(Above: Sweet 'Tammy', nearly 12 years old)
It's a strange time of year. My mood is betwix and between. Another year has rolled by yet again - enforcing the cliche that every year gets faster as one ages.
At the moment, the nation seems to be slowing down in preparation for the Christmas "Holidays". Coupled with this are all sorts of unsettling public happenings:
* there's the posturing by political leaders in preparation for the ANC elective conference at Mangaung;
* there's the industrial action by refuse collectors, which has left our suburbs reeking (uurrrgh!),
* there's the news that corruption is getting worse.
* there's COSATU marching to slow down our highways in protest against the e-Toll system
etc, etc...
(Above: Bonnie and Twix greet me every morning for their parsley 'treat')
Our home is quiet during the day. Having completed my creative project of FIVE 5 advent calendars, my mind is turning to new things and my fingers are itching to do another creative project. I also finally finished another cot-blanket/knee rug, which I've been busy with for a couple of months.
(My latest crocheted blanket - completed.)
It's beautiful! (The photo doesn't do it justice!)
But what do I do with it now? Sell it? Keep it?
I always experience a sense of loss when I have to say good-bye to one of my creations (if they're not going to someone I know). (Anyone else experience this?). I question my ability to make another one just as beautiful...one day ...when I have grandchildren ...and the need arises? Practically, however, I think I should sell it. Get some money in...make a new one...
(Above: Toby darts back after fetching his throw-toy, while Tammy struggles to avoid a collision)
My mood is also a little low because Tammy is slowing down significantly. She's getting visibly older by the day and really battles with her arthritis. Daily walks are becoming progressively slower and I battle with the contrast in energy levels between her and Toby. There is still life in her, however: a short, gentle game with Toby in the morning; a night-time extended investigation in the garden; and an enthusiastic barking whirlwind when there is a cat on the garden's wall.
(Above: There's a cat on the wall)
She's been such a sweetie over her nearly 12 years life-span; a gentle soul who has ingrained herself into all our hearts. But she's ageing and I know she can't live forever, and her condition is a constant reminder of this fact. I am also aware that she's a constant presence around my ankles - drawing closer; latching herself onto me. When I'm in my den, she sleeps, blissfully, on the carpet next to me.
Above: Toby rests on the cool tiles outside my 'Den'
(Somehow I think Toby prefers the couch, lol!)
So, in order to lift my spirits, I am going to spend time in my kitchen today. I have a Christmas cake to make. Yep, the aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves always do the trick! A good idea indeed.
Sending lots of love to you all,
Caryl
xxx
