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’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!

What a pleasant day today.  A wee bit of rain but that was soon over and the clouds parted to reveal a beautiful Winter sun.  Lottie had an itchiness about her today… a cleaning itchiness.  She’s off school due to an hospital admission where she was discharged yesterday.  Nothing serious in the end but suspected appendicitis to start with hence the admission.

Anyway, up onto the roof she goes giving it a bit of a clean.  Reappearing about half an hour later asking for the Brasso.  “Our mushrooms are black!” she exclaimed.  Reminiscent of expensive Truffles I’d say

I was inside the boat when I heard Lottie talking to our neighbour.  I popped out to mingle and he said that our mushrooms were way beyond simple Brasso treatment alone and nipped off only to return with a little box of magic under his arm.

After a lot of rubbing, both abrasive and non-abrasive, he brought one of them up a real treat.

I’ve now ordered the products he recommended and bought them online from Miracle Leisure.  Once my supplies arrive I’ll send Lottie back onto the roof to sort the remaining mushrooms out!

As we’re not able to use the standpipes to clean the boat I’ve had a brainwave.  I’m going to wait for the next ‘downpour’ and wash the roof off.  Free water and a rinse as well.  Sorted!

I had a good old natter with my neighbour.  He’s a very experienced boater and has lots of handy hints and tips – plus he’s a really nice bloke.  I tried to absorb all the info he offered to store for a later date should I need it.  Which of course, I more than likely will!   We discussed our chimneys and old boiler flues along with secondary double glazing, window seals and condensation.  I’ve been put off replacement double glazing as it will come in at around £5k+.  I certainly need to replace the rubber seals though as they’re perishing before my very eyes.  I will now try to find a tradesman that can do the seal replacement for me.

All in all it was an hour very well spent.  Thank you neighbour

I also had my last visit from Chris Berry who came to furnish me with my boat safety certificate. I’d passed some weeks ago but was having a bubble tester installed so he came to pass that off prior to giving me my certificate. All done now and no recommendations either. Pucker!

Although I only know Chris by way of my safety certificate and full boat survey, he’s a boating expert. And that’s for all types of water craft including sailing. He was very interested in my Helmsman’s Course and if he decides to go into that line of business too it’ll be a good thing as there aren’t any ‘employable’ instructors in this area hence my having to employ someone from up North. If you’re in the Wiltshire area and need a survey or safety certificate and of course, tuition, then give Chris Berry a call on 07710 175871.

I’ve included some more photos from the top of my boat including the offending boiler flue, chimney and dirt