From the home front..

This evening’s despatches come from the Ruthven hospital wing. Mum and Lachlan are exiled to the infectious sofa where they are festering with head colds. They communicate the need for drinks and snacks in strained, nasal tones as though from the distant end of a 1920s speaking tube. Lachlan has only just risen from hisContinue reading “From the home front..”

Seasons of light

We had a hard frost last night, but this morning rose crisp and bright and I was squinting as I drove due west on my way to physio (of which more anon) in the early afternoon. Driving back, there was a bowl of molten honey in my mirror and huge banks of fuchsia clouds onContinue reading “Seasons of light”

Walk this way…

I haven’t been at the keyboard much of late and as I sat down to catch up whilst some cake baked (one good, one fell victim to opening the door a bit soon – but there’s not much custard can’t fix) I uploaded all the photos since my last effort. It transpires that I haveContinue reading “Walk this way…”

In and out days

Autumn is working its way up to a full suite of weather. Thus far we have had brilliant sun, torrential rain, fog, gusty winds and a light frost. On fine days Lyra and I have strolled along the river bank admiring the birds (me) and enjoying the occasional paddle (Lyra). Lyra can find the paddlingContinue reading “In and out days”

Summer Swan Song

Having confidently declared autumn up and running in my last blog, we found ourselves enjoying a mini Indian Summer last week. Everyone, and everything, seemed to come out to enjoy the sun. Little troupes of mushrooms suddenly appeared in the garden. They crept stealthily out from under trees and a few, bolder types, marched confidentlyContinue reading “Summer Swan Song”

A scented nosegay

Since Lyra lost her sight I’ve been trying to think more about sounds and smells, to be more aware of what she is experiencing. Walking round Norham last week, Lachlan got in on the act and we spent a large part of the walk trying to work out the source of a very particular smell,Continue reading “A scented nosegay”

You gotta roll with it*

*In keeping with the zeitgeist I am offering up an appropriate soundtrack for this post. I am, as it happens, typing away in the kitchen whilst Keith cooks and I have to say he is not indulging in any Oasis nostalgia and purports to be singing some 70s rock. It is not entirely clear whatContinue reading “You gotta roll with it*”

Learning again

August is that month when jobs are left half done, baskets of weeds lie abandoned by the path, fruit is parked in the freezer pending preserving inspiration. The seasons are set to change, but not quite yet. Autumn jobs can wait a bit and its too hot/stormy/wet (take your pick) for any serious effort. WalkingContinue reading “Learning again”