A Busy Week on 'Rosy'

The first item of note was the arrival of a rival narrow boat!!  Jim McDonald has been narrow boating for years.  He knew 'Rosy' when she was still 'Imagine', and knew the previous owners, the builders, and the painter.  His own boat is called Elizabeth.  The hull is ancient and iron.  The hull sides rise straight up - there is no side deck.  Instead, there is a clerestory roof.  This is a very interesting design, and I'm surprised it is not more common.  Jim has boated on the Continent, but on Avonbay (Hugh McKnight's boat, for those in the know).  He came over with Elizabeth a few days ago, and wants to be here for a long time.

In the evening (this is the Thursday), Jeff the Book got to the Foley Irish pub at about 7ish, to await the arrival of Dick and Jeanie, who were to visit for a few days.  This was the day of the big winds so the channel crossings were delayed.  No worries.  We ordered another pint. Jim McDonald appeared.  He and Jeff had lots of friends in common from the 1960's and 70's, but couldn't recognise each other.  About 1 am, Jim went off to bed, and Jeff ordered another pint.  Dick and Jeanie arrived at about 1.30 am!! 

The next morning we unloaded Dick and Jeanie's car, and there was 'Rosy''s new propeller - I hope that that will be fitted in about a week's time. There was also a present for 'Rosy', in the shape of a most excellent brass plaque, that will look extremely smart in the engine room.

Dick then started pampering 'Rosy''s engine.  The main task was to install a new Simms coupling.  By about 3 p.m. he was finished, and we went for a trial cruise, that had led to some minor adjustments.  These, having been completed, led to the engine sounding sweeter that she has for 18 months, and the total elimination of smoke.  Magic.

In the evening we had a few celebratory noggins.

Then on Saturday morning we went on shopping expeditions - me for blue Lobelia plants for the plant troughs, D & J for lemon gin.  Then we the went off for a celebratory cruise up the River Leie.  It is very pretty, with big loops and meanders.  Some smart houses on the banks, with manicured lawns, make it look a bit Thamesy.  We couldn't be away too long, and D & J had to head off for England.  It was really good to see them again.

Today has been a 'make do and mend' day, enlightened by the return of Maria.  I guess we will have a drink tonight.  I have also had the time to install a parallel cable between the 2 computers, so that they can share resources.  This is going to save a lot of plugging and unplugging.

Er ......  That's all folks!

Toodle pip!!

Bill