It's been over week since Pippin died. It never ceases to amaze me how life just continues after a death. I keep telling myself that she had a great cat life and she was with me in the garden until the day before she died. She was watching a spot behind a young aquilegia plant with great concentration, not moving a whisker. Her intent was clear and I watched her for a while while hanging out the washing. I admired her ability to sit completely still, pretending not to exist. The rodents in the garden won't miss her.
I am off work at the moment, essentially an extra long weekend from Thursday to Tuesday evening. I really needed a bit of time to ponder life and potential solutions for the single sock problem that is getting out of control.
Alistair, Jack and I went for a hill walk with friends. We chose Conic Hill, starting at Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond. The weather was glorious. Sunny and chilly, just perfect for a hike. At 361 metres above sea level, Conic Hill doesn't make the cut for a Munro (914 m) but it has some steep sections and is by no means a walk in the park (ascent 350 m). We had a picnic near the top but on our way down. Jack stole a salami sandwich and he sampled the local rabbit poo. Back on the shores of Loch Lomond, the boys dipped their feet in the freezing water while my friend Jo and I drank hot tea from a flask and ate cake. It was such an enjoyable day, just what I needed. Fleeting moments of happiness. We are planning to hike Ben Lomond later this year. This is one of the more accessible Munros and is almost on our doorstep, just like Conic Hill.
We cleared out the porch, an annual spring ritual. I sorted through hats and gloves, old shoes, too small shoes, muddy shoes and wellies (of which we have more pairs than people living here). Some shoes were in good condition to pass on and were treated to a special wash. Our washing machine has a trainer programme, fabulous. I found two single gloves. The single sock problem apparently spreading to other garments. What's next I wonder?
I am dreaming of retirement and a gentler pace of life - in the distant future.
Thanks for visiting. I didn't feel like doing much at all other than staring into the middle distance but after an emergency free and rather boring week, I feel more human. I hope to visit you all soon, virtually. 😊
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