Monday 19th August 2019



We both had a restless night last night and were up a lot. However, we quite enjoy a cup of tea and a chat in the middle of the night. Harvey wasn’t bothered. As soon as we got out of bed he was straight in there, buried in our nice fresh bedding.

I noticed this morning when out with the dog, a new marina being dug across the canal. One thought says not another, whereas another thought says it should take more boats off the canal moorings.

We cleaned the boat through, Brenda called into the village shop and I put another coat of wood stain on the top for the sewing table in the front cratch.

Phil and Michelle had arranged to call in on us, it was so good to see them. It seems ages since we had any visitors. They had been to Birmingham to collect one of Phil’s guns. We had lunch on the boat using our Old Country Roses crockery including the teapot and cups and saucers. We don’t use these very often but it always feels nice when we do. And a cup of tea out of a cup and saucer somehow always tastes better anyway. Phil and Michelle left us at 2:30 for their long drive home.

In the afternoon I tried out the window vacuum cleaner in the engine bay to suck up the oil and water that collects there. It makes a great job but cannot reach the main areas it gathers in. Also the collecting tank is far too small, so really not sure if it is a success.

Also started to replace the deck tiles on the rear deck. The tiles bought from Midland Chandlers are crap, at a cost of £6 each. They were alright in the winter, but once the hot weather arrived they became far too pliable, wrinkle badly and the knobbly support bits break off, making them a real trip hazard and unsafe to walk on. The tiles replacing them seem a lot better quality but we need another 2 packs at least. More expense and they will have to be mail ordered.

We had fun in the evening watching two adult rabbits and their three young, capering in the field across from the boat, along with a squirrel.

The church bells played most of the evening. They are always lovely to hear. Something very English about them.






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