This Sunday morning, as I sit in the wheelhouse pondering
the blog, the cathedral bells are sounding all over Auxerre. To some it’s a bother
and intrusion to a sleep-in, but I love the deep, rich, pealing of this early
morning event. Every bell is slightly different, timing too; the breeze muffles
some or pushes their sound clearly in our direction. The tolling comes in waves
as the bells for St Germain Abbaye, St Etienne, St. Pierre en Vallée and the Church
of St. Eusèbe founded in the 7th century all seem to be timed a
trifle differently. And of course, the
Clock Tower located in the Old Town that also chimes brings its own music. So, we are very much cognizant this morning of
the ‘fall back” time change. Is it not a delightful morning to “fall back” and “gain”
that hour? Although, early darkness makes
one think of wintry dishes slow-cooked in the oven. Possibly roast chicken or a
pot au feu?
Now the bells have ceased chiming and all the good people
are listening to sermons and liturgy it has come to me that the blog this week
ought to dwell a bit on practical things. Our friend Eric in BC asked some good
questions about tools and I think this is the time to show off John’s pride and
joy. There is a great deal to maintain on a boat. Despite being tied up for the
winter the engine must be “walked” regularly, as too the generator. The endless
job of cleaning “murmuration starling” deposits off a white deck takes both of
us. When there is early morning mist and dew we can easily swab down the decks
with the big brush, but on dry days the hose is essential and at least once a
week vinegar and a bucket along with hosing.
This week we are dealing with canvas covers and insulation
for our non-thermal-pane windows. On boats, or at least on this one, any opening
port hole, hatch or sliding window is non-thermal and tends to sweat. By neatly
placing a sunbrella-type fabric lined with an insulator over the window and
held on with a magnetic strip we eliminate the moisture. Gerard, the Canvas Guy
came to measure and discuss and between our poor French and his similar English
we had a very hilarious time but got through it. Emails to Gerard are “tickity-
tickitys” which in my view is a great term! We also turned him on to Google
Translate which he loved.
Filters for the generator and engine must be checked for
water and drained or changed as well as full oil changes about once every 300
running hours for the engine; the water system needs new filters too every 3
months. The solar panels must be cleaned and ready to accept sunlight. Gray
water tanks need pumping and rinsing for re-pump. Our electrical plug-in for
the winter is metered just like home but water is not. I won’t mention all the
vacuuming, laundry, dusting, moping etc. of the non-engine room parts as that’s just life.
However, don’t think maintenance is all we are up to! We
have our walking, swimming and cycling along with neighbours to visit, cooking
experimentation, sightseeing to get on with and French lessons. Now we have a
real teacher in Vanessa who comes every Tuesday and is a wonderful chatty woman
with several cats and who lives with her Mama and Grand-Mere in a very large
house on the canal Nivernais. One of our neighbours has another young woman, Muriel,
who converses with her and when we walk together we try to speak only in French
but often fail! Along with workbook lessons and Bescherelles Complete Guide to
Conjugating plus internet lessons I believe small progress has been achieved!
But the best news this week is John’s new bike! I’m afraid I
am left with the little work-horse folding electric and he has moved on up to a
sleek French Road Bike. All stylish grey and black. New gear for riding, right
down to the gloves and special lights. One really cannot ride here in France unless
you have some style; and John has succumbed. Over 65 km yesterday! Bring on the
fromage.
And we found a lithograph for the wall that we both love…a rare
find indeed. Has only happened once before in 26 years but that’s another
story.
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The Case
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Layer # 1; Large Piece Elsewhere?
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Layer #2: Another Piece ??
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A Tool for Every Task: John calls it his Best Purchase Ever
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Yes, One Could Eat Off the Floor
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Wrapped Part is the Noise Insulated Generator & Engine Exhaust, Metal Box is Generator and the Red is the Kabola Furnace
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Top Airconditioning and Below the Engine
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Accumulator Air Tank and Reservoir for Engine Coolant etc.
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Getting Ready
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Almost Ready
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Locked and Chained
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Gloves are Essential
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Off the Deck
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Ready to Roll
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We Finally Found a Litho We Both Love: George Hosotte, Soleil Avant la Pluie
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