kpnut

We too have a woodburner (Tony has a business as a hedge layer so plenty of wood available), solar panels and a contraption that diverts the electricity generated to heat the hot water tank, but I’d be very interested to hear more about the storage batteries Griff - initial outlay, what the power is then used for and at what times of day and size (eg do they fit in the loft or the garage?) A few years ago, we had considered buying storage heaters and ‘charging them up’ so to speak with the solar power, (as the diverter thing has space for 3 more diversions before sending to the grid), discharging evening and early morning, but they were quite costly to buy. But with the economics of it all changing, they might seem more reasonable now.

Yes they were just fine beforehand (if the font size on one or two was slightly oversized eg corfu). I really hate looking back; embarrassing to be looking nosey!

I totally agree Jean. One of the fun things is to guess the name of a richos boat as it comes towards you, then tick it off as it goes past. Not only do you now have to crane your neck to look at the stern, but small silver writing on a white background makes it virtually impossible to read. Not a good marketing exercise I’d say, as a lot of hirers spot a boat they like the look of and want to look it up for its layout etc. Make it easy and more people will do it, more bookings follow. Can’t see it? Won’t bother to follow up.

Lulu, it’s not very far but a lovely amble, stopping on the way at what I think is the sluice or at least a sort of platform sticking out into the dyke to peer into the clear water to see the creepy crawlers. The hide at the end is peaceful. And yes, you can take a dog on a lead so Desmond will be entertained. The rest of the boardwalk used to go round in a circular route, but last time I was there, maybe February, it was still closed off and rather overgrown. You also used to be able to walk down from the head of the dyke along the river boardwalk towards the moorings opposite the Ferry Inn, but officially it is closed now and in a rather dangerous condition in parts of the boardwalk. It was a nice walk along the flooded road to the Fur and Feather at Woodbastwick back in the winter, wading through about quarter mile of flood, but as I say, not meant to access the boardwalk any more unfortunately.

Yes Jean, it was so good to catch up with you. While you were cruising along to Womack and partaking of your lunch, Finlay springer and I walked round the marshes from south walsham moorings, had a sit down at the end of Upton dyke to watch the world go by, then couldn’t resist a half of cider in the white horse at Upton along with a pasty from the shop, and then back round via Pilson Green to the boat. That’s why I was only just leaving as you came back again! I did enjoy a drink in the Kings Arms the previous monday, it was truly heaving even then early on a weeknight I was very surprised Fleet dyke is one of my favourite mooring stretches, on the mooring posts if I want it easy, or with the rhond anchors if feeling less lazy! Looking forward to your Monday tale. Xx

A very fun evening Bern. Thankyou very much. Well done Jean, you know you’d stuff! might not be able to attend next week, apologies if I’m not there.

Looked very peaceful Meander. I love it up there.

Sorry to hijack your thread Meander, but that reminds me Simon, could you bring me two of the peeloff stickers to the spring meet and i’ll settle up then. Many thanks, Kate

Thanks Steve, excellent selection of questions. Well done Mike

The card option worked ok for me this morning Neil. And sent a receipt by email.

Now paid, Kate with Springers Retreat.

Thanks for tonight's quiz Polly, good fun as usual. I must say I was a bit hopeless tonight, brain definitely not in gear!!!

We se to have drifted somewhat from the original. Jean to blame for mentioning Christmas dinner - hope it was enjoyable Jean. Back to the thread - I’m hoping this good weather stays for the foreseeable, seeing as I’m down on my boat sometime in the next week or so. Lulu no anyone on the rivers - hope it’s turned into a glorious day for you, it is where I am if any consolation !

Well, could have a Welsh rarebit for lunch and pancakes for tea, just to really load the carb levels for the day. We’ll be having similar - sweated leeks in cheese sauce on toast. Not the most balanced diet for one day only!! I do think a lamb stew sounds nice.

2 of the best days of the year, rolled into one! And sunny just to add to it.

Very envious Lulu. Enjoy this sunshine, spring’s on the way, slowly but surely.

Looks like I’m going to miss out tonight on the continuing jollity. Have lots of fun. I’ll be cheering bikertov on, in one of his many guises, of course!!!!

Thanks grendel, very good fun this evening. I won’t be there next week , being treated to a theatre night out by my son for my birthday.

Hi to you and Meander. It looks like you're already enjoying the freedom the boat will bring. I'll keep an eye out for you.

Thanks very much Jean. So using my pc rather than tablet will be a very good idea so I can use your copy and paste idea. If/when the week arrives, everyone will have to be very patient!!!!!!

Many thanks Jean, really enjoyed it as usual and thanks to Grendel for winning! Can I ask a question please? If I do end up winning sometime in the future, will someone be able to help me during the week to practice using the chat room to pose and answer questions, so I have some hope of doing it right?

Yes, much colder tonight than previously this week. Full set of clothes and hot water bottle me thinks!

Oh no Garry, that’s really really sad. She’s my favourite hire boat of them all, no other boat (except her near identical sister) with such a layout. Last time I had her out (June21) the bilge pump float was sticking. But it kept it ON not off. I did report it. Hope it wasnt that problem again. I really hope she gets some attention urgently and back into the fleet asap.

Regarding the discussion about delaying your state pension - yes, it takes x years of claiming it at the enhanced rate for it to be equal to the payout if you took the pension at the normal time, so as David says, it’s a gamble, guessing how long you might live. But if like us, your spouse is a lot younger it’s probably worth considering as unlike the ‘normal’ state pension which dies with the individual, the enhanced bit carries on (-albeit at a % maybe, I can’t remember the exact detail) until the death of the younger person. With a big age gap, that’s likely to be a large payout from the govt.

If my husband pension is anything to go by, it still does disappear in the normal way though, far too fast!