It’s been a whole week since my last blog and Christmas has come and gone without too much hassle.

I’ve had Chris Berry (the marine surveyor) back on board to sort my boat safety certificate out which passed with flying colours – so far anyway.  Just waiting for the gas man to return to install my bubble tester, then the certificate can be signed off.  Not that you need a bubble tester but because he’ll be cutting into my gas pipes this needs to be completed prior to my certificate being handed to me.

Christmas day was very relaxing.  We didn’t get dressed at all and enjoyed a small roast dinner in front of our new TV’s and satellite system thanks to Martyn of TravelSat.  A very personable man who chats a lot and likes coffee :)

I had two TV’s and two satellite boxes installed.  That way Lottie and I can watch different programs if the need arises especially if she has friends over and wants to veg in her room.

Boxing day arrives and I’m really excited.  My first soul all-nighter after several weeks without one.  8.30pm to 7am where I danced for most of the night.  Coming back to the boat was weird as my wrecked body really felt the swaying of the boat as though it were amplified a hundred times.  I actually tiptoed very slowly along the walkway giving myself a pep talk as I walked hoping I didn’t fall in the cut :D

I also welcomed back the electrician this week.  I’m having all the main lights replaced for energy efficient ones but the funniest vision on our boat this week is our white bath robes that are now covered in soot.  We’re learning about our stove all the time and are slowly getting it right even if it’s in a rather messy way LOL.  We look like scullery maids-come-chimney sweeps :D

When I was little I always wondered why my Nan had black under her fingernails… now I know why :D

Hope you all had a brilliant Christmas and here’s me looking forward to a brand new year!

Our first snow-fall on Towpath Townie!  Only a light smattering but pretty all the same.  Certainly no where near as cold today as it was yesterday and last night even saw me kick off my slippers and socks because it was so warm in the lounge.

Bryan, from Myram Carpentry, made his last visit before Christmas to fit Lottie’s hand-rail and clothes rail.  He also came with the table he’d made that sits snugly behind my corner sofa.  It was solid oak and smelled absolutely fantastic.  We joked about pole-dancing with the table legs and before 2.30pm he’d left the boat with a handshake and Christmas greetings.

Seriously, I can’t speak highly enough of this man.  If you’re looking to employ someone for those important jobs on your boat then give him a call.  You will not be disappointed.  07830 627578.  He’s still got my cratch seating/storage to complete and the additional cabinets I’ve commissioned but he’ll be back in the New Year at his convenience as they’re not madly essential – mind you, can’t wait to get my box of perfumes and toiletries off the end of my bed :D

Just as Bryan left, Steve the electrician called by. I’m having all the ceiling lights replaced with energy efficient ones. The current ones have car bulbs in them! 8O

Muffin has really settled in well; I don’t think he can believe the extent of his new territory so spends his days up and down trees and prowling around the marina.

I am also looking to employ someone to replace my windows with double-glazing. So if you’re a window person and read this, please go to my About page and contact me. Thank you.

Woke up this morning and it was -5 outside. The marina is completely frozen over and the poor old ducks are skating instead of swimming. We fed them some warm soaked bread and they were grateful.

Luckily I’d filled the water tank yesterday because today all the taps are frozen.

Off out in a minute into the twinkling icy outside to purchase coal and logs for the stove. With the added bonus that it’s only 5 days until the Manchester all-nighter! :D

…. 5 hours later …

I’m back.  Laden with coal, logs and firelighters.  There’s light snow smattering the marina that looks beautiful falling across the dim lighting outside.

We’re that toasty I’ve had to remove my socks and slippers!  We all had a massive bowl of tomato and chilli pasta with garlic/chilli/tomato doeballs.  Scrummy.  I’m now relaxing in front of our new TV waiting for Gremlins to start.

Hope everyone’s safe, warm and dry.  Over and out!