drumroll please ...

We've finally finished painting the exterior of the boat, and just in time too as it's getting way to cold to paint now and much too cold for it to dry with any speed.





A while ago we posted photos of Woz painting over the old signwriting on Papillon. So today we unveil the new and improved version which Woz cut out from signwriting vinyl.

hi ho hi ho

Another Saturday spent working on the boat. Mostly clearing up and finishing off minor things. It was incredibly satisfying to finally cut up all the leftover bits of wood we've had lying around on our roof and on the pontoon, just in case. Now, with all the projects finished, everything left can be either discarded or cut up for firewood, which couldn't come at a better time as it's been freezing here lately.

Also cut up was our bathroom floor, which we loved, but unfortunately was the only design flaw in the renovation. We've replaced the floor with a combination of rubber and wooden decking. (Photos to follow). We're yet to test it as we are waiting on a part we've ordered for the shower but fingers crossed this will be the solution.

st pancras international

Yesterday I met Woz on his lunch break and we went to check out St. Pancras International which is the new Eurostar Terminal replacing the one at Waterloo. We've always loved the outside of the building, which for the last three years that we've been living here has been covered in scaffolding, so the opportunity to see it unveiled was something we'd looked forward to for a long time particularly as Woz has become something of a Trainspotter, or at least, a Trainstationspotter.

Inside it really is breathtaking and exciting all at the same time. It was originally designed in 1863. The Barlow train shed arch spans 240 feet and is over 100 feet high at its apex with every inch beautifully designed and beautifully restored.

It will also house a significant number of shops, cafes and a farmers market which I know we'll make the most of meaning we don't have to head into manic Oxford St if we just want a few things.

Most exciting of all, we are just a few hundred metres from the gateway to Gare du Nord, Paris, or just two hours and 15 minutes. I can't wait until that first trip when we wheel our suitcases from home to our train, taking us right into the heart of Paris.

Ooh la la!

awe

the barlow train shed at st.pancras

time keeps on slippin'

Time seems to be flying by. Only six weeks til Christmas ... geez!

Woz and I have both been really busy over the last month or so, spending all our free time working on finishing up all the loose ends with the boat. Woz has done an incredible job so far and comes home most nights to then spend hours working outside in the cold. Thankfully it has barely rained lately so he has had a good run and he's slowly ticking things off his list. Winter is closing in however and with the evenings starting at around 4.30 pm working on the boat on weeknights is becoming more and more difficult. When I can I've been painting during the day while Nate sleeps. It's a snails pace compared to what I used to be able to do but it's something at least.

When Woz isn't working on the boat he's working extra hours in his job. This week he has worked 7 days, 8 of those hours being from 8pm last night after Nate went to bed to 4am this morning. Unfortunately, the architect contracted to the station which Woz project manages pulled out some months ago leaving Woz (who lucky for his organisation happens to be an architect) picking up the slack. The upside is he's being paid for the hours and can work from home so we're not complaining.

My life has picked up a new pace as of last week. After 18 months I have finally returned to my old job to work part-time, two days a week. I am loving the new mix of home and work and although it took me a lot longer to get back to it than most, it was perfect timing for me and for Nate too I think. Woz has been incredibly supportive in letting me decide if I want to return to work or not, when and for how long.

All in all we're loving life and all it has to offer.

autumnal views

I absolutely love the disctinction of the Seasons in Europe. It's Autumn and every inch of the landscape is clothed in leaves, whether they be falling or fallen.

Not only that but we've been enjoying stellar weather of late, as if to make up for the drab Summer we had, and so the skies are blue, days warm and the leaves are crunchy underfoot.