Well, after two months without the fire going out, the stove and chimney needed a clean. Pete and Squirrel (the stove is a Morso Squirrel) have developed quite a relationship. They have a real affinity to each other, him knowing just how much heat we want and Squirrel having a way of letting him know just how much coal to add, to clear the ash tray before adding it, to riddle the base plate after adding it, etc, etc. They have their own way of knowing these things. Elizabeth and Squirrel have a shakier relationship, her hoping Pete comes back soon whenever she is in charge.
So, this deep and abiding relationship meant that Squirrel let Pete know that the chimney was about as furry as wanted (think of not brushing your teeth for two months. Yuk). So here is the scene. Cloths laid on the floor around Squirrel, paper inside to catch the fur, Pete on the roof with the chimney brush (no, he did not start dancing a'la' Dick Van Dyke - but probably because he didn't think of it.) and the roof and side to gunnels covered with a dust sheet with a hole in the middle to wrap around the chimney to catch the outside dust. The sitting room furniture moved out of harm's, though not dust's way, Josie sitting in the stern door steps because the noises were too alien and then - whoosh. Pete the chimney sweep started to work. Oh, and it was a warmer day than the deep frozen cold, so we could cope with a slightly chillier boat to be able to let this wonderful event unfold.
