Well, having let off steam about exercise in yesterday’s blog, I put on the dance music first thing and did my Joe Wicks routune. Was just stretching when the phone interrupted me and I had a fun conversation with K, who having just read my blog, was ringing in empathy! I think the only reason I keep going with the blog at the moment is because it keeps me feeling connected with the world and my friends. There is certainly not much to say on the boating front. We haven’t moved, even to get water. R has walked the potty to the Elsan so all’s good there! The problem with no moving at all is that the boat seems to get damper and colder, with wet patches on the floor from leaks coming in via window condensation. We had the engine on for an hour to get some hot water so at least I have clean hair – makes me feel better! And we were able to do last night’s washing up in hot water. The cold water, obviously, is really cold at the moment with the outside temperature plummeting preparing us for snow.
Decided to get our veg and bread from the market stalls. The queues were so long we ended up instead at the Greek stall buying olives (so hot they blow your head off) and samosas and onion bhajis from the Indian stall. And finally I cracked on the return journey to our boat. The nearest shop is Majestic wine! Having tried to stick to my policy of no white wine on board (lead me not into temptation) we noticed a bin end sale! So now we have 2 bottles of Sunday sherry and 4 bottles of wine (actually 2 are rosè so technically have only blown my resolve by two bottles!). And thrown in 3 reduced price cans of short dated G&T.
Laden with bottles we were grateful the boat was so close and celebrated our return by trying the G&T. Sadly it was a bit flat so resolved the issue by adding a bit more gin, frozen lemon slices and some fresh sparkling water – not a bad drink! We heated the Indian treats, made some riata to accompany them and what an unexpectedly delicious lunch. They were some of the best bhaji and samosas I have ever eaten. Cheered me no end, ready for the Zoom jammy dodger cookery class at 2pm. Set up by a church group we know from Thorpeness, they asked the chef at one of the local pubs to put on a cookery demonstration. Participants were encouraged to make their own biscuits at home at the same time. It was surprisingly entertaining even though I wasn’t making the biscuits. But I might give them a go! Making a jammy dodger isn’t rocket science but it was the idea that people could get together in such a way and find something communal to do that both cheered and depressed me. Obviously the cheering bit was seeing everyone have a bit of fun and banter. The depressing part was the reality of not seeing each other face to face. The almost absurd way we are all having to live, without seeing or hugging our family. The social distancing of all our friends. I will have to dust myself down, give myself a good talking to and just get on with the situation we are in. But every so often my resilience cracks a little. As long as we don’t all crack at the same time, we can take it in turns to hold each other up and all will be well, eventually. Patience, perhaps that is what God is trying to teach me. It’s never been my strong point. Sometimes we just have to wait for things to pass and see the positives in the present. And to be thankful. So looking back on the day I had three lovely telephone conversations, a fun Zoom, great food and R who not only kept the home fire burning, but sensed I was a bit down and did his best to lift my spirits with kindness. Its love that makes the world go round!
NarrowboatTLC 