more patience required

I may have been a little optimistic in my last post. I really thought I was on the verge of moving to my new mooring, but now another week has passed and I am still moorless! (I don't think that is a word, but it's the closest to homeless that I could get!) I am trying to convince myself that the reason is that I still have lessons to learn from this experience, but my patience has run out like sand from an hour glass. Not that my running out of patience will affect anything one way or another, only my reactions to events.
I am sending weekly emails to British Waterways and Sandie, the moorings officer is sending lovely sympathetic emails back, but still no mooring. Still, when I pointed out I had paid a full 2 months now for a non existent mooring and would expect BW to either refund that money or add the time to my mooring permit, she did not argue, so I guess I should be grateful that I have been able to moor for 2 months for free. Well, I'll be grateful when I actually receive a refund!

Next week I'm off to get my bottom blacked at Shobnall (Burton on Trent). In case you think I have an extreme medical condition or possibly am doing a reverse Michael Jackson, I hasten to add that it is a protective coat of tar based paint applied to the bottom of my boat! With an engine service as well, it will cost me £500 or so. However it is so worth it, as, if you don't look after your bottom, disaster will surely follow!

I've just paused from writing as I have received a visit from a kind boater. He had heard I was looking to buy a wooden pallet to keep my coal off the roof of the boat (not good to have it lying directly on the steel as it can cause rust). He has found one exactly the right size, brought it up for me and won't take a penny for it. Isn't that kind? He is my second angel of the week, as Jan - she of the Hunt's Lock mooring - has also visited to tell me where I can buy a replacement toilet (don't ask) much cheaper than any shop. This is one of the best things about boating - there is still a real sense of community - particularly among the live aboards - and people, even strangers, help each other. It is a timely reminder for me that my blessings in this new life far outweigh the curses!