It's been many years since I wrote anything in this blog.  Retirement happened.  When the lovely old Sydney died, my cycle trip to Australia (and back via the Camino de Portuguese) happened.  Covid happened.   NINE years ago, already.  So much time and how quickly it slips away.

I still knit a lot.  I spin occasionally.  I dabbled with weaving and dyeing and decided I wasn't a weaver or a dyer.   I'm not really a felt maker either.  I'm a textile butterfly and all these things appeal, but I tell myself I need more focus if I'm going to improve at my crafting.

We have a 'Dartmoor Wool Loft' in Moretonhampstead - my second home.  It's a calm oasis owned by the wonderful Nina and managed by one of the two Natalies.  I help run the occasional workshop there and also am available to sort out people's knitting problems in 'agony aunt' style on a Saturday afternoon.  I get to participate in the knitting club on Fridays and get my British yarns at a discount price.  Can't lose!  

I have another dog - Mabli is a sprollie dog and was a lockdown reject from a family in Plymouth.  I got her via gumtree during lockdown, which is probably not the wisest way to select one's lifetime companion.  She's been the most challenging dog I've ever been owned by and is still has some problems that need ironing out.  She is so very shouty!  But we have a ball together - I love her dearly and she's beautiful.  

We're entering our first agility competition together on Sunday.  

My son is all grown up and working as site crew at various festivals here in the UK and then spends the winter doing the same in Australia.  

I'm still with Steve and we still live in a small terraced house in a beautiful but damp village on a corner of Dartmoor.  

Mabli in repose on the sofa.  Kaffe Fasset knitted bedspread (unfinished)  behind.