Choosing to jump off the 'respectability' of the endlessly turning hamster wheel in our fifties, was one of the best decisions Barry and I jointly made. It wasn't an overnight move by any means. But a considerably-thought-out-as-much-as-possible one. We had a number of ideas as to how we'd make money. None of which was in … Continue reading Free to Cruise After Calendar Club
Lichfield Calendar Club
Walkabout From Leeds to Lichfield
I have to admit something I suspect won't surprise anyone reading. In matters rugby related, my allegiance isn't with the country of my birth. And despite Barry loving many things about life in the UK, when it comes to supporting The All Blacks, he switches back too. Last Saturday New Zealand played England in the … Continue reading Walkabout From Leeds to Lichfield
Recuperating, farewells, flooring and retreating!
It's difficult to adequately describe the sense of freedom and relief Barry and I have felt for the past three days. You'll have gathered that the truck finally arrived two and a half hours late to collect the eight loaded pallets that had been our Calendar Club shop. It took over an hour to complete … Continue reading Recuperating, farewells, flooring and retreating!
Packed up and waiting …
The day I've been excitedly anticipating whilst simultaneously dreading is almost over. The Lichfield Calendar Club shop is all packed onto pallets waiting for the truck to arrive and take them away on their journey down to HQ in Exeter. What a mammoth task! Thankfully we had three amazing helpers - Tony, Jules and Pete. … Continue reading Packed up and waiting …
Last day for Lichfield Calendar Club till October
It's finally arrived. Our penultimate day trading here at The Three Spires Shopping Centre. We've had a busier week than expected since New Year's Day which is a brilliant bonus. Barry had a day off on Thursday to move us to Branston, so we're now heading in the direction we'll be mindfully meandering during the … Continue reading Last day for Lichfield Calendar Club till October
Some snowy scenes from Barry for the northern hemisphere winter solstice
Hurrah! I've managed to secure the snowy scenes Barry shot last week around Lichfield, in between selling calendars. Sadly he wasn't able to get many images of the canals seeing as we're mostly stationary at the moment. Enjoy ... Lichfield Cathedral - as seen during our walk to work on Monday 12th December What a … Continue reading Some snowy scenes from Barry for the northern hemisphere winter solstice
Precariously surviving and thriving in artic conditions
In March 2013, when we first arrived in England 'for the foreseeable future', the country had recently experienced an 'unexpected' heavy fall of snow. We headed as planned to the Lake District and our booked holiday home with my parents, sisters and brothers in law to celebrate mum's 80th birthday. It was spectacularly beautiful. Even … Continue reading Precariously surviving and thriving in artic conditions
Floored by flu
Barry and I pride ourselves in being fit and healthy. When I was employed, my sickness record rarely had a mark on it. So when Barry was struck down a couple of weeks ago, hardly able to lift his head never mind leave the boat, I knew it was bad. I soldiered on stubbornly, and … Continue reading Floored by flu
A short and slightly scary stay in Handsacre …
Since early October we've been successful in our choice of fourteen day moorings. Until this week ... Actually that's not strictly accurate. The moorings, as always, are Barry's choice. Not mine. So the 'we' is stretching the truth a little. Geography, especially of the UK Inland Waterways, is not one of my strengths. Handsacre appeared … Continue reading A short and slightly scary stay in Handsacre …