C.L. Peache's Blog, page 29

Day 67 – Friday 22nd sept – boat jobs – we get boarded!

We crack on with the final jobs doing the stove ((Honestly is this the longest renovation in history! How much longer can you string it out!)) Look it takes a while okay, we’ve had to wait and order things to be collected from the local postoffice and various other reasons – ((Oh yeah, like having a power nap when you’re supposed to be joining your online book group!)) Well that was Chris’s fault because he should have woken me up but he ended up having a nap as well ((well, to be fair Peachy you are both cracking on a bit!))

I finish the day with the usual writing and social media before pizza and a couple of glasses of wine. Happy Friday everyone. Until tomorrow… x

Day 66 – Thurs 21st Sept – back on the cut

Today was finally the day to leave the marina. ((I’m not sure you can class moving about 5 minutes along the canal as actually leaving anywhere!)) Look, we have repeatedly said we are going to explore the canals slowly. ((There’s slowly and then there is literally going nowhere.)) Ignore, Brackets he is on one again today!

About 9.30ish we left our loving mooring at Avocet 15 in Mercia Marina and turned onto the visitor pontoon so I could pop up to the office and hand back our fobs, electric card and laundry card and settle up. Basically the same as checking out of a hotel or B&B. Then we pop into the chandlers and collect our new barge pole. This is basically used to either fight off zombies, pole vault over canals to reach a coffee shop or pub orto help get the boat out of a tricky situation. ((Well, I wouldn’t touch you with a…)) yes, yes we all know that one clever clogs. We nearly needed to use it on the Erewash so it was convenient to get one now just in case!

After about 2 minutes we come out of the marina and spot the luxury of the canals; the Armco and decide to moor up as we have jobs to finish off.

First job is oiling the barge pole as they advised at the chandlery that varnishing or painting would cause water damage if it got chipped and we still have some Danish oil which we used for the worktops, so we lay it in the living room after oiling it and then walk into Willington to collect a parcel which we need for the next job…

Back to the boat and I venture onto the roof to clean up the area around the chimney so that I can paint that whilst Chris sorts out removing the old chimney and making sure the new one is ready to be fitted which resulted in having to order a tool so he can rivet some holes or something. Obviously as soon as I’ve added the first coat of paint it rains so we turn a basket upside down and stick in a binbag to protect it then it’s inside where we fit the rope for the stove door which we collected from the postoffice earlier.

As it’s raining I crack on with blog and some more spreadsheet work before walking back to Mercia Marina to a friend who kindly let me have a sim card for the router posted to her house. We obviously had to have a cheeky drink in the pub and have a goss and then I ring my mum as I walked home ((Your mum is my number one fan. Actually Sandra is maybe joint number one fan. They appreciate my humour and realise what I bring to this blog!))  I’ve told them to stop encouraging you!

Once home it’s time to make tea once we have moved the barge pole out of the way and then I do some editing in front of the fire. It certainly turning colder. It’s nice to sit here in front of the fire with the duck hatch open though and i’m looking forward to cosy wintery day’s.

Right, that’s it from me today.. oh one last thing. We cannot get a winter mooring at Mercia Marina ((What!! Don’t they know who you are??!!)) I know right, I mean who wouldn’t want a famous author on their marina ((Well, erm. They have probably watched your YouTube and don’t want you bringing down the tone!)) This means we now have to decide where to go when we get to Fradley junction and were we want to winter. Decisions, decisions ((That’s the name of one of Peachy’s stories on the Saga Fiction app… here is the link! As usual I have to do everything!))

Until tomorrow… xx

Day 65 – Wed 20th Sept – Met a YouTube viewer!

In between the winds blowing the boat here, there and everywhere we were knuckling down to do boat jobs and prepping ready to leave marina life tomorrow and Chris went to sort out his new tyres for his pushbike as he had a puncture at our last mooring and as he struggles with his dodgy foot it’s his best mode of transport. The marina has bike tools anyone can use so really useful.

Anyway, ((I wish you would get to the point)) last night we were chatting with another boater who is the next hatch. He wants to eventually go out cruising but he’s currently residential here at the marina and working, so in the same situation as we were in at Newark. Chris got chatting to him whilst he was sorting out his bike and the guy said to Chris that he was sure he recognised me. Turns out it’s from YouTube! ((OH dear lord Peachy will be insufferable now she’s been ‘recognised!)) He commented on my very first vlog and we have chatted on other vlogs over time. What a nice guy and it was lovely to hear how much he liked the channel ((You mean there is someone who likes watching someone who forgets everything and what they do remember is probably wrong!))

It’s very weird to be recognised off the tele! I remember when I met Fran and Rich who have a YouTube channel and was a bit star stuck because you’re so used to seeing them on TV! Proper chuffed anyway. It’s a shame we are leaving tomorrow as not sure I will get chance to say hello again before we go.

Other than that today has been a bit more freelance work and general social stuff to advertise my books. I’m hoping to carry on with my mystery/thriller novel next week, it’s been so long since I’ve been able to get really stuck into a story I’m getting itchy fingers! ((You should see a doctor about that!))

Until tomorrow and we are back on the cut! Xx

Day 64 Tues 19th Sept – boat jobs and work

We are woken by the promised wind and rain and it’s a early morning trip outside for Chris as the hose pipe reel is moving about on the roof. Then it’s coffee in bed and nice and cosy inside whilst the weather has a tantrum outside.

Once up, it’s to the dinette for me as I do some freelance work for the book festival and my all-time favourite of faffing with spreadsheets whilst Chris cracks on with some boat jobs. He finishes sanding the filler on the fire and gives it another coat. We are not 100% happy with the finish but ‘it will do’ for this year as it’s more important it is functional. We still have some bits to do on roof but not today! ((Oh go on Peachy. Don’t let 40-50mph winds stop you. Get yourself on the roof!)) No chance. The boat has been moving so much today I’m glad we’re moored up against a fixed pontoon.

The stuff we’d ordered for the windows isn’t very good so we are going to either see if we can make it work or we will have order some more. It’s basically the wrong thickness to seal the window to the frame and because it’s a springy material it’s difficult to cut! It just makes it that little bit harder when you cannot just jump in a car or don’t have a fixed address to send things to. Never mind! I bought a new organiser. ((Yeah but you thought that was A3 and it’s A4!)) Yeah, it wasn’t the best order of items in the world but it’s got pretty columns so that’s okay and eventually we work out the issue with the windows. Where there is a will there is a way!

Right, we are off for a wander into Willington now as I’m running out of coffee and we all know that’s one step away from ringing the emergency services!

Until tomorrow… x

Day 63 – Mon 18th Sep – He’s home and the boat jobs are back on the agenda!

Chris didn’t get home until 1.30am so it was a late/early one to bed. Finally, we got up about 9ish and then the usual after holiday activities took place ((erm what do you mean??)) like the washing, ((Phew!)) don’t be rude Brackets! which is much easier with having the laundry facilities on the marina. It would have taken ages with our twin tub machine! Then it was filling up the boat with water and time for a coffee to assess the boat jobs.

As we have to be a little more organised for winter we ordered the last few bits we need to finish various jobs; like the stove and we ended up fitting the new glass in the door and sanding the filler on the flue paint. It’s the standard weird weather as it’s been blazing sunshine and heavy showers today as autumn threatens. It’s 7pm here as I type this and the sun is already getting ready to disappear for the night.

We’ve also ordered some sealing strips for the windows as they need redoing, it probably won’t stop the frost on the inside come the really cold days but it will help to a little bit.

I take some time to do my standard social media ((A reader said your thriller Power of Nature was a masterpiece… are you sure that wasn’t your mum?)) No! Although obviously she would say that but no, it was reader who just loved it. It’s such a wonderful feeling to know a reader has enjoyed one of my books. It really does make all the hard work worthwhile.

Right, it’s time to sign off. Oh, last thing we have also booked to stay in the marina one more night. There are forty-fifty mph winds and heavy rain forecast so we are staying put for the next few days! Narrowboats do not come out of it well against the wind. Which leads to another job of sorting the duck hatch as I had to get up at about 3.30am as the heavy rain woke me and the water pours out of it like a waterfall so i rushed ((as fast as a zombie seeking it’s pray. The walking Dead kind not World War Z kind)) out to pop the bowls under to catch the water – always something to do when you live on a boat!

Ohhh, I’m going to do a Q&A at some point on YouTube so if you have any questions let me know!

Until tomorrow… x

Day 62 – Sun 17th Sept – Reflective mood…

((Oh how the mighty have fallen. Today Peachy has to actually empty the toilet. I bet you don’t show pictures of that on social media!)) Well, to be fair I’m not sure many people would want to see that. I have shown videos of the services on my YouTube channel but that’s about it. I try and keep my socials toilet free! Anyway, as Brackets said I had my jobs to do this morning as Chris is back tomorrow and I have a friend coming over. ((Oh come on now! Get out of your fantasy world of all these friends. This is just getting ridiculous now!)) Stop being jealous not it’s not a nice trait.

My friend pops by and we have a  good old natter as well a walk around the marina chatting about what we are doing now and the fact we are excited for our annual visit to Chatsworth for Christmas which is always a highlight of the year.

Later it made me reflect on how one part of your life can lead to another and how the connection of random circumstances can result in a life change years later. I met my friend after I’d come back from our wonderful adventure in New Zealand ((Yes, yes, we all know you wrote a book about it… here is the link… )) and I needed work, so I applied for a temp job and my friend interviewed me for the role. I did get it and we became firm friends and this eventually led to setting up a creative studio together which ultimately we had to make the difficult decision to close as it was just too difficult around the covid years but… friends we still are and through running the studio I’ve met so many people and those connections over the years have led to other adventures and new friends. It’s amazing where the web of life leads you!

On that reflective note… until tomorrow… x
((Oh don’t forget Peachy’s YouTube narrowboat adventure should be on YouTube later today… you can watch here… You’ve probably got something better to do as you would have to be really bored to watch them but i’ve done my bit and shared it. ))
Another pic from the amazing sculptures around the marina.

Day 61 – Sat 16th Sept – Mercia – seeing friends

((Come on now Peachy stop pretending that you have this many friends. It’s the same one or you’re making them up!)) Don’t be rude. I’m very lucky to have lots of amazing friends thank you!

My friend – quiet Brackets! turned up for a goss and some lunch before she very kindly took me to Aldi and Lidl so I could get a ‘big shop’ and then dropped me off right near the pontoon after we’d been for a coffee with her mum. It’s been fab being moored at Mercia Marina as a lot of my friends live around here, so I’ve managed to catch up with everyone. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned that we have asked about taking a winter mooring here so we will see!

Once back I make some dinner and decide to treat myself to a binge watch of the Wilderness on Amazon Prime! OMG if you haven’t watch it, clear your calendar for 6 hours and get it done. Brilliant series. I’m not going to tell you anymore about it just get it watched! ((Once again your ability to write a good review astounds me)) Here is the link to a 30 day trial for Amazon – it’s worth it for Wilderness if thrillers are your kind of thing! Click here.

I’ve mentioned before it’s been amazing seeing all the reviews coming through for Power of Nature and Finding Love but then… wow the amount of DM’s I receive per day on Instagram is bonkers! At one point I was replying to everyone but it seems if you don’t take them up on their offer they wait until you’ve followed them and then unfollow you – bit mean in my book! Either you’re building a community or you’re just trying to get followers. That’s not how I work on social so I’ve started being a bit more careful about who I follow! ((Oh the trials of social media Peachy! I’m sure these people are devastated about the unfollow from you. I bet they are booking in to see a therapist right now to get over this devastating loss. One day they will regret it Peachy. one day when you’re famous for not being famous. one day Peachy))
Honestly people complain about trolls online, well at least i will he hardened against that with the grief i get from you!

Until tomorrow… x
How cool is the pic if it’s showing – one of the structures at the marina!

Day 60 – Fri 15th Sept – gaming and seeing friends

Cannot believe we are on day 60 already! It’s already been two months that we have been living this life. It feels like it’s been a few weeks in some ways. Although when I look back on the vlogs we have done so much even if we haven’t actually travelled too far on the network but hopefully that will start changing over the coming weeks and months depending on the weather! It’s not looking likely we will get a winter mooring here so that will decide which way we turn when we get to Fradley junction!

In the afternoon I catch up with my fabulous book group and we put the world to rights as well as some book discussion. I cannot remember if I said I’ve been listening to an audio called Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow ((have you…)) no, I haven’t got stuck on repeat. That’s the name of the book by Gabrielle Zevin. I’m afraid I’m rubbish at writing reviews but it’s very interesting and something a bit different I thought. ((It’s not often i would agree with you Peachy!))

My friend pops over after work and we play Zombiecide Black Plaque, sadly, even though we accidentally cheated but also lost out on some areas of play because we didn’t know what we were doing ((So you’re trying to say you cancelled out your cheating! Unbelievable!)) anyway, we died. Oh well, I love gaming and it got me to thinking about my fantasy game. ((Honestly can you not just settle on one genre or one project. You give me a headache. It’s no wonder no-one can keep up. You’ve got a problem Peachy!)) I’ve created a card game for my fantasy trilogy series Festival of Time. It’s been play tested a few times and I’ve made some tweaks but it’s sort of at the stage where I need to speak to some artists to create the art work for the game cards and also production but then that costs money. I was thinking about doing something like Kickstarter but it will have to wait until I have more time! Unless someone can sort it all out for me. It’s always nice to sit and reflect on worlds i’ve created. When a book is finished i often miss the characters… anyway…

Right, that’s me. Lovely day. Until tomorrow. xx

Day 59 – Thurs 14th Sept – reflections…

((What thrilling information are you going to impart today then Peachy? I cannot wait until you get cruising again. These are a little boring!)) Hey, don’t be rude! I might not be going far but I’m getting a lot done and it’s been nice just to relax. This time of year is usually so hectic. I’ve mentioned before I worked in education in some way, shape or form for about probably about 30years! ((OMG I DIDN’T KNOW YOU WERE THAT OLD!!!)) and I can quite honestly say that last academic year, apart from a few lovely kids who were mainly 16-18 years old were the most vile and rude I’ve ever experienced! I don’t know if this a combination of the covid years or what but the vast majority had absolutely no respect or manners. I don’t know what the answer is but it was not an environment I feel like would ever want to work in again, which is quite sad really as once I absolutely loved my job and it was a minority of students which caused problems not the majority. ((I’ve crossed this out because Peachy was off on one of her rants! I couldn’t delete it as I don’t have admin rights. But you’re welcome… moving on…))

It’s why I try to be so appreciative of where I am now. ((Oh, Peachy is still going on!)) Doing something you love in life is often hard to come by and making big changes is not always easy or possible in some cases! It means I have time for daily blogs! ((Oh such joy and happiness you bring to our lives. Our lives are so enhanced on so many levels…)) Don’t be cheeky! ((I’m not, I mean it. I haven’t been allowed to chat to my fans for this long before!)) Fans? Okay, if you say so! All i’m saying is when you’ve managed to change your life it’s good to appreciate it. I will shut up now. ((Well, that’s one of my genie wishes gone but it was worth it))

A friend from writing group popped over tonight for a good old chin wag. She was in a bad place with their work place and we often used to have ranting sessions but thankfully she has found a great job and it’s lovely to chat about how happy we are as well as well as our writing plans. My writing group has just started up after a summer break where it’s hard to get everyone together as people are on hols and I’m going to miss the group. It’s really great to have that support as a writer.

Tomorrow I’m going to aim to work on some freelance admin work I have in-between ((wait, let me guess. Blogging and vlogging!)) This week is going really quickly and Chris will soon be back and it will be back to cruising again so really want to get to the end of THE LIST!

Until tomorrow. Xx
((Well you haven’t left me any decent link to promote a book! Honestly your only job is to line it up for me. You can read FINDING LOVE here. it’s not bad and people seem to like it! That’s all the praise you deserve Peachy!))

Day 58 – Wed 13th Sept – Groundhog Day

It’s like groundhog day on the boat as I attempt to try and organise my online life whilst dealing with my nemesis which is a dodgy connection! ((Good job you have patience and a jigsaw to do then in between! I mean you wouldn’t want to push yourself would you!))  That’s right, I’m mean I am sort of on holiday. ((Yeah what’s new!))

I’ve been waiting for my publisher to send me the edits on my thriller which I’ve mentioned before is based in Jersey. I thought I could crack on whilst I have peace and quiet as it takes a while to get back into a story and the characters but it’s not quite worked out so at least if I can get ahead with all my blog, vlogs and redesign my website, I will have achieved a lot this week. Especially since i have over 200 videos to check, edit and sort. In between all this it’s been amazing to read all the fantastic reviews coming through on social media for my thriller; Power of Nature! ((I must say I’ve been impressed Peachy! I have to admit you might actually be able to write a page turned if the reviews can be believed!))

To attempt to try and not become part of the dinette, I decide to have a wander into Willington to get some supplies from the co-op. It’s a lovely walk and it’s good to get off the boat for a bit. It’s strange how I feel like we live a completely different life depending on our location. The boat also feels different as well. A bit like when you go on holiday and it can feel a little strange that you don’t know an area and then after a few days it all feels familiar. Does anyone else feel like this? In some mooring we use the bikes all the time, then all we seem to be doing is washing clothes and so on! Although i cannot wait to get cruising again as soon we will be back on the canals with single locks and stunning views.

Right, that’s it for today. Until tomorrow…. X
((DO i have to do everything! If you want to check out Power of Nature. With over thirty 4 & 5 Star reviews it’s a page turner not to be missed. Click here to read it. You’re welcome Peachy!))