Counting the days

Despite a freezing fog this morning, the day gradually improved until it was a classic bright winter's day when I took Sally for her walk this afternoon. We can hardly wait to get boating again.

Things were even better when I spotted a pair of goldfinches in the towpath hedge above Hoo Mill Lock. According to our bird book, they are supposed to be summer visitors, but this must have been a scarce resident pair. Quite a remarkably good looking bird, and very uplifting to spot.

Sally was less impressed by a juvenile swan that offered offensive remarks, and had to be tidied away into the cut. She nearly pulled me over in her excitement, so we had to have a serious talk, with Sal lying down on her side during it. She stayed on her best behaviour after that for several minutes, but was her bouncy self again by the time we got back to the boat.

The Sainsbury's delivery arrived in good time this morning, so the cupboards are well stocked with the heavier items like milk, fruit juice and beer.

Elanor arrives to collect Sally this evening; we'll miss her tonight, I'm sure, though it will be nice to be able to get up to go to the loo without this anxious black and tan face appearing by the side of the bed afterwards.