Time used to fly by back in the old days when there was too much to do with too little time. Now my early morning journey to work takes me and my bike down tracks and lanes vaguely in the direction of my workshop, a sort of variations on a theme journey.
There has been plenty to do since I abandoned my potting shed at home, survey work has popped up as it so often does at this time of year. I only once needed to wheel out my gold standard bedside manner to break some bad news after one of the surveys revealed some serious rot.
The little dinghy rebuild is nearing completion and the outcome is a happy mix of original patina with some new bits where some very old bits once were.
There is a hansom 1930’s open launch in for a re-caulk below the waterline, she is called “Seven Springs” and was a Thames Conservancy inspection launch back in the days when the inspectors were expected to take whatever the weather could throw at them. Nowadays they have a nice little heated cabin with tea making facilities.
World canoe paddle dominance moved a step closer last week with the arrival of a special branding tool which burns in a new logo designed by Joe and Megan. Apart from working out how to sell these paddles, the final stage is for Christine, from “Mary’s Chairs”, to make up some lovely bags for each paddle. Hopefully, this additional bit of luxury will make my paddles irresistible.
I know I am lucky to live and work in the countryside and there is a certain awkwardness in my hope that we can all keep a bit of the lockdown luxury when there are so many who are struggling. But, from the clear skies to the stillness, there is a simplicity gained from not rushing which will benefit everyone.