Who would have thought we’d be enjoying our first BBQ in April!  Well, we did!

We chose a BBQ that was nothing more than a glorified 3 part galvanised bucket :lol:

However, it is the perfect size for 2-3 people and whilst Lottie enjoyed her usual processed supermarket BBQ meat products, having no culinary exploration needs, I chose a rather nice plump Lamb shoulder steak, because I do.

Having drizzled my Lamb with fresh Lime juice I coated it with fresh roughly chopped Basil, Coriander and green Chilli before cooking it off but leaving it pink inside.  Served on a meadow of Rocket, Spinach & Watercress with a hefty dollop of lemon Cous Cous and a side accompaniment of griddled on-vine cherry tomatoes and sweet red pepper  my meal was fit for digging in to.

We’re promised more of this glorious weather right through the weekend so have one of these Mother Nature… :w00t:

Here’s our little tear.  Wilsons of Kinver have offered to repair it for a modest charge but in order for the repair to take place I need to get the cover back to them and it’s exactly 100 miles away.  Therefore, I’ve chosen to drive the cover to Mastawerks in Bristol.  Again, a cheap-as-chips repair fee so that’s good. :heart:

We’re not out on the boat this weekend; it’s my favourite all-nighter in the world so Lottie’s off back home to Poole and I’m off up to Wolverhampton. :w00t:

I’m also obtaining quotes to have rails around the back end of the boat for safety as my neighbour has really nifty ones with little seats on.  That’ll cure our short-stature problem as the idea of building a platform of some kind just wasn’t doable safely.  I was on the verge of buying some platform shoes

In fact, my neighbour, Roger, really gave me some good tips and ideas for little jobs that will benefit the boat and we had a good chin-wag out in the sunshine with a couple of bottles of wine and a flock of frisky ducks.  It’s a shame the boys are trying to service a baron old maid :lol:

Got up early today as Lottie had another hair appointment to lighten her ‘black as black’ hair. It’s now half black (eg, half the colour it was, much lighter)

When they got back the sun was up and my mood high. I rearranged the garden furniture only to be knocked back by my neighbour proclaiming “oh, have we been demoted” because I’d moved their table and chairs 15 feet away. I honestly didn’t know the furniture was theirs. When we’d viewed the boat back last Summer Jill took us and entertained us on that furniture so I naturally thought it was hers. It wasn’t :shocked:

Some of our Marina ducks started to waddle up my walkway so I photographed them. Of course, they were just looking for food. Soon after, 4 other ducks had joined them in the hope of sustenance… I complied :cheerful:

So, to exonerate myself from blame and to keep my ‘pecking order’ status I moved my neighbours furniture back from whence it came and moved mine some 10 feet to the left. Now we’re both happy. Of course, I invited my neighbour to use mine when ever they wanted to and I hope they do.

Lottie and Damon want to visit Town tomorrow so to make them work for their pocket money I suggested they wash the outside of the boat

OK, so it’s going to cost me a few greenbacks but it’s worth it and they get to buy new clothes!

By early evening the outside of the boat is gleaming and the roof.  Oh, and also the mushroom vents are gleaming brass again thanks to Damon’s elbow grease together with the tiller arm and the Squirrel tiller pin.  Actually, I did the Squirrel but got cramp so delegated the nasty job. Nice one kiddos!

Lastly, I’ve de-commissioned myself from any canal boat forum.  I’ve chosen to live afloat for a laid back easy life; I don’t need the vindictive, flippant, bullying, patronising, controlling bullshit I’ve witnessed thus far and not necessarily to me.  I thought… “you know what?  Fucking keep it”.  :dizzy:

More from the cut very soon no doubt :silly: