Knots and rope

Returning back to the mainland from Arran on the ferry, I spent the time collecting knots and ropes. Once I started looking out for them, they became quite beautiful - still life at sea.

Rockpool sketching

 

Sometimes it's good just to forget about artwork being *good* and to simply enjoy the process of observing and sketching. Sitting by the rockpools of Arran, Scotland, scribbling away, my burdens lightened for a few brief hours.

From the bedroom window

My other neighbours.

Foxes, geese and tiny houses

 Order just off to America, to the lovely Empty Nest Emporium in New Virginia - a trio of slinky foxes.

A trio of flower geese - 

 And a street of tiny houses -

I hope the foxes are making friends with the geese...

Little green spider

 The most delightful little green spider, trying to escape my camera lens.

Crawling about on the old iron table at Cinderhill Farm.

Later found to be a Green Orb Weaver spider.

Only a quarter of an inch long, but rather fearsome when viewed up close. Harmless though.

Good neighbours

 

Without a lawnmower and with being so occupied over the last several months, the lawn had grown knee high. I am blessed with the best neighbours ever. They have looked after me since Andy died and are always on hand to help. They bravely offered to mow my hay meadow.

 

Brian did the big task of strimming. I raked the cuttings and Jean collected them. 'It's what neighbours are for' she said. 

 

 Brian  finished off the edges the old way, with a sharp bill hook.

 Then we stopped for much needed drinks.

 

 Ginger beer and shandy with ice.

A few days later, after hearing that I wanted an old-style push along mower, Brian produced this for me -

It's been in bits for eight years, having been at the cottage next door for about fifty years, in Jean's family. Brian got to work and put it together for me one night. Now I can cut my own lawn - without the expense and bother of petrol or electric. Isn't it beautiful? I love it. And I love my neighbours.