Sunday 18 December 2011

YWBS Christmas Gathering

We spent the weekend at our friends' house by the canal in Stone, Staffordshire, for the Christmas gathering of the Young Working Boaters Society, a group of 'young people' who like messing around in old boats. Until now, it's just been a fun way to meet people and go boating at the various rallies, and we've made some great friends through it. But there are exciting things in the pipeline which was the reason we gathered, and we spent a good couple of hours discussing. I shall not divulge details just yet as there are still things to be worked out, and it's a long term plan, but hopefully we'll be able to explain more soon.
 
Unfortuntely the weather was awful, sleety and wet, so we didn't really fancy boating. But we did go for a walk, to look at the yard where Joe is working on Pinner, a GU motor, and on into Stone for a delicious lunch at the tearooms, where I I had a delicious Staffordshire oatcake, and a wander in to the charity shops. Matt (or rather, Rebekah) found some fabric for new curtains in Tench.  

We spend the evening watching boaty films like the Bargee, and the headed out for dinner at a local pub. James and I stayed overnight rather than face the 5 hour journey home. 

Fradley the cat

Wish I had a josher at the bottom of my garden!

Lock 30 on the T&M at Stone.

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Friday 16 December 2011

Christmas is coming!

I've been getting in the Christmas spirit over the last few days, with bottling and decorating various treats (I won't go into detail about these til after Christmas!), meeting up with a friend to exchange presents over a cup of tea (she gave us some delicious Grasmere gingerbread), and enjoying the lights of Cambridge. 






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Thursday 15 December 2011

The Cockney Cashpoint

This cashpoint is on Roman Road, near where my sister lives. When I went to visit her and have dinner with her and my little sister, we had to get some cash out. You can choose to have the machine instructions in English or Cockney. Naturally, I chose Cockney.








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Wednesday 14 December 2011

Off-Grid Baking: Cinnamon Whirls

 These are the easiest treats to make. When I want to bring something homemade to a party but am strapped for time, or just want a yummy breakfast on a Sunday morning, I make cinnamon whirls.

Ingredients:
Ready rolled puff pastry
Cinnamon
Sugar





Just sprinkle generously with sugar and cinnamon, roll up, cut into slices, and bake for 20 minutes at Gas Mk 4. Cut in two for mini whirls, or roll the whole lot up for larger ones like in the top photo.

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Monday 12 December 2011

It's been a while!

Apologies for being so absent. A combination of deadlines and (mild but persistent) illness have kept me away from blogging for some time. But with Christmas and the odd boating adventure lined up, we will be back over the next few weeks. Stay tuned as well for a recipe or two to share, rowing updates (for those who care!) and the wonders of the Cockney Cashpoint!

We've moved mooring spots as well. We are now near Victoria Avenue bridge, next to friends, and close to the pub, the Co-op and the launderette. It's quiet here, and we're enjoying it so far! Lyra loves playing with the leaves.





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