Blindgötu, cul-de-sac, sackgasse, the bottom of a bag – dead end doesn’t sound an attractive proposition whatever the language (Icelandic, French and German as well as English here). To reach a dead end means you’re not making any progress, you’re unlikely to succeed, but this week, dead ends have literally been our focus. Heading somewhereContinue reading “Bag bottoms and historic Arms”
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Want a win win win win situation? (and probably more wins too)
“volunteer (vɒləntɪəʳ) (countable noun) A volunteer is someone who does work without being paid for it, because they want to do it.” We’ve had 3 win win days this week – wins for us, wins for the environment and wins (we hope) for Canal and River Trust, the charity that looks after most of the inland waterways we travelContinue reading “Want a win win win win situation? (and probably more wins too)”
Fragile but vital reminders
It’s been a week of remembering, celebrating and feeling immense gratitude. Victory in Europe 80 years ago spoke of peace, an end to fear and suffering, of hope for all. It has added poignancy today as it appears some individuals and some nations have moved away from recognising the courage and strength required to beContinue reading “Fragile but vital reminders”
Swanning about at work, and life
Monday mornings when you live on a canal are rarely heart-sinking events as they can be in conventional life, but this Monday brought a real heart-stopping, breath-holding moment. From our dining table, desk, and workspace this week we’ve been able to see a swan nest, piled high with broken reeds by the pair of muteContinue reading “Swanning about at work, and life”
Travelling in the footsteps and hoofprints of history
1805. Admiral Lord Nelson told his men that England expected them to do their duty as they approached the combined French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar, knowing many would lose their lives. As the smoke of cannons cleared, it was apparent the smaller fighting fleet of the British had triumphed, although 5,000Continue reading “Travelling in the footsteps and hoofprints of history”
Reflections on many, many things!
Happy Easter everyone! I was delighted to be near this boat this week in a bit of serendipitous mooring! Hire boats packed with multigenerational holiday makers are evident on the waterways this week, which is great to see. As Boatdog and I passed a moored one we heard a small girl being reassured by herContinue reading “Reflections on many, many things!”
Resuming work/life/move balance
Humans (and dogs) are adaptable beings. We’ve slotted comfortably back into our usual move-moor routine after the winter mooring and winter stoppage delays. The weather has been glorious, which has made boatlife and the usual chores that go with it, a delight. Cleaning windows in the sun is a pleasure. Watching the sunlight stream throughContinue reading “Resuming work/life/move balance”
Sometimes you just have to move on…
We’re back on the move, with this week encapsulating the variety of life afloat on the inland waterways of Great Britain. In five days we’ve travelled 28 miles up 42 locks. We’ve moored in a city (surprisingly quiet considering we were alongside university student accommodation), outside a village (peaceful) and in the middle of fieldsContinue reading “Sometimes you just have to move on…”
Biophilia indoors is bringing evident benefits
One of the most popular and most watched episodes of Grand Designs was that of woodsman Ben Law, handbuilding his cruck-framed home in the Sussex woodland he manages. The thought he put into making the wood the centrepiece of his incredible home and the care with which he handcrafted every element appealed not just toContinue reading “Biophilia indoors is bringing evident benefits”
A week of Ws
Work. Wood. Wall cupboards. Work. Weirs. Waiting. Wallpaper and a bit more Work. That’s our week – how’s your week been? This weekend, we will be getting the wall cupboards and the final work done on the kitchen – thanks, Ben. It’s been a week of sanding, oiling, seriously admiring and stroking the tactile curvesContinue reading “A week of Ws”
Pickingupducks 