Forgive my lack of contact recently but I have been pole axed by a nasty kidney infection and and unable to Blog. The antibiotics they gave me were as toxic as the infection and one dark night in the wee small hours I feared I may depart this earth. I survived the night and the antibiotics. Funny how you think the worst in the middle of the night, but I had good reason with a temperature of a 104 and a teeth chattering 15 minutes every hour. Thank god for modern medicine.
I had intended to travel up to the land of the Magic Roundabout to see Penfold, last week but wasn't able to until yesterday. As you know my car has been cubed and I am a couple of weeks from getting a new banger on the road, so the delights of the coach beckoned.
Now coach travel would be all very well if it wasn't for the other passengers. My first change was Plymouth and being a girl I am incapable of travelling light. One large pink bag, one small black bag, one very full handbag, check...don't forget the arm guard in case some idiot decides to smack into bad arm. I had booked assistance with my bags but there was little evidence of this at Plymouth. A guy carrying a very small rucksack, sidled up to me at Plymouth. 'Oh Lord, please save me from the nutter,' I prayed. 'Are you going to Bristol' said he. 'Yes ' I muttered, wanting to run and hide but being unable to move as could not lift bags at my feet. The coach pulled in and the nutter looked at my bags, my arm guard and buggered off to get on the coach. It seems that Chivalry, even from nutters, is well and truly dead. Failing this I am old and unable to flutter my eyelashes in the same way at the opposite sex as I used to, which is probably more the case. It seems I have become 'invisible woman'. This does not grieve me nearly as much as I thought it would. I am secure enough to know that if I wanted male attention, I could have it at anytime, but it would be the entirely the wrong kind of attention!
Then I had to endure three hours of people yattering on their mobile phones,talking freely about their personal lives...and I mean personal! I suppose this begs the question, what am I doing Blogging into Cyberspace if not that...? I had posted on FB that morning that I was off to the land of the Magic Roundabout and hearing my shiny new Blackberry ping, I read a response from Tricia Cole, a Donut Child currently living the dream in Cyprus. 'Is that the Magic Roundabout in Larnaca, the one named by the soldiers for all the brothels on it?' she enquired. 'No', I typed grumpily, it's the one in Swindon...' Actually this was a well timed and very funny comment as sat behind me were two of Thailand's finest, discussing (pardon the pun) their game plan for a night out in Bristol.!
Changing at Bristol I got help with my bags, which was terrific and much appreciated. The journey got ever more suffocating with a mixture of perfumes, aftershaves and warm bodies. Ewww, am I too precious do you think? But really! it will take more than two quid a litre to get me out of my car, she says. At Chippenham the driver got lost and asked if anyone knew the way to Swindon Bus Station. We were running half an hour late, with Penfold still refusing to switch his mobile on (more of that in another Blog). Getting increasingly grumpy, I consulted the Oracle Blackberry and lo and behold a bloody map and directions. Donut Child took charge as 35 other passengers were surgically attached to their mobiles and dribbling with a glazed look on their faces by this stage. I gave the driver clear directions and sat with him for most of the way. I had to return to my seat to attend to the urgent matter of lipstick and hair fluffing as meeting Penfold was imminent. I thought it was imminent but NO! cretin of coach driver got lost as he is of the male variety, cannot take directions and finds it impossible to stop and ask. I wouldn't have minded except that we had just sailed past a bloody great sign saying 'bus station'.
Bugger, bugger, bugger. A stressful journey but I arrived in one piece and am now sat in Penfold's garden with a glass of wine as I write this. So learn a lesson from this - coach travel may be cheap but it is also loathsome, inconvenient, full of nutters and strange smelling people and you will be ready to hold the driver up at gunpoint at some point during the journey.
Be Careful out there.
Muse x
Saturday 31 July 2010
Thursday 22 July 2010
Shoe Carriers and The Demise of The Grendel
I have had a busy, but productive day. My little Metro has gone and I have no wheels but no matter, perhaps someone will donate a banger to me or I will win the lottery and get a Barge and a Car. Time will sort it out. The story of the Metro's demise is funny to say the least.
Pa came over today to pick up The Git. They are going to Wales for a couple of weeks and I will be child free. The Metro was long past it's sell by date, had served me well but I knew it was never going to get through another MOT. Old friends know the car as 'The Shoe and Evian Water Bottle Carrier' but to me it was always 'The Grendel'. Noisy, temperamental, reliable for most of our history together and downright stubborn! Bit like me really, she says...
I had been on Folk on The Water for the last couple of weeks and had neglected to start it. Pa came over and we had the man /woman conversation. He is obviously within his rights to treat me as a complete blondie but I know my car and I have had a few battles with sticky starter motors in my 25 years of driving. Ouch that makes me sound old! Before I went away The Grendel had refused to start a few times. Luckily I was wearing make up during these times and managed to put bonnet up and look suitably helpless until a nice man/men came along and gave me a push. Throughout the month of June I became adept at 'bump starting it and parked on a hill whenever I could.
There is a further problem to consider though. About a year ago my little car died and it drove Pa mad, he could not find out what was wrong with it. Being a Donut, he persevered, found that there was an electrical short somewhere, decided he was far too old and sensible to take the Grendel apart and 'Hotwired' it. He.. he.. he she says, this gave me an enormous amount of pleasure as I had a cute switch on my dash, provided for me by long suffering Pa and I had to switch it on before I turned the ignition. This meant, that I could take out key, lock door and leave engine running...delightful.
We tried to jump start it off dads car today and had a bit of a discussion as to what was going on when all our efforts failed. After a bit of pondering and head scratching we concluded that we were both right. Pa found a loose wire on the 'Hotwire' connection and I told him to take the leads of the battery and I successfully jump started it. See, sticky starter motor!
Then the fun began....I had to drive it to the scrap merchants. It seems that I had blown a major fuse, by jump starting it one too many times. I had no indicators, lights or windscreen wipers. The Grendel bellowed its last mighty roar as I drove it to its demise. It started to rain heavily and I had to rely on hand signals that I had learned some 25 years previously. Ummm...how did I remember those? I had to stop a couple of times to wipe my windscreen as I guided dad through country lanes. I did not want to go on the main roads for fear that someone with similar road rage to mine would call me a 'Greek' for not indicating.
We parked the car on the Weighbridge. Keys out, engine running. Pa rescued a pair of shoes from the back. Apparently, scrap is all done by weight. 'Should have put a pile of bricks in the back' muttered Pa. I felt a bit tearful as she went off to be 'cubed' and clutching the mighty sum of £58.50, in my hand we said goodbye.
I wonder what my next wheels will look like? One thing is for sure, I won't be driving a stick shift. My arm is too poorly to do that again. I'll miss haring around country lanes, using my gears. I must be getting old, she sighs, it's automatics all the way for me!
Take Care out there
Namaste
Muse x
Pa came over today to pick up The Git. They are going to Wales for a couple of weeks and I will be child free. The Metro was long past it's sell by date, had served me well but I knew it was never going to get through another MOT. Old friends know the car as 'The Shoe and Evian Water Bottle Carrier' but to me it was always 'The Grendel'. Noisy, temperamental, reliable for most of our history together and downright stubborn! Bit like me really, she says...
I had been on Folk on The Water for the last couple of weeks and had neglected to start it. Pa came over and we had the man /woman conversation. He is obviously within his rights to treat me as a complete blondie but I know my car and I have had a few battles with sticky starter motors in my 25 years of driving. Ouch that makes me sound old! Before I went away The Grendel had refused to start a few times. Luckily I was wearing make up during these times and managed to put bonnet up and look suitably helpless until a nice man/men came along and gave me a push. Throughout the month of June I became adept at 'bump starting it and parked on a hill whenever I could.
There is a further problem to consider though. About a year ago my little car died and it drove Pa mad, he could not find out what was wrong with it. Being a Donut, he persevered, found that there was an electrical short somewhere, decided he was far too old and sensible to take the Grendel apart and 'Hotwired' it. He.. he.. he she says, this gave me an enormous amount of pleasure as I had a cute switch on my dash, provided for me by long suffering Pa and I had to switch it on before I turned the ignition. This meant, that I could take out key, lock door and leave engine running...delightful.
We tried to jump start it off dads car today and had a bit of a discussion as to what was going on when all our efforts failed. After a bit of pondering and head scratching we concluded that we were both right. Pa found a loose wire on the 'Hotwire' connection and I told him to take the leads of the battery and I successfully jump started it. See, sticky starter motor!
Then the fun began....I had to drive it to the scrap merchants. It seems that I had blown a major fuse, by jump starting it one too many times. I had no indicators, lights or windscreen wipers. The Grendel bellowed its last mighty roar as I drove it to its demise. It started to rain heavily and I had to rely on hand signals that I had learned some 25 years previously. Ummm...how did I remember those? I had to stop a couple of times to wipe my windscreen as I guided dad through country lanes. I did not want to go on the main roads for fear that someone with similar road rage to mine would call me a 'Greek' for not indicating.
We parked the car on the Weighbridge. Keys out, engine running. Pa rescued a pair of shoes from the back. Apparently, scrap is all done by weight. 'Should have put a pile of bricks in the back' muttered Pa. I felt a bit tearful as she went off to be 'cubed' and clutching the mighty sum of £58.50, in my hand we said goodbye.
I wonder what my next wheels will look like? One thing is for sure, I won't be driving a stick shift. My arm is too poorly to do that again. I'll miss haring around country lanes, using my gears. I must be getting old, she sighs, it's automatics all the way for me!
Take Care out there
Namaste
Muse x
Tuesday 20 July 2010
The Day I find out I am a Dwarf....
I have been clothes shopping today. I hate clothes shopping because it causes me so much stress and angst. I had been browsing online and was loving the fashionable Maxi dresses. I am magpie like in my admiration for them. Tropical colours, promising happy days on sun kissed beaches. Not for me it seems.
Apparently I am a dwarf, I am 5ft 4 but have a 26 and a half inch inside leg, which is why I have to buy my jeans from Peacocks as I don't actually have to take them up 2 and a half foot, in order not to fall over! I remember when I was rich. I would buy a £90 pair of jeans (this is a long time ago) and take them into Soho to be altered at the cost of £100. So the Maxi dress is, sadly, not for me. I was trying some on today and I looked like a ship in full sail. Even vertiginous 5 inch, can't walk in them, heels would not help. I am depressed by this revelation.
I discussed the Maxi dress dilemma with an old girlfriend. 'Can you lend me a dress', I pleaded 'as I am a dwarf and everything in the shops just swamps me'. Being a lovely girl she agreed to pop dress in post and described it. 'Mmm sounds wonderful' said I. 'How tall are you by the way?' Oops - large faux pas as she is half and inch shorter than me! Sorry sweetheart!
I need to rant now. Short girls are not catered for these days. I have had an horrendous day trying to find dwarf clothes. The fashion is long, down to the knee tops and leggings. LEGGINGS....Noooo....I would rather poke my eye out with smelly stick! I wore leggings the first time around (she says clutching her zimmer frame) and did two pregnancies in them. Never again! Leggings and long floaty tops are for the tall and sylph like among us or those with youth on their side! Dilemma...shall I start shopping at Windsmoor or Jaeger, Debenhams or Marisota? There is a big gap in the market out there to dress 40 something women. Lets hope someone fills it, sooner rather than later.
I have been so spoiled throughout my life. For years, clothes shopping meant nipping over to the tailoress at Ay Nik in Cyprus, showing her a sketch of your dream dress and she would make it for you for far less than the high street. I remember that Debbie Kaye and myself had black satin trouser suits made when we were about 17. Well I say 'trouser suit' in a grown up manner but in reality they were spray on, don't bend over trousers and nifty little waistcoats with gold chains sewn across the back, worn with spiky black stilettos. We thought we were so glamorous. Cringe time.....
The dress predicament has been solved. I found a dress I bought last summer and only wore once. Now I remember...doh! I went through all this last summer and it took me weeks to find this dress. It's expensive and classy, but not quite my Maxi Dream Dress....come back my tailoress, all is forgiven!
By the way the reason for putting myself through all this shopping malarkey is I have a date next week...but I'm being very coy about this. Not to mention the fact that my 90 something grandmother reads this Blog. Wish me luck.
Take Care out there
Namaste
Muse x
Apparently I am a dwarf, I am 5ft 4 but have a 26 and a half inch inside leg, which is why I have to buy my jeans from Peacocks as I don't actually have to take them up 2 and a half foot, in order not to fall over! I remember when I was rich. I would buy a £90 pair of jeans (this is a long time ago) and take them into Soho to be altered at the cost of £100. So the Maxi dress is, sadly, not for me. I was trying some on today and I looked like a ship in full sail. Even vertiginous 5 inch, can't walk in them, heels would not help. I am depressed by this revelation.
I discussed the Maxi dress dilemma with an old girlfriend. 'Can you lend me a dress', I pleaded 'as I am a dwarf and everything in the shops just swamps me'. Being a lovely girl she agreed to pop dress in post and described it. 'Mmm sounds wonderful' said I. 'How tall are you by the way?' Oops - large faux pas as she is half and inch shorter than me! Sorry sweetheart!
I need to rant now. Short girls are not catered for these days. I have had an horrendous day trying to find dwarf clothes. The fashion is long, down to the knee tops and leggings. LEGGINGS....Noooo....I would rather poke my eye out with smelly stick! I wore leggings the first time around (she says clutching her zimmer frame) and did two pregnancies in them. Never again! Leggings and long floaty tops are for the tall and sylph like among us or those with youth on their side! Dilemma...shall I start shopping at Windsmoor or Jaeger, Debenhams or Marisota? There is a big gap in the market out there to dress 40 something women. Lets hope someone fills it, sooner rather than later.
I have been so spoiled throughout my life. For years, clothes shopping meant nipping over to the tailoress at Ay Nik in Cyprus, showing her a sketch of your dream dress and she would make it for you for far less than the high street. I remember that Debbie Kaye and myself had black satin trouser suits made when we were about 17. Well I say 'trouser suit' in a grown up manner but in reality they were spray on, don't bend over trousers and nifty little waistcoats with gold chains sewn across the back, worn with spiky black stilettos. We thought we were so glamorous. Cringe time.....
The dress predicament has been solved. I found a dress I bought last summer and only wore once. Now I remember...doh! I went through all this last summer and it took me weeks to find this dress. It's expensive and classy, but not quite my Maxi Dream Dress....come back my tailoress, all is forgiven!
By the way the reason for putting myself through all this shopping malarkey is I have a date next week...but I'm being very coy about this. Not to mention the fact that my 90 something grandmother reads this Blog. Wish me luck.
Take Care out there
Namaste
Muse x
Saturday 17 July 2010
Folk on The Water and The Dutchman
I have been Blogging furiously for the past few days trying to get down events/ people/ places/ faces. Just facts and figures, making observations and recommendations but not writing. I am relieved that I have at least got some of it down. I am so grateful to be able to sit here tonight and let the words take me where they want to .
I won't talk about our journey home but I will tell you about trying to regain my land legs. If anyone had been on board The Patricia Helen, they would realise that a gentle rocking would sometimes morph into a lurch or a lurch into a full on tilt. I probably spent more time on board than anyone. I was fine travelling home but waking up the next morning, my whole world was rocking gently. I meandered through the house, bouncing off walls and struggling with even the simplest of tasks. How will I take the washing downstairs without pinging off the banister? Would I be able to shower without fear of a Barge passing my bathroom at more than three miles per hour! Honestly I had a couple of very strange days where I staggered around as though I had drunk two bottles of vino which I hadn't as I was trying to give my complaining liver a rest. On the fourth day I surfaced, feeling better and thought I had go through the worst. The next day the 'Rocking World' was back - what is that about? I understand that your inner ear is disturbed by motion but it took me days to be able to stand up straight!
The other thing I am finding rather strange is being within four walls. I felt constricted and claustrophobic for the first few days at home. I know that my great- great grandmother on my mothers side had some Gypsy connections but this is ridiculous. Returning home from a holiday, usually means you dump your bags, eye the washing machine with malice and look forward to your own bed. Not this time! Lets face it we had absolutely beautiful weather, no rain and even though we were tired, we had some pretty magical moments out there on the water. If you reversed the situation - cold noses, pushing through locks in heavy downpours and stuck inside the barge, perhaps it might have been different.....
Nah - she says, bloody impossible. For a start The Patricia Helen was crewed by two ex Military Men and a Donut Child. We KNOW how to survive in these conditions! Firstly we would have built an awning so that we could still sit outside and enjoy the scenery. Hot coffee and muffins would have been on tap and July rain isn't exactly cold. The Git would have been his element, getting soaked at every lock. Think of the water we would have saved by not having to shower....
We were so lucky, honoured, impassioned and delighted in the people that we met en route. Perhaps I am such a romantic that I do not see the practicalities but I am very able to deal with them when they hit me. I was always a forward thinker in my youth, I still am but it is more of a 'What If?' situation with me. The Dutchman is different to me. He retains his F/T brain ( forward thinking) and when all the little dances he has been doing in his head come together, he does not panic, just pulls the net in, carrying us all through to a terrific ending.
We are so fortunate to have him in our lives. I am not being sycophantic here, just telling it like it is. A military man who has a a heart and uses his skills to guide, help and enthuse us, a man who manages to pass his amazing strength onto all of us. If you are young, perhaps you will see him as an authority figure but you need to realise that he only ever does things for a reason. His reason is to make sure that YOU are looked after and nothing more. For us 'Oldies' who have known him a long time, we realise that Dutch is just Dutch.
All of you that have taken part in Folk on The Water have delighted, surpassed and amazed The Crew. What a blast your music and performance has been.....words fail me my darlings, getting all tired and emotional, she says. Just a little thing...ssshhh don't tell him, he won't have time to read this for a while! I'll post this on the FOW and please post and tell him what you think. Thank you x
I am so looking forward to next year. I will be there and of course I will email every pub beforehand and ask them for a plug for my hairdryer! Much love to all of you.
Muse x
I won't talk about our journey home but I will tell you about trying to regain my land legs. If anyone had been on board The Patricia Helen, they would realise that a gentle rocking would sometimes morph into a lurch or a lurch into a full on tilt. I probably spent more time on board than anyone. I was fine travelling home but waking up the next morning, my whole world was rocking gently. I meandered through the house, bouncing off walls and struggling with even the simplest of tasks. How will I take the washing downstairs without pinging off the banister? Would I be able to shower without fear of a Barge passing my bathroom at more than three miles per hour! Honestly I had a couple of very strange days where I staggered around as though I had drunk two bottles of vino which I hadn't as I was trying to give my complaining liver a rest. On the fourth day I surfaced, feeling better and thought I had go through the worst. The next day the 'Rocking World' was back - what is that about? I understand that your inner ear is disturbed by motion but it took me days to be able to stand up straight!
The other thing I am finding rather strange is being within four walls. I felt constricted and claustrophobic for the first few days at home. I know that my great- great grandmother on my mothers side had some Gypsy connections but this is ridiculous. Returning home from a holiday, usually means you dump your bags, eye the washing machine with malice and look forward to your own bed. Not this time! Lets face it we had absolutely beautiful weather, no rain and even though we were tired, we had some pretty magical moments out there on the water. If you reversed the situation - cold noses, pushing through locks in heavy downpours and stuck inside the barge, perhaps it might have been different.....
Nah - she says, bloody impossible. For a start The Patricia Helen was crewed by two ex Military Men and a Donut Child. We KNOW how to survive in these conditions! Firstly we would have built an awning so that we could still sit outside and enjoy the scenery. Hot coffee and muffins would have been on tap and July rain isn't exactly cold. The Git would have been his element, getting soaked at every lock. Think of the water we would have saved by not having to shower....
We were so lucky, honoured, impassioned and delighted in the people that we met en route. Perhaps I am such a romantic that I do not see the practicalities but I am very able to deal with them when they hit me. I was always a forward thinker in my youth, I still am but it is more of a 'What If?' situation with me. The Dutchman is different to me. He retains his F/T brain ( forward thinking) and when all the little dances he has been doing in his head come together, he does not panic, just pulls the net in, carrying us all through to a terrific ending.
We are so fortunate to have him in our lives. I am not being sycophantic here, just telling it like it is. A military man who has a a heart and uses his skills to guide, help and enthuse us, a man who manages to pass his amazing strength onto all of us. If you are young, perhaps you will see him as an authority figure but you need to realise that he only ever does things for a reason. His reason is to make sure that YOU are looked after and nothing more. For us 'Oldies' who have known him a long time, we realise that Dutch is just Dutch.
All of you that have taken part in Folk on The Water have delighted, surpassed and amazed The Crew. What a blast your music and performance has been.....words fail me my darlings, getting all tired and emotional, she says. Just a little thing...ssshhh don't tell him, he won't have time to read this for a while! I'll post this on the FOW and please post and tell him what you think. Thank you x
I am so looking forward to next year. I will be there and of course I will email every pub beforehand and ask them for a plug for my hairdryer! Much love to all of you.
Muse x
Tuesday 13 July 2010
Folk on The Water - Part 5
Wednesday 7th July
I woke to the sound of groaning sinews and tendons as Glynne paced the main cabin trying to persuade his aching muscles that it was actually time to start another day. For us to pass through that amount of locks in one day was either brave or highly optimistic, I am not quite sure which but I wasn't faring much better and it had far more to do with Pimms than locks! At least the horseflies found me too toxic to bite - actually that had more to do with the fact I have regular B12 injections. The Dutchman breezed in, fresh as a daisy and lectured us on the benefits of Arnica and we looked at him in amazement. Glynne took one look at me and sent me back to my bunk. I think he realised that my arm was pretty sore as well as my head.
I slept for three hours and showered to find the guys starting to de- rig The Patricia Helen so that Glynne could drive the gear to The Newbold Comyn Arms, where Glee Night was being held that evening. To be honest the arm was playing up quite badly. I struggled through lunch - only heating up ready meals and we had a really welcome visitor. Blair was working at the farm and he dropped in for a bite to eat. I had, by this time, taken a couple of Tramadol. I don't usually take these in company as I tend to be a bit spacey on them (yes...I can hear you shouting...you are normally spacey Muse) so if I was slightly weird then forgive me Blair.
Dutch could see that I was biting my lip despite the painkillers and asked if he could practice some Reiki on me. Its a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. I suppose it is a 'laying on of hands' but everyone practises it in some form or other. Think of a mother soothing a fretful child. He sat quietly with me and I shut my eyes and tried to relax. Within just a few minutes an amazing feeling of heat spread through my elbow. I can only describe it as wave upon wave of heat, and at times, almost, but not quite, too much to bear. Tears were sliding down my cheek but I was not crying, the pain started to lessen and my elbow felt light and free. For the first time in over a year my elbow felt normal instead of heavy, clunky, clicky and painful. We opened our eyes and I told Dutch how I had felt. He said he had felt two very cold spots and showed me where they were. He knew exactly where my pain was. I am so grateful for that moment in time Dutch - thank you. It meant I could carry on when I thought I would have to give in.
We had moored in a bit of a rough area so Dutch had asked his son Jack to 'babysit' The Patricia Helen whilst we went to Glee Night. Jack arrived with two friends in tow and was slightly alarmed to find the TV had no signal and there was an important footie match to watch! Can I just say that we had not heard a news report, read a paper or watched TV for at least a week and we didn't miss it! If you hate football/big brother then you know what to do. Hire a barge and escape!
Before I talk about Glee Night I have to say that I don't have a running order and as I write this our esteemed Captain is taking a well earned rest. I will make sure you all get a mention when I talk to him. The Newbold Comyn Arms is a great venue. We arrived to find a lot of young performers tuning their guitars, practising songs and the atmosphere was wonderful. Tom Barnwell was the techie and Dutch the Emcee. I was blown away at the energy, soul and verve of every single performer. The standard was second to none and I was heartened to see so much young talent under the same roof. Forget the X Factor, this is the real thing! Thanks to each and everyone of you for making my last night so special.
Dutch got Josh up on stage and thanked him for all his hard work and I had tears in my eyes as I saw a confident little boy, standing proudly beside Dutch. I had taken him with me on this trip as he was being badly bullied at school and had lost his confidence. Thank you to all of you who gave Josh love, care and attention. He will never forget Folk on The Water and now has the courage to face life at school once more. All of you guys at Glee Night showed him a different, more positive world out there, through your music. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A'hem... she says clearing her throat. Arriving back at the boat we found three guys, empty beer bottles and a few dishes. We had a glass of wine together, fought over the dishes and then Dutch presented him with a 'Breathe' Roadie T Shirt. He was grinning from ear to ear as he happily rolled into his bunk wearing said garment. I haven't managed to get him out of it since! We were all so tired and had the earliest night since we had been on board. I dreaded leaving the dream, but was far too tired to think about it.
Its time for my bed so I will endeavour to post the last part of this Blog tomorrow.
Namaste
Muse x
I woke to the sound of groaning sinews and tendons as Glynne paced the main cabin trying to persuade his aching muscles that it was actually time to start another day. For us to pass through that amount of locks in one day was either brave or highly optimistic, I am not quite sure which but I wasn't faring much better and it had far more to do with Pimms than locks! At least the horseflies found me too toxic to bite - actually that had more to do with the fact I have regular B12 injections. The Dutchman breezed in, fresh as a daisy and lectured us on the benefits of Arnica and we looked at him in amazement. Glynne took one look at me and sent me back to my bunk. I think he realised that my arm was pretty sore as well as my head.
I slept for three hours and showered to find the guys starting to de- rig The Patricia Helen so that Glynne could drive the gear to The Newbold Comyn Arms, where Glee Night was being held that evening. To be honest the arm was playing up quite badly. I struggled through lunch - only heating up ready meals and we had a really welcome visitor. Blair was working at the farm and he dropped in for a bite to eat. I had, by this time, taken a couple of Tramadol. I don't usually take these in company as I tend to be a bit spacey on them (yes...I can hear you shouting...you are normally spacey Muse) so if I was slightly weird then forgive me Blair.
Dutch could see that I was biting my lip despite the painkillers and asked if he could practice some Reiki on me. Its a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. I suppose it is a 'laying on of hands' but everyone practises it in some form or other. Think of a mother soothing a fretful child. He sat quietly with me and I shut my eyes and tried to relax. Within just a few minutes an amazing feeling of heat spread through my elbow. I can only describe it as wave upon wave of heat, and at times, almost, but not quite, too much to bear. Tears were sliding down my cheek but I was not crying, the pain started to lessen and my elbow felt light and free. For the first time in over a year my elbow felt normal instead of heavy, clunky, clicky and painful. We opened our eyes and I told Dutch how I had felt. He said he had felt two very cold spots and showed me where they were. He knew exactly where my pain was. I am so grateful for that moment in time Dutch - thank you. It meant I could carry on when I thought I would have to give in.
We had moored in a bit of a rough area so Dutch had asked his son Jack to 'babysit' The Patricia Helen whilst we went to Glee Night. Jack arrived with two friends in tow and was slightly alarmed to find the TV had no signal and there was an important footie match to watch! Can I just say that we had not heard a news report, read a paper or watched TV for at least a week and we didn't miss it! If you hate football/big brother then you know what to do. Hire a barge and escape!
Before I talk about Glee Night I have to say that I don't have a running order and as I write this our esteemed Captain is taking a well earned rest. I will make sure you all get a mention when I talk to him. The Newbold Comyn Arms is a great venue. We arrived to find a lot of young performers tuning their guitars, practising songs and the atmosphere was wonderful. Tom Barnwell was the techie and Dutch the Emcee. I was blown away at the energy, soul and verve of every single performer. The standard was second to none and I was heartened to see so much young talent under the same roof. Forget the X Factor, this is the real thing! Thanks to each and everyone of you for making my last night so special.
Dutch got Josh up on stage and thanked him for all his hard work and I had tears in my eyes as I saw a confident little boy, standing proudly beside Dutch. I had taken him with me on this trip as he was being badly bullied at school and had lost his confidence. Thank you to all of you who gave Josh love, care and attention. He will never forget Folk on The Water and now has the courage to face life at school once more. All of you guys at Glee Night showed him a different, more positive world out there, through your music. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A'hem... she says clearing her throat. Arriving back at the boat we found three guys, empty beer bottles and a few dishes. We had a glass of wine together, fought over the dishes and then Dutch presented him with a 'Breathe' Roadie T Shirt. He was grinning from ear to ear as he happily rolled into his bunk wearing said garment. I haven't managed to get him out of it since! We were all so tired and had the earliest night since we had been on board. I dreaded leaving the dream, but was far too tired to think about it.
Its time for my bed so I will endeavour to post the last part of this Blog tomorrow.
Namaste
Muse x
Monday 12 July 2010
Folk on The Water - Part 4
Monday 5th July and Tuesday 6th July
I meant to carry on with this Blog yesterday (writing this on 12/7) but I have had two very spacey days trying to find my land legs again. My world has been lurching gently from side to side. I think it is because I spent more time in the boat whereas Dutch, Glynne and Josh were constantly leaping off to do 'man things' with ropes. I have finally regained my balance. Who needs a glass of wine to lurch!
With Avital and Amos gone it was just the five of us for a late breakfast. The water level on the canal was definitely dropping as The Patricia Helen was at a bit of an angle as Dutch and Glynne packed up the gear from the pub. They went to say their goodbyes to find that the Landlord of The Admiral Nelson had left a substantial donation for Zoe's Place. Thank you once again to all who looked after us and for your unfailing generosity.
We walked into Braunston Village to resupply with essential supplies ( read that as bottles...) and en route we discussed the dream. It goes something like this. Buy a Dutch Barge, (140k if your wondering ),a one bed flat for winter, a plot of land on the canal, solar panels, a battered old van, a goat and a few hens, oh and a hat - don't forget the hat. Kick back and live the dream! Simon, Dutch, Glynne and I now have a "Lottery Pact" - whoever wins first has to buy the others a barge.
Returning from Braunston we found The Patricia Helen at an alarming angle. The water level had dropped further and we were effectively 'beached'. She was stuck fast. We, of course were the best Crew on the canal and none of this was our fault. No seriously...some kids had opened a couple of locks and flooded some fields so it was inevitable that this would catch up with us. Some heroic 'tillering' ( how do you drive a barge...pilot, steer, tiller?) by Dutch and some pole pushing ( oo..eer that sounds rude) by Mr 'Hulk' Jones and we were free. We made another command decision and found a mooring on the opposite bank. Phew no more walking the plank for me!
A quick debrief was held as we were torn between a power nap and a beer. We decided the sensible thing to do was to have a beer or two or three... Josh was still trying to catch his three eyed fish and laying peacefully on the bank with a lemonade. Dutch, Glynne and I reminisced over old times in Cyprus as we had all been there 30 years ago. It was a perfect afternoon. The Crew finally managed to catch their breaths and life was good.
We reluctantly tore ourselves away and returned to the barge. Dutch and Glynne were getting ready to attend a gig at The Boat Inn. I had decided that it was time that I got hold of Josh and washed him thoroughly. He had been able to run so free for the past few days and I knew he was shattered. The guys had some food and Ellen picked them up. I 'sheep dipped' Josh and enjoyed a shower myself. He rolled straight into his bunk and was spark out. At about 9.30 I was sat outside with wet hair, thinking 'I need to look human again'. I mean you are talking to the girl who goes to the hairdressers twice a week! I wandered up to The Admiral Nelson, hairdryer in hand and pleaded with the bar staff to let me use a plug. They were brilliant and I emerged looking like my former self. I wandered happily back to the barge and stepped on board. 'Hmm...I am sure I didn't leave the galley lights on' I thought. OOPS, wrong flipping Barge. I hopped onto the towpath as though I had been scalded and pegged it for The Patricia Helen! I was a little tired that's all, she says, sniffily. It was nothing to do with imbibing alcohol in the afternoon - which by the way I am rubbish at!
The guys returned and had some food. I was sad to miss the gig but Josh needed some mum time and my hair needed attention! We had a vino or two and collapsed into our bunks. It would be an early start and it would be hard going.
Tuesday 6th July
We slipped moorings early, drinking tea and watching the world go by. We had arranged to meet Ellen Miller, her gorgeous 2 year old son Henry and the wonderful Tom Barnwell a couple of locks up. There they were, faces completely covered in 'Jackie O' shades. Tom had already worked a night shift and Ellen was tired from chasing toddlers and singing at most of the gigs. Henry's face was a picture, bless him. He was absolutely delighted. The locks were really busy and we waited for an eternity whilst a Stag Party, literally staggered through a lock. They were hilarious, all naked chests, silly hats and beer cans. I muttered a quiet prayer that they would stay safe as stopping something weighing 60 tonnes is a task to be attempted sober!
Perfick!
Ellen and Tom started to jam and the sound was wonderful. Dutch asked Josh to film them. It got better. Little Henry was asking questions whilst they were singing so Glynne and I (elderly codgers that we are) took Henry into the cabin whilst Josh filmed Ellen and Tom outside. I was so proud of Josh....and erm...a bit terrified of Henry. Its okay, he did survive, Glynne pulled all the mad faces and did all the bonkers noises for Henry and we were okay. Henry was a happy little chap.
At about midday Tom decreed it was Pimms O'clock, I started lunch and Ellen and Tom took on the task of making Pimms. It was quite a domestic scene, with Tom hooking one finger through Henry's dungarees to ensure he did not deep six and Ellen chopping fruit. One Pimms in and lunch ready and waiting, we arrived at The Poo Pumping station. Sorry to spoil your romantic vision of the trip but it had to be done. I won't go into detail but there were large sighs of relief that the Tow Path Toilets would no longer be in use..(read that as bushes). We took on water and all sat down to a lunch of potato salad, cold meat, tuna, green salad, hot bread and cold glasses of white wine...bliss.
All too soon we had to slip our moorings and move on. For the first time I was not in the mood for dishes, Glynne, Josh and Tom were running the locks with Dutch at the tiller, so the dishes were left for a while. Henry had a nap and Ellen and I sat on the front of The Patricia Helen, drinking white wine and watching the world go by. The guys were pushing through the locks as fast as they could. Tom was bloody funny. At every lock, Dutch would shout 'nose rope Tom' and Tom would answer, 'just having a sip of my Pimms first Captain'! Ellen or I would dutifully pass his Pimms to him.
We moored at The Two Boats so that Dutch and the guys could have a much needed break. Henry was still asleep and Ellen and Tom sat outside the pub and entertained us with 'Awesome Tears' and 'Hallelujiah' and a few more songs. Another beautiful moment in time. Ellen so relaxed and Tom harmonising beautifully. All too soon we had to push on but the few people there could not believe their luck at such a brilliant impromptu performance.
I went up to spend some time with Dutch and by this time he had been on the tiller for a few hours. I slapped suncream on him and made him a cup of tea. I spent an hour with him musing about the world, it was a special time. Tom, Glynne and Dutch worked so hard running those locks that day - I am astonished at their stamina, well done guys. We lost Tom at one point but found him a couple of locks up so all was well.
After 12 hours at the tiller and some 30 locks Dutch finally moored at Canal side Community Food at Radford Semele. We moored on rough ground, and it was Horsefly Headquarters! I had two or three buzzing around my head. I went to swat them and knocked my £150 prescription sunglasses straight into the canal. Dutch went in after them. I was horrified that I was the cause of so much mayhem and terrified that Dutch would catch something! I didn't really worry about the glasses as I am due my yearly check at the opticians but wondered how I would survive without them. Ellen rescued me by lending me her 'Jackie O's, which turned out to belong to Fliss....long story, thanks for donating them to me Fliss x. Glynne picked up his car to drive our guests home and it was time for farewell hugs. Thanks for a brilliant day Ellen, Tom and Henry. All the guys worked so hard to get through those locks and I admire them so much.
Glynne drove us to Deppers Bridge, the house of The Dutchman. It was a bit of a Rock Star pad and Josh was suitably impressed. 'I would like to live here, it has everything I need,' he said...yeah, swimming pool, tennis courts, recording studio etc...etc..! After a much needed shower we drove back to The Patricia Helen. A glass of wine and we were asleep. There is some nasty rumour about me snoring and keeping the whole boat awake but I'm having none of it!
I'll carry on with this tomorrow.
Namaste
Muse x
I meant to carry on with this Blog yesterday (writing this on 12/7) but I have had two very spacey days trying to find my land legs again. My world has been lurching gently from side to side. I think it is because I spent more time in the boat whereas Dutch, Glynne and Josh were constantly leaping off to do 'man things' with ropes. I have finally regained my balance. Who needs a glass of wine to lurch!
With Avital and Amos gone it was just the five of us for a late breakfast. The water level on the canal was definitely dropping as The Patricia Helen was at a bit of an angle as Dutch and Glynne packed up the gear from the pub. They went to say their goodbyes to find that the Landlord of The Admiral Nelson had left a substantial donation for Zoe's Place. Thank you once again to all who looked after us and for your unfailing generosity.
We walked into Braunston Village to resupply with essential supplies ( read that as bottles...) and en route we discussed the dream. It goes something like this. Buy a Dutch Barge, (140k if your wondering ),a one bed flat for winter, a plot of land on the canal, solar panels, a battered old van, a goat and a few hens, oh and a hat - don't forget the hat. Kick back and live the dream! Simon, Dutch, Glynne and I now have a "Lottery Pact" - whoever wins first has to buy the others a barge.
Returning from Braunston we found The Patricia Helen at an alarming angle. The water level had dropped further and we were effectively 'beached'. She was stuck fast. We, of course were the best Crew on the canal and none of this was our fault. No seriously...some kids had opened a couple of locks and flooded some fields so it was inevitable that this would catch up with us. Some heroic 'tillering' ( how do you drive a barge...pilot, steer, tiller?) by Dutch and some pole pushing ( oo..eer that sounds rude) by Mr 'Hulk' Jones and we were free. We made another command decision and found a mooring on the opposite bank. Phew no more walking the plank for me!
A quick debrief was held as we were torn between a power nap and a beer. We decided the sensible thing to do was to have a beer or two or three... Josh was still trying to catch his three eyed fish and laying peacefully on the bank with a lemonade. Dutch, Glynne and I reminisced over old times in Cyprus as we had all been there 30 years ago. It was a perfect afternoon. The Crew finally managed to catch their breaths and life was good.
We reluctantly tore ourselves away and returned to the barge. Dutch and Glynne were getting ready to attend a gig at The Boat Inn. I had decided that it was time that I got hold of Josh and washed him thoroughly. He had been able to run so free for the past few days and I knew he was shattered. The guys had some food and Ellen picked them up. I 'sheep dipped' Josh and enjoyed a shower myself. He rolled straight into his bunk and was spark out. At about 9.30 I was sat outside with wet hair, thinking 'I need to look human again'. I mean you are talking to the girl who goes to the hairdressers twice a week! I wandered up to The Admiral Nelson, hairdryer in hand and pleaded with the bar staff to let me use a plug. They were brilliant and I emerged looking like my former self. I wandered happily back to the barge and stepped on board. 'Hmm...I am sure I didn't leave the galley lights on' I thought. OOPS, wrong flipping Barge. I hopped onto the towpath as though I had been scalded and pegged it for The Patricia Helen! I was a little tired that's all, she says, sniffily. It was nothing to do with imbibing alcohol in the afternoon - which by the way I am rubbish at!
The guys returned and had some food. I was sad to miss the gig but Josh needed some mum time and my hair needed attention! We had a vino or two and collapsed into our bunks. It would be an early start and it would be hard going.
Tuesday 6th July
We slipped moorings early, drinking tea and watching the world go by. We had arranged to meet Ellen Miller, her gorgeous 2 year old son Henry and the wonderful Tom Barnwell a couple of locks up. There they were, faces completely covered in 'Jackie O' shades. Tom had already worked a night shift and Ellen was tired from chasing toddlers and singing at most of the gigs. Henry's face was a picture, bless him. He was absolutely delighted. The locks were really busy and we waited for an eternity whilst a Stag Party, literally staggered through a lock. They were hilarious, all naked chests, silly hats and beer cans. I muttered a quiet prayer that they would stay safe as stopping something weighing 60 tonnes is a task to be attempted sober!
Perfick!
Ellen and Tom started to jam and the sound was wonderful. Dutch asked Josh to film them. It got better. Little Henry was asking questions whilst they were singing so Glynne and I (elderly codgers that we are) took Henry into the cabin whilst Josh filmed Ellen and Tom outside. I was so proud of Josh....and erm...a bit terrified of Henry. Its okay, he did survive, Glynne pulled all the mad faces and did all the bonkers noises for Henry and we were okay. Henry was a happy little chap.
At about midday Tom decreed it was Pimms O'clock, I started lunch and Ellen and Tom took on the task of making Pimms. It was quite a domestic scene, with Tom hooking one finger through Henry's dungarees to ensure he did not deep six and Ellen chopping fruit. One Pimms in and lunch ready and waiting, we arrived at The Poo Pumping station. Sorry to spoil your romantic vision of the trip but it had to be done. I won't go into detail but there were large sighs of relief that the Tow Path Toilets would no longer be in use..(read that as bushes). We took on water and all sat down to a lunch of potato salad, cold meat, tuna, green salad, hot bread and cold glasses of white wine...bliss.
All too soon we had to slip our moorings and move on. For the first time I was not in the mood for dishes, Glynne, Josh and Tom were running the locks with Dutch at the tiller, so the dishes were left for a while. Henry had a nap and Ellen and I sat on the front of The Patricia Helen, drinking white wine and watching the world go by. The guys were pushing through the locks as fast as they could. Tom was bloody funny. At every lock, Dutch would shout 'nose rope Tom' and Tom would answer, 'just having a sip of my Pimms first Captain'! Ellen or I would dutifully pass his Pimms to him.
We moored at The Two Boats so that Dutch and the guys could have a much needed break. Henry was still asleep and Ellen and Tom sat outside the pub and entertained us with 'Awesome Tears' and 'Hallelujiah' and a few more songs. Another beautiful moment in time. Ellen so relaxed and Tom harmonising beautifully. All too soon we had to push on but the few people there could not believe their luck at such a brilliant impromptu performance.
I went up to spend some time with Dutch and by this time he had been on the tiller for a few hours. I slapped suncream on him and made him a cup of tea. I spent an hour with him musing about the world, it was a special time. Tom, Glynne and Dutch worked so hard running those locks that day - I am astonished at their stamina, well done guys. We lost Tom at one point but found him a couple of locks up so all was well.
After 12 hours at the tiller and some 30 locks Dutch finally moored at Canal side Community Food at Radford Semele. We moored on rough ground, and it was Horsefly Headquarters! I had two or three buzzing around my head. I went to swat them and knocked my £150 prescription sunglasses straight into the canal. Dutch went in after them. I was horrified that I was the cause of so much mayhem and terrified that Dutch would catch something! I didn't really worry about the glasses as I am due my yearly check at the opticians but wondered how I would survive without them. Ellen rescued me by lending me her 'Jackie O's, which turned out to belong to Fliss....long story, thanks for donating them to me Fliss x. Glynne picked up his car to drive our guests home and it was time for farewell hugs. Thanks for a brilliant day Ellen, Tom and Henry. All the guys worked so hard to get through those locks and I admire them so much.
Glynne drove us to Deppers Bridge, the house of The Dutchman. It was a bit of a Rock Star pad and Josh was suitably impressed. 'I would like to live here, it has everything I need,' he said...yeah, swimming pool, tennis courts, recording studio etc...etc..! After a much needed shower we drove back to The Patricia Helen. A glass of wine and we were asleep. There is some nasty rumour about me snoring and keeping the whole boat awake but I'm having none of it!
I'll carry on with this tomorrow.
Namaste
Muse x
Saturday 10 July 2010
Folk on The Water - Part 3
Sunday 4th July
Independence Day dawned sunny and breezy. I started breakfast and Liz, Blair and a few others joined us. We were 14 in total! We ate outside on picnic tables. A group of campers, who had been pretty riotous the previous night, eyed our breakfast longingly. Sorry guys but even I have my limits in a galley kitchen! Amos and Avital were leaving that morning and as she sat signing Cd's for us, I gave her a pashmina she had admired. The mood was low as we had, had so much fun together. Josh was pretty upset that Amos was leaving. He would lose his partner in crime! Avital said she hated saying goodbye because she wasn't very good at it. Just before they left, Amos took me to one side. 'Would you mind if I gave Josh my Kazoo?'. I must have been temporarily unbalanced by the emotion of that morning as I agreed!! Josh was delighted and the rest of the Crew looked horrified...
After their tearful departure we had to turn the boat around. Our spirits picked up as we got out onto the water. We had to pass through a 2042 meter tunnel, turn the barge around and go back through it. Entering the tunnel was amazing. We all pulled on fleeces and I made tea, as it was cold, dank, dark and tremendously exciting. Dutch gave us a fright as he sounded the horn. Josh and Glynne were on look out duty. What a scary experience and a fairly nerve wracking one for the Captain. At least we managed to stop Josh using the dreaded Kazoo in the tunnel as many Bargers are of an elderly nature!
The locks were very busy and we made slow progress back. We re-moored at The Admiral Nelson and made a command decision to move the gig inside as the wind had got up, which would wreck our very talented Techies (read that as Dutch's) efforts. After our busy morning it was deemed 'beer o'clock' and we sat and had a break. A power nap was called for as we had all been burning the candle at both ends and really needed it. Even Josh passed out for a while.
Some of the acts started to arrive for the evening performance and Dutch pulled his Techie hat on and went off to set up. I was just thinking about doing some food when, Neil, The Landlord of The Admiral Nelson came up and offered to feed the Crew with a Sunday lunch. Thanks once again Neil. I was so tired and I we all appreciated your great hospitality.
Another evening of fabulous music followed. Ella Kenrick looked wonderful in a pretty summer dress, her set was well delivered and the sound quality was fantastic. Faye Horne belted out her set and she rocks! Emma Stevenson sang Corrine Bailey Rae and we didn't want it to end. The gorgeous Ellen Miller pulled us off the ceiling with her beautiful voice and ended a successful evening. For once there was no de-rigging involved and we grabbed our buckets and headed for The Patricia Helen. Please forgive me if I have missed anyone out but I don't have the running order as FOW does not finish until tomorrow and one day has merged into another. I will update and add to this Blog so everyone of you will get a mention. x
Ellen and Fliss, Ellen's sister came aboard for a few glasses of vino and some cheese toasties with Tabasco. Heaven! They were very impressed with the barge but as unimpressed as I about the 'no hair dryer' rule! Can I just have a moan here. Pin back your lugholes and listen.... I am a Donut Child and generally prepared for any eventuality. I can muck in with the best of them but drying hair whilst the engine was running was impractical for me as I was usually making breakfast/ putting suntan lotion on Captain/ making sure Josh was on board and not three locks down/ brewing tea. By the time I got to do my hair the engine was off. I spent a week on The Patricia Helen looking like Wookie! Right she says - have a word with yourself!
We had a fun night and Fliss had us falling about with laughter. Thanks for your company Fliss, we had a great time. She promised Josh some fishing line and a hook as he was determined to catch a 'radioactive, three eyed' fish like the one in The Simpson's.
Rolling into our bunks we were looking forward to a lie in. Erm...well at least until 8 am!
Night all this Muse is ready for her bed and will carry on with this tomorrow.
Namaste x
Independence Day dawned sunny and breezy. I started breakfast and Liz, Blair and a few others joined us. We were 14 in total! We ate outside on picnic tables. A group of campers, who had been pretty riotous the previous night, eyed our breakfast longingly. Sorry guys but even I have my limits in a galley kitchen! Amos and Avital were leaving that morning and as she sat signing Cd's for us, I gave her a pashmina she had admired. The mood was low as we had, had so much fun together. Josh was pretty upset that Amos was leaving. He would lose his partner in crime! Avital said she hated saying goodbye because she wasn't very good at it. Just before they left, Amos took me to one side. 'Would you mind if I gave Josh my Kazoo?'. I must have been temporarily unbalanced by the emotion of that morning as I agreed!! Josh was delighted and the rest of the Crew looked horrified...
After their tearful departure we had to turn the boat around. Our spirits picked up as we got out onto the water. We had to pass through a 2042 meter tunnel, turn the barge around and go back through it. Entering the tunnel was amazing. We all pulled on fleeces and I made tea, as it was cold, dank, dark and tremendously exciting. Dutch gave us a fright as he sounded the horn. Josh and Glynne were on look out duty. What a scary experience and a fairly nerve wracking one for the Captain. At least we managed to stop Josh using the dreaded Kazoo in the tunnel as many Bargers are of an elderly nature!
The locks were very busy and we made slow progress back. We re-moored at The Admiral Nelson and made a command decision to move the gig inside as the wind had got up, which would wreck our very talented Techies (read that as Dutch's) efforts. After our busy morning it was deemed 'beer o'clock' and we sat and had a break. A power nap was called for as we had all been burning the candle at both ends and really needed it. Even Josh passed out for a while.
Some of the acts started to arrive for the evening performance and Dutch pulled his Techie hat on and went off to set up. I was just thinking about doing some food when, Neil, The Landlord of The Admiral Nelson came up and offered to feed the Crew with a Sunday lunch. Thanks once again Neil. I was so tired and I we all appreciated your great hospitality.
Another evening of fabulous music followed. Ella Kenrick looked wonderful in a pretty summer dress, her set was well delivered and the sound quality was fantastic. Faye Horne belted out her set and she rocks! Emma Stevenson sang Corrine Bailey Rae and we didn't want it to end. The gorgeous Ellen Miller pulled us off the ceiling with her beautiful voice and ended a successful evening. For once there was no de-rigging involved and we grabbed our buckets and headed for The Patricia Helen. Please forgive me if I have missed anyone out but I don't have the running order as FOW does not finish until tomorrow and one day has merged into another. I will update and add to this Blog so everyone of you will get a mention. x
Ellen and Fliss, Ellen's sister came aboard for a few glasses of vino and some cheese toasties with Tabasco. Heaven! They were very impressed with the barge but as unimpressed as I about the 'no hair dryer' rule! Can I just have a moan here. Pin back your lugholes and listen.... I am a Donut Child and generally prepared for any eventuality. I can muck in with the best of them but drying hair whilst the engine was running was impractical for me as I was usually making breakfast/ putting suntan lotion on Captain/ making sure Josh was on board and not three locks down/ brewing tea. By the time I got to do my hair the engine was off. I spent a week on The Patricia Helen looking like Wookie! Right she says - have a word with yourself!
We had a fun night and Fliss had us falling about with laughter. Thanks for your company Fliss, we had a great time. She promised Josh some fishing line and a hook as he was determined to catch a 'radioactive, three eyed' fish like the one in The Simpson's.
Rolling into our bunks we were looking forward to a lie in. Erm...well at least until 8 am!
Night all this Muse is ready for her bed and will carry on with this tomorrow.
Namaste x
Friday 9 July 2010
Folk on The Water - Part 2
3rd July
Before I go on with this Blog, I have to say that due to my arm, notes were difficult to write and though Glynne the First Mate gave me some help, I am relying on memory. It was such a busy time that one day blurred into another so forgive me if I miss something out. I'll edit and update as soon as I can speak to Dutch and get his notes.
We slipped moorings at The Bridge at Napton after a busy breakfast, we were eight in number and everyone mucked in. It was sunshine all the way as we headed for The Admiral Nelson. Simon, Glynne and Josh ran the locks. Captain Dutch T Kirk was pretty heroic steering the 62ft Patricia Helen through a very busy waterway with no bow thrusters. A young couple in a cruiser were ahead of us and decided they would slow down to light what looked like a joint. There was nowhere to go! With such heavy traffic and the cruiser ahead, a collision was imminent. First mate Glynne was sent ahead and after a lot of hand signals and polite negotiations, we managed to avoid a 60 tonne crash. I was on form as I commented, "There's Klingon's off the Starboard bow Captain", which had everyone snorting with laughter.
We arrived at The Admiral Nelson and had to moor on a rough bank rather than the tow path so the plank came off the roof.and The Captain instructed us to 'WALK IT'! I learned to be very wary of the plank as it was quite a wobbly experience getting ashore. It was not the day to be wearing a skirt either...lets just say skirts and reeds don't mix! Josh and Eleanor happily buttered 850 pieces of bread for the crew and we had a big picnic lunch with beer and cider on the tow path. What a fantastic setting. I hate to spoil the illusion but we were short of water and full of Poo! We had to avail ourselves of the pubs facilities and stick to Navy showers!
Dutch set the Gig up outside and first on was Eleanor Davis. Considering she is only 15, I admire her guts for getting up and singing in front of very few people . She played a great set and Avital followed her. A guy came over from the audience and said he would like to play so could he borrow a guitar and Dan and his friend Barb, fiddle player extraordinaire gave us a lively set and got feet tapping. What a blast to have then turn up out of the blue and an added bonus was they were such talented musicians. More and more people arrived and to see them sat in the sunshine, listening to some great musicians and having a beer was terrific. I grabbed the bucket and wandered around to talk to people about Zoe's Place, the Baby Hospice we were raising money for. The response was phenomenal. People were putting in 5 pounds at a time. The interest and publicity it generated was worth more than any advertising campaign.
Wandering back to the Crew table I met husband and wife, Liz and Blair who had two little boys called Sid and Elvis. They went on stage and their energy was amazing. I really enjoyed meeting them and hope they will come and treat Cornwall to their music very soon. Eleanor went back on and WOW she rocked! Her set was unbelievable. The audience showed their appreciation and were astounded at her age. Her dad, Simon did another round with the bucket, during her set, and got a fab response, in coins and compliments! It was time to feed the Crew so we took a quick break before the evening set. . Neil, the landlord of The Admiral Nelson generously fed 12 of us and gave me a much needed break. Thank you so much for your hospitality Neil. We will be back to haunt you next year!
The car park filled up and all the tables were taken as we launched our evening set. Avital and Liz and Blair went back on to the delight of the crowds. It was a perfect summers evening with a baby dancing on one side of the stage and Amos doing his infamous 'Pouch Dance' on the other. I couldn't explain the pouch dance if I tried, its...its... just hilarious! As dusk was falling Kate and Andy of FOLA, a Celtic Folk band played a set that had us all dancing and thinking, life cannot get any better than this! Darkness fell and a cold wind blew across us. Kate bravely soldiered on and when they finished their set, the decision was made to move inside. Dutch and Glynne heroically moved the whole lot inside and Jimmy-Jimmy arrived. They were loud and proud and great musicians. I lost my voice, singing along that night. We also had a couple of mad French tourists who had drunk far too much of the wet stuff and were right up there with the band, doing a variety of mad jigs. All I can say is' it is just as well Jimmy- Jimmy are burly blokes! What a very special day we had, had. I felt as though I never wanted it to end.
A very weary Crew stumbled back to The Patricia Helen with buckets full of money that we could barely lift, and somehow negotiated the plank. It was just the six of us and we sat down to some rather awesome Cognac, provided by The Captain. It was our last night with Avital and Amos and we knew how badly we were going to miss them. The Git dived into his bunk as soon as we got back and we weren't far behind. I think Dutch fell asleep for two minutes before we roused him and we all tumbled into bed. What a Perfect Day......
Before I go on with this Blog, I have to say that due to my arm, notes were difficult to write and though Glynne the First Mate gave me some help, I am relying on memory. It was such a busy time that one day blurred into another so forgive me if I miss something out. I'll edit and update as soon as I can speak to Dutch and get his notes.
We slipped moorings at The Bridge at Napton after a busy breakfast, we were eight in number and everyone mucked in. It was sunshine all the way as we headed for The Admiral Nelson. Simon, Glynne and Josh ran the locks. Captain Dutch T Kirk was pretty heroic steering the 62ft Patricia Helen through a very busy waterway with no bow thrusters. A young couple in a cruiser were ahead of us and decided they would slow down to light what looked like a joint. There was nowhere to go! With such heavy traffic and the cruiser ahead, a collision was imminent. First mate Glynne was sent ahead and after a lot of hand signals and polite negotiations, we managed to avoid a 60 tonne crash. I was on form as I commented, "There's Klingon's off the Starboard bow Captain", which had everyone snorting with laughter.
We arrived at The Admiral Nelson and had to moor on a rough bank rather than the tow path so the plank came off the roof.and The Captain instructed us to 'WALK IT'! I learned to be very wary of the plank as it was quite a wobbly experience getting ashore. It was not the day to be wearing a skirt either...lets just say skirts and reeds don't mix! Josh and Eleanor happily buttered 850 pieces of bread for the crew and we had a big picnic lunch with beer and cider on the tow path. What a fantastic setting. I hate to spoil the illusion but we were short of water and full of Poo! We had to avail ourselves of the pubs facilities and stick to Navy showers!
Dutch set the Gig up outside and first on was Eleanor Davis. Considering she is only 15, I admire her guts for getting up and singing in front of very few people . She played a great set and Avital followed her. A guy came over from the audience and said he would like to play so could he borrow a guitar and Dan and his friend Barb, fiddle player extraordinaire gave us a lively set and got feet tapping. What a blast to have then turn up out of the blue and an added bonus was they were such talented musicians. More and more people arrived and to see them sat in the sunshine, listening to some great musicians and having a beer was terrific. I grabbed the bucket and wandered around to talk to people about Zoe's Place, the Baby Hospice we were raising money for. The response was phenomenal. People were putting in 5 pounds at a time. The interest and publicity it generated was worth more than any advertising campaign.
Wandering back to the Crew table I met husband and wife, Liz and Blair who had two little boys called Sid and Elvis. They went on stage and their energy was amazing. I really enjoyed meeting them and hope they will come and treat Cornwall to their music very soon. Eleanor went back on and WOW she rocked! Her set was unbelievable. The audience showed their appreciation and were astounded at her age. Her dad, Simon did another round with the bucket, during her set, and got a fab response, in coins and compliments! It was time to feed the Crew so we took a quick break before the evening set. . Neil, the landlord of The Admiral Nelson generously fed 12 of us and gave me a much needed break. Thank you so much for your hospitality Neil. We will be back to haunt you next year!
The car park filled up and all the tables were taken as we launched our evening set. Avital and Liz and Blair went back on to the delight of the crowds. It was a perfect summers evening with a baby dancing on one side of the stage and Amos doing his infamous 'Pouch Dance' on the other. I couldn't explain the pouch dance if I tried, its...its... just hilarious! As dusk was falling Kate and Andy of FOLA, a Celtic Folk band played a set that had us all dancing and thinking, life cannot get any better than this! Darkness fell and a cold wind blew across us. Kate bravely soldiered on and when they finished their set, the decision was made to move inside. Dutch and Glynne heroically moved the whole lot inside and Jimmy-Jimmy arrived. They were loud and proud and great musicians. I lost my voice, singing along that night. We also had a couple of mad French tourists who had drunk far too much of the wet stuff and were right up there with the band, doing a variety of mad jigs. All I can say is' it is just as well Jimmy- Jimmy are burly blokes! What a very special day we had, had. I felt as though I never wanted it to end.
A very weary Crew stumbled back to The Patricia Helen with buckets full of money that we could barely lift, and somehow negotiated the plank. It was just the six of us and we sat down to some rather awesome Cognac, provided by The Captain. It was our last night with Avital and Amos and we knew how badly we were going to miss them. The Git dived into his bunk as soon as we got back and we weren't far behind. I think Dutch fell asleep for two minutes before we roused him and we all tumbled into bed. What a Perfect Day......
Sunday 4 July 2010
Folk on The Water - Part 1.
Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd July.
Josh and I set out for Folk on The Water weekend and whilst nervous, I am really looking forward to the break. We travelled by coach as the train was the cost of a fortnights holiday in Cyprus and I refuse to pay silly money. The coach was full of Germans and Aussies. What a mixture - the Aussies cackled like girls all the way and the Germans gave us smug down their noses looks. I really don't know what was worse.
We had to change at Bristol and I could not believe my eyes with the sight that greeted us. The bus terminal was like the Derby and Joan club, forget my bad arm and the arm guard I was wearing, I was ignored and battered by various models of Zimmer frame. One old lady , who looked like she might depart this Earth at any moment, cracked us on the shins with her Zimmer as she pushed her way, doggedly, to the front. It was though a bunch of badly behaved toddlers had gathered for a bit of Zimmer frame brawling? WHO lets these people out anyway? Honestly I am not joking some of these people had 'one foot in and the other out'!
Meryl and Jack met us at Leamington Spa and we walked straight into our first gig after 8 hours travel. Those magnificent boys Breathe were playing. They are a Pink Floyd Tribute band and played a great set. If you closed your eyes the sound was phenomenal and you could have been listening to the original band. Meryl showed us aboard what was to be our home for the next few days a sixty two foot narrow boat called The Patricia Helen. We met Avital and Amos, a band from Tel Aviv. Josh and Amos immediately clicked and were inseparable for the rest of the Amos' trip. So then we were four. Glyn, Dutch and Kelly were still de-rigging the stage. Meanwhile The Git caught a frog in my specially customised Folk on The Water Hat...hmm..charming!!
By the time we (and the gear) were all on board it all got pretty 'up close and personal' and a few glasses of wine in we had to admit defeat and crawl into our very petite bunks. I don't think anyone slept that night. I was too excited, and I think everyone else was too hot.
I cooked a bit of breakfast the next morning and we managed not to fight over the bathroom. Captain Dutch T Kirk gave us The Poo Lecture. We were sniggering like school kids as he told us that if we want to anything more than a number one then we had to avail ourselves of the pub facilities as he didn't want the barge to fill up with poo before our scheduled stop at 'The Poo Pumping Station'. We could not hold it in anymore and ended up crying with laughter and then wanting a wee because we had laughed so much!
After only one night Kelly had to go and I was really disappointed as she had become my 'schoolgirl ally' and totally got my warped SOH! So if you are reading this Kelly, then stay in touch, it was such a pleasure to meet you. We slipped moorings and chugged gently down the canal, the morning sun poking its nose through the cloud and all the stress just fell away....
The stress stayed right up there for the blokes on board as they had 11 - yep - ELEVEN locks to get through and they worked so hard as a team. I couldn't believe that Dutch, Amos and Glyn had only been passing through locks for a few days. The Git was madly excited and ran all 11 locks that day pushing open and closing the gates. He absolutely loved it and it gave him so much confidence. Everyone on the canal were really nice. As barges passed us, people waved or chatted and helped each other through locks. I was quite amazed by the community spirit but soon got used to it. We got to 'two up' through a couple of locks which was quite exciting and that's when I realised what a monster the Patricia Helen was. Some 8 feet longer than most barges and no bow thrusters! Bow thrusters are a bit of a 'cheats' way of turning on the canal! The day had got pretty hot and we decided an ice cream was called for. Captain Dutch decided to be difficult and wanted to choose one himself ( we said we were going to get him a mini - milk) and got only 3 out of 10 on an extremely difficult mooring, twos up, at the shop and water station. Even the ducks protested at that swing in!
We finally moored at The Bridge at Napton and I think the guys breathed huge sighs of relief. I cooked Ratatouille for the evening meal and then it was on with the show. A magical evening followed. It was an intimate gig ant the audience were mesmerised. I walked in to find 15 year old Eleanor Davis on stage. I was blown away with her performance, think Katie Tunstall with a more powerful range. Bloody amazing and when I got to meet her she was a sweetie, no trace of Diva there! Gary Hill was on next, a quiet thoughtful guy who's guitar playing left us almost moved to tears. Avital and Amos played a haunting set to a hypnotised audience. On came Ellen Miller. Wow, again I did not realise how young she was. With a power crystal clear voice, she DID have me in tears with her 'Song For Henry'. We were in heaven when Matt Hernandez and his dog Nanu enchanted us with his Flamenco guitar. What a Gig!
We all piled back to the boat down a black as pitch towpath and how we all got on there is beyond me. We were eight in number as Eleanor and Simon, her dad, had joined us. The level of conversation went down as the wine flowed. Amos entertained us with stories of 'Mutant Ninja Killer Cockroaches' in certain areas of Tel Aviv. I don't quite know what was funnier Amos' impression or his story. We had a fabulous hour or so laughing and talking (thanks for the bloody decent bottle of red , Simon) before we all climbed over each other and rolled into our bunks. The Captain and his No 1 one slept top to tail and that was the cause of much hilarity! I have to go now as I am off to yet another venue and dependent on whether we get a WiFi connection I will update this as soon as possible.
Take Care out There Muse x
PS I will update Blog pictures on my return home.
Josh and I set out for Folk on The Water weekend and whilst nervous, I am really looking forward to the break. We travelled by coach as the train was the cost of a fortnights holiday in Cyprus and I refuse to pay silly money. The coach was full of Germans and Aussies. What a mixture - the Aussies cackled like girls all the way and the Germans gave us smug down their noses looks. I really don't know what was worse.
We had to change at Bristol and I could not believe my eyes with the sight that greeted us. The bus terminal was like the Derby and Joan club, forget my bad arm and the arm guard I was wearing, I was ignored and battered by various models of Zimmer frame. One old lady , who looked like she might depart this Earth at any moment, cracked us on the shins with her Zimmer as she pushed her way, doggedly, to the front. It was though a bunch of badly behaved toddlers had gathered for a bit of Zimmer frame brawling? WHO lets these people out anyway? Honestly I am not joking some of these people had 'one foot in and the other out'!
Meryl and Jack met us at Leamington Spa and we walked straight into our first gig after 8 hours travel. Those magnificent boys Breathe were playing. They are a Pink Floyd Tribute band and played a great set. If you closed your eyes the sound was phenomenal and you could have been listening to the original band. Meryl showed us aboard what was to be our home for the next few days a sixty two foot narrow boat called The Patricia Helen. We met Avital and Amos, a band from Tel Aviv. Josh and Amos immediately clicked and were inseparable for the rest of the Amos' trip. So then we were four. Glyn, Dutch and Kelly were still de-rigging the stage. Meanwhile The Git caught a frog in my specially customised Folk on The Water Hat...hmm..charming!!
By the time we (and the gear) were all on board it all got pretty 'up close and personal' and a few glasses of wine in we had to admit defeat and crawl into our very petite bunks. I don't think anyone slept that night. I was too excited, and I think everyone else was too hot.
I cooked a bit of breakfast the next morning and we managed not to fight over the bathroom. Captain Dutch T Kirk gave us The Poo Lecture. We were sniggering like school kids as he told us that if we want to anything more than a number one then we had to avail ourselves of the pub facilities as he didn't want the barge to fill up with poo before our scheduled stop at 'The Poo Pumping Station'. We could not hold it in anymore and ended up crying with laughter and then wanting a wee because we had laughed so much!
After only one night Kelly had to go and I was really disappointed as she had become my 'schoolgirl ally' and totally got my warped SOH! So if you are reading this Kelly, then stay in touch, it was such a pleasure to meet you. We slipped moorings and chugged gently down the canal, the morning sun poking its nose through the cloud and all the stress just fell away....
The stress stayed right up there for the blokes on board as they had 11 - yep - ELEVEN locks to get through and they worked so hard as a team. I couldn't believe that Dutch, Amos and Glyn had only been passing through locks for a few days. The Git was madly excited and ran all 11 locks that day pushing open and closing the gates. He absolutely loved it and it gave him so much confidence. Everyone on the canal were really nice. As barges passed us, people waved or chatted and helped each other through locks. I was quite amazed by the community spirit but soon got used to it. We got to 'two up' through a couple of locks which was quite exciting and that's when I realised what a monster the Patricia Helen was. Some 8 feet longer than most barges and no bow thrusters! Bow thrusters are a bit of a 'cheats' way of turning on the canal! The day had got pretty hot and we decided an ice cream was called for. Captain Dutch decided to be difficult and wanted to choose one himself ( we said we were going to get him a mini - milk) and got only 3 out of 10 on an extremely difficult mooring, twos up, at the shop and water station. Even the ducks protested at that swing in!
We finally moored at The Bridge at Napton and I think the guys breathed huge sighs of relief. I cooked Ratatouille for the evening meal and then it was on with the show. A magical evening followed. It was an intimate gig ant the audience were mesmerised. I walked in to find 15 year old Eleanor Davis on stage. I was blown away with her performance, think Katie Tunstall with a more powerful range. Bloody amazing and when I got to meet her she was a sweetie, no trace of Diva there! Gary Hill was on next, a quiet thoughtful guy who's guitar playing left us almost moved to tears. Avital and Amos played a haunting set to a hypnotised audience. On came Ellen Miller. Wow, again I did not realise how young she was. With a power crystal clear voice, she DID have me in tears with her 'Song For Henry'. We were in heaven when Matt Hernandez and his dog Nanu enchanted us with his Flamenco guitar. What a Gig!
We all piled back to the boat down a black as pitch towpath and how we all got on there is beyond me. We were eight in number as Eleanor and Simon, her dad, had joined us. The level of conversation went down as the wine flowed. Amos entertained us with stories of 'Mutant Ninja Killer Cockroaches' in certain areas of Tel Aviv. I don't quite know what was funnier Amos' impression or his story. We had a fabulous hour or so laughing and talking (thanks for the bloody decent bottle of red , Simon) before we all climbed over each other and rolled into our bunks. The Captain and his No 1 one slept top to tail and that was the cause of much hilarity! I have to go now as I am off to yet another venue and dependent on whether we get a WiFi connection I will update this as soon as possible.
Take Care out There Muse x
PS I will update Blog pictures on my return home.
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