Another long walk along the muddy canal to work out where we may moor on Friday night. It has certainly recharged our batteries, as well as those of the phones and laptop, to spend some time hooked up to electricity – we even bought a small fan heater so that we can have some instant heat for the next three mornings. There’s a water hook up right outside our mooring so no shortage there, and when I went to investigate the other facilities, the cleanest Elsan I have ever had the joy of seeing! It does take a lot longer to do simple everyday tasks, like showering and laundry. First off you need to check noone else has chosen the same time as you to use the facilities. Then you need to gather everything together in the hopes that you don’t forget something vital, because it’s annoying to have to return to the boat, unlock the padlock, find the missing item, shut the padlock, return to the facilities etc (especially if it’s raining!). It just makes me appreciate the ease of home life and how much more I can achieve in a morning if I need to. I was also able to join in the Breathe meeting (Zoom coffee chat) and later in the day play some online bridge with daughter C and her childhood friend and her mother. That’s a great plus of an oldie like me being bought into the 21st century. A year ago I hadn’t heard of, let alone considered online bridge. Yet its a great way to connect with family and friends who are miles away geographically. Or when we are locked down!
In the afternoon we were interviewed by our rector who wants us to share not only the purpose, but the challenges and opportunities that are arising from our trip. We’ll be on screen at the Sunday morning service, which feels a bit daunting. Not too keen on seeing or hearing myself.
Learnt a salutary lesson when watching another episode of ‘The Marvellous Mrs Maisel’. Having just finished Series 2 we settled down to Series 3. I did think rather a lot had happened between the end of Series 2 and the beginning of Series 3 but just thought they had decided to fast forward. It wasn’t until the credits appeared I realised we had just watched the final episode of Series 3! It’s like reading the final chapter of a book when you are only halfway through! On the positive side I will now have time to watch all the Christmas specials appearing on BritBox – already binged on ‘1983 All creatures great and small’ and To the Manor Born’ with Penelope Keith. Light hearted entertainment that reminds me what good humour we brits enjoy!
NarrowboatTLC 