The Gritty Reality of Winter On My Narrowboat Home

You'd have thought after living on my narrowboat for six years, that I would be a competent boater? Well in this vlog, it's like I've just started life aboard! Sit back, relax and enjoy. Take care 🦋🌻
Coffee Page:
www.buymeacoff...
Patreon Page:
/ themindfulnarrowboat
Thank you so much; it really means a lot to me!
I also sell some of my nature journal entries on Etsy at themindfulnarr...
Music: Envato Elements
The Lark by Flutist
Downtown Saturday Market by Hunger
Antonin Dvorak Waltz from Serenade by Eddie Honcha
Harp and violins by Stan Nay
You can catch me on Twitter at: @TheMindfulNB
On Instagram @themindfulnb
Or email: [e-mail]
It's always lovely to hear from you and I will try my best to get back to you.

[@rodneycook2457]

Vanessa, when I started watching your vlog awhile back, I assumed that the title was click bait. I have since discerned that not only are you striving to live a mindful life, but you are also trying to teach us to slow down and observe what is around us and what is ultimately far more important. Thank you! You have a wonderful weekend as well.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a kind and generous comment, Rodney. Thank you so much- I really appreciate it. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@julieemery8963]

How wrong you were Rodney, i guess yr actually enjoying watching it now😁😁

[@sheilahapted1568]

Thank you once again Vanessa, for an enjoyable, informative and enriching experience. I think you are our 'Narrowboat warrior' but in a gentle way. You keep an eye on the running of your boat, the conditions around you, the people and the wildlife, and of course 'Zeph'. All of this you do while creating your meaniful stories, with poetry and art. Once again, your art of mindfulness, has had it good and calming effect on my life. Sheila, Australia 😊🌻🌻

[@BetweenBounty]

Why would you even mention the first part Rodney 😮

[@SherryStaggs-nb1xx]

@@BetweenBounty​​⁠​⁠He’s being truthful and confessing how wrong he was and how much he now appreciates Vanessa’s vlogs which she thanked him for.

[@peterbudd44]

Brilliant , shame it had to end ... a mischief of mice , that's great . Can we have a new collective noun each week please ! haha.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I adore collective nouns! 🤩 I shall be delighted to share some more. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@JanMarcin-j1l]

Jak zawsze pięknie i jakże romantycznie a dziś jeszcze i apetycznie bo gotowałaś Vanesso. Pozdrawiam🇵🇱

[@butchieblock9118]

We all really enjoy your adventures on the waterways, but I'm pretty sure I am not the only one that enjoys your sharing of your knowledge and experiences with the birds, bees, plants; not to mention your beautiful artwork and your lovely Zeph!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m delighted that you enjoy those parts of my vlogs. Thank you so much 😊 Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@julieemery8963]

No butch, your not the only one, you can see from all the comments on a weekly basis just how many people are enjoying Vanessa’s vlog. Its a joy to watch at the end of a busy working week, such a treat❤️❤️❤️😊

[@peterreeve8663]

Your cooking style is like your narrow boat journey. Sometimes it’s brilliant but sometimes it’s not. But no one drowned and no one starved and you had fun along the way! Take care and thanks for sharing with us armchair boaters.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

A very wise way of looking at it, Peter! Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🌻🦋

[@ericstoever9577]

It feels like your “how not to narrowboat” is still better than the best of most. You have made an art of living. My best to you!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a beautiful comment- thank you so much 😊 Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@WayneSchowalter]

A change of content: a recipe pulled from your thoughts. Success flavored with spices that remind me of my departed wife. A tear forms in my eye. An exquisite poem, followed by the perfect music choice, makes me emotional again. Beauty and wonder emanate from my screen as only you can create. Thank you, again, Vanessa.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a beautiful, comment Wayne. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much 😊 Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@WayneSchowalter]

@ You, too. Take care.

[@julieemery8963]

Awe bless you❤️❤️❤️

[@tteric67]

Fridays are so much more fun with your vlogs! Isn’t Zephyr such a wise girl! To be admired, so patient and a knowledgable boat dog now! ❤🎉🦮👏💎

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zephyr is so wise and outsmarts me all the time! 🐾🐾🤗 Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@tteric67]

@ i’m sure she picks up on all your habits and routines and already knows the outcome before you do! Lol, my old Podenco was the same! She deserves some extra treats now!🏅

[@shoretrader1]

Another award winning and great adventure. I am one who "sticks to the end" as you put it and enjoys your "grounding routine" as my Mom would say, of making a pot of tea and placing one, two or (who's counting ?) treats on your dessert plate. Finally settling down creating in your journal. Mom would say good routines are important in life. For the viewer, it provides a happy closure after your adventure comes to an end :)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Your Mom sounds like she was a very wise woman. 🤩🤗 Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment too. Take care 🌻🦋

[@julieemery8963]

I fully agree with you❤️😊

[@julieemery8963]

I dont follow recipies either vanaessa 😁😁i just make my own version & its always enjoyable😊😊

[@julieemery8963]

Hi Vanessa, hope you are keeping well😊❤️ hope you enjoyed yr dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed yr vlog this evening. I loved that zeph picked up his speed when you mentioned treats😁❤️❤️ you take care, have a lovely w’end & look forward to next wks vlog❤️😊

[@chrisabbott7458]

You deserved a more relaxed cruise this week after several weeks of challenging times . This was such a peaceful cruise.I loved your shots of the mice.,

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was such a joy not to have any dramas. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@christineprice5463]

I love the swans. They make a heart with their necks. So pretty. Thank you for the lovely vlog. It is always a great way to start the weekend. 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are such beautiful creatures aren’t they? Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@stephenevans9248]

The Wall is your best poem so far, a real joy.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Do you think so? That’s so kind of you. I was so inspired by that wall and the fact that it was under water over New Years. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@stephenevans9248]

@@themindfulnarrowboat It really is a great piece of writing.

[@stevea9604]

Those Swans know great company and thats why they like hanging around you 👍🏻🌞🤩

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you. I think it’s more to do with the incredible amount of weed that we have hanging off our boat though! 🤭 Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@jennyfulcher8035]

Thank you Vanessa for your Mindful Narrowboat vlog. You provide the calm within the storm of US politics, as I follow you and Zephy aboard Alice Grace. Even when you encounter your own storms, literally and metaphorically, you keep a steady hand on the tiller as you steer Alice Grace towards calmer waters, grounding me in turn so that I don't lose my own moorings during these uncertain times. Steady as she goes, Vanessa, Zephyr, and Alice Grace! Thank you for being there! 💙

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh Jenny, I hope you are okay? 🤗💚Thank you so much for your lovely words. Take care 🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

@@themindfulnarrowboat I'm doing okay but Americans are all upset because of Musk and DOGE who have access to all of our personal data at the US Treasury. We're in the middle of an oligarchic coup since Trump was elected.

[@G6EJD]

Dear Vanessa, another truly mindful and relaxing vlog, thank you so much. I’m really enjoying my 2024 Journal too, the poetry is just perfect and illustrations wonderful.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you. Thank you so much for buying my book too. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@trevorbarrett9971]

In a word, my description of your boat, channel and content would be - 'shipshape'. It's so nice to sit down on Friday evening and watch the latest chapter..... thank you! Take care, stay safe all 🤞🏻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a kind word! Thank you so much, Trevor. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@carmenzaldivar4393]

I love your videos .not only how you show us nature but also the lovely towns and history around. At the end of watching your videos I realize that I have a smile on my face and in my ❤️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a beautiful comment which made my face and heart smile! Take care 🦋🌻

[@stevenbranch7362]

Hello Vanessa, from Ontario, Canada. my husband enjoy your videos so much. we're especially pleased to see you showing more of your cooking. Your dinner concoction looked delicious. Thank you for showing us further glimpses into more aspects of your life on Alice Grace and your boating adventures. Hoping for and early spring and more consistent pleasant weather for you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you both! I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@stevenbranch7362]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Thanks for responding! Loved you with those swans ❤

[@1888starz]

The swans are always a sight to see for me, one of your favorite. I always enjoy your vids. which are filled with lots of adventure, lots to learn from and so much fun too. Zephyr is such a sweetie girl, I just love dogs so much and my two are getting on but make life worthwhile. Thanks for another wonderful time hanging out with you both. Keep well...

[@CarolWhite-il7ki]

Thankyou take care

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

And you! Take care 🌻🦋

[@michellesartori6695]

I have been wanting to sit down and watch this video since you uploaded it, but I only managed to do so 25 minutes ago. It was worth the wait, just like waking up on Christmas morning and knowing there's a gift to unwrap, but you can't have it until later! I laughed at Zepher, double timing it to the "treats" and the adorable swans. How glorious they are! I also loved seeing the mice as they "mischief," and I thought that your dinner looked delicious too. I cook most days out of necessity, and although I can follow a recipe, there are times when I hope for the best and throw a lot of different spices and flavour profiles together and see what happens. I'm sure that your success rate is much higher than 10% LOL! Thank you for what you do in sharing your journeys with us and I know that it means a lot to me, and I also know that I am not alone in saying so, to get the opportunity to visit all the gorgeous places you do. Take care now, Vanessa, and give your girl Zepher a pat from me! From a VERY hot country NSW Australia.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a kind and beautiful comment. Thank you so much 😊 I really appreciate your lovely words. Take care 🦋🌻

[@Faith-su9yb]

By example, you are really teaching us to slow down and pay attention to all the life and worlds surrounding us humans. Thanks again for another lesson!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so lovely to know. Thank you so much, Faith. Take care 🌻🦋

[@mychalloving6821]

Mischief of mice, indeed. Aren’t collective nouns fun? And thanks for the reminder that I don’t really have to scrub the pots and pans spotless. Vanessa, your vlogs provide such an important reminder for all of us to slow down and pay more attention to the wonders of nature that surrounds us. If we all were just a little more tuned in, as you are, the world would a much safer, healthier and civil. Thank you for all you do. You are racking up a huge amount of positive karma, I’m sure.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a lovely comment. Thank you so much 😊 Collective nouns are wonderful things aren’t they? I am fascinated by them. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Nice to see someone else make up recipes as they go along. Always enjoy your excellent vlogs. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s the best way don’t you think? 🤭 Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@alexslocum4681]

My husband and I love your videos. We started watching a few months ago and look forward to every new video ! Our two Sphynx cats, Nigel and Yzma love them as well and will jump up in front of the television and watch ,enthralled . They love Zephyr and will try to play with her and catch the birds . Your channel brings joy to one and all in our house . ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Nigel and Yzma sound wonderful! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@1celloheaven]

Aaah...the gentle balm of your mindful narrowboat moments easing us into the weekend...thank you Vanessa.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you. Thank you so much. Take care 🌻🦋

[@ursulaclarke6066]

I have quite a few of those cabbage trees here in my garden in NZ. It copes with the beach winds we here here , hot dry conditions and a heap of rain.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are incredible trees aren’t they! 🤩 Thank you for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Beautiful and varied video. I'm running out of words to describe these stories. Our journals arrived yesterday. Superb piece of work. The poetry. The drawings. Blended together perfectly. Thank you so much.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you both, Lionel and Mary. Thank you so much 😊 I am so pleased that you like the journals too. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Hi V, sitting in Bed having a cup of tea, it's Sunday and our weekly dose of narrowboating. Lost our yellow lab this week, so seeing Zephyr brought a tear to our eyes. love from S.A.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so sorry to hear about your yellow Lab. I’m sending you a big hug across the airwaves. Take care 🦋🌻🤗

[@chrispotter219]

Thank you for your beautiful rendition of our New Zealand native cabbage tree, absolutely on point

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Aren’t they fabulous trees! Reading about them filled me with awe and wonder 🤩 Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@BethAlaska-o1s]

Thank you so much for sharing the beauty of your life. ♥️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@jumelle1on1]

I felt Ms Beatrix Potter would have an austere smile and nods of approval during today's vlog, and for a few moments, I could forget the reality of life on this side of the pond.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a kind comment! Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🌻🦋

[@jimrobertson9011]

Thankyou so much Vanessa, your videos are a joy to watch, a perfect therapy for the mind 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you, Jim. Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🦋🌻

[@plainandsimple2576]

I’ve a really bad cold, so I watched this late today. As always a pick me up for the day! Thank you!❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I wish you better. Keep up the vitamin C. Take care 🦋🌻

[@MickStrain]

Hi Vanessa, yet another outstanding dose of serenity, starring a beautiful Cob and Pen. My most relaxing half hour of week. Always showing a reality check that not always plain sailing(excuse pun), but an amazing rewarding lifestyle. I love the collective names of animals and birds, some I know, some I don’t, and historical facts, but totally interesting. Again thank you so much for another wonderful vlog. Mick x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Collective nouns are so entertaining aren’t they? Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@monicadarrah8425]

I think Zephyr understands English! She reminds me of my beautiful boy who clearly understood me. It was fun to see you cooking. I see you share my method of throw things together and see what happens! It’s such a pleasure to share your experiences on Alice Grace and off. And so good to see the signs of spring as ours are still buried in snow. I may have to shovel to see my crocuses this year-won’t be the first time! Thanks for your vlogs, they are keeping me sane and centered through the craziness here in the US. ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s a pleasure to share it all. I hope the snow melts soon for you so you can see the wonderful world of spring. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@JHruby]

I love your videos and the poem at the end. Its so calming to follow along on your travels. Winter in Britain can be so beautiful. Take care.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 I’m so pleased that you enjoy the vlogs. Take care 🦋🌻

[@LoremIpsum1970]

Your dish is well 'seasoned' for a better flavour 🙂 We all have our off-days, I certainly do...moments of not knowing what I'm doing when I've done it perfectly before... 🤣 (btw Serenade for Strings, Op.22 II. Tempo di Valse one of my favs after my all time fav Ravel's String Quartet in F major)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s a beautiful piece of music isn’t it? Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@conniesimons8521]

The opening scene with the beautiful elegant swans was breathtaking. Happy cruising to you and Zeypher!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Connie. They are beautiful creatures aren’t they? Take care 🦋🌻

[@annbeirne9583]

Wow! This so cheered me up have a vile cold and the weather has turned really cold again, Love the way Zephyr switched up a gear when you mentioned treats🤣. You finds so much to see. Winter into spring is the most amazing time, all my trees are in bud and the forsythia is the same, The wood pigeon is so glad that he can dip his tail in our solar fountain again he even had a bath in it the other day. Mid January he was most perplexed when he landed on the frozen water and nearly shot off the edge. I know people call them flying rats but I find them endearing, interesting and amusing and we were lucky to have a nest in our Virginia Creeper a mad choice as the wind whistles through it literally, yet when we saw the baby pigeon we were like proud parents, He is the one who tried to ice skate. I loved the way you named the swans too. I was so sad when I saw that sunken boat😢 Thanks again for all of the wonderful and interesting things you saw, did and cooked💖

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh I love your story of the ice skating pigeon! 🤗🤗💚 You should be proud parents as your garden is providing a safe haven for your wildlife. Think about how many off spring you have in the other birds, insects and small mammals living there! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@barbking286]

Every meal, prepared with love that fills your belly is a success. The taste, texture and end result can always be tweaked & developed for the next go round. Recipes are great guides but putting your own personality into each dish is a treat. Be more kind to yourself and maybe keep a note of what you really felt was a winner!! Best Wishes from 🇨🇦 .

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so wise and kind. Thank you so much 😊 Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@kaynemeth4036]

What a beautiful video. The swan interaction was lovely. The sweet Zeph certainly knows the word treat, gave me a giggle. Thank you for your calming verse and art.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@ggayle_45]

Thankyou Vanessa and Zeph.love all your adventures.

[@Saltydog666]

Great video again. You have lovely hand writing . My hand writing is like a doctors!! Zeph looking fab.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s a sign of high intelligence to have handwriting like a doctor! 👍🤩 Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@soul.life.loving]

That is a healthy and well deserved biscuit treat. What a wealth of beautifully observed life you give us. I don’t know which part of your vlog gives me the most anticipation but taken as a whole they should teach you in schools for on-the-spot nature lessons. Bravo, Vanessa, Bravo 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a kind comment! Thank you so much 😊 Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@kschickle916]

You make me feel like I’m right there. I completely swoon over your videos. Thank you for taking me right out of reality and into enchantment.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@obiblooze5902]

How fantastic to be able to film the mice. I never knew they could tread water for 3 days, that's amazing! Love all your vlogs, just beautiful 💖

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I still can’t get over that either and then I had a horrible thought that we only know that because somewhere an experiment has taken place where mice had to tread water. I hope that didn’t happen. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@obiblooze5902]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Oh no, I hadn't thought of that, can't bear that any animals are used in experiments 😞 let's hope it didn't happen that way!

[@4sstg]

I get so much joy from your hard work and videos. 🦢🪻🍄✨ but so sad for the boats that got tipped over by the floods. Tragedy.😰

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so sad to see boats like that isn’t it? 🥲 Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@yvonnepodmore4891]

Lovely trip with you again. Thankyou so much x take care both 💗 x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Yvonne! Take care 🦋🌻

[@Martin-q8d2l]

Lovely video it was nice to see the area where we live from a different angle .we were impressed with your culinary skills, and it looked yummy. It was good of you to mention us , it made our day . Look forward to the next episode again an area we know well. Tec care , Martin and Linda ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was so lovely to meet you both too! When you told me that the wall was under water I had to make it the theme of my poem this week! Thank you so much for watching. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@lizboyles-k2g]

Harold and Hilda !! Fab remember the matching jumpers! And a mischief of mice who knew. Great vlog as always and more lovely comments quite a fan club. Thank you so much for sharing and Zeph. I always look forward to seeing what you find each week.. huge thanks stay well and safe x❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Those matching jumpers! 🤩 Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Brasscock]

Nice and steady this week after the storm Vanessa.You got a bit of everything in this week, history, cooking flora and fauna ,It was briliant, have a great weekend 😊. Tony

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you, Tony. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@irenebrown8363]

So beautiful the Swan at night magical

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are so elegant aren’t they? 🦢🦢Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@PaulWest_Videographer]

Thank you for your beautiful Vlogs; Your poetry and sketches.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome, Paul! Thank you so much for watching and for your kindness too. Take care 🌻🦋

[@pamelawatson2366]

Lovely video of Dewsbury. I started my career there 40 years ago and I loved it ❤️. Thank you for bringing back long lost memories 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s such a great town! I’m so pleased that it brought back memories for you. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@suzannemarshall5328]

I have quite a few cabbage trees, from our Kiwi Bros country across the ditch, on my property. They were planted by the former owner and I love them. Another lovely video. Thankyou Vanessa.

[@chrishobbs58]

Hello again! Lovely winter scenery, great commentary, and Zephyr What more can one ask for!? Enjoyed seeing your cooking methods and strategy. Thanks for introducing me to both New Zealand Cabbage and Stonecrop! I would actually like to plant some stonecrop in my backyard, along the bottoms of the fences. To keep weeds from growing there. A very enjoyable episode. Hope you find a bin soon, hehe. Thanks again, and best wishes, as always!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Stonecrop is easy to propagate apparently so I think your idea will work really well for your garden. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Vanessa ! You just may have put Graham Kerr, the Galloping Gourmet right out of a job ! I very much enjoyed your cooking segment and it sure looks healthy and tasty. I received your 2024 Journal yesterday, it was like Christmas coming a little early this year. Thank you so much for sending this clear across the pond to Avondale, Arizona. And thank you for this week's adventures along the canal, it is always such a relaxing way to start off my weekend. May God Bless You and Zephyr this week. Cheers.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the cooking but you didn’t have to eat it! 😂 Thank you so much for buying my book. I’m so happy to know that it arrived with you in one piece. Have a super weekend! Take care 🌻🦋

[@gailmowat3149]

You make dull overcast days great ones!! and Zephyr too.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How kind, Gail. Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🌻🦋

[@robertseaman2254]

Love your cooking very much my idea for cooking food make ones own up.all very interesting video again always lovely to watch you ,you are so knowledgeable about nature so refreshing and film editing is so good.thankyou again Vanessa and dear zeph.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Robert, making it up as you go along is so much more fun isn’t it? Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment too. Take care 🌻🦋

[@carollewis62]

I'm with you Vanessa, who wants to spend time scrubbing a pan when you have more interesting things to look at, life is too short. Thank you for another inspiring video. I move back to the UK next week after being away for many years and the narrowboat life is so appealing, at least you and some other boaters make it look like a great life, sometimes with difficulties but overall a life of wellness. Thank you and Zephyr for brining the joy every week. Take care xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Good luck with the move. I hope it all works out for you. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@gregkearsley8939]

Delightful episode...all that cooking made me hungry. Nutrella on a digestive...what a gourmet treat!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a gourmet treat worth having! 😋 Thank you for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

Thank you 🥰 my Friday night unwind . Always a pleasure 🐝

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, Red. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@ChrispBacon4200]

It would be awesome to see the USA make water ways here and I would never leave 😊 but the cruising with you would be pure joy ❤🎉

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The waterways are special places. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Chris.groucott]

Thank you very much for another lovely video 👍 Even though we are in winter, and it's cold and horrible outside, when you take time to look about nature has some tiny hidden treasures everywhere! Just beautiful 😍 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The hidden treasures in nature are the biggest morale booster aren’t they? 🤩 Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Chris.groucott]

@themindfulnarrowboat yes they really are, I always do the same as you, stop and admire the beautiful wildlife, it makes me smile and feel better, 🙂

[@johnmact5548]

Love your kitchen

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@MikeyFarley]

Anne and I loved one of your books Anne got for Christmas, and love your mindfulness Narrowboater episodes, vlogs, blogs or channels, they give us such pleasure and are really relaxing to watch, "superb" keep up the the great work, especially while you seem to enjoy doing it as much as we enjoy watching it thankyou. xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a beautiful comment! Thank you so much Anne and Mikey. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@soobee6060]

Hi there Vanessa, from the land of the Cabbage Tree (NZ). Great that you didn't get swamped in the flood. Our female blackbird with Leucism has returned! Not sure where she has been. Thank you for that new word! Re your sister's injured pigeon I had one that I am sure had a broken leg. After keeping him inside and well fed the leg mended itself and he is now back to strutting around again! And visits every day. Take care Sue

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What wonderful news about your returning blackbird and your beautiful pigeon story too! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Grant-k7o]

Being able to see the aftermath of the New year's flood really highlights cause and effect . Having had a childhood in a playground of boats, it broke my heart seeing the sunken narrow boat. Knowing it was also someone's home .😢 Felt like it was Goldilocks and the three barges this week .😊 I remember the Headteacher bringing a halt to the assembly rendition of Onward Christian Soldiers as it took on a football anthem type genre :) Really loved this week's Vlog for all the reasons many of the other comments have beautifully highlighted. Poetry was very beautiful.❤ ( My son said he trusts Artificial Intelligence ..more than my cooking !) Safe ' onward ' travel. 🐾 ✨

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is heart breaking to see sunken boats like that. I can imagine what Onward Christian Soldiers sounded like in your assembly hall; it’s a hymn that lends itself to that sort of chanting. 😂 Your son sounds like a character! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@user-dixk2rx5gz8f]

Beautiful! Thank you, Vanessa! 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🌻🦋

[@DianneChance-j5q]

Hope you are keeping warm today as its bitterly cold, love the bottoms up swans, if you purchase fresh coriander & keep in brown paper bag in the cold it keeps good & makes food taste yummy🙏🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is soooo cold isn’t it! 🥶 cruising was an arctic adventure. I hope you are staying warm too? Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Deonna-Draebish]

Vanessa I’m really loving both of your Journals that arrived in our mailbox! Their postmark said Royal Mail which made me smile! Thank you for the glimpse you share of the world through your eyes! Love from Chicagoland! Deonna & David❤️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that they arrived! Thank you so much for buying them. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@MrLangDog]

I always learn something and thoroughly enjoy your perspective. Until next time, take care !

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so lovely of you- thank you so much 😊 Take care 🌻🦋

[@EdRobertson-d2n]

How I Love Fridays with Vanessa and Zephyr, The swans looked to be enjoying themselves too, I think that paddle mechanism could do with a bit of maintenance, You show us a lot of things we don't always see, different varieties of plants, birds and those mice in the wall too, Once again it's been a pleasure going along with you both, Thank You for taking us and looking forward to the next trip.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s a pleasure to read your comments so thank you so much 😊 Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@GordonBlythe]

Lovely, lovely, video. Looking forward to next Friday all ready. 📹📹📹👏👏👏👏🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you, Gordon. Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🦋🌻

[@maluneid5277]

Only read the title! Everything still good with you and darling zephyr? Enjoy your travels very much, as my travels are curtailed by caring for my husband! Thank you very much.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you are ok? It’s such a beautiful thing that you are doing in caring for your husband like that. We are all fine here but it was just a week of narrowboat things not going to plan. Thank you so much for caring. Take care 🌻🦋

[@maluneid5277]

@@themindfulnarrowboat i am fine, there is always another new day when one can start anew. That is life I think. It’s not easy getting old. So hope you plan ahead. I enjoy your vlogs very much! So thank you.

[@Margaret_J]

Oh love it - big narrowboat, little narrowboat and tiny, baby butty boat 😂 Made my day! I always enjoy thinking about some of the stories and reasons behind all the bridge names The thing with risks is that sometimes it's scary but if we always stay safe and don't take them, there's so many goodies we miss - and you find so many magical things for us in your vlogs Thank you 🙏🐾🌸

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wasn’t the boat family gorgeous! Oh to have a baby butty boat for an art studio- wouldn’t that be lovely? Thank you so much for your wise words, Margaret. Take care 🌻🦋

[@angelarochester116]

Another beautiful vlog ❤ I thought you meal looked fantastic 😋 I would have given you 10/10 👍💚👏 Take care and have a great week xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so kind! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi Vanessa, and zephyr, thank you once again for that wonderful video I absolutely love narrowboats. Unfortunately I have a disability I only have one leg which would make it impossible to live on a narrow boat, but through your eyes, I can see how wonderful it is. Thank you once again. Cliff from Logan City Queensland Australia, I’m on the big island

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome. 🤗 Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Take care 🦋🌻

[@janmitchell641]

You’re a woman after my own heart, Vanessa. Digestive biscuits and hazelnut spread, along with other combos such as adding an amazing cream cheese we found in the UK, kept us going on our travels there in 1984. You’re doing really well carrying on through the winter up north. Have you ever considered doing a side trip to ramble in one of the amazing areas of natural beauty in Yorkshire? I would love to see that.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jan, when we get up to York, we are hoping to do lots of rambles. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@maryodonnell5760]

Finally a 'library' I don't mind spending time in! Thanks for a lovely vlog Vanessa!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

😂 I do enjoy reading a wall! 👍 Thank you so much for watching, Mary. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@nigelgregory7308]

What a lovely tranquil vlog this week Vanessa, the mice are so cute, I have them come and nest in my cellar in the winter, infact that is where they are now, right under where the kitchen radiator is, they never cause a problem so I leave them hay and straw for bedding and some mixed veggies, when it warms up they will leave, but I will look forward to them coming back, stay safe and happy Vanessa ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh Nigel, I think it’s absolutely wonderful that you look after your mice like that. You should set up a little wildlife camera to see how much they enjoy the treats that you are leaving out for them. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻🐭🐭🐭🐭

[@nigelgregory7308]

@themindfulnarrowboat oh Vanessa, you are so sweet 🥰☺️, they get in somehow every winter, it's a countryside thing I suppose, they don't do any harm, if I can feed the birds why not a few mice, I used to have a fox visit but not anymore ☹️, my friend does have sheep coming into his garden 🤣🤣🤣, you didn't spend long enough on the Rochdale, the whole area is truly amazing, I hope that you decide to come back again ❤️

[@gflow7]

You're the first person I've seen going through the canal area where I live, looks great on KZbin, via the canal network. It's great to see this and my wife loves the journal she has from you. All the best for your journeys.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is such a wonderful place to visit! So much history and nature too. Also, everyone is so welcoming. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🦋

[@christopherpage-p2d]

Hi Venessa Just like to say we received your latest journal and slowly taking it all in beautifully written and Stunning drawings. Many thanks and we await your blogs of your recent travels. ❤❤❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you! Thank you so much for supporting my shop. I’m so pleased that you like your book. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@StacyBernard-xd4uv]

Lovely video! I loved the market!!! And the meal you made looks so delicious! I am going to have to try that!!! Also, I absolutely love your daisy cardigan!!! Thank you for taking us along on your narrowboat Alice Grace!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment, Stacy! Take care 🦋🌻

[@williamSmith-fv5hi]

Viewed 12:38 AM Saturday 8 February 2025. At 80 years of age and cooking for 2 1/2 years I amaze myself at what I cook. I throughly enjoyed you in your kitchen. Vanessa, all of your videos inspire me.😇Your East Coast USA Friend

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Your cooking sounds impressive, William! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@mommahil4323]

You teased us there with those biscuits! Loved how the swans turned their "backs" to you at the beginning! Cheeky!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The swans were so ready for us to leave! 😂 Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@evievineyard7472]

I truly enjoy “traveling” with you. Your videos are so relaxing, interesting and educational. You are so talented! Thank you for sharing!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you enjoy the vlogs, Evie. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@paulbutcher2774]

Look forward to your videos every week stay safe 👍👋👍👋👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment, Paul. Take care 🌻🦋

[@sharonsmith583]

How lovely and calming your vlogs always are! Thank you!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you find them like that. Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🦋🌻

[@Esther-rehtsE]

I always watch your vlogs late at night or on the lazy sundaymorning when I'm still in bed, because they are so relaxing and cozy. I love your contact with nature. I always laugh when you say "we" because I thought for a long time you had a partner that didn't want to be in the video😂😂😂, now I know you're talking about Zeph. So sweet❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you find the vlogs relaxing. I do have a husband though. He isn’t on the boat for the whole week as he works and lives down south but he comes back for a few days each week. He can’t be on the vlogs as his work is in education. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Esther-rehtsE]

@@themindfulnarrowboat 🤣🤣🤣 You do that very well then, there isn't a clue of him to find on the video, I really did my best to discover who the "we" was. So that left me with the conclusion that we = Zephyr and you🤣🤣🤣 So cool you do it this way, for both of you. Take care💖💖💖

[@johnparkin5312]

Beautiful !" much love and gratitude.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@SevenRavens007]

Hello from NB Seven Ravens in Oxford. Days are going longer, we’re almost through the winter. Soon the daffodils will be out (and solar panels will work again). As always, thanks for your episodes.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s a wonderful time of the year isn’t? Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@lydialen6881]

Loved the meal you cooked Vanessa and I do agree with you about baking tins as mine are the same as yours ; I do think the bits that can't be removed definitely add to the flavour ! Wishing you a brilliant week ahead xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Exactly, Lydia! The flavours of the tin add wonderful seasoning don’t they? 🤭 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@ChrisJohnson-qm2qu]

Hang on! You had three biscuits, covered in spread and Zephyr only had one plain one. That’s not fair! 😂 Lovely story telling, lovely filming and perfect editing. Thank you. It’s Friday night so I had a glass of wine ready, some tapas and sat back and enjoyed the voyage of Alice Grace again. I can’t recall where the name of your boat came from; can you remind us please? Keep warm and safe.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wine and tapas- what a civilised way to enjoy the vlog! 🤩 Currently giving Zephyr another two treats now. 🤭🐾🐾🤗 We bought the boat secondhand so we didn’t name her so I don’t know where the name came from but I really like it. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@lornaelliott6670]

Wow. What a beautiful inspiring poem

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🌻🦋

[@petemoring67]

Seeing those little Mice! ... Our first flat was about 2 yards from the Kennet at Reading ... Just the tow-path between Us and the waters edge! ... One day We discovered a couple of mice had built a nest and had baby's in the tight spot under the draining board ... I was all for Eviction at the time ... But my Missus decided She was going to keep an eye on them, and even FED them ..... They just WENT of their own accord eventually .... Maybe they didn't like the cheese they were getting 😂😂 .... Great little poem at the end by the way 🤠

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful that your wife fed the mice and that they had babies too. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@maries3000]

The sight of a grape hyacinth is a welcome hint of spring to come. I love that you named the swans. We used to sail and had a pair of mallards visit our boat regularly and we called them Bob and Hilda…interesting that you chose similar names. Enjoy your week and thank you for reminding us all to slow down and notice nature around us.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is such a welcome sight of spring to come isn’t it? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@leftymadrid]

Such a cosy narrow boat. As for cooking, when you start to run out of ideas, get yourself a cook book with recipes you might like. It will make all the difference in the end. That way you're never bored. Because having a wide variety of possibilities on what to eat, makes life that more exciting 😊 Ah, Winter has its hardships I'm sure, but it is so beautiful though. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Good advice! Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@glennclarke9787]

Great vlog yet again Vanessa. we're in the next town to Dewsbury, in Batley. Although you have found Dewsbury very busy it had gone down hill in the last few years. We don't visit the town so often as we did ,because of the change. I'm a Norfolk guy but been in West Yorkshire for last 10years. It was so wonderful to see those mice in their little home, even our little cat 🐱 saw them and got closer to the TV. Love the chocolate spread on the biscuits. So interesting to see you closer to us.Our love Glenn and Marion 😍xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m glad that your cat enjoyed the mice on the screen. 🤗 I was really impressed with Dewsbury and the market was full of amazing fruit and veg! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@suedale1865]

How not to narrow boat is such the wrong headline for me that was perfect narrow boating Starting with swans upended to finishing with mischief mice & zephyr’s licking lips at her treat Oh yes GREAT VLOG Thank You see you next week

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you, Sue! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻