Brassiclint

Completed Picture of Narrowboat and Cottage

2012-02-13T15:48:00.000Z

Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T20:13:00.000Z

R.I.P

Forever the World's Best Female Artist

Narrowboat Moors Up in My Jigsaw Puzzle

2012-02-03T14:36:00.001Z

Did a bit more to the puzzle this morning and now you can start to see my dream unfolding.

I will use jigsaw puzzle glue when complete and then mount it it a picture frame.

The Jigsaw Puzzle Glue is very easy to use. Simply spread the glue evenly over the picture side of the puzzle using the sponge nozzle at the top of the bottle. The conserver dries in one hour.

Last night the temperature went down to - 7 deg C

Jigsaw Puzzle to Clear the Mind with Dreams of Narrowboats and Cottages

2012-02-02T15:24:00.000Z

I started this jigsaw puzzle today with a view of taking my mind off of my caring roll and being so cold outside I thought it was a good time to start.This is a picture of my dream if I won the lottery. It's only partially done but will be of interest to narrowboaters when complete. I'll post a picture when it's finished.

Choosing a National Health Dentist. This recommendation made me laugh.

2012-02-02T12:01:00.000Z

Having started to have a few twinges on a tooth and always going to private dentists I decided why pay at my age for something just as good for a lot cheaper. Looking on the net I looked at a local dentist and read this recommendation from an old fellow who was over the moon with his treatment.

The dentist is a Big Star and the nurse is lovely!!
Robert Smyth visited ........Dental Practice in December 2011

Overall rating
I would recommend to a friend

How satisfied were you with the outcome of your treatment?
Very satisfied

.How satisfied were you with the information given by the practice on the cost of your NHS treatment?
Very satisfied

.How satisfied were you that the dental practice involved you in decisions about your care?
Very satisfied

.Were you treated with dignity and respect by staff at the practice?
Mostly

.How satisfied were you with the time you had to wait for an appointment?
Very satisfied

What I liked..............
I saw the dentist and nurse, I have to say that the pair of them made me laff so much I almost lost bladder control, which at my age I have to say would be embarrassing. I was looking for an NHS dentist for quite some time and being a pensioner I have to watch my pension as all of you pensioners out there reading this on the interweb will know.

Any way the dentist was so professional and I have to say they really have trained the nurse so well they were kind and attentive and I expect one would have to pay a lot of money for these services, but being on Pensioners Credit it was all included.

Oh how I wish I was 40 years younger, I would have run off with the nurse, anyway I attended for a denture problem and the dentist was so kind they told me I had a fungus growth in my top plate and they would give it a good scrub and put some ointment on the gums to help them heal.

The dentist didn't mess about and got straight down to business.

What could have been improved

I just wish I was younger, but I have had a good life and all. I don't think you could improve on the dentist being ever so professional and the nurse was so good to me. Even offered me a cup of tea.

Its a pity you can't get service like that at the library or the Bingo. As for the Legion well its not what it used to be.

In fact you get more of a social down the ........ Road Dental, that dentist is ever so good.

Any other comments

If the NHS could put a bar, the bingo and the denture place together we would be very happy.

I was told by so many dentists you can't get good nashers on the nash, but the Scottish dentist in ..... Road knocked me up a set in short order.

The nurse said I would look like I should be on the telly with a set of choppers that that nice dentist would make for me, they were ever so good.

The nurse told me I look like a star with my new teeth and all the fungus gone from the top deck.

I was ever so pleased I really was.

............................................................................................................................................................

Ha! Ha!....Needless to say I have booked up next Wednesday to have my teeth sorted and meet that nice young nurse. I deleted which practice it is as you will all want to go there. Dog walking will have to wait till the week after.

Deaf Dog Takes Handler For a Walk

2012-02-01T19:32:00.001Z

This is Lola my one and only charge for the day as all the other dogs at http://www.appledown.co.uk/ rescue centre had been taken for their walk with a lot having been found homes during the week.
Lola has been in kennels all her life and is totally deaf, she would like to go to a loving and caring home whose owners have another dog for her to latch onto. Being deaf Lola uses her eyes to take in the surroundings more than other dogs which makes her very animated on the lead.

Handling a deaf dog is a new experience for me as it's no good giving verbal commands, but of course being a clever dog she knew the signals I gave her when I needed her to stop pulling ahead on the lead. Getting her attention when first out in the field was hopeless, so I let her pull and run about to get rid of the excess energy she had.

After half an hour she slowed down and started to take notice of me especially as I had some treats in my pocket which she immediately latched onto. Gradually I shortened the lead and after a while she walked by the side of me without pulling, so making sure she was looking at me I gave her the thumb up sign which means "good girl" and gave her a good pat, I never had to give the thumbs down sign which meant "bad Girl", once or twice I had to give the "no" sign which is the palm of the hand extended down to the dogs face.

Lola is a lovely dog who needs a companion dog as her ears.

During the summer http://www.appledown.co.uk/ would like somebody to do some gardening and perhaps painting and woodworking in and around the kennels. I would think this would suit a young person with time to kill or an early retiree with time on their hands. Give them a ring, they would love to hear from you and it's a great spot in the countryside.

Welcome to my blog all overseas visitors.

2012-01-30T21:55:00.000Z

I thought I would try out the Google translator to welcome overseas visitors to my blog. I am amazed at how many I get and feel frustrated that I can't communicate in their language but perhaps now I can, so here goes.

Добро пожаловать на мой блог гости из России, могут любви и мира заполнить вашу жизнь.

Willkommen auf meinem Blog Besucher aus Deutschland, Friede und Liebe füllen Ihr Leben.

आपका स्वागत है मेरे ब्लॉग आगंतुकों के लिए भारत से, हो सकता है शांति और प्यार अपने जीवन को भरने.

Maligayang pagdating sa aking mga bisita sa blog mula sa Pilipinas ay maaaring pag-ibig at kapayapaan na punan ang iyong buhay.

Сардэчна запрашаем на мой блог наведвальнікаў з Беларусі, могуць любові і міру запоўніць вашу жыццё.

Bienvenue sur mon blogue visiteurs de la France, la paix et l'amour peut remplir votre vie.

Bienvenidos a mi blog de los visitantes procedentes de España, la paz y el amor puede llenar su vida.

If you want to see what I said go to the google translator,cut and paste into the box and translate back to English.

Walking the Dogs at Appledown Boarding Kennels and Rescue Centre

2012-01-26T14:42:00.000Z

Today (Wednesday 25th January) I took time out to start my 4 hours off per week from caring to be a volunteer dog walker at Appledown Kennels and Rescue Centre in Eaton Bray. Donning my new wellington boots I arrived at the office to be greeted by one of the staff who got my first charge for the day. She is called Sparkle and has only known life in a kennel and desperately wants to find a caring and loving home to go to.

She walked easily on the lead and was a friendly little dog.

Next for a walk was Tina who again needs a nice home to go to.She enjoyed having a good sniff as we walked around the exercise field, a very nice dog.

Last on the list today is Violet a beautiful dog who has a new home to go to.She knows all the basic commands and rolled over for her tummy to be tickled.

I give each dog half an hour walk around the field till 13:00 which gives time for three dogs to get exercise before it is lunch time for the staff. I will post more pictures next week of the training ground when I get permission from the chief trainer.Watching her put two collie dogs through their paces she certainly knows her stuff.

Draught Proofing and Insulating The Loft Hatch Trap Door

2012-01-20T16:06:00.000Z

After having the loft fully insulated (see my previous post on the subject) it was time to address the problem of a poorly fitting loft hatch trap door. For a temporary measure I had put tape over the gap around the door to prevent the draught but of course condensation droplets formed on the tape where the cold air from the loft hit the tape.

Picture of the old loft trap door.

I thought the best solution was to cover the whole entry with a removable lid so set about making a surrounding frame up.

Showing the first tongue and groove board being glued in position on the frame.

Completed and painted cover looking from the loft side.

When painting the undercoat I added some Thermilate to the paint to improve the insulation of the cover. As can be seen from the picture below adding thermilate gives a slightly rough finish but one coat of gloss covers this completely. The trough is the tongue & groove joint so it gives a bit of scale to the finish.

I wonder if this could be used on the battening of a narrowboat before adding the wooden cladding to stop the often seen line of condensation. It could even be painted on the cladding if you have the time and patience. For more info on this thermilate go to http://www.thermilate.com/

I have added this to the ceiling of a bow window that always went black and it cured it completely.

For added insulation I fitted carpet tile to the inside of the cover.

To fit the cover to the ceiling I drilled the 4 holes as can be seen which slide over the 4 bolts screwed into position around the hatch entry.

Detail of the bolt.

Bolt screwed into position.

As well adding draught proofing tape around the joint where the cover meets the ceiling I added it to the washers to give better insulation to the metal.

And here you can see the cover held in place by butterfly nuts..

Note to Geoff in Wanaka....Mr Goldsmith our old wood working teacher would have been proud :)

Volunteer Dog Walking

2012-01-18T19:36:00.000Z

After years of caring for my mother I am able to have 4 hours off on a Wednesday each week thanks to the local carewatch arranged by our community matron Sally,so today with thanks to Dami who is our new sitter I took time out, but what to do. Plan A was to drive over to Marsworth to take a few pictures but after reading Peters blog http://nbgecko.blogspot.com/ the water levels were low due to the water shortage.
Not being one to waste valuable time and wanting to do something I would enjoy and try and keep fit I decided to go to plan B.

Remember Millie the beagle I had to give back to the boarding kennels and rescue centre http://www.appledown.co.uk/ see my blogs for the 6th and 9th of August 2011 well today I went back and signed on to be a volunteer dog walker. I found out that Millie was taken in by an elderly gentleman who is giving her the love and attention she deserved which pleased me no end, so from 11:30 to 1:00 on a Wednesday I will be walking the dogs around a large field and taking in the air. I'll take a few pictures of my charges and put them on this blog. Appledown re-home 400 to 500 dogs per year which is no mean feat. Hopefully they will be a bit fitter after my efforts and I will be knackered.

We didn't have the green thing back in our day.

2012-01-09T18:08:00.000Z

I thought I would share this with you with thanks to Jo on working narrow boat Hadar who brought it to my attention after her friend Pip Haynes on narrowboat Windsong posted it in her facebook.

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Checking out at the supermarket recently, the young cashier suggested I should bring my own carrier bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment. I apologised and explained, "We didn't have this green thing back in my earlier days." The cashier responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations." She was right about one thing -- our generation didn't have the green thing in “Our” day. So what did we have back then…? After some reflection and soul-searching on "Our" day here's what I remembered we did have.... Back then, we had "paper" bags to put our shopping in, we returned milk bottles (even collected the silver caps for the blind), fizzy pop bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilised and refilled, so it could use the same bottles repeatedly. So they really were recycled. But we didn't have the green thing back in our day. We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator or lift in every store and office building. We walked to the supermarket and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two minutes up the road. But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day. Back then, we washed the baby's nappies because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right. We didn't have the green thing back in our day. Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of England. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used screwed up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn petrol just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she's right. We didn't have the green thing back then. We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn't have the green thing back then. Back then, people took the bus, and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their mums into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerised gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint. But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then.

OLYMPIC LONDONS NEW YEAR FIREWORK DISPLAY WATCH IT HERE

2012-01-01T15:52:00.000Z

I thought I would post this video of London's New Year's Eve 2011 firework display on the river Thames for all to watch. It's the UK's turn to host the Olympic Games and this certainly is a good start to the proceedings. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy_9bx6U8_0

Old Sony Camera Saved From Redundancy

2011-12-31T20:01:00.000Z

Having cleared out the loft I found another old camera which I used in my previous job and thought it was too good to throw out. It is a Sony Digital Mavica MVC-FD83 which uses floppy disks as storage.

Storing pictures in this way was quick and easy which produced quite acceptable quality results for storage on the computer. Having many floppy disks containing pictures I was loath to get rid of them and came across this invaluable piece of kit to load them onto my separate hard drive via my laptop which has no way of receiving the old floppies.

This is the external USB Floppy Drive unit which I purchased from Amazon for £9.99. I just plugged it in my laptop which recognised it straight away. It works a treat so I now have the job of loading all the pictures.

One good thing is that I have decided to use it as my everyday camera when I eventually live on a narrowboat rather than my Canon which is a bit too expensive to sling around on the cut.

I would just like to wish my followers and anybody else from around the world who happens to visit my blog a very

HAPPY NEW YEAR

May you have Peace, Health,Wealth and Happiness

HOME BREW MADE EASY

2011-12-25T15:28:00.002Z

Nothing on TV on xmas day so I thought I would start my home brew which was my xmas present to myself after I found all my old brewing kit after clearing the loft out.

HEATING PLATE

FERMENTING BUCKET WITH TAP

( Showing beer kit consisting of 2 cans of malt extract and 1 packet of yeast)

PRESSURE BARREL

Method: 1. Put the 2 cans into hot water to thin the contents.
              2.Wash and sterilise the bucket.
              3. Tip the can contents into the bucket and add 6 pints of boiling water.
              4. Top up to 40 pints with cold water and mix to ensure contents are fully dissolved.
              5. Add the yeast and put on the lid.
              6. Leave for 6 days in the warm till bubbles stop rising.
              7. Transfer to pressure barrel together with half teaspoon of sugar per pint and stand in the     warm for 2 days,then place in the cool for 2 weeks or until beer is cleared.

So easy to do and at 0.60p a pint is a no brainer.

Note! Boots no longer sell brewing equipment, the kit was from Wilkinsons.

Will report later on the results :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO MY FOLLOWERS

2011-12-25T12:13:00.000Z

A very Merry Christmas to all my followers.

Remember there is always somebody worse off than yourself.

Take a few minutes to listen to this program.

Breadlines and Tinsel http://bbc.in/ux8R7B

LOFT INSULATION

2011-12-16T14:06:00.000Z

Today we had our loft insulation topped up to 300mm thickness and a great job the two lads did who work for the Energy Care Group Ltd taking less than 3/4 hr to complete. The insulation used was URSA 10 with two 100mm layers completed. See the link for details of the insulation. http://www.ursa-uk.co.uk/_files/URSA_10_Loft_Roll_1010_V3.pdf

See the before and after pictures. All we need now is to be able to afford to heat the whole house.

Insulation before top up thickness added.

Insulation after 200mm thickness added

Thickness shows up around the trap door.

Insulation added on top of the trap door.

To finish the job off I will add an insulated board beneath the trap door to properly seal it off. The tiles have no under felt as it is an old house but many years ago I sealed the gaps between the tiles with under seal which successfully stopped the snow from blowing in.This also ensured that there was plenty of air circulation to prevent condensation.

Transcript of reply by Richard Benyon MP regarding funding of the new Canal & River Trust

2011-12-10T14:53:00.000Z

This letter was sent to Kelvin Hopkins my local MP by Richard Benyon MP who passed it onto me, dated 28/11/2011

Dear Kelvin,

Thank you for your letter of 14th November to the secretary of state enclosing a copy of an email from your constituent,Mr D.Winter of (my address), about the transfer of British Waterways into a charitable sector.I am replying as minister responsible for this policy area.

I can assure you that the government remains committed to a sustainable future for our inland waterways. This was demonstrated by our announcement in October 2010 that,subject to parliamentary approval, we would transfer the functions and assets of British Waterways in England and Wales from state into civil society. The transfer to the new Canal & River Trust (CRT) is expected to take place in April 2012.

This transfer will not only give users and communities more responsibility foe governance of the waterways, it will also open up new income streams and material public support at a time when there is considerable pressure on other sources of income. Potential sources of new revenue include fund raising activities, donations, charitable grants and legacies; in addition, the charity will be able to borrow against its property assets, and develop further its commercial activities. Charitable status will also increase volunteering, enhance local partnership working and generate a range of cost efficiencies.

The Government will give the new charity the best start it can afford. Government has already agreed to transfer a property portfolio (valued at about £460 million) and to give the CRT a long term funding agreement. The Government has provided a commitment to £39m per annum from 2012/13 to April 2022. The terms and conditions of the funding agreement are currently subject to negotiation between the Trustees of the charity and the Government. A long-term agreement will enable the Trustees to develop a long-term business plan.

You will appreciate that, until those negotiations are concluded, I am unable to indicate the final terms of Government funding for the charity. We will make further announcements in due course.

Richard Benyon.

Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries

Transcript of letter sent to Secretary of State by my MP regarding funding of the new Canal & River Trust

2011-11-16T13:42:00.000Z

After writing to my local MP Kelvin Hopkins outlining my concerns for the future funding of the new Canal & River Trust I received this reply from him which is a transcript of the letter he is sending to Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. When he receives a reply he will write to me again.

Dear Secretary of State,

I enclose a copy of a letter from a constituent, Mr David Winter of ( my address ) who is concerned about the transfer of British Waterways to charitable status.
Mr Winter is concerned that the projected funding for the new Canal and River Trust (CRT) will be insufficient over the ten year period of the initial contract. There is no allowance for inflation and according to British Waterway's own projections there will be a funding deficit of £20m which the CRT would inherit.

In addition, BW has a pension deficit of £65 million. Mr Winter maintains that there is a large dredging backlog requiring £8-12 million per year to stabilise as well as ensuring that drainage, navigation and environmental requirements are effectively maintained. In addition the rights of those who live on the canal are under threat of being reduced. I also believe that British Waterways or its successor body should not be exempt from the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act as there will continue to be a public interest in much of the work of the successor body.

Issues such as the sale or lease of lock-keepers cottages are also of concern, as there will be no professionals on site at locks to ensure their safe use.

I would be grateful for the points Mr Winter makes which are very worrying for the future of the waterways. I look forward to a reply to my letter in due course.

Yours sincerely,

Kelvin Hopkins MP

Man Posts Letters in Dog Poo Bin for Two Years.

2011-10-04T15:27:00.000+01:00

Pensioner Alf Spence was in for a shock when he discovered that for the past two years he had not been posting his mail through a Royal Mail post box, but a council owned designated dog dirt box.
The myopic Word War II veteran, 91, from North Yorks had lodged a catalogue of complaints with the Post Office over his missing mail, but never did he think that his letters had never been properly posted.
The mistake was eventually pointed out to him by a passing dog walker who observed Mr Spence trying to post his three-year grandson’s birthday card into a dog poo bin located diagonally opposite the post box. She tapped him on the shoulder and asked what he was doing.
Mr Spence commented to the Sunday Sport: “I thought she was going to cry when I told her. She held my hand and pointed out that the postbox was on the other side of the road.
“I’ve not got the best eyesight these days but even so, the postbox and the dog dirt box are almost identical. They’re both red, the same shape and stuck on a post.
“I bet I’m not the only pensioner to get confused. The bloody council should never have put them so close together.”
Mr Spence has acknowledge that he owes Royal Mail an apology over his accusations, while North Yorkshire District Council admitted that they erected the dog waste bin in June 2009, coinciding with the timing that his letters mysteriously disappeared.
As yet, there is no word on whether anyone has experienced the reverse problem with the post box located on the other side of the road.

Car Number Plate Thefts

2011-09-29T20:02:00.001+01:00

It makes you wonder what is going on in this country when you have to fit tamper proof screws to your car number plate to prevent them being stolen to be used in crime.Beds Police are running a campaign to fit these screws for free ( http://t.co/4BDQWtO6 ) so today I went along to get mine fixed.

The Toyota has the rear number plate glued on so no problem there but when the officer above came to replace the two front screws it was found the threads were too large for his replacements so unfortunately I still have a number plate that's 'nickable'.

I will now contact Toyota to see if they can provide tamper proof screws as part of their service after all we pay enough.

Hedgehogs in Decline

2011-09-29T19:36:00.000+01:00

There are 300,000 fewer hedgehogs in Britain than a decade ago,farming practices and larger fields are reducing their natural habitat and although there is an increase in traffic the sightings of hedgehog casualties has been in decline, which suggests that their numbers have reduced dramatically.To help in the effort to preserve their numbers I have constructed a hedgehog house,see the picture below.

The entrance is 15" in length and leads to a nesting box about 2' square covered in pond liner then earth to keep out the damp.I have seen a hedgehog in the garden on the odd occasion so I hope it makes use of my effort.

Dedicated to those that pay the ultimate price so others can live in peace.

2011-08-28T22:51:00.000+01:00

Extract from

The Shoes of the Fisherman

Morris West

….Yesterday I met a whole man.

It is a rare experience but always an illuminating and ennobling one. It costs so much to be a full human being that there are very few who have the enlightenment or the courage to pay the price.

One has to abandon altogether the search for security and reach out to the risk of living with both arms. One has to embrace the world like a lover and yet demand no easy return of love.

One has to accept pain as a condition of existence. One has to court doubt and darkness as the cost of knowing. One needs a will, stubborn in conflict but apt always to the total acceptance of every consequence of living and dying.

Sadly and with a heavy heart Millie had to be returned to the rescue centre

2011-08-09T11:12:00.000+01:00

As a carer for my 88year old mother who can only sit in an armchair all day and not be able to move we decided that as we used to have a much loved dog it was a good idea to get a small one which would help to alleviate her boredom and constant thoughts of pain and to enable me to get out for three half hour walks a day up the local hills.
As a continuation of the previous post Millie finally ate her food after me worrying she was not eating.
Mum was made up with her but didn't like the way Millie kept jumping up on the furniture which was no big deal to me as I just kept picking her up and putting in her new bed which was all part of training.
Come 10:00pm mums diabetic blood sugars were raised significantly along with her blood pressure which all indicated she was getting stressed and at her age that's not good.

Plans were to put Millie in the kitchen with her bed but as soon as I shut the door she started whining and scratching at the door. After half an hour of trying without success I decided to put her bed in my bedroom as all she wanted was to be with company and not be left on her own. 1:45am Sunday Millie start to whine and sat up in her bed obviously just wanting reassurance so I gently petted her and she raised her paw for me to hold and licked my arm.After a couple of minutes she settled down and not a peep was heard until I got up and let her out into the garden at 7:00am.

Normally I check on mum before getting her breakfast but had decided that Millie had to have her walk first so out we went up the local hills for half an hour which she loved and what a beautiful morning it was.Getting back I let her go in the garden and watched as she tried to jump over the pond,yes you've guessed in she went.She scrambled out and looked very pleased with herself . I got the hose out and washed her down with no problem at all,how she loved being dried with a towel.

Went to see mum and she was very bad in bed, the excitement and stress had got to her which we had not expected at all.It was at this point that I decided mums health had to come first and that Millie would have to be returned to the rescue centre.I rang them up and they said it was ok to bring her back they would find room for her.Getting into the car park at the centre and opening the boot Millie knew where she was, she sat in the boot with her head lowered in despondancy as I took her name tag off.

I'm afraid I was just choked and very dewey eyed as I handed her back as I still am.I feel I have let a lovely animal down which I have never done but I know I have done the right thing as a carer.

Mum is still in bed (Tuesday) and hope that she will improve to get back in her chair.

So if I could make a plea to anybody who would like a 6 year old Beagle called Millie please contact
http://www.appledown.co.uk/ and enquire, I think she would love to live on a narrowboat with the freedom and constant company of a couple who would give her all the love she needs and would give back double the love shown.
She has no problem with children and takes no notice of other dogs and would make a great companion for someone.It is important to stress that she does not like being left alone due to her previous owners.So if you can help please do.

Woof Woof Woof Howl Woof.Dog speak for hello I'm Millie a 6 yr old Beagle

2011-08-06T19:46:00.000+01:00

Millie 2 hours after leaving the rescue centre.

Millie is a 6 year old Beagle that has been at the http://www.appledown.co.uk/ rescue centre for two weeks,she was owned by a couple who had to give her away due to work commitments.They had to leave her indoors all day and wondered why she chewed everything and went mad at people passing the windows,they had tried pulling the blinds down but she wrecked 3 sets as she could still hear people passing.

When I opened the car boot to take her home she jumped in and would not get out as I wanted to give her a walk around the field before we left,so I had to lift her out as she laid on her back.She was constantly pulling on the lead so I shortend it so she was level with my legs,this helped a bit but not much.It was a calm journey home of about 7 miles with a few whines from the rear.

She doesn't seem to know what a toy is and is unresponsive when her name is called so I think a bit of tender loving care is called for.We went for a half hour walk tonight so she could do her buisiness and not too far as I think her leg muscles need strengthening up as well as mine but she still has not eaten although has drunk plenty.I rang the centre and they said don't worry she will eat when she's ready,so we will wait and see.

Nervous Passenger.Time to hang up the car keys.

2011-07-29T19:40:00.001+01:00

It made me laugh.

Talking of dogs I have my name down at the local dog rescue centre who will let me know if a suitable stray becomes available.

Canon lens for ebay

2011-07-05T11:34:00.002+01:00

Continuing my clear out of unwanted items and a gradual down sizing in anticipation of living on a narrowboat I will be selling the following lens.

This is a Canon FD 50mm 1:1.4 SSC lens which used to be fitted to my Canon 35mm camera.I will be selling it together with a front and rear lens cap with a rubber lens hood and hope it will be of good use to another enthusiast,any marks on the lens is only dust as this lens was always protected with a daylight filter from new. I am pleased to say that my small Rollei went to another collector who was very pleased and will continue to take pictures with it, yet another good result.

CACTUS FLOWER IN THE GREENHOUSE

2011-06-12T15:30:00.000+01:00

This is a picture of a cactus flower in the greenhouse and the smell is better than any perfume.It came out 1 day ago and lasts for 2 then dies.

NEXT CAMERA FOR EBAY

2011-06-12T15:19:00.000+01:00

I am pleased to say that the collector who purchased the Zeiss Baby Box camera was very happy and gave a feed back Quote " Delighted,camera in superb condition (unlike some ebay junk)", so lets hope this one again goes to a good home.

Rollei 35 LED

The size of this 35mm film camera is 95 x 70 x 60mm and was made in 1978.It features red and green LED lights in the view finder which indicate when the correct exposure is achieved.To aid compactness the front lens is pulled out from the main body and twisted anti-clockwise to lock in position.To return the red button on the front face has to be pushed in before the lens is twisted and pushed back otherwise damage will occur.

The camera is in near perfect condition and any white flecks that can be seen are not on the camera but where I have lightly cleaned the exterior body.This will be put onto ebay next Thursday.

VISIT TO A DOG RESCUE CENTRE

2011-06-09T19:43:00.000+01:00

Today I went to a local dog rescue centre http://www.appledown.co.uk/ just to have a look and it makes you wonder why people get a dog in the first place if they are not going to look after them. Most were large dogs which owners could not afford to keep so they just turn them loose.
The kennels and runs were clean with one block for boarding kennels and the other for the strays and unwanted dogs.
The staff were friendly and showed me around after I had advised them of the type of dog I wanted which was small and about the size of a beagle.There were about 12 dogs in their pens and as I walked past each one I made a mental note of the ones that barked,came to the front of the pen or showed no interest.
There was one that didn't bark,didn't come right up to the front but stayed about five feet away with his ears pricked looking intently at me but not in a menacing way. He was a bigger dog than I wanted but there was something about him that when I got home I rang the centre to see if he was found locally as they don't rehouse dogs in the same area as they are found.From my description they couldn't find the dog I meant so Saturday I will go and have another look.Watch this space.

DOG UPDATE

2011-06-07T13:40:00.001+01:00

Today I went to see a Welsh Springer Spaniel breeder who advertised on a web site and claimed she was Kennel Club registered,she also claimed she showed at Crufts and had entered dog shows and won.
Now at the best of times I am a bit of a cynic but I will describe what I saw and you can make up your own minds.

On arriving at the house which was a terraced three bedroom in a through road I saw a small wooden run with a towel slung across it in the grassed front garden which was about 30' x 30' the front gate hanging off it's hinges.Knocking on the door set off barking from inside which, OK is normal for any dog. I was welcomed by a pleasant woman and on entering over the threshhold could get no further due to being surrounded by jumping barking dogs and puppies who congregated around my feet preventing me from moving in case I stood on one. Ushering me into the back kitchen I could not believe my eyes,one large wire cage had four mature dogs inside while the rest of the puppies totaling seven scurried around yapping and trying to bite my shoes.The back door was open which led out to a yard about 60' x 30' covered in gravel which had a shed and a kennel.

Inspecting one of the puppies I had a feel of it's body and before I said anything she said it had a fat stomach. Now after reading a book on dogs the alarm bells started to ring as this could be a sign of worms,that's me being the cynic, so I asked if they had started their injections yet and she said no as she liked to let the new owner take this on which was fair enough as the puppies were only 8 weeks old but again it made me think.

The puppies were very nice and appeared to be well and living in clean conditions which I suppose is what you would expect from a KC registered breeder, but being in such cramped conditions and in such a confined area did not give me a good feeling and I began to feel sorry for the neighbours living next door and at the end of the garden as well as the dogs.She obviously thought the world of the dogs and took them for walks but I'm afraid if you breed dogs I think it should be in a large area away from close neighbours, I say this as we had a Rottweiler breeder living next door for 3 years whose pups used to escape and the smell and flies during the summer were appalling until we got the landlord to shift them out.
So needless to say I made my excuses and left. One thing I learnt was that the Welsh Springer Spaniel is too big to keep in our house as we only have small rooms so I will be looking for a smaller dog.Watch this space.

WHICH DOG ?

2011-06-06T15:24:00.001+01:00

After three years at home being a permanent carer I feel my fitness is gradually diminishing and need something to get me out of the house for an hour or two a day, not only that but something to enliven and give interest and enjoyment to mum who is housebound and later on when I get a narrowboat to be able to live aboard without any problems.

Many years ago we used to have a Dalmatian Pointer cross which was a valued member of the family and I think a smaller dog with similar facial features would bring back happy memories for her.
After looking at many pictures we have come up with the following dogs :-

Welsh Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel

Now I have read all about the habits and nature of this type of dog and am prepared for all of it's mad ways, that is the reason it's name will be Max after Mad Max,both variants are lovely but which one to choose ?

Once we have decided I will start a story in the blog on his escapades and upbringing which will help prevent my brain from going soft and also the transition from living in a house to narrowboat when the time comes.

Another Vintage Camera for Ebay

2011-04-13T16:06:00.003+01:00

This is the next vintage camera for ebay.
It is a vintage Zeiss Ikon Baby Box Tengor

This was made by Zeiss Ikon Germany in 1934 with a model number of 54/18.The size is very small being 80 x 60 x 60cm.
It is made of pressed steel with a black leatherette covering.
Film used is 127 format and you can get 16 images on one film.The lens is a fixed focus with an F11 aperture with a shutter speed of 1/25 sec and a Plus B setting.The lens is a Goerz Frontar with a blade shutter.
It has an empty film spool in the back and the shutter will not work unless the wire sight frame is pulled up out of the body of the camera.
There is a socket for a tripod and a threaded hole for a shutter release cable.
It has what is called an achromat lens which is two very thin cemented together lens elements although this cannot be detected by eye.
For a quality finish the capping paddle on the self return release has been mirror plated so when you look in the front of the lens you see a mirror instead of a plain black hole.
When taking a picture there is no need to worry about aperture,shutter speed or focusing,just frame your picture and take the photo.To change from portrait to landscape simply turn the camera on it's side.

I am adding details to these cameras on my blog as I refer prospective buyers from ebay to this site for more details about each camera and hopefully be of interest to you .

I hope this goes to another collector like the last camera which was sold to a photographer in Cantley QC Canada who not only collects vintage cameras but also takes pictures with them.

Back lit frosted leaf

2011-04-03T19:55:00.000+01:00

I took this to show up the patterns and colour of a dead leaf which would otherwise be missed.

Light on a cyclamen flower

2011-04-03T19:41:00.000+01:00

Just mucking about with sunlight on a flower.

Blackbird

2011-04-03T19:02:00.000+01:00

One of the blackbirds that constantly steal the robins food.

Robin in the garden

2011-04-03T18:48:00.000+01:00

This little fellow keeps feeding another robin and has been doing this for about 3 years. I am trying to get a photo of them together .

We Was Brung Up Proper

2011-03-27T16:33:00.001+01:00

We was brung up proper.

And we never had a whole Mars bar until 1993.
Congratulations to all my friends who were born in the 1930's,40's,50's,60's and early 70's.

First we survived being born to mothers who smoked and or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos. They took asprin,ate blue cheese,raw egg products,loads of bacon and processed meat,Tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer.

Then after that trauma our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead based paints. We had no child proof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention the risks of hitch hiking.

As children we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no Pizza shops,McDonald's,KFC,Subway or Nandos. Even though the shops closed at 6:00pm and didn't open on a Sunday somehow we didn't starve to death.

We shared one soft drink with four friends from one bottle and no one actually died from this. We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner shop and buy toffees,gob stoppers, bubble gum and some bangers to blow up frogs with. We ate cup cakes,white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it but we weren't overweight because.....we were always outside PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the street lights came on. No one was able to reach us all day and we were OK!! We would spend hours building our go-carts out of old prams and then ride down the hill only to find out we had forgot the brakes. We built tree houses and dens and played in river beds with matchbox cars. We did not have Play Stations,Nintendo Wii, X-Boxes, no video games at all, no 999 channels on Sky, no video/DVD films, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..... we had FRIENDS and we went outside and FOUND them !

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no law suits from these accidents.

Only GIRLS had pierced ears !

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt,and the worms did not live in us forever. You could only buy Easter eggs and hot cross buns at Easter time. We were given air guns and catapults for our 10th birthdays. We rode bikes or walked to a friends house and knocked on the door or rang the bell or just yelled for them.

Mum didn't have to go to work to help dad make ends meet because we didn't need to keep up with the Jones's.
Not everyone made the rugby/football/cricket/netball team, those that didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment..IMAGINE THAT!! Getting into the team was based on MERIT.

Our teachers used to hit us with canes and gym shoes and throw the blackboard rubber at us if they thought we weren't concentrating. We can string sentences together and spell and have proper conversations because of a good solid three R's education.

Our parents would tell us to ask a stranger to help us cross the road. The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!! Our parents didn't invent stupid names for their kids like'Kiora' and 'Blade' and 'Ridge' and 'Vanilla' and 'Tiger'.

We had freedom,failure,success and responsibility and learnt how to deal with it all.

AND YOU ARE ONE OF THEM. CONGRATULATIONS!!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids before the lawyers and government regulated our lives for our own good, and while your at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.

Take care now. Dave.

Another Camera for ebay

2011-03-23T19:13:00.001Z

This camera is a Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic Special and they were produced from 1912 to 1926.

They were advertised as a "Soldiers Camera" during World War 1 even though it was strictly prohibited to take them to the trenches. It was the first camera to use 127 film and the back of the camera had an area called an autographic feature which allowed notes to be written onto the paper backing of the film.

This camera is unusual as it is painted in smooth black and has the autographic feature which the first models did not have.

As can be seen this camera is in nearly mint condition with everything working perfectly and even has an empty spool in the back together with the original camera case. There are no holes in the bellows and the stylus is in position on the back plate which is usually missing. The only place where the paint has slightly rubbed off is on the view finder lens surround.
The flecks of white that can be seen is paper tissue where I have wiped the paint before taking the pictures.

It is said that George Mallory was given one of these cameras on his ill fated expedition on Mt Everest and who may have been the first person to reach the summit.There are extensive efforts to find his body and perhaps the camera.

I hope it goes to a good home either a collection or a museum as it is in such good condition.

Another Camera going on Ebay

2011-03-08T15:56:00.001Z

This is the next camera to be put on Ebay.This is a Rollei Magic which is in near mint condition.As can be seen the oblong lens at the top is a light meter.It is nearly 50 years old and still has a roll of film loaded.

My last camera the Rolleicord was bought by a student studying for a BA in photography at Westminster Uni London so I am very pleased it went to a good home.

It's so nice to be able to sit in the greenhouse (cratch) for a couple of hours and dream of the day I can get a narrowboat.

In the meantime I have just finished reading a book by Sir John Lister-Kaye called At The Waters Edge in which he describes his involvement and observation of wildlife in and around a Loch where he lives in Scotland. He has taken the same circular walk from his home deep in a Scottish glen each day for over 30 years and recorded his findings in a diary from which this book has evolved. It's a good read and takes one away from the daily troubles we all have.

Friendly Grey Squirrel in the Garden

2011-02-15T21:13:00.000Z

Picture I took of a Grey Squirrel

Picture taken in my garden last year.Quite a friendly fellow.

Selling My Vintage Camera Collection

2011-02-13T16:14:00.000Z

Now that I have decided I will be living on a narrowboat when my caring days are over I have to start thinking of getting rid of possessions that have built up over 60 years.The first things to go will be my old camera collection. Now that I am fully digital I will have no space or need for these film cameras.The first to go will be a Rolleicord with which I have taken some lovely pictures and still has a roll of film inside it.This camera will be put on Ebay to see what happens as it will be the first time I have advertised on this site before.The camera is in very good condition with slight rubbing where its been in the case.Note that the lens has a daylight filter fitted to protect the lens.

Woodland Trust Campaign to save Englands ancient forests

2011-01-29T21:12:00.000Z

This letter is currently being circulated in response to the Governments proposal to sell off the national forests.

There will be only one reason for a private company to buy a forest and that will be to make money from the sale of the timber. They'll pay lip service to other issues but in most instances the bottom line will be profit and shareholders. Likewise, the Government is only proposing a sell off to save money and have someone else to blame when something isn't right. I appreciate that the Government needs to reduce the national debt but, in my opinion, selling the nations forest estate is not the way to do it; and if you think there will be large enough funds made available to help support charitable ownership, you're away with the fairies. Use the link below to register your support for the Woodland Trusts campaign. Over the next few weeks of the Government's consultation the Woodland Trust will continue to bring you opportunities
to shape the long-term future of England's public estate...so please stick with us.

This petition is just the start of our public campaign.Our website will always have the latest news and ways you can get involved in saving England's ancient forests.

We always appreciate your time and support - what we really need now is your help to gather as many voices as possible
for this call to action. Please pass on the link below to your friends and ask them to make their voice heard too.

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/protect

Thanks again,
Sue Holden
Chief Executive
The Woodland Trust

STREET ORGAN ON A NARROWBOAT

2011-01-06T23:59:00.000Z

One of my future plans is to have a street organ on my narrowboat something like the one in the picture below.

This would enable me to raise money in donations for the waterways and be an attraction for another part of my plans which would hopefully enable me to make a small income to pay for diesel etc, more of that later.

A big thank you to Bernard for advising me on the suitability of street organs on a narrowboat.

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT ENERGY

2011-01-03T15:47:00.000Z

The big deal is that we are drunk with energy lust. It has gone, like a good claret will go, to our heads. It has allowed us to sit and indulge our every whim without a care for the planet and its essential ecosystems we all depend upon. It has encouraged us to to fell forests and drain the swamps which were the very source of our good fortune in the first place. It has handed us chemical - dependant agricultural systems which expend ten calories of energy to grow and transport to the markets a single calorie of food. It has given us cheap intercontinental flights that are destroying the atmosphere. It has given us the technology to fish out whole oceans of fish stocks, pushing some of our very best food species to the verge of extinction. It has trained foresters to view trees only as crops of fibre, forgetting that a mature tree is giving back more to the soils and the environment around it than it takes. Their blinkered view of a forest as a harvestable commodity for quick profit over-looks the energy cycle we are talking about- the trees ability to transfer the combined energy of sun and rain into global maintenance and long-term stability.

The big deal is that for over two hundred years we have consumed our fossil energy bonanza without a thought for the side effects of air pollution,of carbon emissions, of heavy metals, of toxic chemicals or the impact they may be having on the ecosystems of the globe and all the wildlife we profess to love.

The big deal is that unless we wake up and pay attention to what we are doing, your children and your grandchildren are certain to inherit an appalling mess.

This is an extract from a book by Sir John Lister-Kaye..... At The Waters Edge.

Although not a boating subject I thought it pertinent to included in my blog as it reflects the same thoughts on the subject as mine.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-25T15:24:00.000Z

Hi to my followers.

I hope you have a great christmas and a happy new year.

As you can see I don't blog much as I am keeping this for the time I get my narrowboat, then I will be updating it constantly giving you all the trials and tribulations of buying and living on a narrowboat. At the moment I read all the waterways mags and read about 70 narrowboaters blogs,I'm just glad they don't blog all at the same time.
Being a carer does not give me much time to get out and about but I can take about 2 hrs away,this gives me a chance to get to Leighton Buzzard or anywhere near so if you are there or passing I would love to pop over and meet you.
Take care all, spring is not too far away at least the longest day has passed.

Royal Wedding

2010-11-17T14:11:00.001Z

I thought I would add this none narrowboat picture just for interest.

It is a copy of a print I took taken with a 2 1/4 square Rolliecord camera held above my head with me looking up at the view finder. I was trying to capture the excitement of the moment when Charles and Diana passed and I think the flag being blurred caught the moment.

The exposure was a bit tricky as most of the picture was in shade except for Diana which I guess sums up their marriage. I have not got any clever digital enhancement to adjust the picture otherwise I would have toned down Diana and her dress.

I won't be attending the latest royal wedding as I can't get away but I wish them better luck than these two. I think Kate is very photogenic and just hope they protect her more than they did Diana.

Narrowboat Visit

2010-11-11T16:12:00.000Z

Today I went to see Bottle and Wozie on narrowboat Oakfield for my hour away from caring.I had wondered why they had not blogged for over a week and found that their laptop hard drive has stopped working so they are now without any means in finding out any stoppages that might happen, it's just as well Bottle had made a note of the stoppages just before the laptop went down.This just makes me think how important communications are on a narrowboat.I have added pictures at Leighton Buzzard just for the record.

Feeding the ducks at Leighton Buzzard

Narrowboat near Tesco at Leighton Buzzard

I hope to see Bottle and Wozie sometime next year.That's the great thing about living on a narrowboat,you have friends all over the canal system and may not see them for years but it's great to catch up with all the news when you do see each other again.

Narrowboat Visit

2010-10-08T15:40:00.000+01:00

I had the pleasure of visiting Bottle and Wozie's narrowboat Oakfield today and had a good old chinwag about their travels over the past year.Thank you for the boat cake and the Inland Narrowboat Owners book, that was a lovely supprise.No I didn't wear my new boots as I knew the towpath was in good condition along that part of the canal.As you can see I would have trouble steering but at least I have been aboard and seen what a nice boat it is.One day I will have my own but I am sure it will be a red Tug with a green roof, and I will have a traders license.Yes I have plans for the future as life is too short to worry.See you both again sometime and have a safe winter.

Footwear On The Cut

2010-08-31T22:29:00.000+01:00

After reading many blogs and noticing the type of footwear boaters have I decided to purchase some suitable boots to wear on the towpath and hopefully to clamber aboard to look at many narrowboats when I can get away from my caring duty.
I had to take the car into Luton for it's annual service so I went to Millets where I purchased the boots shown below.

Fasthike is a fully waterproof boot that is built using Hi-Tec's V-Lite design and technology so it weighs in at just 422g. The waterproof suede and nubuck upper is teamed with a lightweight CMEVA midsole, Stabila-Flex bi-fit board and a durable carbon rubber outsole. The toe bumper offers protection on rough terrain.

Hopefully these will last for a good while.Nothing like slowly working towards a dream eh!

Proposed colour of my dream narrowboat

2010-08-29T22:07:00.000+01:00

This is just a note to myself of the colour scheme I would like when I get my narrowboat.

Working narrowboat Hadar

2010-07-18T16:30:00.000+01:00

Managed to get away and see Jo and Keith on working narrowboat Hadar today and had a good old chinwag about their life aboard this great working boat.
Being fully loaded with coal in the summer makes handling easier in the windy conditions that we have been having,the only draw back is the boat sits low in the water and with low water levels it makes mooring difficult in certain places.

Jo enjoys cooking and I had a sample of her delicious cake,thanks Jo

Paddy the dog keeps a watchful eye on proceedings and is tolerant of other dogs that pass by.

Thanks for your hospitality both and hope to see you soon.

One day I will be a customer of yours and maybe you be one of mine :-)

A Journey Along the Grand Union Canal

2010-01-06T22:51:00.000Z

Just completed looking through the above titled book written and photographed by John Bishop with paintings by Barbara Bishop published by Bright Pen.
What a nice large paperback with every page having a picture of narrowboats or views of the canal system.
John walked the selected canals in both directions covering over 750 miles after having to retire in 1998 due to chronic back pain.The programme of pain management included 2 hours of walking per day and regular long-distance treks.
For those of us that can only get to a local canal on the odd occasion and dream of living on a narrowboat, this book fills the gap between those visits,bringing the thoughts of spring to the fore in these cold and snowy days.

Sinking Narrowboats

2010-01-04T22:32:00.001Z

Reading in the Canal World discussion Forum about a narrowboat in danger of sinking and the owner away in Australia.
I do understand that people sometimes take advantage of others but some of the negative comments from some boat owners i.e."It's his own fault as he's done this before so if it sinks tough" I think are unjustified.
I would be the first one to offer help if I found that a boat was in trouble.
It's strange but I find that boats have some sort of soul,an individual character that proudly shines through as they glide majestically past and to see one sink is very sad.To stand by and watch it happen is unforgivable whatever you think of the owner.

All electric NB

2010-01-03T12:16:00.000Z

Thinking about an all electric NB.
I don't know if this would work but to save on battery usage,switch the fridge off at night,put the food under the cratch cover and put ice from the canal in a sealed plastic bag inside the fridge.This would keep the fridge cold enough to stop it using extra battery power in the morning.Just a thought :-)

2009-11-30T15:35:00.000Z

Hooray,
I have just been aboard my first narrowboat for a visit to NB Oakfield at Leighton Buzzard to see 'Bottle' and 'Wozie'.What a nice couple and full of information on their narrowboat which I find invaluable.Just confirms that living on a boat is great.Thanks for the coffee and hope to see you again.