Getting that sinking feeling again

Autumn's been quite literally raining on our parade recently and I've battled to do any of the jobs I was hoping to complete before the cold weather really sets. The problem with the cold isn't just that I don't like it; it's that paint doesn't like it either, so with all the rain we've had, my windows of opportunity for doing the Vereeninging's much needed trimmings and details is reducing to practically hopeless.

Added to that, I discovered to my dismay that I had a lot of water in the bottom of my barge, and on the wrong side of it too. Water should be outside, not in, but yesterday I syphoned about 45 litres from under the floorboards.

This had me in an instant panic. I thought I might have a leak in the bottom, but on reflection, it could also be rainwater creeping in somewhere, or it could also be the dreaded condensation, although 45 litres seems a lot for that given that I haven't been using the heating all that much. Still, it remains a real possibility, but oh dear, it's always so stressful and such a waste of time that I could be using doing something else. I never have enough. Time, that is.

Anyway, this is my solution for soaking up the last of the water. Disposable nappies. They do a great job, but I'll have to get it completely dry before I scrape all the rust off and put new grease on the bottom.

Never have so many nappies been employed by so few for
such a great cause
In other boaty news, Koos has been doing an amazing job of making and welding the new mounts for the replacement engine for the Hennie H. It doesn't look much from these photos, but it's been a lot of work to measure, make and weld them in place. We had a 'fitting' and it all went very well, so progress is being made on that front.

And last but not least, we had a family birthday. My daughter, whose day it was, invited us for lunch and then we all went out for a lovely walk with the dogs. Simple it might have been but it was such a beautiful afternoon we felt very blessed to be able to walk through the countryside in the warm sunshine. Spaniel Charlie has been with us (I mean my daughter) for nearly ten years now, but lovely Luna is new to the family. She comes from a rescue shelter in Spain and now lives with my other daughter. At 15 months old, she (Luna) is just a baby really, but she's settled in beautifully and is a lovely calm girl. We're already more than a bit taken with her.
Well, that was it for the autumn sunshine. It's back to usual again tonight, meaning rain, rain and more rain. I'm checking my toes for signs of foot rot!