8 May 2011 Things to do when you've done everything

Today we're sitting in Whangarei not twiddling our thumbs while we wait to leave.  After fuelling on Friday morning we were ready to leave for customs clear out down river at Marsden Cove marina.  Everything had been done, David had done engine checks, tools, spare lines, all gubbins were stashed, freezer fit to burst with on passage meals and all bills paid.  Yesterday we were busy organising an application for visa extension so what could we do today?
There's a simple answer - wade into the list on non essential maintenance, the items that have lingered on the to do list for six months or longer.  First up we used the electric buffer and a special compound David used in his GRP business to polish out the surface scratches on the windscreen, deck hatches and side windows.  What a difference!  From cloudy to crystal clear.  

Flying lampshades

I felt inspired to tackle the soiled lampshades in our cabin.  Way back when we were in the Caribbean there was an accident involving a free standing barbecue with lid open, an open hatch above the rear cabin and a sudden gust of breeze.  Result was the dirty barbecue didn't fall in but emptied it's sooty contents onto our bed and the reading lights above.   Close inspection (who inspects lampshades when there are more interesting things to do?) revealed the materials to be plastic and nylon and suitable for full water immersion.  A bucket of water, a toothbrush and a dash of washing up liquid and they came up a dream.  So did the four in the salon.   Washing lampshades is on par with tidying ones sock drawer when it comes down to things to do when everything is done.  Here they are strung up to dry in the cockpit.

Air dried place mats

After finishing lampshades I moved in to scrubbing the non slip place mats.  Amazing how much dirt was trapped in them - enough decaying curry, toast crumbs, squashed cheese combined nutrients start a small indoor garden.   In writing this I've outted myself as proud not to be a first class boatwife.