The Fuel Boat and the Chimney Sweep

Two completely different days:  Monday was raining hard as the fuel boat Towcester came alongside.

 Jules and Richard run the service under the name of Jules Fuels. 07740487222. On this section of their run (Stoke Bruerne to Hemel Hempstead) they pass through every four weeks. Not sure about the northern route but I believe it is up to at least Braunston and perhaps further. We appreciate the opportunity to give our custom to working boats. We also appreciate that Jules and Richard's diesel comes with a bio fuel additive already in it that fights diesel bug. We have also been extremely satisfied with the good quality coal they sell.

Today being warm and dry, Jaq decided to let the fire go out and clean the chimney. You have read of my admiration of Jaq`s ability to move the boat for water. Now I must add "chimney sweep" to the list. All I did, actually it was all I could do, was stand by and give directions.

Afterwards Jaq said it was a very satisfying job, seeing the amount of soot that ended up on the floor of the stove after the chimney was scrubbed. All I can say to my fellow male boaters is--can your partner take over the boat if you find yourself incapacitated?  I am so glad Jaq was so quick to take control of NB Valerie three days after arriving in the U. K. and has in the last two years, gone from strength to strength.

On the health front appointments have come through for a follow up exam with the surgeon and a first time appointment with the Urology dept. The latter is to test the flow through the urethra with a view to removing the catheter. This would still leave the small op to correct the urethra problems. These appointments are at the end of this month.

In the meantime the surgery wound is healing well although the catheter is a nuisance hanging inside my pants especially since I can still pee normally, but it might be out soon. As for the stoma, I need to live with it for a few months and then surgery will be scheduled to reverse the procedure.  I find the stoma easy to maintain but question the advice to empty the pouch several times a day but only put on a fresh pouch every two days or so. I am going to use a fresh one daily.