One Years Reign

I suppose the principal aim of this blog would be not to mention the weather. As we all know, we would sadly diminish conversation in Britain, if it were not for our climate.

I wonder how well the holiday business has done during this last rainy spell. I know that one of the first things I did was to book myself a nice sunshine holiday for December. So even if the current diluvian days continue, I have a beach to look forward to.

Living on a boat means one is constantly aware of water, and the thrash of the rain on the roof is strangely comforting. My first instinct living on Scout when the rain started was to run outside and start collecting pairs of animals. Now the downpours are an excuse for me not to have to get the pressure washer out for boat cleaning. Just one chore on the household list when one lives on a boat.

I’ve never been overly competent with a screwdriver. The tool, not the drink. Mercifully, the community feeling that we have on our pontoon means there’s always someone around to lend a hand. Earlier this year. I gained two new neighbours. Tom and Neela, both actors who bought the barge next to me and are delightful companions. One joy of a fine day is to sit on the back deck of our boats clutching cups of tea and solve the problems of the world. Tom is also more than adept with a drill and has proved exceptionally useful to many people on the pontoon for their odd jobs.

Similar to buses, handymen seldom arrive alone. After a heartfelt protestation in my last blog about the need for a single life, the gods decided I should meet someone who ticks a lot of boxes. One of those boxes is that of being immensely practical with a working knowledge of engines, and his own power tool.

Evidently, the principal about living on a boat is that during the hot dry summer months (delete as appropriate) one can get on with the maintenance that they will need for the winter. So I have booked in a stove service and we have an engine service due, and for my personal contribution, I’ve reorganised the spice rack.

This week saw the first anniversary of life on the water. An entire year. “Je ne regret rien” as the French chanteuse might croak.

There is talk of a warm September, an Indian summer. That would indeed be nice, although it will, of course, coincide with work. August has proved quiet, with plenty of time to watch the rain. No doubt September will be dry and fine as I spend most of it in meeting rooms and conference rehearsals.

Now what was that about not mentioning about the weather?