Seasons Greetings

The marina froze over during the recent cold spell giving us our first taste of winter weather.  We watched with amusement as the marina ducks skated to a halt after flying across for some scraps.   Our stove kept us warm enough but we hadn't topped up our water tank and the taps were out of action.  Luckily there was a quick thaw and this didn't cause us any problems but it was a timely reminder. 

Christmas is fast approaching and we enjoyed another weekend trip visiting friends and family.  First stop was Viking Marina and where we enjoyed a good chat with John, Cath and the kids.  Mary-Anne & Donald showed us the progress they've made with the fit-out of their new narrowboat - they've been busy since we last saw them.  We were also lucky to see some of the other guys - Dave, Steve and Brian.  

Then onto Rotherham where Bess was delighted to see Georgie at Nic and Gaz's but not so happy to be left when we went to meet Pat and Karl at the Orient Express, our favourite Asian restaurant.   

Georgie poses for the camera but Bess would rather carry on playing.  

We stopped overnight with Nic and Gaz and on Sunday morning the kids introduced us to Wii.  We were quickly hooked and had some fun trying out the fitness games.  

Our trip was completed with a visit to see Shaun, Laura and the kids before returning to Tattenhall. 

There has now been over 1000 page views on the blog which is an impressive following.  We hope you continue to enjoy the blog next year and wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Cheshire

During our journey it's been interesting to travel through different regions, all with their own characteristics.  The landscape, industries and architecture have all been distinctive and as we called in the shops we noticed the changing local accents.   Tattenhall Marina is situated in rural Cheshire overlooked by Beeston and Peckforton Castles which are perched on the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge.  The local architecture reflects the prosperity of the county.  Ornate red brick buildings, some with barley sugar chimneys, are typical of the towns and villages we've visited. 

On a bright sunny day we went for a walk along part of the Sandstone Trail footpath.  The steep walk through the woodland up to the ridge was very different to the flat towpaths.  We soon had to stop to admire the view and catch our breath!  The view from the top over the Cheshire Plains was stunning and worth the climb. 

Bess looking a bit apprehensive about posing on the edge.

This undemanding lifestyle gives me time to pursue my interests, one of which is drawing and painting.   For several years now Mum, Sarah and I have been regularly setting ourselves a topic for an artwork and set a date to reveal the finished pieces.  On the day of showing we usually send each other an email with a photo of the picture and so Mum gave our challenges a name - OLAs (On Line Art).   

The topic for the picture below is 'Four Squares' which I've interpreted as 4 coloured ink squares in a pencil drawing of Castle Coombe.    

Mum had a special birthday this week, her 80th.  Sarah came over and we all stayed at Mum and Dad's to enjoy a family weekend which included an excellent lunch at the Red Lion in Dodleston.