Yet more snow and parapets.

We drove through a really slushy snowstorm to a wonderfully large garden centre cafe,resplendent with lots of equally large wood burner stoves , near Melton Mowbray. It makes larger than life cream scones that melt in you mouth and represent good value for money.

I have written an extremely polite letter to MCC confirming our recent discussions about the dodgy Tardis Two electrics and overdue warranty repairs, sent recorded delivery.

Whenever we talk to friends about these issues they all slag ME off for not taking MCC to task for their crap customer care, mentioning Trading Standards and legal proceedings under their breath . If I had my way I would have taken MCC by the throat long ago, politeness forgotten and blood on my knuckles, but Lynne insists we should "not upset them".  WHY,For Christ's sake?     They have upset and frustrated us for the past 2 years, leaving us with no early morning boat heating etc.                                     Soft option John gets slagged off by all and sundry whilst Lynne smiles demurely from below the parapet.

Snow

The predicted snowstorm arrived around 10pm with snowflakes the size of ping-pong balls, which settled initially. Any traces of settled snow had gone by daybreak today, disappointing the majority of schoolchildren and some adults, I'm sure.

We still have the kitchen and downstairs toilet doors to paint, but otherwise the kitchen updates are complete. The room looks immaculate already and smells remarkably fresh, due to a large pot of white hyacinths flowering on the window cill. Bulbs in the garden are obviously not so advanced, but spring is certainly approaching (conveniently ignoring the snowstorm ! ). 

Phoebe's health continues to improve, as does mine. No aches, no pains, despite yesterday's gardening exploits. ( me, not the cat ). It is a great relief to see her eating, drinking and behaving "normally" again following the terrific scare she gave us a couple of days ago. An amazing improvement, considering the vet had given up hope with her. Luckily we and Phoebe had other idea's, although we will be closely monitoring her over the next few days/weeks.

Loaves and fishes

A very sunny start to the day but cold, with snow forecast later .

Phoebe is much brighter this morning, dare I say, almost back to her old self. As a result both Lynne and I feel better, also. It just goes to show no one should rush to play God.

Spent the morning disposing of next door's old Christmas tree and got carried away pruning rampant hollies and Ivy's, but the garden looks neat and tidy now. Old habits die hard, eh?

Our friends Owen and Lisa return to London today, hopefully missing the snowstorms supposedly arriving later.

Black Monday

The coldest night of the year ( we are still only in January ) and Phoebe has been to see the vet. She has been off her food for days, occasionally sick and generally lethargic. The vet was flummoxed but arranged a blood test, which is not good news for Phoebe, us or our Bank manager.

The dreaded phone call was received around midday, but was not good news. She has a large stomach tumour but is not in pain. She is aged 15, apparently good for domestic cats. We need to make a fatefull and extremely painfull decision fairly soon, although we have opted to " think things through" prior to deciding. Sadness prevails.

On a brighter note I feel good, no fuzzy head, tiredness etc, and suffered no muscle aches or pains, despite a long slog round shops this afternoon.

Sunday musings

A few days ago I sneeked a visit to Old John in Bradgate park.Lynne dropped me off at the nearest entrance gate and collected me a few minutes later. Whilst the distance from park gate to Old John is around a quarter mile but unfortuneately it is on a sort of  mountainside. I managed it without too much trouble but have suffered for it since with aching leg and thigh muscles. Serves me right I suppose.

Owen completed hanging the kitchen blinds before the Arsenal v Man City kick off which also gave me time to finish my book "sole survivor", by Dean Koontz ,a cracking read. It took me ages to decide if it is a novel or for real, but it evolved into an absorbing mystery thriller with subtle twists and an unexpected ending. I seldom get hooked by a book, but this was magnetic. Thoroughly recommended.

I have been feeling a little unsteady of late, particularly when first standing up from a chair or bed. A friend loaned us a blood pressure monitor which revealed my pressure is slightly on the low side so I need to concentrate on getting hydrated again. No problem.

Smooth waters

Lynne and I spent the morning planning our routine and individual duties on the boat, following two years experience, without specifically discussing destinations,aiming to ensure we hit the water running, if you get my drift. And the sun is shining. What more could anyone want? Answers on a post card please.

Proof of blue sky and sunshine above our rear garden, otherwise nothing exciting to look at but at least it takes your eyes and mind off a very boring, short blog. 

Warranty issues

Following delay after delay  ( not my fault ) we finally made it to MCC and a reasonably amicable meeting with Eddie and Marion regarding Tardis Two's ongoing ( since it was built in 2013 ) electrical faults. We got the impression we were distinctly unwelcome. We made it crystal clear we want the problem solved within the warranty period, once and for all. After all, they have had four attempts at it over 3 years. If they fail this time we'll get Trading Standards and/ or small claims court on board ( oops, that same old pun keeps rising to the surface, sorry ).