Saturday, 31 December 2011

The Party Started Early

We r all recovering after a fab and impromptu night out. Us girlies hit the hay about one but the boys continued to play their banging tunes until about three!

Das captain after a bacon sarnie has recovered enough to assist in some motocross tyre changing malarky....retribution!

It's a gorgeous day here and this is my view as I am sat on the balcony. The sea is perfect and I,m wishing we could be out swailing, bar a few tankers there are no boats in sight.

Off for a stroll shortly and then it's fizz o,clock and party time...swooper.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Dawlish

Chavtastic Celebrations

Tis the night before new yrs eve and we have wended our way down to Dawlish. Just come back from a swooper nepalese meal and then banging abba tunes @ the local pub. Marvellous!

Now out out on the balcony watching the sea and stars with good friends and listening to the most eclectic mix at its loudest ! Happy days




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Dawlish

Friday, 30 December 2011

Small Things In Life Make A Difference

You forget sometimes about what matters in life particularly the memories that matter and nothing brought it more to me than this gorgeous canvas that ELG made for das captain for his birthday.

Handcrafted with so much love and attention to what's important to him.

It took me back to when my nana died and we were sorting through her possessions ..... My holiday log book from our holiday in Lerrynn to a hand drawn picture of what I thought she looked like aged 7 ( not her but me).

She kept those things as a treasure of memories. I remembered the love and care and meaning that went into them.

I have to confess I am a hoarder of those things too, cards, stupid gifts and arts of treasure from everyone from all kinds of occasions .. there is a gallery of them of them in my office at work as I am dead proud and most of them are by ELG.

The most recent I placed bang in front of my face as when the s**t hits the fan I can take solace and carry on as it just makes me smile.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, 29 December 2011

Happy Birthday to Das Captain

Das captain despite having man flu has survived the night to wake up to being the grand age of 42!

After all things boaty as presents thus far he has gone off to work, returning for a pub supper out in town later.

Birthdays are great for cards and he has had some cracking ones thus far which have appealed to his sense of humour...the best one of course is mine which is priceless and was purchased some time ago as couldn't resist it when I saw it!

So happy birthday Steve x





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday, 27 December 2011

Not Quite Swailing

It was the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart Race yesterday, I,ve read many a book on that gruelling race and is on my list of top 40 things to do. Here,s hoping it's a safe passage for all this yr.

Whilst they were wending
their way across the start line we took a stroll down to the canal to test out das captains model swailing bot from last yr aka Red Snapper 2.

Not yet officially launched she went out on canal sea trials to test her ability. After a false start (we needed a screw driver to install the batteries do a trip to a DIY store was in order), she was put to the test.

After a few anxious moments wondering whether she would return or not ( slight problem with the wind) she had a first spin out.

A few crowds gathered on the quayside to watch her in action, it was not a graceful first swail but fun to watch.

All is required before going back in the water is a bit of sanding, sail trimming and balast adjusting by das captain to get her ship shape!








- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Monday, 26 December 2011

What A Lovely Day




What a swooper duper day, from the lovely handmade place settings courtesy of E to lush turkey lunch to das captains surprise secret santa presents a trio of keep calm its only Xmas candle set! ( I have forgotten to tell u that his other dislike other than Xmas is candles!)

Add in a round or two on the sing star ( I lost again), several rounds of rummikub (we all lost to E) and being whipped at sevens (thank the lord it was only monopoly money we were using),& opening wine with a fondue fork it was a truely fabulous day.

Round two about to start, here comes the turkey sandwiches, and a bracing walk along the canel to follow plus a quick swail of the model boat variety...marvellous!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunday, 25 December 2011

Merry Chrinklemouse Everyone!


Hope you are all having a fabulous time wherever you are with family and friends around you. We are spending the day with my ma & pops, and the gorgeous Eleanor and Sis............happy days. My in-laws are both viral and not feeling up to much so won't be joining us but we,re going round to try and give them so festive cheer.
Das captain (who lurrrrrrrrves all things festive..........not!) is in fine fettle this am.  This is just for him as we,re off shortly to join them all for our festive lunch.



.

Saturday, 24 December 2011

What Shall We Do With A Drunken Swailor!

Christmas is time for those Xmas parties or impromptu nights out.

Das captain on the notorious black Friday and last day of work went out for an impromptu drinking session with his work mates last night, sorry afternoon starting @ 4pm!

Whilst I spent a sedate evening @ sis,s sipping bubbles, wrapping presents and screeching my head off in a Sing Star Take That session with my neice (I lost by the way), das captain was on a beer and curry mission.

I could tell @ six when I spoke to him that the beer goggles speak had kicked in but nothing matched his antics when he got home.

Das captain was in fine form....giggling like a ten yr old and rambling like a lunatic perched on the end of the bed repeating the same sentence over and over and over and oh yes over again!

He is remarkably chipper this am, has a slight case of amnesia but has definitely got some Christmas spirit!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Friday, 23 December 2011

Life




As the holiday season kicks in I think this is very apt, the new year will be upon us before we know it, so with family and friends lets make the most of it.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, 22 December 2011

Santa's Little Helper

Up at the crack if down to hit the festive food shop. Waitrose deserted......heaven! Went round in next to no time, and stocked up for my contribution to the family Xmas, all things fishy on Boxing Day.

Christmas time for children is the real deal and whilst E no longer believes in Father Christmas she still loves all things about the festive season.

I was testing the lights on the tree when she arrived and then together we have decorated it.

I love the twinkle of the decorations and tree lights and can't wait until it is dark later when it will really will come into its own.

We are both chuffed to bits with our efforts and have rewarded ourselves with a chocolate croissant and a bit of Take That in concert!

Right few more jobs to do and then we are off for some crinklemouse shopping together and a spot a supper later under the Exeter Xmas lights.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

Festive Spirit




En route to Plymouth for our family lunch @ Jolly Jacks. It's a beautiful crisp and sunny day and the train is on time....no Arrrgghh moments thus far.

The photo is of the Xmas tree I,ve put up in my office @ work to bring some festive cheer much to everyone's amusement.

The tree at home goes up tomorrow with my lovely helper. Das captain can,t wait for the tree light switching on ceremony!

As for today, the family are in fine fettle and looking forward to the festive feast ahead. Almost there now, its sooooo nice having a day off in the wk, even nicer it's Xmas week, even better it's being spent with my family.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Monday, 19 December 2011

Missing Das Bot

The good thing about xmas is it's the home run to das bot returning to the water and therefore so do das captain and I.

My trip to the marina on Wednesday serves two purposes...catching up with friends but also paying our dues for next season.

Found these photos earlier which made me smile....can't wait to give her a lick and a fab polish whilst listening to banging tunes on the iPod. It's all part of the ritual of boat slavery but so worth while, everyone may be counting down the days to Xmas.... I am counting down the days to swailing again.










- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Saturday, 17 December 2011

Let The Festive Season Begin

Tis the season to be jolly... Tra la la la lah, la la la! Not sure that's quite right but hey ho. Can't quite believe its almost upon us, I still haven't got the tree up but at least most of the presents are wrapped!

This time last yr we were knee deep in snow @ the top of mountain and thankfully this year have been spared thus far.

It's been a manic week away for work and the days back in work have equally been manic. Off today so making the most of it before going back into the madness tomorrow when I am on call.

So some final present shopping and wrapping, is the order of the day and am looking forward to a girly lunch with lots of bubbles. Cant quite believe I have been so organised this yr in terms of wrapping etc but thank the blooming baubles that I have been!

For the first time in yrs I have some days off in the week leading up to Xmas. So the tree putting up ceremony will wait til then (das captain........just cant wait...not!), and I have a night out with my lovely neice as we do her final Xmas shopping together. It's always good fun and something I hope we never tire of doing together until s its not cool to do that any more with an aged aunt.

I have a visit planned to the marina this wk, whilst das bot is not there our friends still are so we,re off for lunch @ Jolly Jacks to catch up with the motley crew and drop off the lashings of festive spirit that has been bottled over recent wks. Should be great fun and a fab way to start the festive season.

Right must dash have a mountain of house slavery to do, as I write this large hail stones have started bouldering down, the deck is now covered.....it could be a white Xmas after all!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Home

Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Post Note To Arrrgghh

Just to say the hideous journey has been saved by a fabulous Chinese, beer, marvellous company and the most random manchunian (apologies to all if spelling is out of order) that accosted us on the way back to our hotel.

Random encounter that ended up in a groups hugs that put both strictly and the x factor to shame ( hard to describe ) u had to b there, but brought laughter amongst us all. Right bed now...full on tomorrow

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhonehe hid

Tuesday, 13 December 2011

Arrrrghhhh

What an adventure.....not! Left @ 3 for Manchester via train. Lighting strike, delays, wrong signage at Birmingham New Street it's all kicked off.....

Hey ho in good company and will be there in the next 1/2 hr...check in then pub me thinks to get over the trauma!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Near Manchester

Sunday, 11 December 2011

Labour of Love


Poor RedSnapper....the interior as always in winter is looking a tad topsy turvey and this yr more than ever as das captain has embarked on operation revarnish.

As I,ve said over recent wks the cursing has become more extreme as the scale of the task has unfolded.

Not one to be beaten he is soldiering on, more fine sanding paper arrives almost on a daily basis!! Should look amazing when done and really make her look spick n span inside.

The captain is off shortly to do to round ten not to be outshone I shall be doing domestic slavery minus the sanding paper of course.












Thursday, 8 December 2011

Bottling & Wrapping

Winter is here and it's getting chillier by the day. So what to on a dark winter's evening... Yep more bottling and wrapping of hampers of all things Nautical But Nice!

I've had a few requests from work for hampers so have spent the evening on the first batch...part two will be over the weekend.

There is something therapeutic about wrapping. I had a blast going through the ribbon fest collection and pulling it all together, rather pleased with the results, and looking forward to round two. The photo is the first bottled sloe gin. You,ll be pleased to know I didn't take a cheeky nip prior to wrapping!





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Home

Sunday, 4 December 2011

Chillaxing Sunday

Awoke at sparrow fart this am, which was a tad disappointing after the fun of the Xmas fayre yesterday. I was desperate for a lie in but happy days it 'twas not to be.

Great day yesterday with family in force to help...good crowds and lots of money raised, although not sure yet on the final total.

Spent the early dawn writing the crinklemouse cards...job do for this yr. After das captain left for another days hard labour on the bot (why did I start this job he lamented last night), we set off for a trip out and stroll along the quay.

A tad breezy but nice and dry, we walked along the camel past the boats on the hard and saw a few old boats from our Old days on the River Exe.

The swans were out in force as were it felt six million squadrons of pidgeons which wasn't helped by some muppet entering into a feeding frenzy of bird seed...right as I walked past.....scary it was like a scene out of the birds as they squawked around my head!

We,ve spent a leisurely afternoon reading the papers, bar Pops having a blast at the leaves with my new best friend (boys n they toys). I,ve made up some hampers, the lamb is roasting, so it must be nearly time for a large glass of red...perfick!




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Friday, 2 December 2011

An Eventful Day

Sat chillaxing with sis enjoying a large glass of baileys after decorating the last of the cakes.

The bakeathon was in full pelt when the call to arms came...work manic...additional cover required.

Whisk downed, cakes baked and packed plan B came into operation. Sis and E picked up the cake loot as I spent the afternoon / evening @ work.

Back to Jo,s....decoration marathon....job done! Phew....great teamwork, slight casualty E sustained a sprained ankle on my steps carrying the cake loot! She was still in high spirits when I arrived and I wasn't banished to never never land. Right big gulp and then this weary bunny is off to la la land.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bakeathon

I am a woman on a mission this morning! About to start my Bakeathon in preparation for the Xmas fayre tomorrow afternoon. Nigella is out on the counter, oven warming, ingredients to the ready so as they say, ready, steady .....bake. More later.....

Sunday, 27 November 2011

Das Captain Has Been Busy

Weekends are spent at the moment with Steve on das bot and me at home.  The captain proudly showed me his latest winter bot project yesterday.

After getting over the fact that poor RedSnapper insides have been turned upside down and the cooker is nicely perched on one side of the saloon, I could see his latest labour of love (although true be known he has been cursing as well).

The interior wood is in need in parts of a facelift and some TLC.........so sanding, stripping (not literally) and taking the wood back has been the latest project.  We re-upholstered the cushions and had new curtains (the captain nearly mutinied) a few seasons ago, so with this bit of tender loving care she really will look ship-shape for the new season.

The weather has gone back to being mild again which is nice, so Steve is making the most of it and pootling along at a nice pace getting things done.  I cant believe its nearly december, but thats fab as once xmas is out of the way, then its anti-fouling and hull polishing time and my services will be required............cant wait as it means that swailing time will be almost here again.< br />
  

Chrinkemouse Cake Decorating

Whilst das captain is down on das bot, the galley slave has been busy this morning.  Its the fayre next saturday and several months ago I made a batch of chrinklemouse cakes.

There is something therapeutic about marzipaning and icing cakes.  I have kept the decoration  nice and simple but they dont look too bad.  Ran out of cider brandy this yr so improvised with two of them with ameretto..........they smell lush. Now wrapped and bowed, I,m off to bottle up some sloe gin!





Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Mr Frosty

It's a tad cold at the top of the mountain this morning and our first real frost of the yr.

I am having flashbacks to the drama,s of last yr with the snow and ice!

The cold weather is well and truely on its way, winter is here.





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunday, 20 November 2011

Todays Motto

After a hectic week in paradise this week at work, I am doing all things creative today and just lovin it!

Saturday, 19 November 2011

My New Best Friend

Having a large wooden deck and woodland as your back garden is great until autumn. The leaves dropping continuously are an absolute shocker and a labour of hate!

Not any more we have borrowered this big beauty from sis and have made mincemeat of the blighters this morning in next to no time.

I felt like Arnie being led around the deck at top speed just now carrying my lethal weapon but what a difference, no more mrs mop and brush for me! Bliss.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Saturday, 12 November 2011

OMG........Little Sis is 40 today!

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday not so little sis now, happy birthday to you!

It seems like yesterday when this one of my favourite photographs of us were taken..........and what a blast we have had.  Lots of tears, tantrums and tiaras over the yrs together but most of all an incredible ammount of fun.

Its been an absolute blast growing up older and wiser together, having you close by but most of all  seeing you as a mum has been the best thing ever.

Have a swooper duper day celebrating in the BIG APPLE with the gorgeous E, thinking of you. Wish we were there with you.

Love Big Sis n Bil xxx

Family Time

Looking forward to my ma and pops coming down for the weekend. It may be dull and rainy outside but there is nothing better than some good quality family time to fill your soul.

They are here for the weekend, mainly to celebrate (albeit early) my little sis,s 40th birthday.......yes she will hit that milestone next weekend on her hols in New York. What a way to celebrate and OMG...she,s nearly 40!

So tonight we,re all out for some bubbles and supper, an occasion to dress up but most importantly spend some quality time together, laughing, taking the out of each other and no doubt and putting the world to rights....can't wait.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

Saturday, 5 November 2011

The Art of Peeling & Coring

I love baking and love making all things nautical but nice.... Aka jam, chutney etc. That's great but I hate and I don't use that word lightly the laborious task of peeling and coring.

It's not that I am lazy, I can spend hrs stirring and nurturing my pans with simmering or boiling delights, it's because I usually injure myself. The delights of holding a lethal weapon in my cackhanded / left-handed way is not good for my health and alongside an inevitable injury I always end up with more waste in the bin than goodness in the pan.

Well those days are well and truely gone after seeing this purchase @ a friends house working it's magic. I was that sold on it, I bought one on my way home.

It makes light work of anything in absolutely no time, I even used it for mashed potato last wk. Once tried, you,ll love it!
















- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Home

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

That Autumnal Feeling

The clocks have gone forward, it's dark and gloomy by five pm as you leave work but scenes like this make up for it... Simply stunning.






- Posted using BlogPress from


my iPhone

Location:Dartington Hall

Sunday, 30 October 2011

Nautical But Nice Domestic Goddess

Whilst das captain is doing boat slavery this weekend, finishing off the das bot prep for winter I have been a busy beaver.

After a hectic two days at work following my quick trip to Jersey I have been unwinding by doing my second hobby which is all things in the kitchen.

The second batch of sloe gin went on the mix on Friday alongside a batch of sloe vodka, there is something very therapeutic about shaking kilner jars daily as you watch the berries, sugar and alcohol dissolve to turn into a deep berry wintery delight over several months. Have also made up another batch of raspberrycello.....swooper with bubbles at Christmas or any bubbles any time come to think of it!

I have also had my eye on a fabulous looking mincemeat recipe so decided to have a go @ that. Dead easy to make and with my all singing all dancing apple corer from Lakeland, it made short time of peeling and coring all the pears for the mix, and more importantly ensured there was more pear in the mix and not in the bin!

So the pear and and fig mincemeat is on the steep, the kitchen smelt delicious this morning when I came down the stairs. I,ve had to improvise on the chosen liquor as had forgotten I had used the remainder of the brandy a few weeks ago...so have used cointreau instead. Smells heavenly let's hope it tastes ok, when used for mince pies over chrinklemouse.

As well as mincemeat which is now safely in jars and smelling divine, I have made spiced apple chutney following a generous donation of apples yesterday. Das captain hates the smell of vinegar in the house when I am on the simmer with this so have started early! The remainder of the apples have been cooked with some blackberries for a crumble this evening.

Right all that's left to do now is get this house ship shape for guests this evening and prep the slow roasted pork belly........busy busy busy!








- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Home

Wednesday, 26 October 2011

Airport Nonsense

Homeland security is such a variable feast. What is it all about and with my safety hat on why is there such variability with the process as you go through security?

I was laughed @ today as I took out my mobile etc etc etc to put in the scanner as I was required to do when I left to fly over...' oh no we don't do that here'!

Laptop and then iPad came out ' oh no we don't do that here!' Ok I wasn't flying international
.....actually that doesn't matter it's just an absolute farce.

Rant almost over, flight delayed due to faulty plane so over two hrs late....bet the pilot didn't vary his process flying over... I rest my case.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Stranded @ Guernsey Airport

Ladies Do Lunch




Glorious day here in Jersey, bright blue sky, sun shining and minimal breeze.

We have hit town for some shopping and lunch prior to me catching my flight back later.

Sat outside in the sun with a glass of bubbles....lovely. Back to the madness and mayhem of work tomorrow so going to make the most of it!




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Jersey

Tuesday, 25 October 2011

Haunting Halloween

Apologies now for what is come for all u avid Halloween followers....but I still don't know what to make of this.

Fab walk again today along the cliff path avec the pooches. Sun out and a tad less breezy than yesterday. On the way back we did a quick detour to the local farm shop for some fresh ingredients for the curry fest and came across this.....

Not sure whether to applaud the effort or be disturbed as in parts it looked quite sinister!

Never really got into Halloween myself and after this part of the roving jersey countryside not sure I ever will! Shall leave you to decide for yourselves.






























Posted from my iPhone

Location:Jersey

Monday, 24 October 2011

R n R

One of the magnificent views today as I walked the North Coast in a brisk breeze prior to the rain lashing down. At that point I was in front of a roaring fire warming up.

The walks along the coastal paths of Jersey are amazing, some days you come across many a moorland coastal rambler or dog walker or today we met no-one.

Spring, summer, today in Autumn or even in freezing winter, the views are amazing, the sea captivates you and you just walk and walk and walk.

Today was no exception....

























- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone


Location:Channel Islands

Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Almost Snug For Winter

Snug as a rug in a bug almost ready for winter. Lift out has gone well, das captain has heaved a sigh of relief and I am staring from afar @ her very dirty bottom!






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lift Out!





Just received this from das captain.....wish I was there!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Plymouth

Sunday, 16 October 2011

A Very Naked Boat Ready For Lift Out

Really mild day down here in Plymouth with two very sad sailors. As das captain said today as we were taking the mainsail off 'I dont like seeing das bot like this!'

It's true we don't, she looks all bare and vulnerable, still come wednesday she,ll have the winter spray hood cover on and be nicely wrapped to protect her from the elements.

Won't be long then and the winter work for spring swailing will begin.

Routine bot maintenance aside she needs a new front hatch as lewmar don't do repair kits any more for this type of hatch....typical and das captain has been dropping not so subtle hints re a new pair of sails!

So that's it for this season, Steve has a last spin on her on Wednesday as he takes her around to the boatyard, I am away with work so shall be watching via my mobile and won't rest until I know she is snug in her cradle.

Not our best season for nautical miles in a long shot, the grand voyage didn't get started but we,ve had some great sails and fab company and met new friends. Here is to next season and all that will bring.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Friday, 7 October 2011

What A Difference A Week Makes

Normal service has resumed and full blown autumnal weather is here in full force. Strange to think I was in shorts and vest top just five days ago, but the wind is here, rain lashing and leaves falling at a rate of knots on our lovely deck, garden that is.

It won't be a final sail for us this weekend looking at the forecast, just packing up for winter as das captain has booked the lift out for the 19th. I hate this part, it's such a stark contrast from the excitement of loading her up for the season.

Never mind....time flies and before you know it after a winter of love and attention, the boat that is not me, it,ll soon be that swailing time again.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Saturday, 1 October 2011

Jam Packed!


Every man, dog and boat is out on the water... Resulting in paddy's market here on the Yealm.

We left in blissful sunshine and light winds after watching the continued deconstruction of said bot.

Loads of boats out in the sound like a true barmy English summer it was lovely. The wind picked up over the breakwater but not enough to get full sails out however the feeling of being back out on the water was just blissful. Karma or whatever u care to call it....instant relaxation.

Das captain in a panic called for the binoculars as every mad English man and their bot had the same idea as us.... head for the Yealm.

It's tidal to get in here so with less than 3ft under the keel
we wendered our way in. I love this place and always sit on the bow whenever we make our entrance. I,ll never bore of it as whatever the season it is just so magical. No mooring bouys left we managed to get onto the back visitors pontoon... I nearly took out a kissing couple with my shore line throwing efforts much to das captains amusements!

So there are two bots rafted alongside us and the same all the way along, it is a complete bot fest but what the hell today has just been about being back on the water.

We,ve been ashore and walked to the pub, chewed the cud over food and beer and vino and best of all have ridden back in the dinghy under the most starlit sky.

A c**p season for weather it may have been and our grand voyage wasn't what it should have been but u know what the Yealm and the night sky tonight has absolutely made up for it.... Bliss

- Posted using BlogPress s r


my iPhone
Location:River Yealm

A Sad End To A Boat Life

The sun is shining, a welcome change to the misery of the last few weeks and we are on das bot ready to set sail. It's blissful with the temperature hitting 26 degrees and clear blue skies. The water is twinkling for blighty.

The marina is full of life, and deserted at the same time. Lots of boats away for the weekend in addition to a full boatyard behind where lots are now laid up on the hard for the winter. Bet they are bemused at the missed opportunity of this weekend!

The boatyard is a hive of activity, with this poor neglected old soul being deconstructed for scrap. What a sad end, bet it's got some stories to tell of life on the waves. There was a loud cheer from the men on board as the bow came away, I just felt very sad.

Hey ho we,re off now for a few laps around the sound and then heading towards a barmy night in the Yealm....my idea of heaven.





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunday, 25 September 2011

Dont Mention The C Word!

The word is not capsize, we,ve seen plenty of those of the last few weeks.  No its another word that my dear hubbie hates.

Das captain, nearly had a coronary yesterday on awaking from his slumber.  We are land locked this weekend...........weather say no more so being the practical all action WI gal that I am, following a brief jaunt into town to get myself a well needed haircut I decided to make a start on.........Christmas cakes!

Das captains face was a picture on mentioning this might be my afternoon activity. So three chrinklemouse cakes made, more to follow as they are for charity and for good measure this morning the blackberry gin has been bottled (smells scrumptious, avoided tasting as it was only 8am!) and the sloe gin is on the mix.




Happy days............well for me but not for das captain! Lol

Sunday, 18 September 2011

Three In A Bed

One is feeling somewhat jaded this morning and rueing the sleeping arrangements I signed up to yesterday!

As our roving reporters outlined despite the squally rain we had a great time up in the Hoe. The walk up was slightly tortuous with cries most of the way of...." are we there yet"!

The racing was just brilliant...excitement, twists and turns the whole way with Emirates New Zealand the eventual Plymouth matchplay champions. Our motley crew mutinied to the walk back, so after catching a cab it was back to the Marina for supper.

Fed and watered and in torrential rain we ran back to das bot, the plan was for a game of rummikub but with everyone knackered we headed for bed. Somehow I signed up to me and the kids sleeping in the front cabin and with me in the middle, I am squashed and deafened this morning...both kids slept like a log!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Saturday, 17 September 2011

E n G

Today we watched the America cup. It was really fun. I was a reporter and this man actually said that I was good at taking pictures!!!

The best bit of today was seeing a mans boat go capsize. It rained lots today and it was really windy but, when the sun shone me and george went to the beach. It was really fun today!!!

Eleanor and george

P.s. We have made a red snapper video of the races...Watch this space


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Plymouth

Our Calm is About To Be Shattered

I have been away the latter part of this week at Lake Windermere once the work bit was done on the first day, I took the very short walk across the road to Lake Windermere to view the hundreds of boats and the amazing sunset. It was simply stunning, peaceful and serene. An amazing place to moor your boat, although the next day in howling winds it did not look so glamourous.

So now back home after a long train ride back we are pulling the kit together to wend our way down to das bot. There is no mad rush as the swailing conditions are a non starter but still going down to enable our occasional part time motley junior crew x two the opportunity to spend the weekend of their friend RedSnapper.

Our peace and tranquility will be shattered, but what fun it shall be, I can't wait to hear their voices as they see her on the pontoon for the first time and call out her name and the unmistakable faster walk to get to her!

Guess it will be more Americas Cup racing.....as it draws to it's conclusion this weekend, they,ll love that plus a final seasons fish to conclude their annual RedSnapper fishing competition. Despite the rubbish weather, we,ll have a blast.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Exeter

Sunday, 11 September 2011

Three Capsizes & One Crazy Americas Cup Race







That was one crazy race up on the Hoe. The crowds came out again and whilst the sun shone the wind really gusted today which made for some unpredictable racing and pushed the boats to the max.

It was exhilarating again to watch and it wasn't long past the first mark that capsize one happened. So a total of three went over in the 45 min fleet race and Oracle nearly went over in the sprint series. No-one hurt, just a few bruised ego,s, torn sails and minor wing damage. They,ll be glad to be off for the next few days until racing resumes on Wednesday.

Great way to spend the last of our hols, there is a storm coming in tonight so let's hope behind it comes some decent weather for next weekend when the kids are down. They r going to love this.



























































- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Plymouth Hoe