England and operations

 Fortunately we managed to get Erica lifted out on to the hard standing a few days before we were due to leave for the UK. The boatyard is council run and it is therefore a good deal cheaper than leaving the boat in the marina for several weeks. Fortunately we still had some days paid for in the marina before we left so we were able to use their facilities and enjoy daily hot showers. Cold showers would be available to us on our return but hot ones would involve a bit of a trek and a small charge,

We decided to fly to U.K. from Porto rather than Lisbon because of a recent outbreak of virus in the capital. It was not much farther to Porto but it involved a 3 hour bus journey, which gave us an interesting view of the Portuguese countryside. 

On arrival in the UK we had to quarantine for 2 weeks, I was then free to leave the house but Scruffbag had only 2 days freedom prior to a further 2 weeks pre- operation quarantine. Fortunately we have our lovely granddaughters to keep us happy. Millie is now walking, In fact she is constantly on the move and if she can climb something then she will attempt to do so. She also repeats a huge range of words but then refuses to do so on demand when asked,

We were lucky enough to be present for Freya's 3rd birthday, a Frozen themed day when the immediate family came round for a party in the garden. Freya was ecstatic and enjoyed every minute of the day.

Lauren made the most amazing Frozen birthday cake. She has a real talent for  cake making and decorating.

Though poor Scruffbag had to be content with a brief walk into town, a visit to Jo and Andy and a visit to the park with the girls between quarantines, I was able to get around a little.I walked 5kilometres in the country park every day and foraged for apples and brambles very successfully. I made lots of jam and Scruffbag made cakes and crumbles galore.

Heather and I took the girls to Canvey Island where Freya used the crab line we had bought her and we caught lots of crabs and had an excellent morning followed by lunch and ice lollies.

5 days before Scruffbag's operation it was my birthday so he cooked a fantastic 3 course meal and Jo and Andy joined us for a very enjoyable evening. I also received one and a half kilos of Lindt chocolates,

Finally it was operation day. Everything went really well and after 3 days Scruffbag was able to join me in a 5 kilometre walk. We spent our final Friday evening having drinks in their garden with Jo and Andy and I spent the Saturday with Heather, Barney and the girls at Marsh Farm (the car not being big enough for Scruffbag to join us)

Sunday arrived and we were up bright and early to be taken to Stansted by Heather for our flight to Porto .Scruffbag was fit and well and we were ready to get back aboard Erica and spend time showing her some tlc.