One Week On

Spring comes to the Garden

We've come down to Devon for a couple of days.

I'm sitting in mister's favourite (land based) comfy chair while writing this, remembering the times he was upside down in it, snoring, and extremely comfy. The river was super calm on friday, and the sun was shining, so we took dogma out for a short cruise up to Marlow. Did it on an easy tickover, and everything went well. Nice to feel the boat moving again, and to enjoy the sun on our faces. Nothing popped, broke or fell off. Bonus.

Sheena wanted me to post this image, as it's one of her favourites....

The Sumo Shake

We have thousands of pictures documenting Sumo's life, and will continue to update his gallery with the best ones, when it isn't so painful to look at them. I think we've come to terms with the fact that he's gone. And it isn't so emotionally raw as it was a week ago. Thankyou once again, to everybody who took the time and effort to send us a comment. They are all very much appreciated.

Kingfisher

We got a little message from nature yesterday.

It's been warm enough to sit with the back door open recently. Winter is finally relaxing it's grip, and I was enjoying watching the willow trees swaying gently in the breeze. A Kingfisher plonked himself down on our back rail, less than 10 feet away from where I was sitting. Only for a couple of moments, and then he was gone again. I felt extremely privileged that he'd chosen our boat for his brief respite.

Facing the Future

Thankyou to everyone who has left a comment. It's comforting to know that he's touched so many people. It still feels so unreal. So quick. I'm waking up in tears, having to tell myself that "He's gone", and "He's not coming back". I hope this phase of grief passes soon, as it is so very painful.

Yesterday, we retraced some of his favourite local walks. It was sad not to be carrying a lead, or feeling him tug me. But it was healing. On top of winter hill, with a view of the river that hasn't changed in 3500 years, it helped me to put things into a better perspective. Nothing lasts forever.

I hope that in time, the trauma of losing him, will be replaced with the happy memories of the many things we did together. A big consolation for us, is that he had a bloody good life, with people who loved him to bits. And he got to enjoy a wide variety of new and interesting sniffs every day. He made everybody who saw him smile with his infectious happiness and his comical bumbling about. He really loved his life.

Run free, mate. Run free.

Sumo chan

We had to say goodbye to our little man today. Our best friend and constant companion for over 10 lovely years. It hurts like hell to have made the decision. But it was the kindest thing we could do for him. There was a slim chance the tumour that was ruptured and bleeding into his intestines could be removed. But, sadly, that turned out not to be the case, and we had to let him go. No more pain or suffering.

Sunny Spot

Happy Days

Mister Handsome

Fluffy Pillows

Sweet dreams, mister Sooz.
Thanks for all the wags, the beautiful walks, and the times you snuggled up next to us at night, and in the pouring rain. We love you. And will never forget the joy you brought into our lives.

Are you staying on the boat?

A fair few people have expressed their surprise that we will be continuing to live on our (scuffty old) narrowboat, rather than scuttle off back to the comfort of bricks and mortar, now that we have the opportunity. I guess they've never experienced the tranquility and peace of mind that living on a boat brings. I, personally, love being able to sit down in front of our woodburner in the evenings, comforted by the realisation that we don't owe anybody anything. Also, being able to move our home, so that the view out of our windows changes and never gets boring.

I'm not saying that boating is "free". It has it's own share of scarily large bills, and things that need to be paid regularly. But we do manage to avoid "paying out large sums to corporations every quarter" that was the cause of so much stress and ill health, when we were land based. I suppose I should be thankful people think living on a boat is mostly cold, damp and hard work.



Sumo's doggy friend ~ "Archie"



Reminds us of his dad "Barley"