Wednesday, July 24, 2019


It was hot again today. I did pretty well – including six rows of the Spring Shawl. The next session will see me embarked on the final repeat (of the central triangle patterns).

I had an unexpected cheque from the tax man yesterday and have celebrated by ordering a blender, so that I can become a Better Person by consuming smoothies. Delivery is promised within the next two and a half hours, which means I may have to stay out of bed that long. The prospect now seems less attractive.

This week’s Fruity Knitting was good, as usual. They do a remarkably good job of varying their interviewees. This time it was Zoe Fletcher, who maintains the Woolist and knows just about all there is to know about the breeds of British wool-producing sheep.

I would like to know something of the numbers – and could easily find out, if I applied myself. I am pretty sure the British flock is heavily tilted towards lamb chops, these days. Even on Shetland, to judge by the evidence of one’s eyes, the Shetland sheep are outnumbered by larger ones of a different breed.

And I thought, listening to Zoe, what a gracious dispensation of providence it was that Shetland sheep, some of which, at least, have very fine wool around their necks, were available in 18th and 19th century Unst when the genius for fine lace knitting first took root.

Non-knit

Shandy (comment yesterday), I didn’t know Trollope had written an autobiography. I have added it to the wishlist I am maintaining along with the list of what I have actually read this year. I knew he had a mother, and that she is worth reading, too.

A nonsense paragraph: England are playing a Test Match against Ireland, Goliath against David. Ireland bowled England out before lunch today, for 85. (Never mind what that means.) Being bowled out before lunch on the first day has only happened on seven previous occasions in Test Match history – and three of those occasions have been in the last 18 months. If being bowled out before lunch had anything to do with the weather, it would be a striking demonstration of climate change.

2 comments:

  1. Yes, he wrote it to be published after his death by his son. It tells of his sufferings as a child and teenager, being bullied at school. But it then goes on to detail his work for the Post Office - very impressive - and his work regime in writing his novels. He makes comments on his novels and how they all came about. His mother's life and work are also covered - he is very clear in his judgements on both his parents. If you have the Complete Works on your Kindle it is just included alongside the novels.

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  2. Not complete nonsense - my husband developed a minor interest in cricket and I’ve even watched some local games in a park West Indian and Indian teams. I am happy to hear the Irish did so well.

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