#170

[@plushypuppy2024]

OH how I LOVE 'Fried green tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe', helped enormously by my favourite actress, Kathy Bates. I think it's fair to say you'd enjoy anything with Kathy Bates in, always wholesome viewing. I know this is an older vid, so your engine problems are no more, Phew! . You should have all the confidence in the world by now about being the canal queen!!, we see in you things you probably don't see in yourself, but you have all you need to live this way, not least of all Zeph!. beautiful poetry and artwork to, as usual x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s a super film isn’t it. Thank you so much for such kind words too! Take care 🦋🌻

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

You are tough. All that drama and you filmed your way through. Got guts Girl!!! You deserve a gold medal.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your encouragement- that is so kind of you! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@nancymandle5215]

I am in awe of your courage in the face of uncertainty and doubt. I can’t be the only fan of this channel who could benefit from learning some of your coping skills when faced with truly frightening circumstances - maybe you will decide to share some of them in a future video. 💕

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Nancy, thank you so much for such a kind comment. I'm not sure how I would be in a truly frightening situation? I do have a story to tell about overcoming anxiety though which I'm always happy to share with anyone that might be suffering like that. I'm not sure it is something that will fit in the vlogs, but I could do something on Instagram about it? Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@oldretireddude]

You should think about wearing a baseball cap under your stocking cap on inclement days to help keep rain and snow off your eyes.

[@debh4190]

Whistle Stop Cafe is a great film but the book is even better! Your own personal heron came again to admire the fall foliage. And buzzards! -- Keep moving, as we say on the farm! Great crewing, Zeph, and Boldly Go, Vanessa! Well done you!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’ll have to read the book one day! The heron was definitely looking down on me!😂 Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@paulbauswellsr3296]

A Very Lovely Lady on a lovely boat exploring a very lovely place. If I may ask, what more could anyone ask for? You have a way about you that can turn a windy, 🌧 rainy day into something very pleasant. And you accomplish this just by being your natural self. You young lady are amazing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment- thank you so much. I really appreciate this life that I have at the moment; before, narrowboat life, I had a very stressful job and worked ridiculous hours so how can I complain? it would be very selfish of me if I did, I think.Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Despite the rain and flooding this is a very beautiful vlog. You always manage to capture the beauty of the passing seasons and nature. You are very brave driving the boat alone with a faulty engine through all of the flood water. Zephyr is just so cute the way she listens to every thing you say to her. I hope the engine troubles are over for good and you have a peaceful winter with not too much inclement weather to contend with. I loved the poem, it summed up your journey perfectly. Take care you 3. X

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Shirely for your encouragement and kindness. I hope we can get Alice Grace back up and running again; it is so concerning knowing that she is not working properly. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@2icelollys1goat]

For an Ilford girl - well school at least, I discovered....you're quite the woman. I'm a Forest Gate boy; we'd be about the same age. I'm deeply envious, and terribly impressed by the waterside life you've carved for yourself. I love, too, the artistry and poetic addendum. 🙂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Being brought up in Ilford and Forest Gate is character building isn’t it! 😂 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@jackmullett9198]

Another interesting vlog, beautiful colours, despite the rain. I’m gad you’ve had your engine fixed. Overheating distorts the cylinder head which then needs skimming and a gasket replaced. On tomatoes, I listened to Michael Mosley, the radio doctor on his Radio 4 programme, Just One Thing, cooking tomatoes breaks down the fibres and releases more health benefits than raw ones. My scientific terminology might be a bit simple, but cooking them is more beneficial. 😎

[@Daytona2]

Just One Thing is superb - I've leant so much from it.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jack- Ooh, another fantastic recommendation- I'll have to check out Just One Thing- it sounds like my cuppa of tea. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@bobnmarewilcox4855]

Well done smiling all the way through. Hats off to you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Bob! I'm not sure I would have been smiling had I been blown off in the wrong direction taking that turn at the junction.😂 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@peterrouleau5992]

Amazing, you do it so well. A Sailor, thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Happy New Year🦋🌻

[@glennwoods2462]

Some of the best bird photography and filming ive seen... marvelous... 🙂👍🇳🇿

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Glenn- thank you so much! Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@JulianMountMusic]

Well done for coping with your scary solo cruise! It was made even more scary with the dramatic music! I don't know HOW you fitted all those musicians onto Alice Grace! :-) x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The musicians were tucked inside the cabin away from the rain so no water went into their trumpets!🎺😂 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@tmcmurdo826]

Fried green tomatoes are a traditional dish in the Deep South of the USA. I love them with a Parmesan panko crust.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Yum!😋 Thank you for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@mrsbabycakes5551]

You can make amazing chutney with green tomatoes and they definitely won’t upset you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’ll have to try that😋 Thank you for watching. Take care🦋🌻

[@annjarvis9300]

Awww lovely autumn vlog and my you were so brave give yourself a hug 🤗🤗couple from us to so glad you got your engine fixed bargain on price to tc now the oldies 👍🌟

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Ann, you are so kind- thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

Wow! The canal and locks sure were flooded from leaves clogging the storm drains. Although it was scary and stressful trying to empty the locks and navigate the flooded canal, at least your engine's coolant was doing okay. We had something similar happen in Seattle after a thunderstorm recently. There was water spewing out of the manholes like geysers in my neighborhood because of all of the leaves from maple and chestnut trees. I had to drive around one of them. 🍅🍅🍅🚂🚃"Fried Green Tomatoes" at the Whistle stop Cafe was a great movie, well worth watching. 🍁🍂☔🌊 Jenny

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jenny, I hope that your flooded manholes have calmed down now. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@matt281075]

Wonderful you know how to do it 👌👍🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🦋🌻

[@darlene9154]

Zeph is so cute. She looks at you like she understands. 🤗❤️ Well done!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zeph has such a human look at times and I talk to her constantly as I think she understands too. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@MsVanorak]

the tomatoes will ripen in a bowl indoors with a bit of warmth/sunshine.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are delicious green too! I will put them in a bowl next year by the window. Thank you so much for watching. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@chibinwosu5261]

Hi Vanessa, I’m a new subscriber and you are an absolute ray of sunshine ☀️. Every vlog is 20 plus minutes of pure joy 😃

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs. Thank you so much for subscribing too. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@katienorthenmore1892]

wow good on you ! you did really well , its excellent to see, hope you got the boat fixed ok? yes that's a great film and i did cry to, its such a powerful film. lovely pictures of nature again, thank you for capturing this for us all to see. take care 🖐💐🐞

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Katie for your kindness. I can't believe that I've never seen that film before but what a great story and so beautifully told too. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sharonsmith583]

Fried green tomatoes! As a Georgia, USA native, I can highly recommend! They turned the old mill town of Juliette, GA, where the movie was filmed into a little tourist area. It's near my hometown, but I'm not sure it's still going after the pandemic. The book by Fannie Flagg is excellent too!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful! 🤩 Thank you so much for your comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@emeraldphoenix9229]

Goldcrests & Yew Trees, 2 of my favorite living beings! I love Buzzard & Magpie too. Wow, you are so amazing, such a trooper ( Naval). Im so glad you have the engine sorted & not too expensive. I thought it was the cylinder head gasket too. No more picking up old carpets on your prop! Thats an expensive habit. Now you know why that particular canal was deserted with no boat traffic. Zeph really took in those 2nd mate orders , I loved the way she acknowledged & understood & was empathic & concerned, so clearly mirrored in her beautiful eyes. You are such a ray of sunshine.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Zephyr is such a calming influence on me and she was so good on that cruise. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@petemoring67]

You need to get one of those hats with a brolly on top - like they wear at the F1 Grand Prix when it buckets down 😄 ... Hope they sorted the engine for you ...... Good luck ....

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a good idea! Do you think it will fit over my bobble hat?😂 Thank you so much for your good wishes; I hope we can get the boat sorted too🤞 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@philnbspook6446]

Good move landing at Oxley. Give my regards to Orph,Janet, Phil and David. The bar there is ok too.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I will pass on your regards, Phil! I am so lucky to have landed here. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@quavernote4307]

Hi at a motorist shop you can buy head gasket fix fluid for £16 just pour it in the exspanssion tank while running the engine the fluid circulates and seals the gasket in 20 minutes saves a fortune Halfords also sell it Vanessa !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I had no idea that you could do that? That's really interesting. I feel confident with Oxley Marine now though as they are going to skim down the head and whilst repairing they're going to look at why it went in the first place and then put in new injectors and studs.

[@pancrazioaquilina7029]

You are a very courageous woman and zepher a very loyal to her master glad that everything turned out well. Please send us some rain it will be very appreciated i will tell my brother too take care give a hug and kiss to zepher 😂😂😂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kindness- Zephyr really helped me to take my mind off it all. I will happily send you some rain, but nothing too heavy. Have a super weekend, take care🌧️🌻🦋🐾🐾

[@mattgordon9179]

Nicely shot. Nicely edited Vanessa. When the camera is over like that on an angle you call it being on The Dutch, in film terms :) Eeeek Fried Green Tomatoes. I guess you would be put of eating Barbecue for a while now. Those girls were quite a pair eh.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I didn’t know that about the camera term! That’s really interesting. You are right about the barbecues too!😂 thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and week ahead. Take care🌻🦋

[@Margaret_J]

You did it! Be bold 🙂 Great vlog as always - Zephyr looks at you like, "Yes, yes, just get on with it, mum," 😂😂 - and I am mastering my new device slowly, very slowly 😂🦋🌼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow, lots of emojis this week, Margaret- you really are mastering this new device of yours🤩👍 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@chrisflint7317spiderandson]

Put the tomatoes in a brown paper bag and keep in the warm enough then they will charge to red

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That's a good tip- I'll try that next time. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Red-ns9ny]

Hi Vanessa wonderful footage and well done with the flooding, I really wouldn’t know what I would have done. As I’m watching , I wondered if the film you talk about is on yt so I looked it up and yes , you can watch this on yt 😮 so I will watch it over the wknd 🥰😊 thank you once again you have done a fabulous video vlog ❤😊🦋💕🍀

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment- I am so pleased that you are going to watch the film too- it's brilliant and so heartfelt. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

@@themindfulnarrowboat ❤️😊

[@Red-ns9ny]

Fried Green Tomatoes 😢🥰 I had to fast forward a bit but what a film! Hits you right through the soul . Made me cry too ❤ Thank you xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I know the bit that you had to fast forward- I closed my eyes! Thank you so much for watching. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@davidsalter9592]

Another great show. Your knowledge of birds is better than mine yet you sounded awed to spot a buzzard. Time gone they were relatively rare in the Midlands, now I do believe they are prolific. Now that I live in mid Wales, where buzzards once boomed, I have not seen one in the seven years I have been here. In my humble opinion that is due to the introduction of the red kite, bred for purpose in unnatural numbers and over fed artificially. The buzzards fled. Hope your engines ok now.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi David, thank you for your lovely comment. I can’t help myself but get excited when I spot any bird of prey and this one was soaring so low over the lock! But then again I also get equally excited when I spot a slime mould too!🤩 Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@MotownJT]

You did it! You were challenged and you overcame the obstacles! Celebrate!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🎉 Celebrate indeed! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@suedale1865]

Well done Vanessa I felt your apprehension on solo sail but look at you Great congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 oh & Zeph The Autumn tints were magnificent such splendour Another great masterpiece of the magpie ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sue, I hope that you are feeling much better now? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I was a bit apprehensive about drawing a solitary magpie as I try and not be superstitious but I do salute them, when I see one it's own. However, when I saw how brave it was with the buzzard, I decided that they deserve a bit of love and attention...still saluting them though!😂 Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@BarbaraPerry-vj4zr]

You are such fun to watch! I love your attitude and the to close each vlog with your drawings and poems just make my evening complete!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Barbara! Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@WifeofJim]

Well done for your first go at single handing. A stop lock with a nice short drop is a good one to start with - no lock ladder to have to climb up or down. Give yourself a Pat on the back 🎉

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so right there; I hate heights so climbing a lock ladder in the rain terrifies me no end! Thank you so much for your encouragement. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@ScotSpirit]

Have you ever been to Scotland think you would love it up here with the wildlife, scenery etc to name but a few things 🙂👍 the weather is a bit of a mixed bag but as we Scots say give it 10 minutes it will change

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I absolutely love Scotland. It is one of my favourite countries to visit. The wildlife is spectacular, the views are breathtaking and the people are so friendly. Thank you for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@garphykeks]

I don't normally chew my nails lass😟 Absolutely outstanding vlog and about an hour and a half too short😀😀 By 'eck you remind me of our lass with your grit. KTF🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, sorry about the nail biting bit though!😬 Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@PaulByHere]

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe is one of my all-time favourite films. I hope you enjoy it. Mary Stuart Masterson is always great...

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a brilliant film and I cried my eyes out at the end...but oh that boiling pot at the BBQ!😱 Thank you so much for watching, Paul! I hope you are all well? Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@TheJessierb]

Great job Captain Vanessa and Able Sea Dog Zephyr! It looked scary indeed. I loved the autumn colors and the Magpie shooing away the buzzard..who'd have thought? Green tomatoes can be used also to make relish. Now that cold weather is here we just leave the remaining green toms to ripen inside. Your poem is gorgeous and so well captures the elements of your vlog this past week. Wishing you more adventures in the week ahead. xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Wendy, thank you so much for your encouragement- that is so kind of you. If you have a special green chutney recipe then please send it my way; I'll definitely be eating fried, green tomatoes again though too! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@brewster3987]

I do believe the autumn colors around 12:30 are some of the prettiest I've ever seen. Not exaggerating. Thanks for sharing. And don't fret about fried green tomatoes... they're a staple appetizer here in South Carolina USA... and despite Zephyr's obvious trepidation at 17:00, you both did a fine job wrangling the boat on your own!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Brewster- the autumn colours have been really slow to start here and I was concerned that they would all be blown off before changing, so I was delighted to find the trees lighting up the canal this week. I will definitely be eating fried green tomatoes again! Zephyr was great crew wasn't she? Although I'm going to have to teach her to work a windlass!😂🐾🐾 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@otter736]

Fried green tomatoes is really popular way to eat the…..sometimes fried with bread crumbs. Lovely video, as usual.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are now going to be a seasonal dish of mine! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@martinhowe1422]

Always remember, never forget, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.........

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such great advice and encouragement- thank you so much!👍 Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@martinhowe1422]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Thanks Vanessa, but I really cannot take any credit - it was actually said by Christopher Robin to WInnie the Pooh. I guess I am still a kid at heart 🤣

[@tammisteels49]

Fried Green tomatoes My favourite film EVER XX❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s great isn’t it! 🤩 Thank you for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@quavernote4307]

Hi Vanessa some Narrow boats are different. To cool the engine you may have a skin tank that is built in beside the engine it fills with canal water goes through pipes to the engine then comes out the exhaust outlet ,others like mine have a water inlet in the hull through a filter the filter needs cleaning out about every month depending how weedy or leafy the canal is I have to keep an eye on the water outlet if only steam comes out I know the filter is blocked sollid , the other is air cooled Taking air through large air vents from beside the stern but all three still have the water exspanssion tank on top of the engine so it sounds like your exspanssion tank must have got very low of coolent so adding. Cold water to a boiling hot engine I am so glad you stopped the engine like you did as the engine oil can get sticky as it gets so hot so I would think they will replace your engine oil as well good luck with your cruising I love your drawing and poems brilliant 😃 🦋 🦆🦆

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow, you really know your different narrowboats-thank you so much for this information!🤩 I'll keep referring back to this one. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Canals in Autumn are spectacular. 🍂 Kudos to you for achieving your first “solo cruise”. 👏👏 Thank you for sharing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Autumn is one of my favourite times to cruise for that reason. Thank you for watching- take care🌻🦋

[@stevecam724]

Courageous : not deterred by danger. You showed personal courage Vanessa, well done 💛

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Steve that is so kind of you although I nearly vomited before turning that junction!😂 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@ISLEOVUE]

hello Vanessa, thanks for sharing your adventures. You mentioned the series from the 1960's the classic narrowboat tale, 'The Flower Of Gloster' here on the youtube as well 🚣🚣‍♂🚣‍♀

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s a great series! Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Vanessa - greetings from Poland. WOW! - that was exciting. I've never seen that much water in a canal before. The cruise to get some water was nail biting, but you got there in the end. Well done you and Zephyr on getting the boat to the repairers in one piece, all on your own. Beautiful birds - especially the magpie and the buzzard. Superb photography skills despite the awful weather. Your commenatry and expalnations about what we were looking at was great.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, I have never seen so much water in the canal either- it was so worrying! Fortunately, it all worked out in the end though. I am so pleased that you enjoyed this vlog. Thank you so much for such a lovely and encouraging message. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@colang1231]

I put green tomatoes in a drawer for a few days till they are red!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That's s good tip- I'll have to try that next time. Thank you so much . Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@ben8mag]

England has beautiful birds. Thanks so much for sharing your little adventure by yourself with me. ❤️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The magpie is such a beautiful bird but it has such a bad reputation and as they are so common, they are quite often overlooked. I loved drawing it as I could take time to notice how stunning its feathers are. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and rest of the week, ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@jacquelineryde7339]

Wow you are amazing lady, well done, showed me how it’s done on a solo venture no matter how small. Glad the engine is getting fixed. The flooding has been unreal this year and you certainly had some challenges there. Well done ❤👏👏👏👏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comment. I have so much admiration for the single- handed boaters; you have to think everything through so carefully before doing it. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, Jacqueline. Take care🌻🦋

[@jacquelineryde7339]

@@themindfulnarrowboat ❤️

[@teridenos1006]

Fried Green Tomatoes is a good movie. Also I have cooked fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes need to be picked when they have a pearl-like sheen to them. Then you can make a flour batter and dip your sliced green tomatoes in it and fry them. Tastes unexpectedly delicious! Just found your channel tonight and you have a real talent with your poetry and art. My childhood home is about 10 miles from Wolverhampton. I currently live in the USA but always love to go home to visit and love to walk the canal paths. ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

A great tip there for the fried green tomatoes- I'll have to do that next year! I am so pleased that you got to see some of your childhood home.Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@helenedansereau9255]

Oh, what a gorgeous drawing of the magpie! What colours! I’d never seen such a bird, so happy to have seen one!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Helen, in the UK the magpie is considered an unlucky omen when seen on its own. There is a whole rhyme about them: 1 for sorrow, 2 for joy, 3 for a girl and so on...When I saw the way that single magpie stood up to the buzzard, I thought, well now, that has to go in my nature journal! They are so beautiful aren't they? But because of their reputation, they are so often sidelined. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@helenedansereau9255]

Thank you so much for those details. I always enjoy your knowledge of all the birds (and bugs, and mushrooms, and butterflies, et al...). In Canada, not only don’t we have the same fauna as you do in Europe, but knowledge about it is much rarer, I fear. Alas, all the lore our grandparents and ancestors were so familiar with has disappeared from our mostly urban lives. Which is why, in large part, I so appreciate your videos.@@themindfulnarrowboat

[@michaelhiggins7365]

You did a wonderful job Vanessa single-handling Alice Grace in the rain. I'm so glad to hear you found a reputable shop to replace the head gasket for half the price. Just make sure they also change your oil, lest there be water in it. I'm glad you enjoyed Fried Green Tomatoes, it is a wonderful movie. I'm still gonna nudge you see Where the Crawdads Sing, you will love the artwork inspired by the marshes in and around North Carolina. I think you will LOVE THIS MOVIE. Take good care Vanessa, and thank for once again, allowing us to ride along with you, Zeph and the mysterious Mr. M . May God bless you in all your endeavors.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, I did watch Where The Crawdads sing and I loved that film so much! Especially the way she set up her veranda with all of her beautiful drawings. I thought that I had messaged you ages ago about that so I am sorry that you didn’t get that message. Thank you so much for the recommendation! And thank you for your lovely comment too. Have a super Sunday and week ahead. Take care🦋🌻

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Oh that's wonderful Vanessa, I'm so glad you enjoyed the movie, the illustrations she created were so beautiful, as are yours. And you Brit's just seem to have the gift of acting in your DNA, Daisy Edgar-Jones did a fabulous job in that movie. But . . . each week I'm also treated to your wonderful poetry, which is such an added bonus. I cannot wait until your next book comes out. @@themindfulnarrowboat

[@vanessascola4708]

Wow, Vanessa I really take my hat off to you. What a lot of stress for you. The weather really didn't help you in any way. Did you have some warming mulled wine or something stronger? You deserve a rest now.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Aw, mulled wine- what a lovely idea, I wish that I had thought of that! Thank you so much for your kindness. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Go you well done =-) A new challenge done and dusted and of course the wind and rain had to join the party sigh. Take care =-)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Exactly, a new challenge done and dusted and at least the lock was tiny and the journey short! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Hello Vanessa I'm not surprised the pounds were full of water we have had lots of heavy down pours heavier than normal, it doesn't help with all the autumn leaves and branches blocking the drains. I thought hey up ur coming up the Shropshire as l saw u turn on to it, the shropy is a lovely canal of pure delight. Any way well done on getting to the boat yard soon Alice Grace will fixed and ur journey continues 😊. As usual a great vlog to watch and of course fried green tomatoes, as l writing ur review l can hear the owls not too far away from my boat hooting 😊 and its only 5pm. I hope u have a wonderful. 😊weekend 😊🍵🦋🍁💦

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Simon, how wonderful to be listening to the owls and writing my comment; I love the sound of the owls! I hope you are enjoying the autumn afloat and you're all nice and cosy inside the cabin. There is a special magic about boating this time of year isn't there? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@dremein]

Glad to hear you engine is getting fixed so quickly and at a (somewhat) reasonable cost. P.S. When you put "fried green" in front of "tomatoes" you need to say tomatoes with a good (US) Southern accent; very soft "tee" and a very long "A" 🙂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'm going to have to practice that accent! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@obiblooze5902]

Another lovely vlog, your filming of the wildlife is just beautiful. Well done for the solo voyage x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sianwarwick633]

Oh, so very well done Vanessa. You turned all those difficulties around... the rush of water, engine. You asked Zephyr to be strong ! Excellent call to the CRT - at least that one problem is fixed. Vibrant colours, thrilling nature. I love the deep blue of the Magpie's back feathers. A strong and descriptive poem captured by your choice of the Magpie. A real pleasure to follow you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Sian, that is such a thoughtful and kind comment- thank you so much; I really appreciate your words. It is a pleasure to read your comments too. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@raybrown2197]

You could always make a green tomato chutney with the remnants of your plants.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That sounds delicious! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@christinewalker5874]

Well done Vanessa for tackling that on your own (well with your trusty assistant) I can understand the anxiety it must have caused, take care x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Christine, I was so nervous, but as soon as I turned that junction the sense of relief was amazing! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@josephpotterf9459]

Thanks love it all

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! It is lovely to know that you enjoyed it. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Love your reaction to seeing a buzzard. Well done coping with all the water. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Andrew, I nearly edited that out as I look like such a crazy lady sometimes, but then I thought- well I am a crazy lady so I may as well keep it in!😂 The buzzard was flying so low and it looked incredible above the flooded lock. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@1beakin]

Fried Green Tomato's one of my favoriate films. The beautiful fall scenery was amazing, I live in Northwestern Pennsylvania in US, Fall is my favoiate season. Loved all the birds. n

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Bette, it must be stunning where you are at the moment? Fried Green Tomatoes was such a beautiful film and I loved it too.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@NarrowboatWill]

Hello mindful family. I'm over your way in the next few weeks. Hopefully I'll bump into you. Looks like a rough canal. Some parts of the canals here are flooded. The towpaths covered in water. See you on the cut..👍🫵🫵

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

We'll look out for you Mr Will and hopefully you'll be wearing more clothes than you are on your recent thumbnail!😂 Safe cruising- thank you so much for your lovely comment, take care🌻🦋

[@gerryholland7274]

Based on the maxim 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' you both did very well. Bet you slept well that night! NB Happy Days.......

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Such a wise saying and I'm glad to report that the solo cruise did not kill me and neither did the green tomatoes- which were your tomatoes from the plant that you gave me- delicious!😋 Thank you for your lovely comment, Gerry and Wiggie- have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@joanspooner5668]

I loved this video: so many fall colors, and beautiful gnarled trees. If I were you, I would feel like I perished and went to Nirvana. Thanks for sharing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a poetic comment- thank you so much, Joan! Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@davearmstrong2296]

Your vlogs are simply superb to watch. The way you link your experiences into your poems and drawings is absolutely amazing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Dave, thank you so much for your kindness; I am so pleased that you enjoy the vlogs. Happy New Year! Take care🥳🌻🦋

[@paulturner7837]

That must have been a bit frightening with the water brimming over Vanessa. It looked like the bywash was going to wash you up on the lock landing. I’m glad you got the engine fixed and for a more reasonable price. Lovely vlog and very well worded poem. Have a lovely weekend 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Paul, it was so alarming being pushed into the towpath from the bywash. I have never seen so much water on a canal before! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and week ahead. Take care🌻🦋

[@dnewnova]

wonderful photography again you just keep wowing us glad AG is getting fixed stay safe and warm

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@kenndo9906]

Oh my never seen it flooded like that on that stretch....wow. another fantastic video !

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was crazy that day at the locks!😱 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@colinwhitehouse1310]

Another superb video cant wait for another keep them coming just love sitting with a cuppa tea on a frosty day watching your beautiful videos

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Ah, Colin- that is so lovely to know that you enjoy the vlogs with a cuppa on a frosty morning! Thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jamesfoley6555]

Thank you for another wonderful vlog, well done you🙏✝️🙏🇨🇦

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, James- that is so kind of you. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@gailalicea1622]

💚💚 I found your channel a few days ago and have been trying to watch it from the beginning. But every now and then one of your titles catches my attention and I have to go to check that one out ☺️ I love everything about this channel. It's so calming and peaceful. I can and do watch it all day. But if you don't mind my asking why did you have to take a solo trip this time 🤔. And one thing you've proved you're extremely capable and can do anything you need to. Blessings and best wishes to you , your husband and zephyr. May you continue to have great adventures that you so graciously share with the rest of us 💚💚

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment. My husband was working away on this occasion which is why I took the solo trip. Take care🦋🌻

[@christineprice5463]

Fried Green Tomatoes is a movie that is so southern ( the American South). Many restaurants have fried tomatoes here in South Carolina. It is a breakfast and dinner side dish. We love tomatoes here. Great video. Thank you. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Christine, it was such a heartfelt film and I loved it! The fried green tomatoes sound delicious where you are; I think that I'm going to start doing that every year now. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@christineprice5463]

​@themindfulnarrowboat you too!

[@vanessascola4708]

You really are so calm with all your difficulties you had to face this week. Hope it gets easier now.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I nearly vomited before I turned that junction, Vanessa!😂 Thank you so much for your kindness. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@darlene9154]

The was a wonderful movie. Such a good story.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a wonderful film isn't it and what a twist to the plot too! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@beverleybutler7685]

Well done Vanessa and zeph you powered through despite the weather conditions!! 🤗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

We powered through somehow and it was such an adventure, albeit short! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@honeydiamond5572]

You did it! Tawanda!!!!!!!😁

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Tawanda!!! 😂👍 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Great cruise Vanessa, you handled the boat well. Autumn is lovely and mystical. Winter is magical. Lovely times of year. 💚

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sheila, they are such special times of the year aren't they? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@sidewaysid]

Thank you for reminding me of the flower of Gloucester, I never missed as a kid, sorry but I'm off to watch ah ah, Love you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Enjoy rewatching it all again- it is great! Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@ben8mag]

Floods can be dangerous. Stay safe. Here in America, the country folks would call the English canals a fancy ditch. Lol!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I love that phrase a 'fancy ditch'! When we were on the Middle Levels we were cruising through the drains which also tickled me. Thank you for watching and commenting. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@andrewjgordon1372]

It's a great film, one definitely to watch....Great job getting through after the storm, as always really enjoyable vlog.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It really is a great film isn't it? Thank you for your kind words about the vlog too. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@derekrobinson2295]

Well done you!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Derek! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sandyprosser805]

Hi Vanessa what a brave lady you are, my heart was beating as fast as yours, but you handled it beautifully, I knew you would lovely scenery and wildlife as always. Glad engine repair is done, happy boating for winter months. Have great week xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, thank you Sandy! Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@glynluff2595]

Fried a green tomatoes - my wife’s favourite film of all time!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I can see why- it's a great film! Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@maxiemills6982]

You did great!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much- that is so kind of you! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Vanessa for taking us along on this great adventure through floods and difficult navigations but still with beautiful scenery and wildlife. I don't think that Zephyr needed to be asked to be the perfect crew member as she just is. Well done for doing this journey solo and as always your journal is magical, I hope that the engine is now fixed and running smoothly. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Stevie, you are right about Zephyr- I can always rely on her to be the best crew mate. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and rest of the week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@RWBHere]

Green tomatoes can be kept cold, in a fridge if you like. A week or so before you want to eat them, put them in sunlight, inside a window, and all but the very smallest ones will ripen. We've eaten 'freshly ripened' tomatoes which were picked in October and early November, as late as February or early March in the following year. They taste absolutely fine.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is a super trick- I'll remember that! 🤩 Take care🌻🦋

[@markd3250]

That was quite an adventure! Glad you got your engine problems sorted out. The colors in the second half of the video were so rich and vibrant, absolutely beautiful. I could see the apprehension and worry in your face, but you did just fine. Turns out you're more capable than you realized! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us, and for taking the time to put together these videos.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome, Mark! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely comment. The autumn colours are really starting to pop this week which is wonderful to see. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@WanabeHippie]

really well done with the solo boating. Not easy. Loved the film of the goldcrest. Well spotted and great pics. Glad you got the engine sorted.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your encouraging words- that is so kind of you. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@robinscontainergarden]

I can recommend the film, Fried Green Tomatoes, as well as eating them! I'm in Scotland now, but grew up in the South in the USA and eat them often. My Scottish husband loves them! I love your channel and watch it as often as I can. We've been considering becoming live-aboards and we're learning a lot from your channel. Thank you!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful that you are carrying on the tradition for fried green tomatoes in Scotland! I am so pleased that you are finding my channel useful in helping you to consider life afloat. I am going to do a more practical vlog this week as other viewers have a requested a certain aspect of narrowboat life, so if you have anything that you'd like to know, put it in the comments and I'll try and answer it for you. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@stevemendenhall6284]

What a present surprise . I was not expecting a video from you until Friday and even then I was thinking with all the problems you have had lately that I might have to go another week without my diversion which I needed so desperately to take my mind away from the thought that mankind is on the verge of destroying not only our environment but our planet. I totally agree with you when it comes to messing about with mother nature. And the breeding of birds of pray. That Magpie and the Heron just beautiful and I am so happy you found a place to get Alice fixed she seamed to run pretty well even with the blown head gasket. It’s been years since I have seen Fried Green Tomatoes now I will watch it again as well as the TV show you mentioned about Wolverhampton. Until next Friday then have a great rest of the week. Steve

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Steve, what a kind and lovely comment- thank you so much! Enjoy watching Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe and The Flower of Gloster- they are both a great watch. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@anniemac3075]

Friday evening dose of calm, thank you for the varied video & congratulations on your solo journey. 💐🎉👏❤😸

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Annie, I am so pleased that you found the vlog calming and thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@quavernote4307]

Hi Vanessa yes what can. Blow a head gasket is adding cold water to a hot engine I top. Up with warm water from the kettle they will I exspect flush your system out and add fresh antifreeze rust prohibeter also check your hoses Nice to know you can get it sorted before the winter weather coming soon Great for them to do it as I had a problem in 2021 after buying my boat going through Fenny Compton Tunnel the worst place a water cooling hose had rubbed a hole against a hose clip against the engine so like yours all my coolent went in the engine bay so I pulled the boat by rope all the way to a boat yard near Croperdy but I am so glad I stopped the engine as it would have seized up without coolent !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

This is such good advice. Do you think the fact that we were adding cold water could have caused the problem then? Thank you so much for such a super comment. Have a great weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Daytona2]

You'll go down in folklore for that flood, Vanessa! 😬😂 So glad that the engine was a simple fix. You can chutney green tomatoes, I think ? To late now, tho...

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

If you know a good chutney recipe, then please send it my way, although I will need to grow a few more first. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋🍅🍅🍅