Comments by "Wendy Ayotte" (@TheJessierb) on "The Mindful Narrowboat" channel.

  1. My heart is full revisiting all the beautiful moments you have so generously offered us in 2023. You are a bringer of joy and I am so grateful to you. With warm wishes for you, Mr M and Zephyr on your travels in 2024. Big hug, Wendy xxxx
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  2. thanks Vanessa for another stroll through beauty....I think you allow us all to become 'unfrazzled', as at the end of your lovely poem. The Beetle and the buttercups drawing is uplifting. I loved the Moor Hen chick and the Marsh Orchid too. And each week I enjoy the sound of water flowing into your teapot! Warm wishes for the week ahead. W xxx
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  3. Three weeks without you and Zephyr! Fridays will not be the same:) Loved the atmospheric stories from Abraham's Valley. Couldn't agree more that animal companions (aren't we animals too?) bring so much love, joy and freshness into our lives and the loss is deeply felt. The poem at the end was a treat, as were the Coal Tit and king Fisher. I wish you, Mr Mindful and Zephyr a lovely holiday on land and much joy for the start of 2024. Take care Vanessa! W xxx
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  4. How you manage to bring us magic every week never ceases to delight and amaze. You have such a keen eye for the other creatures who share your journey, I am convinced they know your kindness and so reveal themselves. The poem was lovely. Be well and safe journeys Vanessa! xoxo
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  5. This is exactly what you do every week - 'package' up happiness for us to share with your beautiful shots of tiny insects, birds, mammals, leaves, flowers and the flowing landscapes and words to touch the heart. I am so grateful for what you share with us. Thankyou Vanessa. Bless you!
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  6. This vlog was a feast of birds! The story of Gloria and Stocky is very touching and I wonder if they have found the perpetrators. The wagtails are glorious and the tender baby robin is delicious (er...not to eat of course)! Nail biting story of the brave duck :) I can see why you love the Chesterfield canal - the scenes are beautiful and the stories most interesting. Take care Vanessa until next week! xxx
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  7. Glad you made it through the lock in time. You were really accompanied by bird friends! The swans and Muscovy duck are lovely. I so much appreciated your poem today. It encapsulated the journey so perfectly. Lots of vigor left indeed! Take care Vanessa. w xxx
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  8. What a fun vlog this week!. Sherlock Zeph to the rescue again. It is lovely to see the first flowers of spring in such abundance, not to mention the bees stirring back to life. We are still snowed in here. You have certainly sold me on Leeds. Have never been there and will certainly try to go there next time I am in the UK. And the poem.....''buildings once blackened from industry's wheezing'' is a superb line! Thanks again for a joyful Friday experience dear Vanessa. Take care and happy trails in the week ahead. W xx
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  9. dear Vanessa. Wishing you a good journey where ever you are roaming and that Alice Grace stays safe. Thanks again for a lovely vlog starting with Eyore Zephyr and ending with the valiant butterfly. Take care. W xxxx
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  10. oh the lovely Dipper - well spotted! And the landscape is breathtaking. The bridges are truly works of beauty constructed by nameless artisans. I am so glad you draw our attention to them. Thanks for yet another history lesson about the Roman lakes. Have a lovely week ahead on your travels Vanessa. Take care, w. xx
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  11. What an enjoyable vlog from boat upkeep, to historical tidbits and then this fascinating story of the fish bypass. I hope your boat hull experiment is successful and the Alice Grey is well protected in years to come! Keep on keeping dear Vanessa. You delight us all! hugs from Canada, Wendy
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  12. The look on your face when you heard the first bats is priceless!! Hearing them and seeing them dive and flit is wonderful. And, I always enjoy the sound of you pouring your tea at the end. It's the personification of cosy. Thanks for another magical journey Vanessa. Happy trails and adventures and keep safe til next time. W xxxx
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  13. Cruising is like walking on water! That is, it's about the same speed :) Yes I heard the Chiff Chaff! The Horsetail is an ancient plant that has existed for millions of years. The University of Bristol Botanical Garden contains a collection of plants called the Evolution collection that traces the origins of plants and features plants that date back as far as 200 million years. It's like entering ancient times. Loved the evening walk and the beautiful sandstone (?) bridge and the two ducks on their stroll. Thankyou for the lovely images from the peat bog and learning more about them. They are magical places aren't they. Your poem My Voice really touched me and yes we should all speak up to protect the tiny pieces of habitat that remain to wild creatures and plants (there is only 9% of the land on the earth that is left for non human animals). Take care Vanessa and happy cruising in the week ahead! xxxx
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  14. It was lovely to see your Nana and hear of her exploits. Seems you have boating in your blood ! Interesting to hear your philosophy of continuous cruising. I do sometimes wonder how you make your plans. The Slimbridge Wetland Centre is a magical place - what fun to see the Southern Screamers and the Godwits with those amazing beaks. I am a keen duck watcher and I have never seen such a tight formation as the babies behind the mother Shelduck :) As always your vlog is a highlight of my Fridays. I wish you a full recovery from your operation and happy cruising for the coming week. Wendy 🦆🦆
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  15. Sumptuous display of May's offerings. I enjoyed so much the focus on insect life: the frog hoppers a delight and the Earwigs mating :) Your eye must be keen to spy out these little fellow creatures. Thankyou again for the beauty and providing us with a window to their world. Hugs, wendy
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  16. Thanks as always Vanessa for a peaceful and beautiful interlude, even more appreciated given the times we are living in. I do hope you are able to get the repairs finalized and continue onward. Take good care and stay well, xxx
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  17. Dear Vanessa. I loved the commentary on the sycamore tree and the cruising scenes were beautiful. Your poem is wonderfully whimsical. My condolences to you and your family on the death of your Uncle - you made it sound like he just stepped out the door on the next stage of his journey. Bless you for all the joy and new discoveries you bring to us. xx
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  18. Lovely and peaceful as always. So helpful in this time of turmoil. Thankyou Vanessa! 💗💞
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  19. What a lovely informative vlog. You and Mr M really took us along the canal in a new way with the sounds of the oars as meditative backdrop to your narrative. Yes, canals and water ways are so essential and must be safeguarded. You are doing a lot to educate and contribute to their preservation. Well done Vanessa. thanks so much :)❤
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  20. What a great poem Vanessa- the words full of evocative sounds! Glad you are back. Keep warm and have great adventures while frozen in! Here in southern Quebec, it is - 41C with the wind chill. Nearly froze my fingers topping up the bird feeder :) xxoo
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  21. What a splendid review of your year on the canals! It brought back so many good memories of previous vlogs. I laughed when you likened the Elephant Caterpillars to London buses! Many is the time when I lived in London that I have waited for ages for the 242 in Stamford Hill, only to have three buses come at once. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for all the beauty, joy, discoveries and fascinating stories you have brought to us. Although I have lived in the country side for some time, I have learned to be a better observer because of you and to love and appreciate the myriad insect beings that populate our land (rather than simply tolerate them). Thankyou, merci mille fois from the bottom of my heart dear Vanessa. All good wishes to you, Mr M and Zephyr for the new year and happy trails À bientôt !. Big hug, wendy
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  22. What a fun video. Loved your bird imitations! Fieldfare looks similar to a bird that visits here in southern Quebec in winter called the BrownThrasher...I too enjoy a good storm with wind, rain and running clouds. I have no doubt that your third journal will be as enticing, beautiful and heartfelt as your previous ones. Good luck with reaching your Christmas destination Vanessa. Keep safe. xxxx
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  23. How glorious to see the birds, the newly hatched ducklings and moor hens, the butterflies and bugs and to hear the Cuckoo! Thankyou so much for bringing these wonderful creatures close to us. My condolences about your auntie and lovely that you found the Cuckoos flower to commemorate her! Keep well and happy cruising until next week. xo
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  24. Happy Birthday Zeph...and here's to your wonderful spirit that brings so much joy to those who watch these vlogs. Yes, she's a senior dog, but still very lively and engaging. Thanks for another lovely vlog Vanessa. Take care and happy travels in the week ahead. Woof Woof!!! w
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  25. Great job Captain Vanessa and Able Sea Dog Zephyr! It looked scary indeed. I loved the autumn colors and the Magpie shooing away the buzzard..who'd have thought? Green tomatoes can be used also to make relish. Now that cold weather is here we just leave the remaining green toms to ripen inside. Your poem is gorgeous and so well captures the elements of your vlog this past week. Wishing you more adventures in the week ahead. xxx
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  26. Zephyr is the most soulful dog. It is wonderful to see her face :) Thanks Vanessa for another peaceful, lovely vlog. Happy Trails in the week ahead! w
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  27. What a beautiful ode to a swallow! They are magical to watch flying. Lincoln looks like a great place to visit and passing under that ancient timber-frame building was stunning. Another lovely vlog. Thankyou Vanessa, Zephyr and Mr M. :) :)
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  28. The shots of the murmurations of starlings are worth the whole vlog today!! thankyou so much dear Vanessa for bringing this to us. Take care and Happy Trails in the week ahead. W 😍😍
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  29. How sweet and magical to find a wee mousie living inside an iron age wall covered with mosses and lichen that beautify the whole. Thankyou for your keen eye, ear and heart opening to the world around you. You bring us so much joy. Take care and travel well Vanessa. W xxxx
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  30. The Female Banded Demoiselle is spectacular. She was really looking at you with those incredible eyes. Another peaceful, joyful end to the week. Thankyou Vanessa and Zephyr for being lights in our lives :) w xx
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  31. Hello Vanessa! Some superb imagery in this video - loved the bridges and locks at Wychnor, the terrapin, Moor Hen (?) with babies and the flowers. It was nice to see your son too:). I am so glad you got treatment for your eyes as boating is a windy occupation and I imagine there can be difficulties getting health needs met while continuously cruising 🤕. Look after yourself and enjoy the coming week! :yougotthis:
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  32. wonderful episode. I so enjoy your observations and poetry, bringing so much of the unseen natural world alive to us. Thankyou!
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  33. the Guinea fowl looked so ancient and wise! what a gorgeous journey today...the sandstone formations are stunning and the rock houses intriguing. Would love to have seen inside them! thanks again for another peaceful journey to end the week. Take good care and many warm greetings to you, Mr M and Zephyr 🥰:yougotthis:❤
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  34. Fun with Zeph and a cricket visitor :) I so enjoy the info about industrial sites that of course we depend upon, no matter how ugly they seem amidst the glories of nature. Canals were built for industry of course or as here in Canada, a the Rideau canals in Ontario were built for defense purposes to thwart a second suspected attempt by the US to invade what was then Upper Canada...now it serves pleasure boaters and skaters:) I love the new art work on Alice Gray ! Happy cruising Vanessa. Keep well, Wendy
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  35. Zephyr really knows what she wants! It's not weird at all that you feel connected to plants, insects, birds and animals around you. The cute little snail, the Scorpion fly and the Mayfly Spinner are beautiful and the sparrows are so often overlooked. Your poem really touched me as someone who has moved a lot and still misses the British countryside so much. I am grateful that you bring this part of nature to us every week. Thankyou Vanessa! Happy trails. xx
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  36. Arn't crumpets the funniest things? And so delicious. Zephyr really has a nose for finding balls and this was certainly a red letter day. I picture a corner in Alice Grey with a pile of moldering balls protectively guarded by Zeph! I loved the flute music... seemed to flow so well with the birds. Thanks so much for your offering this week- a place of sanity and joy in these challenging times. Take care Vanessa and happy trails, W xx
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  37. Goodday Vanessa....i really enjoyed your thoughts on how living on the boat has made you a close observer of the world around you. I loved the closeups of sheep and pig friends and always wonder how anyone can look at them and see only mutton or a pork chop. The other day I saw a new baby Highland calf in a neighbor's field and, though lovely to see their frolics and liveliness, it's overlaid by the pall of knowing their lives will be cut short. How heartening it is to watch the videos of a fellow vegan! I wish you a good week ahead, many new discoveries and pleasures aboard Alice Gray. take good care, xo
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  38. Got your calendar on Etsy...yay!!! The link did not work though. Had to type in TMN to find your stuff. It was good to hear about the veggie oil running your boat..is it less polluting for the canal water? Beautiful shots of the deer and preening little birds...another inspiring beginning to the weekend. Stay warm and take good care Vanessa 🥰
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  39. You're in shorts Vanessa! Must be wonderful weather in the Peak Forest. I spent a wonderful walking holiday in the Peak District many years ago but further south near Matlock. It was stunning.I enjoyed finding out about narrow boat costs and such. Too rich for my budget but I can vicariously enjoy cruising via your vlogs every week. Thanks again for everything! Happy trails. w xx
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  40. The passage through the tunnel was magical, seeing the mineral deposits and the incredible brick work and thinking about the men (no women?) who built the tunnel - the skill, effort and persistence required to produce something of 'use' that is simply beautiful. What a chance to meet the fox, and to see her or his touching expression. I loved the end of your poem: A chest full-moon white, A coat of smokey sunset light.... In the last weeks I have seen a few foxes running alongside the road past our house (in the countryside)...and often find their faeces by the road ! Have a good week ahead Vanessa. Take care😘
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  41. The cherry colored Penny Ferry on the Thelwal is adorable, like something out of a children's story book and Lymm looks so impossibly quaint and eye catching. What a contrast to Manchester and the Old Trafford. Living in the cold countryside in Canada, we know very cold winters and I am sure you, Zeph and Mr M will manage fine this winter. Your new coat looks cool, sort of Carnaby- streetish and Zephr looked almost proud to sport her new coat. Hope she continues to like it! Enjoy Manchester and safe travels onward. Thanks as always and take care :) w xxxx
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  42. Feel so sorry for the two bears - trapped, 'tamed', abused and prodded to dance, as was the case in so many places. Its good to know that modern day Congleton has engaged with supporting charities in other parts of the world that rescue bears in captivity. As always I enjoyed the blog - in particular the blackbird, the duck peering over the edge of the canal, the bridges and your poem. Thanks as always for a lovely end to the week. Happy Spring!🌷❤🦆🐦
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  43. yes there is, the mysterious Mr Mindful :)
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  44. I fell in love with the woodpecker chick - so gutsy and demanding and rightly so. And the images of the heron and crow flying together were lovely. There is indeed goodness everywhere if we look, and so easy to get drawn into focusing on the darker side of human behavior. Thanks again Vanessa for a beautiful tour and the gorgeous blue flowers on the bow of Alice Grace :)
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  45. another lovely vlog and a pared down poem that gets to the essential. I loved the warblers and spiders. So much algae on the canals! Have you looked into this? I know some algae are beneficial and others are toxic and fertilizers seeping into water ways can encourage their growth. It would be interesting to hear about this on another vlog ! take good care, w
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  46. I am so grateful for all you've given us this past year...joy,adventure, discoveries, and a heartfelt connection to all the living beings we call 'nature' of which we are a part. Blessings, health and happiness in the New Year Vanessa, Mr M and Zephyr xxxoooo❤️❤️❤️
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  47. Hello Vanessa. Congrats on reaching 50K well deserved subscribers. You have taken us on a wonderful pilgrimage to pay homage to Sylvia Plath. I had no idea she was buried in such a relatively remote and lonely type place although it looks as though her grave is well tended and visited...And as always so many fascinating fungi! Dog vomit slime mold must be one of the best names. I hope your shoulder recovers...and gets a rest. Take good care of yourself and happy trails in the week ahead as you leave the Rochdale canal..xxx
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  48. An exciting vlog! The Danny steam ship and the narrow miss with the Dutch barge and the scary swing bridge still going strong after 93 years. The crested grebs are always a delight to see and I am happy for you to have finally met three elephant caterpillars. The poem about the Chica is brilliant. thanks again for a lovely end to the week. Take care and happy trails in the week ahead Vanessa. xxx
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  49. What fun today and a contest as well! I really loved a fluffle of rabbits. Those Guinea fowls looked like they had a lot to discuss. Might inspire me for the contest :) Thanks again for a lovely, refreshing end to the week. Have a great weekend and hope you can stay cool. xxx
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  50. Its good to have you back Vanessa! I am surely not the only one to have missed you last week :) The story of Maureen touched me. Was she an orphan or street child? It seems that she too found her place on the canal. The piles of salt impressive but I couldn't help thinking about all the high blood pressure it causes! How on earth does Chamberlain Carrying get through the locks? I loved the two dancing Orange Flies and was amazed by the spider mother, caring for what looked like dozens of babies. Thanks again for a beautiful vlog. Take care and happy trails this week. W xxx
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