices of meat there, beef, pork and gammon and it seemed that for just £5.95 a slice of each could be had. Next week or the week after could very well see us taking advantage of this very generous, state of affairs.
Yesterday afternoon I accompanied Wifey on her doggy walk and made it as far as the workshop, which is where we have to take the boat for pump-out and diesel. I do believe I overdid it a little bit, because my thigh muscles have been complaining very loudly about this treatment. Wifey assures me I am doing the right thing, but today I do not think I will be taking her up on her offer of walking to the café for a cup of coffee. Instead we’ll be driving over to Morrisson’s for some shopping, and that will be the extent of my exercise for today.
And now for our feature spot, the recipe:
Stilton Pears
This delightful dish is from Cambridgeshire
Ingredients:
Serves: 4
2 large dessert pears, ripe but firm
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 oz curd cheese
3 oz Stilton cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 pinch of mustard powder
1 pinch of sugar
1 tsp poppy seeds
Salt and pepper
Method:
Using an apple corer, remove the cores from the pears.
Sprinkle the cavities with 1 tbsp of the lemon juice.
Cream together the two cheeses.
Press as much mixture as possible into the cavities, then cover
and chill until ready to serve.
Just before serving, whisk the oil, mayonnaise, remaining lemon
juice, mustard, sugar, poppy seeds, salt and pepper together.
Spoon on to 4 individual plates.
Cut each pear in half lengthways then slice, fan out and arrange, cut side down, in the dressing.
Serve at once.
Wednesday 22 September
Yesterday was a pretty bad day for me, all aches and pains and difficulty walking. My own fault really, because I walked too far the day before, resulting in my thighs giving me trouble. I suppose I should remember that I haven’t done any serious walking for a few years due to the dodgy knees. Now that I have new ones I’m keen to get fully mobile but, as the surgeon told me last week, this could take six months or more, so I suppose I’m just going to have to be patient.
We telephoned the local workshop yesterday to remind them about our heating problem. They have promised to come and take a look this afternoon, but although their service only costs £140 (only?) it could cost even more if the burner has to be replaced. Apparently it is best to have the unit serviced every year, preferably during the summer months when it is not being used so much.
The weather forecasters have told us to expect some really cold stuff from the north at the end of the week, so we really do need this to be carried out within the next couple of days.
I have my first appointment with the Diabetes Nurse this afternoon. Actually I’m quite proud of myself lately, especially where my blood glucose readings are concerned. I have managed to keep the readings within single figures for quite a while now, except for the occasional hiccup, which is usually due to Marian’s cakes and such. But I think I’m doing really well on that score. Now all I need is for my legs to ease up and allow me to get a proper nights sleep.
Thursday 23rd September
Well, nursey was not best pleased with me, despite my own feelings that I was doing pretty well. My cholesterol was too high at 5.4, with the good stuff being too low and the bad stuff being too high. So, more oily fish to raise the good stuff and more pills to lower the bad stuff.
Another blood test to be taken tomorrow to determine my average blood glucose level, because doctor forgot to include it in the last one. Considering the fact that the Phlebotomist had four stabs at finding a vein, finally resorting to asking a doctor to take my blood, it will probably be a lot of fun tomorrow.
The engineer turned up yesterday morning and checked the heater which, to everybody’s surprise, actually fired up. But, since it really does need a service, we asked him to take the unit away. He phoned soon after to tell us it really does need a new burner, so, instead of £140, we’re now looking at £280.
It is now almost 5.30 am and, with the weekend coming up and, with eight pages already written, I suppose it’s time to post.
Have a good weekend people.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
Despite the promise of rain from the so-called experts at the Met Office, today has dawned clear but rather windy. The prevailing wind at Mercia seems to be coming at us from directly astern, which makes it rather difficult when we need to reverse out and go for a pump-out. Hopefully it will be a little calmer later today or even tomorrow morning, because we not only need the pump-out but diesel as well.
In future though, we’ll have to reverse into the mooring slot, which will place our side hatch in line with Brimar. However, I do not expect my earlier predictions, of a couple of fish-wives nattering across the gap, to amount to anything. For one thing Marian is usually far too busy to stop for a chat, except on the odd occasion when we invite her and Brian in for a coffee.
We’ve received a reply to my email to Lee Sanitation regarding the warning light in the loo. Hopefully they will be able to supply just the light, as opposed to the whole unit, which would set us back about £70. This is only the second time in the four years we’ve owned Shiralee that the LED has blown, so I suppose we shouldn’t grumble.
I am pleased to say that I am now able to drive with very little discomfort. This should help in strengthening my calf muscles a little, but I’m still concerned about the thighs, which seem rather weak. Whilst I’ve been hobbling about on dodgy knees for the past three years, they really haven’t had much to do. I suppose I’ll just have to do as much exercise as possible until they become more useful to me. I also must spend more time in a horizontal position to help alleviate the water retention problem. Perhaps my doctor, to whom I will pay a visit tomorrow, will be able to come up with some suggestions regarding both problems.
We’re having a wee problem locating a decent mini-market that is anywhere near as good as the one in Quorn. Our nearest is the Co-op in Willington which, to be honest is less than useless. The store in Repton is not much better, but the village does at least have a decent butchers.
We have yet to find a pub we like for our Sunday drink, but there are still two more to try in Willington. Sadly, neither of them has a large car park, so we may have to walk from the main one in the village.
Thursday 16th September
Sadly another rather windy and cloudy day, but then Autumn is well and truly on its way.
Like many thousands of people in the UK I have an email account at Yahoo. It’s true to say that I don’t use it very much, but it’s also true to say that it has been useful in the past.
Anyway, whilst I was online a little earlier this morning, I thought I had better catch up on any mail I might have there. Imagine my surprise when my details weren’t recognised. I’ve been with Yahoo and had the same user name and password, ever since I first had a computer that plugged into the Internet and, not once in all those years have I had this problem.
Of course I now had to go through the rigmarole of finding out why I couldn’t gain access. The first thing was to tick the box where it said my Password wasn’t recognised. This was followed by typing in those weird squiggles in a box that only somebody with wonky eyes could possibly understand. This procedure took me about 7 attempts and, with glasses, I do have pretty good sight.
Once this was done I then had to await the message Yahoo sends so that I could then go back to the same page and reset my password. I then entered the same password I originally used, which was accepted.
But it didn’t end there, oh no! I now had to set up two new security questions, a procedure that finally allowed me to access my account, only to discover I had nothing of importance in my Inbox or Spam Box. Deep Joy!
No doubt this was all as a result of not using the account for a certain period of time. There was a time, back when I was a complete novice, that I had more than 10 Yahoo accounts, but that was when I was fishing around for new money making ideas, the vast majority of which were, and still are, total rubbish.
We live and learn!!
Friday 17th September
I received an email from cousin Pauline this morning, although, with my current settings in Outlook, it found its way into my Junk box.
I have to say, she does sound positive, but also has many more visits to hospitals and a lot more treatment to endure. My own experiences with the big C were quite tame compared to what she is going through and we’re rooting for her here on Shiralee.
I’m not too sure what we’ll be doing today, apart from the pump-out and diesel top-up that is. We had planned to cruise up to Alrewas and back for a few days, but the weather does not look too promising for the weekend. Still, we do have six months here at Mercia Marina, so there will be ample time to do so later.
I’ve just taken my first look at the outside world, and all seems calm with not a trace of wind, so we should get to the pump-out station without difficulty. But that’s a couple of hours away and the situation could change dramatically by then.
Monday 20th September and another cloudy and windy day has presented itself this morning.
Sadly, although Friday started out as a very bright and mild day, the forecasters, who seem to get it right far more often than wrong these days, assured us that the weather was not set for a fair weekend, so we didn’t bother cruising off to Alrewas. This decision was a very good one as it happens because, when we tried to run the heating yesterday, it refused to start.
This system is run on diesel and is fired up electrically. The trouble with this type of system, is that it is prone to coking up inside with all the tar and such associated with diesel systems. In the four years we’ve lived on ‘Shiralee’ we’ve had the system serviced twice. Each time it has cost us over £200 and, in an effort to delay the inevitable, and on the advice of the owner of a fleet of hire boats, we installed an in line filter. This time around we have lasted about two years without a service, so the filter has certainly paid its way.
Fortunately for us the engineers here at Mercis Marina are not greedy, they charge just £140 and that includes VAT and, if necessary, the fitting of one of the pipes that can also become coked up. Had we gone off on our cruise therefore, we would have had no heating and would have had to rely upon running the engine for our hot water.
On Saturday we did much of nothing and simply chilled out, after going in to Willington to buy the paper and a few other bits. On Sunday however we decided to be a little more adventurous and drove into Findern, which is all of a mile away in the opposite direction, and we called in to The Wheel, which is their local hostelry.
From Monday to Saturday The Wheel offers up some pretty attractive fare but, on Sunday, the order of the day is a rather attractive looking Carvery. Judging by the clientele it is also an eat-as-much-as-you-can type of Carvery, because I spotted at least three customers going up for more.
The chef came out from his hidey-hole when it was necessary to carve the meat, but customers helped themselves to vegetables. There were three choices of meat there, beef, pork and gammon and it seemed that for just £5.95 a slice of each could be had. Next week or the week after could very well see us taking advantage of this very generous, state of affairs.
Yesterday afternoon I accompanied Wifey on her doggy walk and made it as far as the workshop, which is where we have to take the boat for pump-out and diesel. I do believe I overdid it a little bit, because my thigh muscles have been complaining very loudly about this treatment. Wifey assures me I am doing the right thing, but today I do not think I will be taking her up on her offer of walking to the café for a cup of coffee. Instead we’ll be driving over to Morrisson’s for some shopping, and that will be the extent of my exercise for today.
And now for our feature spot, the recipe:
Stilton Pears
This delightful dish is from Cambridgeshire
Ingredients:
Serves: 4
2 large dessert pears, ripe but firm
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 oz curd cheese
3 oz Stilton cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 pinch of mustard powder
1 pinch of sugar
1 tsp poppy seeds
Salt and pepper
Method:
Using an apple corer, remove the cores from the pears.
Sprinkle the cavities with 1 tbsp of the lemon juice.
Cream together the two cheeses.
Press as much mixture as possible into the cavities, then cover
and chill until ready to serve.
Just before serving, whisk the oil, mayonnaise, remaining lemon
juice, mustard, sugar, poppy seeds, salt and pepper together.
Spoon on to 4 individual plates.
Cut each pear in half lengthways then slice, fan out and arrange, cut side down, in the dressing.
Serve at once.
Wednesday 22 September
Yesterday was a pretty bad day for me, all aches and pains and difficulty walking. My own fault really, because I walked too far the day before, resulting in my thighs giving me trouble. I suppose I should remember that I haven’t done any serious walking for a few years due to the dodgy knees. Now that I have new ones I’m keen to get fully mobile but, as the surgeon told me last week, this could take six months or more, so I suppose I’m just going to have to be patient.
We telephoned the local workshop yesterday to remind them about our heating problem. They have promised to come and take a look this afternoon, but although their service only costs £140 (only?) it could cost even more if the burner has to be replaced. Apparently it is best to have the unit serviced every year, preferably during the summer months when it is not being used so much.
The weather forecasters have told us to expect some really cold stuff from the north at the end of the week, so we really do need this to be carried out within the next couple of days.
I have my first appointment with the Diabetes Nurse this afternoon. Actually I’m quite proud of myself lately, especially where my blood glucose readings are concerned. I have managed to keep the readings within single figures for quite a while now, except for the occasional hiccup, which is usually due to Marian’s cakes and such. But I think I’m doing really well on that score. Now all I need is for my legs to ease up and allow me to get a proper nights sleep.
Thursday 23rd September
Well, nursey was not best pleased with me, despite my own feelings that I was doing pretty well. My cholesterol was too high at 5.4, with the good stuff being too low and the bad stuff being too high. So, more oily fish to raise the good stuff and more pills to lower the bad stuff.
Another blood test to be taken tomorrow to determine my average blood glucose level, because doctor forgot to include it in the last one. Considering the fact that the Phlebotomist had four stabs at finding a vein, finally resorting to asking a doctor to take my blood, it will probably be a lot of fun tomorrow.
The engineer turned up yesterday morning and checked the heater which, to everybody’s surprise, actually fired up. But, since it really does need a service, we asked him to take the unit away. He phoned soon after to tell us it really does need a new burner, so, instead of £140, we’re now looking at £280.
It is now almost 5.30 am and, with the weekend coming up and, with eight pages already written, I suppose it’s time to post.
Have a good weekend people.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
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