I hope you found it relaxing this week? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

Very good point! Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

That is so kind of you. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

That is a beautiful thought to see a butterfly and think of your best friend. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🦋🦋🦋🌻

There are so many beautiful places to see here. Thank you for your lovely comment, Gary and Irene. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

That is very true. It is such a super way to travel. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

Did it? I hope the new services go in soon then for the boaters in that area. Thank you for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

Happy birthday. It sounds like you had a lovely day 🎁🎂

🩵🩵🩵

Happy birthday, Louise! I hope you have a wonderful rest of the day. Take care 🎂🦋🌻

Happy birthday !

Happy Birthday!😍🇨🇦

Hi Paul, seeing the dippers was so exciting. I would love to see them swimming too. Thank you for your lovely comment. Happy dipper watching!🦋🌻

@@themindfulnarrowboat Thank you! 🙂

Thank you so much for such a kind comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Hi Judi from Baltimore Maryland, USA! Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment too. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Hi Wendy, it was such a surprise to stumble upon that old mill and toll house- what a special place and as for the dipper! Well there aren't any words!!!! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

It is good to know that there are more trees now. I bet those photos are a great record of the past on this stretch of water. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Thank you so much. It is a privilege to able to film the plants and flowers. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

I hope you found this week's vlog calming too? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

Congratulations on being the first to comment- 🥇 thank you so much! Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

@@themindfulnarrowboat LOL, my wife says simple minds are entertained by simple things, I said yup I am a guy after all. 🤣

It is wonderful to know that you are watching and enjoying the vlogs all the way from beautiful NZ! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Hi Trevor, I am so pleased that your books arrived today! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

@@themindfulnarrowboat Hi Vanessa, thank you, you too, happy cruising with the lovely Zephyr! 😎

Hi Margaret, it is such a pretty place and an honour to be here. I hope you are well?Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

I am so, so grateful to you for watching and making such a lovely comment. That is all the reward that I need. Thank you so much. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

I hope the fender is as good as last year's but the weather is very different this year, so I'm not sure what will happen?Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

The weather has been much sunnier lately. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

I am so pleased that you have got your books. Thank you so much for buying them and for your lovely comment too. Take care 🦋🌻

I am so pleased that you are enjoying it.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

There must be some wonderful roundabout meadows where you are then! Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

It really is the most magical place to be this time of year, so I can't complain.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

That is so kind of you. I am so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

I’m so pleased that it brought back lovely memories for you. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

I imagine every day as a chef is stressful? I don't know how you do it! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

It is a privilege and honour to start your day with you!. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

I get so much pleasure from checking on my tiny garden every day and I hope the fender garden starts to shoot up now too. I'm sure it is looking stunning in the Netherlands right now!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

It is a wonderful transformation to see nature reclaiming the space isn't it? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

How wonderful to have a daily dose of dipper! You are very lucky indeed. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

I will have to come back one day so that I can experience the Marple Flight. I hope you are enjoying this gorgeous sunshine! Oh the Dippers, Trev- don't get me started on those wonderful birds because I'll be here all day, typing away! 😂 Safe and sunny cruising. Take care 🌻🦋

@@themindfulnarrowboat I cruised today from Rode Heath to Kidsgrove, it might only be about 5 miles, but there are 11 locks in the way also.

What a stunning place to deliver newspapers! Thank you for the tip too. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

Hi Stevie, the Dipper is the highlight of my year so far! 🤩 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

I am so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs. Take care 🦋🌻

I am so pleased that you are enjoying the nature and history; it fascinates me so much and like you, more than it ever did at school! 🤭 "Aw Gawd" really did help again didn't it?😂Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Congratulations on the arrival of baby Flo! 🐣 What wonderful news and such a beautiful name too. Thank you so much for sharing this with me 🤗 Hugs and kisses to little Flo from the crew of NB Alice Grace. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

🤭 Thank you so much for watching! Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

It is bootiful here, really bootiful! 🥰 I have seen the Canadian geese rolling a few times like that, but I haven't managed to catch it on camera; it's very clever isn't it? And a great way to wash the hard to reach places.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Oh Annie, they are wonderful, little birds aren't they! I am so pleased that you get excited about them too. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

Have a wonderful day over there! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

Me too Nicola, breakfast on a Saturday with a new Vanessa video…always hit the like button before I watch because I just know I will thoroughly enjoy it.

Hi Lynda; I can see why you loved that walk; it is very pretty. The moorings at Bugsworth are only 48 hours so I couldn’t stay long enough to film there properly. Sorry about that. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

Speckled Woods are so appropriately named aren't they? How wonderful that you remember dipper watching that day too.Thank you so much for your lovely comment.Have a super weekend.Take care 🦋🌻

I’m am so glad that you found me too! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

How wonderful to be part of a local writers group. I think the Duck and Dipper would be a super pub name; a mallard is a dabbling duck so it could also be called 'The Dabbler and Dipper' Let me know if you come up with a good back story too! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

@@themindfulnarrowboat Seems KZfaq is about to add value to my vocabulary, off to go look up what a dabbling duck is. Just because I've lived in a little midwestern county seat farm burg since 2007 that doesn't mean I know everything about wildlife and about plants! 🤔🙂

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Michael. I hope the weather is treating you well in Avondale? The fuel boats do such an amazing job of keeping us boaters all stocked up and functioning. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Hi Paul, I can't help myself when it comes to spotting something exciting living or growing nearby! I must sound utterly ridiculous😂🙈 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

You never sound ridiculous Vanessa. You just show your passion for the things you love and that's the main reason people love your Channel.

Oh Diane- what an awful week you've had, but I am so glad that your dog is better; it must have been so worrying watching her be so unwell. Thank you so much for still taking the time to comment too. Take care 🦋🌻🐾🐾

I thought it sounded like the river. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

I am so pleased that you are enjoying the journey. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Jackie. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Hi Ruth, I am over the moon at spotting the dipper! I am still smiling about it now. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

Hello, Mr NB Will. How are you? Are you a filthy thumbs up?👍 Have a super bank holiday weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

I'm really enjoying this beautiful time of year on the Lancaster canal. What a gem of a waterway.. Hopefully see you on the cut again.. My Fumbs are filfy and they're up. 🤣🤣👍​@themindfulnarrowboat

I read that it was called Roman Bridge to make it sound fancy as it was called Windy Bottom bridge at first and that definitely doesn't sound fancy! 😂 Thank you for watching. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

I have just put a copper coin in each of my vases that I have put tulips in! 🤩 I had no idea about that tip. Does it work for all cut flowers? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

That is so kind of you!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

Hi Robert, the boat is often a chaotic mess, but I have a tidy up on filming days! 😂🙈Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

How wonderful to have the Dipper as your national bird! It is very special. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

I and Mr Dipper are very grateful for your kindness! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

It’s a great combination! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the little birds. They are fabulous to watch and the dipper is such a talented little thing too. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

It is fascinating to read about the mills, but the working conditions must have been awful for those inside. It is lovely when the buildings are preserved though and made into good use without changing too many of the external features. Thank you so much for your kind comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

I am so pleased that you enjoy the channel. I hope you have a lovely birthday too!. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Thank you so much for such a kind comment. I am pleased that you found my channel too! Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

Hi Anthony, thank you so much for your kindness once again. I am so grateful for your lovely comments. Take care 🦋🌻

That is so kind of you. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🌻🦋

A wise choice swapping the car for a motorcycle so you can be closer to the nature that you are passing.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

I really hope you find a dipper soon! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am a great fan of oyster catchers too. Take care 🌻🦋

It sounds like you have some exciting adventures planned and you'll be in your newly painted boat exploring these wonderful waterways again! Thank you so much for your comment. Take care 🦋🌻

Oh my goodness- your memories sound wonderful! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Yes, I agree that there are perhaps nicer spots to enjoy a sandwich! 😂 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

That is so kind of you! Thank you so much. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

Oooh, Debba your cranberry and blueberry shortbread bars sound wonderful! Surely they must count as one of your five a day too?😄👍 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

I hope you see a Dipper one day. They are doing well along the River Goyt if you're ever nearby. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

Oh my goodness, Michael! I hope you are okay? What a frightening time you have been through. Please look after yourself and rest, recover and relax. Sending you all our love from NB Alice Grace.xxxx Take care 🦋🌻❤️‍🩹

The dippers seem to really like the Peak Forest and I don't blame them because it is stunning here. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

That is so kind of you!Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Steve. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

I will look that book up and see if I can get it. They sound wonderful!. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

The Chronicles of the Daisy Meadow An introduction. Once upon a time in a land far far away, just where the gently flowing River Bryn meets the green untidy unkempt field, there is a daisy meadow full of both daisies and wild growing daffodils, and unknown to the farmer who owns all of this land, a whole community had grown up in it. In it live rabbits, foxes, badgers, small gentle dwarfs, little underground fairies and even what some would call pocket dragons, and the strange thing is that even though they normally wouldn’t get along, in this small isolated world that lies far from anywhere else, they do. In the banks of the river Bryn live water rats and small mermaids. They were all able to do this because the farmer who owns this land actually likes the untidy mess that is the daisy meadow, and he loves the gentle hum that the bees make as they gather in their honey. Even though he could plough it up and make lots more money, he would rather look across from his farm house and just admire the view that he gets, and occasionally the bees leave a milk bottle that they have found by the side of the road full of honey just for him to have as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for leaving their world just the way it was. He also loved looking at the gentle flutterbies that seemed to fly in their thousands above the wild flowers, which brought him a quite serenity that he enjoyed. This is the story of this isolated little community of wild animals and story book characters and some of the adventures that they have, not as a daily basis but something that just happens to them as they go ahead with their normal lives. At the side of the meadow, coming down from the mountains ran the River Bryn and in this river, about twenty mermaids lived. Now normally mermaids lived in the sea but these mermaids liked this river and they had created their own land here, and they just added to the community of the daisy meadow. Oh did I tell you, no I didn’t, that right at the edge of the daisy meadow rising up towards the mountains far far away is the start of the evil and much feared Ten Thousand Tree Wood, a dark and nasty place full of strange noises and sudden sounds that none could explain; a place where no meadow folk normally would go anywhere near. This was because of some of the stories that they have heard about it made it a place that was to be feared. No one knows who actually started these stories but it kept the youngsters out of the wood, so none of the parents minded. It doesn’t actually have ten thousand trees in it; it’s just that it is so big and so dark that once you were inside of it , no one can count high enough to count how many trees were actually in it. In the meadow every group has their own piece of land to live in, and everyone respects the rights of that group to call it his own. Once a month under the full moon, they meet under that huge weeping willow that sits right in the middle of the meadow to have a ‘moon party’, and lots of very tasty food and refreshing elderberry water is consumed by all, and sometimes on special occasions, even the young were allowed to attend.

The little desk. The little wooden desk sat in the corner of the room, and sobbed. Every night it was heard to sob, until one night the bookcase had had enough. It asked the little wooden desk in an angry voice why it sobbed every night, and through its tears it said to the bookcase, “Well wouldn’t you cry? Look at me. I was once a proud member of a family of three. There was me, the tall boy, and the wardrobe. We went everywhere together, proudly doing what we were made for. I can remember the feeling of pride the first time I was polished with lots of beeswax and elbow grease, and I came out shining like I had been on the day I was first sold. Then over the years the attention I received became less and less, until it seemed like I was only ever cleaned when I was sold. Then I was painted white and given golden handles by that beautiful lady with the lovely hair, and she even put a three position mirror on me. It was a proud day for me, and I was in heaven. I smelt of her perfume, and was gently covered with her make up, and she rubbed me down occasionally when the make up built up too much. Then sadly she left me. I don’t know why, because I was still up to the task of being her mirror and desk. Then the man took me down from the bedroom and cut into me with the saw, and took out of me my drawers, and fitted a computer into me, and every night he would come to the computer and pound away at it, and I was always covered with bits and pieces, and that is why I cry. I will never be sold with my two brothers now, because I am now not as useful I was”. The bookcase wanted to laugh at the desk, but instead he told him how silly he was, he said to the little wooden desk, “Don’t you realise what you have become. You are right when you say that you will no longer be sold along with your two brothers of wood, you will now be sold as a one off. You are the desk that the Writer sat at and wrote the great trilogy about the dragon Aaverlith and his journey through the land where he met Ildiarth the elf and Aldrin the wizard. You are the desk that the writer sat at to write the stories about the three boys who found lost hoards of treasure in secret locations. You are the desk that the writer sat at when he wrote about Hitler’s last secret weapon, and many more things beside. You have become a much prized item, because without you, he might not have been able to do any of those things, and you might actually make it to where we all aspire to go to, you might make it into a museum behind a glass case, looked at and revered by the masses and to be prized by all”. This was a revelation to the little wooden desk, and he had a lot to think of. I can tell you that after that night, the little wooden desk never cried again, but I can also report that it was still not silent in the room. When things were quiet, and everything is still, a gentle tuneless hum can be heard in the room, and occasionally a little gentle chuckle. ROB PURCELL

I have sent you a couple of short stories. Hope you will enjoy them.

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it, Robin!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

There is so much living and growing along our waterways and in the local areas that it is quite astounding! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

Watching everything suddenly burst into life here is absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Tracy. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

@@themindfulnarrowboat thank you Vanessa looking forward to watching your new vlog x

Hi Robert, how wonderful that you have found the dippers too. They nest in some amazing places, like right behind waterfalls and weirs! 🤩 I didn't know that you could spot them in Norfolk. I shall look out for them when I go there next. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

Thank you so much, Red! Have a super duper weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

@@themindfulnarrowboat 🥰🧚‍♀️have a dipper , daper wknd 😊🥰💕🧚‍♀️

Labradors have such a gentle way of letting you know that they are in charge, don't they? 🐾🐾💚 Please pass on a belly rub to your black Lab from me. Take care 🦋🌻

Thank you so much! Take care 🦋🌻

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Take care 🦋🌻

Sorry about that- blame it on the history! 😂🙈 Thank you for watching. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

I would love to visit the Treacle Market. I just have to time it right now. Thank you for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

Thank you so much, Sue! Take care 🦋🌻

You are so welcome- thank you for a lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

It is so lovely to know that you are enjoying the vlogs, Kath. Thank you so much. Take care 🦋🌻

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it, Arthur!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

Hi Sandy, I haven't seen the two videos? Are you sure they sent? I'll go back through my emails and have a look. Thank you for watching. Have a super weekend to the both of you. 🦋🌻

The sunshine makes a big difference doesn't it? Enjoy the warmth. Take care 🦋🌻

Hi Nigel, I’m going to come back to do the Marple Flight one day. It is such a wonderful canal that it will be a pleasure returning. Have a super week, Take care 🦋🌻

Derbyshire is so beautiful! You are lucky to live in such a great place. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

Wrap up warm, Lorraine. I hope your winter's kind to you. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻