Saturday, December 23, 2006

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.

Friday, December 22, 2006

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

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

photo: Bones




Bones' roof. Must get that mop out sometime!

Saturday, December 16, 2006

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!

Friday, December 15, 2006

Photo: Hampton

Monday, December 11, 2006

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.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

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).

Friday, December 08, 2006

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.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

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.