Nothing Dumb in Dumfries

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26-28/07/2023

Actually, Danny was remarkably clever in Dalbeatie. We are the technical numpties. Lisa had acted as postal receiving office for my waterproof, which I’d left on Jim and Pat’s narrowboat in Northamptonshire, two taps and a Dometic fridge connection brick. J and I had a go at replacing the fridge part … the engineer who’d diagnosed the fridge on gas problem over the phone, described it as DIY / replace each wire one by one. Sounds easy, right? We did quite well, in our book. Got so far, then struggled to get thin plastic blocks out. Danny, who is actually a trained refrigeration engineer, stepped in. Described these blocks as the lazy way of connecting wires. A quick trip to Halfords in Dumfries, and suitable female whatsits ??? purchased. And we are now the proud owners of a crimping tool!

Then Danny got on with the task of replacing our leaking bathroom sink tap. Actually, he had to first find all hidden screws to remove the whole sink! Very pleased to report that fridge works on gas. The cupboard under the bathroom sink is now dry. Danny is just one of those incredibly able people and just gets on with it. So van wise, we just need to replace the kitchen tap; no leak, handle broken off but usable. Once we drop the van back to storage at the Adria dealer in Andover, they can establish why the hot water and heating don’t work on gas.

It wasn’t all jobs whilst we had 3 nights with Danny and Lisa. We walked both days. Tried to find a route to a ruin, but barbed wire fences prevented that. Then, the next day along the Solway Firth. We determined to come back via a hill top. I was navigating… why do people think I’m competent? I led us up a mountain bike track …some clambouring involved!

I might know where I’m going!
Solway … very pretty
Danny the dog whisperer on one of the easier bike track sections
Corrie is being much indulged even having her own place at the table
But actually she much preferred snuggling up with Jesus in his bed. He was somewhat disgusted at having his space invaded by a black and white spotty tart. Definitely one-sided love

Lisa and I trawled a few charity shops … another pair of jeans and cookery books. And we spotted a smart wedding dress shop. Lisa and Danny will wed in November and I will be ‘mother of the bride’ (I can’t be THAT old!) Sept 2024. And I will definitely NOT be wearing a typical mother of the bride frock and short jacket … perhaps Queen Camilla will lend me one of her long jackets.

We even managed to BBQ each evening although we ate in Jez! And if you’re ever in the area the campsite in Dalbeatie was great. Basic but clean with hot showers.

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