After a troubled night’s sleep I was at the car hire by 0815, having kept myself dry under a golf umbrella that was being blown about by the wind . The incessant rain overnight had caused me concern in regard to flooding, so I wanted to leave plenty of time to allow for any delays on the journey to the hospital in Ascot, where R had an appointment at 1130. Snow was also forecast on the weather app but thankfully didn’t materialise and infact we were in Ascot far earlier than we needed to be. Rather than sit for an hour in the car, that would get steadily colder, we took the opportunity to drive to Windsor and visit the castle from the outside. Unfortunately you cannot see much but it kept us occupied and provided a picture for the blog!
Whilst R was at his appointment, lasting at least 3 hours, I took the opportunity to go back home and return things from the boat that we just didn’t need and were taking up valuable space. Such as Christmas decorations and fancy clothes that I can’t see me having any occasion to don. By fancy I mean a winter day dress and some suede boots! I live in my thermals, topped by trousers and jumpers. Totally utilitarian and warm!
The house was empty save for our lodger Ellen and literally empty of all the clutter I had left behind. Downstairs looked amazing! However Ellen did admit she had no idea where anything was as the kitchen had been rearranged by G until he was satisfied things were in the right place. I had to text him to find a pair of scissors, even though I knew somewhere a dozen pairs lurked! The navy blue walls of the room painted by our boys does look extremely smart and when I went upstairs I was relieved to find the contents of R’s desk intact in piles, ready for him to sort on his return home. That’s going to be quite some undertaking. But then so is the rest of the sorting through of my ‘clutter’, much of it found upstairs ready to either redistribute over the house, or permanently get rid of. I hope now I am used to travelling light I will get rid of excess possessions. Time will tell! Saying that, although I took 4 big bags home I still returned to the boat with seemingly the same number! However that was nearly all edible and quaffable!
Travelling back to Leighton Buzzard was a breeze although a bit wet but I was so happy not to have snowy or icy conditions. Before returning the car we took the opportunity to buy heavy items, such as coal and wood from Aldi as we were able to park car very near to the boat. We spent a relaxed evening relieved to be back on the boat, having managed to return the hire car in one piece.
NarrowboatTLC 