Grape Afloat!

[pipscariad]

Do they pay enough to help your costs along?

Well, they said they would pay me a small amount, so yes - but a way to go I feel!

I've just wasted more time than I have (it being half term an' all) trying to work out how I can put a Paypal link into my signature strip, to enable all kind Grapes who have offered donations to do so. But I am tearing out my hair (Bald [female] rower not good for photo opportunities methinks), as I just can't fathom it out at all . I'll have to leave it now - cake to put in oven amongst other things. If any of you good folks have any tips on things computer related like this I'd gladly accept them!

A few sponsor letters now drafted - watch this space...

Stage 1 of training is scheduled for tonight - cycle ride, to break me in gently

[jackie j]

If no other way and you dont want the money coming direct to you maybe one of the mods coild collect the money and pass it on to you like we did with the cards for sazwix sent to lynda, Only a thought.

[Flummery]

Not everyone has (or wants) a paypal account.

[shirlthegirl43]

Not everyone has (or wants) a paypal account.

It is a very simple thing to set up and very easy to use (even I can do it). A very safe way to pay for things online.

[jackie j]

It is a very simple thing to set up and very easy to use (even I can do it). A very safe way to pay for things online.

I agree its the best way

[pipscariad]

If no other way and you dont want the money coming direct to you maybe one of the mods coild collect the money and pass it on to you like we did with the cards for sazwix sent to lynda, Only a thought.

Not everyone has (or wants) a paypal account.

Valid points! I was going to give folk an option - I have no objection to giving peeps my address, it's just that some folk may prefer to use Paypal? Whatever I do will involve PM's, so no prob either way. I am just very humbled that people want to help!

It's now started to rain, so it seems that my first 'training' session is destined to be a wet one, but I can't back out now can I, I've said I'll do it . It's a really good side effect of putting things down on here, it does make sure I carry things out. I'm sure I would never have decided to go for it if it hadn't been for all your encouragement and support - keep it coming

[Flummery]

My son-in-law - a software engineer so no a technophobe - had loads of money taken from a paypal account. They got it back but it was serious hassle and had involved his password being changed. So I don't fancy a go. Happy to send a cheque to a pm'd address though.

[allotmentlady]

Hey hunny I will send my cash via paypalxxx Glad you will be around for trefin :-) U must be so excited! Any luck on sponsors?

[pipscariad]

Update

Well, I had my first row since November today - it went surprisingly well, although to say I feel shattered is an understatement. Soaked in the bath for 45 mins, and just about managed to drag myself downstairs for supper and an update for you!

I now boast 3 lovely blisters, which is a sign of things to come for my poor old hands, just have to hope they don't take too long to harden up. Despite all that though I thoroughly enjoyed it, and there's nothing like a challenge...

No pictures today I'm afraid as OH (official photographer ) couldn't make it, but I promise I'll try to get some before too long.

We did 2 miles today, in a reasonably calm sea (although it was a bit loppy once we got out from behing the harbour wall - if any of you have sailed to Ireland out of Goodwick, that was where we were today), and managed to average 5.3 knots, which wasn't too bad for a first go I don't think.

This eve we were off for a introduction to the rowing club torture chamber - sorry, I mean gym - where we are expected to 'develop muscle', which is something my body had some years ago.... All this new found fitness and body toning will be a welcome side effect of all this, as long as I make it through in one piece

No official sponsor found as yet, but I will keep trying! Bits and bobs from various places though - including you wonderful Grapes of course! Many thanks! I paid for my share of the gig transportation costs today, which, thanks to you, was relatively painless (unlike the row!).

An early night beckons now, after a catch up on the Vine. Over and out!

[jackie j]

My niece uses surgical spirit on her hands and lots of vaseline you know where. My daughter is starting rowing soon in the river teign.

[pipscariad]

My niece uses surgical spirit on her hands and lots of vaseline you know where. My daughter is starting rowing soon in the river teign.

Thankfully I don't think I'll need Vaseline, but who knows?! Yup, I've heard of the surgical spirit thing, will give it a go. Is your niece going to the Scillies?

[Glutton4...]

An old Farmer fella round here swears by weeing on your hands to harden the skin - wouldn't fancy it meself tho

[bobleponge]

As a young squaddie (countless millennia ago) peeing on your feet to harden them up was sworn by.
I reckon though that just using the relative area (hands in your case Pipscariad) will toughen them up soon enough. Keep us updated as to your training.

[pipscariad]

An old Farmer fella round here swears by weeing on your hands to harden the skin - wouldn't fancy it meself tho

As a young squaddie (countless millennia ago) peeing on your feet to harden them up was sworn by.
I reckon though that just using the relative area (hands in your case Pipscariad) will toughen them up soon enough. Keep us updated as to your training.

Hmm. Much as I don't want blisters I have to say I think I'll leave this method to others. I know that human urine has many qualities and is and probably much maligned (sterile/compost activator/dye fixant etc - not sure that 'fixant' is a word actually, but you get my drift!), but despite that I'll try surgical spirit first!

Training good and proper kicks in this week, have been a bit laid back over half term - cycle ride including steep hills in about half an hour, then on Weds I'm off to sample the delights of the torture chamber and have a go at some weights. Luckily a very good friend is also in the team (the one who loans me the land for my veg plot as it happens), so we will train together which should make it far more bearable, and I need someone to motivate me! Better get on now, dallying on the Vine will not help me, sadly!

[shirlthegirl43]

Surgical spirit and salt water both help harden skin to prevent blisters and rubbing.