Settled back home now July 2018

We are now back home in our lovely home in England. We are starting to redecorate the whole house.

Posted by Chris | Tue Jan 15 2019 13:18

SOLD May 2018

We have now sold up and left our lovely cottage in France.Alan has a lot of trouble with his back and legs due to 32yrs in the Fire Service.

Posted by Chris | Tue Jan 15 2019 13:16

13th July

Happy Birthday to my lovely Sister on her 69th birthday RIP Pam, miss you always,
Everything is growing nicely, lovely spuds Toms lettuce etc.

Posted by Chris | Thu Jul 24 2014 13:53

30th June

2nd Carport built, new driveway started at the end of the field, will eventually have a 350ft drive, cottage all decorated and looking swanky,

Posted by Chris | Thu Jul 24 2014 13:51

1st May

The wedding is 29th December we are soooooooo looking forward to it.
Christian has also climbed Snowden and is now getting ready to climb Ben nevis. what a son we have.

Posted by Chris | Thu Jul 24 2014 13:49

1st march

Work Work Work digging over the allotment ( Alan is anyway ) ready for spring planting etc, lots of weeds to be removed, drawing up plans for cottage, Alan wants to build another carport make a 350ft drive, all in pipeline at the moment.

Posted by Chris | Thu Jul 24 2014 13:48

1st Feb

Great news Pad & Heather got Engaged on the 29th Janusry, we are so pleased for them both. Now getting ready to pack everything up to return to France,

Posted by Chris | Thu Jul 24 2014 13:45

1st jan 2014

Had a lovely Christmas, lots of great presents including an Ipad off Christian & Pad, we will have a full van to take back to France i think.

Posted by Chris | Thu Jul 24 2014 13:35

3rd November 2013

Just about getting everything cut down now and tidied up after the glorious summer. greenhouse and polytunnel emptied, spuds dug up etc,looking forward to going home 1st December,

Posted by Chris | Thu Jul 24 2014 13:33

3rd Oct

Everything overgrown............
Loads of work to do before we close up for Christmas.
Alan is also in the process of registering the van in France,

Posted by Alan | Thu Oct 10 2013 13:04

30th Sept

Christian completed his challenge to walk up Mount Fuji and has so far raised over £2000 well done Christian we are so proud of you,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Posted by Alan | Thu Oct 10 2013 13:00

17th September

I have had a lovely birthday but so sad not to have received a card from my lovely Sister, everyone who knew you either liked or loved you. my check up next week then back off to France,

Posted by Alan | Thu Oct 10 2013 12:59

1st August

On the 22nd August our son Christian will be climbing Mount Fuji in aid of Cancer Research & The Heart Foundation, i was diagnosed 8 yrs ago with Cancer and our younger son was born with a rare heart condition so both these charities are close to our hearts, GOOD LUCK CHRISTIAN xxxxxxx

Posted by Alan | Thu Oct 10 2013 12:57

10 June

Had a great week with Christian Mum & Derek. Mum looked really well. Christian helped Alan with a few jobs and Derek cut loads of brambles down for us,

Posted by Alan | Thu Oct 10 2013 12:54

19th May

Had a really good week sorting out the garden, Alan doing his planting on the Allotment, We have been out to Friends for meals, and next week have to tidy Mobile home up as Christian, Mum & Derek are arriving on the 26th for a week. i cannot wait.

Posted by Chris | Sun May 19 2013 10:54

22nd April

Back at cottage.
Pam had a lovely Funeral the Church was packed.
Still cannot believe she has gone i love and miss her so much.
RIP PAM.
xxxxx

Posted by Chris | Sun May 19 2013 10:51

224th April

Arrived back in France at the Cottage yesterday, after arriving back on 3rd April we had a phone call off my Nephew on the 4th to say my Sister had been taken into Hospital after collapsing at home, Alan booked me a flight for Fri as it was to late to fly back Thurs. Pad collected my from East Midlands Airport and drove me straight to Hope Hospital where i was met by my Nephew, We went straight up to the Ward where my Sister was being cared for,
David warned me there was not much hope for Pam, she had a brain Haemorrhage and was unconscious.
We went back to Hosp and Sat and stayed with her till she passed away at 3.50am Sunday morning, i cannot believe she has gone, she was my rock.She passed away surrounded by all her family and went peacefully,

Posted by Chris | Sun May 19 2013 10:50

2nd April

Arrived back at Cottage today,,,,, had a good check up at Christies next appointment September, Car was loaded to the gills with food, plants, loads of craft bits and pieces. We are now ready to sow and plant on the allotment.

Posted by Chris | Sun May 19 2013 10:39

20th March

Had a great week with Christian,,,,, he has helped out with quite a few jobs including digging over the allotment ready for this seasons planting,Weather not bad a couple of days though overcast mostly.

Posted by Chris | Sun May 19 2013 10:35

10th March

Not done much as weather not been brilliant, lots of rain and we have even felt the winds which normally don't affect us as we are in a Valley.

Posted by Chris | Sun May 19 2013 10:33

15th Feb

Been back at Cottage since the end of January. been busy getting the Cottage warmed up again,the Weather is awful it has not stopped raining for days,, We have rearranged the Office and are looking forward to Christian arriving for a week on the 13th March.

Posted by Chris | Sun Feb 17 2013 11:42

9th January

Went on a TOUR BUS today to the main shopping areas.........
We saw the Prada shop CARTIER shop GOUCCI shop they we're fantastic but the prices we're outrageous........ 5000Euros for a handbag and 3000Euros for shoes to match. Ties for 1000Euros. all the main stores had Concierges on who only opened the door if they thought you looked like you could afford to go in the shop,,,,,,,,,,
Got back to the Hotel and there was CHAMPAGNE on ICE for us,, Thank you CHRISTIAN & PAD for a wonderful holiday, and for being such SPECIAL SONS................

Posted by Chris | Sun Feb 17 2013 11:39

7th January

WE ARE IN ROME...........
Off ro see the TREVI FOUNTAIN and THE SPANISH STEpS today.
The Trevi fountain is beautiful and all magnificant Their was loads of people there and the wweather was glorious. The Spanish steps was full of people Alan and i only went a short way up as Alan,s legs are bad. We then had a cycle ride with a great guide to the COLOSSEUM who told us of all the different places to see,
Back to the HOTEL CORTINA for a rest before going out for an evening meal.

Posted by Chris | Sun Feb 17 2013 11:28

January

Had a FANTASTIC Christmas and now have a holiday in Rome to look forward to. Christian & Pad bought us the holiday as a joint 60th Birthday present.

Posted by Chris | Sun Feb 17 2013 11:22

Dec 1st

Sorting out the House and Garden ready for our trip home for Christmas. Aggie and the Chickens are off to Jez & Ali's for their holiday also. Alan will be 60 at Christmas so a little buffet i think.

Posted by Chris | Sun Feb 17 2013 11:21

November

We met 4 new lovely English people earlier in the year.One couple lives 30 mins away and the other couple John & Perry live in the village. so we see them often. It is nice to have Friends drop in for coffee, and we have such a laugh.

Posted by Chris | Sun Feb 17 2013 11:18

October 29th

Mornings are cold but as the day goes on it warms up...
Had a busy time recently we have redecorated the lounge and moved all the furniture about, the lounge looks so much bigger now. Just the kitchen office and bathroom to do now.

Posted by Chris | Sun Feb 17 2013 11:15

11th Sept

Home in England for 3 weeks,,, had my check up at Hospital today and it went really well. We are having a buffet on Saturday for my 60th Birthday and i am going to Ireland with Pam for a week on the 18th, Everything fine at home, Before we came home Alison & Jez Friends in France gave me a Birthday party, they invited other English Friend and Alison even made me a Birthday cake, i cannot thank them enough for what they do for us.

Posted by Chris | Wed Sep 12 2012 15:41

10th August

Getting ready now for Christian, Mum & Derek who are arriving on the 14th for a week. Looking forward to seeing them.

Posted by Chris | Wed Sep 12 2012 15:37

20th July

Pad's party went really well and my youngest is now 30 i am getting old, but there is no shame in that.

Posted by Chris | Wed Sep 12 2012 15:35

1st July

Everything going well, garden is coming along nicely, Christian doing ok and we are BBQing mid July for Pad's birthday.

Posted by Chris | Wed Sep 12 2012 15:34

15th June 2012

Alan seems to be getting lots of things done at the Cottage, gardening etc and we had another cord of wood delivered which he has had to stack up. and that is hard work as it is loads of wood. think we have enough for about 2 years now,,,,

Posted by Chris | Thu Jun 21 2012 16:38

30th May

Alan gone back to France today, i am staying here a while longer to check everyone is fine, also my Sister is having an operation on her foot soon and will be on crutches for a couple of weeks so i can help her as well when needed,
Missing alan already, not been apart really the last 7 years..

Posted by Chris | Thu Jun 21 2012 16:36

25th May

Back in England for a while, one Son been in Hosp the other Son on crutches and his Girlfriend has hurt her back.

Posted by Chris | Thu Jun 21 2012 16:33

14th May

nothing gone right today. It is my Brother in Law's birthday who passed away in January, so feeling quite low. Pad has torn the tendons in his foot so cannot walk Heather ( his girlfriend } has done her back in, i blocked the Chipper up with a piece of trunk that was too big to go in it, and i dropped my phone down the loo........
Last week we had a cord of wood delivered and had to stack it all in the barn, HARD WORK,,,,,

Posted by Chris | Wed May 16 2012 11:43

10th May

New polytunnel up and most of the plants and veg are in the ground.. We have a lot of clearing up to do weeding etc as the weather has been really wet, so weeds are thriving. Hanging baskets are up and look lovely. I am putting bark chippings in all the awkward places where it is hard to mow and also outside the mobile home, it is starting to look good. and we are ready to welcome Friends and Family.

Posted by Chris | Wed May 16 2012 11:39

15th April

Went back to England for my check up in march, which went well...also my Friends Son was getting married and we should have gone to the evening reception, unfortunately doing some decorating at home i put my foot through the floor and sprained my ankle. I could not get my shoe on so missed the wedding. My youngest son has moved into his Girlfriends and they both seem really happy. We have done loads of planting seeds etc since we came back and are just waiting for them to be ready to plant in the garden.

Posted by Chris | Wed May 16 2012 11:35

30th Feb

Cleared and dug over a lot of the allotment, done a bit more digging on the new drive, We now let the Chickens have the run of the garden.replanted loads of Strawberries, planted an 8ft Bamboo ( which a friend kindly gave us } thanks Dave....

Posted by Chris | Sat Mar 10 2012 11:56

!5th Feb

We had Christmas dinner, because Alison and Jez look after the animals when we come home, we said we would have a Christmas dinner to thank them, had a great time.

Posted by Chris | Sat Mar 10 2012 11:53

10th Feb 2012

Alan has been working at the other end of the field today, we are making a new driveway as the one we have at the moment is on a fairly bad bend. Done a little bit of clearing up at the Allotment.

Posted by Chris | Sat Mar 10 2012 11:51

3rd Feb 2012

Came back to the Cottage on the 1st Feb, It was very hard to leave England this time as my Sister's Husband died fairly suddenly on the 8th January, she seems so lost and lonely though she has 2 wonderful Sons...
Christmas was a low key affair as i had been staying at Pam's as kevin was in hospital. Alan's Mum came for lunch on Boxing Day which was lovely.
Mum is doing really well with her new knee and hopefully she will be here with us for a time this Summer.

Posted by Chris | Tue Feb 14 2012 12:57

27th Nov 2011

I am going home tomorrow, Alan's Mum is having a knee replacement. Going to Pam's for a couple of days first then home to the Boys,

Posted by Chris | Tue Feb 14 2012 12:52

1st Nov 2011

Everywhere starting to look tidy. Mobile home cleaned out as we have no one now till next year. Done a bit more in the Cottage, painting etc looking good.

Posted by Chris | Tue Feb 14 2012 12:50

1st October 2011

Busy tidying up the Allotment etc, pruning roses and weeding ready for Winter, We had loads of Snow last January and could not leave the Cottage for a few days,

Posted by Chris | Tue Feb 14 2012 12:48

20th Sept 2011

Had a lovely week in England, my check up went well and i had a lovely Birthday.

Posted by Chris | Tue Feb 14 2012 12:46

15th August

WOW what a busy 2 weeks............ Pam & June had a great time and got up to loads of mischief including painting each other with Black paint while Pam was painting the garden swing......... We had a cord of wood delivered which had to be stacked, fences to paint, wood to chop. ( there is always wood to chop )June made a lovely job of painting our Fairy that sits on the decking with a screw up her bum. The 3 of us had never laughed so much we really did enjoy ourselves and are looking forward to a repeat performance next year.

Posted by Chris | Fri Aug 19 2011 16:30

13th July

Getting the mobile home ready for visitors, Pam and June are coming on the 28th for two weeks, really looking forward to their visit.
Sage & Onion are putting weight on nicely...............

Posted by Chris | Fri Aug 19 2011 16:25

6th July

We have had Christian visiting for a week, and he went and collected our new arrivals with Alan 2 Pigs we have named Sage & Onion. Christian also chopped wood with Alan and quite a few other jobs, A GREAT WEEK.

Posted by Chris | Fri Aug 19 2011 16:23

5th June

Had a lovely week in Ireland they are so welcoming and treat me like their own family. Got up to all sorts including playing football not bad for a 58 yr old.

Posted by Chris | Fri Aug 19 2011 16:21

20th May

I am going to England today for two weeks, one week of that i will be in Ireland with my Sister Pam.

Posted by Chris | Fri Aug 19 2011 16:20

12th April

On Sunday Pad and Heather surprised us by asking if they come for a week fantastic news, They came on the Tuesday in Pad's car and he did really well, Whilst here they managed to get out and about and do some exploring. Heather managed to find the best cake shops and chocolate shops, they also went out for a pizza in the restaurant in our local village. They both needed to chill out and relax and i think they managed that quite well.The goats and chickens we're all spoilt rotten.....

Posted by Chris | Mon May 2 2011 20:46

£rd April

Had a busy few days again, we have dug up part of the front garden and put a pond in, this weekend we have put a small cottage on the side of it and incorporated a little garden,
It looks great. Alan used the sit on mower last week and the field looks good. a friend may be coming 10th May for a week and Pam & June are coming end of July for 2 weeks cannot wait.......

Posted by Chris | Sun Apr 3 2011 19:35

17th March

I have been home almost a month as Pad was not too good, and he had a few hosp app. had my own check up and things are still going well. Christian was going to come next week but as Pad has been sighned off for 8 weeks he is going to stay at home and keep him company.`

Posted by Chris | Sun Apr 3 2011 19:32

10th Feb

Been busy here doing a lot of tidying up garden ETC, We had had a lot of strong winds and some of the trees are down, so chopping them up to add to the wood pile.

Posted by Chris | Sun Apr 3 2011 19:29

29th Jan 2011

The weather is getting so cold here, with a bitter wind,, we went and cut up loads of logs this week and are storing them ready for next year. Alan and Jez from up the road put a new window in the office ans Alan boxed it all in this week it looks good. Got a mole or 2 in the field and Alan cannot wait to go out and mow it, Bit quiet here since we came back because of weather,.

Posted by Chris | Sat Jan 29 2011 12:59

5th Jan 2011

Arrived home on the 3rd and all well.............
We went to Alison's and collected the animals, think they have had a great time.
We had a fantastic time over Christmas catching up with everyone and all the gossip. We had some wonderful Christmas presents and we really appreciated them all, We now have tons of work to do in the garden and field as it has been to cold and wet with all the snow we had to do any outdoor work, any volunteers? free board and lodgings for log cutting and gardening and general day to day work.

Posted by Chris | Tue Jan 11 2011 19:49

20th Dec

Had an email from Alison today weather in Brittany is getting worse so they have been to the cottage and collected all the chickens and Kim & Aggie, and taken them in the car to their place............. As they may not be to able to go down and feed them if weather does worsen.

THANKS JEZ & ALISON>

Posted by Chris | Tue Jan 11 2011 19:44

30th Nov

We have had a great Summer with all the visitors that we have had and hope to see you all over here again, we have Veg to plant ground to turn over wood to chop lawns to mow chutneys and preserves to prepare.....................
The last month has been spent rebuilding the front and sidre of the barn it looks good now all square not lob sided.
we also went to a Judo competition which our neighbours children we're competing in, Imogen was awarded a gold medal and Kayleigh was awarded a Bronze medal, then afterwards we had tea at their house which is a lovely old water mill which they let out rooms or the whole house to holiday makers.
I have finished making all mine and Mum's Christmas cards and i am now looking forward to going home to England for Christmas and catching up with family and friends and we have 2 new babies arrived.

Posted by Chris | Sun Dec 26 2010 23:05

3oth Oct

We have rebuilt the back of the barn and incorperated a winter shelter for the goats which they love.,They will spend a lot of the winter in there just coming out on good days they are not keen on the rain........

Posted by Chris | Wed Nov 17 2010 14:11

24th Oct

Just had a fantastic week with Christian, managed to do loads.
Christian went with Alan to the Abbottoir with the pigs Dinner and Tea which was an experience for him, He also helped Alan jack the corner of the barn up to level the front of it. Alan cut down the tree at the side of the barn which had grown into the roof. We went shopping and did bits and pieces. On the Wednesday Christian Alan & Jez went and picked up the pigs, and Alan spent the day butchering them and making sausages, and more sausages.........
Christian said he really enjoyed his week it was totally different, Loved having you here.............

Posted by Chris | Wed Nov 17 2010 14:07

4th October

Pete and pat arrived and they loved the cottage, the weather was awful but did not dampen things to much. Kim and Aggie (the goats) are now their new best friends, Pete said they are so photogenic every time he got his camera out the goats we're ready and waiting for their big moment on the cover of Farmers weekly LOL.The weekend went loads to fast but will catch up again at Christmas miss you guys loads.....

Posted by Chris | Sat Oct 23 2010 12:31

4th October

Pete and pat arrived and they loved the cottage, the weather was awful but did not dampen things to much. Kim and Aggie (the goats) are now their new best friends, Pete said they are so photogenic every time he got his camera out the goats we're ready and waiting for their big moment on the cover of Farmers weekly LOL.The weekend went loads to fast but will catch up again at Christmas miss you guys loads.....

Posted by Chris | Sat Oct 23 2010 12:21

30th Set

Everything is going ok at the Cottage. unfortunately we had to come home earlier this time as Pad was admitted to hospital. they thought he was having a heart attack. This was because he had an ECG and because he has a rare heart condition and the ECG was not a normal reading they all jumped to the wrong conclusion. Pad was in hosp for a week and was discovered that he has an Ectopic beat now, and he has to see a heart specialist tomorrow who deals with the electrics of the heart. he is doing ok now though he is very tired. If all goes well with the specialist tomorrow i will be returning to France on Sunday. Alan returned last Wed and says it is very quite on his own......
We have our best mates flying out today for a few days so Alan will have company and i should see the Sunday lunch time.
When things return to normal and i am back in France i will update. PS we had our 1st pig slaughtered.

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 30 2010 18:24

30th August

Mum & Derek have flown home and it is very quite here,,,,,,,,
We have all had quite a busy 2 weeks, Mum almost finished my jumper she also made a baby cardigan for me as my niece is expecting any day now, she altered 2 pairs of jeans for Alan, and took the hood off a jumper Pam had knitted for me and turned it into a collar. Alan & Derek collected loads of wood and the cottage opposite us where the Lady died, well her Daughter came and asked if we wanted all her Mother's wood,there was about 9 van loads...........which we had to load into van then unload into our barn HARD WORK THANKS FOR HELPING DEREK.................
One day we drove up to the coast at Tregastell it has the most beautiful scenery and we all had a great day and Derek took us all out for Lunch.
We have got another Buffet cabinet ( like a Welsh dresser only older and more carved } so the other one we have moved into the 2nd bedroom / office. we have also been given a Grandfather clock off Madam's Daughter which Alan is lovingly restoring.
Derek also painted the front of the barn for us and looked a picture in my wellies. They both said they had a fantastic time.
we think our next visitor is Christian in October and are looking forward to seeing him RELAX.

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 2 2010 17:05

19th August

Picked Mum & Derek up from airport after dropping Pad & Heather off. Mum said they had a great flight and everyone at both airports we're very kind to her with her being in a wheelchair.
We had a fairly busy week Mum was knitting me a jumper how she got her knitting needles through the scanner in her hand luggage we will never know, they let them through but confiscated Derek's sun tan lotion............
They we're both very impressed with the amount of work we have put in as it was exactly 12 months since they last came. Derek got to work with the clippers and mum Potted up 49 chrysanthanum cuttings for us. Alan & Derek also went asnd scavenged some logs that they found by the wayside.

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 2 2010 16:54

12th August

Feeling quite low today, we have had a fantastic with Pad & Heather but they fly home tonight,,,,,
We took them to a couple of markets and to the hypermarket for all their nibbles, and Wed we went to the Broccante as looking round antique places is Heather's dream,
They have both been entertained by the goats especially Aggie who is tied up behind the mobile home.
It has been quite a chilled out week for them, Heather is a teacher so relaxing for good for her. Pad was on on crutches when he came as he broke his toe and the side of his foot 7 weeks ago and it is not healing like it should.
We are dropping them off at the airport tonight and collecting Mum & Derek at the same time so another couple of fun filled weeks, and hopefully some wood chopped gardening done and some general tidying up.

Posted by Chris | Thu Aug 12 2010 18:12

1st Aug

Pam and the family arrived on Sun 25th, it was lovely to see them all again......
On the Monday morning Callum went up to the Pigs with alan and fed them while i had fed the Goats and chicks, then
we took them to our local village Guerlesquin where there was a market on Mondays and due to holiday season there was a funfair also. Callum had a great time and won a couple of prizes,
Tuesday we went for a picnic at the side of Guerlesquin lake it is a lovely spot and Callum made sandcastles, and played football and piggy in the middle with pam and i.
Wednesday and we went to Callac market and had a coffee in a local cafe, and we took them to the Broccante ( antique and second hand shop ) Alan has been bartering for weeks for a true butchers block and today managed to get it for 115e instead of 170e Pam and David and Mel paid half of it which was brill of them..........
Thursday David and Mel went to Guimgamp to the hypermarket and left Pam and Callum here with us it was lovely. all callum wants to do is follow Alan to feed the animals and play ball.
Friday we sent Pam David and Mel to the town of Lannion so they could do some shopping, as Callum does not like shopping he stayed with us and helped Alan with a couple of jobs and played on the keyboard.
Sat they all went to Oceanapolis for the day and Alan and i did the shopping. we have had a brilliant week in which David helped Alan for two days cutting up logs which we really need to do as to prepare for winter coming THANKS DAVID.,and Pam has made all new covers for the underside of the seating in the caravan,which looks great THANKS PAM. Pam & David also painted the BBQ for us and it looks great so we all had a BBQ. David had a brill time mowing the lawn using the sit on mower no crop circles he did a good job.
Callum fetched his DS computer console and did not use it at all as he just wanted to help and do work with everyone......And thanks for all the chat and wine Mel look forward to seeing you all again soon.........

Posted by Chris | Wed Aug 4 2010 20:07

21st July

Just a quick update Pad and his girlfriend Heather are visiting us for a week on the 5th August and Alan's mum and Derek are coming for 2 weeks on the 12th August same airport so we drop Pad and Heather off and pick Mum up. Finished off the toilet in the garage this week repainted it and hung a photo of Mum dressed as Queen Elizabeth in it, on the door we have a crown above the words ROYAL PRIVY cannot wait to show her.
Will update again after Pam and the family have gone home.

Posted by Chris | Wed Jul 21 2010 13:23

19th July

Been harvesting this morning Alan collected 22 heads of brocolli and 3 heads of cauliflower the peas, beans lettuce which we have been eating for weeks and the tomatoes are all doing great, Alan has made blackcurrant jam and apple & blackcurrant pies which we're all fab.....
Looking forward to the 25th July when my sister Pam arrives with her son his wife and their little boy Callum, cannot wait to show them around.

Posted by Chris | Wed Jul 21 2010 13:18

12th July

Roof sorted looks good and Alan 7 Jez also put a larger fan light window in the office, ;loads more light. Alan has now painted the upstairs windows and all the window boxes are in full bloom. I planted 4 rose trees in the Cottage front garden in memory of my Mum, Dad,Sister my Uncle and Alan's 2 brothers they are all in bloom and look brilliant. The weeding of the gardens is never ending.

Posted by Chris | Wed Jul 21 2010 13:14

1st July

Everything was fine when we got back from England. A friend had one of the goats while we we're away unfortunately she had eaten some of his bushes (good job he is not into GOAT CURRY}
we are having the roof sorted next week just some loose tiles and tiles that have slipped into the gutter, so i think a busy week.........

Posted by Chris | Wed Jul 21 2010 13:10

16th June

Had a quite week just tidying up the garden etc. Getting ready as i am home tomorrow for a week.

Posted by Chris | Wed Jul 21 2010 13:07

14th June

Hunters came and the dogs all had radios something or other attached to their collers so that the hunters knew where and how far they had chased the boar, Touch wood we have not seen it since, We all had a great weekend though and a bit of excitement to match, We are going home for a week on 17th as i have a check up due and i am running out of baked beans.......

Posted by Chris | Sat Jun 26 2010 13:41

14th June

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND. There was a motorcycle times trial race going on and a few weeks ago the organisers asked if they could have permission to use the path up the side of the cottage and the woods as part of the course, We invited Jez and Alison and their daughters to come for the day and watch it, unfortunately Jez was working but Alison and the girls came,The bikes came right past the cottage and we could stand in the field and watch them go on the path through the woods. Alan made us all pasts for lunch and the girls had a great time in the mobile home. After lunch we walked up to feed the pigs and see the bikes and Alan and Alison spotted a WILD BOAR sat outside the pig pen watching the pigs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, He was obviously waiting for the two female pigs we have to mature.
Alison spoke to her neighbour as she speaks more french than me, and she said her cousin was a hunter and he would call that night to see us, When he came the boar was still there and they chased it off just like Alan had done, They said they could not hunt and kill it for another 6 weeks till the hunting season started, but they would come back tomorrow with the dogs to chase it further into the woods,

Posted by Chris | Sat Jun 26 2010 13:38

9th June

Just had another friend for a week from home Graham.
Graham was really impressed with what Alan and i had made of the place since we bought it, we went through all the old photos where you could not see the front door for brambles and the fact we did not know we had a courtyard off the kitchen, looking at them made both of realise how far we had come and how hard we had worked.
Graham used the sit on mower for the field and we now have the only field in France with crop circles boy did we all laugh, but a great day non the less. Graham also helped Alan with the wood cutting and weeding the allotment, day to day jobs for us but a bit different for for those who visit. We had a great week.

Posted by Chris | Sat Jun 26 2010 13:27

30th May

Been down in the dumps for a couple of days after the boys went home.............
Better now as we think of all the fun we had, the goats we're forever getting themselves tied up and both Christian and Pad we're in stitches trying to sort them out. Pad used the sit on mower and mowed the field did a good job too, Christian was helping with the wood and they managed to pull a big tree trunk down from the woods, Pad thought our place was just fantastic and he is coming again on the 5th of Aug with his girlfriend, Christian loves how he manages to chill out when he comes, At night the daft sods we're playing hide and seek with the goat as she was tied up behind the caravan clearing some brambles for us, They fed the pigs and chickens and all in all had a fantastic time...

Posted by Chris | Sat Jun 26 2010 13:20

21st May

Had a couple of days rain this week but have managed to spread out the 6 ton of gravel we had delivered, job well done. Caravan is all tidy and stocked with beer and water for when the boys come on Sunday, really looking forward to it,

Posted by Chris | Sat Jun 26 2010 13:12

14th May

Been busy again this week we have built a carport next to the barn so we have somewhere for the van and car, Alan has made a really good job of it and it looks great, we are going to order a few ton of gravel today so we can finish the driveway and cover the floor under the carport. Christian and Pad are coming on the 23rd May and i cannot wait to show it all to Pad as he has never been, Christian came last July but we have done so much work since then and it will be good to see what he thinks of the improvements we have made and also the changes to the cottage,

Posted by Chris | Fri May 14 2010 12:57

7th May

new Bathroom window is now in so all windows have been replaced... The font of the cottage looks fantastic with all the new windows and all of them leaded.All of the brickwork is painted and i have painted the front door so it all looks grand,Veg plants are all starting to look good and the flower seeds for the hanging baskets look well also.

Posted by Chris | Fri May 14 2010 12:52

29th April

Had a brilliant week....... Lorraine really mucked in and did some work. She helped to paint the garage doors with me, then she painted the gates at the front of the cottage and the big concrete gate posts, i need two big Lions now. She also did some of the fine line painting on the brickwork at the front of the house. The animals are all doing fine but Kim the white goat should have been named Houdini she has kept slipping her chain, and one morning when Lorraine got up she saw her sat in the cabbage patch and had eaten all the cabbage seedlings, anyone for GOAT CURRY,,,,,,,Alan leaded all the windows this week they all look GREAT,

Posted by Chris | Fri May 14 2010 12:48

22nd April

Everything is ready now for visitors, Lorraine should have been here Tuesday but because of the ash cloud her flight was delayed till today. When she first arrived she said the place was great, and looking at past photos could see how much work Alan and i had done.
Weather forecast is great so heres to a good week.....

Posted by Chris | Fri May 14 2010 12:41

8th April

Been in the Mobile Home today to check everything is ok, as we have a friend coming to stay in a about 10 days,
Before we went back to England we decorated all the Mobile home and it looks great, email if you would like a holiday in Rural Brittany 10 mins from Village and 20 mins from Town and Beach, you can either do your own thing or muck in with a few DIY jobs and Gardening, look forward to hearing from you...........

Posted by Chris | Thu Apr 8 2010 18:32

7th April

Had 6 Ton of gravel delivered today to make all the paths round the Cottage, We have made paths up to the chickens and round the decking, also we have made a large drive for the car and van, as we have both of them here now,
We also went to the DIY place and bought all the wood to make a Carport next to the barn, but that has to be cleared yet ANY TAKERS WITH WELLIES.........

Posted by Chris | Thu Apr 8 2010 18:28

6th April

Planted Potatoes, Onions ( red & white_), Peas, Sweetcorn, Shallots, Lettuce, Toms & Cucumber today on the allotment.
The goats and pigs looked on in wonder, good job there is an electric fence between them and the crops.....

Posted by Chris | Thu Apr 8 2010 18:25

4th April

Spent all day today building a shelter for Kim & Aggie it was hilarious, all they wanted to do was follow us and try and eat Alan's tools.
We finally finished it and they went in and lay down so it must have been comfortable.
With 4 Chickens 3 Pigs & 2 Goats any more mouths to feed and i will need to find a job..........

Posted by Chris | Thu Apr 8 2010 18:23

2nd April

Hi Everyone
Hope you all had a great Easter, we really enjoyed being in England and catching up with everyone.
Well the day finally arrived......We went and collected....THE 3 PIGLETS only trouble was the guy had 2 GOATS to go as he was downsizing so you guessed right KIM and AGGIE now live with us,,
WELCOME TO THE FUNNY FARM..............

Posted by Chris | Thu Apr 8 2010 18:20

10th March

What a brill weekend we had, went and picked the pigs. Pad named them Chop, sausage & Bacon butty, we said breakfast dinner & tea............
We are going home next week for about 10 days so we will collect the piglets on the 2nd April. Alan has fenced off a plot for them up near the allotment and poly tunnel, we have used electric fencing not so much to keep them in but to keep other things OUT.
The Orchard area is also coming along, we now have 3 Apple trees, 2 Pear trees, a Plum tree, a Peach tree a cherry tree and a Lemon tree,
Things are slowly coming together......
We also have a Neighbour who looks after the chickens when we are away who swaps his parsnips for our eggs how good is that..........
All we need now is a Cider press as someone else gives us Apples that are a different variety to ours,
I will update after our trip to England.

Posted by Chris | Fri Mar 12 2010 18:47

3rd March

Been doing a fair amount of gardening.
Alan has the poly tunnel up and running and we also have 3 veg plots 10ft sq and a potato plot all ready for use.

Posted by Chris | Fri Mar 12 2010 18:38

28th Feb

Weather been very wet so we have been tidying up the Caravan and redecorating it,
We have also done a few more jobs inside the cottage, Roll on Spring when we can replace our one last window which is in the bathroom and do a few repairs to the roof.

Posted by Chris | Tue Mar 2 2010 14:06

15th Feb

Went for a look around a BROCANTE shop today and found the most beautiful Breton Oak carved dresser it looks superb in the alcove in the lounge.Brocante shops are second hand shops, The area of Brittany we are in everything is Breton style very old and carved.
We shall be going again as they have absolutely tons of stuff some is most unusual.

Posted by Chris | Tue Mar 2 2010 14:04

1st Feb

Cooker is installed and working great,,,,,,,,,,
An English guy who looked after the chicks while we were in England had the old cooker,he worked a couple of days helping Alan clear the land at the side of the house, and also chopping some large trees down.
We have made a couple of raised beds for some salads herbs ETC so just waiting for seeds to germinate.

Posted by Chris | Tue Mar 2 2010 14:00

26th Jan

Had a busy few days Alan ordered a POLYTUNNEL from England so we had to prepare the land where it was going, also sort out the allotment area so have been doing a lot of digging and Alan has been using the digger that we bought it has come into it's own and saved us a lot of work.

Posted by Chris | Tue Mar 2 2010 13:56

16th Jan

we have been snowed in for a week we have had 8 inches of snow and could not get out of the grounds, we were fortunate we had fetched a lot of supplies from England plus we had loads of eggs.

Posted by Chris | Mon Mar 1 2010 20:32

5th Jan 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE............
We are now back in France. Everything was ok and the chickens have been well looked after and are laying superbly.
Took a while to unpack everything. we have brought an 8 ring cooker from England which we bought from Comet cannot wait till it is installed.

Posted by Chris | Mon Mar 1 2010 20:30

16th Dec

Merry Christmas everyone who views the blog..............
we are back in England tomorrow too catch up with the fam,ily and friends so will not be online till the new year.

Posted by Chris | Sun Dec 27 2009 19:58

14th Dec

WE had a storm on Fri 13th November and lightening struck the phone lines, the engineer finally managed to come out to us and do the repairs after being without landline phone and computer for 4 weeks. We managed to do lots of work during that month, the steps for the caravan have been made, stacked a load of wood in the barn.repainted the bathroom and i managed to make all my christmas cards. the cottage is looking very welcoming from the outside we just need some help with the gardening, The kitchen now has a new woodburning stove which we light in a morning as we spend most of our time in the kitchen or outside. The weather is still fine but getting colder.

Posted by Chris | Sun Dec 27 2009 19:55

30th October

We have been busy doing some work inside and Alan has been using his mimi digger to clear some of the land ready for the veg plot. the bedroom also has my tv now so we do not have to share.......................

Posted by Chris | Sun Dec 27 2009 19:48

12th October

Christian has gone to Las Vegas for his birthday hope he has a great time......... We have been sorting out the caravan today washing paintwork down and sorting out all the bits and pieces to go into it. We have bought new pots and cutlery ETC.

Posted by Chris | Sun Dec 27 2009 19:46

6th Oct

Been doing a lot of work outside as the weather has been good.
We have cut down some more trees ready for logging for winter and stacked them all up. The barn has been tidied up so we can use it for storage. and spare logs for them to dry out.

Posted by Chris | Sun Dec 27 2009 19:43

27th Sept

Alan has not stopped today...... He has stained all the treads on the stairs, took off and stained the bannister and removed old brackets and fitted new ones, he has wood stained the lounge door and front door and also painted the wrought iron grill in the front door and repainted the double gates,Then he mowed both grass verges at the front of the cottage and then mowed the garden.I took photos.................

Posted by Chris | Sun Sep 27 2009 21:44

26th Sept

Been home for a wee for my birthday had a lovely time and did some visiting, met up with family and went up to the marina to see Jack & Ann Marie, Mike & Chrissie & Tony & Jac had a good old natter.

Posted by Chris | Sun Sep 27 2009 21:41

10th Sept

Alan laid the new cushion flooring we had bought for the Kitchen today it looks superb, it has a nice kitchen that got damp when the cottage had a flood when it was empty, some of the joints have popped out on the cupboards but Alan can repair them with the huge clamps he has at home, so when we come back we will take off the doors and repair them. The kitchen is only 4 yrs old and not used for 3 yrs so we will change it at another time, not sure iwe may move it into garage further down the line.

Posted by Chris | Fri Sep 11 2009 13:50

3rd Sept

cannot believe we have only been here 2 months with all the work we have put in, the cottage is starting to look like home, We took a photo of the front of the cottage after we had painted the shutters etc and it really liiks like it is smiling..... an update is we have put new double glazing in, new central heating in, we have replaced the garage doors, painted and decorated lounge, bedroom, and office, put up double gates and fencing, had the mobile home installed, loads of clearing of the gardens, and we also have chickens, NOT BAD FOR & WEEKS........

Posted by Chris | Fri Sep 11 2009 13:46

24th Aug

Curtains are now up furniture now settled, the bedroom looks superb, lounge looks great, and i can relax in the bathroom what more could we want, keep chopping a few logs but i do not think we chop them fast enough.........

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 3 2009 19:43

9th August

Mum Derek & Christian have been for a few days, mum loved the cottage and got stuck into more gardening before she had unpacked. We went to Callac market on the wed and mum bought us 3 chickens to put in the coop. they soon made themselves at home and we let mum have the first egg that was laid..... Christian did some hedge cutting with alan and did some archery one evening as we had bought a set with the target and everything, and didn't Derek have a go and get bulls eye,,,,,,,
We painted the shutters and the cottage looks great.

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 3 2009 19:40

9th August

Got back to Cottage a week ago, Alan & Derek had done loads, they had cleared some of the garden, built a chicken coop painted the lounge, painted the bathroom and the toilet in the garage, our first downstairs toilet,,,,,,,, made the other garage door ( alan & i made one when we were here last . the whole place smells and looks a lot better.

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 3 2009 19:34

8th July July

Went to hospital yesterday for my scan results they were brilliant scan clear and blood count normal we are over the moon. I am going to Ireland on Fri with Pam so i can really enjoy now that;s out of the way. Alan is going to France with Derek today for the 2 weeks i am away so they can clear more garden and do some painting of the Cottage, We will both be going back to Cottage on the 27th July.

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 3 2009 17:59

20th June

Cottage was signed over to us today at 2pm. IT IS NOW OURS,,,,,,,, so tomorrow we will move bed paint the bedroom and lay carpet soon have it looking like home from home.

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 3 2009 17:55

15th June

Had an expensive weekend been out and bought The bed, wardrobes
drawers, and carpet for the bedroom. Just got to get it all there now,,,,,,,,,, Going back to Cottage on the 17th for 2 weeks and will be staying in it so no more hotel bills.

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 3 2009 17:53

10th June

Just got back been in France and cut a load of hedges ready for the mobile home, IT IS HARD WORK.......... but worth it in the end. The cottage and land seem bigger each time we visit.

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 3 2009 17:49

1st June

Not had a good weekend been very agittated which is normal but seemed worse this time. could have been through ther problem i had with the Chemo this time.

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 3 2009 17:46

27th May 2009

Had my last session of Chemo yesterday and was not very well, i had an allergic reaction as they fed the Chemo treatment too fast into the drip,they had to stop treatment for a while so piriton could be fed through to combat it. I am tired today,

Posted by Chris | Thu Sep 3 2009 17:44

19th May

Chemo cancelled today due to low blood count. bit disapointed
as it would have been my last session, I am now going to have it on the 26th May fingers crossed.........
Our next visit to France will be to have the mobile home connected to the sewers and to do some gardening so we can get into the garden LOL.

Posted by Chris | Mon May 25 2009 13:53

28th April

5th session of Chemo yesterday only 1 to go...........
Missing all our friends at thre Marina but keep in touch with them via email. Been back to France and the cottage should be ours on the 15th July, i am going to Ireland with Pam on the 10th so Alan will do the moving, we have also bought a mobile home which is being put in situ at the cottage the next time we go, we are looking at the 1st June for our next visit.

Posted by Chris | Mon May 25 2009 13:50

1st April

Got this out of order The sale of Takey tezey was finalised today and we move off at weekend. My chemo was cancelled this week as my platelets are too low so it means i can help with the move.
Her new owners are Steve & Diane.

Posted by Chris | Mon May 25 2009 13:45

11th May

We went back to France and signed the paperwork for a cottage we had found.........
It is only a 1 bedroomed place but all rooms are 6Mtrs x 4 Mtrs
and we are going to buy a Mobile home for friends and family to stay in. The cottage also has 2 acres of woodland ( free fuel ) and a 1 acre field and a lovely garden.

Posted by Chris | Mon May 25 2009 13:41

29th April

4th session over with and i have been told my cancer count went back to normal after the second session so here's hoping it stays like that........
After the weekend which is when i feel off, Alan and i are going to France to look at some places we have seen.

Posted by Chris | Mon May 25 2009 13:37

10th March

3rd session over with only 3 to go.
Takey Tezey has been sold and Alan and i are now looking on the internet at properties for sale in France. HERE WE GO.

Posted by Chris | Mon May 25 2009 13:35

18th FEb

Had my 2nd treatment yesterday, the first session went ok i just felt tired and sickly on the Sat & Sun after having treatment Tues.
Have had some interest in TT2 so she could be sold soon.

Posted by Alan | Mon May 25 2009 13:33

28th Jan

Had my first session of Chemo yesterday, i was really scared as i did not know what to expect.
Everyone has been so kind and lovely, Christian Pad & Heather ( Pad's girlfriend } bought me a whicker basket and filled it with Cadbury;s twirls books a DVD and loads of card making acc books and stuff, i was quite overwhelmed when they gave it to me. I have also had a lot of thinking of you cards from friend and family.
TAKEY TEZEY has also gone up for sale.

Posted by Chris | Mon May 25 2009 13:30

10-th January

Been for my check up today and although i have known for 2 years i am going to need Chemo it was still a shock when they said today it will start this month. Everything should be fine and it is a mild form of Chemo so i should not lose my hair.

Posted by Chris | Mon May 25 2009 13:25

20th Dec Christmas

Hi everyone
We are going home today for Christmas and have a few things to think about. I think the boat may be put up for sale after Christmas as we are interested in buying a place in France.

Posted by Chris | Mon May 25 2009 13:21

7th October

October already nearly time for my favourite time of year CHRISTMAS not been out much in the boat as weather not brill, We are going home on Fri as Christian is 30 we are so proud of him and he works so hard We are also going to Devon for a week on Sat so we are looking forward to a great week.
see you all soon,

Posted by Chris | Wed Oct 8 2008 14:44

17th Sept

My Birthday.................
Pad fetched Nana & Derek up today for a buffet and they gave me loads of lovely pressies...... i got chocolates and money off Mum7 Derek and money off Pam & Kevin the boys bought me lots of card making stuff and Heather bought me a book on cardmaking techniques, Alan bought me an envelope maker loads of card stuff a new waterproof jacket for the boat and some new clothes, i had a FANTASTIC DAY, Pad Heather & Christian had also bought me a pink birthday cake which was a toatal surprise,,,,,,,,,

Posted by Chris | Wed Oct 8 2008 14:39

30th Aug

Set off at 8am for Tarlton with about 6 boats for the journey across the Ribble to Preston, It was Mike & Chrissie's first sail across and they loved every minute we managed to get some good photos of their boat plus a couple of funny ones,,,,,,,,
Had a meal at a Mexican place in the docks a few drinks then bed as we were shattered fom the sail to Lymm and we were setting off back again Sun ,

Posted by Chris | Wed Oct 8 2008 14:33

27th Aug Wednesday

Reluctantly we set off on our journey back as we are going to Preston for a meal on sat, then we had a call from dave and we realised we were sailing over to Preston with Jack & Ann Marie Mike & Chrissie and a few others, Had a brill sail over after setting off weather was so so, We had a few probs with the boat Bow Thruster stopped working we got stuck in a lock but all in a days sailing..............

Posted by Chris | Wed Oct 8 2008 14:29

Still at Lymm

Christian and his boss came for lunch today Alan put on a lovely buffet, it was really nice to meet Ian as we know how much Christian loves his job. They had quite a lonnnnnng lunch hour before reluctantly dragging theirselves back to work. We had Dave and Carole and Ruth and Joe come to the boat on sat it was brilliant to see them all and Ruth and Joe thought the boat was great as they never saw Takey Tezey they did not know what to expect and did not realise how big and how much space we had, We then went with Dave and Carole for a meal at the No 3 they do lovely meals and after a couple of drinks went back to the boat for a coffee.
Michelle came up Sun for a couple of hours to relax a little as she was a bit stressed out.
Pad and Heather also popped up to see us

Posted by Chris | Wed Oct 8 2008 14:24

14th August

we set off for Lymm The weather was not bad and we had a good journey. When we pulled in at Worsley to see Pam a family asked if we did day trips as they wanted to take their grandchildren on a boat so Alan let them onboard and the children loved it, we also took photos of the children with the steering wheel and such as they had a disposable camera with them, We had a lovely time. While sorting out the ropes and talking to Pam i heard a voice from above say are you Chris? i was quite startled at first then i liiked up and saw a Man leaning out of the office window above us {good looking man Pam and i thought } He said he had been looking on our website, as i had been enjoying myself so much i had neglected it so thought i had better catch up.

Posted by Chris | Wed Oct 8 2008 14:16

11th August

We have been home for a long weekend as Mum is 8o and we are having a party for her. It is being held at Janet's house and it was a garden party, everyone was all dressed up and all the ladies wore hats. The big surprise was when Mum and Derek arrived they were in fancy dress and sressed as Queen Elizabeth and Derek was Dressed as Mr Brown, apparently Mum had asked for Queen Victoria and picked the wrong one, BUT THEY BOTH LOOKED FANTASTIC> The weather was not brill but we all had a good time.

Posted by Chris | Wed Oct 8 2008 14:08

31st July

Takey Tezey 2 looks really great the name is on both sides and Alan has painted blue flashes in the corners on the cream she looks brill.Heather and Dave are still loving life on Takey Tezey and they are on the same jetty now so see them loads.

Posted by Chris | Wed Oct 8 2008 14:02

28th June

We set off today the the Ribble Link to lead us Preston Docks for the Riversway festival which is on Fri & Sat 4th & 5th July.
We left Tarlton Lock at about 6 45pm and had a fantastic sail over the River Douglas then on to the river Ribble, the weather was a lot kinder to us than it was last year {read blog for mid June last year } We arrived in Preston Docks about 9pm Ann Marie was waiting for us to arrive so she could take Jack, Alan & Dave off TT back to Marina for the cars, From mooring up it was one long list of visitors most from last year that we had met and who knew we were selling TT to buy a bigger boat EVERYONE LOVED IT>>>>>>>>>> they were so impressed and i was really proud of what we had both achieved,,,,,,,,

Posted by Chris | Sun Jun 29 2008 20:59

Mon 1st June

After saying bye to everyone yesterday we are setting sail again today as we want to get to the Chandlers at Preston Brook for a few bits and we need a few fenders as we lost some on the way.

Posted by Chris | Sun Jun 22 2008 23:58

Sun 1st June

Pete Pat and Gary & Rebecca Philip & Kerry came for a visit today along with Christian Pad & Heather it was fantastic, Pad took Alan to the supermarket for the essentials BEER WINE CHOCOLATE ETC and a few bits like milk and bread,,,,,,,,,
Everyone loved the boat and want us back at Lymm next bank holiday at the end of Aug,

Posted by Chris | Sun Jun 22 2008 23:56

31st May

Pad and Heather came again for a visit today she is a lovely girl.

Posted by Chris | Sun Jun 22 2008 23:53

28th May

The big day has arrived we are going to set sail for Lymm, Dave & Heather on Takey Tezey out first boat are sailing with us to Parbold, it is really exiting as it is their fitst overnighter on the canal good luck you two..........
We had a brill and uneventful trip that first day and arrived in Parbold about 5pm.
We had fish and chips on TT2 with D & H and had quite a laugh.
we set off thursday for the Dover Lock Inn D & H could not go any further as Dave was back at work on the Mon.
Arrived at Dover Lock engine was performing brilliantly Alan's maggots had all died so we thought no fishing but a young lad who was already fishing gave Alan a tub full of his maggots so they both enjoyed the evening.
We arrived at Lymm Fri eve along with a few bumps and bangs to the paintwork though nothing that would not dissappear with a little polish.........
To round the evening off Pad came to visit with his girlfriend Heather and her flat mate Clare they very kindly fetched a bottle so we had a brill and relaxed evening.

Posted by Chris | Sun Jun 22 2008 23:52

22nd May

Hi everyone we are at my nephews wedding this weekend so congratulations Jamie & Vicki, it was lovely to see everyone once again and it was a great wedding.
We are hoping to set off and sail to Lyymm next week FINGERS CROSSED>

Posted by Chris | Sun Jun 22 2008 23:42

1st May

Had our 1st sail on TAKEY TEZEY2 today we went to Tarlton just to check the engine and everything are working and we had a great time, The weather was superb and we had a lovely lunch and TT2 behaved superbly............

Posted by Chris | Sun Jun 22 2008 23:40

10th April

Everything is coming along nicely now, lounge is sorted Alan just needs to build in some bookcases all the way down the left side of the boat, those of you who know me will know they are for my BELLS. Bedroom is looking fantastic as is the kitchen.............

Posted by Chris | Sun Jun 22 2008 23:37

22nd March

Me again we also had visitors today some good friend Dave & Carole came it was lovely to see them and we had a great day.
we are still relaxing................

Posted by Chris | Thu Mar 27 2008 21:07

21st March GOOD FRIDAY

HAPPY EASTER
We had visitors today Pam came and brought John & Caroline with the children Jessica & Ben, it was the first time i had seen Ben and he was wonderful we had a great tim e and Alan did a lovely buffet, it was so nice to RELAX,

Posted by Chris | Thu Mar 27 2008 21:06

1st March

Kitchen is now sorted and we have a COOKER installed at last,,,,,,,,,,,
We have bought a Chesterfield settee and a chesterfield library chair, all we have to do is lay a floor before it arrives TOMORROW.
All in all we have a fantastic new home, and its all thanks to Alan's hard work and my labouring.

Posted by Chris | Thu Mar 27 2008 21:03

2nd Feb

Pullman seating is finished TABLE WITH THE MARQUETRY ON IT THAT ALAN HAS DONE IS SUPERB.................... wardrobes now have doors and all drawers are fixed in bedroom. Bathroom is now boxed in with washing machine and great laundry area. Lounge still a workshop, Wheelhouse is now up and running with the new steering wheel, looks very prof.

Posted by Alan | Thu Mar 27 2008 21:00

15th January

Hi everyone we are now back on board after a brill Christmas. We have managed to do the Pullman seating cushions and seats etc.......
Kitchen is finished but no cooker yet.

Posted by Alan | Thu Mar 27 2008 20:54

27th Dec

Back for a couple of days to try and build the Pullman seating in the dining area, Alan has cut out the wood shapes for the sides and has built the framework for the benches, It is all coming together and looks FANTASTIC i will put the photos on the site as soon as POSS,

Posted by Chris | Tue Jan 1 2008 14:27

21st Dec

We are going home today till after Christmas so will be in touch then have a great Christmas and love to all..........

Posted by Chris | Tue Jan 1 2008 14:25

20th Dec

OH WHAT A NIGHT..........
The central heating packed in ( we had run out of fuel ) the water pump kicked in we thought we had a leak ( we had run out of water ) we had no bread for breakfast, WHAT TIME IS THE NEXT TRAIN HOME, We can laugh about it now we are nice and cosy central heating working FUELED UP had a shower FILLED WATER TANK UP had a nice meal that Alan cooked HAVE BEEN TO THE SHOP......

Posted by Chris | Tue Jan 1 2008 14:23

15th Dec

Hi
Kitchen has been rearranged i have lost count of how many times, but i think we are sorted now we have to make a corner cupboard somehow as a standard one will not fit due to the shape but i have every faith in Alan to get it right,

Posted by Chris | Wed Dec 26 2007 20:40

10th Dec

Bathroom is well under way the floor has been laid we have the shower in and two fabulous sinks on stands it look brill, we have also put wet walling of black marble in the shower cubicle and with the lights on it is fantastic.

Posted by Chris | Wed Dec 26 2007 20:37

5th Dec

We are well underway..........
Both televisions in the bedroom and the freeview boxes are all wired up, wardrobes have rails etc they just need doors, we have 3 sets of drawers in the bedroom so it is looking quite cosy we just need doors on wardrobes and the new bedding and we will almost be there.

Posted by Chris | Wed Dec 26 2007 20:34

30th Nov

Hi
We have now built the shell for the the wardrobes, toilet is where we want it and the bathroom floor is marked out for the double shower things are going great,

Posted by Chris | Wed Dec 26 2007 20:30

25th Nov

Back again while waiting for the bed we put up curtains in the bedroom and Alan started measuring for the wardrobes and the shelving for the televisions we are having 2 tvs in the bedroom so we can watch what we each want Alan's will work with cordless headphones. We are staying on board today so we can get an early start tomorrow.

Posted by Chris | Wed Dec 26 2007 20:28

23rd Nov

Back on board today after going and ordering a bed fridge freezer microwave and washing machine and a heart bypass for Alan's switch card............... We took loads of tools and the flooring along with us today today, when we had unloaded Alan put up the curtain rails and laid a carpet in the bedroom. we are going home now till Sunday when the bed is being delivered.

Posted by Chris | Wed Dec 26 2007 20:24

22nd Nov LAUNCH DAY

TAKEY TEZEY 2 has arrived at the Marina this afternoon she looks superb.
Pad Mum & Derek all came to see her launch, It all went smoothly till we came to sail her from the launch jetty to our own jetty because Alan is going to fit hydraulic steering we did not have a tiller arm and trying to steer her was not easy, but we finally had her berthed...... We all boarded her and it was nice to see Dave & Heather there off Takey Tezey and Jack & Ann marie who were waiting for their boat to come back in the Marina after a repaint. We have had a fire built into her and it looks great (i Cannot wait to light it } after a good look and telling everyone what we were going to do we went home tired but VERY HAPPY.

Posted by Chris | Wed Dec 26 2007 20:18

14th Nov ALMOST HOME

Hi everyone
Been to LBC today TT2 is almost finished and should be launched at marina on Tuesday, we cannot wait...........
We have bought most of the things we need and going to pick up the marble shower boarding tomorrow,
See you soon.

Posted by Chris | Fri Nov 16 2007 13:25

29th Oct ALMOST THERE

HI Everyone
Went back up to the LBC today as there was something about the hydraulic steering that Alan wanted to check with Neil who is the foreman and who is building our shell. When we got there we could not believe how she had progressed, she looks HUGE.........We took Pad with us and he was surprised at how big she is, she will be moved from the steel shed wed/thur and into the fitting out shed. We are going away for a week next mon and she should be ready to launch sometime towards the end of week beg 12th nov, then we have our work cut out..........
So once again it is a shop till we drop day, mixing in christmas shopping as well.
See you soon.

Posted by Chris | Tue Oct 30 2007 14:05

24th Oct

Been back to LBC today things are going great guns, she is being moved out of the steel shed this week wed/thur into the fitting out shed and we are looking at 2 weeks from then till delivery..............
She looks huge no wonder Alan is having a bow thruster installed it will make it easier to handle.
Pad is going toupload the pics for me as soon as poss.
take care.
till next time.

Posted by Chris | Mon Oct 29 2007 13:25

HERE WE GO AGAIN 15th OCT

Hi Everyone
TAKEY TEZEY 2 is now under way.............
The steel has been laid and the sides are now on so 4/5 weeks and we will be back on the water. Alan and i have just had a week in Weston Suoer Mare and then come home and started to shop till we drop, we have the curtains made the poles and tracks bedding pillows ETC, new pots pans cutlery glasses and everything, you cannot move in the lounge garage or kitchen.
I have some photos of the boat shell and will upload them as soon as possable.
Take care and will blog again soon with another update,,,,

Posted by Chris | Fri Oct 19 2007 13:28

2nd OCT NEW BEGINNINGS

YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Been and ordered our new boat today, hopefully it will be ready in 5/6 weeks or sooner if we pester, all the plans are drawn up so we are fit to go.

Posted by Chris | Wed Oct 3 2007 13:27

Sun 30th September D DAY

Hi Everyone
Takey tezey our lovely home for the past 18 months has now been handed over to her new owners Dave & Heather.......
A very sad day though i did my crying on thursday the day the papers were being signed. met Heather's parents thurs night they seem a lovely couple and i think they will enjoy life afloat also.
take care will update soon.

Posted by Chris | Wed Oct 3 2007 13:24

Sunday 9th August

Hi Everyone
Just a quick update TAKEY TEZEY has now been sold, she will in 2 or 3 weeks time belong to a lovely couple called Dave & Heather who i feel sure will love her and have has much fun with her as Alan & i have had,Once completion has taken place we will be home for about 6 weeks while the new boat is being built and once again i will upload all the news and pictures as we go along. I am off to Ireland tomorrow with Pam for 10 days so Alan will be on the boat packing.......
Take care and will be back on blog as soon as i am back from holidays with an update.

Posted by Chris | Sun Sep 9 2007 13:03

BOAT FOR SALE 24th JUNE

JUST AN UPDATE TO REMIND EVERYONE TAKEY TEZEY IS UP FOR SALE
JUST CONTACT US FOR VIEWING AND INFORMATION VIA WEB SITE OR APOLLO DUCK

Posted by Chris | Sun Jun 24 2007 17:49

Preston Riversway Festival 15th June

Hi Everyone
It is the riversway festival this weekend and we signed up in January to go, we had a fantastic sail last year so we were looking forward to it.We sailed to Tarlton on wednesday night so we could catch the tide about 10.30am as when the lock gates open you sail against the tide. Woke up thursday morn and it was windy and pouring down but no sweat YET We went through the locks and hit the tide the wind and the rain all at the same time..............The boat was fine it just went up and down in the water as opposed to gliding along,we were nice and dry though under the canopy,when you get to 5 miles out of Preston dock there is a marker in the water which is called 5 mile perch where you go round and head for docks, as we went round IT WAS HAIRY & SCARY the boat motion changed from up and down to side to side i thought we were going to tip over the water was coming up the windows as we rocked and rolled i was scared and excited at the same time, i would not have missed it for the world.........................They put a marquee up and there is entertainment fri & sat night it is a hog roast. There are stalls, boat handling competitions, side shows plus most of the boats put up bunting and lights and on sat night there is a fantastic firework display.
We had some fabulous luminous bunting which i cut all the triangles out and Alan sewed them all onto tape it was a full days work but worth it as when we tied them to the roof of the boat with the lights it looked fantastic.
Christian & Pad came up sunday as it was fathers day, we do not know where they get their cards from but they are really funny and Alan was showing them to all. The sail back was just wet not too nuch wind and i sailed it all the way back to Tarlton boat yard where the canal gets a bit narrow so Alan took over. We have also had some interest in the boat and we may start on the new one soon hopefully...............
Till next time take care and thanks for looking in.

Posted by Chris | Tue Jun 19 2007 14:12

OFF TO LYMM AGAIN 24th MAY

Hi Everyone
Just before i start i would like to let you know a couple of weeks ago we went to the Isle Of Wight, ( i know what your thinking but no we went by coach )and while there we picked up a couple of passengers for the boat called ROSIE & JIM those of you with children will be familiar with them as they live on a barge.I will be posting their picture on site as soon as i can.

This morning we went for a pump out and spoke to Bob the marine manager about putting the boat up for sale on the marine web site, we already have it on APOLLO DUCK but at least on the site Bob can tell people who come looking that it is for sale.


The weather forecast is not brilliant but we decided to set sail anyway the boat was fully laden with Lettuce on roof,2 apple trees, 2 tomato bushes, garlic and geraniums growing on front deck, on back deck we had more lettuce parsley chili plants pepper plants and a spearmint plant what else did we need, oh yes a full fridge of beer wine and a bit of food........ we had also left a mini garden on the jetty of rhubarb, strawberries and flowers Weather was kind to us sailing to Parbold for our first stop. so we were optimistic for day two to Dover Lock.We had a good sail again though a bit less sun and a lot more cloud we arrived at Dover Lock about 5pm and there was already a few boats there, so after a coffee and a quick wash we went to the pub for tea. Bright and early we set sail for Lymm with a stop at Worsley for Pam, David and Mel to visit not forgetting Callum he goes more like his dad every time i see him he is a card, it was lovely to see them and Callum made us all laugh with his sayings and antics........Set off again about 1.30pm for the final leg to the Olde no 3 at Lymm we arrived there tired and hungry there are no locks or swing bridges on that leg but it is a long run. We sailed into Lymm centre sun to pick up a few provisions we had planned to have a BBQ mon but with the weather not sure how many would turn up, but how wrong we were,to name a few Christian & Pad, Pete & Pat, Faye & Steve Malc & June, Derycke & Anne, Neville Maureen and John Martin Margaret and Suzy and Nick Pad's mate his mum Belinda and her friend .we all had a great time and a good laugh. Hopefully we will now sell the boat soon and we can build a bigger one and do it all over again, being on the boat this last 15 months or so has been fantastic and done us both the world of good. WE CERTAINLY HAVE NO REGRETS ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING THE NEXT STAGE OF OUR LIFE>.............

Posted by Chris | Fri Jun 1 2007 13:42

April 25th BOAT FOR SALE...........

Hi Everyone
Takey Tezey has now officially gone on sale she is being sold on www.apolloduck.com and you can contact us with any enquires via the takeytezey web site or the telephone number on the apollo site. She has given us a lot of pleasure over the last twelve months or so and we cannot wait to start all over again................
till i blog you again take care.
ps we will be at Lymm again end of may bank holiday hope to see you all there.

Posted by Chris | Wed Apr 25 2007 21:43

Catch up Sat 14th April

Hi Everyone
Sorry we have not been on for a while but apart from relaxing drinking and sleeping not much has happened over the winter months.
We have just returned from our first trip of the year we went to Lymm to catch up with everyone, we had a fantastic time. We set off thursday 5th April heading for our first overnight stop at Parbold a really pleasant place to moor up, we came out of the Marina heading for the first of 7 locks and 3 swing bridges on the way to Parbold when we saw some children and their mums at the first locks they very kindly helped with the lock gates so we gave them a tour of the boat and they sailed with us up the canal to the swing bridge, we all enjoyed it and they sent us a message through the web site and it was lovely.
We pulled up at Parbold about 4.30 pm tired and hungry so aftr a good meal Alan did some fishing while i put my feet up..........
After a good nights sleep we set off for our next stop which was Dover Lock a nice pub with moorings alongside so after eating again and a few drinks and another good nights sleep we were on our travels again. Next stop Worsley to meet up with the family........Pam came down with Kevin John & Caroline and Jessica ( she has grown) and Lauren (Caroline's niece) David and Callum came and Lisa was there with Joshua we had a fantastic time and was lovely to see them all again. we set off from there about 1.30pm and made our way to the OLDE n0 3 at Lymm where we were meeting up with friends Dave & Carole got there about 6pm ready for a good meal, had a nice meal in the pub a few drinks agood laugh and catch up with them both then bed, we were shattered,
Set off sunday for Lymm centre when we were meeting up with Christian & Pad, they fetched Nana & Derek with them and then Sharon Belinda Jodie Max & Milli arrived The lads went and bought BBQ food and Alan cooked it. Friends Pete & Pat arrived and the day just got better & Better ( if we don't mention that while Alan was getting the charcoal from under the engine housing he knocked the BBQ into the canal and had to fish it out. still the food tasted great though ) Monday came and also a visit from friends Malc & Nikki another good afternoon.#
We decided that mon aft we would head for Preston Brook as we had not sailed further than Lymm before, we moored up a Moore a lovely little village it was just peace and quite.arrived at Preston Brook tues picked up a few things from the Chandlers and then started our journey back.........
We moored up once again at the n0 3 pub and once again laughed drank and slept well. next stop Dover Lock for more good food drinks and sleep.Set off on the last leg of the journey thurs morn a glorious day ready to do Leigh Wigan etc unfortunately the canal is full of rubbish here and the propellorgets clogged quite easily. at Wigan Pier we met a gentleman and his son who helped with lock and then came on board i did not get their name but they know who they are MANY THANKS TO YOU BOTH..........Arrived back on Marina about 3pm with an empty fridge and a full toilrt tank after a fantastic week and our now eagily awaiting our next journey which is the Riverways water festival in June..........
take care and thanks for looking in.
Chris xxxxxxxxxx

Posted by Chris | Sat Apr 14 2007 14:58

19th Jan BOAT FOR SALE

HI everyone
Hope you all enjoyed a Merry Christmas and had a great new years eve.
Alan and i have enjoyed the whole boating project so much we want to do it again so we are selling TAKEY TEZEY so we can start again on TAKEY TEZEY 2 if anyone is interested in seeing the boat you can email us through the contact page on this site.
We will be only too pleased to show you our show boat...........

Posted by Chris | Fri Jan 19 2007 15:39

24th December

Alan and i would like to say a huge thank you for the interest that you have shown concerning the Takey Tezey site.At the start of the new year we will update with finished pictures etc and the Wheel House that we built on the back.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL> XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Don't forget a message via the contact page if you wish to visit us.

Posted by Chris | Tue Dec 26 2006 22:14

Captain Birds Eye

I have now got together some of the photos of fish that Alan has caught while sat on the back of the boat, His mum has also caught a good one,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Posted by Chris | Thu Oct 5 2006 18:19

16th September PARTY

Hi Everyone
It's my birthday and after a few drinks in the pub we decided to have a B B Q for my birthday at the marina, it started off as a drink on the back of the boat for a few of us and it just grew..........
We had a joint party in the boathouse for my birthday and a marina warming party. WHAT A GREAT NIGHT We have posted photos from the night under Party. Many thanks to all who contributed to the night and for all the cards and gifts i received.

Posted by Chris | Thu Oct 5 2006 08:46

FINISHED PRODUCT

The boat is now at the finished stage (there is always something else to do ) and it looks fantastic, i have now uploaded some new photos of the interior of the boat. we would welcome any of your comments.............
please use contacts form on site.

Posted by Chris | Thu Oct 5 2006 08:41

Bank Hol Monday more special visitors

Pam rang yesterday and said she would drive up with Mel and Callum (her daughter in law and grandson)we could'nt wait they arrived about noon but the weather was far too windy to get out of the Marina, Callum (18mths) had a fantastic time feeding the ducks and the swans off the back of the boat, Mel thought the boat was brilliant and said she could live on one like ours with all the space. Alan took us all to lunch at the cafe on the Marina and we all had a lovely meal......
Callum kept everyone amused in the cafe. and then after a walk round he wanted to feed the ducks again and i ended up with no bread. They left about 4pm and i was so proud of Pam for driving all the way to see us when she will only drive local normally. WELL DONE PAM

Posted by Chris | Sat Sep 9 2006 15:49

21st aug special visitors

Hi Everyone
having been home for the weekend and not going back to the boat till tuesday, i gave my mum a ring and asked if she and her friend Vera would like us to collect them and take them on the boat, they were over the moon.

We took them for a short sail to Tarlton it was quite windy so it made it hard going....... Alan made us a buffet and we all walked into Tarlton for a cream cake. with the wild life and the hedgerows there was loads to see and they had a brilliant day.

Posted by Chris | Sat Sep 9 2006 15:41

8th Aug

Went to the Heskith for tea today, a pub just outside the Marina went with Margaret & Steve off Maggie D and Elaine & Harry from Marryan had a good laugh, Alan & i thought what about a party for my birthday on the back of the boat for a few people by the end of the night it had changed to a joint birthday party and a Marina warming party for everyone on board.
So we are having a big party on the 16th of sept in the boat house ( when we have cleaned it out )it is a BBq which Alan is providing and a bring your own booze. it should be a good night.........................

Posted by Chris | Sat Sep 9 2006 08:23

Trip to Lymm

Monday set off for Lymm today. We left the Marina around midday and set off for Parbold it was a gorgeous day and we we're both really ready and exited. We found it heavy going through the seven locks and the swing bridge on the Rufford branch of the canal but i think the heat had a lot to do with it. Parbpld beckoned at about 6.30pm and we moored up there after a 6 hour sail, Parbold has some lovely scenery and well worth a walk along the tow path.
We set off tues morning about 9.30am heading for Dover Lock Inn nr Adlington where we were going to moor for the night, we really enjoyed the journey we had 2 locks and then a big lock in the centre of Wigan which was being repaired and to open the lock you had about a mile walk through a factory yard so Alan told me to sail the boat and he would do the lock,
sailing through Wigan we could not believe all the rubbish in the canal. We had another 5 locks but as they are spaced out it does not feel to bad, we arrived at Dover Lock about 5pm so a slightly longer day but not to bad, the meal in the pub was superb and as there was a couple of other boats moored up wee felt quite safe. Wed we should make Lymm today so we set off at 9am there are no locks or bridges on this leg but it can take a while, it was pleasent sailing all the way to Worsley and facinating to see the canal change colour to a rusty brown due to the old mines. We had a 2hour wait at the bride over the ship canal a ship came through but then they could not open the road bridge as the heat had made it expand and the fire brigade we're called to hose and cool the bridge down. The rest of the journey passed quite quickly and we arrived at Lymm at 7.30pm after a 10 and a half hour sail, we we're cream crackered and reieved to be there.We stayed on the boat till fri when Pad picked us up. Sat we had an open day for friends and had a fantastic day Jackie and Steve came with Bethany and Emily who i used to child mind for. Pat and Alan came . Mirinda and Gary , Irene and David and Pad picked Mum & Dereck up we had a full house all day BRILLIANT. Sun we set off for home (the Marina) Pad dropped us off and we fetched mum & Derek on the boat so they could sail to Worsley with us. We had arranged to meet Pam & Kevin in Worsley and Pad was joining us there and picking mum & Derek up .Pam & Kevin loved the boat and we had a laugh with mum. while Kevin had a chat to Alan & Derek.A FANTASTIC WEEKEND.

Posted by Chris | Sat Sep 9 2006 08:16

Enjoying life 5th July

the last couple of weeks have been great, we have been to Tarlton a few times and had apicnic or two, we have been doing a BIT of walking around the area and just taking it easy, We have finished a couple of odd jobs on the boat and just pottering about............
We are going to Lymm in a couple of weeks so will update then.
xxxxxxxxxx

Posted by Chris | Sat Sep 9 2006 07:48

22nd June AN EPIC JOURNEY

Hi i'm back again
We set off this evening for an overnight stop at Tarlton, ready for an early start fri morn for a boating festival at Preston Docks, we went with another couple of boats from the Marina. We stayed at Tarlton overnight as we had to go through the locks onto the river Ribble and we had to time it to the tide as it is a tidal river, before we could go through the lock we had to have life jackets on and an anchor on the boat. We cruised down the Ribble and then onto the river Douglas and it was a lot different to being on the canal you could feel the swell off the other boats and there was water skiers and allsorts going past us. We spent friday night in a Marquee at the docks with Irish entertainers and a bring your own booze night.
Saturday we had a day walking round all the stall and kiosks and admiring other boats, and in the evening we went to a Hog Roast, then an illuminated boat procession followed by a gigantic firework display. we then set off for the Marina sun morning at 10am so we went back with the tide, i sailed the boat all the way back to Tarlton it was brilliant.
At Tarlton we were met by Christian and his friends they left their cars at Tarlton and cruised back with us they had 2 children called Katie and Ethan and they loved feeding the ducks off the back of the boat and feeding the swans on the Marina. Alan then drove them all back to Tarlton to pick up their cars what a fantastic weekend.......................

Posted by Chris | Sat Jul 1 2006 15:11

12th June OUT OF THE MARINA

We thought we would attempt the journey to Lymm this week but when we phoned the British Waterways Ass they said Plank Lane Bridge was closed and only open for 4 hours on a saturday due to repairs but it will be open for full navigation on the 30th June so we are postponing the trip till then. We decided to take the boat out and stay on the side of the canal for a couple of nights away from the safety net of the marina to gain some extra experience before the long trip. We set out at 11am and cruised for a while then had a pleasant lunch on the back of the boat after 7 locks and 2 swing bridges we we're ready for it, we then carried onto Burscough where there was a swing bridge that closed the road off so we stopped all traffic i had a little trouble opening the bridge so there was a small hold up, after sailing past there we came to the another road bridge on the outskitrs of Burscough but as it was an electric bridge i only had to press a button it all went smoothly and no traffic jam........... we then sailed passed a couple of pubs till we came to the Ship Inn that had been recommended we moored up right outside about 6,30pm had a lovely meal and a couple of drinks and then sat on the back of the boat with a few more drinks while Alan fished. After a reasonable nights sleep we set off a bit furtheer on to the winding hole to turn round and begin our return journey. on the way back we stopped at Burscough for a fish and chip lunch then carried on instead of turning left for Rufford and home, We carried on till we came to Parbold and moored up there just as the heavens opened so we moored up and put our feet up for a while.................. We stayed overnight at Parbold and went for a walk through the village and it was really nice, we then both slept soundly and after breakfast set off back home. On the way back Alan did the bridges and one of the locks while i did the steering through the bride and lock IT WAS FANTASTIC,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Posted by Chris | Fri Jun 16 2006 18:46

Thurs 8th June

We had a wonderful day today Sharon and Belinda came today for a visit with Jodie and Maximus & Million, We took them on a short cruise to Tarlton village, it was a beautiful sunny day. Sharon and Belinda loved the boat, we stopped at Tarlton and had a walk through the village and then went into the Cock & Bottle Pub for lunch, it was a lovely meal and Jodie had a great time running around in the beer garden, After the meal we walked back to the boat calling in at the craft shop in the village which is a cardmakers heaven, we thought Sharon & Belinda we're going to move into the shop for good............When we got back to the boat Jodie did a fine job helping me with the first swing bridge, she also helped Belinda with the second one, Belinda then took over the tiller arm and steered us home. Max & Millie we're superb the whole dayu they had lunch on board & plenty to drink,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, they did not have much to say as they are only 6mths old, but they we're very contented and had a nap or two on the journey. Jodie came armed with half a loaf for the ducks and they are now fatter than ever, Thank you all for a great visit............
it was also a year to the day since i had my operation and you certainly kept my mind occupied.....

Posted by Chris | Fri Jun 16 2006 18:23

Back home 26th May

Alan picked me up from Pam's today to take me back to the boat. We had a text from Dave & Carole to see if they can visit on sat, they came about 12.30pm and after lunch we went for a walk it is a beautiful area, They thought the boat was fantastic and not what they imagined it to be.
SUN Andrew fetched Christian Mum & Derek up for lunch and Alan did a lovely buffet, and then in the afternoon Alan's sister and her husband turned up unexspectidly it was a lovely surprise.......
We came back mon eve as Alan had a Doc app but we are back on board tuesday.
We are now going to plan a trip to Sale it is about a three day cruise to get there and hopefully this should happen mid June, so hope to see you all then.
Take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Posted by Chris | Tue May 30 2006 07:52

Hard day's work..........20th May......

Hi Everyone
I went back home on wed 10th may and the weather was glorious on the thurs Alan said did i fancy a cruise to Tarlton it was a lovely day and we went through 3 swing bridges all manually operated but not too bad.
Friday Alan asked if i fancied a pub lunch at Burscough brilliant i said but why set off at 10.30am because we will cruise there Alan said..........................
We were told it would take app 3and 1/2 hours so,
lunch about 2pm NOT we had to negotiate 7 locks and a swing bridge and arrived at the pub at 3.30pm they did not serve food after 2.30pm we were starving with all the hard work and really thirsty so we had a drink and set off to find a winding hole to turn round. We arrived at Burscough centre and moored up it was now 4,30pm we found a chip shop bought fish and chips and set off to return, seven locks and a swing bridge later we pulled into the Marina at 10.30pm. The neighbours in the next boat came out to help tie up and wondered what we were doing back as 90% of cruisers would have only done the pub run one day and returned the next because of all the locks (now we know) so it took us 12hours to sail to Burscough for fish and chips when it is a 10 MIN JOURNEY IN THE CAR i must admit though we had a fantastic time...........................

Posted by Chris | Sun May 21 2006 08:33

Homesick 4th May

Hi Everyone
I have been at home for the last 2 weeks as Christian is in San Francisco and i am keeping Pad company, Alan is enjoying all the free time with no hassle and i am bored and cannot wait to go back. It is lovely being with Pad but he has his interests and there is not much for me to do. I have been and seen a few friends and paid a visit to the local playgroup i was connected to, but now i am ready to go HOME.

Posted by Chris | Thu May 4 2006 12:20

Life on the waves 14th April

Hi Everyone.
Sorry for the wait, we we're home last week but only for my niece's twins christening, we had a lovely time and the babies are beautiful..........
Lots has gone on since i last logged on, the bedroom is finished as is the bathroom, the kitchen has been fitted out and the lounge looks fantastic.
We have had our first international visitor Andrew's Fiance Bjorne came to stay with Andrew for two weeks and they came for a couple of visits. On her first visit Alan took the four of us for a pub lunch it was a lovely old pub and cost him £48 pound for fish & Chips twice Sausage & mash & gammon & chips i don't think we wll be going there too often. We have also been for a sail up the canal a couple of times 2hrs out and 2hrs back it was brilliant , the first time it was lovely and sunny and quite calm and the only trouble we had was getting out of the Marina as the opening is about 11ft 6ins and the boat is 10ft 6incs wide, so once again we lost a
fender....................
We also went up the canal with Andrew, Bjorne Mum & Derek the trouble was it was a windy day we we're blown about getting out of the marina so it took a while to get the boat in a straight line, once it was we we're off it is a lovely strtch of canal though i have to get off the boat and open 2 swing bridges and we have to go up the canal till it meets the river Douglas before we have a winding hole where we can turn round. after we had been out the second time i did find it easier as i knew what i was doing. Alan steers the boat fantastic and i have done it a couple of times myself i love it............
When we go out next time we will turn right ou of the marina ans we have around 7locks to go through before we can turn round that will be hard work i think we may have to take turns steering and undoing the locks. We are going back to the boat on sunday morning so we will be there till next thurs if anyone fancies a visit. Take care will log on as soon as i can.

Posted by Chris | Sat Apr 15 2006 09:51

Wed 13th April A Very Special Evening

On wednesday we had our first dinner guests Pete & Pat came for dinner and Alan cooked a wonderful meal. We all sat at the breakfast bar and Alan had cooked Chicken Myers and i had made a trifle we just sat and talked and had a brilliant time.....................they think the boat is wonderful.......

Posted by Chris | Sat Apr 15 2006 08:36

18th March

Hi
Sorry for the wait as we decided not to come back last weekend, we are so enjoying life on the boat and with so much to do we just don't want to leave it.
It has been an eventful and busy time, the bedroom now has steps and dressing tables, the bathroom has the cupboard on the toilet tank now, we have rearranged the kitchen and built in a breakfast bar, for which we ordered the bar stools today.
last saturday we sailed to the other side of the Marina for a fuel and water top up and to empty the toilet tank, as it was a very windy day we hung around before we decided to go back to our berth, after a while we thought we would risk it...............we did get back but we lost the fenders on one side hence we are going to a boat jumble event tomorrow to replace them. We had the reclining chairs delivered on wed they are so comfortable i think we may have trouble getting out of them and on with the work............
If the weather is not too windy we may sail down the canal next week so keep your fingers crossrd and wish us luck.............
see you soon.

Posted by Chris | Sat Mar 18 2006 16:51

3rd March

Hi Everyone
It is getting harder & harder each week to leave the boat and come back. Alan is getting on really well with all the fitting out, and the shower and everything are working well.
We have to make a couple of doors for the bathroom that will hide the toilet tank, and then we will Danish oil the bathroom and that will almost finish that room.........
We are going to pick up the worktops and sink for the kitchen this weekend as that is next weeks job, the kitchen cabinets are in but we have to wait 3 weeks for the doors but we can carry on with the rest of it. The floor was laid in the passage and part of the kitchen last week., once it is finished we can start on the lounge area.
Alan's mate Malcolm came on thurs for a visit our first official visitor since Takey Tezey was launched, Pad brought mum & Derek up yesterday and we all had fish & chips it was a lovely day and we all had a great time.
Take care........

Posted by Chris | Sat Mar 4 2006 15:28

24th Feb a busy week

Hi Everyone
We have been quite busy this week. We stayed on the boat on tues night but as the central heating was not working we were freezing and in bed by 6pm...........
It was so quiet all we could hear was the church clock, and a couple of ducks suffering from insommnia but rather that than trucks & cars.
Alan put the bathroom sink in and the worktop we laid the cushion flooring and sorted out the shower area, today we part tiled in the shower and hung the shower it'self up, everything is looking good.
The engineer came to the boat to sort the heating out yesterday
so we stayed on board again WHAT A NIGHT the rain was horrendous but we were so snug inside the boat it was fantastic till i woke up and wondered why i was getting dripped on............
the mushroom air vent in the roof had not been screwed in tight enough hence the raindrops.
We got new neighbours today at the marina. a narrow boat that has been featured on the program Locks & Keys with Fred Talbot
was craned in apparently the program has been following the building of it.
We will be back on board a few nights next week and hopefully we will finish the bathroom.
Bye for now..........

Posted by Chris | Fri Feb 24 2006 18:17

17th Feb A HARD WEEK

Hi Everyone
We now have our first week over, a very busy week.....
The bedroom just needs the dressing table and steps which Alan has to make to fit. All the blinds are up and fitted.
All the lights are working off the battery, hopefully electric will be connected by next week.

Posted by Chris | Mon Feb 20 2006 18:56

Tues 14th Feb

THE HARD WORK STARTS NOW ON THE LOVE OF ALAN'S LIFE


Alan & i spent our first full day on the boat today, We laid the bedroom carpet. put blinds up at all the windows, and we chalk marked where the shower and toilet is to be fitted and then chalk marked the kitchen area.

We had our first meal on board today Alan cooked bacon & eggs on the primus stove it smelt and tasted wonderful................

We have bought the wardrobes and are going up on thurs to fit them and hopefully buy the bed and get that onboard. The electric should be hooked up by monday and if Alan can plumb a sink in this weekend then we may be able to sleep on board from monday next week as we did not want to come home tonight.

Posted by Chris | Wed Feb 15 2006 15:05

Mon 13th Feb SAFE LANDING......

TAKEY TEZEY finally landed today (on the canal) it was a smooth operation, she has settled on the canal like a duck to water and looks like a million dollers. Both Christian & Andrew along with Grandma was there to watch, it was real family affair.

We have lots of photos of the boat being craned into the water etc.

Posted by Chris | Wed Feb 15 2006 14:55

Sunday 12th Feb 2006

Mother has just come around and she is so excited about the boat launch tomorrow that she is coming up to Rufford to witness it being put in the water. she do's not know it yet but we have written a speech for her to do at the launch before the bottle of Newcastle Brown is poured over the stern.
Mothers speech,

I name this canal boat “TAKEY TEZEY ”

God bless everybody who sets foot on her decks.

God bless everybody who seeks and finds us, to enjoy the hospitality on board.

God bless everybody who sleeps and enjoys life on the canals of England.

God bless everybody who steers and travels on her.

Date of launch Monday 13th February 2006.

Posted by Alan | Sun Feb 12 2006 13:43

9th Feb ALMOST THERE........

After being at the Boatyard yesterday we saw lots of activity, and the boat being lined out electrics being fitted check the photos. Ian the project manager has just telephoned with the news we have been waiting for that TAKEY TEZEY WILL BE READY TO GET HER BUM WET on monday 13th Feb. We will be launching her on the canal between 2.30/3pm hopefully we will get some photos of her being craned onto the wagon at Liverpool and off again and into the water at Rufford Marina.

Posted by Chris | Thu Feb 9 2006 16:38

boat build 29th january

We have now uploaded some photos we have been taking while the boat is being built, Photo 2 our boat is in the middle,
photos 4, 5, 6, is ours. photos 10, and 13 is another boat being taken from the steel factory to the fitting out shop round the corner, we have put them on to give you an idea of the size of ours. The last 4 photos were taken at the marina where we are going to be moored.

Posted by Chris | Sun Jan 29 2006 18:26

26th January 2006

Hi Everyone
Alan and i went with Pad upto the Boat Company today just to take a couple of photos of the hull being welded together, and what a good job we went today as we were told it will be out of that part of the factory by weekend and then they will start to line it out in light oak. We were told last time when we handed some money over that it would be completed by 20th Feb, today they said it will be ready by ( wait for it) the 7th of Feb Alan was gobsmacked.............We then had to go to the Marina at Rufford and let them know we will be 2 or 3 weeks early as they are not open completely yet as it is a new Marina.
I am going to have to spend all weekend altering 10prs of curtains, ordering the bed, fridge freezer, and the cooker, because they are putting the toilet and central heating in at the factory we will have running water and heating so we can spend as much time as we want there while we are fitting it out.
Pad will put the photos of the hull and the Marina on the site tomorrow.

Posted by Chris | Thu Jan 26 2006 18:59

The big build

16th January
At last the steel is being laid for the boat as we type...
We have been back to the boat yard with the specs for the boat and to hand over the money. They are looking to have the steel shell built by the end of next week when we will go and take photos before it is lined out in light oak. There is a good possability that the hand over and launch of TAKEY TEZEY will be around the 20th of Feb.
Alan and i are getting really exited now, and i'm thinking of curtains and furniture while Alan is thinking od batteries barge poles (all the boring stuff).
Hopefully i will be back on next week with some photos.

Posted by Chris | Sat Jan 21 2006 20:09

Happy New Year

Alan and I would like to wish everyone who visits this site a very happy new year.
All our plans photos etc for our life on board Takey Tezey2 a wide berth canal boat will be posted on the site towards the end of january.

Posted by Chris | Fri Dec 30 2005 17:40

Happy Christmas Folks

Hopefully you'll find this of some use while out on the open waves (aka the Leeds/Liverpool Canal).

I've set this up as a kind of 'retirement diary' for you. You can let friends/family know what your up to, where you are etc. As long as they know the URL (That's the web address - www.takeytezey.com) then they'll see everything you put on these pages

I've written some web scripts so you'll be able to update the pages very easily without hasseling me or Pad too much. I'll show you how to do this later today.

In the meantime, hurry up and do that breakfast because we've got to be at Nana's for half 10.

Posted by Christian | Sun Dec 25 2005 00:01