Barges Update

Pete has been putting more shelves up in the pantry. Basically it is done now until we put the butler sink in and cabinets. The other picture is of the starboard side of the boat where the washing machine and grey water tanks are going. Then he moves onto the bathroom. Work continues......

Lovely Greens

My blogging pal, Tanya, from the Lovely Greens blog has just launched her web shop for her wonderful handmade bath and beauty products. As she says:

Lovely Greens is handmade soap and bath & beauty products from that misty island in the Irish Sea - the Isle of Man. Our products are made with pure ingredients including rich and moisturising oils, Manx beeswax and honey, essential oils, and natural colours derived from plant, flower and mineral sources.

I have tried some of her soaps and her lip balm and can personally guarantee how lush they are and how beautifully divine they smell. Pop over to her site at http://lovelygreens-shop.com/ and have a look. And then don't forget to pay a visit to her blog at http://www.lovelygreens.com/ In fact, go there first and you can find a discount code for her products. Happy reading and shopping x

Happy Birthday Kerry

There is nothing like having a few connections!!! Last week was Kerry's birthday (sorry I couldn't get online last week Kerry).  Stuart surprised her with a visit to this certain address.  Unfortunately, no one was at home so Kerry couldn't tell David or George what she thought about them!  Then they went off to the football - Arsenal V Liverpool.  Kerry supports Arsenal and Stuart Liverpool.  Luckily it was a draw - so no marital discord!!!  Sorry it's late Kerry, but Happy Birthday xxx

Spinning!

No, I have not been on the grog! As I have been staying at work, there has been absolutely no excuse for not going to the gym. Normally I can get away with - need to get home for Pete, Alfie, going out, have to watch paint dry or anything else that pops into mind! However Jacqui, a lovely Sergeant Major at work, said that she was starting a introduction to spinning class for ladies and would I like to join them? She promised to be gentle! How stupid was I to believe that! I have discovered that spinning is actually a form of torture, obviously designed by someone with a very sadistic nature. Jacqui certainly showed her true colours, no wonder she is a Sergeant Major! And what can I say about that saddle, except that today I feel like I have enjoyed a full night's session (take that which way you like!!!). So will I be going back? Absolutely, but this time with a gel cover for that saddle!

Minted Chickpeas in Corn Wraps

These are so ridiculously quick and easy, that they are now my standard 'whip up something quick for unexpected lunch guests' dish.

Gently fry until soft a good bunch of dark greens (spinach, cabbage or kale). Add a couple of chopped tomatoes, two crushed garlic cloves, a tin of chick peas and two teaspoons of mint sauce. Cook (stirring often) until the tomatoes have softened (just a few minutes will do). Serve in corn (or even flour) wraps. Yum, yum.

Sorry no picture, use your imaginations! Xxx

Inside The Wire

So it's been snowing again and freezing cold all week and those of you that know me realise that I am staying at work again. Here is my room. A little bare, but warm and comfortable with everything you need. I also am well looked after with an armed guard prowling the perimeter at night!
The other picture was taken as I walked up from the camp to the mess. The snapshot doesn't really do it justice, but the naked tree all lit up looks really quite spooky. Keep warm folks xxx

For Sindy <3

Hiya My Dutch doggie Pal,

I have just come back from a really muddy walk along the sea wall. It was soooo gloriously muddy I could have wallowed for hours. But my Mum, who hasn't got a clue about how good this mud is for my fur and overall skin care regime, decided I should be hosed down before getting anywhere near the boat. Oh the indignity of being made to stand there in full view of that Labrador bitch from the big house on the corner. I bet she had a nice warm bath to go home to and a log fire to curl up in front of (how the other half live). I wouldn't look at the camera because I didn't really want you to see me looking like this, all bedraggled and damp. But then I remembered your mum's message yesterday and I agreed that my mum could send you this just to show that us boat pups have to put up with some tough times to be able to enjoy the wonderful happy, loving lives that we have in common. Keep your chin up babe, it will soon be spring and we can be frolicking with the best of them. Lots of licks and sniffy bottoms Alfie xxxx