Robin's Bloggin's

Last night, Jimmer, Elaine, Laura, Rachael, Kim and I took part in the 'Starlight Walk' around Swindon in aid of the Prospect Hospice, where dear Doug was cared for so well last year in his last weeks. We entered the 15k walk and duly assembled at Swindon's County Ground footie stadium, amongst a fair crowd of boa-clad, made-up prospective walkers.  It was a festive atmosphere, but there was an underlying sadness in the realisation that what united us all was the loss of loved ones. After a series of warm-up exercises involving gyrating to unfamiliar loud music, led by a rather feisty lady on the stage (and realising that dancing really isn't my forte), we set off along the streets of Swindon.  The route was mostly on built-up roads, but there was a beautiful section through Town Gardens, where the trees and bandstand were lit with fairy lights. On the way back through Old Town, after a much-needed bottle of water, we somehow got separated from the leaders,and too...

A great paddle with Craig and Robbie from Warsash, across Southampton Water to Calshot for a picnic, then back.

This evening, I had my first go at Japanese ink painting. The first challenge in to mix the ink stick with a small amount of water in a special tray. The rice paper is then secured with a paperweight. Using a moderate thickness brush, loaded with the ink, I dabbed my attempts at fish, bamboo bushes and, of course, boats! There’s very considerable scope for further improvement but I’ve at least got started 😊

Kim's garden has really come to life recently.  Both the flowers and the veggies are doing very well this year.