We were all running short of diesel, coal, gas and toilet fluid, because first Dusty was stuck in the ice at Duke’s Lock, and then he had to go north to reload his boat. So everyone was glad to get his text message the other day.
Squirrels are searching out their nuts for a nibble, but you get Dusty’s nuts delivered. Rock on Tues, Thrupp Wed, and Dukes plus Oxford Thurs/Fri. You don’t need to nibble at my nuts – buy them by the bag.
Yesterday evening around half past five a bell jingled, a boat tied up alongside me, and I went out to greet Dusty.
He loaded eight bags of coal onto my roof (that should do me for a fortnight), and then stepping onto Pangolin, filled the tank with diesel.
One hundred and sixty kilograms of coal, ninety litres of diesel and a litre of “green” toilet fluid was £148.50.
Pangolin was his last call that day. Dusty went through the lock and, not wanting to risk the river at night, moored up just by the bridge where the Cherwell flows into the canal and rushes south towards Oxford.
Dusty watches as Pangolin’s fuel tank fills.
Looks like Dusty was a welcome beacon in the night. No wonder you stay so slim and trim with just keeping yourself warm. You’re life is an adventure to be enjoyed by so few and I’m glad you share it with us as I’ll never have the pleasure myself.
Comment by Midlife Slices — February 3, 2010 @ 9:44 am
I agree with Midlife Slices; you make me want to live alone on a boat in England.
Comment by Jan — February 3, 2010 @ 11:27 am
Well, that’s where you are wrong, MLS! My boat has an extra berth (for two, if they are friendly) and I am looking for crew for a trip to the Llangollen Canal next summer or autumn. The canal goes right over a high aquaduct, and since I have no head for heights, I definitely need a crew. Here are some pictures http://www.canaljunction.com/canal/llangollen.htm
I reckon the whole journey will take about a month and anyone is welcome for all or part of it. The only requirement is you are not allowed to want to sleep with me. But I am guessing most of my readers comfortably pass that hurdle.
Comment by Duchess — February 3, 2010 @ 1:51 pm
Julia, old friend, I was just musing about you the other day! I’ll have to start coming back here regularly to check in.
You inspire me to get my own blog. I’ve been wanting one for awhile now and think I’ll just have to finally move on that plan to hire a friend of mine to educate me in the niceties of social media like blogging, tweeting and generally bragging about myself.
I fell into a pot of jam recently, called Ojai, CA (about 1.5 hrs north of LA, east of Santa Barbara). I moved here in early November and am completely in love! Ojai is like Vermont with better weather, scenery and more spiritual retreats (I’m not kidding about the retreats – 12 of them in a town of 8,000).
I’m currently working on the project to create a producer co-operative here in the valley. I’m also involved in the Transition Ojai initiative which is a movement with which you probably are familiar since there are many Transition Towns in your region.
I send you much love! And thanks for the email letting me know about your blog.
Comment by Joanie — February 6, 2010 @ 7:46 pm