I agree with Peter....  My mate Alan who is another old naval man had a sailing dinghy which he named Abalone.  I asked him why and he said it was because it always had five holes in it....... 

Source

ab·a·lo·ne (ăb'ə-lō'nē, ăb'ə-lō'-)
n.
Any of various large edible marine gastropods of the genus Haliotis, having an ear-shaped shell with a row of holes along the outer edge. The colorful pearly interior of the shell is often used for making ornaments. Also called ear shell.

[Wykepedia]

Nolly: I don't think there'll be any icebergs on the L&L, not with the mild winters we've been having Oh, hang on - it wasn't the Titanic, was it? You're referring to the Marie Celeste, I think? [It's late - I should be tucked up in bed now - brain befuddled.]

Tinker and Mel: be assured that I will continue to bore everyone to tears with the tiniest details of our new adventure.

SCG: No, I'm not superstitious so fingers crossed the new name won't cause any problems (touch wood).

quote:

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[Abalone] The colorful pearly interior of the shell is often used for making ornaments.

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The housing market in Barlick isn't as lively as it has been for the past 5 or 6 years, but they all said our house was a good example of a 3-bed semi family home and provided there are punters out there with the dosh, the house should sell itself.

"So why use an agent?" says the parsimonious Yorkshirewoman. "Because it's less hassle" says the practical Lancashire Lass. (It's handy having dual nationality – you can argue with yourself all day.)

So, on with de-junking and de-cluttering. Does anyone want a large collection of plaster flying ducks? An assortment of Things O' Purpose? Bread machine, wardrobes, chest of drawers, futon, sideboard, two 2-seater settees, dutch dresser - oh my word, the list is endless. And books - trillions of books.

Might rent the shop on Frank Street to see what we can shift - possibly more comfortable than attending boot sales every Sunday (getting up at 6am at the weekend is not my idea of fun).

However, it just goes to show that intensive research and asking questions pays off bigtime. The rose-tinted spex have been firmly put away.

The latest info could spoil our dream - but rather that than it turning into a nightmare.

One thing I've learned (often the hard way) as I've got older is to pull back, think, chew over and look at something from as many different perspectives as possible.

Thomo! Art theer, lad?

Callunna

We all love to watch someone realising their dreams, especially if we have cherished similar dreams ourselves in the past. You are being very sensible, as my dear Granny would have said, a long way South of Barlick: "steady the Buffs, 'ang on in there gel"!

It wasn't smooth sailing for us (pardon the pun!) when we got the house in France as I'm sure Oilcan could tell you. He was with me almost every step of the way on the PM's. Helped to keep my sanity and my feet on the floor. Actually, not sure if I ever said thanks.

Thanks Oilcan!!!

I've missed Thomo's phone slot this morning so will have a chat later.

The cloud on the horizon may have lessened a little after speaking to someone else, but it's been a wake up call and still needs following up.

For instance, I discovered that it will cost at least £3k (yes, 3 grand!) to have a full survey done, as it involves taking the boat to a place with facilities to crane a widebeam out of the water.

Thanks to you all for your support - it really does make a difference.