No Flower Pots, Cats or Sunsets

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 7^th 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.

The Case

Layer # 1; Large Piece Elsewhere?

Layer #2: Another Piece ??

A Tool for Every Task: John calls it his Best Purchase Ever

Yes, One Could Eat Off the Floor

Wrapped Part is the Noise Insulated Generator & Engine Exhaust, Metal Box is Generator and the Red is the Kabola Furnace

Top Airconditioning and Below the Engine

Accumulator Air Tank and Reservoir for Engine Coolant etc. 

Getting Ready

Almost Ready

Locked and Chained

Gloves are Essential

Off the Deck

Ready to Roll

We Finally Found a Litho We Both Love: George Hosotte, Soleil Avant la Pluie