Thursday, August 22, 2019

No need for an Internet cafe. I have my beloved iPad ever to hand. I don’t like composing on its virtual keyboard, but it can be done.

We’re getting on fine. The cats are completely free and I don’t even worry about them. Helen and her husband and their sons and their dog have gone away. The James Mileses are now here — no dog. Tomorrow we are going to St Andrews, partly for touristic interest, partly because their younger daughter Kirsty might consider it as a university for her future.

And Saturday is Games Day. I don’t care about much except seeing the baronet lead the procession across the bridge and into the field, drawn sword in hand, feather in cap. He is almost as old as I am, and it’s not a cardboard sword. The feather means he is our chieftain.

And I have been knitting the scarf. It feels strange in my hands, all right, after all that cobweb weight. 
I think I told you that Elizabeth Johnston said, during our lace class during the Shetland Wool Adventure, that one mustn’t switch back and forth to a heavier project while knitting a fine shawl. I suspect she’s right, but I need to get this done. Curled on my lap it feels as heavy and comfortable as a cat, but I had James hang it around his neck today -  since he is almost as tall as Thomas Miles for whom it is destined— and clearly I’ve got some way to go. 

I’ve done a bit of walking, not much. It is odd to be here where I used to be so strong.

Reading

I’ve finished The Last September. It ends sadly, as was predictable throughout. Then I read Melanie Ried’s “The World I Fell Out Of”, about disability. Her horse refused a jump, and her world changed for the worse forever. She writes wonderfully, with her one imperfectly functioning hand. But that is enough gloom for now. I have retreated to Trollope: The Eustace Diamonds. 

12 comments:

  1. How nice to hear from you when we weren't expecting to! I hope you continue to enjoy the visit. Enjoy the shawl as a break from tiny stitches. (I guess I don't agree with Elizabeth Johnston; I almost always have one project with tiny stitches and one with bigger stitches going at the same time.)

    The baronet leading the procession sounds like something to see. Enjoy it.

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  2. I'm glad the cats are having an adventure.

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  3. Sounds like a lovely time with family:)! Hope you dwell on the happy thoughts and ENJOY!!!:)

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  4. Anonymous11:02 AM

    So glad to hear from you and that you are having plenty of adventures. Chloe

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  5. Wonderful that you will be able to enjoy the Games once more.
    I've been reading three books about the famous Anne Lister, whose life and loves has been glamorised recently as "Gentleman Jack". I loved the pace and energy of the series - the music, and, oh, the costumes, but I fear the reality was less palatable.

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  6. so fun to hear from you mid-vac as it were! glad the cats are enjoying their freedom.. do you have ticks in Scotland? hope not!

    here the weather FINALLY turned and we have nice cool air from Canada for the next 4-5 days... lows in the 60s too!

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    1. We do have ticks, and they’re getting scary. We also have deer, at vermin level, and they are said to be vectors. I am nervous about kneeling in the grass to do what little gardening I am still capable of.

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    2. I seem do all my gardening sitting IN or by the flowerbeds scratching and scraping with a hand fork! I get too out of breath if I do 'bend-and-stretch' gardening. I suppose proper clothing would protect against ticks,but who would want to wear it in this weather? (here in Sussex). I hope you and your cats are having a lovely time.

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  7. I am in awe that you might even contemplate kneeling down to garden - I wouldn't dare, since I woud be stuck down there until a couple of strong young men came by, to pull me up. And you are ten years ahead of me!

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  8. Anonymous1:23 PM

    Ah, Jean - so nice of you to check in with us while on your family outing... Glad the cats are loving it too. be well and enjoy the reading - knitting - and family chatter. hugs pgnitter

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  9. How nice that you're there, and for the Games - no coincidence? The Eustace Diamonds - the only Trollope I didn't like. Have a lovely time in the Centre of the Universe.

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  10. =Tamar2:33 PM

    Lovely to hear from you! I did some fine knitting once and when I went back to size 6 needles they felt like telephone poles. I don't know how you do it.

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