This pirate has had a very busy week, or two, and I’m counting down the weeks until my Christmas break. I survived the trip to the Dark Side and didn’t hit too many problems on the roads, however it added 90 minutes to my day. This is what I have to look forward to next year if I can’t find a way to get out of it. The workshops went pretty well and were well attended and I was glad I did it as it made me more confident about assisting with the workshops that I had to do closer to home. It was a long day though and very tiring. How I wish I could just up anchor and sail away into the big blue yonder. Seriously, if the Cabin Boy and Ship’s Dog came, I wouldn’t look back…

The weather here has been appalling with high winds and heavy, persistent rain and the ship has been mostly anchored with us huddled inside out of the rain. The Ship’s Dog has been going stir crazy and has taken to barking at us; I won’t be tolerating that! Thankfully today, though dull and cloudy, has at least been dry and I even managed some play time with him on the decking.

I’m yawning my way through the days due to not sleeping well. My throat is still sore, and now I have earache keeping me awake at night. I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow and I’m hopeful he can recommend something. If I talk too much I start to lose my voice and this has been going on now for weeks. A blessing for some I’m sure… LOL. There’s been a very bad smell locally which smells of burning chemicals and I can’t help wonder if this has been affecting my throat. I’ve no idea where it’s coming from but it’s pretty pervasive.

Speaking of the rain, I dug deep into my pockets and purchased a tumble dryer and what a boon it’s been with all this rain! I’ve been very careful with my money of late (though I always am, I have no choice!) and in the next few weeks I’ll be looking to buy a new cooker. Mine is getting increasingly difficult to light, the oven seal is coming away, and the oven door is held closed with a piece of 4x4 from where I managed to pull the door handle off lol. I don’t know my own strength! If I can’t see a good deal I’ll wait until January; we’ve managed this long.

The wannabe pirates finish next week for Christmas and I’m hoping for a quiet week. We have a Christmas buffet in the offing but so far take-up has been very slow. I understand how bad people are feeling about this place, but a free meal is not to be sneezed at in my opinion. Today I noted 3 large vans parked on site, for a homeless charity, and I guess they’re starting to take away the furniture from the student’s halls prior to this place being dismantled and closed down. That, or we’re being burgled and nobody gives a damn anymore. So it begins…