Canalartist

Too many things to do and not enough time!

2012-02-07T11:11:00.001-08:00

God is it February already! I've been busy getting everything sorted out at Harris Moore after the move, and we are now running smoothly again. It's been really interesting because the developers and owners of the business complex I am in are Working with ISIS which was set up by BW to regenerate the canal in urban areas. They are really keen on developing the area in Birmingham's Arts Quarter. Its known as the Warwick Bar project.http://www.warwickbar.co.uk/http://www.isisregeneration.co.uk/about.phpThey are really proactive and I think this year is going to have a real buzz with lots of interesting art projects going on. The Ikon Gallery is set to have its summer open day at the Minerva Works, and it already has its Narrowboat moored there.I have been working on a commission (will post a pic when i have finished and if they like it!!!) I have also been getting my work ready for the Audlem Mill exhibition. I have decided to show some of my photography this year. Was dead chuffed when I read my name in the paper Towpath Talk.

It's quite difficult to get stuff done when you have a pup that thinks everything in your hand is a dog toy! Caught him eating the keyboard the other day. He's a load of fun and Tiggy's really enjoying the company. But old age has caught up with her and she gets a limp when she plays to much. I think it might be a touch of arthritis so we are consulting the vet and trying devils claw to help her joints.

Ali has fixed the coupling! Hooray and when the ice clears we will be able to go boating! Ordered a life jacket jacket for Squash, so can't wait to see how he reacts to the boat moving! We've been running the engine so he gets used to the noise.Ali has nearly finished the epic project that is a crochet fly screen for the front doors. Shes been working on it for months now. Its going to look great when it's finished.

She's got more patience than me! I think I would have given up by now!!! Although watching her crotchet has inspired me to sew! I have been making felt toys and cases but with a twist. What ya think!!!

Ali's favourite is the zombie duck!!www.canalartist.com

Here's to A happy 2012

2012-01-09T15:54:00.001-08:00

Well Xmas is over for another year! Ho bloody ray!!!! I like the actual day but all the prep is a pain in the bum. This year was made doubly stressfully because we were moving Harris-Moore into a new self contained ground floor unit. Ali was her usually annoyingly good organisy self. I think if it was left upto me I would still be moving now!!!! Anyway, with the move out of the way. I was left with a week and a bit to have a holiday. It was fun, we spent the day with Ali's Mum and Dad on their boat. With no kids anywhere, apart from us! And the dogs. Then for new year we decided to go boating! We have a broken coupling on DaVinci at the moment. Happened just before Xmas, Ali wanted to fix it but decided to delay ordering the bits until after Xmas due to the high probability of them getting lost in the post! Well that was her excuse, me thinks it had more to do with the fact that it was cold. Ali can't stand the cold, the boat is always at least 30deg otherwise she moans!!!!

So we went out on NB IzzyInn Two instead (Ali's Mum and Dads boat) god it was good to be out cruising again. We went to Tixall Wide then round to Great Haywood. We then proceeded to have a BBQ on the towpath!!

Got some strange looks from passer by's I can tell you!!! It was really nice and I haven't eaten that much in a long while. What made us laugh, we were all knackered from the boating and food so much so that Ali and I were in bed before midnight on New Years Eve!!! John and Rita managed to stay up but not for long thou! I know I am getting old if I can't stay up for New Year!!! On the way back I experimented with different angles for pictures taken from the boat. Much to Ali's amusement as I nearly fell overboard!!! See what you think I like this new perspective. Ali calls it a ducks eye view!

And finally we have a new member of our crew. I would like to introduce you to Squash (formally known as Pumpkin, that's the name the Forest Dog Rescue gave him (http://www.forest-dog-rescue.org.uk) Ali said there was no way in hell she was shouting Pumpkin across the field to call him back! Rita came up with Squash which suits him because he thinks he is a lap dog. I will defiantly be squashed when he's grown up and sits on me lap! He is a 15 wk old staffie, and he is gorgeous and we are very happy to give him a home.

Happy new year!www.canalartist.com

The Box

2011-11-26T10:55:00.000-08:00

The 'Box' is the Bain of live-a-board boaters. It's that 'Box' that's missing off the computer that gets you rejected for what ever you are applying for. The latest 'Box' incident for us has been registering at a GP that's within walking distance of the marina.

We went into the GP's and filled in the registration form and waited for the 'Box' to strike. It came quite quickly, Ali received a phone call from a rather snooty secretary. Do they have special training or what!. Anyway she said we couldn't register us because the marina dosen't have residential moorings. Ali was surprised that she even knew about residential moorings but I digress.

Ali explained that we don't need a residential mooring as we travel during the summer. To which she replied well that's your choice of lifestyle and as such meant that we couldn't register because travelling meant that the doctor would be unable to contact us.

Ali replied that we live in the digital age and there are such things as email, mobile internet and mobile phones. She also pointed out what was she doing right this minute if it wasn't making contact. She then got a lecture about calling out the doctor and we could be anywhere. When Ali pointed out that could apply to anyone, land lover or not she got a curt replied saying you cannot register, and a final goodbye.

And there it is the 'Box'. We knew exactly why she was spouting crap it's because of the 'Box' she didn't know how to enter our details on the computer because there wasn't a 'Box' for our circumstances. So she made up the above excuses and washed her hands of the problem. Or so she thought.

Now when Ali and I encounter the 'Box' we get the bit between our teeth and spend hours researching and scouring documents and guidelines and rules avaiable from the authority that's saying no. Now with NHS it's quite daunting because there are lots of regulations. But starting with the patients charter we found this little gem.

http://www.pcc.nhs.uk/gypsies-and-travellers

The primary care commission develops guidelines and strategies from the government to assist pct's in implementation of government policy (are you bored yet!). Anyway this was the key, this would get us what we wanted.

With this new found knowledge Ali made an appointment to see the practise manager. To Ali's utter surprise the manager had no issue in registering us as travellers and using the marina's address. I should point out that Ali was a little disappointed at this point because we had researched our rights and she wanted to let rip. Anyway, as Ali discovered the issue was there was no c/o 'Box' on the computer so any post would have to go to the marina. And there was no 'Box' to say no post. She could but a note on saying no post but couldn't guarantee it would be read.

The computer required a Staffs post code otherwise the application would be rejected. The manager explained that she had had problems with land lovers addresses because the computer didn't recognise the post code so it's not a traveller issue but a computer one.

We went though several options of getting a Staffs post code and in the end we couldn't find a solution. We aren't comfortable having the remote possibility of post going to the marina. Knowing how paranoid they can be about councils finding out people live in the marina. Anyway she told us that it's the postcode that's important so long as that is in a catchment area there is no issue.

We are now registered at a doctors in Birmingham. Because our c/o address has a Birmimgham postcode there was no issue in registering. It worked out quite well because the practise is 5 mins walk from new st station and 10 mins from work. So all in all we are happy!

Oddballs and weirdo's

2011-10-29T14:29:00.001-07:00

It's funny now we are being dragged back into what is considered normal the more I don't want to be normal!

We have been in the marina for a month now and we have a car and some semblance of what is considered normal! I have noticed that our friends and family seem more approving of us and we have even had comments like "it's a relief and we were worried about you!" I have no idea why being in one place is considered safer!

As for the marina Ali has been busy getting all the gossip, and has found all the cliques! Which brings us much amusement at how odd people really are! It's mostly divided into which area of the marina you are! The opposite side to us don't really speak with our side with the odd exception! and the top by the car park don't talk to anyone!!!!

Ali caused a dispute with a neighbor because she parked the car in their spot! I would like to point out that there is no designated parking in the marina. We pissed ourselves when we came back one day to find he had put out a deck chair to reserve the parking place. Ali wanted to mess with his head and move it down a car length and put a towel on it! I stopped her coz I know silly things like that can escalate with people and it could get out of hand! And now we don't have the luxury of being able to move if we don't like our neighbors, Ali agreed.

On a positive I feel like we have more privacy in the marina because we have the butty moored on the same pontoon so we aren't overlooked at all. And oh my god not having boats speeding past us when moored is so nice! I think this year has been the worst I have ever known for down right rude behavior from the shiny boat brigade.

We have always liked Penkridge and everybody in the village is always friendly and says hello! It's been nice to spend some time here and we are loving the market! Its got some really interesting stalls as well as the usual fruit and veg! Although I was a little unnerved when we came across a stall selling grave stones and accessories! I know times are a little tough with the economy but really!!

www.canalartist.com

Location:St Modwena Way,,United Kingdom

All change, all change

2011-09-21T14:54:00.001-07:00

We have decided to go into a marina! I never thought I would say that because I love being a continuous cruiser but, it's getting in the way of other things we both want to do.

My business Harris Moore Canvases has been doing really well and the work load has increased. I need to
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Holiday on the Llangollen canal

2011-08-28T02:57:00.001-07:00

We left Lowry in a marina while we went up the Llangollen. It felt really weird not having her with us. It was also a bit annoying when I wanted a BBQ and I asked Ali to start one she said "errrm it's on the butty" I forget how much stuff we keep on her.

We left Penkridge on the Monday and we were at Hurleston Junction Thursday morning. I had forgotten how far you can get when you aren't towing! On the Thursday we decided to moor past Grindley Brook staircase.

Ali upset a local boater by saying she was a little disappointed by the locks. They aren't as deep as on the Staffs and Worcester she said. And then made it worse by saying if you want to see a Staircase the Bratch is far more impressive. She then saw the face of the boater and backtracked by saying that technically it's not a staircase and then she shut up and moved on to doing the lock gear. I was nearly crying!

I must admit I was a little disappointed by the locks I thought since we were going into Wales the rise of the canal would be more. So bigger locks. Saying that though it's a lovely canal and the sense of being in the middle of nowhere it great.
We didn't have to queue at any of the locks.....this was due to the fact we set of at silly o clock (6am) as Ali called it. It meant we were mooring up at about 2 pm so had our pick of the moorings. The only problem with this was the maniac boaters who insist on speeding past our boat. I had to restrain Ali a few times. It's seems the politeness on ordinary canals goes out of the window on the Llangollen and it's a free-for-all.

We arrived just before the Chirk aqueduct on the Friday and I had decided to take Ali out for a meal. We moored outside the pub and got ready to go out. To my dismay the pub was a Poachers Pocket. Now I have to explain Ali has this thing about going out for cheap food basically she says what's the point when I can cook this at home. Luckily Ali saw the funny side, we had just travelled 80 odd miles and many locks to go out to a Poachers Pocket!!!

The next day we started the boat up all excited because this is why we had come up here, the Pontacysllte aqueduct. I was really nervous when we started across, I don't really have a head for heights. Too my complete surprise and shock, I found myself having to calm Ali down she was having a bit of a panic!!!! She's usually the one with the calm cool head while I run around like a headless chicken. It was a bit disconcerting for the roles to be reversed. When we got to the other side Ali calmed down and normal service resumed.

We went on a bit further and turned round at the next winding hole. Then we had to go across the Pontacysllte again. Ali was calmer this time and I think she enjoyed it as she now had her eyes open!!!! We moored up and spent a few hours walking down in the valley.

We then set about the return journey. We found a really beautiful place to moor that afternoon. This has to be my favorite spot to moor on the Llangollen, the Pontacysllte is impressive but this was so calming and unusual to be able to moor next to a lake. We spent a day just sitting by the lake it was wonderful.

I am glad we finally got round to doing this trip. Running a business is hard work and we don't often get to take time out, it's the first time in 5 years we have had two weeks off so I was determined to make the most of it.

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Engine mounts and the IWA festival

2011-08-08T13:26:00.001-07:00

We have had a problem with the engine rattling for some time now. Ali was constantly tightening the engine mounts. It got to the point that we couldn't stay in the boat when the engine as running! I checked our policy with River Canal Rescue and realized the engine mounts were covered.

So when we arrived at Great Haywood we called them out. Where we moored meant the guy could drive his van right up to the boat. When he arrived Ali explained the problem and so he had a look! After and hour of looking and fiddling he decided it was the engine mounts after trying to persuade Ali that it was the head rattling. I hadn't got a clue what they we talking about but I could tell Ali was getting really annoyed with the guy.

He then made a phone call and told us that since the mounts had only gone soft they couldn't replace them. At this point Ali went quiet which I knew, meant she was livid and if I didn't intervene Ali was liable to deck the guy. She tried to explain that the knocking meant the mounts had collapsed but he was having none of it. What he did next was a little shocking he asked for some wood and a hammer and used the wood to brace the engine to stop it rattling. You can see it under the oil pump thingy!!

Ali walked away at this point so I just talked to the guy and then he left. Ali said she would do it herself and we needed a block and tackle to lift the engine. We ordered the stuff we needed and waited for it to be delivered. I was really skeptical that we could do it but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was with the block and tackle.

I am just glad that Ali is small enough to fit in the engine bay!!!!!! And knows what she is doing!!! The only mistake we made was we ordered hard mounts instead of soft ones. So Ali had to do it all again on the Sunday because the vibration from the hard mounts was shaking the boat apart. Luckily we were going past Midland Swindlers so we could pick some soft mounts up.

And just for the record RCR the mount had collapsed and here's the proof

The mount caused that indent on the plate hence the knocking so it's not soft but broke!!!!!!

In other news we had a stall at the IWA festival in Burton. It was hard work getting all the stuff together but we were proud of the way the stall looked.

We had arrived early on the Friday morning and set up by the time the traders next to us arrived. To our dismay the stall to our left was cake stall!!! It wasn't fair we spent the entire weekend trying not eat too many cup cakes!!!!! The best moment was when Julie (from the cake stall) wanted one of my prints! We did a deal and I got 8 cupcakes; personally I think I got the better half of the deal!!!! We can really recommend her cakes, and you can find more info here: http://www.bakeboutique.co.uk

We made enough to cover the cost of the stall and have some money for our holiday, which we were glad about since people weren't really buying and it wasn't as busy as we had expected. A lot of the other traders said they hardly made anything!

We are now on the Llangollen canal on holiday so I will blog about that later!

www.canalartist.com

Location:Whitchurch,United Kingdom

Floods and solar panels

2011-07-11T14:03:00.001-07:00

Well it's been an eventful couple of weeks! We had a flood at work, my beautiful painstakingly created art shop was nearly ruined by the unit upstairs' incompetent plumbing!

I was rudely awoken at 7am on my day off by Ray the buildings caretaker, telling me our unit had been flooded. I jumped out of bed and phoned my business partner to tell him the news. Ali volunteered to stay at home and look after the dog! I took a double take and said aren't you coming to help! Ali reasonably explained that if the unit was flooded then the dog beds would be wet and where would Tiggy sleep, it was best that she stayed on the boat and as we had no idea how long it would take we couldn't leave Tig on the boat because it was going to be a hot day.
Again I took a double take!

Anyway I got to work and luckily the art shop part of the unit had been spared....it wasn't as bad as I had imagined. My imagination had got the better of me on the train into work. It took us a week to dry everything out and fill in the insurance claim. But we are now back to normal. Phew!

On the boating front we had a rather pleasant cruise to Penkridge from Compton. We took two days to get there stopping off just outside Gailey. We moored in the middle of no where because lately we have been around a lot of people and we just wanted some solitude to do as we please, but it made us laugh when a boat moored just off our back fender (buttys' fender so we at least had 50ft between us!). What is with that! They had miles of pleasant countryside to moor but insisted on mooring right next to us???

We arrived in Penkridge the next day and managed to moor on the 48hr visitor moorings. So we opened the shop. We had a great day talking to people and managed to sell quite a bit of stuff! Ali was moaning because she now had to make a load more key rings and tiller tassels for the IWA show! I just laughed, she was happy though when I pointed out that we now had enough money for the solar panel she's been driving me nuts over!
So that week Ali went to Shobnall chandlery to buy the afore mentioned solar panel. Apparently it was the best deal she could find for one. I should point out that I have had months of being shown schematics and graphs showing energy usage and amp thingys so as you can imagine I was glad when we had saved enough to buy the bloody thing!

I thought this would be the end of it but now I find Ali constantly telling me how many amp hours the things generated and what the battery voltage is. She came to bed last night and said "oh by the way the batteries are on 12.3 volts" and promptly went to sleep. Hopefully it will only take a couple of weeks for this to wear off otherwise there might be a murder on the canal!

www.canalartist.com

Tragedy on the Canal

2011-06-25T12:46:00.001-07:00

We have finally arrived at Compton where we have a semi decent Internet signal so I can actually post this blog. It's the only frustrating thing about living on a canal boat, the sporadic Internet service from the mobile Internet, we have tried all the providers but none can guarantee signal strength! Grrrrr!

After a tiring time blacking the Butty we are just starting to recover our stamina for boating related activities.

Bad news however followed us as we left Stourport, with the sad news that the gentleman following us into the Drydock had taken a nasty tumble in, and was critically I'll in hospital. You can read of his progress and wish him well at http://alonthecanal.blogspot.com/

Hot on the heels of this was the death of a 13 year old boy who fell off the small footbridge over the locks in the basin at Stourport, as he was riding his bike over it and lost his balance. Whilst in the dry dock adjacent to this footbridge we were able to watch large groups of kids gather around this area most nights, and all day at the weekend.
They didn't cause too much trouble (a bit noisy, but we just kept our eyes peeled) although they were drinking, but more seriously they were messing around by the locks, riding their bikes over this footbridge or running and jumping over it. We shouted some warnings, and one evening sent the local bobbies to warn them off, but this went unheeded. I don't know if the boy that died was part of this group or not, but the fact that an accident happened is not that surprising really!! The result is that the bridge has been scaffolded off and the bottom gates foot planks fitted with a barrier that stops you crossing to access the other paddles without walking a long way around, compromising boaters safety in being able to quickly access the lock paddles in an emergency?!? It's also annoying as we used that bridge as access to the dry dock! If it's still blocked off next time we want to use the dock I think we might reconsider, as carrying stuff all the way around the lock would be a right royal pain in the a***

Health and safety gone mad!?! I think the saying is "closing the barn door after the horse has bolted" To me this action by BW makes it look like they are guilty of something. If anything they should have waited until the inquest. Education of risk is always better as you cannot eliminate it, and fences just beg to be climbed on or over.

On a lighter note we have finally sorted out the display for our wares on the butty!
I hope you will agree it looks pretty good! It means we can now properly display our crafts and art, and people seem to like to stop and have a good look (and hopefully buy). We have had lots of interest so far.

We are now busily making stock for our stall at the IWA festival in Burton Upon Trent at the end of July. Next stop Penkridge.

www.canalartist.com

Location:Ashfield Rd,Wolverhampton,United Kingdom

Sadness and boat blacking

2011-05-20T13:59:00.001-07:00

Just when we thought Harry the cat was on the mend the vet called and said he had taken a turn for the worse. With heavy hearts we drove to the vets. He explained that he wasn't moving on his own and it would be cruel
to prolong his suffering.
We took the decision to have him put to sleep. Ali was really upset as Harry was Ali's cat. She has been ill and he used to keep her company during the night when she couldnt sleep. He is sadly missed.

RIP Harry T Cat May 2011

After all this trauma with the cat we still had to black the butty. So we went up the river Severn to the Stourport dry dock. Ali stripped off the old canvases ready to fit the new ones.

Considering it's not been blacked for 3 years, and has been dragged all
round the Midlands the hull is in pretty good nick. The back half of the butty is an old Joey off the BCN and it's original BCN reg plate dates it around 1895! Its wrought iron and I think it will out last me!

The front half is from another boat! Dave Harris boat builder at Dadsford shed on the Stourbridge canal put the two half's together about 30 years ago and it was then used by his mothers haulage co. M&M Guest, until we bought it 4 years ago.

Ali fitted the wooden cabin and Ali's Mom sewed the original green canvas sheets and her dad helped us fit them. They were getting a bit tired so we decided to fit new covers while we were in dry dock.

We were both bloody knackered! Ali spent the first half of the week blacking while I went to work! Then it took us 4 days to fit the covers. Things got a bit testy between us and I will admit there were some choice words said by both of us, many of them ending in the word 'off' :-)
I have nick named the week you spend blacking your boat as Hell week. It's a rite of passage that must be endured for you be be classed as a boater.

Ali's Mum & Dad were in the dry dock with us and were kind enough to tow Lowry out and up to the top basin at Stourport to be re united with DaVinci.

Looking good together!

www.canalartist.com

Location:Church View Gardens,,United Kingdom

The Joys and Traumas of Being on the Canal

2011-05-01T14:24:00.001-07:00

Well our holiday finally arrived, but first we had to get through Tardebigge before I could settle down and start to enjoy it. It's 50 locks to Worcester, 100 if you have a butty!
The first part is made up of a flight of 30 locks (60 with butty). The pain of Tardebigge is you can't stop until you reach the bottom of the flight. So we set off really early and made our way down. Graham the BW lock keeper helped us through some of the flight which was great, but the inevitable happened and boats started to catch us up.
My parents were behind us and they got the comments about how "slow we were" and "how stupid to bring a butty down here and on a bank holiday weekend"
I was unaware there was a minimum speed limit for doing locks and my license says nothing about restricted movement on bank holidays!
I didnt really get to take any photos of Tardebigge locks, but Ali got this one, it is of the feeder reservoir half way down the flight.

Finally made it to the bottom and moored outside the pub where a well deserved pint was had by all!
Later outside the boat a bloke came up and asked about the butty and when we were setting off. As a joke I said oh about 7am. The next morning at about 6am a flotilla of boats came past us!! I am still laughing about it now! Honestly getting up that early just to avoid being behind a butty!!!
We took the next three days to get to Worcester, stopping at Hanbury and Tibberton.

We arrived in Worcester moored at Diglis Basin and decided to have a day to explore and then go down the river on the Thursday. I really like Worcester its got really interesting shops and lovely old buildings.

Ali caught me setting up for my shots off the cathedral from across the river. I was doing my touristy thing walking around with my camera around my neck!
I had a really nice time and we were just settling down for the night when I heard a cuffufle outside. I realized that Harry the cat had been chased by a dog and had gone in the water. I ran out of the boat shouting Ali, next thing the owner of the dog had got Harry out of the water but his dog a whippet/greyhound cross grabbed him and ran down the towpath, both me and the man caught up with the dog, and he had to really smack the dog to get him to let go. Ali came out and grabbed Tiggy before she went for the mans dogs and I picked Harry up and took him into the boat. I could feel he had broken his leg. We quickly found the number for the emergency vets and rang for a taxi.
The vet had to put him on a drip and we had a sleepless night worrying wether he would make it or not!
The good news is after X-rays, stitches and an operation to pin his leg back together our Harry cat is on the mend! He's a tough little cat but missing one of nine lives. We are waiting to pick him up from the vets and will update you on how he is!

One of my favorite pictures of Harry the Cat before his run in with the dog.

www.canalartist.com

Location:Diglis Basin, Worcester

Audelm Mill Exhibition and Tufted Ducks

2011-04-16T14:04:00.001-07:00

Well, first some good news! I have been accepted into the Guild of Waterways Artists and invited to show my work at Audlem Mill with the other guild members. (http://www.waterwayartists.co.uk). It's really nice to be accepted into the Waterways Guild as it's a great opportunity to be able to exhibit alongside other people as interested in the canals as I am, and it meant my work was good enough :-)

Ali was kind enough to drive me up to Audlem and help me hang my work! If you knew Ali you would know that this was like drawing teeth for her! She's had to put up with my insecurities about my work and my absolute pickyness when hanging for years. She tends to make herself scarce when I have an exhibition.
After the weekend I received an email from Sarah Pressland a member of the guild, she wrote a review of the exhibition, I was quite happy when I read this bit:
"Our new member, Louise Moore shows her versatility with drawings and paintings, I was particularly taken with her drawing of the junction bridge at Great Haywood. "

Well if you get chance I recommend you take a look in Audlem mill at the work in there! I really like Eric Gaskell's lino prints of canals. (http://www.egdesign.co.uk), and the other work was fantastic too. Audelm is a really pretty place to visit, and there are two good pubs next to the canal (always a bonus).

Canal stuff now; we spent a couple of weeks in Lapworth but have now moved to Earlswood on the north Stratford. Lapworth is nice but drives me nuts because the Internet connection keeps dropping, which is why I haven't posted for awhile.

Ali took this photo from the hatch it makes a change to see a different type of duck other than mallards! It's a tufted duck in case you are wondering! (I didn't know, Ali's mum told me what it was!) Spring has definitely sprung now, as the first crops of ducklings are popping up, and Harry the Cat is patrolling the bankside with a wistful look on his face.....

One more week and we are on holiday. We will be cruising down the Worcester Birmingham canal and up the Severn to Stourport ready to go in dry dock for blacking so you have been warned. Can't wait as I am really looking forward to traveling up the Severn, it's the first time I will have been on the river - we are all prepared with our lifejackets and anchor at the ready - but first we must conquer the major obstacle that is Tardebigge lock flight. If we survive I shall post of our adventures. Wish us luck!

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Location:Tythebarn Ln,,United Kingdom

Bye Bye Winter Mooring - A Perfect Day Boating

2011-04-02T02:49:00.001-07:00

Finally, the day to leave the winter mooring has arrived. We both had trouble sleeping because we were so excited about starting cruising again. I had considered having a permanent mooring but after being in one place for 5 months I have knocked that one head much to Ali's relief!

This was the view as we left!

As we moved along the GU towards Lapworth I could see the city slowly changing into the countryside.

The wail of police sirens turned into bird song. I hadn't noticed until now that you don't really hear birds in the city.

Tiggy really enjoyed the cruise and I think even she was exited about being in the countryside. Don't get me wrong I love the city, the vibrancy and things to do. But it's nice to go somewhere that's quiet and slower. It's why I like living on the boat. When I want countryside I move, when I want city living I move.

Midlands Today news promised a sunny afternoon with temps in the late teens! I think that was their April fool joke!

It was a welcome change of pace when we arrived at Knowle locks, as we were both getting a little chilly on the back of the boat. They were really hard, I think BW need to invest in some grease for the paddle gear! Compared to Hatton which we helped our friends through a couple of weeks ago the paddle gear was very heavy. But at least it warmed us up! I love the way doing locks breaks up a journey and Tiggy welcomed the running around she got to do while we went through the flight.

We arrived in Lapworth late afternoon and this is the view from the hatch. Makes a change from the view of a brick wall we have had for the past 5 months! Finished all the chores, remembered to put the grease down and settled down for a cuppa. Then got ready for the perfect end to a perfect day boating (in a super heated shower courtesy of a very hot engine from cruising).......

Steak and chips at the Navigation. The best in the whole of the West Midlands In my opinion http://bit.ly/ej73NG

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Location:Lapworth, Warwickshire, UK

Paddy Parade and the maglight

2011-03-14T15:19:00.001-07:00

Went to the St Patrick's day parade in Birmingham on Sunday. It's the first time I've been to one! Shame on me since I'm half Irish. It was nice to see people celebrating there heritage. I cheered as the Donegal section came past. Me mother was born in Donegal. Then you have to have the compulsory cute bit. Aaaaahhhh don't they look sweet in their traditional dress!

I was surprised at how big it was! According to the news there was over 80,000 people there! It was really busy! I think there were a few sore heads on monday morning. We managed to find a pub away from the parade that we could actually get in and sit down! So had the obligatory guinness! Here's some pics I took of the day

Ali got into the swing of things and even waved the Irish flag! But then made the comment "I feel like a traitor now!!" (she's English by they way). Then came the Irish jokes and the bad Irish accent "top of the morn'en to ya"
and then "better not mention the taff's beat em at the weekend!" sigh.

Onto boaty stuff! Ali changed all 6 batteries with new ones but found that two of the old ones where still ok so we now have 8 batteries! Apparently this means we can run the engine less and save money on diesel. Good thing too, every time we go to get some it's gone up!
The maglight has come to my attention again! I was woken up on Sunday morning by Ali bouncing on the bed going 'look I finished it' After several attempts at getting my eyes to focus I realised I was looking at the maglight! Suddenly realising that if I didn't say the right thing I was going to be in trouble! I opted for 'yeah nice' then Ali went onto explain that she was up till 3am coach whipping the handle. I laughed! Apparently that wasn't the appropriate response!! After a lecture on the finer points of rope work and a cup of tea, I now know what coach whipping is and here's a pic! Nice!!!!!

www.canalartist.com

Books and Art

2011-03-06T12:04:00.001-08:00

Went into Waterstones in Brum I was supposed to be going to the market for veggies but I couldn't resist. I spent hours looking at all the art books and history books. I found this really interesting book: The folklore of the Black Country by Roy Palmer.

It's been really interesting I've just finished the section on speech and humour, this anecdote really made me laugh;

An unemployed man filing time by walking along a canal towpath hears a cry for help and sees a man struggling in the water who shouts 'I'm a-drowndin. Save me!' 'oh ah'. Says the unemployed man, 'Whats your name, then? 'Abner Edwards. I'm a-drowndin. Help me! 'oh ah! Where'd you wairk?' 'Steward and Lloyds. I'm a-drowndin. Save me!' 'Ah and yo can bloody well drown. I'm a'ter your job'. He makes his way to the factory and asks the gateman: 'Abner Edwards wairk here?' 'ah, but he ai come this morning'. 'I know he's a drowndin in the cut. Can I have his job?' 'No. Yo'm too late. We'm just set on the bloke what shoved 'im in'

Well it made me laugh anyway! Guess it's a Black Country thing! I also found a really good art book on graphic art. I had a fancy to draw people, so I have downloaded some apps for the iPad of movable mannequins. I've been practicing drawing people. I had to stop Ali setting up weird and rude pose's though! Sigh! :-)
It's been really enjoyable and makes a change from landscapes. It's also going back to me school days when I used to sketch from the Judge Dredd comics. Maybe this is a mid life crisis, getting a tattoo and being nostalgic for the past. Ho hum will have to ponder that one.

My new tattoo:

Have to wait till it heals and then Jake (the tattooist) can finish it of.
This is Ali's new tattoo. I really like this. Jake has done a really good job.

Well on to boat stuff. Ali has been driving me nuts! She's in full organising mode getting ready to move off the winter mooring. Who new so much stuff needed organising. Sigh.

The big job this week is replacing the batteries. We have 7 of the 'buggers'! Well I cant live without my mod cons! I can't explain to you how Ali knows when we need to change the batteries, all I know is we run the engine for two hours and we have enough power to last 24.
Ali has been down the engine and I heard muttering and some scientific terms like amps, volts and the rest I just agreed with coz I aint got a clue! Sufficed to say they need replacing because the powers just not lasting. Glad I'll be at work when she's doing that job! Don't worry her Dad will be helping so I'm not heartless.

www.canalartist.com

Politics and Boat building

2011-02-25T11:39:00.001-08:00

Well I am even more confused about what's going to happen with the canals and the new charity. There are so many consultations going on at the moment. We still haven't had answers to our questions about the trading licence. We have spent almost every evening reading comments and posting them on the canal forums. Sigh.

Ali wrote a letter to our MP outlining our concerns regarding the trade licence increases. Shabana Mohmood MP has asked the waterways minister on our behalf to 'provide information on the finances of BW, including why licences have risen disproportionately and what is being done to protect small businesses'. We wait with baited breath!

I just feel that our whole way of life is under threat! Its probably because of the uncertainty. I will feel better when we know what's going on.

Now onto important stuff. I thought I would do a review of the DaVinci and how much work Ali has done. She's a bit down at the minute because according to her she has loads to do on the boats. Well first here are some pic's of DaVinci when we first picked up the boat and Ali started work:

And here are some pics of the boat now:

It's taken four years but I think you will agree she's done a really good job. Apart from some small jobs, I'd say she's finished and a damn good job she's done too.

I am also really happy with my art studio Lowry, this is a pic of what it looked like when we got Lowry:

And now:

Again great job. We have saved enough money now, so we can have new cloths. When we are in dry dock we will be kitting her out with black cloths and giving her a fresh lick of paint. She's going to look fantastic. And it's all due to Ali's hard work.

Ok I think that's enough praise, can't give her too much as she gets a big head and becomes insufferable. :-)

www.canalartist.com

Boating trade forum and paintings

2011-02-17T12:44:00.001-08:00

We attended a boating trade forum held by BW to update people who hold a trade licence on what BW is up to. It was well represented and we got to meet fellow roving traders. It was nice to but faces to names.

BW have issued a consultation on proposed change to the traders terms and conditions. Basically they are proposing increases to their charges and claiming it's "good for you".

It always makes me laugh (or cry to be more accurate) because when BW does something like this it's shrouded in a change into the terms and conditions. BW claim that the new proposals make it easier for them to administer and in this "tough economic climate it's your duty to support these changes especially as we are going to be a charity" blah blah blah.
(info on these changes if your interested can be found on the Roving Canal Traders Association website : www.canaltraders.org.uk)

You know I just wish BW would just speak in plan English. They need to raise more money because the government is cutting it's funding and as is usual they think businesses are bottomless pits of money and that we can support them in the manner to which they are accustomed, instead of thinking how can we do this better.

It was supposed to be a discussion and a consultation, Ali being the bolshy one, raised the point that actually we don't make a lot of money from selling craft items on the canals and as a hobby a 400% increase in our licence was a little harsh. She said it would make us reconsider whether it is worth our while having a trade licence, and taking into account the mooring proposal it would make it a bit of a nightmare: we would have to pay for a traders pitch on visitor moorings on top of the licence fee, then there was the issue of how would we book these pitches and what if someone was on the mooring etc. We wanted to know what we would be getting for this extra money on our licence, She got told to shut up and they had to move the meeting on because they had more important things to discuss. Sigh.

We have attended a few meetings with BW now and we now the score. They propose something, us boaters say ok but have you thought about this and it will have this consequence, BW say "I hear what you are saying" but we are going to do it anyway. Then all the consequences happen, us boaters tell them told you so. BW then have another meeting we tell them you are doing it again, they ignore us and so on and so on. Sigh! There has got to be a better way.

On a lighter note I completed two paintings see what you think.

I call this "Evening Colour" oil on board. A loosely painted piece, and I quite like it. I'm comfortable painting like this and I really enjoy painting sky's.

And this one, "Beach near Anglesey" is oil on canvas.

It's the beach I spoke of in my last blog. I was trying to be a bit more loose and expressive, al la Van Gogh. I tend to be quite a graphic, precise painter, and I have been studying how Van Gogh mixed graphic outline with swirling strokes of paint and pure colour. Not sure if it works with this picture though. maybe I need to start with a stronger image? Your comments would be appreciated.

www.canalartist.com

Busy week

2011-02-11T02:00:00.001-08:00

Well I finally managed to get some time to do some painting. I decided to work from a photo I took of a beach in Anglesey. I know it's not of the canals but I was inspired thinking of the glourious day we had with friends walking the dogs along the beach. It was windy and rainy but a good time was had by all. When I have finished I will post a pic.
I have always had an affinity with the sea and I think I am yearning for the salty air. Maybe I have a salt deficiency! I think I will have to arrange for a holiday near the sea or eat more salt, I guess the need I have to be near water is why I live on a boat.

Ali has sorted out the anchor, attached the chain and spliced the rope on to it. I hope it's long enough if we need to use it on the Severn. Ali assures me it is but I am still not sure. I couldn't find any info on how long the chain and rope should be! Anybody know?
Ali says it needs to be the length of the boat and thats what it is. I know I am paranoid and some people go on the rivers without anchors but I need to be prepared. I have got the lifejackets and the life ring and the dog has I a life jacket.

This weekend is valentines day sort of. Anyway I will be taking Ali to the cinema and dinner. That's about as romantic as I get. We take it in turns each year. I thought we would see 'Black Swan' it's about a mentally unstable ballerina! Ali doesn't know yet and I know the look I am going to get when she finds out! Ali's not really into what she calls 'arty farty' films but bless her she tries to enjoy them. Her comments after always crack me up so that's why we are going!!!

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Well bugger me!!!!!!

2011-02-01T13:22:00.001-08:00

As you have already read we had some trouble with some 'continuous moorers' on our winter mooring. Well I phoned BW Winter Mooring person and complained over the phone that "it was a little unfair and you really should refund me for every week they overstay since you aren't enforcing your own rules".

I then wrote all of this in an email and sent it off. It made me feel better having a rant at BW on the phone and writing in a stern sarcastic tone in an email. I never expected to get a refund and I patiently waited for the response. I was expecting "we can't refund you because of blah blah blah and I have contacted the enforcement officer in your area blah blah blah"

Well you can imagine my complete and utter shock when I received an email saying that they agree with me and will be sending me a cheque for the weeks the continuous moorers overstayed while I was at the mooring. I got the cheque today! OMG!

On the boat front I came home and found that Ali had completed the trim around the hatch:

Looking good! If I do say so myself. Ali and her Dad have been working really hard clearing a space and decorating it, in our unit for picture framing, so it was a little unexpected to find the trim done as well.

As for the mag light saga I have agreed that it can be mounted on the wall under the gunwale. This is because it fell over and the bulb broke; apparently this is common problem! Sigh!

Well two out of three wins for me isn't bad!! All in all a good week!

www.canalartist.com

Location:Camp Hill Middleway,Birmingham,United Kingdom

A new name A new beginning

2011-01-22T13:10:00.001-08:00

I've just completed the BW survey about what to call the new charity. I went for the National Waterways Trust.

There has been a lot of chatter and moaning on some forums/websites, and a lot of people think it's a waste of time and money. I disagree, I think a lot of people have negative views of BW and I think renaming the organisation will give a new sense of optimism. I know a lot of people disagree with this view. But I have been at companies that have reinvented themselves and there is a sense of enthusiasm and new sense of pride that comes with a rename. A change is as good as a holiday so 'they' say!

Becoming a Trust is a whole new start for the canals. A lot of the upper management will disappear because they won't be getting the wages they are used to. It will become more efficient because it will have to be. It might be a bit bumpy for a while, as the staff have to adjust to a new way of thinking instead of having a public sector mentality. Truth is, it can't really go on as it, management wise anyway, I just hope they become even more accountable than they currently are.

Anyway, am really looking forward to being able to get more involved in the running of my chosen home.

On to lighter matter. Ali finally got the new portholes fitted! Can't really let her take all the blame for the time it's taken (1 year) it because we couldn't decide on what to have brass, or wood which everybody has, and me being an artist I wanted something different. So Ali came up with shutters inlayed with rope and here they are:

The continuing mag light saga: Ali wants to mount it on the wall of the boat like some weird trophy. I have said no several times now. Her argument being, it's very big and when we are out cruising it will fall over and get damaged. I suggested that maybe we should store it a cupboard, but Ali said it needs to be at hand by the door! Sigh.

I am convinced I will come home from work and find it mounted on the wall. I wonder if I need to consult a medical health professional hmmmm....

www.canalartist.com

Looking Forward to Spring

2011-01-19T11:22:00.001-08:00

After the "Hoo Haa" with the overstayers we have been discussing our up coming travels to cheer ourselves up. We are getting the Butty blacked in may at Stourport, so we've decided to go down the Worcester Birmingham and come up the Severn.

It will be the first time the Buttys' been on the river. It's exciting stuff. We have an anchor but just need to attach a chain long enough! This will be Ali's department and I am sure it will involve some long winded calculation (she's an engineer! Sigh)

We want to go down the new Droitwich canal, but if you still can't get onto the river we will continue down to Worcester and get on the Severn there. You have been warned!

Then we are going to put the Butty into a marina, and for our hols we are going to treat ourselves to a cruise up the Llangollen. Hopefully when we go it won't be too busy. We have the luxury of being able to have our hols in term time since we don't have kids.

God I don't now how people can live on a permanent moorings! I really miss the different commutes to work. It changes every two weeks when we are out cruising. Here I can sleepwalk to work! I have tried walking different ways to make it a bit more interesting, but have run out of routes, sigh.

On the home front Ali has a new mag light! It's massive. I am getting a bit worried though, she keeps taking the dog outside in the dark just so she can use it! It's like she is pretending to be a security guard and is on patrol every 30 mins! Lol It will wear off she's like this about everything - gets a bit obsessed and then it returns to normal!

I am desperately trying to get some art work done but other things keep getting in the way, namely work, and boat chores, plus Ali's on a real drive to get the final bits finished on the boats. I will try again at the weekend. I might edit some photos for my Flickr account. I will have to come up with something to keep Ali occupied that doesn't involve my help! Hmmm thinking.

www.canalartist.com

Update on unwanted guests

2011-01-18T14:37:00.001-08:00

I phoned BW to complain after I had words with Mr overstayers. The enforcement officer turned up and had words with him. I was a little dismayed when he said that he couldn't really do anything until he had been here two weeks. Even though the guidelines say you have to be on a progressive journey.

After he left, I noticed that the bird feeder outside the boats had gone. I looked around for it and my Dad noticed part of it floating in the canal! Sigh
Looks like Mr overstayers had some fun. My Dad then noticed that the fairy lights we had left up after Xmas, just to brighten the mooring up, weren't working. Upon closer inspection we found the wire had been cut. Then I noticed that the BW lock for the gates on the mooring was missing! This had been another one of my complaints to them, that they kept leaving the gates unlocked.

All I could think was how petty! Later on I noticed that they were both out of their boats chatting. So I decided to confront them. I just said you've had your fun but if anything else happens on this mooring I will be calling the police. Of course they denied it, it was quite funny really they were just like school kids "It wasn't me ms" I had to use all of my will power not to laugh at them!

It was funny how the next day they left, confirming that they had "done it". The lock was still missing, bet it's in the cut. At this point I feel like a right grumpy old woman complain about it.

I have learnt something though, the guidelines for continuous cruising are meaningless! The only thing to follow is the 14 day rule! It dosent matter how far you move or if you shuttle between two places. But I bet if I do what Mr overstayers do I will get in trouble with BW. I'd have have enforcement notices coming out of my portholes!

Grumpy old woman

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I've turned into a "Shiny boater"

2011-01-13T11:31:00.001-08:00

Let me explain that title. I am a continuous cruiser and proud to be. I have been moving about on the system for about four years now (seven years on boat in all) and I love it. I follow the rules and move every two weeks. I am not a saint and I have overstayed on occasion, usually because of bad weather! I confess to being a fair weather boater.

After last winter I really couldn't face being on the towpath so booked myself a winter mooring. When I arrived I found several boats moored up in the arm where my winter mooring was supposed to be! I asked one of then how long they were staying, the response was as long as we like. I informed them that they were on my winter mooring which I had paid for and could they move. "Yep, if we shuffle about we can fit you in" was the response. I looked at him a little lost for words.
By then some of the other boaters came out to see who had arrived. I patently explained about the winter mooring to them. "oh right, no probs we'll be off tomorrow then!" The first guy looked a bit confused!

Anyway after a little bit of chatting I established that they had been there since the summer and said that BW doesn't bother them here. It was good natured and we got chatting about fitting out boats. Since that was why most of them where holed up here because it's easy access for offloading stuff onto your boat. The next day three of them left. The rest just moved onto the workboat moorings at the back of the winter moorings. It annoyed me a bit but I though well perhaps they will move tomorrow. A week passed no movement. Then the one on Sadie (the first guy I spoke to when I arrived) asked me if he could moor in front of me because he was finding it difficult to get his dog off the boat where he was. Again I was a little lost for words and just nodded.

I tried on several occasions discussing with him the cc guidelines but his response was along the lines of "why would I need to move every two weeks". Tired of this and tired of dropping hints that he really needed to move on, and his lack of consideration at the fact I had paid to moor here, I found myself phoning up the local enforcement officer! Sigh!

To his credit he came the next day and had a word with him, saying that if he wanted to stay he would have to pay for a winter mooring. Theres me expecting he would get the message, nope still here. Then my parents decide that they wanted to join us on the winter mooring! So off I go and explain to him that where he was moored was a winter mooring and my parents will be arriving in two weeks and could he move. Again I say about the two week rule and get "when did they introduce that then" Sigh!

A week before my parents are due to arrive he's still there so again I phone Wayne the enforcement officer! He comes down and has another word. Still no movement. The weekend that my parents are due and he's still there! Again, Sigh! Again I ask him to move and to my shock "yep were off tomorrow!". All I could think was yeah right! I left to go and meet my parents at farmers bridge to help them through the locks. When we arrived back at camp hill to my shock they were all gone.

At this point all I could think was I never ever want the job of a BW enforcement officer. Four weeks it took for them to move on. And several visits from Wayne.
We had a pleasant Christmas break and started back to work. Then this weekend to my shock and amazement at the brass neck of the guy Mr "Sadie" turns back up with his mate.

Now I am quite tolerant of most behaviour and have always considered overstaying an issue between the boater concerned and BW. I have had boaters turn there noses up at me because I am a cc'er and being made to feel like I am doing something wrong because I choose to have a itinerate lifestyle. It made me mad that this attitude to cc'ers comes from inconsiderate boaters like Mr "Sadie".
So with the guidelines in hand I go around to his boat and explain why he can't moor back here, and that we didn't want him here if he wasn't going to pay. I explain what is meant by a progressive journey and the two week rule. I explain that if he persists that BW can take out what's called a section 8 and he could loose his boat. "Yep what ever you say" Is the response I get, not surprising really, I sigh and return to my boat.

So I now find myself on the phone complaining to BW.

I've turned into a Shiny boater!

T.B.C

www.canalartist.com

Location:Camp Hill Circus,Birmingham,United Kingdom

A Day Out At Chatsworth

2011-01-05T13:25:00.001-08:00

During the lull between Christmas and New Year, and wanting to make full use of the hire car (as well as walk off a few calories ahem), we took a day trip to Chatsworth estate in the Peak District. Backpacks, Cameras and Dog accessories stowed we set off for a day of beautiful scenery and a side trip to the glorious farm shop for some goodies.

What do we get - FOG, but being seasoned boaters used to the vagaries of the weather we persevere hoping that Carol on the BBC is wrong and it will lift. It didn't, but we enjoyed the breathtaking close up scenery enshrouded in a spooky mist that reminded Lou of the film 'The Others'.

Lou was determined to get a good shot - some post production will be required but we will put them on Flickr when they are done.

We had a good couple of hours walk around the estate, encountering mud, sheep and several deer including a Stag (too far away for a photo in the fog - Lou thinks this is a good reason to get that new camera she wants!). All in all a good day out, with two worn out dogs to show for it - ooh and some fab pies from the estate mnnom mnnom!!!

Freddy and Tiggy.

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Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

We are not normally ones to celebrate New Year. Last year we were in bed before Midnight. This year however we had been invited to Lou's sisters house for a small family soirée. As normal, hilarity ensued!

After an excellent curry we passed the time until midnight with a raucous game of Trivial Pursuits, which of course Lou and her equally clever nephew Danial won despite facing an overwhelming opposition of cheating and distration techniques. We all agreed that the new version has dumbed down somewhat, with the History and Geography sections having been replaced by Trends and Gossip!!

New Year itself was seen in with Fizz and Chinese Lanterns (a bona fide health hazard combining paper, fire and alcohol). The only down point was poor Tiggy who was beside herself with fear owing to the noise of all the fireworks going off. She had to be moved from the living room to the slightly quieter hall for some cuddles.

We now have one more week of holiday before a return to work. We booked this specifically to recover from the over indulgences of the past two weeks and all the travelling and socialising (no matter how welcome).

Can someone pass a Rennie please?

Location:Camp Hill Middleway,Birmingham,United Kingdom

Winter Moorings Part 2

2010-12-31T05:12:00.001-08:00

Decide to make the place more festive for Xmas so with the help of my parents went out and got a five foot Xmas tree! Then decided do decorate the service block.

We then had a BBQ and roasted chestnuts on an open fire, totally going overboard with my mothers Xmas cd collection and singing along to "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" fun was had by one and all.

Then it snowed! My parents boat nearly disappeared! I will be careful with what I wish for in the future!
www.canalartist.com

Location:Camp Hill Middleway,Birmingham,United Kingdom

Winter Moorings

2010-12-28T15:13:00.001-08:00

We decided this year to get a winter mooring! After last winter being so bad and the canal freezing it made it a nightmare for getting water and emptying the toilet, not to mention the trauma that is public transport when it gets cold.
So after considering all the options we plumped for Camp Hill on the GU. It's a 20 min walk to work in the morning and with easy reach of Birmingham city centre.
I didn't think it could get any worse than last year, boy I was wrong. I can't remember the last time we had a foot of snow in brum! I am so glad we aren't stuck out in the sticks in this weather. After you have been carting your water in a barrel for the umpteenth time, living on a canal boat suddenly becomes less appealing.
We have now been here for nearly two months, and while I am glad that we have water and can empty the toilets without having to put them in a car, I find myself going stir crazy that we aren't moving and I am going to be here for another 3 months! I really miss travelling around and being in a different place roughly every two weeks (sigh). Guess I just have a wanderlust.

www.canalartist.com

Location:Camp Hill Middleway,Birmingham,United Kingdom