Yesterday, whilst walking the Ship’s Dog, I espied the sign of the skull and crossbones – no joke. Pirates about! Luckily, I had my pistol on me, and my cutlass was tucked inside my long heavy coat. We warily walked past the sign, keeping our eyes peeled and thankfully didn’t spot any scurvy dogs lying in wait for us. There would have been poor pickings anyway, as I never carry any money on our walks. It’s an unusual thing to see in these parts, and I thought I was the only pirate. Later, I took out the Lifeboat and spent the princely sum of £20 on a top-up shop. That’s my kind of shop! Fuel for the Lifeboat wasn’t such a bargain and it cost me just over £30 to refill. Each round trip to forn’ parts (England to you) sets me back about £30. An Ouch month for fuel, though all being well, no more long journeys until December.

The Deckhand has been leaving me little messages on Skype, every day, which is nice. I did say I wouldn’t ‘bother’ him much, though if wants to keep in touch regularly, that would be great. He says he misses the dog, a lot, though it is a novelty not to have dog hairs on his clothes or in his food. I offered to mail him some LMAO, though he didn’t reply to that message. So, do I send him some dog fluff or not? LOL. I miss him; there’s no-one here to dry the saucepans, clear the table after a meal, nor walk the dog. Just kidding. It’s a little strange without him here, but it’s a natural progression to move away to live or study or work. My kid sister says she’s worried about me despite my protestations that I’m allright. Rolls eyes…

Tuesday night, (strictly speaking it was Wednesday morning as it was just before 3am) I’m fast asleep in my hammock having had a late night after watching a film (A Monster Calls – sad but very good, and unusual) when the smoke alarm went off. I fumbled for the light switch on the bedside cabinet which then blew a bulb, leapt out of bed and switched on the main light and pressed ‘hush’ on the alarm. No smoke. No sign of any smoke. The Ship’s Dog stared blearily at me whilst I went all around the house and checked everything. Absolutely nothing! I pressed ‘test’ on the alarm, and the second alarm which had been silent, and they beeped as they’re supposed to. Weird! The adrenalin was pumping, my heart was pounding, and it took me almost an hour to get back to sleep. This is the second time the d*mn thing has gone off in the night for no apparent reason. If it does it a third time, I shall buy a replacement and bin this one. I don’t need, nor want, this much excitement in my life.

I have a quiet day planned for Wednesday as I’m waiting for a parcel – DVD’s and a book - then will go out and visit my kid sister on Thursday. Friday, the Deckhand and I will catch up on Skype. I’m going to see if the Ship’s Dog will perch partially on my lap so he can see and hear him too though I’m not sure dogs can see what’s displayed on a monitor. If nothing else, he’ll hear his voice. I’m sure he misses him too. Later, the Deckhand will be going out in the evening to a planned BBQ for all the students living in the houses on campus. Nice.

Enjoy the rest of the week.