Awake at 4am I spent two hours writing before falling back to sleep until 0930. The trains kept me company – some of them are so long they take 20seconds to pass by and that’s going at speed! This weekend there will be night work on the railway right next to our boat with bright lighting so tomorrow I plan to move the boat. A friend is coming to help as he can stay outside as the weather is set to be fair.
After my weekly Wednesday Zoom I sat on the bow of the boat awaiting the arrival of a very long standing friend, who lives close by. Just before her arrival a very young chatty Polish guy stopped by, making himself comfortable on the grass and mid talk S arrived so we had a lively discussion on conspiracy theories as it was obvious this guy was convinced by them. After he had gone on his way S and I settled down for a long catchup. We had planned on a walk but S’s knee was rather painful so we thought that might do more damage. Just sitting in the sun on the towpath, watching the world go by, was blissful and felt so normal! S suggested I visit Rousham Garden less than a mile from the boat so after a quick lunch I did just that, taking a thermos with me. I had to pay an entry fee of £8 which will probably surprise my siblings who know gardens are not usually my thing! However, it was a beautiful afternoon and the garden was worth every penny. Absolutely stunning location and amazing garden, lovingly tended for, I cannot recommend it highly enough. I had a relaxing meander around the extensive and varied grounds and then found a bench to sit on, overlooking a circular pond with tadpoles jumping around. Enjoying my thermos of tea, like in the olden days, I reflected there was no cafe because the gardens have been kept deliberately free of anything commercial. In addition, no children under the age of 15 allowed in, so very peaceful! There is some sad tradegy attached to the house which is why children are not allowed on the premises. The house is open to the public by arrangement only. I am not sure it is even lived in but it is owned by the same family who lived there in the 17th century. For interest to the garden enthusiasts, the garden was landscaped by William Kent (1685-1748) and remains almost as he left it!
Returning to the boat I picked up a log I had spied on the way to the house. I think it is the biggest I have carried so far and I am hopeful R will be very pleased with my ability to forage! He may not be saying that as he saws his way through it!!
The weather was so warm I sat on the bow in our picnic chair and listened first to the familiar sound of tennis being played and then a jolly garden supper, followed by the same funny games I used to play with my friends – obviously, they were a group of young men, (no female voices!) just enjoying the pleasure of being together on a relatively warm March evening.
It was also our lent group and the only way I could connect was by sitting outside, without my Zoom video, so I was a disembodied voice which must have been a bit odd for the others who could all see each other. It was interesting though – all about the films and TV we watch, looking at them from the prospective of what conversations they might spark with those who are searching for the meaning of their life and what else might there be in the unseen realm and beyond this world. Christians are encouraged not to live in their own bubble, but to engage with all that is going on around them and try to communicate the relevance of their faith in the hear and now.
Meanwhile R, back at home, was enjoying an outdoor supper, (apparently trying out our friends new patio heaters!) and a picture whatsapped to me, showed a very relaxed man, obviously happy to have a bit of civilization and a proper meal cooked for him! A small cheroot spied between his fingers led me to suspect he had conveniently forgotten it was still lent and I don’t think he realised J would take a picture to send me! What a snitch!! As lockdown eases, a bit of FOMO may set in. It’s been easy on the boat knowing everyone else has been at home without socialising. A true test for me will be how I feel once everyone is able to get together – will I still prefer the joys of being on the boat or will I yearn to be back home! Only time will tell. As it was, last night I had an early night, retreating under the duvet before the cold set in, which I am sure was good for me!
NarrowboatTLC 