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!








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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.




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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!




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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....

























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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!






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Lift Out!





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


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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.




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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.


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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

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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.





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