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Sea Fever

‘I think I’ll try an offer,’ says Tom. ‘What do you think?’
‘I think the same as before,’ I reply. ‘I’m still concerned about time and money.’
‘Hmm,’ says Tom.

The subject of all this intense thinking is a rather forlorn yacht lying locally whose owner has run out of, er, time and money so has put her on the market for what’s really a very competitive price. After we sold the dreaded Pig Boat, there were a couple of years when we were both quite glad to be free of all the responsibilities (ie bills) that boat ownership brings, but it wasn’t very long before Tom starting poring over boat ads and shouting, ‘come and look at this one!’ at regular intervals.

Perhaps it was because I was fed up with looking at the rain and perhaps it’s because, in these PhD days, part of me’s nostalgic for the guy who liked to mess around in boats, but eventually I’m persuaded to view one of Tom’s discoveries. We clamber aboard and as I peer down the companionway at the clutter below, I feel… excited! For all her shabbiness, it’s only going to take some elbow grease for this Cinderella to go to the ball. She’s the kind of boat that would suit us admirably; perfect for the kind of pottering we now plan to do, a little bolt hole, somewhere to plan, to dream, to write or just watch the seascape around us. Except, of course, we agree after much discussion, that it’s probably not the best time for us to buy a boat, unless, of course, the owner is willing to take an offer…

‘We own a boat!’ says Tom, a little later. And so a new chapter begins!
First meal in the cockpit!
With guests, Rose and Si

For the last two weeks, we’ve had the immense pleasure of having Lily and Bee staying here, plus Russ at weekends, whilst their bathroom is being replaced. Home Thoughts hasn’t appeared because it’s been such a unique and important time and I’m really going to miss Bee’s big, big smile first thing in the morning and seeing her arch her back and wave her little arms signalling she’d like to be picked up. We’ve introduced Bee to lots of sea air and, when Rose and Si joined us for the Bank Holiday we also took a few snaps of us girls together.

Taking the air at Aberaeron

All the girls!

Comments

Sarah Tranter said…
Absolutely fantastic news re the boat. Arrrggghh! So excited for you. My Max is very jealous :) have you thought of names? :) xxx
Chris Stovell said…
It's sheer madness, Sarah, but, heck, life's too short. I'm afraid she's staying with her given name - we're too superstitious to change it. Sheesh, we could do without bad luck! Cxx
Kathryn Freeman said…
What lovely family photos - and then, of course, there's the boat! So exciting - looking forward to tales from this new chapter. Did you christen her with a bottle of her namesake?!
Chris Stovell said…
Actually, we did, Kate! It had to be done, didn't it? I'm hoping it'll provide inspiration for a new Bill! Cx
Chris Stovell said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Clare Chase said…
How exciting, Chris - wishing you many happy adventures! And so lovely to see your family photographs. xx
Jane Lovering said…
Expensive, time-heavy, can't change the name...had you thought of going out of boats and into horses? It sounds pretty similar...

She looks beautiful (that is ALL of the 'she's)and I hope you enjoy all of them for many years to come!
Teresa said…
Little Bee is going to love having Pirates as Grands ;) and I think you did right in not waiting for this and that to have it. This is the moment. This is what you are and like so "GO. SET SAIL." Or whatever those who don't usually say "two tickets, please" :D say when they leave for some adventure and bliss among Nature.
Can't get over of how charming and beautiful you all are.
Love,
Teresa
Chris Stovell said…
It is exciting, Clare though remind me I said that next year! And thank you! Cx

So true, Jane! It's a long, long time since I've been riding but there's no chance at all of me getting Tom near a horse. Many thanks!

Ooh, good thought, Teresa! Although, I think it may be a very long time before Bee goes for a sail! And you are very kind!! Cxx
Congratulations on your new boat! I'm so glad you were able to spend time with the family. Those are some lovely photographs!
Chris Stovell said…
It was a very special time, Chanpreet, I've been very fortunate to have accompanied an exit and an entrance for my loved ones and seeing Bee's little personality unfold has been a real privilege. As for the boat? Well, our travels in Veryan, our wooden boat, inspired Turing the Tide and Follow a Star, so hopefully the new boat will be the starting point for another novel! Thank you.
Angela Britnell said…
Well done for seizing the moment - all of them - and happy sailing! Angela Britnell
Frances said…
From over here in an island that often does not reveal its waterside edges, I congratulate Tom...and you, on the purchase of this boat. Will you all be able to set sail somewhere before winter arrives? I so hope so.

I expect that Tom is going to have a fine time making this vessell what she's meant to be. And Chris, I am sure that you might already have a plot line taking shape, letting your imagination take the inspiration and twisty-turn it into a shape that will allow wonderful characters to take form...or should i have said shape? I'm imagining that you might have also considered this transfer of ownership from the viewpoint of the folks who must be glad, if a bit melancholic, that you all will be caring for what was their boat.

Before I go too far in this imagining, let me tell you how beautiful that group portrait is of lovely ladies.

xo
Chris Stovell said…
Thanks, Angela. It's a bit like that, seizing the moment and making the most of it! Cx
Chris Stovell said…
Thank you so much for your congratulations, Frances... I suspect some people think we're mad! Blue Nun will stay out the water until next Spring - although we're currently enjoying a little late summer here - so we can spruce her up and, yes, Tom's already making plans for her. You're also absolutely correct about my thoughts for the previous owners - it is sad that they couldn't continue sailing but hopefully we'll fit some sailing in for them too.

And thank you for your kind words! Cxx

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