Living Afloat

What is it about us Allebones that makes us all want to live on the water?

John and I were really pleased with ourselves when we managed to purchase our narrow boat “Ellen” and couldn’t wait to become liveaboards and enjoy the freedom of the canals and rivers.

Ben, our son, had to go one better.  Having sold his narrow boat he now lives aboard a big old barge he got over from Holland and has totally refurbished it to a fantastic standard.

And now there’s Megan.  Trust her to out-stage us all!!  This is her vessel for at least the next 3 months!

She is called “Silver Shadow” and is part of the ‘Silver Sea’ fleet of 5 ships. It’s a luxurious 6* cruise liner and will shortly be travelling up the East coast of Australia and then across to Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Japan.  Subject to references and health checks Megan has been offered the position of H.R. Manager on board.  She will have 3 stripes on her all white uniform!  More than a few ‘hopefuls’ applied for this job!

She never fails to amaze me!  WHERE does she get all her self-confidence and courage from?  Certainly not from me!  What an opportunity!

http://www.silversea.com

 

Sad Time

A lot has happened in the last two months – just to update anyone who might be interested!
At the end of November we went back to Staines in order to make arrangements for the welfare of both our elderly mums.
My mum, Elsie, spent 4 weeks in hospital and then, just before Christmas we were told that we had to find a residential nursing home for her.  The home we organised felt like a 5* hotel to us and I thought that, at last, she would be looked after well.  Sadly it wasn’t to last.  After only a week, she passed away.  She was an incredibly tough lady and, despite our ups and downs, I will so miss her for the rest of my own life.  On the day she died there was a lunar eclipse – the first for 400 years and, as my brother said, what a fitting heavenly tribute to a grand old lady.  She was 98. 

Elsie May Blake nee Dyer

29th September 1912 – 21st December 2010

                                                       

     Aged 4 in 1916                                                   Aged 20 in 1932                                        Aged about 75 in 1987
John’s mum is back in her own home after spending 8 weeks in hospital.  At the moment she has carers attending to her needs throughout the day.  So far it seems to be working out …………….. fingers crossed.