New Season Update: loss and change.

The 2016 boating season is here for many, though for us it won't begin until a little later in April. But it's nice to see via FB and other social media sites, that lots of our friends have already ventured out onto the water in various locations in the Netherlands, France and Belgium.  This year, we decided to change our return date to the Netherlands and as a result, Pirramimma will go back into the water one month later than in 2015.  Sadly, we both find our enthusiasm is a little lacking this year. Though I know that will change once we are back on the water and onboard our beautiful Pirramimma. 

We are still reeling from the loss of our beloved Minnie a month ago. Our little four-legged one who always believed she was a human and who was our 'child', has left a gaping hole in our lives. To say we miss her is an understatement. 

Photo copyright: Veronica Hayes

Pottle, our dinghy, will be re-named when we return to Pirramimma; either at Elburg or, more likely, at our new jachthaven in Friesland.  But more on that change when it has taken place. 

Another rather significant change for me is I have taught myself how to knit.  You may now gasp in shock or horror. Or both. I hated knitting as a child and my mother hated teaching me. I thought that worked out rather well at the time but when I was sitting, keeping Minnie company over the winter months I realised that I needed something to 'do' - to occupy my thoughts and hands rather than just sitting and reading books on my iPad. Cue Google, YouTube and a couple of basic books.  I've surprised myself (and the Skipper!) by how much I'm enjoying it.  Whilst I sat with Minnie, I knitted a throw made up of 42 squares in 4 different variations upon the theme of grey. "Minnie's Throw" will be coming with us; a useful addition and one that will be much used and enjoyed by me on cooler evening's on Pirramimma's aft deck. Here's a pic of part of the throw...

Minnie's Throw.  Photo copyright: Veronica Hayes

And yes, I've knitted the inevitable scarves (surely every knitter's learning curve) plus hats, a jumper for the Skipper and about to start a jumper for myself. My mother would probably have fainted by now  :-) 

Critical stores need to be obtained: we're still trying to get some engine filter spares for the Perkins and tomorrow head to Levington Marina now known as the Suffolk Yacht Harbour near Ipswich to do just that; other important items such stocks of Tim Tam biscuits and Twisties have been ordered from the Australian store in London.  Rather more seriously, work for new anti-fouling paint on the underwater section of the hull has to take place, and we need to suss out whether or not we need to replace the anodes - hopefully the guys at Pirramimma's winter quarters will be taking care of that as requested.

Dutch lessons took a nose dive over the winter months sadly, so I need to focus on that one.  Especially how to say 'Congratulations' in Dutch as we have been invited to lovely friends' wedding in early June. What a happy time to look forward to!

Ferry crossings for the season have been booked and confirmed though I suspect there will be a couple more bookings for further cruising later in the year. Lists and more lists are being written. Both Skipper and Crew are looking forward to seeing some very special Dutch friends again and to catching up with all their news. Some of our other English/Australian friends will be moving their boats further south during the course of this season. Having purchased their boats in the Netherlands and having enjoyed a season of cruising in Dutch waters they will be following the sun, the wine and the food - with France as an eventual destination for most.  We're hopeful we will be able to catch up with some of them before they depart Dutch waters. And we look forward to all the new friends we will be meeting along the Dutch waterways in the coming season.

Cruising plans have yet to be finalised for our first cruise but as that will be from Elburg to Friesland, I'm leaving that till closer to the time and until I can check weather windows and the like. 

Photo copyright: Veronica Hayes

Our new Dutch courtesy ensign has arrived, along with our new WOB's flag - both to replace the previous somewhat worn and faded versions. A new KNRM wimpel will need to be onboard; ditto a 2016 Marrekrite wimpel will need to be purchased when we are back in Friesland. 

The countdown to our 2016 cruising season has started... 

Update from England: Minnie, festive food and ankles.

It was a quiet time on the home front over the Christmas and New Year period for us. Minnie, our beloved girl, continues to amaze us with her strength and determination.  Here she is on Christmas Day…

Minnie.  Photo copyright Veronica Hayes.

She is no longer able to use her hind leg other than as aid to balance, but she gamely hops about on her other three legs and continues to enjoy life. Naturally she is unable to go out for any long walks but fortunately she remains unfazed by the fact. She loves to lie outside on an assortment of mats and rugs which keep her off the wet ground.  She sniffs the air with appreciation and is alert, keeping an interested eye on all that is going on around her. And lets us know in no uncertain terms when she thinks we're not paying enough attention to her. Minx!

One of Minnie's skills is being able to 'tell' us what she needs or wants and so far, it's been fairly easy to tell when she's in pain, when we need to up the medication etc. I'm very conscious of her comfort levels and very conscious that she needs to enjoy her life rather than just be alive/existing and have no enjoyment of the process.  As much as we want her to stay with us and for longer than is probably possible.

Our hens often keep her company or, should I say, try to keep her company. She has always been slightly wary, a little nervous of them. Unusual for a Labrador. Tilly, our senior hen, is determined to chat to Minnie and desperately tries to stay with her on the mats and cushions. Minnie remains unimpressed. 

Tilly hen and Minnie.  Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

Minnie knows that she's now pretty vulnerable and becomes distressed if we both have to leave her alone in the house. So we make sure that at least one of us (Crew) is home all the time. Medications every 4 hours also means the alarm clock is set for 3am to ensure she remains pain-free.  Skipper does an amazing job looking after her, lifting and carrying her up and down the few steps in our little cottage.

Skipper's weightlifting exercises.  Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

Evenings at home, in front of the fire with a book and a glass of wine have been relaxing and enjoyable. A time to chat and a time to cuddle our girl. Or to listen to her snoring loudly peacefully as she sleeps beside us. We have deliberately contracted our lives inwards so as to look after her and to keep her as happy and as comfortable as possible.

Sound asleep with her toys to keep her company.  Photo copyright Veronica Hayes.

It's been a good time for Crew to recover from a rather nasty stupid fall she took on Pirramimma in late October. Several broken ribs, a colourful ankle/foot injury plus a fractured tibia have kept her on the quiet side of things. Annoyingly, it's all taken far longer to heal than Crew would have liked. Sorry, no pic of rib bruising!

Not so clever, but nice colours.  Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

Fortunately, the Galley Slave kept us well fed and very content over the Christmas and New Year feasting festive period.  Vintage Champagne together with smoked salmon and sweet, brown prawn canapés kick-started the day…

Cheers!  Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

Mmmmmmm!   Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

Followed by home made Gravad Lax with mustard dill sauce and sweet pickled, dill cucumbers…

Bright, fresh tastes and flavours…    Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

...before moving on to Hot, home smoked duck breasts - and for which I have no pic of the 'smoked/cooked' phase… just the lead-up to that point, I'm sorry… 

Duck breasts in the brown sugar salt 'cure'…  Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

The 'curing' process complete and ready for smoking.  Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

Galley Slave served the duck breasts with an assortment of roasted vegetables and her rather delicious Spicy Asian Coleslaw. This coleslaw regularly features as part of our in-cabin lunches on our ferry crossings to the Netherlands and Pirramimma. Made the night before we sail, it's absolutely delicious; we usually eat it served with some bbq chicken pieces and fresh bread rolls. We love it!

Galley Slave's excellent Spicy Asian Coleslaw in the making.  Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

Our 'dessert' of Christmas pudding was also delicious though again, there's no photograph. Galley Slave whipped up a caramelised brandy, brown sugar and double cream sauce…..  mmmmmm!!

On Boxing Day, Galley Slave made a delicious Prawn and Fennel Risotto for our evening supper.  She made the seafood stock fresh on the day - prawn shells/heads and crab shells zapped in the pressure cooker with a melange of fresh tomatoes, carrots, onions, brandy and some other goodies - which made for some rather fabulous, heady aromas in the kitchen and which transported us, figuratively speaking, to the south of France.

Seafood stock, strained and cooling ready for use.  Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

Fresh, Italian fennel bulb being sautéed in butter and olive oil for the risotto...

Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

before the Carnaroli (GS prefers it to arborio) rice was stirred into the mix.  Then the seafood stock, white wine, lemon juice and a large slug of Ricard for good measure and flavour. Five (yes, 5) minutes at high pressure in the pressure cooker. Then add the prawns and cook them through the risotto, stir in some grated Parmesan and some finely chopped dill. That's it...Serve and enjoy!

Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

Photo copyright Veronica Hayes

I hope you were able to relax and enjoy your Christmas/holiday period as much as we did. I have to admit that it seems such a long time ago now - hard to believe that January 2016 is well under way.  Here in Suffolk, England the days are already lengthening and the evenings are becoming lighter for longer. If that makes sense!  Galley Slave has been continuing the good work in the kitchen since the New Year - trying out lots of new recipes for Pirramimma's galley, making preserves and liqueurs to take with us for the summer cruising season.  But more on that for another blog post!

Vxxx