Ha ha. Welcome to the elderflower advisory service! We are very high up so the flowers are late here and are just starting. If they look creamy white, not brown and smell lovely they will do nicely. Generally they are better in the morning. Our Friday night G&T with a drop of cordial is going down very nicely. Never tried in with Sherry though😂
Good to watch you both cruising and the dogs enjoying their new ball. I get the feeling we are like rats in a box, all treading on each other's toes and getting snapped at!!
This has been a most enjoyable video your happiness filters all the way down to me and Jean, she is writing to you as I am and probably making more sense
Macclesfield looked really nice. We are like you and let our dogs run free when we’re out on our walks. We don’t go near any livestock so we don’t have any problems but I think our youngest would need to be on the lead if we did come across anything in a field because he has a strong chasing instinct and I think he’d be off. He also suffers with intermittent deafness!! People often ask which one is Jonty because they can hear me calling him. He’s strong willed but very cute. That cordial looks lovely and reminds me of when I was a child because everyone seemed to have some kind of homemade wine or cordial made with foraged berries or an excess from their allotment. Gooseberry and rhubarb come to mind. It’s great to see you’re doing well with your shop. I love your weaving. Thanks as always for sharing your adventurers.
Hi Sylvia. I'm sure dogs are better behaved when they are allowed to be dogs and are happier. Gooseberries and rhubarb are two things we really miss from our allotment. I have made gooseberry and elderflower jam before now which was the best
Hello from Edmonton, Canada. have just finished watching your entire video series from the beginning. The countryside is beautiful and uplifting. Your personalities make everything seem so joyful!
You mention elderflowers, love it, well done... I love that you are interested in wild food... or are you??? Please do some research on stinging nettles, tea, soup, meals... they really are the most nutritious plants in the UK. Keep up the good work, love following you.
@@FloatingOurBoat ha ha.... I am just now catching up with your earlier stuff, so no doubt I will see it soon, but so happy to hear about your wild food interest, well done.
The Llangollen would be a fantastic place to spend the summer. It does get busy, but for understandable reasons. We have done it several times and always love to return. In fact I have been dreaming of nothing else for the last ten weeks under lockdown! A great advantage of the Llangollen is it is never low on water being used as it is to transport drinking water. Based on the recent weather I fear many canals will face restrictions this summer due to lack of water.
Hi from Tasmania. Earlier this year we were walking on tow paths in that area. We loved Marple and New Mills and the canals in those areas. Thank you for taking us back there
Beautiful! I don’t have access to fresh Elderberry but have dried elderberry flowers and berries for some of my medicines. I use it to make syrups and tonics during cold and flu season. The climate where I live is a lot like the middle of England although I think we get a little colder in the winter for a few weeks. And we are several thousand feet higher. But I am not aware of any Elderberry growing anywhere here. Rambling again. I appreciate how you let the dogs off their leads to be dogs. I have noticed how quickly they respond to you and how well behaved and non aggressive they are. I didn’t think people seriously thought dogs should be on a lead all the time. They must be terrified of dogs. Or....sorry. No need to start any controversy on your channel. But I am very happy that you let your dogs be dogs! Lovely video! And you are two lovely people, as well. You both look fantastic.
Thank you Rebecca. I 'm sure dogs are better behaved when they do have some time to be dogs and have fun. It's a shame you can't get fresh elderflowers, they are amazing. Thank you for your support
One more wonderful video, so calm and contented. It makes us want to go back cruising even more. Carine and I are showing serious withdrawal symptoms, our last cruise was in February... It also looks like we've missed some of the best weather on the canals. For us having to get to the UK it is more a matter of when we can set out from the marina again. We would not mind the 14-day quarantine really, as long as it's not too strict and we can go out locally and buy supplies. We have enough to do on the boat which would keep us busy for a couple of weeks: washing the boat and polishing the sides, changing the under-gunwale lighting with something more modern, all small but time-consuming things. Btw, Constance looks so wonderful in its new paint! Great idea to spend time on the Llangollen, we did it last year (twice, with different members of our family) and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was not even too crowded and this year it will be even less so, now would be the best time. As to the elderflower cordial; I wish I could taste this natural version of it, made with such care. And: you were considering making elderflower "champagne". What about having it, not only with sparkling water or gin, but with some sparkling wine? Not prosecco, it would be a bit too acid, but with Spanish cava or some nice "crémant"? Enjoy!
Thank you so much Dimitrios. Hopefully we will have an Indian summer and there will be plenty of sunshine left for you when you eventually get to cruise. We had elderflower gin last night and may try is with bubbly wine for our sunday lunch. Great idea.
Hi Fran and Rich. We are, we think, the “Leicester Lady” to whom you were sending a package. We really love the wall hanging and greatly appreciate the care and skill you take to both make and package it. Thank you. Twenty years ago we started thinking about getting a narrow boat and ordered one July 2018 which was due to be ready 1 April this year. We’ve had a frustrating couple of months waiting to start on the cut but hopefully will be there in a couple of weeks. Your wall hanging will be taking pride of place on one of our walls. Love the videos. All the very best Mike & Jane V. Soon to be NB Boondoggle.
Ah your dogs are admirably trained. I always notice that and admire it. There are abundant elderberries here in full flower but I decided to let them fruit and make jam later. We are blessed with massive amounts of blackberries so I make jam and juice galore. Wondrous provision!
Try blackberry jam when they ripen. Use plenty of sliced lemons, and put the pips in in a muslin baggy for the pectin. Only 20% by weight sugar, and agar agar to set it. It's super tangey, a real tonsil tickler. I pick 8kg every year on my birthday and try to make it last a whole year.
What a wonderful Vlog. I love that you use what nature provides, it really makes a refreshing change. I always look forward to the Fran's Pantry segments to see what is going to be rustled up after a visit to the natures pantry. best wishes - Fletch -
@@FloatingOurBoat Sorry about that. I've been advocating a cull for years. They're real nuisance. We have plenty more where they came from. Please don't hold it against us.
Hi Fran & Rich, another great vlog, so glad to see you both safe & well, iv got my mum (who lives in Australia) to subscribe to your channel and she’s hooked, she loves to watch your videos and looks forward to it every time you post new one’s “bless her” it’s great to see you noticed the extra number of bees that are around this year, I’m a bee keeper myself and this year in particular has been very productive, I think it’s no coincidence that with fewer car on the roads and planes in the sky the air quality is noticeably much better which has been a huge benefit for the wildlife, anyway keep up the great work and take care both. 👍🏻
Hi Steve. Thank you for bringing your mum along for the ride, that is great. I did think there were more bees about, but thought it was just the area we were in. Lets hope nature has benefitted a bit from lockdown. Good luck with the honey harvest, its going to be a busy year for you hopefully
You work on that. I'm preparing to make up some Blackberry Gin. After a few months, it should be just right. Glad you got the old mooring place. Nice to revisit and brings back old memories too.
Thanks Fran & Rich for your latest vlog , it's a great tonic to watch and unwind from the madness that is going on in this world at the moment. Stay safe and enjoy 👍
Ok just finished binge watching and am all caught up now. Enjoy the videos very much. Beautiful scenery and a nice travelogue. And a wonderful host and hostess as well. What more could anyone ask for. Cheers.
So, why are your VLOG’s so popular. POSITIVITY. Everyone, ok most people, love positivity especially from an outside source. You get the fact it’s not utopia across without getting down, or at least putting that side across. 😃 Keep up the great work always looking forward to your next one.
Thank you for that lovely comment.nthat is what we aim for. We try to show it as it is. But all in all its a great life and we have nothing to really complain about. Fran
The hovis mill was never a bakery, it only used to produce flour. By 1914 the firm moved flour production and the mill converted to producing packaging for hovis products,
Thats a shame about your dog. It is almost becoming the norm here for dogs to be on a lead continually for no reason. It is good to let them run if we can.
Hi Fran and Rich, never tried making anything with Elderflower, but your cordial looks seriously tempting. Great fun watching you both pootling, and yep I’m old enough to remember the original Hovis advert with the big hill...! Stay safe guys and your freedom in the canals...Steve and Sue...🍷🍷
Hi guys loved your walk. Sorry the gallery and silk museum closed, we were there in 2014 as sister lives down road, we enjoyed it. Fran I missed how much sugar used for elder flower cordial. Enjoyed watching you make it too...thanks. What great sunny days you having!
Hi Becky, such a shame we didn't get to go to the museum. We will just have to go back again. 15-25 flower heads, depending on size 2-3 lemons 1.5L water 1Kg sugar. Off you go!!!
Hi guys Good video nice area take no notice of negative comments dogs need to have a good run and play as long as they are trained ok Looking forward to next video You both stay safe and well
Hi Fran and Rich. Just watched one of your earlier blogs when you came out of Uxbridge. If Moore up just before Black Jack's lock, walk over the bridge, turn right and up the hill, near the top to the right is The Old Orchard pub, the view from there is amazing and the pub and food is amazing too, if u are ever that way again, definitely worth a visit. Take care guys.
Lovely! I would adore a taste of the cordial. Lol, and Jess with the dried grass hanging off of her little face - I truly did laugh out loud! Both pups are so precious, the goofs :-) Our 6 and 1/2 month old Saint is now up to 75lbs! Thank you for taking us along today!
You are so right to call them goofs! Your doggy is going to be so huge! Maybe it's a good job she's so lazy. ours seem to alternate between lazy and completely manic!
Thank you for a wonderful video. Fresh air and sunshine make everything better. Hope you enjoyed the cordial. Lovely seeing the pooches making the most of things too. Take care.
So happy to see both of you again. Our dog is just the same. Fetches the ball but won't relinquish it when she comes back. Ignore the nasty comments. Yah boo
It is so funny because they have only just learnt to play ball. Archie learned first and Jess just used to look at us bewildered. Then she learnt to and now they have so much fun
Never been to Macclesfield or Marple for that matter! But now I can say I have seen a glimpse of both and they both looked great,thanks for sharing and the weather looks fantastic also,safe travels to you both
i so loved watching Jess and Archie walking or not walking the plank.....congrats on all those orders for your weaving ,such a lovely feeling to hand make something and then sell it...could you please tell me where you got the tea and coffee canisters from i think they are so cute...stay safe.
Hi Linda. There's and coffe cannisters were bought for our holiday cottage. I think they just came from eBay, not sure. Sorry. Thanks for watching and commenting
Of my five vloggers on their new found semi freedom, I think you had the best of it. I think David is still 'sheltering', but the girls are 'out', Mark and Debs were doing Samaritans and Michael and Jo' were fighting their way through what appears to be impenetrable jungle! You two have definitely had the best of it. While you had gorgeous countryside and views, I live in a suburban London street. Nevertheless for the last couple of days (until it got a lot cooler) the tree next to where I park my car was full of bees dealing with the considerable blossom. Its not very high, but its quite dense and the hum of dozens of bees was really noticeable, even to my dog as put him in the back of the Land Rover to go walkies! Lovely vlog guys, I'll have to look for elderflower next year (I take it its finished now?)
Hi Roger. Thanks for watching and commenting. It is swarming season now, so could there have been a swarm in that tree. I think Elderflowers may be coming to an end down south now. Up here they are in their prime.
@@FloatingOurBoat I thought that about the Elderflower when you were getting them ready. I'm sure the seasons are shifting, so I'll have to start looking in mid May. I don't think it was a swarm, they sound a lot more 'purposeful', if you know what I mean. I think this was just a couple of dozen worker bees - all humming at the same frequency - harvesting the pollen from this one tree. They worked on it for two or three days and now its quiet. I have no idea where the hive is, it is all houses. I guess someone has at least one in their garden. Nearly seventy years ago, when I was a kid in my primary school - the school is still there but modernised and rebuilt so I don't recognise it - there were three hives in the little garden surrounded by the single storey school buildings. I clearly remember someone harvesting the honey and the school selling it for the funds. I think that's where my love of honey comes from?
@@FloatingOurBoat Hard to believe it's been so long and the audience for his work is still growing, England has produced some of my favorite artists. Please keep up the excellent work!: )
We do elder flower cordial and always add citric acid difficult to get hold of but we did have a lovely old shop until winter last year when the 80 year old lady who ran it passed away. Perhaps we don’t need it as Fran didn’t mention it. Fab vlog joys of spring. Cheers Ade
Most people recommend putting hydro-cortisone cream or Benadryl cream on the bite to reduce swelling and itching in addition to taking an anti-histamine tablet or piriton tablet.
Nice one dogs like to run free there’s nowt wrong wi letting dogs run about don’t forget the Mac lads Rich .we have had some belting wether off to Marple were the footballers l hangout 🐶🙂✌️
i remember back in the day, (60's) we made some Quince wine with only about 7 or 8 quince ,,, It made gallons!! .... Bottles in the cellar kept exploding all hours of the day and night, but plenty left :-) ................ It literally 'dissolved' in the mouth - no need to swallow it - Absolutely lovely - No idea how we did it, and couldn't replicate it since :-(
Lovely Saturday morning visit. Great from beginning to end. always learn something from you both. Until next time from hot and humid and horse fly buggy North Carolina. We us a mixture of peppermint and lemon grass spray more if a tea mixture no oil added as it is so hot and sticky here we just keep a spritzer bottle always near by. and have citronella in pots all around. Until next time.
Avon Skin So Soft dry oil is our go-to insect repellent too. I originally bought it when we were planning a trip to Scotland (recommended as one of the few things that deter those pesky midges), but we find it deters those horseflies on the Norfolk Broads too. Although I would love to see you on the Llangollen, I’m regularly checking Welsh news sites as we have family in Wales. Sounds like they are a bit more restrictive on travel currently than in England, so might be worth checking out. Hope you get where you want to be over the summer. Thanks for the elderflower cordial recipe too. 👌 🏴
I feel a bit awkward saying much the same as all the others .. but you have to be appreciated eh - SUPERB nicely mixed & filmed content. Thank you very much for ' your 'breath of fresh air'.
I LOVE skip surfing or as we say in usa, Dumpster Diving, only b-cus our dumpsters are tall & we have to climb up & teeter totter on the edge, if we don't want to go full in! LOL I've found many a treat! The really good stuff folks tend to leave out by the side of the dumpster. Thanks again for the foraging fun! It's always such a pleasure to visit with you both, all the way from North Carolina! Congrats on the need for a weaving marathon! LOL Peace ! Q
The best things I ever found in a skip were a cast iron victorian fireplace which became the centre piece for a bedroom and an original lloyd loom chair which again was a small woven victorian chair which are worth quite a few pennies.
@@FloatingOurBoat My best find was a metal plant stand. I was a woven & bent metal piece, & so heavy, I don't know the metal, but just brilliant. My sister took it as hers, LOL, that's big sister's for you! HA! I found some great crates, plastic, so I could wash easily & they held all our plants for our recent move & just so much. It's lovely!
I haven't seen anyone sterilize jars in the oven for years. Once the dishwasher came into vogue we quit using the old method. Oh the joys of canning in a blazing hot kitchen in September. Glad I quit. Lol. Lovely video.
Lovely spot you are moored at. Glad the doggos enjoyed their run and ball, they are so lovely. Bit tricky for little Archie on the plank, bless. Gin and elderflower cordial sounds just the ticket! Hope the locks open eventually so you can be on your way to another adventure. See you next time. Best Wishes
Do you have a nonstick surface on your gangplank? I know, how slippery our “temporary” Wood mini bridge is over our little trench can get in wet weather. I worry about Archie & Jess, and the two of you as well of course!
So sorry about my fellow citizens being a noisy nuisance.I'll deal with them when they get back to Canada (I assume they are Canada geese)They have become rather naughty in many places it appears their normal life cycle of seasonal Migration has become warped by global warming .Here where I live they used to be here for the winter and in summer would head north of the arctic circle,now they stay here year round .They can make a horrible slimy mess of your lawn if they take a fancy to your neck of the woods.We are also seeing other species from the US that we never saw before namely Turkey buzzards and Red Cardinals .I love Elder flower cordial and Champagne, reminds me of my mother during the war when we lived in Devon ,she also made wine from the Elder berries in the Autumn. Always enjoy your vlogs take care Fran & Rich all the best from me and Canada
Lovely memories I hope Ralph. I think the migration patterns have changed here too. I'm sure Canada geese weren't always here all year round and they are definitely getting more bolshy!!!
Stunning scenery! On behalf of Canadians everywhere we apologize for the Canada geese - they are difficult to house train. Lol. I vote for the cordial and gin. Sounds delish 🍸🇨🇦💕
Thanks for the little tour of Macclesfield and the beauty of the English countryside. Once again, Fran, you amaze me with your knowledge of flowers, plants etc. I'll bet that elderflower cordial would be nice in an ice cold glass of vino verde...yummy!! Keep well and safe.
Excellent video, the weather makes all the difference does it not, as you will know a complete change now, I've had the heating on in the caravan on my imaginary holiday but hey ho the good weather will return (I hope!), have a good time.x
Yet another extremely interesting and varied vlog, nothing like an elderflower cordial or champagne, my mother used to make it and was a big hit with the grandchildren. Keep up the good work.
hi to both of you just a quick thank you for showing the vegan Engevita yeast flakes that you had been given I got a tub from Holland and Barretts its taste at first was strange but I have tried it on my porridge sprinkled on my shroomdogs really good takecare
Been stood for the last 10 mins looking at a elderberry bush an trying to work out whether it has finished flowering or is about to flower😳
Ha ha. Welcome to the elderflower advisory service! We are very high up so the flowers are late here and are just starting. If they look creamy white, not brown and smell lovely they will do nicely. Generally they are better in the morning. Our Friday night G&T with a drop of cordial is going down very nicely. Never tried in with Sherry though😂
I'm in Middlesbrough(North East) I was looking at them today thinking about when they are going to flower
HoVIS..... from the Latin "Hominis Vis"... Strength of man...🍞
Ah we didn't know this. Thank you
Fran, I love how you casually forage and then create beautiful food and drink. You're such an inspiration.
Thank you so much!
What a lovely building the Hovis building is, glad they restored it and are reusing for flats. I used to love Hovis bread, and the advert on the tele.
Love the look of those elder flowers.
Good to watch you both cruising and the dogs enjoying their new ball. I get the feeling we are like rats in a box, all treading on each other's toes and getting snapped at!!
I think you are right? There are a lot of short tempers out there at the moment.
Nice job training your pup, let the run!
I really enjoyed that, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
This has been a most enjoyable video your happiness filters all the way down to me and Jean, she is writing to you as I am and probably making more sense
Ah, Thank you both x
What a productive and knowledgable team 😊, walkers / dog walkers n cyclists , grrrr don’t get me started lol , another enjoyable vlog 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thanks 👍
The boat looks wonderful. Well done Rich and Fran
Thank you
Horse Flies- Fran try strong "wormwood" (if you can find along the towpath) tea spray on and spray &/or apple cider vinegar, natural
Thank you. I'll keep my eye open for wormwood, we see it occasionally
Macclesfield looked really nice. We are like you and let our dogs run free when we’re out on our walks. We don’t go near any livestock so we don’t have any problems but I think our youngest would need to be on the lead if we did come across anything in a field because he has a strong chasing instinct and I think he’d be off. He also suffers with intermittent deafness!! People often ask which one is Jonty because they can hear me calling him. He’s strong willed but very cute. That cordial looks lovely and reminds me of when I was a child because everyone seemed to have some kind of homemade wine or cordial made with foraged berries or an excess from their allotment. Gooseberry and rhubarb come to mind. It’s great to see you’re doing well with your shop. I love your weaving. Thanks as always for sharing your adventurers.
Hi Sylvia. I'm sure dogs are better behaved when they are allowed to be dogs and are happier. Gooseberries and rhubarb are two things we really miss from our allotment. I have made gooseberry and elderflower jam before now which was the best
Just to add an extra comment (yes, I’m rewatching 😀). Love the way you showcase the British countryside.
Thanks! 😃
Hello from Edmonton, Canada. have just finished watching your entire video series from the beginning. The countryside is beautiful and uplifting. Your personalities make everything seem so joyful!
You mention elderflowers, love it, well done... I love that you are interested in wild food...
or are you???
Please do some research on stinging nettles, tea, soup, meals... they really are the most nutritious plants in the UK.
Keep up the good work, love following you.
Hello Hugo - Please do some research on our channel where we cook with stinging nettles! Thanks for watching.
@@FloatingOurBoat ha ha.... I am just now catching up with your earlier stuff, so no doubt I will see it soon, but so happy to hear about your wild food interest, well done.
The Llangollen would be a fantastic place to spend the summer. It does get busy, but for understandable reasons. We have done it several times and always love to return. In fact I have been dreaming of nothing else for the last ten weeks under lockdown!
A great advantage of the Llangollen is it is never low on water being used as it is to transport drinking water. Based on the recent weather I fear many canals will face restrictions this summer due to lack of water.
Thanks Spencer, we are looking forward to getting there.
Hi from Tasmania. Earlier this year we were walking on tow paths in that area. We loved Marple and New Mills and the canals in those areas. Thank you for taking us back there
Hopefully we are bringing back happy memories. It is a beautiful area
You 2 have a lovely vibe about you.
Thank you Chris
Beautiful! I don’t have access to fresh Elderberry but have dried elderberry flowers and berries for some of my medicines. I use it to make syrups and tonics during cold and flu season. The climate where I live is a lot like the middle of England although I think we get a little colder in the winter for a few weeks. And we are several thousand feet higher. But I am not aware of any Elderberry growing anywhere here. Rambling again.
I appreciate how you let the dogs off their leads to be dogs. I have noticed how quickly they respond to you and how well behaved and non aggressive they are. I didn’t think people seriously thought dogs should be on a lead all the time. They must be terrified of dogs. Or....sorry. No need to start any controversy on your channel. But I am very happy that you let your dogs be dogs!
Lovely video! And you are two lovely people, as well. You both look fantastic.
Thank you Rebecca. I 'm sure dogs are better behaved when they do have some time to be dogs and have fun. It's a shame you can't get fresh elderflowers, they are amazing. Thank you for your support
One more wonderful video, so calm and contented. It makes us want to go back cruising even more. Carine and I are showing serious withdrawal symptoms, our last cruise was in February... It also looks like we've missed some of the best weather on the canals. For us having to get to the UK it is more a matter of when we can set out from the marina again. We would not mind the 14-day quarantine really, as long as it's not too strict and we can go out locally and buy supplies. We have enough to do on the boat which would keep us busy for a couple of weeks: washing the boat and polishing the sides, changing the under-gunwale lighting with something more modern, all small but time-consuming things.
Btw, Constance looks so wonderful in its new paint!
Great idea to spend time on the Llangollen, we did it last year (twice, with different members of our family) and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was not even too crowded and this year it will be even less so, now would be the best time.
As to the elderflower cordial; I wish I could taste this natural version of it, made with such care. And: you were considering making elderflower "champagne". What about having it, not only with sparkling water or gin, but with some sparkling wine? Not prosecco, it would be a bit too acid, but with Spanish cava or some nice "crémant"? Enjoy!
Thank you so much Dimitrios. Hopefully we will have an Indian summer and there will be plenty of sunshine left for you when you eventually get to cruise. We had elderflower gin last night and may try is with bubbly wine for our sunday lunch. Great idea.
Hi Fran and Rich. We are, we think, the “Leicester Lady” to whom you were sending a package. We really love the wall hanging and greatly appreciate the care and skill you take to both make and package it. Thank you. Twenty years ago we started thinking about getting a narrow boat and ordered one July 2018 which was due to be ready 1 April this year. We’ve had a frustrating couple of months waiting to start on the cut but hopefully will be there in a couple of weeks. Your wall hanging will be taking pride of place on one of our walls. Love the videos. All the very best Mike & Jane V. Soon to be NB Boondoggle.
Hi Mike and Jane. Thank you for commenting. I'm so glad you like your wallhanging and proud that it will be on Boondoggle. Which canal will you be on?
Floating Our Boat Starting in Sheffield and hope to go up over L&L if it opens as planned in July. For there on, who knows?
Fingers crossed for you. That is where we should have been now!
Nice video love the British country side, so it looks like a nice few gins through the week nice one. Stay safe be lucky.
Could be a little bottle of gin for the weekend I think
Ah your dogs are admirably trained. I always notice that and admire it. There are abundant elderberries here in full flower but I decided to let them fruit and make jam later. We are blessed with massive amounts of blackberries so I make jam and juice galore. Wondrous provision!
Sounds lovely, in my opinion, blackberry jam is the best
@@FloatingOurBoat lol.. the mix of the two berries is even more divine!
Lovely to watch, as usual. Regards AJ.
Thank you Alan
Try blackberry jam when they ripen.
Use plenty of sliced lemons, and put the pips in in a muslin baggy for the pectin.
Only 20% by weight sugar, and agar agar to set it.
It's super tangey, a real tonsil tickler.
I pick 8kg every year on my birthday and try to make it last a whole year.
Thank you. I will be making jam if we manage not to eat all the berries first.
My dogs love to be free and are well behaved, you too have two lovely dogs so continue giving them a good life.
Thank you, we will. I think its a shame that so many dogs are never allowed to be off the lead because they have not been trained.
Excellent - deeply envious.
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a wonderful Vlog. I love that you use what nature provides, it really makes a refreshing change. I always look forward to the Fran's Pantry segments to see what is going to be rustled up after a visit to the natures pantry. best wishes - Fletch -
Thank you. It is one of the things I love about this life, being much more in touch with the natural world.
Fran you are amazing 👍
Aaaww thank you
Greetings from Canada's west coast. I enjoy your channel and thank you for sharing your adventure.
Thank you for watching from Canada, would you like to come and get your geese back!
@@FloatingOurBoat Sorry about that. I've been advocating a cull for years. They're real nuisance.
We have plenty more where they came from. Please don't hold it against us.
think the lady runner was putting her fingers up at any negative comments, great vlog x
I think so too!
Thanks for sharing, most informative and very relaxing for us still stuck at home.
Glad you liked it
Hi Fran & Rich, another great vlog, so glad to see you both safe & well, iv got my mum (who lives in Australia) to subscribe to your channel and she’s hooked, she loves to watch your videos and looks forward to it every time you post new one’s “bless her” it’s great to see you noticed the extra number of bees that are around this year, I’m a bee keeper myself and this year in particular has been very productive, I think it’s no coincidence that with fewer car on the roads and planes in the sky the air quality is noticeably much better which has been a huge benefit for the wildlife, anyway keep up the great work and take care both. 👍🏻
Hi Steve. Thank you for bringing your mum along for the ride, that is great. I did think there were more bees about, but thought it was just the area we were in. Lets hope nature has benefitted a bit from lockdown. Good luck with the honey harvest, its going to be a busy year for you hopefully
I so wish the "lockdown" could last too
Another brilliant blog , stunning countryside.keep up the good work looking after your hives
You work on that. I'm preparing to make up some Blackberry Gin. After a few months, it should be just right. Glad you got the old mooring place. Nice to revisit and brings back old memories too.
We have just made this years blackberry gin, Now to try to save it for Christmas
@@FloatingOurBoat Maybe you should make a double batch. It tends to evaporate if left for to long. :)
Boats looking great now rich great job 👍
Thanks 👍
Thanks Fran & Rich for your latest vlog , it's a great tonic to watch and unwind from the madness that is going on in this world at the moment. Stay safe and enjoy 👍
What a lovely vlog, only the need of icing fairy cake to go with the Elderflower,
Now thats a good idea
Ok just finished binge watching and am all caught up now. Enjoy the videos very much. Beautiful scenery and a nice travelogue. And a wonderful host and hostess as well. What more could anyone ask for. Cheers.
Thank you so much Beth x
So, why are your VLOG’s so popular. POSITIVITY. Everyone, ok most people, love positivity especially from an outside source. You get the fact it’s not utopia across without getting down, or at least putting that side across. 😃 Keep up the great work always looking forward to your next one.
Thank you for that lovely comment.nthat is what we aim for. We try to show it as it is. But all in all its a great life and we have nothing to really complain about.
Fran
Me and my husband enjoy your vlogs from our home in Brazil. We have been watching it for months now. Looking forward for the next one.
Thank you
Thanks guys, big thumbs up
Thank you too!
The hovis mill was never a bakery, it only used to produce flour. By 1914 the firm moved flour production and the mill converted to producing packaging for hovis products,
Thank you
Love the dogs running around. Mine is to fearful of other dogs. So if she gets scared she growls.
Thats a shame about your dog. It is almost becoming the norm here for dogs to be on a lead continually for no reason. It is good to let them run if we can.
Heading for 13,000 subscribers now....doing well....you both looking well...Regards Mick
Thank you
What beautiful countryside and what beautiful weather! On, and I hope the elderflower cordial turned out well.
Nice video, thank you for sharing. 👍👍😁😎
Thank you
Brilliant vlog guys,well done 👍😁👏👏👏
Thank you so much 😁
Thank You 😄 ❤️
No. Thank you x
Hi Fran and Rich, never tried making anything with Elderflower, but your cordial looks seriously tempting. Great fun watching you both pootling, and yep I’m old enough to remember the original Hovis advert with the big hill...! Stay safe guys and your freedom in the canals...Steve and Sue...🍷🍷
We really should have dubbed the Hovis music over Rich cycling up that hill shouldn't we!!
That music will be rattling around in my head for days now! . Stay safe.. 🍷🍷
Hi guys loved your walk. Sorry the gallery and silk museum closed, we were there in 2014 as sister lives down road, we enjoyed it. Fran I missed how much sugar used for elder flower cordial. Enjoyed watching you make it too...thanks.
What great sunny days you having!
Hi Becky, such a shame we didn't get to go to the museum. We will just have to go back again.
15-25 flower heads, depending on size
2-3 lemons
1.5L water
1Kg sugar.
Off you go!!!
@@FloatingOurBoat awesome thanks so much. Can't wait to try.
Hi guys
Good video nice area take no notice of negative comments dogs need to have a good run and play as long as they are trained ok
Looking forward to next video
You both stay safe and well
Thank you, that's what we think
Best part was Fran's attempt at 11:30 to do the gangplank! Cracking video. Loved it. I'm smiling here.
and that was before the elderflower Gin!
Fabulous vlog as always. Love Macclesfield for long walks. Thanks 👍👍🐕🐕
Hi Fran and Rich. Just watched one of your earlier blogs when you came out of Uxbridge. If Moore up just before Black Jack's lock, walk over the bridge, turn right and up the hill, near the top to the right is The Old Orchard pub, the view from there is amazing and the pub and food is amazing too, if u are ever that way again, definitely worth a visit. Take care guys.
Thank you, we will try to remember that if we go back that way. Any pub would be good just now!
Lovely! I would adore a taste of the cordial. Lol, and Jess with the dried grass hanging off of her little face - I truly did laugh out loud! Both pups are so precious, the goofs :-) Our 6 and 1/2 month old Saint is now up to 75lbs! Thank you for taking us along today!
Halfway there then! Hate to think what your chair legs look like.
@@AndyJarman we've been fortunate that she's not a chewer! Laziest puppy we've ever had! She's wonderful!
You are so right to call them goofs! Your doggy is going to be so huge! Maybe it's a good job she's so lazy. ours seem to alternate between lazy and completely manic!
Thank you for a wonderful video. Fresh air and sunshine make everything better. Hope you enjoyed the cordial. Lovely seeing the pooches making the most of things too. Take care.
So happy to see both of you again. Our dog is just the same. Fetches the ball but won't relinquish it when she comes back. Ignore the nasty comments. Yah boo
It is so funny because they have only just learnt to play ball. Archie learned first and Jess just used to look at us bewildered. Then she learnt to and now they have so much fun
Never been to Macclesfield or Marple for that matter! But now I can say I have seen a glimpse of both and they both looked great,thanks for sharing and the weather looks fantastic also,safe travels to you both
Glad you enjoted the trip
i so loved watching Jess and Archie walking or not walking the plank.....congrats on all those orders for your weaving ,such a lovely feeling to hand make something and then sell it...could you please tell me where you got the tea and coffee canisters from i think they are so cute...stay safe.
Hi Linda. There's and coffe cannisters were bought for our holiday cottage. I think they just came from eBay, not sure. Sorry. Thanks for watching and commenting
Of my five vloggers on their new found semi freedom, I think you had the best of it. I think David is still 'sheltering', but the girls are 'out', Mark and Debs were doing Samaritans and Michael and Jo' were fighting their way through what appears to be impenetrable jungle! You two have definitely had the best of it. While you had gorgeous countryside and views, I live in a suburban London street. Nevertheless for the last couple of days (until it got a lot cooler) the tree next to where I park my car was full of bees dealing with the considerable blossom. Its not very high, but its quite dense and the hum of dozens of bees was really noticeable, even to my dog as put him in the back of the Land Rover to go walkies! Lovely vlog guys, I'll have to look for elderflower next year (I take it its finished now?)
Hi Roger. Thanks for watching and commenting. It is swarming season now, so could there have been a swarm in that tree. I think Elderflowers may be coming to an end down south now. Up here they are in their prime.
@@FloatingOurBoat I thought that about the Elderflower when you were getting them ready. I'm sure the seasons are shifting, so I'll have to start looking in mid May.
I don't think it was a swarm, they sound a lot more 'purposeful', if you know what I mean. I think this was just a couple of dozen worker bees - all humming at the same frequency - harvesting the pollen from this one tree. They worked on it for two or three days and now its quiet. I have no idea where the hive is, it is all houses. I guess someone has at least one in their garden.
Nearly seventy years ago, when I was a kid in my primary school - the school is still there but modernised and rebuilt so I don't recognise it - there were three hives in the little garden surrounded by the single storey school buildings. I clearly remember someone harvesting the honey and the school selling it for the funds. I think that's where my love of honey comes from?
Macclesfield Unemployment Office is where Ian Curtis worked, fun to see his old stomping grounds.
Thanks for watching - is it really 40 years now?
@@FloatingOurBoat Hard to believe it's been so long and the audience for his work is still growing, England has produced some of my favorite artists. Please keep up the excellent work!: )
We do elder flower cordial and always add citric acid difficult to get hold of but we did have a lovely old shop until winter last year when the 80 year old lady who ran it passed away. Perhaps we don’t need it as Fran didn’t mention it.
Fab vlog joys of spring.
Cheers
Ade
I think the citric acid helps to preserve it and it keeps longer
I love the bits on natural flavours, the elderflower, the wild garlic etc... Its so homely! But then you make me laugh too... Ooops to the paintwork!
Glad we make you smile x
YEP yet again another brilliant blog you guys just keep getting better and better . and fran your hear looks grate well done rich
Thank you Steve. Rich makes a good hairdresser doesn't he?
Most people recommend putting hydro-cortisone cream or Benadryl cream on the bite to reduce swelling and itching in addition to taking an anti-histamine tablet or piriton tablet.
Thank you. We do use weak hydrocortisone if it is very bad
Nice one dogs like to run free there’s nowt wrong wi letting dogs run about don’t forget the Mac lads Rich .we have had some belting wether off to Marple were the footballers l hangout 🐶🙂✌️
Always loved the Macclesfield canal, very envious. You are obviously champing at the prospect of being on the move
Very nice. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
i remember back in the day, (60's) we made some Quince wine with only about 7 or 8 quince ,,, It made gallons!! ....
Bottles in the cellar kept exploding all hours of the day and night, but plenty left :-) ................
It literally 'dissolved' in the mouth - no need to swallow it - Absolutely lovely - No idea how we did it, and couldn't replicate it since :-(
Sounds absolutely lovely
Hi Fran & Rich, the new paintwork is looking great. Thanks for the head's up on the horseflies we will be breaking out the Skin So Soft!!
It really is the best deterant. I'm told the SAS use it and it is brilliant
Lovely Saturday morning visit. Great from beginning to end. always learn something from you both. Until next time from hot and humid and horse fly buggy North Carolina. We us a mixture of peppermint and lemon grass spray more if a tea mixture no oil added as it is so hot and sticky here we just keep a spritzer bottle always near by. and have citronella in pots all around. Until next time.
That sounds like a great idea for hot weather......if we ever get some I will make this. Thank you
Brilliant vlog as usual .
Thanks again!
Avon Skin So Soft dry oil is our go-to insect repellent too. I originally bought it when we were planning a trip to Scotland (recommended as one of the few things that deter those pesky midges), but we find it deters those horseflies on the Norfolk Broads too.
Although I would love to see you on the Llangollen, I’m regularly checking Welsh news sites as we have family in Wales. Sounds like they are a bit more restrictive on travel currently than in England, so might be worth checking out. Hope you get where you want to be over the summer.
Thanks for the elderflower cordial recipe too. 👌
🏴
We are hoping that by the time we pootle over there it will be open again. But we will keep checking
I feel a bit awkward saying much the same as all the others .. but you have to be appreciated eh - SUPERB nicely mixed & filmed content. Thank you very much for ' your 'breath of fresh air'.
Every good comment brings a smile to our faces, so never apologise Martin. Thank you
Enjoyed your video, nice to see you walking around and the country finally opening up. Take care.
I LOVE skip surfing or as we say in usa, Dumpster Diving, only b-cus our dumpsters are tall & we have to climb up & teeter totter on the edge, if we don't want to go full in! LOL I've found many a treat! The really good stuff folks tend to leave out by the side of the dumpster. Thanks again for the foraging fun! It's always such a pleasure to visit with you both, all the way from North Carolina! Congrats on the need for a weaving marathon! LOL Peace ! Q
The best things I ever found in a skip were a cast iron victorian fireplace which became the centre piece for a bedroom and an original lloyd loom chair which again was a small woven victorian chair which are worth quite a few pennies.
@@FloatingOurBoat My best find was a metal plant stand. I was a woven & bent metal piece, & so heavy, I don't know the metal, but just brilliant. My sister took it as hers, LOL, that's big sister's for you! HA! I found some great crates, plastic, so I could wash easily & they held all our plants for our recent move & just so much. It's lovely!
I haven't seen anyone sterilize jars in the oven for years. Once the dishwasher came into vogue we quit using the old method. Oh the joys of canning in a blazing hot kitchen in September. Glad I quit. Lol. Lovely video.
When needs must! Fortunately it was only for a short while
Lovely spot you are moored at. Glad the doggos enjoyed their run and ball, they are so lovely. Bit tricky for little Archie on the plank, bless. Gin and elderflower cordial sounds just the ticket! Hope the locks open eventually so you can be on your way to another adventure. See you next time. Best Wishes
Do you have a nonstick surface on your gangplank? I know, how slippery our “temporary” Wood mini bridge is over our little trench can get in wet weather. I worry about Archie & Jess, and the two of you as well of course!
Yes we do, so no need to worry xx
So sorry about my fellow citizens being a noisy nuisance.I'll deal with them when they get back to Canada (I assume they are Canada geese)They have become rather naughty in many places it appears their normal life cycle of seasonal Migration has become warped by global warming .Here where I live they used to be here for the winter and in summer would head north of the arctic circle,now they stay here year round .They can make a horrible slimy mess of your lawn if they take a fancy to your neck of the woods.We are also seeing other species from the US that we never saw before namely Turkey buzzards and Red Cardinals .I love Elder flower cordial and Champagne, reminds me of my mother during the war when we lived in Devon ,she also made wine from the Elder berries in the Autumn.
Always enjoy your vlogs take care Fran & Rich all the best from me and Canada
Lovely memories I hope Ralph. I think the migration patterns have changed here too. I'm sure Canada geese weren't always here all year round and they are definitely getting more bolshy!!!
Great vid keep safe thnx.
Stunning scenery! On behalf of Canadians everywhere we apologize for the Canada geese - they are difficult to house train. Lol. I vote for the cordial and gin. Sounds delish 🍸🇨🇦💕
We don't mind the geese really, they are beautiful.
Good to see you out and about again, stay well and safe
Thank you
Thanks for making these videos. Makes it better to see England.
Our pleasure
It is always great...very entertaining...to see your vlogs. Glad you are able to get out and about a little bit.
Thank you
Thanks for the little tour of Macclesfield and the beauty of the English countryside. Once again, Fran, you amaze me with your knowledge of flowers, plants etc. I'll bet that elderflower cordial would be nice in an ice cold glass of vino verde...yummy!! Keep well and safe.
It is. It's a very flexible drink. Have a go if you get the chance
Greetings from Australia. I enjoy your channel, I have been watching for a few months now , beautiful countryside. stay safe
Excellent video, the weather makes all the difference does it not, as you will know a complete change now, I've had the heating on in the caravan on my imaginary holiday but hey ho the good weather will return (I hope!), have a good time.x
Hi Albert, please don't tellanyone, but we actually had the fire alight for a while this morning!!
Never knew how to make elderflower cordial, I do now. Thanks Fran x
You're welcome
My favorite so far. Great mix of boating, town & countryside. Also enjoyed seeing you both in the pub in Robbie's vlog.
Thank you
suprise by the number of changes of clothes in the vblog, great views of surrounding area's.
Fran wins the best dressed award. She does have some pretty outfits.
Ah, thank you
This was filmed over several days
Was in that area last year can’t wait to get back meanwhile your vide is bringing great memories back thank you.
You're welcome
I'm not sure my feet would get itchy enough to move from that last mooring!😄 Stunning!
I think it may be a place we return to time and time again
You're such a beautiful couple. And your choice of music is superb, as usual.
Thank you so much!
Yet another extremely interesting and varied vlog, nothing like an elderflower cordial or champagne, my mother used to make it and was a big hit with the grandchildren. Keep up the good work.
Lots of these old flavours and recipes are becoming very popular now. It is definitely the taste of summer
Glad to see you are both enjoying life Cheshire is a beautiful county as you are finding out 👫
Another fantastic video. Keep them coming they really cheer us up during this crazy time in our lives. :-)
hi to both of you just a quick thank you for showing the vegan Engevita yeast flakes that you had been given I got a tub from Holland and Barretts its taste at first was strange but I have tried it on my porridge sprinkled on my shroomdogs really good takecare
Our pleasure! We are still learning of new ways to use it.
As always, delightful, will have to try the cordial, hope the waterways open in your favor and time.