Saturday, February 22, 2014

Loft space or attic?

Fifty square meters, that is our floor space at our bungalow. When we downsized from our house in the 1990's much of our possessions were boxed up for the move. Some of it never came out of those boxes and got put up in the loft!

Then we went to live in a Narrowboat and more stuff was packed in boxes again and put up there. Now we are back in the bungalow and need to sort it all out! A lifetime of pictures and memorabilia. We had learnt while on the boat that if we had not used something for a year we did not need it and it got 'lost'.

It is more difficult when family history is concerned. Must keep that family tree info to pass on down the generations for that is where it came from.

Our loft or attic is part boarded out so stuff could be stored there. The insulation is about 3 or 4 inches thick and the latest recommended thickness is 11 inches! So another layer is to be put on top. The cost is not substantial and government handout rules changed so if you are not on benefit you get no help at all.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

DIY flood prevention

Being off our boat and living on firm ground does not mean there is nothing to do. Each day presents us with a choice depending on the weather. I have jobs lined up to keep me occupied inside or out. Even this early in the year I have things to do in the garden. Put the washing out when it is dry, windy and sunny. Bring it in when it is wet.

Our bungalow is on the side of a hill near the top. The rain water runs down the drive heading for the front door. I have now dug a channel and filled it with pebbles to direct the flow to a drain. We can all do our bit locally to help reduce the risk of flooding. Covering our gardens with a hard standing is not the way to go.

We know that water heads down hill to the sea eventually, it just needs some encouragement. Get your spade out and clear those ditches. Pull out things like shopping trollies. It is a wonder how they get there, being so far from where the came from!

EA and CRT will have to change their approach to water control. The local lock keepers knew how, so why are they in decline? So called experts making rules and regulations has not helped, nor does paying higher insurance premiums.

So what has caused that jet stream to head our way?

Boaters blogs enable us to keep track of our friends on the cut so we know how you are coping with so much water about. It is a wonder that you can move at all, just don't get stuck in a remote situation. At least when the water rises the boat should go up with it! Houses do not.