On the Water Again

  

Shiny hull

Sadly, not on Sal Darago. Australia’s borders remain well and truly closed. However, we have access to the next best thing – Em and Ben’s 32ft Southerly called Searose. Jeremy and I spent several days cleaning her inside and out, finishing off with a thorough wax and polish. 

Kathy and Jeremy sail again!

 Recreational boating was allowed with your household, support bubble or one other person. The weather improved, the sun shone and Searose was launched and ready for a trip to her mooring on 30^th March.

Searose afloat

 She sprang a leak. Water was finding a way in through the log fitting. Much discussion followed. It was decided that Searose would be tied to the drying jetty at Ramsholt. Ben and Jeremy would return when the tide went out and replace the log with a similar one Jeremy happened to have in our shed at home. (Now I know why yachties never throw anything out!) Later on, the plan was successfully executed and Searose was tied to her mooring just before 3.00am.

Decorating the spare bedroom

 April was dry and cold – too cold for sailing, so we turned our attention to decorating the spare bedroom and the hall, landing and stairs. I had an appointment at the dentists for a filling and my dentist said I should talk to my GP about an itchy rash on my face. It turned out to be shingles. I was able to take a course of antiviral tablets and the rash did not spread. Some people have said this was an extreme measure to take to get out of the decorating!

Outdoor birthday with Em and Ben

 On 12^th April, pubs and restaurants were allowed to open their gardens to socially distanced groups of up to six. We had a rare, warmish day towards the end of April so we joined Em, Ben and the girls for a pub meal at The Ramsholt followed by a motor sail up and down the river. This was the first meal together since Christmas Day.

Ellie, Sophie and Kathy

 I had video calls with my sisters and with Mum as we tried to find a way for me to visit the Isle of Man. Their borders had been closed to all but their own residents and key workers. Compassionate visits were only allowed to plan and attend funerals. Then the IOM Government announced that they would allow family members to visit from 1^st May under strict conditions. Breaching the conditions meant a hefty fine or three months in prison!

Ellie and bear

 I had to self-isolate for 7 days on arrival and take two Covid PCR tests. The accommodation had to have its own entrance/exit, bathroom and kitchen. Prices ranged from £500 to £720 for one week. Eventually, it was decided that I could use my sister, Pat’s house while she was in the UK visiting her daughter. I could also have the use of her car. I booked my flights.

Kathy isolating

 Jeremy and I had our second Covid jabs on 30^th April. I had been feeling dizzy at times for several months, so I contacted my GP. He didn’t think the injection or the shingles had caused the dizziness but agreed I should have a health check. Blood was taken, an ECG was arranged and I measured my blood pressure over 5 days. All the blood tests and the ECG were normal but the blood pressure was, unexpectedly, too high. I start taking tablets when I return from the IOM.

Sunny Port Erin

 Home improvements and gardening continued into May. The fences and sheds were painted. Seeds were germinating in the greenhouse but nothing was happening to the ones sown outside, except for the weeds and wildflowers.

Mum and Kathy reunited

 We were able to celebrate my birthday with a family meal in the garden of our local pub. Afterwards we had cake and champagne in our garden. Ellie and I shared a birthday outing to Colchester Zoo with Em, Ben and Sophie. We could visit all the outside areas. This was the first time I had encountered crowds since October 2020.

Mum out in the sunshine

 Ellie’s birthday came after the easing of more restrictions. We could meet indoors in groups of 6 or with one other family. We had cake and tea indoors but kept the windows open to be on the safe side.

Kathy, Gaynor and Keith

 I am writing this in the IOM and I have seen my Mum at long last. On 24^th May the IOM reduced the isolation period to 48 hours. Two Covid tests were still required to avoid 21 days of isolation. Both Covid tests came back negative. Hurray and Boo! I can go anywhere EXCEPT health and social care settings, including care homes until 10 days have passed. Fortunately, because of Mum’s health status, I was granted an exemption and was able to visit and take her out. I owe a big thank-you to my niece, Gaynor who assisted on my first visit. It was an emotional reunion.

Now where do we put a ton of gravel?

 Strict Covid-safe measures are in place at Mum’s care home. Masks must be worn. A form has to be filled in for every visit. Hands must be sanitised and temperature taken and recorded.

Tidy garden

 Meanwhile, Jeremy has had root canal treatment at the dentist’s and is now waiting for a crown. He is looking after Em and Ben’s dog, Tess, while the family is away sailing during half term.

We hope all our readers are keeping safe and well and we wish you a pleasant summer.