Walkies!

Wilton windmill, it's open weekends until the end of september and is worth the visit. There's also a great little pub, The Swan, in the village - so if you're thirsty after a walk . . .

A few days ago I took Flynn out for his first walk off the lead.

Needless to say, after his initial hesitation he was off like a shot. I'm surprised his little paintbrush of a tail didn't fall off it wagged so much.

Already there are so many blackberries. This year I must make sure I come back and pick some for making jelly, because if it's anything like last year they'll be gone before I know it.

And so many hawthorn berries. My grandfather would have said this means a hard winter is on the way. I'm guessing the abundance of berries is because it's been warm, sunny and wet - but we'll see.

The teasels in the long grass are so pretty.

Although this does have something of autumn about it . . . .

 The path home.

This was quite walk for Flynn, about 4 miles. He was having such a good time he didn't notice that he was tired, until he got back home.

Back and resting in the kitchen.

Falling Gently

Starting a book for the al-Mutanabbi project

I'm in a suitably meditative mood, sitting here under grey skies, a small dog curled up asleep by my feet, listening to Sean Rowe and creating a book about belonging and impermanence.

I know this is just the start of the process and there will be two or even possibly three prototypes before I get to say what I want to.

But that's good, I like working through the ideas. It's making myself finish before moving on to the next project that's the hardest part

I'm thinking blind embossing for the blossom . . . .

The black lines I'm working with are so that I can get a feel for the balance of the thing.

A Friday evening saunter

On a lazy Friday evening it was so lovely just to wander around the cut paths in the meadow and watch the mighty Flynn explore.

This spring we made the decision to leave the grass to grow in our meadow, in part to give us time to decide what to plant there and also just to see what would appear.  

It's not surprising that a few of these magnificent thistles have come up,

but the numbers of yarrow is a very happy surprise. We have some very pretty pale pink ones and lots of soft creamy whites.

I know he still looks tiny, but Flynn now is jumping on and off the bench. Needless to say we where both impressed!