It doesn’t matter how many times you launch yourself into new ventures, there is always a frisson of fear, an nagging anxiety, concern over what might happen (even when you know you have prepared, even over-prepared for every eventuality). There are those nights of unsettled sleep, butterflies in the stomach, irritability, and edginess. It’s theContinue reading “Free-floating anxiety management”
Tag Archives: journey
Messing about on the River…
Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need – a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends, worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog, and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear, and a little moreContinue reading “Messing about on the River…”
Taking a break this week
We’ve both spent time with family this week. Being useful in different parts of the country at different times and also separately enjoyed time alone on the boat – a rare treat for the Skipper. Normal service will be resumed next week, and hopefully, by then, we shall be taking you with us on theContinue reading “Taking a break this week”
Surviving a heatwave in a tin can
We’re in a heatwave. A time when living and working in a metal box doesn’t always seem the best idea. It is also a time when social media and crowd intelligence/experience comes into its own. People are quick to share what’s worked for them, from draping cold wet towels over windows to setting up pumpsContinue reading “Surviving a heatwave in a tin can”
Don’t miss opportunities for success
You have to see it, to believe you can be it, they say, and in education and careers that is so true. It was brought home to me this week at one of the best inaugural professorial lectures I have attended (and I’ve been to a fair few). Probably one of the worst photos I’veContinue reading “Don’t miss opportunities for success”
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”
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”
We’re done – it’s over.
That’s it then – all over. How did that happen so quickly? For the first time in our five years of working and living afloat on a narrowboat, we took a winter mooring. Somehow it’s been nearly four whole months that we have remained (most of the time) in one place. Some people go intoContinue reading “We’re done – it’s over.”
Pickingupducks 