C.L. Peache's Blog, page 23

Brackets wants his own merchandise!!!! Day 137

Wednesday 6th December Day 137

I had a fabulous writing day today. The characters are really fixed in my mind now, the plot is fully formed and as a result over the next few days I add over 5K to my novel! ((Well, I’m impressed Peachy. It’s about time!)) As you know if you’ve been reading the blogs, it’s been a bit like pulling teeth with this novel. I’ve thought I’ve made headway and then there has been another problem and the word count has been difficult. I’m naturally a fast writer who worries about editing later ((Or not editing at all if this blog is anything to go by!)) I normally cannot get the words down quick enough and can hear the characters in my head shouting hurry up. Faster. So, 1,000 words an hour or more is standard for me when working on a novel but this one has been hard.

I suppose I’ve had a lot of distractions with starting this new life, learning how to edit and vlog and be comfortable in front of the camera which has been a massive learning curve for me. The next stage is upgrading my website to a business account so I can start selling books directly but it’s an extra £156 per year and on top of the £120 I already pay to host/use my website and it’s not a cost I can justify at the moment, even if it will bring in more money. ((You need to crack on and promote your Patreon account – come on people, dig under your sofa’s, raid the piggy bank, cash in your jewels and sign up to Peachy’s account! Click here)) Erm, what’s with you being so helpful all of a sudden. I’m worried! ((If you get that fancy new shop page set up you can start selling my merchandise!)) erm, what?? Your merchandise? ((I don’t need to you the best thing about you is me so imagine my fans being able to buy Brackets Merchandise. I bet I will outsell your books!)) You’re on! You get me some Patreons. I will set up the page. I will put one of your items on and one of mine and the battle for glory will begin! ((ON IT! it starts at £3 per month don’t let me down! You also get to find out before everyone else about the boat travels… even though they will probably just go back on themselves! lol))

After writing jobs are done it’s off for a walk and the Shugborough/Great Haywood area is very flooded again. We go past the lock ‘add name’ ((Peachy forgot to add it. Give me strength it’s…..  Haywood Lock)) under the bridge, along the canal and cross the first bridge, turn left ((Right!)) and into a lovely wooded area hugging the canal. It’s cold but feel autumnal as we crunch through the leaves and look at the extent of the floods across the canal at the Shugborough estate. We are having a great time until suddenly it comes to a dead end so we turn around and return to the boat. I could easily just sit at the dinette all day but it’s good to get some exercise in.

The book word count total is now: 53,004 ((Wow, I’m actually impressed!)) I know right, it feels like the end is in sight.

Until tomorrow… xx

A trip to Stafford… Day 136

Tuesday 5th December Day 136

Today looked like the better weather day so we packaged up our old coffee machine and with trepidation of turning up in Stafford via bus, wandering the streets and finding the postoffice only to find out they don’t take in Amazon parcels. This is part of boating life, the one nearest to us doesn’t accept returns like this. On the bus I think about filming a documentary about the life of an author, doomed forever to carry around her old coffee machine – a bit like that story where that guy took his fridge around America or whatever it was ((You’re so dramatic)) Anyway, we turn up, wait in a queue, quietly, with a frown when people are faffing about and despite standing in a queue are not actually ready when they get to the front. It reminded me of when we were in Heathrow waiting to check in to go to New Zealand via Singapore. That was a good queue story ((Only in your mind!)) Oh, I’ve just remembered my New Zealand book  shot up the book charts the other day  – hurrah! Yes, authors really do celebrate these things even if it’s only a few sales. I don’t think people know how much work goes into selling one copy when you’re not a known author. Anyway, that made me very happy.

((Just get to the point. Only you could string out a simple task as returning a box! Honestly it’s not as if you even need to make up extra words for your wordcount!)) okay, moody! We finally get to the front and they scanned it and took the box!! ((I’m out! If all your stories are like this it’s make no wonder it’s hard to sell your books!)) Rude!

Job done, I sell my soul to buy some cards to post xmas cards and then we are released from the drama of carrying a box around all day ((Dramatic)) It’s shopping done and back to the boat after we witness some shop lifters being taken away by the store security. I remember ((Fade to black and white…)) when I worked at The Works in Derby and I was supervising the shop on a busy Sunday on the run up to xmas and we had 3 shoplifters in one day – it was a nightmare. I was sitting upstairs in the storeroom with security, waiting for the police to turn up. When they finally came and they were walking out the back, I saw the guy taking hammers out the back of his trousers which he’d nicked from Woolworths and I’d been sitting up there all that time with him! I do not miss retail. ((or students or kids or….)) Alright, I’ve found my passion in life which is writing and now vlogging. I did enjoy those jobs most of the time and met some fab people I’m still friends with now so they had a purpose at the time.

Typically, in this country the public transport is suitably awful and the bus is delayed. I feel so sorry for people who have to rely on public transport for work. It’s utterly broken. ((moan, moan!)) just keeping it real.

I did walk ((What‘s the alternative… flying/levitating?)) past the Library in Stafford which looks lovely so I might just have to pop in there for a day even if it does mean going by bus. At least the fare is only £2 each way.

Until tomorrow… x

You can read my New Zealand Novel here

The delivery driver forgets our chips! Day 135

Monday 4th December Day 135

This morning consists of boat jobs as we wait for our food delivery to arrive and the snow has turned mostly to sludge with the pretty much constant rain. But the toilet required emptying, the bin taking out and coal needs to be bought. We are getting through quite a bit as we have the stove on 24/7 in these temperatures as still in the minus overnight.

Our delivery arrives and we move the shopping from the trays into the bags with the rain pouring down so we are not really paying attention and when we get back to the boat. We realise they haven’t left the frozen stuff! Trying to get in touch with Tesco is hard work, on the email where it says ‘do you have a problem with your order’ the number is incorrect so I tried the Whatsapp service instead. I did try and ring the driver but he was on his was to the next drop off.

Shopping unloaded we decide to brave a walk even though it is chucking it down with rain because it’s nice just to get out and have a walk. We walk past the boat services, over the bridge and to Shugborough estate. It’s a fab walk and as we are walking back the driver rings back and he meets us at the marina to drop off our very important freezer items ((Peachy means chips))

We thaw out and dry out in the afternoon as I treat myself to a bit of jigsawing at the dinette whilst uploading videos to create some more vlogs.

Day done. x

Narrowboat adventures… Day 135 – 141 – Mon 4th Dec to Sun 10th Dec

Monday 4th December Day 135

This morning consists of boat jobs as we wait for our food delivery to arrive and the snow has turned mostly to sludge with the pretty much constant rain. But the toilet required emptying, the bin taking out and coal needs to be bought. We are getting through quite a bit as we have the stove on 24/7 in these temperatures as still in the minus overnight.

Our delivery arrives and we move the shopping from the trays into the bags with the rain pouring down so we are not really paying attention and when we get back to the boat. We realise they haven’t left the frozen stuff! Trying to get in touch with Tesco is hard work, on the email where it says ‘do you have a problem with your order’ the number is incorrect so I tried the Whatsapp service instead. I did try and ring the driver but he was on his was to the next drop off.

Shopping unloaded we decide to brave a walk even though it is chucking it down with rain because it’s nice just to get out and have a walk. We walk past the boat services, over the bridge and to Shugborough estate. It’s a fab walk and as we are walking back the driver rings back and he meets us at the marina to drop off our very important freezer items ((Peachy means chips))

We thaw out and dry out in the afternoon as I treat myself to a bit of jigsawing at the dinette whilst uploading videos to create some more vlogs.

Day done. x

Tuesday 5th December Day 136

Today looked like the better weather day so we packaged up our old coffee machine and with trepidation of turning up in Stafford via bus, wandering the streets and finding the postoffice only to find out they don’t take in Amazon parcels. This is part of boating life, the one nearest to us doesn’t accept returns like this. On the bus I think about filming a documentary about the life of an author, doomed forever to carry around her old coffee machine – a bit like that story where that guy took his fridge around America or whatever it was ((You’re so dramatic)) Anyway, we turn up, wait in a queue, quietly, with a frown when people are faffing about and despite standing in a queue are not actually ready when they get to the front. It reminded me of when we were in Heathrow waiting to check in to go to New Zealand via Singapore. That was a good queue story ((Only in your mind!)) Oh, I’ve just remembered my New Zealand book  shot up the book charts the other day  – hurrah! Yes, authors really do celebrate these things even if it’s only a few sales. I don’t think people know how much work goes into selling one copy when you’re not a known author. Anyway, that made me very happy.

((Just get to the point. Only you could string out a simple task as returning a box! Honestly it’s not as if you even need to make up extra words for your wordcount!)) okay, moody! We finally get to the front and they scanned it and took the box!! ((I’m out! If all your stories are like this it’s make no wonder it’s hard to sell your books!)) Rude!

Job done, I sell my soul to buy some cards to post xmas cards and then we are released from the drama of carrying a box around all day ((Dramatic)) It’s shopping done and back to the boat after we witness some shop lifters being taken away by the store security. I remember ((Fade to black and white…)) when I worked at The Works in Derby and I was supervising the shop on a busy Sunday on the run up to xmas and we had 3 shoplifters in one day – it was a nightmare. I was sitting upstairs in the storeroom with security, waiting for the police to turn up. When they finally came and they were walking out the back, I saw the guy taking hammers out the back of his trousers which he’d nicked from Woolworths and I’d been sitting up there all that time with him! I do not miss retail. ((or students or kids or….)) Alright, I’ve found my passion in life which is writing and now vlogging. I did enjoy those jobs most of the time and met some fab people I’m still friends with now so they had a purpose at the time.

Typically, in this country the public transport is suitably awful and the bus is delayed. I feel so sorry for people who have to rely on public transport for work. It’s utterly broken. ((moan, moan!)) just keeping it real.

I did walk ((What… instead of… flying/levitating?)) past the Library in Stafford which looks lovely so I might just have to pop in there for a day even if it does mean going by bus. At least the fare is only £2 each way.

Day done x

Wednesday 6th December Day 137

I had a fabulous writing day today. The characters are really fixed in my mind now, the plot is fully formed and as a result over the next few days I add over 5K to my novel! ((Well, I’m impressed Peachy. It’s about time!)) As you know if you’ve been reading the blogs, it’s been a bit like pulling teeth with this novel. I’ve thought I’ve made headway and then there has been another problem and the word count has been difficult. I’m naturally a fast writer who worries about editing later ((Or not editing at all if this blog is anything to go by!)) I normally cannot get the words down quick enough and can hear the characters in my head shouting hurry up. Faster. So, 1,000 words an hour or more is standard for me when working on a novel but this one has been hard.

I suppose I’ve had a lot of distractions with starting this new life, learning how to edit and vlog and be comfortable in front of the camera which has been a massive learning curve for me. The next stage is upgrading my website to a business account so I can start selling books directly but it’s an extra £156 per year and on top of the £120 I already pay to host/use my website and it’s not a cost I can justify at the moment, even if it will bring in more money. ((You need to crack on and promote your Patreon account – come on people, dig under your sofa’s, raid the piggy bank, cash in your jewels and sign up to Peachy’s account! Click here)) Erm, what’s with you being so helpful all of a sudden. I’m worried! ((If you get that fancy new shop page set up you can start selling my merchandise!)) erm, what?? Your merchandise? ((I don’t need to you the best thing about you is me so imagine my fans being able to buy Brackets Merchandise. I bet I will outsell your books!)) You’re on! You get me some Patreons. I will set up the page. I will put one of your items on and one of mine and the battle for glory will begin! ((ON IT! it starts at £3 per month don’t let me down! You also get to find out before everyone else about the boat travels… even though they will probably just go back on themselves! lol))

After writing jobs are done it’s off for a walk and the Shugborough/Great Haywood area is very flooded again. We go past the lock ‘add name’ ((Peachy forgot to add it. Give me strength it’s…..  Haywood Lock)) under the bridge, along the canal and cross the first bridge, turn left ((Right!)) and into a lovely wooded area hugging the canal. It’s cold but feel autumnal as we crunch through the leaves and look at the extent of the floods across the canal at the Shugborough estate. We are having a great time until suddenly it comes to a dead end so we turn around and return to the boat. I could easily just sit at the dinette all day but it’s good to get some exercise in.

The book word count total is now: 53,004 ((Wow, I’m actually impressed!)) I know right, it feels like the end is in sight.

Day done. x

Thursday 7th December Day 138

I met a friend who I’ve not seen for years ((Is this another invisible friend??)) at the local café at 11.30 and we didn’t leave until kick out time at 5pm! We talked for that long. It was lovely to catch up after so many years ((I pity anyone sitting near you two!))

But, I did still do some work that day… I achieved 500 subscribers on my YouTube channel… hurrah. Which meant when I got home I made the vlog showing the tour of our boat live! You can watch it below… ((Don’t forget to like and subscribe!)) Really chuffed the channel is doing so well, I’ve come to really enjoy creating them and documenting what we are doing even if it does take a long time. The next goal to reach is 1,000 subscribers as at that point you can apply to make money from the vlogs!

That was it for Thursday, another day done. x
A tour of our narrowboat

Friday 8th December Day 139

Today was a warm and dry day so we decided it was time to get into the bow and start getting the boat jobs done now we’ve had some time settle into marina life and we have a long list to get through whilst we have the luxury of being hooked up to electric.

It’s a tough, hard job to grind all the paint off back to metal so we can then apply filler and rust treatment but it has to be done to protect the boat from further issues. Then it will get it painted, which is the exciting part. I think I mentioned we also need to touch up the areas which have worn since we painted it at Langley Mill in august. Now we don’t have to move the boat the paint won’t be scraped by the ropes so should set properly.

Sadly, the grinder didn’t make it and broke before the job could be finished so we’ve had to order a new one from Argos to collect tomorrow!

We decided to go for a little walk across the bridge where the river is properly flooded after the snow has melted and the heavy rain we’ve been having and along the path alongside Shugborough Estate. They are just setting up the light show and it looks very christmassy. I would love to go but we cannot afford to visit the actual light show. It was weird the first night as the light shows cast shards of light into the sky and we left the boat and were like what the heck! ((Did you think the aliens were coming to get you? Don’t worry, they would soon send you back))

Anyway, day done and hopefully we get another clear day on Sunday to do some more work and get the bow finished. x

Saturday 9th December 140

((Peachy has just been writing and scheduling her blog and then come on here to update this and realised she hasn’t filled in her blog since Monday! Lord have mercy at what nonsense you’ve read up to now. It will be even more made up than normal!)) Hey, it’s not my fault, I’ve done what I said I would do and had some constructive writing days, jobs on the boat and also had to fit in some Christmas shopping!

A friend came over today and we played zombicide and Everdale as the wind and rain picked up outside and boat rocked from side to side. I don’t know if I mentioned that earlier in the week, I tried to sort one of the leaks on the hatch and it seems to have worked – hurrah! ((Too much socialising and not enough ‘doing’ if you ask me!))

Short one today as after my friend left it was updating and faffing with my website and this blog! x

Sunday 10th December 141

Today was a mixture of washing day, writing and boat cleaning. I go upto the laundry room and the washing machine was empty. This is called a result people! I don’t know how many times when I lived at the marina in Newark we wandered up only to find them full. There were a lot more residential people there though and at this marina the only people living on their boats seem to be winter moorers like us.

Can you even call yourselves continuous cruisers if you’re in a marina for months? Well, if it means I get a cheaper licence fee next year then we might have to come in marinas. The increase they are planning to buy our canal and river licence is eyewatering over the next few years. The bubble has certainly burst for anyone thinking they will try this life as a cheap way to live. ((You know what that means people? Peachy has had a week of begging for money with her buy me a coffee/book promotions/Patreon and so on… imagine what she’s going to be like when the fees go up. I’m starting a petition to CRT to get the fees changed!)) Hey, I’m allowed to promote a few things on my own blog. Also, all the money I receive at the moment is going towards making my website into a business account, that way I can have direct links so people can buy signed copies of my book. ((Oh joy. We will look forward to that… not))

More writing was done today and I’m pulling together a list of places I need to visit when I go to Jersey. I said earlier in the week I’ve made some great headway with the book and now I’m starting to mess about with chapter layout, word counts and endings. As a reader I love/hate cliffhangers at the end of chapters as it means you have to turn the page and read the next one but as a writer I make sure that my chapters all lead the reader to do just that! There is nothing better than thinking you will read a couple of chapters before bed but then stay up until 2am reading ((Or falling asleep if they are reading yours! Don’t shoot the messenger; a friend of yours has admitted to falling asleep watching you vlog so it’s not a stretch to think the same about your books!)) Rude! Anyway I don’t mind to the vlog as they are supposed to be relaxing.

Right, can you believe another week done and before we know it, it will be Christmas! It’s been lovely to see so much more engagement with my subscribers ((Peachy means people talking to her)) on YouTube. I’m quite proud of how my little channel is doing. Oh, one thing… my mum said to me after watching one of them… ‘I won’t worry about my own memory after watching you’ ((Your mum is spot on their Peachy! People only watch it to feel better about themselves!))

Until next week… or tomorrow if you’re reading them daily. x

Here are any links mentioned throughout this weeks blog…

Coffee:
You can read my New Zealand Novel here
Patreon Account
A tour of our narrowboat

SNOW DAY! Day 134

Sunday 3rd December day 134

I wake up at 3am. The result of being a woman of a certain age but… when I look out the window it has snowed heavily in the night! I cannot contain my excitement so stay up a little bit and build up the fire with wood and coal to keep it going then at normal wake up time it will still be alight and warming the boat.

Eventually when I go back to bed I listen to my audio book to try and nod off again. ((Honestly you’re like a child when it comes to Christmas and snow!)) I know, I would rather be like that than being miserable though, being excited about the little things in life is very important.

Our Amazon delivery is due today, my new coffee machine so I make sure we are up at 8am. The delivery is estimated between 9-10.45 so we have brekkie, great ready and then decide to walk to the farm shop to get some milk and veggies as the food delivery is not due until tomorrow and I want a walk in the snow!

It’s wonderful and properly deep snow! We crunch through it and down the lane to the farmshop which is probably about 5 mins walk from the marina, we planned it perfectly as we spot the Amazon delivery van and take the coffee machine from him before getting the supplies from the farmshop and then it’s back to the boat.

I’m now sitting in front of the fire with a toasty log burning updating this. The plan is to go for a walk after lunch and then settle down to an afternoon Christmas film and then after that, finish writing my xmas cards so I can post them tomorrow and add a few chapters to my novel.

Until later…

Plan done. It’s a good job we have a dvd player as the wi-fi signal is a little dodgy so it’s a good job we have a backup. We are hoping to be able to fill up with water tomorrow as the marina have switched it off due to the pipes freezing and chance of leaks. As with most things on the boat the water tank doesn’t have a gauge so the way we work out how much water we have is by looking at the level the boat is sitting at the bow. Technical or what. You can buy an attachment which means we can measure the amount of water going into the tank which attaches to the hose so we might get one of those at some point.

Right, that’s another week done. I think we have learnt that we need to be more organised when it comes to winter! Hopefully next week I will have an update on my book for those who read my blog for the writing updates. ((Literally people only read your blog for my sarcasm and there hasn’t been nearly enough this week))

Until next week… xx ((Or tomorrow if you’re reading the daily blogs))

Boat jobs. A much needed writing day! Day 133

Saturday 2nd December Day 133

We finished the washing job this morning and then tried to fill up with water as the pipes unfroze for a little while but rookie mistake as we left the hosepipe on the roof so that’s frozen! We did fill up a little bit when we were filling with diesel when we arrived at the marina but as the sun was setting, we wanted to moor before it went dark. So, the hosepipe goes into the shower to thaw out. We have enough water for now so can wait for everything to thaw out.

In the afternoon I chuck Chris out ((Charming!)) as I decide I want to have a writing afternoon which I thoroughly enjoy in front of a blazing fire and the Christmas tree lights twinkling. I know I keep saying this but I have finally, finally settled on the structure for the novel after another plot line has slotted into place. So, once I’ve caught up on blogging and vlogging I can proper get stuck in which I need to do as I probably have another 25-30k to write before I hand back to my publisher mid Jan and I need to add description when I go to Jersey.

Nothing else to report for today. You might be pleased to hear that the blogs will likely be much shorter and you won’t need to eat a three-course meal whilst reading!  ((thank goodness!))

Until tomorrow… x

Back to marina life and my coffee machine breaks… Day 132

Friday 1st December Day 132

Well, thank goodness we made the decision to come into the marina yesterday as the canal is frozen over this morning and we wouldn’t have been able to get in today or in fact as it transpires for the next few days. I mean it wouldn’t have been the worst case as we would have been on the cut outside the marina but we wouldn’t have had the luxury of electric hook up! We have gone mad on the boat with the electric fire on at night, electric blanket on the bed and the ultimate I can make a proper coffee whenever I want. My life is complete! ((saddo))

It also means we don’t have to think about charging the power bank and can literally watch tv for hours and hours and hours so all those things I’ve been saving up to binge watch I can crack on with.

Today we nip to the marina office and buy some tokens for the washing/Laundry. It cost £30 for four washes/dry which is probably mid-range in prices we have paid elsewhere and is quite a big expense really but I still don’t know if that’s more expensive/cost effective to use these rather than have a proper washing machine on board. It’s a nice feeling as we wander up to wash all the bedding, towels and clothes we have been saving up knowing we were going into the marina.

We also place an online shopping delivery with Tesco, although we didn’t realise because this marina isn’t residential, so we can have deliveries we collect on arrival but cannot have post which the marina takes in ((Wait, does that mean no xmas cards!!!!!!!???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!)), yes. I know. I’m sad. I love cards but someone very kindly bought me a coffee via my website instead of a card so you know, not all bad!

Next job was to sort out a replacement coffee machine as ours is on its last legs as something has broken on the steamer. Amazon customer service was excellent as usual. In the end it was easier to have the cost refunded and then we ordered another one. Although we realised it’s going to be a faff to return it as we don’t have the facility to print labels and some post offices won’t print the labels but we will cross that bridge when we have received the new one and have a box to send it back in.

I faff about on the boat and put the twin tub away behind the bin the kitchen for its winter storage now we won’t be using it. It’s done a grand job so far. Dinner consumed we decide to have a well-earned wander into Great Haywood to visit the pub we like there. It’s very cold but nice and toasty in the pub as they have a real fire blazing and we chat to the owners of the marina who are propping up the bar.

Back to the boat we settle down to listen to some music and chat about what an adventure we have had so far!

Until tomorrow… x

The canal is frozen! Will we make it to the marina? Day 131

Thursday 30th November Day 131

Wow it was a cold one last night and we wake up to a partially frozen canal and our windows on the inside are well and truly frost bitten! It didn’t feel too bad in the night as we stoked up the fire but I do remember turning over at one point and thinking, do not move. If I move, I will disturb the cold air which is lurking on top of the duvet waiting to strike, so it was best to stay still lol.

Coffee in bed and social media caught up with we then do the morning ritual of taking out the insulated covers we put in the window which have to be prised off due to the ice and then it’s taking a cloth to the windows and wiping off the condensation and ice. This will be an ongoing ritual throughout the day as condensation builds. The trick is to catch it before it drips into the boat!

I’m at the dinette with the gloves my friend crotchet’d for me for writing and I’m trying to get the rest of the videos sorted and uploaded to YouTube whilst the signal is so good. Once we’ve had our final cruise this afternoon, I will probably have a break from filming for a bit. I’ve been filming, editing and creating vlogs pretty much non-stop since we left the marina in July ((OH poor you. It’s a good job I kept out my tiny violin!)) Don’t get me wrong I love doing them but writing has to become my focus once we are in the comfort of the marina and don’t have to think about the usual things like getting water, toilet, bins etc as they are all there on site. Same as shopping, most days we have to find a shop as we can only carry so much and store so much on the boat.

((Tell them the bit you’re most excited about…)) I can have my coffee machine on all the time so that will save me a fortune in coffee shops! The planet killer as Chris calls it, is back. ((Don’t tell Peachy but her machine is about to break!))

Right, I have a break from updating this as we get ready and go for a cold walk up to the lock to check out how iced in the canal is for cruising later as we do so another boat comes into view – they are trailing blazing through the ice and doing a nice job of breaking it. We decide if they can get through, then we will be okay. We have the standard shouty convo from boat to towpath – ((I always thought boatlife was quiet but you boaters are a noisy bunch!)) we then head back to the boat and start faffing but then realise we don’t have much coal left. The stove is on 24/7 so we are using plenty of coal. We should have been more prepared but we didn’t account for the canal freezing over and being a bit of a distance both ways for any services ((Amateurs)) so, we decide to leave it thirty minutes and then we follow in the trailblazer’s wake. We end up chatting them a few times as our paths crisscross over the next few days.

It’s not too bad as we set off but already the ice is reforming where they cruised and the ice breaks against the bow but hopefully the ice is not deep enough to do much damage to the bow. We soon arrive at the lock and all goes smoothly. I take my time as obviously everywhere is slippy and locks are places to be careful whatever the weather. Despite the cold we still have our sunglasses on as it’s a beautiful but cold day with lovely blue skies.

We miss cruising straight into a lock by about 1 minute as the boater had just closed the gate and set off but no matter. I set it and we meet our friend from the other day – think it’s a Muscovy duck so we hand out some well needed birdseed to keep them going in the cold. Lock done it’s onto the next. Three to do today before we get to the marina.

Oh I forgot to say. I rang the marina just to check we could go in a day early and they said that was all fine but their water pipes had frozen so they suggested we try the services at Great Haywood before coming into the marina.

At the last lock of the day, Hoo Mill Lock I’m just about to start filling the lock and a robin lands on the bow and watches my technique. This could possibly be the last lock we do this year and I don’t know if I’m really into signs and things like that, but it does feel like it means something. We put a little bit of bird seed onto the lock side for the robin to enjoy at its leisure. On route we had an email from the marina to say the water is back on so we don’t need to go to the services.

We’d set off at about 11.45ish and finally arrive at the marina at 2.30pm. Wouldn’t you know it the trailblazing boat is on the service point at the marina and just as we come in the entrance another boat comes speeding out from their pontoon in front of us. Turns out he having a pump out ((The boat not the actual person just to be clear!)) so we are third in line. The chap I’ve been chatting to at the marina comes out and signals for us to moor at the side whilst we wait rather than hovering in the marina. Typically, he says they haven’t seen a boat all day. That’s the way it goes.

I pop into the office to sort out the paperwork and get our key fobs and info as well as buying some well needed coal. Chris empties the Elsan whilst we wait for the other boaters finish their jobs then finally it’s our turn. We decided to fill up with diesel and then as the sunsets it’s to cruise onto our home pontoon for the next few months, we could not have timed it more perfectly. Now it’s time to get the boat in order for marina life.

All this has meant that I finished my wordcount on 30,877, which is way short of the planned 50k but I’m still happy with the wordcount as I suspect if I hadn’t have taken part in NaNoWriMo it would have been a lot less and fingers crossed now we are in the marina I will have more time to write. I might even just put out a weekly blog so that will save your inboxes filling up and give me more time to write. I also won’t be videoing as much so that will give me some well needed time back.

Until tomorrow… x

Cruising, editing and failing my wordcount! Day 130

Wednesday 29th November Day 130

It’s a last wander into Stone this morning and finally the postoffice is open. Then it’s into Bear for our final coffee and then last bits of shopping from Morrisons we will need for the next few days until we are back in a marina and can have a supermarket shop delivered. It showed how cold it was as the ropes on the roof were stiff and frozen this morning and this afternoon. The temperature is somewhere between 0 and 4 degrees today and will be the coldest we have cruised in…

Fast forward and it’s now 14.19pm and we are moored up just near Sandon Lock. We set off about 11.45 and only had one lock to do which was Aston lock just near the marina. It’s certainly welcome doing the locks when it’s cold although we have wrapped up warm so we actually really enjoy the cruise. To be honest I think as long as it’s not raining, I cannot imagine not loving a cruise. It’s a beautiful clear day with a fabulous blue sky. Despite being wrapped up we have sunglasses on against the glare of the winter sun.

I was planning on having a writing afternoon but we have an amazing signal here and I have about 70 videos to check, edit, file and upload to create the vlogs so I decided to crack on with these. As you know from previous blogs sometimes they can take so long to do. A strong, fast signal is like winning the online lottery lol.

Until tomorrow… x
((At the risk of repeating myself…))

A visit to derby and an interesting train journey! Day 129

Tuesday 28th November Day 129

A trip to derby where I lived for 16 years to catch up with my friend’s who’s flat, I’m looking after in Jersey. She’s on a visit home so worked out well ((So, what you’re saying is another ‘non’ writing day!! Peachy come on now!)) I know but I had to pick up the key from her and the main reason for the visit to Jersey is to do the final pieces of research for the book and make contact with some of the bookshops.

It’s an interesting trip on the train and a wait for 45 mins on one of the connections but for a change they are on time! On one of them there are a bunch of kids, i would say 16-18 year olds drinking, shouting and if i’m not very much mistaken doing something that shouldn’t in the toilets! The train guard tried to bring them into order but he’s wasting his time. To be fair, they are noisy but not actually trying to cause trouble. Just kids, being kids ((Baring the toilet malarkey!))

Tomorrow is a cruising day and it’s supposed to not get above 4 degrees so I think the heated top will be coming out!

Until tomorrow… x

((And again. Calls herself an Author!!))