On Friday last week, Barry moved Areandare swiftly along the fast flowing river Severn without a problem, and by Monday, he’d moored her up safely in Worcester Marina, Lowesmoor Wharf, ready for our three month winter stay. It’s nowhere near as picturesque as Tattenhall Marina, where we enjoyed an extended stay last winter, but it is very handy for a number of important things.

We’ve both got mixed feelings about being ‘static’ for so long, after nine months of happily moving around the system and a new view most days.

However, the electric hook-up, water on tap anytime, pump out at hand, Aldi a five minute walk away (I love Lidl and Aldi), a buzzing city on our doorstep, and public transport within easy reach will certainly outweigh our reservations.

Worcester embracing some of their xmas decorations – lights on around 3pm as it’s dark so early now

And really, it’s the season for stillness and hibernation, so we’re going to embrace that whenever possible.

We’re looking forward to exploring Worcester more. We love the city, and the Cathedral is magnificent. I’m planning on going to a few evensongs and carol concerts, I imagine the acoustics will be outstanding. Most of the time we visit cities without the luxury of staying, so this will be a pleasure.

Our main reason for choosing Worcester is there’s a handy bus service to my mum and dad’s, so it’ll be easy to get to them during the day time and back again!

Running The Home Brew Boat will be breeze too. An address for deliveries and a half mile walk to the nearest UPS parcel collection place where Barry’s already becoming a regular customer sending on-line orders away …

Weekends away

Last weekend I spent at a Hoseasons lodge in ‘Cricket St Thomas’ on the Dorset/Somerset border, celebrating my younger sister’s hen weekend. With unseasonably mild weather we were able to relish a few country walks and a relaxing soak in the hot tub each evening. There was underfloor heating AND a log burner. Very cosy.

Our luxury lodge for three nights in the middle

Crisp, clear blue skies and sunshine all weekend – once the mist lifted

Saturday lunch at a splendid local pub – with my sisters, Viv’s soon to be step-daughter Rachel, and daughter Samantha

Kath, Linda, me and Viv saying goodbye for now – we’ll see each other again on 14th December for a family xmas lunch

Tomorrow we’re taking the train down to the south coast (via Birmingham New Street as the tickets were ridiculously cheap), venturing to the buzzing city of Brighton staying with my younger daughter Kim and celebrating Barry’s birthday.

He says he loves having a winter birthday rather than a summer one.

I think he’s crazy!

We’d planned to have a night out with his friend Dickie and wife Sandra, but sadly they’re no longer able to make it. So we’re not sure what festivities lie in wait, but I’m sure we’ll find fun things to enjoy before he reaches his 60th year – yikes!