Travelling the waterways living and working in our 21st century ways links us to the past. We use routes designed by famous engineers like Brindley and Telford whose waterfilled channels and tunnels for commercial haulage were created by armies of labourers. In some places like the Ashby where we are now, we are not onlyContinue reading “Restorative practices”
Author Archives: pickingupducks
Betrayal, abandonment and death
We’ve been living in the shadow of a seismic royal upheaval for the past few weeks. We tread the same paths and see the same fields that two kings saw, one of whom would never see anything other than these views ever again, over 500 years ago This area of the country is where theContinue reading “Betrayal, abandonment and death”
Left out in the cold
We have first-hand evidence that the UK Government is discriminating, prevaricating, and putting out untruthful disinformation. With a huge fanfare back in May 2022 the then Chancellor, one Rishi Sunak you may remember, announced a non means tested, £400 discount for every household to help with energy bills. The EBSS – Energy Bills Support SchemeContinue reading “Left out in the cold”
How to live happier and make the world better
Research says loss of a partner with whom you’ve lived for many years is often made harder to bear because of the reaction of others. What the researchers refer to relates to the heart-rending loss of a pet. They say that often results in profound grief that is unacknowledged by those around, and this extendsContinue reading “How to live happier and make the world better”
Farcical planning – a feelgood essential right now
Sleep has come easily this week. As the rain regularly patters or thunders on the metal roof of our home, it becomes the only sound – white noise that drowns everything out and sends you to sleep. On the other side of the coin, when you wake in the velvety darkness wondering what woke you,Continue reading “Farcical planning – a feelgood essential right now”
Diurnal wobble and other experiences
It’s been a strange first week of the year – combining unsettling new lessons and exciting experiences, with comforting returns to familiarity. All giving a chance to learn, reflect, and move better equipped into the months ahead. We started the week on the Coventry Canal at Fradley Junction. The Mucky Duck aka The Swan provedContinue reading “Diurnal wobble and other experiences”
Go slow in 2023
We float peacefully into yet another year in a world overshadowed by conflict, disputes and environmental threats. Sometimes it can seem that there is little we can do but we do all have a chance to reflect and reset our personal compasses for the year ahead to make a difference. Aboard nb Preaux we’re thinkingContinue reading “Go slow in 2023”
Christmas Wishes
We’re very aware this year particularly, of how strange a time of the year this is – so joyous and with plenty for many, which makes it appear even harder, more lonely and more lacking for many others. We know we are hugely fortunate to celebrate this week with family and loved ones. We’re alsoContinue reading “Christmas Wishes”
Frozen assets
Our floating home and office is currently trapped in rural Staffordshire with us inside. We are quite literally frozen solid in the canal, unable to move because of thick ice. To move would damage the blacking that protects the steel hull, and we’ve only just had the boat reblacked. That’s a regular maintenance job everyContinue reading “Frozen assets”
Interrogating the season
Bet it’s bad in winter – you don’t live on it all year round do you – guess you don’t move at this time of year? Constant questions boaters face at this time of year. Our responses are usually always the same – it’s cosy inside as small spaces are easier to heat – it’sContinue reading “Interrogating the season”
Pickingupducks 