Making the Most of a Slow Weekend in our Little Floating Home

Celebrating the Small Joys of Spring

It’s happened again. Despite my best intentions—this was supposed to be the year of restraint—I’ve found myself right back here. I truly believed I could resist, that I could trust myself to exercise a little self-control. And yet… here we are. I’ve just clicked ‘checkout’ on £40 worth of seeds.

There’s something about the start of spring that fills me with giddy excitement. The promise of new growth, longer days, and the thrill of possibility. One glimpse at a seed website, and suddenly, I’m envisioning bountiful harvests of chard, fennel, three different types of squash—and maybe, just maybe, even a couple of melons. Gabby and I had agreed we wouldn’t need many new seeds this year. A rummage through our seed box confirmed we still had plenty left from last season. But, well… we’re going to need a bigger box.

The past week has been beautiful—warm days, cold nights, crisp mornings. Life on our narrowboat shifts dramatically with the return of the sun. Our winter habits—rationing electricity, cooking on the wood-burning stove, basking in candlelight—begin to ease. Friends and family graciously let us bring our washing when we visit (thank you, all!), but for the first time in months, our induction hob is whirring, the fridge is back on duty 24/7, and the stove enjoys a well-earned midday rest. The change is happening. Spring is… springing.

I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but in our latest YouTube video, my sheer delight at being able to do a load of washing and hang it outside to dry is plain for all to see. It really is one of life’s simplest, greatest joys.

The video itself is a slow weekend on the boat—gentle moments, small pleasures. I also share a quick update on my bees, who are beginning to stir after their long winter. Beekeeping can be nerve-wracking in the colder months, so seeing them active again is deeply rewarding.

I also make a simple but delicious cavolo nero recipe in the video, which I’ll be sharing in full here on the blog this Tuesday.

If you enjoy slow living, the shift of the seasons, and the simple joys of life on the water, I think you’ll love this one. You can watch it here ⤵️

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the video.

Jack x

Jack x