Charity Shopping

 Finally got out to do a morning at Braemar Castle, measuring the temperature and humidity and checking for pests. A beautiful drive with all the autumn woods and trees.

On my way back, joy as my favourite charity shop in Ballater was open. I got a blue jumper, three classic crime novels (The British Library reprints) a cookbook and a stash of vintage sewing supplies all for £8! 

Quite tired after the very long drive now of about 54 miles each way, as have not driven that far since March, but it was so good to scoot along under the mountains and by the river in the sunshine!

Heraldic

 

Found this obscure but delicious wine in the back of the wine cupboard under the stairs on friday. The wonderfully gothic heraldry on the label reminded me of the knights in the series of King Arthur books I am reading at the moment by Rosemary Sutcliff. I am loving the novels and plan to read her one on Beowolf next. Her most famous book is The Ninth Legion about the supposed disappearance of a Roman legion in the north of England, (although they may have actually been wiped out in the infamous rout that was the battle of Teutoberg Forest against the Germanic tribes).

Autumn/Winter Sewing

The seasons are a-changing here. Autumn has arrived. I am making and planning sewing for Autumn and Winter. 

This year has been all about comfort. I have not needed many work clothes, more clothes for lurking at home, gardening and going for walks. 

For Autumn I am making:

Pair pink jeans (came out very Michael Portillo somehow)

Pair green cord trousers

Pair brown jumbo cord trousers ( the cord is jumbo, not the trousers. I discovered corduroy ribs are referred to as wales and the number per inch defines the type of corduroy, which goes from baby cord to jumbo cord).

Skirt for someones birthday...

For Winter I am planning:

Velvet dress/jumpsuit for Xmas (is a jumpsuit too weird?)

Comfy hoodie sweatshirt possibly grey.

Another less boring view

 

A really nice view looking down the back road towards Aberdeen Central Library and adjoining church. I had a lovely walk in the autumn sun round the back roads here. 

Super sunflower

 

I was so pleased with my giant sunflower I did a wee painting of it enjoying the sun today.

Lunchtime Salads

 I am trying to eat more healthily in the form of salads with the cheese, ham etc of lunch. The salad items need to last a long time as leaves always go mushy. Current successes/experiments include:

Celery sticks

Grated carrot with walnuts or pecans in vinaigrette

No mayo coleslaw

Grated raw celariac in yoghurt dressing

Boring Back View

 

A boring view of the much more mundane back of my house. Round the back people put the unattractive yet functional stuff like plumbing, vents, satellite dishes. Also featuring our deck with seating and the world’s smallest shed! Not actually a flat roof, I am looking up at the house.