Still knitting

It has been noticed recently (by my lovely niece) that I haven't blogged about knitting much lately. So I thought I'd give you an update.

I'm currently knitting a jumper using some beautiful yarn that I bought in Paris a couple of years ago from Lil Weasel - a gorgeous knitting boutique in a very French shopping arcade.

The yarn is incredibly soft and light so I'm attempting to make a slouchy top in one piece to avoid spoiling the drape with seams. I'm making the pattern up as I go along however, so success is far from assured!

On the Pleasure of Pym

While on holiday recently, I read these two Barbara Pym novels. I've always loved Pym's writing - even though her novels are very much mid-twentieth century, the silliness of academic egos and surburban etiquette that she writes about are still very relevant to my life today. These novels are from opposite ends of Pym's career - Crampton Hodnet was the first novel she wrote in the 1940s (although it wasn't published until the 1980s after her death) and An Academic Question was written in the 1970s. But both novels are warm and witty and explore human failings so affectionately. I love the way she gently pokes fun at the pomposity of the well-educated and on the tangles that even the most serious and sensible can get into about the appropriateness of a brightly-coloured dress.  

Highland Adventure

Just back from our Highland adventure where we walked up and down mountains, through gorges and waterfalls. The landscape is incredible.

We managed to do Ben Nevis early on in the trip. Here's the start of the path...

 

... half-way...

 

... nearly there...

 

... to find snow at the summit!

We also took the ferry to the Isle of Rum, pop. 42. Mark was briefly tempted to give it all up and make it pop. 44 but the midges and lack of shops (one shop that only opens for 2 hours a day - and that's during high season!) put me off.

But while walking through the Nevis gorge on our last day, I realised just how much I was falling for the Scottish Highlands - we'll certainly go back.