To our families and other readers (?) a very prosperous and
Happy new year !
Putting a positive slant on 2021 is difficult but there are some bright moments to remember (some photo moments below) and we are grateful to report that all our close relatives, in both our families, seem to have survived the pandemic so far and have been drawn closer together, helped by the miracle of the world wide web but, more importantly, from a series of 'family' visits to us throughout the spring and summer months, despite horrendous travel complications and additional expense caused by 'Covid'.
(Visits from the Falshaws - Moo, Alan, Lois, Harry, Jake and Rosemary Walker with Emily, then son Clive and Aileen Walker from California, then Lucie's Sophie Blair, then brother Robert Walker with Di. and then co Narrow boat friend, Alex Melville with Sue - all were locally accommodated)
My eightieth year has been a year to remember- and I have to say - mostly for the wrong reasons. If we are to believe all the dismal reports from the media, 'homo-sapiens' seems to have lost the plot and is diving into a grubby pond of self destruction, taking with it all other living things. It's enough to make us all join the ranks of Jehovah Witnesses 'en mass'. Armageddon is surely just round the corner !
What the hell is going on? or is it just me having a bad day?
Well no ! - we are happily moored, back in le Port d'Evran - now bedecked with Christmas fairy lights - after 5 weeks enforced exile 5 kilometres upstream at St. Domineuc, allowing the canal maintenance people to drain our pound dry - and to repair a lock gate. We did not enjoy being away - the autumnal starboard view across the canal was lovely but being double-parked against a rather sick looking narrow boat (widebeam) darkened our port side as well as our mood.
In June, after a routine colonoscopy I was informed that there was a tumour in my colon.. I have had scans and MRIs and 18 weeks of chemo treatment. The medical team is very pleased with progress and I will learn this week, the date of an operation to remove the 50% that's left of the nasty bit.
In our 18th year of retirement on board 'Body and Soul' we are naturally somewhat limited in activity whilst both dealing with unwanted health afflictions and the inevitable encroachment of old age. My birthday bash had to be cancelled (postponed) until next year, or whenever. Actually we were quite relieved to celebrate quietly with just a few local friends and drop-ins.
..and now back to Christmas - but click here for Carols from Kings to cheer up even the most hardened atheist !
