Trick or treat

 

Our front porch has been ripped out, pending replacement, leaving a large, cavernous hole for potential trick or treaters to fall into. So I put Barca in the driveway, manned by my dry suit, nursing a scythe. It looked pretty spooky, so spooky in fact that only one small pumpkin, aided by mum, was brave enough to raid the box of treats up fro'rard. Hey ho. I had fun setting it up. 

In between the solid round of tasks - maintenance, lining up the finance, shredding, clearing, ferrying stuff to the Brotherhood, selling stuff, I have managed to get out in Barca a few times. A row for half an hour is plenty to achieve that feeling of well being that getting out on the water and a good row can bring. And Barca has been a hit with some of the regular swimmers down there - Kate and Leonie both took the boat out for a short spin, and Kate liked it so much we lined up another day so she could get out for a longer row. I thought she might be heading for Portarlington but luckily she came back.

Looks like Derry the Skerry has found a buyer. A chap left a deposit last weekend, brought his wife back to inspect and approve, and is picking up Sunday morning. 

I think I will move the Kayak on too simply because of space. I got out for a paddle and sail last week, and it was fun, but I discovered a bit of rot in the deck. I can't maintain too big a fleet. And maybe it will be easier. I recall the Dylan Winter account of the chap who was paralyzed with indecision trying to decide which boat of his large fleet to take out - wound up a vegetable, had to take up golf according to Dylan..

Meanwhile we have been having fun on grandparent duty. Little Hattie is coming along super fast, and we are all getting a bit more adventurous now the weather is warmer. We walked to Newport Station and caught the train to Williamstown beach, Hat's first train ride. She was cautiously solemn but took it all in her stride.  It was a good expedition. She is a lovely being, the highlight of our week, though it takes us a day or so to recover from the minding.

Hey ho, 91 days to go from today till first open day, and we are sure to have many days thanks to festivities, commitments and heat where we won't get much done. We are chipping away, but the mountain ahead still looks daunting. https://w2.countingdownto.com/6638072