Monday 8 July 2013

More Downs and Ups

Life has been very quiet on the work front recently which has been a real blow. I’m still waiting news from a meeting a month ago but the life of a freelance is ever thus, unfortunately.

On the brighter side, although there’s no money coming in, I’ve had a few days in Shaldon with my dear friend Av at Potters Mooring B&B which I would thoroughly recommend. Such a friendly place with excellent food, and a wonderful place to revisit, as I’d gained my sailing legs on the Shaldon to Teignmouth ferry at the age of 18 months. I was a very bad sleeper which meant my poor mum didn’t get much sleep either, so the ferryman allegedly said, “Give Curly to me,” so mum could get some kip for the day and I had a brilliant time going backwards and forwards on the ferry. Nowadays, of course, he would have been arrested and I would have been taken into care, but that just shows what the nanny state does for you.

Then last week I went to review Northcote Manor Farm near Barnstaple and, despite rain on the Tuesday, and covering a fair few miles, we felt really rested afterwards. It’s good to go somewhere different, even if only for a few days. Moll wasn’t quite so keen – I think she felt that two trips away in as many weeks were a bit much so she was very glad to get home.

We’ve been out in the boat(s) recently and had a few adventures. Friday evening’s trip took rather longer than anticipated, and ending up beating back and forth for four hours as night fell. The main concern, other than getting back to shore, was would the pub be open? Thankfully it was…. And through a chance meeting in Mylor the other day, there’s the possibility of crewing on a Dragon yacht: a prospect that terrifies and excites me in equal measures.

On Saturday Paul’s having another of his parties which I will be singing at, and we’ve got a gig on Sunday at Carn Marth. So much for my quiet life….

14 comments:

Chris Stovell said...

Sorry to have been an infrequent visitor - ups and downs here, especially on the health front. Good to see you've been out on the water - let's hope your finances pick up too.

Flowerpot said...

Chris - thanks and I do hope your health problems improve very soon. Take care.

Sally said...

Love the ferryman story and glad you are getting out sailing. We'll miss you at both events this weekend - we're off to London.
See you next week.. :)

Flowerpot said...

Sally - sorry to miss you this weekend buthope you have a good time in London. It will be HOT there! xx

Akelamalu said...

Love the ferryman story but as you say now he would have been arrested and you would be in care. :(

Flowerpot said...

Ak - it's a petty world we live in now. Much more fun in those days!

ADDY said...

I loved that ferryman story too. So sad in many ways that those times have gone.

Flowerpot said...

Addy - isn't it just? Things seemed a lot simpler then!

Melissa Amateis said...

Here's hoping the freelance work picks up soon!

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Melissa - fingers crossed!

galant said...

Isn't Shaldon gor-geous! We live not far away, and I always love to head there and have a ferry trip over the river to Teignmouth. I remember once taking crab baps to Shaldon in January and it was so mild we were able to sit out and eat them, with a flask of coffee, and read our books while we had that lovely view in front of us!
Love the Ferrymany anecdote!
Margaret P

galant said...

Isn't Shaldon gor-geous! We live not far away, and I always love to head there and have a ferry trip over the river to Teignmouth. I remember once taking crab baps to Shaldon in January and it was so mild we were able to sit out and eat them, with a flask of coffee, and read our books while we had that lovely view in front of us!
Love the Ferrymany anecdote!
Margaret P

Flowerpot said...

Margaret - it's lovely isn't it? Very special place/

galant said...
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