We were grateful for a mild, even warm day for the time of year as it was washing day. Anything that looked in need of a wash was bundled into two black sacks and carried to the wishy washy. It’s such a good feeling to get everything clean, especially as I have no idea where the next laundrette will be found. Coming back to the boat we enjoyed the Tuesday Market at LB where I purchased more samosas and bhajiis from the wonderful Indian stall. Next door was an Italian stall where I brought some unusual shaped pasta (spaghetti length, looking like straws), some delicious Italian biscuits and a bag of dried chicken peas. I realise that as long as I remember to soak dried beans in the morning, lengthy simmering is possible on the stove so worthwhile doing. I saw an unusual recipe in a magazine recently using cooked chickpeas so I hope I can find it. If my memory is correct I think it used them as a replacement for eggs in a cake. I have certainly made very passable meringues out of chickpea juice so I wouldn’t be surprised if they can be a substitute for eggs in other recipes.
I gave the boat a good clean which really doesn’t take long to do, and R went to Jewsons to buy some replacement tiles for around the stove. Infact he returned with a fireproof sheet which could be cut to size and fixed to the wall in place of more tiles. It sits perfectly well without adhesive so R won’t properly fix it in place until James has had a look. It might be that more tiles will be preferable to the owners of the boat.
Taking 9 empty litre bottles of water and a couple of 5l flagons to the water tap, I felt like the outcast lady at the well who met with Jesus! We keep extra water containers filled up with water in case we ever run short. At least we can have a cup of tea and wash our hands should our tank run dry! Its quite a good workout carrying the full bottles back to the boat.
Enjoyed a couple of lengthy and fun telephone conversations, one of them on the towpath as R was busy practicing his accordian, making far too much noise to speak over! His playing is definitely improving. I think he wants to be able to play a Scottish reel. Oh, to be able to dance again!
Tomorrow we are on the move. As I have mentioned before in my blog, its hard staying still in the cold and damp. The boat really needs to keep moving as the engine via the radiators gives the inside cabin a bit of a drying out. Also it’s very easy to get too comfortable and not want to move on. Moving the boat requires a bit of energy and if the weather is inclement it’s fairly hard work. Easier to hunker down! Makes one think is that true about life. One of the decisions R and I are mulling over is how long to stay in our current house, which we love and has been a perfect family home. However our children live away and without lodgers we rattle around thinking about all the heating and other inflated bills! Perhaps it is time for a change and maybe being away on Wind Rose will help clarify our minds so decisions can be made.
NarrowboatTLC 