Almyne 2009
Sun, 1 Mar 2009
2½ miles
Had a lay in this morning, well I call it a lay in. I woke at about quarter to six, had a glass of orange juice and went back to bed. I lay there worrying that I would not go back to sleep but must have dozed on and off for couple of hours and eventually got up just before nine.
D'fer
was barking on and off for about an hour before I got up and when I looked outside there was a row of fishermen waiting to start a match. Popped along to the nearest and found out that the match starts at nine fifteen and goes on to two fifteen. D'fer had been barking at each one as they arrived.
Didn't really feel like breakfast but did have a slice of toast and set off about ten.
Down to Norton junction and turned left. It is a tight turn at the best of times and with Almyne Too (Dinky Doo) on the back it took me longer than I should expect, however I made it in one piece and set off up the Leicester arm. Moored up about a mile along the Leicester arm in a nice little spot and set about collecting some wood for the fire. The weather is improving (however temporarily) and coal makes Almyne much too hot.
I had intended to walk back along the tow path to collect the ambulance but the tow path approaching Norton junction is undergoing repairs and is not usable so I had to make the journey by road. Only took about an hour and a half, although, as usual, I got lost on the way back.
Back at Almyne I did a little fishing and then decided to make the name plate for Almyne. Got the computer out and typeset the name plate and printed two copies, one for each side.
A light tea and then I set to painting the name in. Using yacht enamels on paper for fine work is not easy and I changed brushes five times till I found one that nearly worked.
Although I always had a 'yen' for Re'fer I have always known that we were not really suited but it was wonderful to have someone to share the canals with.
I don't think that we could ever have been happy together but I do think that we were happy doing the things that we did together and I do know that she left Almyne fitter and happier than she had been for a long time, although the parting was difficult
A quiet evening and an early start tomorrow as I have to post some of Davids bits and pieces to him so I need to find an envelope and a post office.
Mon, 2 Mar 2009
Waking early and having a lie in is becoming an enjoyable habit. After my lie in I got up just after nine and did an hour or two of internetty stuff.
Collected the bits and pieces that David
needs and set off to Daventry to put it in the post. Found a post office, purchased a Jiffy bag and sent them off, recorded delivery, guaranteed next day, hope he is in to receive it.
Meant to call in at Homebase on my way back to Almyne but as usual I got a little lost and missed it.
Did manage to get a big thigh bone for D'fer so he spent the afternoon chewing that on the tow path, always a worry for me because he has a habit of dropping it in the water.
Also got two new pillows. I think that Re'fer may have gone a bit overboard when she collected her stuff, on the other hand I know that I did throw one of mine away as it was showing signs of damp, so I might have thrown the other away as well. Anyway, sorted now.
Back at Almyne I pottered about for a while, collecting wood for the fire and a bit more internetty stuff.
The sun was bright an warm and I felt that I should be doing something positive so I re-arranged Almyne Too so I could get inside and fitted the two bench seat boards properly.
Painted the name bit on the other name plate and I am still wondering how to fix it to Almyne Too and how to protect it, but I will sort that out.
I need to paint the background of the board yellow, the name is in blue, so that it matches Almyne.
I haven't had much of an appetite for a few days, or more properly not much inclination to cook. Maybe that is because I have not had to cook for myself for a long time now. Made a Bolognese and surprised my self by realising that I had forgotten how. It did come back to me when I started looking for ingredients. I added some sultanas and some cashew nuts, something that I like in my Bolognese.
Quiet evening watching DVDs but I did forget to give D'fer the spare spaghetti in the pan.
Tue, 3 Mar 2009
Another lie in.
D'fer has last nights spaghetti and the remains of my toast for breakfast.
Whiled away the morning collecting and cutting wood for the fire, not sunny enough to work on Almyne Too. With rain and wind threatened this afternoon I want to be prepared.
That done and off to town. There are some bits and pieces that I want to get. Paint brushes, a palette and paper to practice painting on, some hinges and fixing blocks for Almyne Too, some dog food and some scratchy sponge pads for washing up. I have been meaning to get them for ages.
Made all my purchases and some incense sticks as well, sandalwood and jasmine.
On the way back to Almyne it tried raining and as I have nearly half a mile to walk from the ambulance to Almyne I was hoping that it would hold off. It did.
Did some internetty stuff and while I was doing that the rain and wind kicked in, no work on Almyne Too this afternoon and I lit the fire just before three, hope I have enough wood.
Cottage pie this evening, made with some of the sauce from yesterday, with carrots and broccoli. I expect tomorrow will be chilli.
I must put a twelve volt CD player on the list of things to get, the computer sound is not really good enough to listen to.
Did the mash for the cottage pie, put the meat in a dish, put the potato on top and put it in the oven. Prepared the vegetables and put them on the stove. Half an hour later I remembered and found that the gas had run out. Changed he bottle in the rain and put dinner on again. It was good when it arrived.
Wed, 4 Mar 2009
Didn't have a lie in this morning, slept right through till nearly nine.
Lovely day today so I took everything off the top of Almyne and washed it. I also removed the mushroom as it is no longer needed with the ropes now being fixed to the gunwales.
Collected and cut up enough wood to keep me going for another evening, and found some logs that I might just attack with the chain saw tomorrow.
Did some more work on the name plate for Almyne Too, the duck. Practised a bit first till I was sure that I had got it right. I think it is going to work.
Didn't light the fire till after five this evening, perhaps spring is on it's way after all.
I was right yesterday, it is chilli for tea this evening, bunged some kidney beans in the sauce and hey presto, a quick meal.
Thu, 5 Mar 2009
2 miles 7 locks
Up fairly early after a good nights sleep.
Collected the logs for tonight's fire (I had already cut them up yesterday) and decided to do a little more painting for the name plate for Almyne Too, but my fingers were a little cold so I decided to go for a walk to get some internal body heat.
Took D'fer for a walk along the tow path to see where I might move to, been here too long already, it's nearly five days.
Found a nice little spot, quiet but close to a road, so walked back to Almyne, did the engine checks and set off. Very pleasant navigating, with the sun shining most of the time. Some clouds did appear in the sky, threatening rain, but they went away again.
Got rid of the rubbish at the facilities point on the way and topped up with water.
By half three I was nicely ensconced at my mooring, considering a little fishing.
Had an email from Chrissie
who is in Braunston at the moment. They invited me to journey with them through the tunnel, so I have arranged to have breakfast with them on Monday morning.
Fri, 6 Mar 2009
Up just after seven feeling fully refreshed, something to do with the sun being so bright.
A good breakfast and some internetty stuff.
Off to Northampton to do some shopping. Got provisions for the weekend. Spotted a DIY store to get the timber for Almyne Too, but there was a height restriction on access and the ambulance was too high. That's life.
Found my way back to Almyne had a cup of Fennel and Nettle tea and went in search of firewood. Half an hour later I had enough for the evening.
Did some more work on the Almyne Too nameplate, will take a picture of it when finished.
Spent he rest of the afternoon relaxing.
On the fourteenth of March Buckby Locks will be navigable, BW have been working on them and they are not yet ready. So then I will be able to head of towards London, all the way down the Grand Union , which leads to The Stort Navigation, The Lee navigation, The Northampton arm, The Wendover arm, The Aylesbury arm, The Slough arm, The Brentford arm and in to Little Venice and Paddington. But that will be after Market Harborough for May bank holiday when I hope to attend the Rockingham festival.
I love making plans.
Sat, 7 Mar 2009
Another quiet day. I hope David fixes his vehicle soon so that we can start travelling again. I don't want to set off in one direction if he would prefer to go in the other.
Spent some of the morning collecting wood again, it is meant to be colder this afternoon and evening so I want to be prepared.
That sorted, I finished painting the name plates for Almyne Too. Once dry I will need to give them a coat of varnish both sides, probably several coats as they are only card and I want to stick them to the outside of Almyne Too.
I'll varnish them again when they are stuck on.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, another day over, perhaps I will go and read a book.
Sun, 8 Mar 2009
Another quiet day after a disturbed night. The wind was gusting quite badly and the creaking and groaning was quite disconcerting.
Up about half nine, the wind had died away so started to collect some wood for the fire, but it started raining so I gave that up as a bad job.
In reality I do not need the wood, I do have coal on board, but the wood is FREE and the more I use wood the less I have to find a coal merchant and get some more coal.
Varnished one side of the name plates for Almyne Too and put them on one side to dry and then tried my hand at 'roses'. Made a bit of a hash of them, but learnt a lot.
The rain eased off a bit so I had another go at collecting and cutting some wood for the fire. Got enough to last me the evening, but with the fire lit just after two I did need to use some coal.
Made some alterations to the web site, introducing a new section, Musings, which I hope to have live very soon.
I'm going to get through a lot of books at this rate, perhaps I should start writing critiques of them (only joking).
Mon, 9 Mar 2009
A lot of the night time creakings is because I have allowed the mooring ropes to become slack, letting Almyne rock backwards and forwards with the breeze. Nonetheless I had a good nights sleep and woke at about eight fifteen, in time to turn the opportunity clock off before it went off.
Jumped out of bed, cooked breakfast and completed my morning rituals.
Off to the ambulance and made sure that it would start, rang Chrissie to let them know that I was on the way and would be there by about half ten.
Drove to Welton Wharf, parked by the bridge and walked over the tunnel towards Braunston . Chrissie rang to say that they had only just set off and were still going through the locks. Told her that I would meet them in one of them at some time.
Caught up with them at I think it was lock two in the flight. Chrissie insisted that I take con of their boat to get the hang of it before the tunnel. It was a bit scary navigating an almost brand new boat, much longer than my own, in and out of wide locks in a strong wind. As is my want, I took it slowly and I think I made a fair job of it.
Chrissie and Richard
worked the locks up to, and including, the Top Lock (No 6) whereupon Richard
took the dogs (D'fer and their own two) over the tunnel, while I took Digitalis through the tunnel. Chrissie
wondered if she might be able to manage Crick Tunnel on her own, so either I made it look real easy, or I made such a mess of it that she doesn't want me to ever touch their boat again. Hopefully it was the former as I didn't bang Digitalis against a wall once.
On exiting the tunnel, Richard and the dogs were there waiting for us. Everyone jumped on board and I continued on to the bridge at Welton Wharf, where we moored up and Chrissie made lunch for everyone.
After lunch we sat and chatted for an hour or two and digitalisChrisie did a Tarot reading for me.
Now I have never been one for Tarot readings but the way Chrissie did it seem quite novel. She doesn't claim to be particularly clairvoyant, she just follows the rules and then reads the results from her instruction book. The reading turned out to be, to say the least, interesting and, because it was so favourable, most acceptable.
That completed, we had another cup of tea, a little more chat and I returned to Almyne to collect more wood for the evening.
Chrissie and Richard are expecting to be coming through the Watford flight tomorrow, so I told them to give me a ring when they get there and I will go and give them a hand.
Fortunately the rain had held off while moving Digitalis but on arrival back at Almyne it started and continued on and off for the rest of the afternoon, so collecting wood became a quick rush out, a little sawing and chopping and a quick dive back into Almyne.
Ho hum.
Had a text from James just before five, he has the rest of my stuff the Re'fer is returning, do I want to go and get it?
Organised a collection point and time and got there at almost the same time as James, not a lot of stuff, just some bits and pieces, but now there is closure on the episode.
Dinner, a DVD or two and off to bed.
Tue, 10 Mar 2009
Up in plenty of time to go and assist Chrissie and Richard
but I am not sure that they will want to travel today, it is raining.
In between breaks in the rain I managed to find a tree that was rotten enough to be pushed over without too much trouble and dragged it back to Almyne where I left it outside, waiting for another break in the rain.
Halfway through the morning I got a call from Chrissie , they had just got to the first lock of the Watford flight, so I stopped what I was doing, donned my hat and set off.
Arrived to find them in the first of the staircase locks and assisted them through.
The flight complete I jumped on their boat and they gave me a lift back to Almyne.
By this time the sun had broken through and the afternoon was just wonderful. We stood outside chatting for a while and then I returned to Almyne to do some chores.
First I cleared off the television and computer area, so that I could polish the wood. Oh oh, no polish. But wait a minute, perhaps it would be better off being varnished. Checked my stores and found some medium oak varnish, so that is what I did.
With nowhere to use my computer while the varnish dries (12 hours) I assembled it in the bedroom, balancing the key board and mouse on a little box on my lap. It worked fairly well.
Gave the nameplate for Almyne Too a coat of varnish on the back of the card and varnished my test piece to one of the gas locker covers.
If that lasts for a week or two then I think the nameplate will work.
Trimmed the bristles I had collected for the besom for Danu's witch and found a nice piece of Blackthorn for the handle. It is coming together bit by bit.
In between all this I did make time to cut up some of the tree, so I think I have enough to last me a couple of days, maybe even more.
Chrissie and Richard had invited me to dinner for the evening, six for six thirty. As I was walking towards their boat Richard shouted along to me "Have you got an onion". Walked back to Almyne (sounds arduous, but we are only moored about fifty yards apart) and got a couple of onions. Back to Digitalis and I was presented with a Gin and Tonic. Now I am not usually a Gin and Tonic man, I have always felt that Gin tastes like eau de cologne smells, but this was something different. It was smooth with a pleasant taste and no bite, well not a noticeable one, but I soon felt relaxed and quite merry.
digitalisChrisie had cooked an Indian curry, with a starter of poppadoms and the side dishes that go with it. The meal again was something else and that, coupled with a couple of glasses of red wine, made for a really good end to a truly wonderful day.
After the meal we sat and chatted for a while before digitalisChrisie and I went outside for a cigarette and a view of the nighttime sky. It was as beautiful as ever and between us we spotted, amongst other constellations, Orion's Belt.
I suddenly realised that if I did not go now I would have difficulty negotiating the tow path, so, shortly after eight, I wandered back to Almyne and an early night.
Wed, 11 Mar 2009
Up early and off to Burbage .
Lovely day and a pleasant trip, arrived before three.
Not a lot else to say about it.
Thu, 12 Mar 2009
Did all the good stuff I have to do around the area.
On the way we bumped in to Blynda, so I swapped vehicles and drove with her to Devizes to catch up on her news.
Purchased another two pairs of moleskin trousers, one thick and one normal, I really do like them.
Fri, 13 Mar 2009
David's doctors appointment today so I dropped him off at Devizes while I went on to Trowbridge to see mum
and Peter
for the afternoon. Caught up on all the gossip there and left just as my sister Netta was arriving. We had time for a hug before I left.
Sat, 14 Mar 2009
David had to go to Weston today, so he dropped me off in Bristol to see Ken and Jenny. Had a wonderful time and caught up on all the news and gossip. Jenny is building a trike! so that she an Ken can go biking.
When David picked me up we went on to see Danu. She seems to be doing well and things are going right for her for a change.
Sun, 15 Mar 2009
Worked on David's Shogun today and it is now virtually finished so he will be back on the road soon.
While David was working on the Shogun I raided the lockup and collected all sorts of bits and pieces for Almyne Too, including a wash hand basin and some timber to make the shelves with along with many many other items of use.
Mon, 16 Mar 2009
Took all the rubbish to the tip, returned to Burbage and set off to Almyne. Called in to see Richard
on the way and picked up eight bottles of wine.
Called in to a supermarket to get provisions for a few days and arrived at Almyne by about half four.
Unloaded the ambulance and while I pottered about David did a little fishing. He caught a dozen or more and was well pleased.
I think I must have left the small inverter on while I was away as the batteries were as dead as I have ever seen them, voltage measured about 9.4 instead of the required 12.5. Switched in the starter battery and ran up the engine for an hour or so while David was fishing and cooking dinner.
Cards, curry, cards and a DVD before retiring to a proper bed in a proper room - it's good to be back. The batteries lasted for the whole evening.
Tue, 17 Mar 2009
3 miles 1 tunnel
Up early, washed up, had a cup of tea and opened up Almyne. What a beautiful morning, the sun shining in the back doors warming Almyne through and through. David was still asleep, even the engine running did not disturb him.
Even though the batteries were dead when we got back to Almyne yesterday and I only ran the engine for an hour or so, and we stayed up quite late playing cards and watching DVD's, this morning there was still enough in the battery to start the engine - even though only just.
Adjusting the size of the alternator pulley really does seem to have done the trick.
When David woke up we had breakfast and then I cajoled him into getting a dead tree out of the hedge, I had tried previously unsuccessfully. He managed it and with that sawn up into logs it should keep us going for several days.
Set off just after mid day, through Crick Tunnel and on for another mile or so. Took a break for lunch and David cycled back for the ambulance. When he got back he remembered just how tiring riding a bike can be when you have not done it for a long while. His calves were really aching.
With the ambulance and Almyne almost next to each other we swapped things around till Almyne Too was as empty as possible, but still with everything on board to carry on working on her. Cleared a lot of surplus things off Almyne as well. While we were travelling I re-arranged several things in Almyne to make life easier, time will tell to see if it works.
Tasks for the day complete David settled in to do some fishing and I settled in to update the web site.
Lasagne for dinner, followed by a game of cards and some DVD's, beginning to be a bit of a habit.
Wed, 18 Mar 2009
Another lovely day, the sun shining brightly, spring is coming, all's well with the world.
Found a dead tree to chop down while David got breakfast. David spent most of the day fishing and caught several very nice fish. He packed up just after one and was on his way back to Burbage by two, leaving me to my own devices.
Out with the chain saw and the tree was logs. Printed out the name plate for Almyne Too, left the ink to dry and then varnished it. Once that is dry I might just try to fix it to Almyne Too, or maybe I will give it another coat, we'll see.
Took D'fer for a walk, sat in the sunshine reading a book and generally whiled away a warm comfortable afternoon.
During the afternoon I sorted out my drawers. There are lots of things in there that I do not use. The idea is to just keep the items of clothing that I do, and will, wear rather than catering for every type of weather and every type of event. Sorted out the bedding as well. I don't need three changes of bedding, just the two, it's all space, which is at a premium on a narrow boat.
About three large suitcases worth of stuff to go back to Burbage, although I am short of fleeces, especially ones with pockets in, so I will be bringing some of those back with me.
The TV booster has been playing up so I dismantled it and tested it. It's NBG. TV works better without it, so perhaps I should get a new one. I have been thinking for some time that perhaps I should get a Digi Box and signal booster, just so that I can watch TV if the desire arises. Maybe now is the time.
Thu, 19 Mar 2009
Late night last night, watching TV for the first time in a long time. Woke this morning (nearly) at just after eleven to brilliant sunshine again.
Found some more timber to chop up for logs and re-arranged the coal cupboard to accommodate logs on the top shelf. This gets rid of the box of logs hanging about on the floor.
Almyne is become spacious again.
I will need somewhere to keep the bits and pieces that I have removed from the coal cupboard to make room for the logs, so I think I might bring back the plastic chest of drawers that is currently at the bungalow.
Spent the rest of the day writing the software to calculate total miles, locks, bridges, swing and lift and tunnels, so there should be a running total (probably monthly) of these totals. (See bottom of page.)
Fri, 20 Mar 2009
Another day going nowhere, waiting for David to contact me. He didn't get to see Ken and Jenny nor Danu, so something must have cropped up, mind you, you don't get a nickname like 'six hour Dave' for being on time all the time.
Took the day out to transfer files from the old computer to the new computer and to try to set up the new computer. Worked fairly well but there are still one or two little glitches that I need to sort out.
The cut is beginning to get busy again, there was a continuous stream of boats going past yesterday, at least one every half hour, more than I have seen in a long time.
At some time I must wash all the headlinings and dust all the surfaces. It seemed pointless while the fire was going all the time making fine ash which gets everywhere.
Sat, 21 Mar 2009
Almyne Too
Couldn't sleep again last night, up till three watching TV and DVD's. Didn't stop me being up by nine though.
Cut a tree down, it was dead, and used the chain saw to cut it into logs, enough for another day or so.
Transferred all my private web sites to my new machine and got them working on it, so now I have one machine for business and one for personal stuff, it's only taken about eight months.
Washed the headlining in the salon, much easier than I expected and swept the floor. It's all looking clean and tidy and I feel much happier about it.
Didn't like the background colour on the Almyne Too nameplate, so I scanned a piece of paper with the colour I want on it and sampled that to re-set the background, now I need some paper to print it on!
Rang Church as I haven't heard from him in a while and he's OK, just busy.
Contacted David, he's coming up tomorrow, so with a bit of luck we can do some travelling.
Although I seem to do nothing each day I still seem to be busy all the time, I guess that is because I hate to be idle.
Brief chat with Richard , he has some more wine for me, so I will try to collect that on Tuesday when I go back to Burbage .
Late breakfast (egg and chips with bread and butter), late lunch (past shells with chicken and ham) and so late dinner (liver and bacon fried in leeks and mushrooms with cabbage and broccoli and potatoes and carrots shaken in butter). I hope the doctor approves and it is not sending my cholesterol sky high.
Off to bed to read a book, perhaps to sleep and dream, otherwise I will be watching TV till the wee small hours again.
Sun, 22 Mar 2009
Losing track of time.
Spent the morning chopping wood - again - and clearing all the surfaces in the salon to give it a thorough dusting. That complete I dusted everything that I had moved and replaced it, all nice and clean, so the salon is looking really good. Hopefully, if the weather is not too bad for the rest of the year it will be easy to keep it that way. The problem in the winter is all the mud that D'fer brings in coupled with all the coal dust.
Now that I am burning wood there seems to be much less dust hanging around.
Forgot to mention, I have been taking time out of my 'oh so busy' days to throw a ball for D'fer. It seems that he has managed to tear a little piece of skin on one of his pads, so he is limping a bit. not when he is chasing the ball but when he is returning with it. I think I will give him a rest for a couple of days 'till it heals up.
Mon, 23 Mar 2009
Up fairly early. David arrived just after noon, had a cup of tea and we loaded up the ambulance with all the things that I haven't used or needed for the past six months and all the washing.
First day of my diet, prior to going to the hospital for a Barium Enema (oh that sounds uncomfortable) but it is not too arduous,just keep of high fibre foods.
Event less journey down to Burbage after stopping of to see Glyn'nTrudy and arrived before six.
Uploaded the ambulance and settled in for the evening.
Tue, 24 Mar 2009
Up fairly early. David arrived just after noon, had a cup of tea and we loaded up the ambulance with all the things that I haven't used or needed for the past six months and all the washing.
First day of my diet, prior to going to the hospital for a Barium Enema (oh that sounds uncomfortable) but it is not too arduous,just keep off high fibre foods.
Eventless journey down to Burbage after stopping of to see Glyn'nTrudy and arrived before six.
Unloaded the ambulance and settled in for the evening.
Wed, 25 Mar 2009
NamePlate
Second day of my diet, prior to going to the hospital, not too arduous,just keep off high fibre foods.
Mooched around the bungalow all day and well into the night.
Thu, 26 Mar 2009
Third day of my diet, prior to going to the hospital, light liquids only and two sachets of a strong laxative!
Spent most of the day reading and sitting on the thrown.
I did manage to go to the doctors for my three o'clock appointment with the nurse, who gave me an EEG, or is it an ECG. Anyway, she strapped electrodes all over my body, arms and legs and connected my up to some sort of machine to make a recording.
Made the half four appointment with the doctor for the results and he tells me that I have a good heart with no signs of any abnormalities. The results of the blood tests taken a fortnight ago have come back normal as well. In fact my cholesterol has gone down and is now well within normal. He did add that this does not mean that I am not clogging up my arteries by smoking though.
I must remember to ask him what the discomfort is in my oesophagus, the reason he did the ECG tests.
Also told him that I was not sleeping well, typically, last night I went to bed a between four and five and was wide awake and up before eight. We discussed the ageing process in relation to the amount of sleep needed, he sees nothing wrong with my sleep pattern. My only problem is, How Do I Fill All This Spare Time?
Comparatively early night, about half three.
Fri, 27 Mar 2009
This is the day. A cup of tea (I am allowed one before the appointment) and off to the hospital. David took me but I told him to go into Swindon and do some shopping while I was in the torture chamber.
Booked in for my eleven a.m. appointment and waited about seventeen hours. Eventually a nurse collected me and took me to the X-ray room.
We chatted light heartedly while she prepared me for my ordeal and during the whole process, which was surprisingly quick, only about two hours and fifty four minutes.
That complete I went to the front entrance of the hospital to have a cigarette and to ring David to come and collect me.
He arrived just before noon and took me straight home, with only one small diversion on the way to top up the ambulance with water. It still leaks a bit (just like me) .
Back at Burbage the first thing I did was have a slice of toast, followed by beans on toast and a cup of tea.
Followed by more toast and more tea.
Spent the evening playing cards, drinking wine (that's normal) and evacuating my bowels. (Sorry if that is offensive).
Sat, 28 Mar 2009
Still a day of recovery, spent most of the time wandering around and doing internetty stuff. Getting a bit bored stuck here with nothing to do. Well, it's not as if I have nothing to do, just no motivation to do anything, I want to be back on Almyne.
Sun, 29 Mar 2009
Loaded up the ambulance with some bags of sand for Blynda, drove over to her place and offloaded them.
Went on to see mum and had a good time catching up on the news. Peter had a load of logs for me, so loaded them in to the ambulance. He also had the new battery for the Morris, so I should be able to get that on the road again.
Back to Blynda's where we loaded a fridge freezer on to the ambulance to deliver to Great Bedwyn. Set off and arrived in good time. Unloaded the fridge freezer and in the process knocked the battery off the back of the ambulance - totaled! Shattered the negative post of the battery, so won't be getting the Morris back on the road just yet.
Back at the bungalow David's battery for the Shogun, which had been on charge now for at least a day, was fully charged, so put an old battery that was suspect on charge, we'll have to see what happens with that one.
Loaded up with lots of stuff for Danu in preparation for delivering that to her tomorrow.
Mon, 30 Mar 2009
Up early, loaded the freezer on to the ambulance and the last few remaining bits and pieces for Danu. Set off just after nine and arrived with her around eleven. Unloaded and caught up on all her news. Life seems to be reasonable for her at the moment.
Swung back through Nailsea so that David could collect some of his belongings, including a whisper generator and some old phones. Now he might be contactable.
Called in to see Ken and Jenny. David is buying a motorcycle from them. Decision made and the first payment completed, he will be collecting it as soon as final payment is made. He is delighted.
Back to the bungalow and loaded up with everything that needs to go to Almyne. Meanwhile David had phoned Kenny, a friend of his, and arranged to collect him from Pewsey station just after nine.
Kenny
arrived and they sat and chatted and playing X-box games till the wee small hours.
Tue, 31 Mar 2009
Springtime Blossom
Springtime Blossom
Sunset
4 miles
This is the day. After a brief diversion to Devizes we set off to Almyne, arriving about two after calling off at a supermarket to stock up on provisions.
Unloaded the ambulance in to Almyne and Almyne Too, had a bite to eat and set off. Not a very long trip, but as Kenny had never been on a narrow boat before it was worthwhile and he seemed to enjoy it. He declined the offer of steering after seeing David run aground and scrape through the overhanging trees.
Stopped off at the facilities point and topped up with water and got rid of the rubbish. David had been 'motoring' up till this point, I think that he thought he was still on the motorway. After the stop off, he calmed down and we travelled a little more leisurely. So much so that at one point we were overtaken by a hire boat. The other boat made a bit of a mess of it, but, hey, they have to learn sometime.
Found a nice little spot to moor up for the night that is quiet, with good mooring and water underneath us so that we do not get rocked by passing boats, not that there should be many tonight, but there could be some the morning.
On the journey we passed a little wood where the blossom was breaking out all over. It looked as if it had been snowing the trees were so laden with white blossom
David and Kenny set off to collect the ambulance while I tidied up Almyne and prepared her for two guests rather than one.
I chopped some wood for the fire, we will need it this evening even though it is getting much warmer now.
This evening there was a glorious sunset, the first for a long time, so perhaps I can start getting some pictures on the site. It seems such a long time since anything was pretty enough or interesting enough to photograph.
Spent the evening playing cards, watching TV, drinking beer and chatting. Went to bed about eleven, which is surprisingly early for David and Kenny and myself.
2½ miles
Had a lay in this morning, well I call it a lay in. I woke at about quarter to six, had a glass of orange juice and went back to bed. I lay there worrying that I would not go back to sleep but must have dozed on and off for couple of hours and eventually got up just before nine.
D'fer
was barking on and off for about an hour before I got up and when I looked outside there was a row of fishermen waiting to start a match. Popped along to the nearest and found out that the match starts at nine fifteen and goes on to two fifteen. D'fer had been barking at each one as they arrived.
Didn't really feel like breakfast but did have a slice of toast and set off about ten.
Down to Norton junction and turned left. It is a tight turn at the best of times and with Almyne Too (Dinky Doo) on the back it took me longer than I should expect, however I made it in one piece and set off up the Leicester arm. Moored up about a mile along the Leicester arm in a nice little spot and set about collecting some wood for the fire. The weather is improving (however temporarily) and coal makes Almyne much too hot.
I had intended to walk back along the tow path to collect the ambulance but the tow path approaching Norton junction is undergoing repairs and is not usable so I had to make the journey by road. Only took about an hour and a half, although, as usual, I got lost on the way back.
Back at Almyne I did a little fishing and then decided to make the name plate for Almyne. Got the computer out and typeset the name plate and printed two copies, one for each side.
A light tea and then I set to painting the name in. Using yacht enamels on paper for fine work is not easy and I changed brushes five times till I found one that nearly worked.
Although I always had a 'yen' for Re'fer I have always known that we were not really suited but it was wonderful to have someone to share the canals with.
I don't think that we could ever have been happy together but I do think that we were happy doing the things that we did together and I do know that she left Almyne fitter and happier than she had been for a long time, although the parting was difficult
A quiet evening and an early start tomorrow as I have to post some of Davids bits and pieces to him so I need to find an envelope and a post office.
Mon, 2 Mar 2009
Waking early and having a lie in is becoming an enjoyable habit. After my lie in I got up just after nine and did an hour or two of internetty stuff.
Collected the bits and pieces that David
needs and set off to Daventry to put it in the post. Found a post office, purchased a Jiffy bag and sent them off, recorded delivery, guaranteed next day, hope he is in to receive it.
Meant to call in at Homebase on my way back to Almyne but as usual I got a little lost and missed it.
Did manage to get a big thigh bone for D'fer
so he spent the afternoon chewing that on the tow path, always a worry for me because he has a habit of dropping it in the water.
Also got two new pillows. I think that Re'fer may have gone a bit overboard when she collected her stuff, on the other hand I know that I did throw one of mine away as it was showing signs of damp, so I might have thrown the other away as well. Anyway, sorted now.
Back at Almyne I pottered about for a while, collecting wood for the fire and a bit more internetty stuff.
The sun was bright an warm and I felt that I should be doing something positive so I re-arranged Almyne Too so I could get inside and fitted the two bench seat boards properly.
Painted the name bit on the other name plate and I am still wondering how to fix it to Almyne Too and how to protect it, but I will sort that out.
I need to paint the background of the board yellow, the name is in blue, so that it matches Almyne.
I haven't had much of an appetite for a few days, or more properly not much inclination to cook. Maybe that is because I have not had to cook for myself for a long time now. Made a Bolognese and surprised my self by realising that I had forgotten how. It did come back to me when I started looking for ingredients. I added some sultanas and some cashew nuts, something that I like in my Bolognese.
Quiet evening watching DVDs but I did forget to give D'fer the spare spaghetti in the pan.
Tue, 3 Mar 2009
Another lie in.
D'fer
has last nights spaghetti and the remains of my toast for breakfast.
Whiled away the morning collecting and cutting wood for the fire, not sunny enough to work on Almyne Too. With rain and wind threatened this afternoon I want to be prepared.
That done and off to town. There are some bits and pieces that I want to get. Paint brushes, a palette and paper to practice painting on, some hinges and fixing blocks for Almyne Too, some dog food and some scratchy sponge pads for washing up. I have been meaning to get them for ages.
Made all my purchases and some incense sticks as well, sandalwood and jasmine.
On the way back to Almyne it tried raining and as I have nearly half a mile to walk from the ambulance to Almyne I was hoping that it would hold off. It did.
Did some internetty stuff and while I was doing that the rain and wind kicked in, no work on Almyne Too this afternoon and I lit the fire just before three, hope I have enough wood.
Cottage pie this evening, made with some of the sauce from yesterday, with carrots and broccoli. I expect tomorrow will be chilli.
I must put a twelve volt CD player on the list of things to get, the computer sound is not really good enough to listen to.
Did the mash for the cottage pie, put the meat in a dish, put the potato on top and put it in the oven. Prepared the vegetables and put them on the stove. Half an hour later I remembered and found that the gas had run out. Changed he bottle in the rain and put dinner on again. It was good when it arrived.
Wed, 4 Mar 2009
Didn't have a lie in this morning, slept right through till nearly nine.
Lovely day today so I took everything off the top of Almyne and washed it. I also removed the mushroom as it is no longer needed with the ropes now being fixed to the gunwales.
Collected and cut up enough wood to keep me going for another evening, and found some logs that I might just attack with the chain saw tomorrow.
Did some more work on the name plate for Almyne Too, the duck. Practised a bit first till I was sure that I had got it right. I think it is going to work.
Didn't light the fire till after five this evening, perhaps spring is on it's way after all.
I was right yesterday, it is chilli for tea this evening, bunged some kidney beans in the sauce and hey presto, a quick meal.
Thu, 5 Mar 2009
2 miles 7 locks
Up fairly early after a good nights sleep.
Collected the logs for tonight's fire (I had already cut them up yesterday) and decided to do a little more painting for the name plate for Almyne Too, but my fingers were a little cold so I decided to go for a walk to get some internal body heat.
Took D'fer
for a walk along the tow path to see where I might move to, been here too long already, it's nearly five days.
Found a nice little spot, quiet but close to a road, so walked back to Almyne, did the engine checks and set off. Very pleasant navigating, with the sun shining most of the time. Some clouds did appear in the sky, threatening rain, but they went away again.
Got rid of the rubbish at the facilities point on the way and topped up with water.
By half three I was nicely ensconced at my mooring, considering a little fishing.
Had an email from Chrissie
who is in Braunston at the moment. They invited me to journey with them through the tunnel, so I have arranged to have breakfast with them on Monday morning. Fri, 6 Mar 2009
Up just after seven feeling fully refreshed, something to do with the sun being so bright.
A good breakfast and some internetty stuff.
Off to Northampton to do some shopping. Got provisions for the weekend. Spotted a DIY store to get the timber for Almyne Too, but there was a height restriction on access and the ambulance was too high. That's life.
Found my way back to Almyne had a cup of Fennel and Nettle tea and went in search of firewood. Half an hour later I had enough for the evening.
Did some more work on the Almyne Too nameplate, will take a picture of it when finished.
Spent he rest of the afternoon relaxing.
On the fourteenth of March Buckby Locks will be navigable, BW have been working on them and they are not yet ready. So then I will be able to head of towards London, all the way down the Grand Union , which leads to The Stort Navigation, The Lee navigation, The Northampton arm, The Wendover arm, The Aylesbury arm, The Slough arm, The Brentford arm and in to Little Venice and Paddington. But that will be after Market Harborough for May bank holiday when I hope to attend the Rockingham festival.
I love making plans.
Sat, 7 Mar 2009
Another quiet day. I hope David
fixes his vehicle soon so that we can start travelling again. I don't want to set off in one direction if he would prefer to go in the other.
Spent some of the morning collecting wood again, it is meant to be colder this afternoon and evening so I want to be prepared.
That sorted, I finished painting the name plates for Almyne Too. Once dry I will need to give them a coat of varnish both sides, probably several coats as they are only card and I want to stick them to the outside of Almyne Too.
I'll varnish them again when they are stuck on.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, another day over, perhaps I will go and read a book.
Sun, 8 Mar 2009
Another quiet day after a disturbed night. The wind was gusting quite badly and the creaking and groaning was quite disconcerting.
Up about half nine, the wind had died away so started to collect some wood for the fire, but it started raining so I gave that up as a bad job.
In reality I do not need the wood, I do have coal on board, but the wood is FREE and the more I use wood the less I have to find a coal merchant and get some more coal.
Varnished one side of the name plates for Almyne Too and put them on one side to dry and then tried my hand at 'roses'. Made a bit of a hash of them, but learnt a lot.
The rain eased off a bit so I had another go at collecting and cutting some wood for the fire. Got enough to last me the evening, but with the fire lit just after two I did need to use some coal.
Made some alterations to the web site, introducing a new section, Musings, which I hope to have live very soon.
I'm going to get through a lot of books at this rate, perhaps I should start writing critiques of them (only joking).
Mon, 9 Mar 2009
A lot of the night time creakings is because I have allowed the mooring ropes to become slack, letting Almyne rock backwards and forwards with the breeze. Nonetheless I had a good nights sleep and woke at about eight fifteen, in time to turn the opportunity clock off before it went off.
Jumped out of bed, cooked breakfast and completed my morning rituals.
Off to the ambulance and made sure that it would start, rang Chrissie
to let them know that I was on the way and would be there by about half ten.
Drove to Welton Wharf, parked by the bridge and walked over the tunnel towards Braunston . Chrissie rang to say that they had only just set off and were still going through the locks. Told her that I would meet them in one of them at some time.
Caught up with them at I think it was lock two in the flight. Chrissie insisted that I take con of their boat to get the hang of it before the tunnel. It was a bit scary navigating an almost brand new boat, much longer than my own, in and out of wide locks in a strong wind. As is my want, I took it slowly and I think I made a fair job of it.
Chrissie and Richard
worked the locks up to, and including, the Top Lock (No 6) whereupon Richard
took the dogs (D'fer and their own two) over the tunnel, while I took Digitalis through the tunnel. Chrissie
wondered if she might be able to manage Crick Tunnel on her own, so either I made it look real easy, or I made such a mess of it that she doesn't want me to ever touch their boat again. Hopefully it was the former as I didn't bang Digitalis against a wall once.
On exiting the tunnel, Richard and the dogs were there waiting for us. Everyone jumped on board and I continued on to the bridge at Welton Wharf, where we moored up and Chrissie made lunch for everyone.
After lunch we sat and chatted for an hour or two and digitalisChrisie did a Tarot reading for me.
Now I have never been one for Tarot readings but the way Chrissie did it seem quite novel. She doesn't claim to be particularly clairvoyant, she just follows the rules and then reads the results from her instruction book. The reading turned out to be, to say the least, interesting and, because it was so favourable, most acceptable.
That completed, we had another cup of tea, a little more chat and I returned to Almyne to collect more wood for the evening.
Chrissie and Richard are expecting to be coming through the Watford flight tomorrow, so I told them to give me a ring when they get there and I will go and give them a hand.
Fortunately the rain had held off while moving Digitalis but on arrival back at Almyne it started and continued on and off for the rest of the afternoon, so collecting wood became a quick rush out, a little sawing and chopping and a quick dive back into Almyne.
Ho hum.
Had a text from James just before five, he has the rest of my stuff the Re'fer is returning, do I want to go and get it?
Organised a collection point and time and got there at almost the same time as James, not a lot of stuff, just some bits and pieces, but now there is closure on the episode.
Dinner, a DVD or two and off to bed.
Tue, 10 Mar 2009
Up in plenty of time to go and assist Chrissie
and Richard
but I am not sure that they will want to travel today, it is raining.
In between breaks in the rain I managed to find a tree that was rotten enough to be pushed over without too much trouble and dragged it back to Almyne where I left it outside, waiting for another break in the rain.
Halfway through the morning I got a call from Chrissie , they had just got to the first lock of the Watford flight, so I stopped what I was doing, donned my hat and set off.
Arrived to find them in the first of the staircase locks and assisted them through.
The flight complete I jumped on their boat and they gave me a lift back to Almyne.
By this time the sun had broken through and the afternoon was just wonderful. We stood outside chatting for a while and then I returned to Almyne to do some chores.
First I cleared off the television and computer area, so that I could polish the wood. Oh oh, no polish. But wait a minute, perhaps it would be better off being varnished. Checked my stores and found some medium oak varnish, so that is what I did.
With nowhere to use my computer while the varnish dries (12 hours) I assembled it in the bedroom, balancing the key board and mouse on a little box on my lap. It worked fairly well.
Gave the nameplate for Almyne Too a coat of varnish on the back of the card and varnished my test piece to one of the gas locker covers.
If that lasts for a week or two then I think the nameplate will work.
Trimmed the bristles I had collected for the besom for Danu's witch and found a nice piece of Blackthorn for the handle. It is coming together bit by bit.
In between all this I did make time to cut up some of the tree, so I think I have enough to last me a couple of days, maybe even more.
Chrissie and Richard had invited me to dinner for the evening, six for six thirty. As I was walking towards their boat Richard shouted along to me "Have you got an onion". Walked back to Almyne (sounds arduous, but we are only moored about fifty yards apart) and got a couple of onions. Back to Digitalis and I was presented with a Gin and Tonic. Now I am not usually a Gin and Tonic man, I have always felt that Gin tastes like eau de cologne smells, but this was something different. It was smooth with a pleasant taste and no bite, well not a noticeable one, but I soon felt relaxed and quite merry.
digitalisChrisie had cooked an Indian curry, with a starter of poppadoms and the side dishes that go with it. The meal again was something else and that, coupled with a couple of glasses of red wine, made for a really good end to a truly wonderful day.
After the meal we sat and chatted for a while before digitalisChrisie and I went outside for a cigarette and a view of the nighttime sky. It was as beautiful as ever and between us we spotted, amongst other constellations, Orion's Belt.
I suddenly realised that if I did not go now I would have difficulty negotiating the tow path, so, shortly after eight, I wandered back to Almyne and an early night.
Wed, 11 Mar 2009
Up early and off to Burbage .
Lovely day and a pleasant trip, arrived before three.
Not a lot else to say about it.
Thu, 12 Mar 2009
Did all the good stuff I have to do around the area.
On the way we bumped in to Blynda, so I swapped vehicles and drove with her to Devizes to catch up on her news.
Purchased another two pairs of moleskin trousers, one thick and one normal, I really do like them.
Fri, 13 Mar 2009
David's doctors appointment today so I dropped him off at Devizes while I went on to Trowbridge to see mum
and Peter for the afternoon. Caught up on all the gossip there and left just as my sister Netta was arriving. We had time for a hug before I left.
Sat, 14 Mar 2009
David
had to go to Weston today, so he dropped me off in Bristol to see Ken and Jenny. Had a wonderful time and caught up on all the news and gossip. Jenny is building a trike! so that she an Ken can go biking.
When David picked me up we went on to see Danu. She seems to be doing well and things are going right for her for a change.
Sun, 15 Mar 2009
Worked on David's Shogun today and it is now virtually finished so he will be back on the road soon.
While David
was working on the Shogun I raided the lockup and collected all sorts of bits and pieces for Almyne Too, including a wash hand basin and some timber to make the shelves with along with many many other items of use.Mon, 16 Mar 2009
Took all the rubbish to the tip, returned to Burbage and set off to Almyne. Called in to see Richard
on the way and picked up eight bottles of wine.
Called in to a supermarket to get provisions for a few days and arrived at Almyne by about half four.
Unloaded the ambulance and while I pottered about David
did a little fishing. He caught a dozen or more and was well pleased.
I think I must have left the small inverter on while I was away as the batteries were as dead as I have ever seen them, voltage measured about 9.4 instead of the required 12.5. Switched in the starter battery and ran up the engine for an hour or so while David was fishing and cooking dinner.
Cards, curry, cards and a DVD before retiring to a proper bed in a proper room - it's good to be back. The batteries lasted for the whole evening.
Tue, 17 Mar 2009
3 miles 1 tunnel
Up early, washed up, had a cup of tea and opened up Almyne. What a beautiful morning, the sun shining in the back doors warming Almyne through and through. David
was still asleep, even the engine running did not disturb him.
Even though the batteries were dead when we got back to Almyne yesterday and I only ran the engine for an hour or so, and we stayed up quite late playing cards and watching DVD's, this morning there was still enough in the battery to start the engine - even though only just.
Adjusting the size of the alternator pulley really does seem to have done the trick.
When David woke up we had breakfast and then I cajoled him into getting a dead tree out of the hedge, I had tried previously unsuccessfully. He managed it and with that sawn up into logs it should keep us going for several days.
Set off just after mid day, through Crick Tunnel and on for another mile or so. Took a break for lunch and David cycled back for the ambulance. When he got back he remembered just how tiring riding a bike can be when you have not done it for a long while. His calves were really aching.
With the ambulance and Almyne almost next to each other we swapped things around till Almyne Too was as empty as possible, but still with everything on board to carry on working on her. Cleared a lot of surplus things off Almyne as well. While we were travelling I re-arranged several things in Almyne to make life easier, time will tell to see if it works.
Tasks for the day complete David settled in to do some fishing and I settled in to update the web site.
Lasagne for dinner, followed by a game of cards and some DVD's, beginning to be a bit of a habit.
Wed, 18 Mar 2009
Another lovely day, the sun shining brightly, spring is coming, all's well with the world.
Found a dead tree to chop down while David
got breakfast. David spent most of the day fishing and caught several very nice fish. He packed up just after one and was on his way back to Burbage by two, leaving me to my own devices.
Out with the chain saw and the tree was logs. Printed out the name plate for Almyne Too, left the ink to dry and then varnished it. Once that is dry I might just try to fix it to Almyne Too, or maybe I will give it another coat, we'll see.
Took D'fer
for a walk, sat in the sunshine reading a book and generally whiled away a warm comfortable afternoon.
During the afternoon I sorted out my drawers. There are lots of things in there that I do not use. The idea is to just keep the items of clothing that I do, and will, wear rather than catering for every type of weather and every type of event. Sorted out the bedding as well. I don't need three changes of bedding, just the two, it's all space, which is at a premium on a narrow boat.
About three large suitcases worth of stuff to go back to Burbage, although I am short of fleeces, especially ones with pockets in, so I will be bringing some of those back with me.
The TV booster has been playing up so I dismantled it and tested it. It's NBG. TV works better without it, so perhaps I should get a new one. I have been thinking for some time that perhaps I should get a Digi Box and signal booster, just so that I can watch TV if the desire arises. Maybe now is the time.
Thu, 19 Mar 2009
Late night last night, watching TV for the first time in a long time. Woke this morning (nearly) at just after eleven to brilliant sunshine again.
Found some more timber to chop up for logs and re-arranged the coal cupboard to accommodate logs on the top shelf. This gets rid of the box of logs hanging about on the floor.
Almyne is become spacious again.
I will need somewhere to keep the bits and pieces that I have removed from the coal cupboard to make room for the logs, so I think I might bring back the plastic chest of drawers that is currently at the bungalow.
Spent the rest of the day writing the software to calculate total miles, locks, bridges, swing and lift and tunnels, so there should be a running total (probably monthly) of these totals. (See bottom of page.)
Fri, 20 Mar 2009
Another day going nowhere, waiting for David
to contact me. He didn't get to see Ken and Jenny nor Danu, so something must have cropped up, mind you, you don't get a nickname like 'six hour Dave' for being on time all the time.
Took the day out to transfer files from the old computer to the new computer and to try to set up the new computer. Worked fairly well but there are still one or two little glitches that I need to sort out.
The cut is beginning to get busy again, there was a continuous stream of boats going past yesterday, at least one every half hour, more than I have seen in a long time.
At some time I must wash all the headlinings and dust all the surfaces. It seemed pointless while the fire was going all the time making fine ash which gets everywhere.
Sat, 21 Mar 2009
Almyne Too
Couldn't sleep again last night, up till three watching TV and DVD's. Didn't stop me being up by nine though.
Cut a tree down, it was dead, and used the chain saw to cut it into logs, enough for another day or so.
Transferred all my private web sites to my new machine and got them working on it, so now I have one machine for business and one for personal stuff, it's only taken about eight months.
Washed the headlining in the salon, much easier than I expected and swept the floor. It's all looking clean and tidy and I feel much happier about it.
Didn't like the background colour on the Almyne Too nameplate, so I scanned a piece of paper with the colour I want on it and sampled that to re-set the background, now I need some paper to print it on!
Rang Church as I haven't heard from him in a while and he's OK, just busy.
Contacted David, he's coming up tomorrow, so with a bit of luck we can do some travelling.
Although I seem to do nothing each day I still seem to be busy all the time, I guess that is because I hate to be idle.
Brief chat with Richard
, he has some more wine for me, so I will try to collect that on Tuesday when I go back to Burbage .
Late breakfast (egg and chips with bread and butter), late lunch (past shells with chicken and ham) and so late dinner (liver and bacon fried in leeks and mushrooms with cabbage and broccoli and potatoes and carrots shaken in butter). I hope the doctor approves and it is not sending my cholesterol sky high.
Off to bed to read a book, perhaps to sleep and dream, otherwise I will be watching TV till the wee small hours again.
Sun, 22 Mar 2009
Losing track of time.
Spent the morning chopping wood - again - and clearing all the surfaces in the salon to give it a thorough dusting. That complete I dusted everything that I had moved and replaced it, all nice and clean, so the salon is looking really good. Hopefully, if the weather is not too bad for the rest of the year it will be easy to keep it that way. The problem in the winter is all the mud that D'fer
brings in coupled with all the coal dust.
Now that I am burning wood there seems to be much less dust hanging around.
Forgot to mention, I have been taking time out of my 'oh so busy' days to throw a ball for D'fer. It seems that he has managed to tear a little piece of skin on one of his pads, so he is limping a bit. not when he is chasing the ball but when he is returning with it. I think I will give him a rest for a couple of days 'till it heals up.
Mon, 23 Mar 2009
Up fairly early. David
arrived just after noon, had a cup of tea and we loaded up the ambulance with all the things that I haven't used or needed for the past six months and all the washing.
First day of my diet, prior to going to the hospital for a Barium Enema (oh that sounds uncomfortable) but it is not too arduous,just keep of high fibre foods.
Event less journey down to Burbage after stopping of to see Glyn'nTrudy and arrived before six.
Uploaded the ambulance and settled in for the evening.
Tue, 24 Mar 2009
Up fairly early. David
arrived just after noon, had a cup of tea and we loaded up the ambulance with all the things that I haven't used or needed for the past six months and all the washing.
First day of my diet, prior to going to the hospital for a Barium Enema (oh that sounds uncomfortable) but it is not too arduous,just keep off high fibre foods.
Eventless journey down to Burbage after stopping of to see Glyn'nTrudy and arrived before six.
Unloaded the ambulance and settled in for the evening.
Wed, 25 Mar 2009
NamePlate
Second day of my diet, prior to going to the hospital, not too arduous,just keep off high fibre foods.
Mooched around the bungalow all day and well into the night.
Thu, 26 Mar 2009
Third day of my diet, prior to going to the hospital, light liquids only and two sachets of a strong laxative!
Spent most of the day reading and sitting on the thrown.
I did manage to go to the doctors for my three o'clock appointment with the nurse, who gave me an EEG, or is it an ECG. Anyway, she strapped electrodes all over my body, arms and legs and connected my up to some sort of machine to make a recording.
Made the half four appointment with the doctor for the results and he tells me that I have a good heart with no signs of any abnormalities. The results of the blood tests taken a fortnight ago have come back normal as well. In fact my cholesterol has gone down and is now well within normal. He did add that this does not mean that I am not clogging up my arteries by smoking though.
I must remember to ask him what the discomfort is in my oesophagus, the reason he did the ECG tests.
Also told him that I was not sleeping well, typically, last night I went to bed a between four and five and was wide awake and up before eight. We discussed the ageing process in relation to the amount of sleep needed, he sees nothing wrong with my sleep pattern. My only problem is, How Do I Fill All This Spare Time?
Comparatively early night, about half three.
Fri, 27 Mar 2009
This is the day. A cup of tea (I am allowed one before the appointment) and off to the hospital. David
took me but I told him to go into Swindon and do some shopping while I was in the torture chamber.
Booked in for my eleven a.m. appointment and waited about seventeen hours. Eventually a nurse collected me and took me to the X-ray room.
We chatted light heartedly while she prepared me for my ordeal and during the whole process, which was surprisingly quick, only about two hours and fifty four minutes.
That complete I went to the front entrance of the hospital to have a cigarette and to ring David to come and collect me.
He arrived just before noon and took me straight home, with only one small diversion on the way to top up the ambulance with water. It still leaks a bit (just like me) .
Back at Burbage the first thing I did was have a slice of toast, followed by beans on toast and a cup of tea.
Followed by more toast and more tea.
Spent the evening playing cards, drinking wine (that's normal) and evacuating my bowels. (Sorry if that is offensive).
Sat, 28 Mar 2009
Still a day of recovery, spent most of the time wandering around and doing internetty stuff. Getting a bit bored stuck here with nothing to do. Well, it's not as if I have nothing to do, just no motivation to do anything, I want to be back on Almyne.
Sun, 29 Mar 2009
Loaded up the ambulance with some bags of sand for Blynda, drove over to her place and offloaded them.
Went on to see mum
and had a good time catching up on the news. Peter had a load of logs for me, so loaded them in to the ambulance. He also had the new battery for the Morris, so I should be able to get that on the road again.
Back to Blynda's where we loaded a fridge freezer on to the ambulance to deliver to Great Bedwyn. Set off and arrived in good time. Unloaded the fridge freezer and in the process knocked the battery off the back of the ambulance - totaled! Shattered the negative post of the battery, so won't be getting the Morris back on the road just yet.
Back at the bungalow David's battery for the Shogun, which had been on charge now for at least a day, was fully charged, so put an old battery that was suspect on charge, we'll have to see what happens with that one.
Loaded up with lots of stuff for Danu in preparation for delivering that to her tomorrow.
Mon, 30 Mar 2009
Up early, loaded the freezer on to the ambulance and the last few remaining bits and pieces for Danu. Set off just after nine and arrived with her around eleven. Unloaded and caught up on all her news. Life seems to be reasonable for her at the moment.
Swung back through Nailsea so that David
could collect some of his belongings, including a whisper generator and some old phones. Now he might be contactable.
Called in to see Ken and Jenny. David is buying a motorcycle from them. Decision made and the first payment completed, he will be collecting it as soon as final payment is made. He is delighted.
Back to the bungalow and loaded up with everything that needs to go to Almyne. Meanwhile David had phoned Kenny, a friend of his, and arranged to collect him from Pewsey station just after nine.
Kenny
arrived and they sat and chatted and playing X-box games till the wee small hours.Tue, 31 Mar 2009
Springtime Blossom
Springtime Blossom
Sunset
4 miles
This is the day. After a brief diversion to Devizes we set off to Almyne, arriving about two after calling off at a supermarket to stock up on provisions.
Unloaded the ambulance in to Almyne and Almyne Too, had a bite to eat and set off. Not a very long trip, but as Kenny
had never been on a narrow boat before it was worthwhile and he seemed to enjoy it. He declined the offer of steering after seeing David run aground and scrape through the overhanging trees.
Stopped off at the facilities point and topped up with water and got rid of the rubbish. David had been 'motoring' up till this point, I think that he thought he was still on the motorway. After the stop off, he calmed down and we travelled a little more leisurely. So much so that at one point we were overtaken by a hire boat. The other boat made a bit of a mess of it, but, hey, they have to learn sometime.
Found a nice little spot to moor up for the night that is quiet, with good mooring and water underneath us so that we do not get rocked by passing boats, not that there should be many tonight, but there could be some the morning.
On the journey we passed a little wood where the blossom was breaking out all over. It looked as if it had been snowing the trees were so laden with white blossom
David and Kenny set off to collect the ambulance while I tidied up Almyne and prepared her for two guests rather than one.
I chopped some wood for the fire, we will need it this evening even though it is getting much warmer now.
This evening there was a glorious sunset, the first for a long time, so perhaps I can start getting some pictures on the site. It seems such a long time since anything was pretty enough or interesting enough to photograph.
Spent the evening playing cards, watching TV, drinking beer and chatting. Went to bed about eleven, which is surprisingly early for David and Kenny and myself.
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