And we're back in the marina.

Looked out of the window this morning and yes there was ice on the cut but it looked fairly thin, almost slushy. I thought this'll be alright, huh! It was about 6 to 8mm thick in places. Once you've started you have to press on in the hope that it isn't going to get worse.

When we got back to base we strolled into Droitwich to do some very important shopping. Lucy will appreciate it later.

The ice on the cut past the marina is up to 16mm thick that's 5/8" and it looks like a boat has been through it!

While we were out we popped in to the Gardeners again for lunch, and again we were not disappointed.

The fog has come down thick again this afternoon, time to chill out by the fire.

Hardly any ice here in the marina.

More ice!

I've just taken a look, I SAID LOOK outside, and guess what; yeah, that's right, it's all iced up again. ARRRRRRGH!

It was really warm earlier, it just goes to show, you can't trust the weather.

Iced in!

We stayed put today, no other boats have passed to break the ice, so we decided to wait until tomorrow when temperatures have risen. Even as I write this the ice is melting so hopefully it'll be all systems go for tomorrow.

I went for a walk this afternoon, back to Oddingley via the road and then along the cut back to TQ. It took about an hour.

Lucy's feeling the cold...

She couldn't get any closer to the stove if she tried.

It's foggy, man.

It's going to be another lovely day.

Now you see it...

...Now you don't.

And ICE!

Aarrgghh!

Lucy's had her breakfast...

More zeds!

Good morning!

What a lovely sunrise, it's going to be a nice day.

Sunrise

Whoa! Ice on the cut!

Chilly, isn't it?

Just wanted to update:-

We have moved again, not far, to somewhere near Shernal Green. At least we can get a weak TV signal here and we managed to speak to Lin's parents in Spain via Skype after some faffing about.

Lucy?

Doing her other favourite pastime.

We have moved out of the marina.

Yes we have actually moved, but not far, three locks and about three miles to the winding hole at Tibberton then back to Oddingley.

...and here we are.

A cold frosty morning with no wind and a low hazy sun shining through the bare trees paints an atmospheric picture.

Wintry Sun.

We're well out in the sticks and there's been more people walking past here than we get in the centre of Birmingham.

And there's more!

Lucy's moved too, it's warm in front the fire.

Shooting the zeds again.

And she's just moved again...

...and yet more zeds!

One day I'll catch her awake with a bit of luck.

Ahh! Christmas Day.

We're still in the marina and not planning on going anywhere today.

Christmas lunch is on its way and it smells delicious.

Still in the marina, until tomorrow.

Smoke on.

After two breakfasts, Zedsville. 

Merry Christmas everyone.

It's been a lovely day today...

...walked into Droitwich again and after a bit of last minute shopping Lin fulfilled her promise to take me in the Old Cock Inn...   ...   ...for a pint. And a very nice pint it was too, Wychwood Bah Humbug, an unusually spiced ale of smooth characature.

Then we strolled over to The Gardeners Arms, another fine establishment, where we had lunch and another pint.
Lin had the Gardeners Wives Lunch (posh for ploughmans), and I had steak and ale pie chips and veg. I was disappointed with the pie, as it was one of those bowls of meat with a puff pastry topper, hate that, BUT, I have to say it was delicious, nice tender chunks of steak in a rich ale gravy.

Strolled (staggered) (no, strolled) back to the boat and cleared out the ash pan, disposed of the rubbish and loaded up the coal scuttle for the evening.

Lucy's had her tea...

Zzzzzzzz           Zzzzzzzz.

I might have a drop of this with my supper later...

A spot of last minute shopping.
Gota be dun annit.

...for medicinal purposes you understand.

Two good days.

Yesterday we walked up to the Eagle and Sun and met our friend of old Anne and we had a lovely carvery. A choice of meats, beef, turkey, pork and ham were on offer and we could mix and match, and a huge choice of vegetables, as much as we could eat plus a free sweet for the over sixties, at £8.95 each, can't be bad.

Today we strolled into Droitwich to do a bit of shopping and we had planned to go in the Old Cock for a pint but when we had finished the shopping it was still a bit too early so we have postponed it until tomorrow.

This afternoon I got stuck into changing the 12 volt socket and 13 amp socket...

The new TV is 12 volts DC and 240 volts AC so whilst in the marina and plugged into the shoreline we can use the 240v adaptor and when out on the cut we can use the 12v car adaptor - simples. Also there are two USB sockets for charging your whatever.

Lucy?

Zzzzzzzz!

She's actually snoring! Happy days.

Fully loaded

What a day, we loaded up the car and trailer with new stuff for TQ and hauled it all up the M5 to the marina.

The new fridge took up most space and as I couldn't get it in the car it had to go in the trailer along with three bags of logs and two bags of coal. It all arrived safely and now we have the new fridge installed and working.

There's also a new TV...

And a new deck board...

It fits a treat.

Other jobs to do are to change the 12 volt supply socket so the TV can be plugged in and fit a replacement 13 amp socket with twin USB charging sockets.

So far, TQ is looking good!

Oh! And Lucy? 

Doing the usual.