Open for tenancy

Today I had the opportunity of visiting Woody’s. I needed some screws and six right-angled brackets for three specific tasks. When I visit a hardware shop, I am an absolute stereotypical male. The little sparks of joy start going off, and I am loath to leave. I have to visit every aisle, just in case there is something I need.

Sadly, I found everything I needed and left, bidding a silent farewell to the seemingly endless rows of tools and fixers.

Back at home, I set to, attaching insect hotels to various surfaces around the garden as per Mirinda’s instructions. These were the insect hotels that her Group made during the Retreat last weekend.

I was tempted to make little ‘vacancy’ signs to hang below them but didn’t. Shame. It would have been quite funny. But they are ready for occupancy all the same.

The other main thing I did today was a bit of writing, adding a new, very important character to my new Suki Baines novel. I felt she needed a sidekick and, after talking to Bo during the Retreat, I have now created Bo Careful. But more about her as the book progresses.

I also took Freya for a short walk while Mirinda took Emma for a proper one. We walked up to the track and I let Freya choose where she wanted to go. After a bit of deliberation by the tree, she headed up the hill and, slowly but surely, made her way to the fallen tree where she stopped, sniffed the air for a bit then headed back down to the tree that marks the path down to our house.

She did very well, collapsing on the deck sofa for Reading Hour almost immediately upon returning home.

Here are the insect hotels.

And, sad to report that Gloria Steinem died yesterday, aged 92. She was an amazing woman. Long may the memory of her remain.

And, finally, here’s another delightful extract from the book I am currently reading:

One morning Ulrich came home looking a mess. His clothes hung in shreds, he had to wrap his bruised head in a cold towel, his watch and wallet were gone. He had no idea whether he had been robbed by the three men with whom he had got into a fight or whether a passing Samaritan had quietly lifted them while he lay unconscious on the pavement.

The Man Without Qualities by Robert Musil