A damp night of cabin roof leaks in the heavy rain as the drought ended before a walk and shop around Godmanchester and then a windy cruise home to find and enjoy our new Croquet set from Harrods as the TUC resolves to support the miners
After we had gone to our bunks last night a big thunder storm had broken. First the distant rumbling sounds and oppressively warm air, then the bright flashes of lightening and eventually the overhead combination of the two. Next the torrential rain starting with the individual and large rain drops that beat an increasing tattoo on the marine mahogany roof of The Lady. The rain gradually searched out the vulnerable joints of the old craft and it was Diana’s turn to get wet feet by the end of the night.
This didn’t improve her temperament being already irritable at the small chance to get the craft cleaned and prepared (and spiders removed), the increasing pressure I had been applying to start her to slim down from her 11+ stones in weight, and her heat exhaustion from the day’s sun. However, she slept soundly, and we eventually awoke to a bright and sunny day with the storm passed over. The air was sweet and the grass greener. The paths dust dampened and pot marked. Only the work of a summer’s dogs was evident in the Godmanchester riverside as the dampness refreshed the ground for the first time in several months. We struggle up to get dressed and prepare a breakfast of cereal and toast, which is readily consumed by all. Then to tidy The Lady’s cabins before setting off together for a walk around the causeway shops to buy two tee shirts for Daniel, to post some cards and letters and buy a few odds and ends in the minimarket and newsagents. A chance before leaving for Deborah to have her last play on the Godmanchester swings and Daniel his last ‘trog’ in the outboard powered dinghy; a coffee and then we set off back upstream. A windier day and test of crewmanship all round as we locked up through Brompton and Offord, but we made good time to arrive back before 1.00pm – prompt for Deborah’s latest party on a friend’s birthday. Then a lunch with Diana and Daniel of tomato soup and the remains of our boat picnic food and the early afternoon checking my office systems for messages and returning calls. I arrange lunch with a senior Barclays bank party and a meeting with the CSA Directorate to probe cooperation. After an unsuccessful attempt at getting my computer to print out some data files on my investments, I set off for an hours meeting with my accountant to renew my financial affairs and investment policy. I call in on my doctors’ practice after for a routine blood pressure test, which proves satisfactory. Home and to unpack my new croquet set, delivered today, and I have a couple of delightful games with Daniel, who likes the game immensely. I meant to spend the evening on my computer, but I relaxed with the family and watched Startrek – the film - instead. News today of a TUC resolution to support the miners and of negotiation chances.