Teasels

I spotted these teasels while walking Bert today. They reminded me of my Nanna and wonderful Saturday afternoon memories from my childhood. She lived in a flat in Brighton, well Hove actually (in joke there). One of her neighbours taught me how to comb wool with teasels. And spin it into yarn. Who knew I could be rather skilful with a spinning wheel. She also tried to teach me to crochet. I wasn’t very good at that! My Nanna taught me how to knit. I was OK at that. My Mum, on the other hand, was an avid knitter. The constant clacking of needles was a very familiar sound growing up.

It’s funny how objects can stir such memories. Got me thinking about all of the other things I can do. I have so many skills. Not sure I have many talents. But I can do an awful lot of things. I’ve probably forgotten quite a few too.

I can feel a bit of a skills audit coming on. Not sure my abilities with a spinning wheel are in high demand. But you never know…

Right now, I need to put some more energy into my business and find a few more clients.

Breakthrough

This is the face of a little puppy who’s had two breakthroughs today. Firstly, he took himself off to his crate several times while I was on video calls. He curled up on his bed and slept.

He did it for the first time yesterday. But I didn’t want to count any chickens. Before, I’d had to put him in there. So the fact he’s now choosing it is huge.

Secondly, he’s worked out how to use the cat flap. Admittedly, he kinda fell through it the first time. But after that, he had a lot of fun going in and out. Out was much easier for him than coming back in. Much more of a scramble. He was most pleased with himself.

Unfortunately this has meant that he’s been in and out like a yo-yo. Most times bringing me a piece of old fence.

Speaking of fences, I took some flowers round to my neighbour to thank her for replacing my fence. She said it was a very last minute decision. But is really pleased that I’m pleased.

Love thy neighbour

I had some errands to run today so Bert came to ride shotgun. As I opened my front door, I found these beautiful roses on my doorstep.

They are from my lovely neighbours, Jo and Maurice. There was a note to say that they knew I’d been having a tough time recently and hoped these would make me smile. They certainly did!

I’m so lucky to have such lovely neighbours. They keep an eye on me and have done so many lovely things for me over the years.

Roots

I was rudely awakened by the builders this morning. They’re doing my neighbour’s roof. He’s 99, so I greatly admire his optimism!

My roof could benefit for being redone too. It’s on the list. Along with many other things that need to be done around my little house. And garden. It’s never ending. But then it struck me today that I’ve lived here for a decade in October. Things are going to need to be looked at after that length of time.

It also struck me that apart from my childhood, this is the longest I’ve ever lived in one place. I’ve definitely put down roots here.

It still makes me smile when I drive round the corner of the close and see my little house. I’m not sure where a decade has gone. But I’m happy here.