A last couple of days in Alrewas for a bit

1st & 2nd December

Well, we made it through another November. Phew!! Now all we've got to do is get through December and things will start looking up.

It's not that bad, really, of course, but it is nice when we get to the other side of the solstice and start looking forward to the days gradually getting longer.

Yesterday was definitely wintry; the Houdini hatch over the bed was solidly covered in frost first thing, on the inside, and there was a bit of ice floating about on the surface of the water in places where it had been sheltered from the wind overnight. We went onto the water point, filled up and then headed for Bagnall Lock. Just off the winding hole, the ice was quite firm, but less than a boat length long, so no problem to break through.

We've tied just off the lock landing above the lock, so as to have less to do tomorrow when we set off for a month's trip to Braunston. Having got settled and sorted, Sheila went off for a swim with Jane Howarth at her fitness club.

She came back having had a thoroughly indulgent bit of exercising, swimming and sampling the steam room and the jacuzzi. I balanced the effort books by loafing around in the boat, keeping warm, although I did stir myself to check the gearbox oil once more, after having driven the boat. All was well, I'm happy to say, and I'm gradually extracting the waste oil from the bilge.

When Sheila returned, she said she'd had a fantastic time, but was now exhausted.

After lunch the relaxed mood continued, with crochet and a DVD session. In the evening, Elanor looked in to consult about a costume she's planning for a London wrg weekend next weekend. There's to be a fancy dress party on the Saturday night with a Roman theme. Elanor had obtained some very classy looking bits of red velvet from a British Heart Foundation shop, and she and Sheila spent a happy time draping them around her and working out where the stitching needs to be done.

After the party, with any luck, they'll actually form a good pair of replacement curtains for her living room.

Today was less cold, but initially there was a dismal shower of sleety rain. By the time we had to turn out for the Village Walk, things were improving, and during the walk they got better and better, so that layers had to be removed to avoid overheating despite the cold wind.

We've had another good session in the George and Dragon, the last for us until Christmas. We've decided to make our way steadily to Braunston, then wend our way back, arriving here between Christmas and New Year, probably.

Then, having seen all the family again, we'll set off for our trip to Stourport during January and February.