Isn’t it fabulous that Barry’s posting his favourite images of 2015? I’m loving seeing scenes I’d forgotten about, and remembering why we’ve chosen this lifestyle. The Inland Waterways contain such a wide diversity of beauty, no wonder Barry’s so enraptured by it (I quite like it too!).

Latest news from Mercia

Sitting still at Mercia Marina for the winter is a bit of a struggle – in fact today Barry’s itchy feet mean he’s taking off for a jolly on the boat to Burton-on-Trent, so he can collect an order from one of his suppliers there. Tomorrow he’s joining a group from the marina taking a tour of the National Brewery Centre. I believe it’s called ‘research’!

The lovely marina office staff have posted flyers around the grounds to advertise our whereabouts. Our challenge is that although The Boardwalk is frequented by a good number of shoppers, few venture down to the trade moorings to see us or The Mug Tug (and we’re not featuring on the website yet). Those that do find us are fascinated and stop for a chat – or to purchase something (hurrah!).

We even got a visit from Santa last week …

Barry looks like Santa’s little helper from this angle!

Barry’s keeping himself busy doing his photoblogs, a spot of engine maintenance and sorting a shower leak, and generally being present for any orders or passing shoppers.

Sandra’s facepainting adventures

I’m off the boat more than on at the moment and for the foreseeable future (nothing new there then!).

The weekend before last was spent in Malpas with my daughter and grandsons – facepainting at the eldest’s sixth birthday party which was enormous fun and a great privilege. I bet there aren’t many grandmas who can relish such an experience.

Last weekend was the ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’ in Bewdley, and I facepainted at Bewdley Museum – a venue I’ve enjoyed visiting many times in the past with mum and dad so the venue holds fond memories.

I travelled to mum’s by train last Friday, and will be here until Monday 7th December when I return to the boat for a few days – before jumping on a train again on Friday 11th for Santa’s grotto weekend at Bewdley Museum.

All set up in the entrance looking Christmassy

Bewdley Museum

This week I’ve got what promises to be a huge event over four days – the Christmas Shopping Show at Malvern County Showgrounds. There’s heaps of activities on for children and dozens of stalls selling a vast range of goods and produce.

Barry’s big birthday!

Sadly it means I’ll be missing Barry’s 60th birthday on Sunday 6th December. We’re hoping the sacrifice will be worth it – I’ll let you know next week!

Barry hasn’t finalised his plans for the weekend yet – it’s dependant on the vagaries of the British weather. If it promises to be fine he’ll stay and trade. If it continues to be wet and cold, he may choose the luxury of a day or two off and visit a friend in Sheffield. He really deserves a break, so I’m hoping for the latter.