Are people fundamentally good? Thomas Hobbes maintained that people were totally self-centred, while Jean-Jacques Rousseau was totally committed to the theory that people were fundamentally good. Hobbes was English and lived in the 17th century. Rousseau was French and lived a century later. Could that indicate both were right in their national experience, or perhapsContinue reading “When personal tragedy strikes, can we count on our fellow humans?”
Tag Archives: boatlife
Be the change
There’s been what feels like a meteoric change in the UK this week, one I hope we can be part of bringing onto the waterways. This week we’ve had the pleasure and privilege of spending time with those who count, who really count – the next generations. These are the individuals who will shape ourContinue reading “Be the change”
Election matters
General elections are different when you live afloat as a continuous cruiser, moving from location to location. We’ve already voted via postal votes after managing to register to vote as No Fixed Abode voters – see our previous blog for the ins and outs of that initial saga! This election has brought us clear positives:Continue reading “Election matters”
Hooked on giving therapy, income and joy
Life alternates for us these days between a static floating existence at point A and frenetic activity before returning to point A. It seems perhaps how we used to live in the years before we moved afloat. It feels like living for a while with more gentle sunsets than electrifying sunrises. Family needs mean thatContinue reading “Hooked on giving therapy, income and joy”
Just one thing – a late arrangement of learning
The sadly suddenly late Dr Michael Mosley in his recent series just one thing looked at the value of learning a new skill. Researchers from Herriot Watt University said activities that involve a combination of physical, mental, and social elements seem to be particularly beneficial. So they advised finding something that fits you as anContinue reading “Just one thing – a late arrangement of learning”
Prepping for FAB life and student life too!
We are crammed to, above and beyond the gunwhales (“gunnels” if you prefer) this week, as I’m frantically stock making and collecting ready for FAB next weekend. FAB, Folk and Boat Festival is an annual shindig in Middlewich, that’s been going since 1990. It brings together the towns long canal history – boats have beenContinue reading “Prepping for FAB life and student life too!”
Goals and challenges in the slow lane
There are goals in every world – home, career and it turns out inland waterways. Our home and career goals are clear – go slower and savour moments. Inland waterways goals it appears, can combine both of those and achieve a plaque at the same time. This week we’ve had a wonderful week away. AContinue reading “Goals and challenges in the slow lane”
Ageing effectively
It’ll come to us all if we are lucky – old age that is. When it does we need to be ready for it, for the change it will bring to us, but also to those we love and who love us. It’s frustrating, infuriating and exhausting as we have witnessed first hand. Their bodyContinue reading “Ageing effectively”
365 Boatdog days
It’s a year since our ‘new’ furry Boatdog came aboard. She is her own character – nothing like her beloved furry predecessor Cola and definitely with a mind of her own. She spent the first six and a half years of her life as a breeding bitch, producing 4 litters of cockerpoo pups in thatContinue reading “365 Boatdog days”
Fear, fright, lessons and brutality
How’s your week been? Mine’s been a week of uplifting new experiences, valuable lessons, fear and sheer brutality. I’m one of many people who suffer from acrophobia – a fear of heights. My knees wobble, I feel faint and sick at heights, my heart races, and I get short of breath. School friends still rememberContinue reading “Fear, fright, lessons and brutality”
Pickingupducks 