Yes... the Penultimate day!

April 14th

It's nearly upon us, the time of our escape. Since the start of self-isolation every morning we had asked each other if we were feeling okay. Yes was always the answer although gosh, you should see the look Ian gives me if I even have one cough or sneeze!  It's hayfever season for goodness sake. I'm allowed to sneeze every now and then!
Might be cold today but the sun was out so was this a good day to wash all the curtains? Made the decision to go ahead so by 8 am I was up and all the curtains were in the machine. For a change, Ian could stay in bed to enjoy his green tea, I allowed him this one-time luxury.😉

Also decided I would wash the portholes lace. Not so easy because I had sawn the lace on to metal rings so it would stay in place. Utilised the shower tray as a washing bowl which meant there was no need to remove the lace from the rings.

Wood surround removed to try and get rid of the black bits.

Time for me to kick Ian out of his pit. Now that I was into washing mode, the bedding was also on the list. The big problem when doing all this washing (three machine loads) was how to get it dry. We are so lucky to have the use of the workshop and yard here 'cos Ian strung a rope across the yard, which in itself is a real suntrap, and had no difficulty in getting the whole lot dry by late afternoon.

It's been quite a while since the water filter was changed, normally done at the end of the cruising season but with us off to New Zealand end of last December, it got sort of forgotten. The filter is only used for drinking water and not general usage. With it removed we were shocked at the colour of the filter. The new one Ian fitted was white!

Drinking water tap

This black and white bee landed on the back deck. Took a photo as I do. Turns out it's an Ashy mining bee. I only knew its name 'cos I looked it up. I was amazed to see that this bee was being recorded because not a lot is known of how widespread it's range is. So doing my bit I submitted my findings and sent a photo. 

The very last day tomorrow, it can't come soon enough.

Self isolation day 12

April 13th

Temperature showed 4 degrees this morning, No wonder I wanted to stay snuggled down under the duvet. Managed to persuade Ian to get out of bed to put the kettle but before going to the galley, took a slight detour to the engine room to fire up the diesel heater.

Jen turned up with bread and milk. Said Lidl was like a ghost store, no queues and no one wandering around. Even the shelves were well stocked although the bread flour that we have been asking for was still not there.

Ian lit the stove, wood caught straight away and going like a good 'un when suddenly we got a blowback through the stove door. Pretty windy outside and checked to see if the cowl was turning. It was so Ian opened the vent to allow more air in, got the fire roaring to heat the flue pipe which seemed to solve the problem.

Bit smokey!

 Into the workshop again to finish painting the seats. The underside this time and a first coat applied. At least I was nice and warm, unlike Ian who braved the cold to carry on with the prepping of the back deck.

 With it being to blooming cold to stay outside, the spring clean started again with the bathroom being the object of my attention this time.

Lunch over and I went for a walk. Not outside of these confines of course, but a few turns up and down the basin. Must have some daily exercise, although the Green Goddess and Mr Motivator is daily viewing. I heard a splash on the seventh lap coming from the corner of the basin and thinking it was the pike, was delighted to see a duck with 11 ducklings emerge. Not sure what happened to the first duck with the 10 ducklings that I photographed but I do know that when she was last seen, about three days ago, she was down to 6 ducklings. Those Pike must be having a field day!

I wonder how many of these will survive?

Still not watched Jane Eyre. Was about to but then had a Whats app video call from Lynda and Tony. By the time we had finished it was too late to start the play. Instead watched Merlin on Netflix which was first aired back in 2008. 65 episodes to view so that should keep us going for a while.

Self isolation day 11

April 12th

Slept late and got up late. Dam, and here were we wanting to be up early and get the painting done.  The weather was set to change which would have stuffed up our plans for today. Thankfully, as it turned out, the day stayed dry.

Very noticeable was the lack of traffic on the road above. Maybe people are finally listening to what was being said about staying home. Or, as Ian was quick to point out, the supermarkets were shut today because it's Easter Sunday.

Didn't expect Howard to come and see us again! I don't think he realises that he shouldn't come to visit. Seems he finds it difficult to understand that we could be infectious and therefore a danger to himself. I was in the workshop painting the seats when he popped his head around the door. I jumped back and told him not to come near. Probably took him by surprise, me being as abrupt as I was. I did apologise and tell him I was concerned about his welfare.

Had bacon sarnies for lunch. Made a nice change from Tuna or cheese.

Ian washed down and then got rid of any loose paint from the back deck. Lots of red spots appeared when he applied the Red Oxide. Last but not least the primer was painted around the edge as only this part would show once the anti-slip mats were replaced.

Found another free to air U Tube theatre production. This was thanks to a comment left by Marilyn. Every Thursday The National Theater releases a new play and last Thursday Jane Eyre was streaming. That could well be our viewing tonight.

Tried the conference video app Zoom. Gosh, it took much working out and then as the host, I finally managed to invite Ian to join the meeting, Much hilarity followed as we chatted by computer and Ian choosing different backgrounds to amuse me.  Us geriatrics were only trying this for one thing, to video call the family and see all the grandchildren. A successful 'meeting took place at 6.30pm with Colin, Iwona, Oscar and Ollie and Christine, Kev, Josh and Thomas. Proves us old 'uns can still do technology.

Sat in the Sun early afternoon and watched spiders catching their lunch. Sad I know but although I can't stand them on me, I find them fascinating.

And found another discarded Alderfly nymph case.

Self isolation day 10.

April 11th

Yipee, the countdown has begun, only 4 more days to go. Getting excited although it could still go horribly wrong as we are not out of the woods yet!

Last night an email was received from Jan. She is the Australian canal societies President and sent some light-hearted relief in the shape of a drawing.

Covid 19 Bunker.

It's a shame all this kicked off because we were due to meet the members of the society for a meal in Sydney and Jan was due to come to the UK sometime in June but that won't happen now either.

Another beautiful warm day and I happened to mention I would like to paint the back deck counter. That spurred Ian into action having wondered what to do but he insisted that a proper job was done and proceeded to peel away the anti-slip deck coverings before painting. This led to more work as rust was found under the mats. A rub down and Fertan rust convertor was applied first but it did mean the painting would have to wait and it also meant those mats would need a blooming good clean.

And who offered to continue being the scrubber?  As I had tackled the rug and headboard yesterday, it stood to reason that I would carry on the theme by doing the same today. A lot of elbow grease later and finally got the mats cleaned.

The bottom mat just needed rinsing.

Watched Call the Midwife which I believe was shown at the beginning of the year when we were away and then for some light entertainment, watched Britain's Got Talent, much to Ian's disgust. Ant and Dec are not his favourite duo.

Lucky to see this Alderfly nymph emerge to develop into the adult.

A new generation of Pike to contend with!

Pleased to see the swan has sorted the nest and uncovered the eggs.

Self isolation day 9

April 10th,

Hmmm, what to do today? I know there are still bits and bobs I can do in FS but today was too nice a day to be stuck inside, especially to do cleaning. So a bit of head-scratching but nothing came to mind. I think we have both plateaued somewhat and are looking for jobs to do.  In fact, both of us are now counting the days when we can leave the confines of the boat and basin. Shopping that was a chore in another life is now something to look forward to. I find myself shadowing Ian and asking if I can help with the things he was doing. Yep, he found something to do although it was inside not out. This morning it was rerouting the cable from the small TV in our bedroom that had run around the top of the bedroom door to the engine room since arriving at the end of the cruising season last year.  The wardrobe was the ideal place for the cable to go so after I had emptied of all clothes, a hole was drilled through the back and plugged into a newly placed socket.

Jen & Jim came over late afternoon with 2 bottles of Merlot. Bless, I happened to mention that I was down to my last two bottles and could they bring a bottle when they next went shopping. Instead of one, two bottles was left on the back deck. It was obvious that they knew me so well and decided that one would not be enough!

Heard two snippets of gossip. Apparently, there is a burnt-out cruiser below the lock which has been linked to drug dealers. Loads of used needles had been found nearby and then last Friday a man was found stabbed to death in a flat not far from here. A woman had been charged.

Watched Jesus Christ Super Star on U Tube which is Streaming for free. Fabulous stage show first toured in 2012.  Lyricist Tim Rice had said he hoped a free online showing of his musicals would provide people with some entertainment during the lockdown. It's part of the series The Show Must Go On. A different musical every week showing at 7pm on the day of release so looking forward to what next weeks will be.

The flowers bought by Colin and Iwona is still looking fresh. Makes a lovely display in front of the stove.

Self Isolation day 8

April 9th,

8.30am and had a text from Jen. Off to Lidl and was there anything we wanted.  10 minutes later another text.  Forget the shopping, queues stretching all the way around the perimeter so hope nothing that can't wait!

Another decent day for being outside. The rug near to the stove was in desperate need of a clean but without any carpet shampoo, I felt this would have to wait. Before ruling it out altogether looked on the web which mentioned using diluted washing up liquid.  So in for a penny and all that, took the rug to the yard by the workshop, laid it across the trailer and gave it a good scrubbing.

The top section starting to come clean

Crikey I then had one hell of a shock  One minute I was walking out of the workshop yard thinking I was alone and the next almost collided with Howard. At 80+ he would be the last person I wanted to touch or breath over. Howard is ECP&DA ex-chairman and had come to see how we were! I had to explain that seeing us now was not a good idea. We could be infectious so best to wait until our isolation was finished. He got the message eventually but not before standing around for a natter.

Got Ian to help hose the rug off. I hadn't realised he was still in his slippers!

One good thing about this self-isolation, we can wear what we like as no one will see us.

"Do you fancy doing the headboard" Was a question from Ian. Hmmm...let me think on that one. Would the muscles on my right arm stand up to more scrubbing?  "No worries" I replied in true Aussie fashion. In the light and good grief... hadn't realised it was that dirty. 10 years of resting against it first thing in the morning drinking cups of tea, certainly showed!

Before

After

In my vigorous scrubbing two of the buttons came off so Ian to the rescue.

Clouded over in the late afternoon so settled down to watch the first airing of 'Mrs Browns Boys'. Not a fan when it came to our screens in 2011 but watched it for the first time during the third series and from then was hooked.

Spag bol for dinner then at 8pm joined in the clap for our NHS. Ian decided to make even more noise by sounding FS's horn. That started the other boaters off and the noise of the horns deafened all those nearby. Cars driving past joined in too by tooting as well.

More photos of the Swan but this time concerned that the eggs have been buried by the loose foliage.  She was sitting very near to the edge so how many eggs will she now be incubating?

Self isolation day 7

April 8th

 After the first cuppa of the day and we now asked ourselves...what shall we do today? One week has gone and both now struggling to keep ourselves occupied. The TV is on longer in the morning, initially watching the news and what has happened overnight but the Beeb seems to be on a repeat loop so we end up watching another channel.

Breakfast is the highlight of the morning, Porridge followed by toasted soda bread.

Larder needed a sorting, really wished I hadn't started that. Took an age and how come some things that came out won't then fit back in? Another rearrange before shoehorning everything back onto the shelves. Must be careful when opening the door!

Ian keeping busy on the computer. Still trying to get hold of the travel insurance company to see where we stand with holiday cancellations. So far phoning has meant him spending ages on hold and finally having given up on that, resorted to emails.

Placed the centre and bow ropes to dry on the rack. Decided not to put them back on FS but store in the top box for now.

A boat ascended the lock this morning. The top gates had been tied together, possibly by C&RT but maybe someone from the boatyard. Fully understand why this had been done after all we all want to stay safe and all the moorings above lock are now full. The Erewash only has two facility blocks, Trent lock just off the River Trent and up here at Langley Mill. The boater needed to use the facilities so fully justified in their journey. On the descent, the rope was retied by the boater.

Mushroom soup and Corned beef sandwich for lunch

Ian went into the cottage to check for mail. This official letter arrived from the government. I expect everyone in the country will be getting the same. 

Spent a good part of the afternoon outside just chatting to Langley Mill moorers across the water. Nice to catch up with the gossip.

Ian has started on the back seats. The wood had split and a repaint was needed. He disappeared into the workshop for a good couple of hours. Left me to continue viewing Holby city catchup

Felt very sorry of the Swan struggling with the heat. Resorted to a form of panting to try and cool off.

The warm weather had also brought out the bugs, Shellbug, Alderflies and hoverflies.