Electrics

Doing DIY on narrowboats is often rather amusing and today was just one example.
This afternoon I successfully wired in a light in my bedroom. It was only when I went through to the rest of the boat that I realised the only place I now have light is in the bedroom. Unfortunately it had gone dark so I couldn't see what the problem was, but after finding my torch I had managed to undo a connection in the bathroom. I re-did this and now have light all down the boat. Indeed, the only place I don't have light where I would like to is in the engine room.

chillin'

I wonder if you have children, I don’t. I do however have a new niece who was born barely two days ago, yet already I have a picture of her looking very chilled out as she relaxes wrapped up in a blanket. Her face looks as though it is covered in a fine, soft silky short almost downy non-existent hair. As I see her looking I wonder what it is that makes a person. How amazing that my sister and her husband now have a child; a new person given to them in some way. Who is she? I find it incredible that new life has occurred; it is a beauty unfathomable yet incredible. Life is amazing, truly amazing.

Photo: Bones Summer 2006

Bones chilling out on the River Wey in Weybridge. Bliss

photo: Bones

Bones' roof. Must get that mop out sometime!

Missing the piano

Something I really miss is the piano and I have been thinking about putting one onboard. If anyone reading this blog has any experience/knowledge do let me know.

I am very luck to have access to pianos around the parish boundaries but it isn't quite the same as playing when inspiration hits. I think I would have to go for an electric one as they are easier on the neighbours ear!

Photo: Hampton

Mornings

The birds are singing, the wind is gently rocking the boat from side to side, the fire is warm and I have a cuppa in my hand.
BLISS.

New Link

check out move your boat

Today.

I am exhausted. It is 6:40 and I have only just had afternoon tea! In a moment of quaintness I decided to brew my tea and cook my crumpets on the wood burning stove. I won't be doing that again.

Several weeks ago I wrote about a cupboard I had put up just inside the front doors for coats etc. Unfortunately I didn't put the door on quite right (or so I thought), and the hinge end of the door is about 1cm further in than the open end of the door (if you get what I mean). This means the vents on the louvre door are slightly angled towards the door.... which actually works quite well! In a moment of genius I realised the air will flow through the louvres into the cupboard much easier with the door at a slight angle towards the front doors. Anyone would think I designed it like that! I am hoping that the Bones approach to narrowboat fitout will sweep all before it and conquer the waterways (before they are closed down).

Problems with my door

Despite being a state of squalor and disrepair, I am finding my boat most delightful at the moment. I have found fitting out my bathroom to be a slow process, and although I haven't finished it I have decided to tidy up for the weekend as I may have visitors. This has involved putting everything sort of back or under the bed. The bathroom now looks much better and I can now get to my bed without danger of being impaled by various bits of equipment/wood.

Unfortunately I can't get into the boat very easily once I have shut the front doors because they seem to have jammed. If I had a plane I would fix it but I haven't so I shall just have to settle for kicking the door shut and pulling ferociously to open it. I wonder if such violence will win me respect on the pontoon? I doubt it - and for one simple reason: Last week when I was working at a school one of the lads looked at me and said that 'without the hair' I would look exactly like someone in his taxi. I asked who that was and he said 'chris' I asked 'how old is she, is she the driver?' 'No' he replied looking at me as if I was stupid 'he's in year 7'.

There is nothing to say to that is there!

Photo: how not to dress when steaming.

Good News: Solar Panels

I am delighted to announce that my solar panels arrived today! I am hoping to fit them this week or over the weekend and have been told it is very simple... I shall let you know how I get on.


The panels came from a fabulous chap from sustainable systems. Excellent service by email and telephone.