H'Scopes for September

Here are my predictions for September

Cancer Mars and Venus are feeling playful this month..... aren't we all? however true to your character you should remain serious at all times.

Leo I predict you will be feeling thirsty around the 10th, why not have a drink. Or perhaps a glass of something cold or hot?

Gemini On the 5th you will attend a creative writing workshop, in Crouch End. Don't sit next to the radiator, it has a problem with hissing, and someone might think its you, which could be embarrassing.

Libra You'll be getting a telephone call next week from your granny, wanting her old mustard cardigan back.

Scorpio Take some time out to dwell on all your problems this month. Then you can live in complete denial next month.

Sagittarius The grass isn't always greener. I predict you will find this out for yourself, especially with the drought we've had.

Virgo Hows the round the world sailing trip going? I see you are making excellent progress. Sorry I can't help you with storm predictions, the dog ate my star charts for the Southern Hemisphere.

Taurus Stay away from china shops

Aquarius You'll be getting a nice new computer next month.... free! Who says you never win anything at the AFA* fun day raffle.

Pisces When it comes to relationships, just be yourself. Even if you're a neurotic busy body, with the personality of a plank, remember there are lots of people who would love to take you out. ...

Aries Isn't it about time you returned other people's books. I'm still waiting for "Celebrity Tomatoes and their dysfunctional friends" by Ms Magenta Aubergine. I thought you said you couldn't read?

Capricorn Watch out for ancient mariners trying to sell you pockets.

*Athletes Foot Awareness

More posts coming soon, including some very exciting news and blogs I love. Heather x

Football games and sailing under

It's all very exciting, the new football season has started, and I cannot wait to go to a game. I've been looking at the fixtures, and am hoping to go in September. At least before it gets too cold or I'll have to wear my ghastly wool bobble hat, in which my friend says I look like a "daft deranged monkey". I told her for once I shall being putting football before style, and before shopping. I want to be a real fan, so if that's what it takes then that's what I'll do. I'm not religious but, my god, thank the Lord it's only once a week.

The teams I'm thinking about at the moment are

QPR, think I need to see what all the fuss is about. Are they really the team for me?
Charlton Athletic, my own choice, I heard a very nice man talking about them on five live the other day.

I would love to go to games further away, but it isn't really practical. Chelsea and Arsenal don't need my support, they've got plenty. So for the moment this is it and I'm trying to go with ideas that have been suggested on my website.

In the meantime should you ever get the chance to go sailing, on a boat, in the deep blue sea, some interesting photos I found in the St Mawes Sailing Club. (Sorry about the quality) Virgo, I hope you are paying attention?








This was taken a few years ago in Mylor, near Falmouth. Everyone escaped unharmed despite non swimmers being aboard. The final shot of the Falmouth working boat, is with the 16 foot bowsprit poking up and the jib. I've been told that once these boats heel over too far, water flows over the back end (stern) and they literally sail under. This one was sat on the sea bed upright with the sails still "flapping " under water, and part of the mast above water. But don't let this put you off, she was recovered within days and carried on sailing.

H'scopes coming soon, Heather x

Holiday in Cornwall

As I woke up this morning, memories of squawking seagulls, screaming children and waves crashing into the harbour wall seemed like a distant dream. I had forgotten that I would no longer be on call to crew on the Falmouth Working Boats.


It started when I happen to visit the delightful St Mawes Sailing Club. Always keen to show an interest in local ways, I took it upon myself to learn all about the world of sailing. I've already seen Titanic and read the book by Ellen MacArthur. So, over a vegetarian pasty at the 'Hawaiian - bring your own Watermelon evening,' here's what I found out.

The front of the boat is the bow, not the bonnet.

I discovered you should always try to find out your skippers favourite apres sail drink. Most skippers these days are tee total, due to European law. So don't offend them by offering alcoholic drinks.

When the boat tips sideways, it's called heeling. Resist the temptation to go all girlie and scream. Illustrated in this great photo by Colin Bradbury.



Not too may places to sunbathe on the Working Boats, so leave the bikini at home. Save that for a trip on the Shrimpers. Where you will be most welcome if you can cook as well.

Taking photos is also a bit of a problem, although with kind permission by the skipper you might be able to set the tripod up if you're quick. Asking for a group shot always brings cheer to the boat, don't forget the skip!

If you are a tidy type of person, you'll always be welcome aboard a boat. All ropes (sheets) should be coiled, and put neatly out of the way. A woman's work is never done!

You'll see the most manliest of men aboard these boats, but they do neglect their hands. What about a lovely pair of sailing gloves? As a newcomer, if you see anyone without gloves, be thoughtful, and get them some from ebay or your local car boot sale.

Well done this year to Skipper P, in 'R', apart from great tactics, experience and crew, how do you do it? Skipper A, on 'D', you know where I am, should some of your heavies let you down. Actually I'm quite far away, so not much help to you there. Skipper H on 'S', who won the Fowey Harbour Race. I would love to have offered you a pint of beer,......alas I didn't want to cause offence.


Falmouth Working boat 'Demelza' racing in the Carrick Roads. Below.... football gets everywhere, even in Rugby loving Cornwall.



Some beasts of Cornwall.




If you are looking for somewhere to park your ocean liner, here are the lovely Harbour Masters you need to ask Always polite and courteous even to the most annoying of tourist. I'm afraid I may have fallen into that category though. They were more than happy to answer my questions about how salt water mooring chains decay over a ten year period.



Hope everyone else is having a fabulous summer. The football fever has started, so I'm off to a game soon. Still not sure which team to support, so the live matches will probably help me decide. The dogs are excited anyway.

More posts coming soon, including Sports to Enjoy and H'scopes, Heather x