Finally, 2-3 weeks late, my new curtains arrived!

Aren’t they lovely!  They’re quite iridescent so take on different colours in different light.  The photograph makes it all look quite bright but in reality, without the glare of a camera flash, they’re dark, opulent and cosy looking.

Because they’re late and came in dribs and drabs the maker offered me some free matching cushions.  Would have been rude to say no, so I said yes

The interior designer wont receive a link or mention though as I feel the service hasn’t been good so I don’t want to recommend them.  The internet is a powerful tool isn’t it!

My Sister and her Husband paid me a visit yesterday too.  We spent a lovely afternoon in the local having a natter and came back to the boat for more chatter. Here they are on the front of the boat. Sarah was scared she’d fall in!

I’ve spoken previously about having storage built into my cratch.  Well here is the finished splendour!

Again, it was thanks to Bryan of Myram Carpentry (07830 627578) but it was tinged with a little melancholy due to this being his finale in terms of my boat.  It’s been around a 4 month commission and I couldn’t have chosen a nicer, skilled tradesman If I’d tried.  10/10!

The storage doubles up as seating so I’m off to look for some nice cushions to sit on now but meanwhile I’ve ordered a nice fold-down table that will fit beautifully in the small area allowing Lottie and I to sit there and eat in warmer months.

The same day found the man from Wilsons of Kinver arrive to fit my new cratch and helm covers.  Right from my first conversation with the Boss man to my repeated conversations with Vicky who saw to the smooth process of ordering through to fitting down to the lovely young men that saw the job through.  Timely, great value for money, and no additional charges for travelling that one company wanted.  Moreover, they look fantastic!

So that’s it!  All my work is now complete and I’m very much looking forward to actually moving Towpath Townie for trips in the near future

Prior to my maiden voyage I really need to secure employment.  Wish me luck with the jobs I’m applying for

I’m now a ‘Fire-Starter’ expert… in fact, not a fire starter expert, a fire-keeper-inner expert!  I’m now enjoying day 3 (start of night 4) of a permanent on-fire stove so haven’t had to resort or rely on my trusty Tiger Tim Logs or firelighters.  Get me!

Having filled up my coal-hod with the remaining coals from my crumpled Taybrite bag I headed over to Hilperton to re-stock.  Spencer and Victoria stock this wonder fuel in 25 kilo bags and if you buy 10+ you can obtain a discount too… with delivery!

Ordinarily I’ve been buying 2 bags at a time.  Well, I only burn approximately one bag a week but now I’m an expert it’s a bit more to keep the fire in all night ready to build it up again in the morning.

So, Spencer suggested I buy 10 bags and have them delivered.  Why not I thought!  I took one bag on with me and said to deliver the rest when they’re ready within 7 days.

Victoria turned up in the afternoon with the remaining 9 bags bless her.  A tiny little thing no taller than I (ok, maybe a bit) and whilst she manhandled the bags on her shoulders I whimped out and assisted with my trusty sack-truck left by Jill (falls to knees and bows).

I said to Victoria to leave the bags by the gate but no, she insisted on helping me stack them by my boat.  What a great service!  Thank you!

She advised that my boat was in need of a good clean.  She’s not wrong!  And I so need to do this before my new cratch and helm covers are fitted.  I’ll set about that soonest although as reported recently, I’m hoping to do that during a downpour, however I may  need to re-prioritise this task with or without the help of Mother Nature.  She recommended a cleaning agent that’ll stop too much scrubbing so I will look into that for sure.

Anyhow, I’m now going for night 4 of flaming goodness.  Although Lottie had to wipe soot from my top lip when I dropped her at the railway station earlier :D  I’m such a noob!

Anyway, tomorrow night heralds yet another all-nighter of my favourite musical genre that is Northern Soul.  Rugby is my destination!  Blimey, I must have done over 1500 miles travelling this month in the name of soul… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You know, if you’re interested in 60’s soul, you can read all about my escapades over at TheSoulgirl!