Wild Weather

Sitting in my studio, quietly stitching away, I could have been forgiven for thinking it looks like November outside. The wind is raging away, rain is coming down by the bucket load and it's so overcast that I have to have the lights on.

But no, it's still August and sometimes that's what August brings in Scotland. And secretly I'm not too upset. This makes today an ideal day for getting a lot of stitching done. I do venture out twice to walk the dogs and I also have a quick piece of toast for lunch but apart from that I snuggle into my large chair, have a talking book on the go (about a depressing childhood in Ireland which in mood matches the outside world surprisingly well) and stitch. Time seems to float past incredibly fast. The talking book also takes in someone entering a convent (as was so frequent in the past in Ireland) and I can't help thinking that sort of life might have suited me well (were it not for the fact that I don't believe in God, question all authority immediately, hate itchy fabrics for my daily wear and adore my husband!). But to dedicate a life to stitching and being read to aloud, is my idea of paradise. And here I am, having exactly what I love, without any vows!

The roses however don't like this weather at all and although Queen Elizabeth and Iceberg are still valiantly flowering on, Masquerade (shown at the top of this blog) is looking very bedraggled and sorry for herself. But still beautiful in my eyes, reminding me of transcience, vain glory, and good things coming to an end (this is also influenced by convent thoughts, I'm sure). Fortuntately I then look at my very sheltered Mme Legras de St Germain (see above) and she still looks glorious! She has been the instigator of my buying about 7 rose books (at the last count) but I don't regret any of them at all! You could not do that in a convent either!!