Wild outside, quiet inside

It's been a bit of a somnolent day on board, partly because it's been rather the reverse outside. The weather has been getting wild and woolly – no rain yet, but loads of wind. It made the cabin feel quite chilly, so we've relit the Squirrel. That's rather sleep inducing, not because of carbon monoxide leaks, I hasten to add, but just because it's so nice and warm and cosy…

We've both made expeditions out, myself first to get a blood test at the surgery. For once, they'd messed up; I'd got the right day and time according to the note the receptionist gave me on Friday, but it wasn't on their computer system. I had to hang around for a while (half an hour, maybe) before Gail the vivisector venusector could fit me in. (Sorry, I've been rereading HG Wells, The Island of Doctor Moreau.) No matter, it was soon done, and that's me finished with that side of things until a couple of days after my birthday, when I'll see the nurse for a full review.

After lunch, Sheila went back to the dentist to be fitted with her repaired plate. All was well this time; she's looking forward to being able to chew again.

The rest of the day has drifted by, catching up with email, reading The Independent and the latest Canal Boat and the like.

Tomorrow, Bill and Eileen are visiting to give Sheila's hair a trim, so things will be a bit livelier. We had hoped to give them lunch at the George and Dragon, but Eileen's got a dentist's appointment in the afternoon...