First inspection

We've done it... finally got the house on the market... and tomorrow is our first inspection.

We're very pleased with the agent's photos and property description.  Now we just need the right buyer!

Recipe - Mexicana Chicken

This is a really quick and easy one is from Symply Too Good To Be True, Book 3.  The picture in the book shows the chicken served in a shaped tortilla made from a tortilla baked (10 mins in 180 degree oven) pressed into a dessert bowl.  We don't bother with making these, we either have it in a wrap with salad or served on a bed of shredded lettuce.  Can be served with sour cream and/or avocado.
Serves 6 if we serve in a wrap with salad.
Serves 4 if served on salad only.

Ingredients

·         Cooking spray

·         500g skinless chicken breast, diced

·         1 tsp crushed garlic

·         1 cup sliced onion

·         1 cup sliced red or green capsicum

·         2 tsp ground cumin seeds

·         2 tsp paprika

·         2 tsp dried oregano

·         ¼ tsp chilli powder (or to taste)

·         2 tsp chicken stock powder

·         415g can chopped tomatoes

·         450g can refried beans

Method

·         In a large saucepan, or high sided frypan, coated with cooking spray sauté the chicken and garlic for about 4 minutes

·         Add onion and capsicum and cook a further 2 minutes

·         Add cumin, paprika, oregano, chilli powder, stock powder and combine well, stir for a minute or so

·         Add the tomatoes and refried beans and bring to the boil

·         Simmer for 1 minute then serve

All dressed up and nowhere to go

We've been extremely busy getting the house in shape to sell.... what a couple of weeks it's been.  Yesterday the photographer came, and the house plan sketcher and today we met with the real estate agent. The house has been cleaned and polished and dusted and swept.  It's like a girl all dressed up with nowhere to go!

We are all set to be listed on the internet on Monday.  At last!!

I'd rather be selling in Spring but Autumn is still a lovely time of year.  I stopped the car to take this photo on my way home from Melbourne on Tuesday.

Nicholson's or Pearson's

There appears to be two main players in the canal guide game.  When we did our hire in 2007 we bought both guides for the Grand Union Canal - Nicholson and Pearson.  The Nicholson guide seemed to be more comprehensive and had much more detailed maps of the towns and their streets.  The descriptions and explanations were great.  But, we found the little Pearson book easier to read the map at a glance.  It's larger and the icons for services etc were larger too.  We especially noticed this as the weather was very sunny and with the booklet perched on the roof the larger map was easier to look at than the smaller print on the Nicholson.

I'm itching to order more of them so we can read about all the different places but there may well be updates by the time we get there and we'd rather have the most recent when the time comes to go cruising.  So I guess we'll just have to keep looking at the ones we have.  Hmmm.. might be worth a look on Ebay.  Maybe someone is selling off their old editions.

We'd love to know your opinions on these guides.  Which do you prefer and why?

Planning a visit to America

My friend Tammy and I are excitedly planning a holiday to the US in October.  Tammy has not been overseas so it's especially exciting for her.  Mick isn't keen to visit America so we're having a girls' holiday.

We're spending a couple of days in LA (I'm not a city person but I've been there once already and Tammy should see it once too!), then to Virginia for a few days.  Since starting my long term patchwork quilt project I've wanted to go the USA and see the original quilt that the idea came from.  I'm very much looking forward to seeing it!  It's at Scotchtown in Richmond, Virginia. Click here to see it  Then we'll head to Kentucky to visit a friend of mine and to also go to Paducah to see the antique and quilt stores.  Our last stop will be Pennsylvania for a week.  More quilts!

It has really perked me up to have something to look forward to, and with my long service leave money paying for it, I don't have to save for the trip either!

Pick of the week - S.K.I.

We really like the look of this boat!  Click here for Swanley Brokerage's PDF :   http://www.swanleybrokerage.com/boats/ski.pdf

Positives : sounds like a well maintained and cared for boat, lots of built in storage
Negatives : don't like the name, there's no washing machine and electrics would need upgrading

Guide Price: £49,950

Name: Ski
Built: 2002
Length : 55’6’’
Beam : 6’10’’
Builder: Stenson Marine
Built in late 2002
Steel : 10/6/4/4
Engine : Barrus Shire 4cyl (Fitted Nov 2009)
Gearbox : PRM 150
Water tank : 700 ltr
Diesel tank : 210 ltr
Water : Calorifier (New Aug 2008)
240v Immersion heater
Electrics : 12v Throughout, 240v Sockets throughout
Shoreline connection
Heating : Solid fuel stove
Makuni central heating
Bathroom : Pump-out toilet, shower, stainless steel basin, two heated towel rails (one 240v) and storage.
Galley : Shoreline fridge (Fitted new Aug 2009)
Berth : Fixed double, Converting dinette
Batteries / Alternator :
4 x Domestic batteries (Fitted new Nov 2009)
1 x Starter Battery (Fitted new Feb 2011)
1 x 160amp 12v alternator
1 x 3.5kv 240 alternator
Forward cratch & cover
Anodes replaced : April 2008
Engine last serviced : Feb 2011
Hull shot blasted and three coats of Coeflex blacking applied April 2008
BW License : 30/11/2011
Boat Safety Scheme Certificate : 06/01/2015
Swanley's description : 
Presented to such a high standard by the vendor (and original owner) that it is  representative of a much younger craft. A programme of continuous improving, replacing and upgrading has ensured that S.K.I. is comparable to many newer boats currently on offer.  This 55ft 6in semi trad was built by Midland Canal Centre to their Sapphire specification on a Stenson shell and is now fitted with a Barrus Shire 45E engine which has recorded 1139 hrs and a PRM 150 gearbox with Aquaflex coupling. An upgraded propeller was fitted recently here at Swanley.  From the 3ft stern, steel doors give access to the 4ft helmsman’s cockpit area, protected by a tonneau cover and fitted with bench seat and lockable storage chest. Offset rear doors lead, via three steps down with adjacent control panel/storage under and shelved unit/drawers below, to the portholed 8ft aft bedroom with fixed double, Houdini hatch, 2ft 9in wardrobe, overbed/underbed storage, radio/Cd and radiator in attractive wood cabinet. Forward to the portside, off corridor, portholed 6ft bathroom featuring a fully tiled shower enclosure with glass door and adjacent shelves/cupboard, two chrome heated towel radiators, stainless steel basin with chrome tap in large corner vanity unit and pump out toilet. Forward to the portside, 8ft U-shaped galley with Houdini hatch and side doors/hatch/steps opposite, useful under gunwale larder cupboard and slim shelf unit. Equipment includes a dark red Caprice 2020 oven/grill/hob, Shoreline RR47W fridge, stainless steel sink unit/drainer/chrome monobloc tap set into the cream speckle worktop with usual cupboards below. High level cabinets provide further storage. Forward to the 6ft raised Pullman dinette with large window, converting to another double, providing even more storage and radiator opposite set into an under gunwale wood cabinet. Forward to the 10ft lounge with large windows, radiator with shelf to compliment the Aarrow multi fuel stove in the portside corner and TV/radio unit opposite. Two recliner armchairs provide the comfort while the eight drawer/bookcase unit and magazine rack provides even more storage. Two central storage steps lead, via, hardwood glazed stable style doors to the 4ft foredeck, with steel all round storage lockers providing additional seating. The glazed cratch panel and cratch board are protected by a cratch cover with zipped access. The whole interior is fitted out to a high standard of finish using beech panels with contrasting cherry trims, with solid oak flooring throughout and carpet fitted over the top in the saloon and bedroom. All of the windows, including portholes, are fitted with neat Ocean air blackout roller blinds. Central heating is provided by a Mikuni diesel and is complimented by a 240v immersion heater for hot water and two 240v panel heaters to keep the chill off when the boat is not in use. The 240v supply is provided by an engine mounted, 3.5kva 240v alternator in addition to a shoreline connection. Navigation lights are fitted and the extensive inventory includes a demountable digital TV aerial.

We like these roll up covers over a "window" in the cratch cover.

Getting back on track

It has been a rather difficult 6 months for me with the increasing stress of work over Christmas and beyond and then making the decision to leave my long time job.  I didn't expect to feel so flat after finishing up at work.  There was the relief of it being over with and to be out of the stressful environment but after the first week I felt a little down.  I had lots to do with packing up our stuff in preparation for selling our house and moving.  But... I had no motivation and no routine.  I was used to going to work and having people need me to answer their questions and solve their problems and explain how to do things.  Then nothing.  I was at home packing boxes all day.  It was challenging.

The next few weeks went on in the same way.  I had lunch with the girls from the office most weeks.  With them still being miserable at work it probably didn't help.  Another one of the accountants has since left too and a third is also pretty unhappy there.

In the last couple of weeks I've started doing a little work again.  I didn't want to jump back into a permanent job.  With the house selling project, and planning for a holiday to the USA in October with a friend of mine (thanks to my long service leave money), some casual or part time work is more suitable for now.  I have 2 separate small jobs for a few hours a week each.  Just what I needed.  I think getting back to doing some work has been a good thing and I'm feeling more positive (travel planning is a sure fire way to perk me up too!).  I'm finally getting back on track.

We're no less busy at home.  I've finished with sorting out a few rooms but have a couple with a fair bit of packing and cleaning to go.  I have emptied, cleaned and tidied cupboards, and pared down the volume in each room.  Mick's busy outside - painting the weatherboards, sealing the front verandah, and a few other little maintenance jobs.  We're on a tight schedule to get the house on the market by the end of the month in fact we only have 2 weekends left.  We have a long weekend on 11-13 June so we're hoping to catch the tourists who might be tempted by a country escape. Will we make it?!

Pick of the week - Northern Soul

This boat is for sale with Virginia Currer : nb Northern Soul
I wonder if she's nb Northern Pride's sister!  The details state the boat has a "full" sine wave inverter, is that the same as pure sine wave? There is no mention of engine service or blacking dates and it's difficult to see what condition the paintwork is in.


Positives : neutral colour scheme, good size cross bed, it has an office!
Negatives : block foam insulation instead of spray foam, sacrificing a dinette for the office space

nb NORTHERN SOUL £43,000

Builder: Peerless Boats

Type: Traditional Stern

Fitted: Braidbar Boats & Macclesfield Canal Centre

Year: 2003/4

Length: 57ft (17.4m)

History

The vessel is being sold by the first owner who purchased in 2003 as a shell and then project managed the completion in 2004. Steelwork by Peerless Boats, interior fit part by Braidbar and part by Macclesfield Canal Centre and paintwork by Andy Russell.

Hull & Exterior.

Exterior: Black bitumen painted hull to rubbing band. Matt black from rubbing band through side decks, with non slip finish to side decks. Cabin sides in dark green with cream coachline.

Windows: Anodised aluminium top hopper opening, 4 to port and two to starboard with additional fixed brass trimmed portholes aft. Two pairs of opening side doors to starboard.

Forward well: Gas locker containing 2 x 13kg gas bottles. Varnished timber glazed cratch board with overall cover in green PVC, zip up side entry panels. Self draining steel well deck with stainless steel water tank below.

Roof: Integral steel handrails. 5 brass mushroom vents. Houdini style opening hatch. Motorised satellite dish.

Mechanical & Electrical.

Engine: Beta 43 with twin alternators, hospital silencer and Crowther propeller

Gearbox: PRM Delta hydraulic

Weed hatch: Quick release

Stern gland greaser: Remote

Bilge pump: 12v

Batteries: 12v

Domestic: 3

240v: Yes

Inverter: Stirling 3000w full sine wave

Instrument panel: Comprises Beta unit with key start, oil pressure gauge, engine temperature gauge, voltmeter, tachometer with engine hour meter reading 1564 hours, and usual warning lights

Interior.

Lining - floor to gunwale: Mid blue carpeting

Lining - gunwale to ceiling: Solid oak satin varnished tongue with matching trim

Lining - ceiling: Ditto

Bulkheads: Matt varnished oak faced panelling

Curtains: Beige lined on brass rails

Flooring: Timber laminate throughout, except bathroom which has grey tile effect vinyl

Lighting: Inset 12v halogen

Cabin heating Eberspacher diesel fired and Morso sold fuel stove with back boiler.

Insulation: Proprietory block foam

Water heating Calorifier from engine, Eberspacher and 240v immersion heater

Cabin 1: Engine room. 

Fully lined and the engine enclosed. Servis ‘Easy Logic’ washer drier.

Cabin 2: Double Cabin. 

Double berth is crossways with 5ft wide custom made interior sprung split mattresses.

Over the head of the bed are high level cupboard units with reading lights below. 

Either side are high level cupboards with half height hanging and storage below. 

Cabin 3: Bathroom. 

Full width comprising glass enclosed corner shower with thermostatic mixer.

Thetford cassette electric flush toilet.

Cabin 4: Study. 

To port is an ‘L’ shaped section of varnished timber worktop with cupboard below. 

Opening side doors opposite. 

Cabin 5: Galley. 

‘L’ shaped to port. 

Below work surface is a Lec 240v refrigerator. 
White china ‘butler’ style sink unit with brass effect antique style mixer taps. 

Opening side doors to starboard.   

Cabin 6: Saloon.  

2 black rocking armchairs and matching foot stools. 

Morso solid fuel stove is mounted on a tiled timber trimmed hearth. 

Recipe - Tuna Bake

We've had a long standing favourite recipe for a Tuna Bake that used pantry items.  It was our backup plan.
Recently we tried this one from Symply Too Good To Be True (book 4, page 25) and it's the new favourite!
Here is our version.  Serves 6.

Ingredients

·         1 ½ cups dried macaroni pasta (or any other shape)

·         2 x 425g cans tuna in spring water

·         Cooking spray

·         1 tsp crushed garlic (in jar)

·         2 cups sliced mushrooms

·         ½ cups sliced shallots or onion

·         1 cup frozen corn kernels

·         310g tin creamed corn

·         2 tsp chicken stock powder

·         2 x 30g sachets 4 Cheese Sauce (Continental)

·         1 ½ cups boiling water

·         ½ cup low fat grated tasty cheese

Method

·         Preheat oven to 180 degrees

·         Cook pasta and drain

·         Drain tuna and break up with a fork

·         Coat a large non-stick fry pan with cooking spray and sauté onion, garlic and mushrooms for a couple of minutes

·         Add tuna, corn kernels, creamed corn and stock powder, combine well

·         In a small bowl, dissolve the 4 Cheese Sauce sachets with the boiling water

·         Add the cheese sauce the pan and fold together

·         Finally, add the pasta and mix

·         Pour into casserole dish and sprinkle grated cheese on top

·         Bake for 30 minutes

Narrowboat beds

We enjoy watching English "house" programs like Escape to the Country.  It is fascinating to see the difference in housing between what we are used to here in Australia and the stunning historic houses in England.  A few things amaze us and we see them again and again. It highlights the differences to what we are used to having grown up in Australia (or in Mick's case, New Zealand).

Firstly, we often see stair cases that are so steep, narrow, winding, and without handrails.  Even in a newly built house the rules seem to be a bit less strict than what we have.  I guess when you are used to living with those old stair cases they don't seem dangerous and having new ones similar is no big deal.

Secondly, and to the point of this post, are the bedrooms and more particularly the beds.  We often think how crazy it is when houses are built here with such enormous bedrooms.  How much space do you need in a room where you're going to sleep?!  Even in a house where the bedrooms would be considered small, they are often larger than what we see on English real estate programs or if we browse property for sale in the UK.  You would need to look hard to find an Aussie house that has a bedroom of less than 3m x 3m.  Yet we often see them on floorplans on UK property websites that are maybe 2.6 or 2.8 metres or even less.  It's those lovely old houses.... the bedrooms are often fitted around existing structures, walls etc.

Following on from the size of the bedrooms is that it seems to not be an issue in the UK if a double bed is against a wall on one side.  It is something you would rarely see in Australia, except perhaps in a child's bedroom. Also, I think most people here would choose a queen size bed rather than a double, because the bedrooms are well big enough to fit them.

We think this is the reason why a cross bed is something we'd really like to have on our narrowboat, yet there aren't a lot of them out there.  It isn't the fact of having to climb across to get into bed, it's more that I'm a fresh air freak and don't much fancy sleeping wedged between Mick and a wall.  And... I know it would be me that would have to sleep on that side!  Neither of us are tall, so the length of the bed across a narrowboat would be no issue for us and I know this is something that others have a problem with (this includes you Ray).

We are aware that it may not always be a simple thing to turn an inline bed into a cross bed (it might depend on what is beneath the bed) so maybe I'll have to get used to sleeping against the wall!

I stumbled across this website that sells bedding for 4ft beds for narrowboats.  What a great idea.
http://www.narrowboatbedding.com/

And for memory foam mattresses (which I've heard are excellent).
http://www.sleepdetox.co.uk/categories/Memory_Foam_Mattress/