A beautiful mild, sunny Autumn day spent on The Grand Union Canal in Hertfordshire. Have experianced many a Canal Trip but never as eventful as this trip!
Entered the first Lock out of Pitstone Village with no problem until it came to closing the Gate. The brick base of the lock had broken up and bricks had become jammed under the gate.. had no option but to reverse out, turn round and return to Pitstone. It was agreed the trip should still go ahead but in the opposite direction, still with as many Locks and beautiful scenery.
Turning round was an issue however for two reasons (a) Width of Canal same as Barge. (b) To shallow for turning.
It took three attempts with help of Man Power and Stout Barge Poles. A hearty cheer ran out on a job well done!!
A good Ploughmans and Pint of Speckled Hen was enjoyed before I left the Barge for a walk meeting the Barge again three locks up the tow path. Owners have asked for copies of my photographs for inclusion in the 2013 Brochure.
On driving back home the weather changed somewhat and the evening ended up very wet. Was so lucky it was not like this all day.
All pictures are of 'The Turning' and Autumn colours/refections seen during the trip.
A good mild Autumn day sadly spent again sorting through Mum's belongings. Sadly, because I would have prefered to be outside!
Lucky to have confirmed my tickets for the opening of The Shard on 1st February 2013.
A mild day, almost warm!
Day spent at the Bungalow clearing as much as possible. Reckon a good two weeks work before we can erect the For Sale sign.
After hearing an almighty thud I looked round to see this beautiful outline of a Pigeon on the Patio Door. Taken from the inside on a sunny afternoon.
A mild day but again a wet afternoon and evening.
Day spent replacing Neighbs' Side Gate that had been blown off its hinges!
Virgin upgraded the Broadband and TV package, now have a state of the art Tivo Box that does everything other than make Tea!!
A mild day but a very wet evening.
Most of the day spent visiting Mum - what a shock. Home lover her and Mum loves the home. In view of this we agreed terms for a permanent stay which somewhat was a relief for Mum! Now have to clear/sell Bungalow as a matter of urgency so we can fund the care costs.
Have also now to move more of Mothers personal belongings like Chair, Pictures, Shelf Unit etc.
Outside her window is a bird feeder and to my delight a pair of Nuthatches appeared, brilliant.
Another mild Autumn day.
Mixed emotions today - after a pretty stressful morning with Mum ringing at 6am very confused. Next few hours were spent helping and packing for the impending move pm. Must acknowledge Jill's help in calling on Mum just after 6am in trying to calm Mother.
By 2pm we were ready, Mum spruced up by Jill and cases packed we had a photo call before heading for the Care Home.
Despite the morning confusion Mum never showed any emotion on leaving the Bungalow for the last time and said she was now excited at the prospect of a 'new home'.
Staff at the Care Home were most welcoming and Mum appeared to settle well. However by 5pm she started to make silly comments again and the Staff suggested we left so they could now take over. Not an easy thing to do.
All pictures of leaving No.25 and arriving at Warren Lodge Care Home in Finchampstead.
A good mild Autumnal Day.
Quality day spent in the Garden. Pruned the Fruit Trees and cleared the Pond of Summer debris. Sad to see a drowned young Pigeon again, second one now in a week. Nest is in the Lelandi Tree which hangs directly over the Pond. For a while now the Family have been pestered by the local Magpies.
Good to see the Jays returning. Back to filling the Monkey Nut Feeder 3 times a day now. Have ordered another 12kg sack hopefully covering the winter months.
Picture 1 - Hibernating Bee that was sadly disturbed during my clearing.
" 2 - Drowned Pigeon from the Pond.
" 3-5 - Caterpillars found on the Fruit Trees.
