Usually we avoid bringing repair parts for the boat from home, preferring to source things locally even if there’s a small premium to pay. This year was different.
Having discovered some suitable modern in an eighties kind of way LED lights for the princely sum of very nearly free, we bought enough to replace all of the original, barely functioning ones on the boat. Actually after testing them in our garage, which has considerably more volume than our boat, we were a little apprehensive about the amount of light they produced so bought another eight so we could double them up if we had to.
When came time to try them in-situ, our apprehension was completely misplaced. They were so bright that with a bit of ingenuity, the light from them could be concentrated and used to destroy enemy space craft at a pinch. To bring this down to a dull roar and minimise the risk of permanent eye damage we’ve used some white insulation tape across the diffuser until we can think of a more permanent solution. Of course this is mostly an academic exercise as we are in the habit of going to be as soon as it’s dark - somewhere around eleven at the moment and they are therefore mostly just for appearance.
Today started somewhat earlier than we imagined it might, when at two, one of us woke with a start to remind the other that he’d forgotten to give her the jab. At that time of the morning with eyes barely registering the fact that they were open, and brain definitely sending and receiving intermittent signals to all parts of the body, he inadvertently switched on the light.
Until just a few days ago, administering injections was not something that could be found on his CV. It was no small achievement, after a bit of a kerfuffle with eyes involuntarily closed to unpack the tiny thingamajig, pull off the whatsit on the end, and then to search for a likely stomach on which to begin ministrations, all the while with flashing alternate red and green stripes burnt into his retinas by the LED’s.
Thankfully said stomach, not having yet felt the impact of the diminished quality of product from the galley, offered a much more generous target than other body parts might have, and apart from noting slightly more sting than previously, all was soon well with the world.
Worry is a funny thing, it’s pointless and cannot change the outcome of anything, but we were both slightly apprehensive as the day dawned too soon. Between us we had heard every one of the hourly church bells between two and eight, thinking of the logistical exercise that was to come. Of course this was another wasted worry as hospital interviews and tests were concluded like clockwork, administration attended to and what seemed like an endless queue of delightful people lining up to help.
Another set of boxes ticked, another bridge crossed.
2 comments
You two are amazing. I'm not surprised you have the locals lining up to help!
: )
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