Sloe Gin started. I used to have a taller plastic container but think that was charity-shopped when we moved. There is something very comforting at the moment, about making Sloe Gin again. First time since we've been here I think as the local Sloe harvest had been non-existent in 2021 and 2022. It's something I've made most years we've lived in Wales and will be bottled as presents at Christmas.
Keith started the day much better and walked a few steps without holding on to anything (but with the rail either side along the top hall in case he needed to grab them). He doesn't move much during the day though, which doesn't help matters at all. I'm trying to get him to eat more - I should think he barely hits 1000 calories most days. He's never been a great one for eating, but now he is losing weight but won't try and eat extra.
I went up into the attic and bought down my late friend Annie's Inkle Loom which I think (husband) Mick made for her. I need to start from scratch with it as the wools on it are probably 10 years old now and will be brittle. I watched a couple of You Tube videos this morning, but had to abandon one as the American lady's voice was so annoying!
I also ordered a box with four different British fleece tops. It's called "Best of British" from Fibrehut and includes Shetland (natural grey); Wensleydale (natural white); BFL (natural dark brown) and Southdown (natural white). Something to look forward to. I've bought my bag of old tops down and my drop spindle and will have a little practice after tea. It's been years so I will have to be diligent. I had arranged for a local charity to come and collect the leather recliner chair we drove to Shrewsbury to buy for Keith. But he found it too low for him so it's been taking up a lot of space in the already overcrowded Library. Also there was the armchair which matches our big sofa, but there is no room for and it was never used. That went too - I was expecting the collection in the morning, but he came today instead. I've had a sort out in there now and moved things around, and taken some books Keith will never read (neck too painful) to the charity shop, along with a couple of things from pre-Covid stock which-one has ever shown any interest in at Fairs. At least the Red Cross will benefit. I will harden my heart and sort out another big pile of novels to go down to them and sort through a box of Lesser Old Stock too, and pass it on.
Anyone who has known me for any length of time will know that I stay true to the things which have always interested me. I never made the progress I hoped with spinning - life got in the way - but perhaps now I can try and get back to it.
Isn't this beautiful? It's Soapwort and was planted at Tretower Court (in the beds around the fountain area). It would have been used for washing fabrics in the past and can still be used especially for those vintage pieces which need delicate washing and no harsh detergents. Time for tea now.