The fifth of November
Gunpowder treason and plot
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
I think his idea was pretty sound, given the state that our parliament is in these days. Even though he failed big-time, he did leave a glorious legacy that lights up the sky this time of year – usually for a couple of weeks before and after the 5th November. And any other time there’s the slightest excuse for making big bangs and crackling sky sights that get us oohing and aahing.
Come to think of it, I usually get my big fireworks fix in August. Have a look at this to save me the bother get the idea. It’s a marvellous event, trust me.
No plans to head out to any displays tonight though – no need. I have as much action as I need in that department that can be seen without leaving the boat. I’m guessing it comes from ‘Arlow.
That’s Harlow in Essex, in case you were wondering, a very special place just down the road from here, where good drivers, good taste and good boatbirds like me fear to tread. And a world away from here – Hertfordshire – albeit separated by only a couple of miles in reality.
I must brave it one day, with the camera to capture some of the sights, and do a proper post on the subject. I promise you’ll laugh like a drain like it.
Anyhow, I’m getting ready for winter…
This’ll do for starters.
I get 3/4 days from a bag of coal so this lot should last me around two months – longer if I burn wood, which I will when I have it. And my stove will be going 24/7 mostly and keep me and Hobo’s resident creepy-crawlies sweltering and the paint on the outside blistering properly warm and cosy. I choose Excel over Pure Heat as it makes a lot less ash but the same price so I think a no-brainer.
The 47kg gas (for hot water and cooking) should be good for 3/4 months, at my current consumption of 13kg to a month (ish), so that should take care of the worst of the winter… if I’ve got the sums right.
It looks a bit pikey site needs a little tidying up but as my kind neighbours (Bill and Bill) hauled this lot from where the coalman left it (the other side of dog dirt alley) I can hardly complain about the neatness/whereabouts of their stacking.
No, I’m a lucky old boatbird and duly grateful.
So winter approaches, although maybe someone should tell that to the moorhen (not so) young. They clearly think they are surfer dudes…
I wonder what this season has to offer. My money is on a cold one – we could certainly do without all the rain we had last year – though right now I hear it hammering on the roof and see it cascading down the windows. Of course outside – Hobo doesn’t do condensation!
Guess the shopping can wait a while…
Happy Bonfire Night people. Have fun. Stay safe.
Boatbird
Boatbird 
Do visit the Dusty Miller (a.k.a. the Rusty Tiller) in Harlow (up the hill behind the marina). See if it’s as splendid a place as it was in 2008 when I last came through that way.
I do from time to time and have to agree with you there. It has changed hands in the last couple of years and I wasn’t around here back in 2008 so no idea if/how it has changed.
I’m currently on a mission (to be blogged about when I complete this and if I survive it) to sample all of the pubs in Sawbo. There’s 9 or 11 remaining (depending on where you place the boundaries) and we’re nearly there, so you can look forward to a frank and informative report some day soon…
I stayed in Sawbo also, (the boat) tied to the old crane post; I think it must have been a Saturday as all the pubs I visited were hosting fisticuffs.
Can’t wait for your frank and informative 😉