Weekend in Kent and Sussex

A weekend of joy and sadness. On the way down to my birthday weekend in Greatstone, Kent my sister told me that my cat, Holly, had died. Holly had been a good friend to me through illnesses, miscarriages, divorce...she was a beautiful Autumn-coloured cat with white paws and bib, bossy but very affectionate and liked nothing more than to snuggle up in bed next to me at the end of the day. She was unique and I will always miss her.
Greatstone was a nice place, a strange mixture of desolation and seventies bungalows. The weather on Saturday wasn't good so we visited the museums in Hastings (lunch at the excellent FILO brewpub) and Battle (1066 Museum somewhat disappointing). The bonfire parade and fireworks were very enjoyable once more, although less bonfire societies were there this year, due to Rye not being last of the season this year. I bought a flashing pink wand to carry along the streets - tasteful!
On Sunday we did a car tour through Felixstowe and Dover to Ripple, the village near Deal which our narrowboat is named after. There was a windmill, a little church and a lovely pub (where I had a good pint of Harvey's Sussex) and a pink thatched cottage called Raspberry Cottage (get it?). Patrick took lots of pictures, he's hoping to put a few on the boat.
Then it was into Deal for lunch at the Bohemian (a cracking seafront pub) and a walk along the odd looking pier and a look at the fishing boats hauled up on the shingle.
Bit of a long drive to stay the night with Simon and Jane and visits to the Good Intent and the Sandrock, then up at 6am for the drive back to work in Midsomer Norton!

Happy Birthday To Me!

I had lots of presents this morning - a bottle of Maderia, 2 books, some smellies for the bath and 2 boxes of chocolate - all from Patrick!
Bought cakes for my colleagues from Muffins in Midsomer Norton, very nice they were too. Yes I did try one myself!
Off to a Laphroaig Masterclass Whisky Tasting this evening, at the Ashton Manor Hotel in Bristol, courtesy of Simon. What a great present!
It's going to be a really good birthday. I'm looking forward to the next one as there will be lots of special stuff going on...but not looking forward to being 40!!!

Weekend on the Narrowboat

A couple of weeks ago we had nothing particular on, and were both a bit fed up of working on the garden and spare room, so I suggested a weekend aboard Ripple. Patrick, of course, readily agreed!
This also gave me the chance to try some motorway driving on the way to Saul Junction. I didn't like merging, especially as there was an annoying Skoda right behind me trying to nick my gap on the inside lane, but one I was there I was fine - even overtaking a cement mixer, a caravan and a horse box!
Ripple was fine when we got there, but Patrick had to remove a quantity of oily water from the engine compartment before we moved, so that the automatic bilge pump wouldn't start up in the marina.
We decided to head towards Slimbridge so that we could visit the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, as well as the Tudor Inn! The cruising was pleasant despite the odd shower. We moored up just past the bridge and headed for Sir Peter Scott's bird sanctuary, where we were persuaded to become members of the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, which meant we could come and go for free. We also heard some stories of the oil tanker disaster from first hand experience, and other stories of life working on the barges, from one of the volunteers there - which made Patrick's day!
Evening meal at the Tudor was a bit disappointing, and there was only one beer that we liked. The Bell at Frampton serves better food, beer and cider, but sometimes some of the young lads get a bit rowdy.
Next day it was hammering with rain so we treated ourselves to all-day breakfast at the Black Shed, which was 'nicely' decorated for a halloween party later! Back to the bird sanctuary for a longer wander and a cuppa at the kiosk near the canoes. We decided not to canal-bash all the way down to Sharpness, but cruised westward for an hour or so before turning back towards Saul.
A lovely, relaxing weekend - back to reality now!