November 2017

Neither of us feeling too good at the beginning of the month. Ni with his injured shoulder, and fixed to be in a sling for several weeks, and me with the return of heart problems. So visits to doctors all round. Even Tashi had to go for a check-up, and weigh in!

Winter is coming, heralded by Tashi's thick coat, and cold winds blowing from the Pyrenese. Reports of deep enough snow to begin the winter ski-ing season is greeted with glee by the enthusiasts.  We can see the snow topped mountains from here.

A Port Bake Off competition was hosted on Friday 10th by The Cave, Quai du Port, and well attended by a large number of boaters. A tremendous selection of food was presented, and placed into Savoury or Sweet sections.  Mine, I'm embarrassed to say was a total disaster. The Victoria sponge I cooked looked more like two pancakes sandwiched together with strawberry jam. However in support of the event I did enter it. i was amazed to find that I didnt win the Booby prize. So goodness knows what the the 'Booby' was like!

A feast for all!

November jogged along with some warm, sunny days, and some cooler, blustery ones. With Nigel unable to do much about the place, and me being forbidden to by the doctor, we mainly sat it out!

This gave me the opportunity to finish the poncho I've been making for Marina, first cast on back in April. I found it too hot to knit during the main summer months, so it laid idle for some time.

Finished at last!

The VNF in their 'wisdom' decided to lower the water level along this stretch of the canal, to continue work around the Bassin, which has been going on for the past few years. This is part of the continuous footpath along the side of the canal. This has neccessitated removing the old bornes (for electricity and water supplies) and putting in place temporary ones.  Unfortunately some of these aren't able to cope with the demand for power needed by boats over-wintering. So hopefully they will soon be replaced with the permanent ones.

Looks like a Dalek!

When we travel during the summer months we don't bother to put the TV satellite dish up and spend infinite time trying to find the correct alignment to receive BBC programmes.  However, once back in port we looked forward with eager anticipation to getting in touch with things. So Nigel has spent the past week rebuilding the support pole for the dish, then sitting patiently with a 'finder' to track down BBC.  For days we had a picture and sound - but it was all in German!  Eventually with help and advice from several others in port, he 'hit' on the right orientation - et voila - we have a functioning TV.  Funny how it got 'fixed' just in time for Saturday afternoons rugby matches!

Just in time for the Scotland v. Australia match!!!

Sadly a very dear friend of mine died of cancer this month on 10th November. I will miss her terribly, as will her family and many others. Although I visited her in September, and had not thought to attend her funeral, now I have decided that I cannot bear not to be there.