This week the Deckhand narrowly avoided being keelhauled. He’d made a coffee in the galley and put his full cup of coffee near the breadboard. Usually, he leaves it by the kettle. Anyway, he opened a cupboard, fumbled the marmite jar which leapt out of his hands and crashed into, you guessed it, his full coffee cup. This fell over, soaked the breadboard, soaked the dog’s meds, and then proceeded to drip onto the Ship’s Dog’s bed. Good grief! He grabbed the kitchen roll whilst I grabbed a dishcloth. The dog was summarily evicted from the galley – can’t have him lapping up hot spilt coffee – and we set to, cleaning up the mess. I couldn’t believe how much mess one cup of coffee caused, and I even had to wash the dog’s bedding. The Deckhand apologised, stated he was tired, but I was none to pleased with him. His only saving grace was that he didn’t break the marmite jar. The thought of that black gold being destroyed… Nightmare! LMAO

I’d also like to keelhaul the staff at our alternate surgery for making patients stand out in the rain whilst waiting for their appointment. After my flu shot, I went straight home and took a hot shower. Being out in the rain and cold for about 5 minutes without a coat, I got pretty wet and chilled. I didn’t sleep well that night; couldn’t get warm and my arm was hurting me. Seriously, if masks are so effective, and the staff have PPE too, and we all social distance, why make us wait outside? It doesn’t add up…

Like a lot of England, we’re under Tier 3 restrictions now which means, amongst other things, that pubs and restaurants must remain closed. Judging by what I’ve been picking lately, many parties and/or gatherings are being planned. One pick had 72 bottles of beer. Seriously. Now, you can’t tell me that’s for one family. It’s not our job to ‘police’ what customers buy, however I can see the police being called to many homes that are breaking the rules. I’d like to make these people walk the plank whilst I prod their buttocks with my cutlass. Oh, I’m in a mood… lol

Rumours are rife that this pirate may have to start work at 4am for the week leading up to Christmas. Apparently, they’ve done it in the past, with people working an 8-hour shift. 4am is bad enough but no way could I work 8 hours doing what we do. It’s only 3 weeks now until Christmas, and nothing has been officially said about this. They’re cutting it fine; people make plans. The only good thing is we’d get paid extra for the unsociable hours; it all helps to refill the treasure chest.

The Deckhand has concluded that jobs in his chosen field will be thin on the ground for some time and is now looking at temporary jobs. Pity he didn’t reach this conclusion a few weeks back as most Christmas jobs have now been filled. I’ve been encouraging him to apply for temp jobs for some time, but he’s been reluctant. Honestly, at his age I’d already been working in a full time post for about 5 years. Prior to that I’d worked in a shop after school. I also had a babysitting job, and a dog walking job. Kids today… I think I may need to shackle him in the belly of The Ship and get him on rowing duty to toughen him up. Some hope!

It’s good that we’re back. Hopefully iPernity have sorted out the bugs, whatever they were.

Take care, be safe, and don’t be afraid to prod buttock if people bug you lol.