Life seems a lot simpler right now.....

It's Sunday and we've almost survived a week living aboard Jubilee and I must say that so far Doug and I are still speaking and it's been really enjoyable.  Life seems a lot simpler and less stressful.  We only shop when we need food,  there are no major bills to pay, nothing really to clean, no television, make-up, style and fashion are out; wearing the same clothes for three days on the trot is in. It's quiet and peaceful here yet there is a real sense of community and friendship amongst the boaters and particularly the people along our dock.

Our new way of life is allowing me to indulge in spending most of my day playing with Tabitha, going for walks and doing little chores (which actually take a long time to get done on a boat!).  When Tabby naps I use the time to prepare her lunch or dinner, straighten up the boat (it's best to keep things as tidy as possible living in such a small space) read and of course write my blog! We don't have the dogs back with us yet which I know is playing an enormous part in this sense of tranquility and calm.  I miss my Twiggy and Jack so much, it hurts me being without them but I am a little anxious about their return and how we'll cope with them.  The good thing is that we have wonderful friends who have offered to look after them for us whenever we want so if things get really stressful they can go off for little 'holidays' here and there.  Doug is hoping to pick them up sometime next week so we'll see how it goes.

We've had a real mix of weather since we came to the marina.  Last Monday we arrived in a torrential rain and thunder storm and as a complete contrast yesterday was a gorgeous sunny day with a high of 80 degrees farenheit, that's around 26 degrees centigrade in our language.  Yesterday Tabby and I spent some time on one of the private beaches at the marina with  our  'neighbours' Meg, Jim and baby Joey.  Tabby was besotted with Joey........ and Joey was besotted with Tabby's teething toy.........poor Tabby!!  Joey, is a gorgeous baby with the most AMAZING hair- no comment Tabitha...we're still waiting! She had her first paddle in the sea which she loved.

                                                        First dip in the sea.....

Doug has been busy all weekend working on his 'grand creation' for Tabby's crib.  I'm amazed how he has managed to create something so impressive from a shakily, sketched drawing on a piece of tiny notepaper- very talented.  He enlisted the help of Mike Schooler (who also has a boat on the dock).  Together they toiled all Saturday afternoon in Mike's workshop and proudly returned to the boat with this:

                                                              The proud carpenters!

The rail will fit across the end of the V-berth and will prevent her from being able to roll out of bed and climb out when she is a bit older.  It has a swing door that opens in the middle to allow me to get her in and out easily.  Doug still has a few things to finish on the gate and then needs to fix it into the boat, it looks amazing and I am sure that Tabby will like it and more importantly it will give us peace of mind and keep her safe and secure when she sleeps at night.