Tuesday 16th February

Woke up with a feeling of excitement that we were soon going to be on the move. The ice all around the boat had melted and so we were able to set forth on a reasonably sunny day with a warmth on our back we had not felt for quite a few weeks. It warmed the soul and enabled us to relax and enjoy the hour’s meandering along the canal until we reached Peartree Marina. We passed a couple of chatty chaps along the towpath, one who warned us of more ice ahead. Obviously not all the canal was ice free, especially in areas with a large overhang of trees that prevented the sunlight penetrating through. I manoeuvred into the visitor mooring while R left the boat to check in. I then had to reverse the boat in order to go into our allotted space. Quite a fiddle but eventually we were settled, very near to the roadside – looking out the window we are right next to a Chinese takeaway, which is next to an Indian, both operating – no guesses as to what we will be tucking into! In addition the laundrette is alongside so it didn’t take me long to get a couple of loads into the wash. Bliss! I realised 3 out of 4 trousers were there which meant I was on to wearing my last clean pair. Such a relief when everything is clean and dry again. The marina is run by quite a cheeky chappy, very friendly. Sadly, when I asked him about a shower block he informed me a while ago he had had to evict someone who hadn’t paid him. This person promptly put some cement down the shower and the upshot is no facilities. I had to gently break the news to R that a full-size shower was a luxury he still had to forego and so within an hour we had run a bath with our engine generated (due to travelling) hot water, which resulted in even more clothes to get washed! Somehow the day passed in a flash and we didn’t even manage a walk to familiarise ourselves with our new surroundings. A phone call from the vaccination centre at home has R booked to have his Covid vaccine on Saturday 27th Feb. Yet another logistical challenge. However I think if we make our way slowly to Wolverton, which is only 3 hours travelling time, we can hire a car very near to the canal. A quick day trip to Farnham will enable us to take unneeded items on the boat home and we can pick up our post. A slow meander through MK over next week will enable us to explore some more of its parks close to the towpaths.

Had quite a lot to do, it being Shrove Tuesday! Batter had to be made and I had a lot of veg to prepare that would otherwise soon be on the turn. Though I say it myself, I cooked up a very tasty one dish meal. Leeks, aubergine and red pepper topped with a turkey leg and then slow roasted. I had a few deli olives in oil that I tipped in to give the veg a bit of a coating and I have to say the result was well worth the wait! Infact I thought the leg would do 4 portions but we managed to devour most of it in one sitting! R then chopped the bone in half and turkey stock was made on the wood burning stove throughout the evening. Meanwhile at 1730 I played bridge with daughter C and then at 2000 I played more bridge so by 2200 I was bridged out! Had managed to eat the turkey sanwiched between the bridge but the pancakes turned into a late night snack! Another ‘Mum’ episode. Only two to go – not sure what will replace it. So good to have some light hearted humour although this episode was rather bitter sweet and emotional.