16 January, 2008

I really like this point in the holiday when my brain and body have relaxed to a point I can speak, think and feel the need to beat seven bells out of the garden again. Coupled with sunny days and a pumpkin patch that gives me something to do on a daily basis things are feeling somewhat refreshed. Which I needed…in big doses. I think I underestimated how much I had been affected by that week last year that included C’s accident and a burglary. Followed by a Christmas that was pleasant but fraught with family members who didn’t really want to be together and being bounced between two families for the days following didn’t help much. A season of joy it was not but now, back in my own home, beating up my own garden, riding my bike, cooking food I want to eat and idly sanding a window frame when thefancy takes me things are falling back into balance.

Following the burglary I decided to purchase a radio controlled helicopter to replace the car that was stolen. I have always wanted one and have always held a certain fascination with helicopters. Sort of the same way I’m fascinated with bumblebees and seedlings, they just sort of defy physics and follow their own path. I got a mini co-axial helicopter as I’m not a complete masochist and they are, apparently, more stable and easier to fly. Four sets of rotorblades and a landinggear later I can takeoff, hover, land and the stupid grin has been combined with an intense look of concentration which, based on feedback, makes me looked slightly more stupid than usual. Crashing has been reduced to about 40% of the time and of those the pilot should be able to walk away. The first crash would have killed them … twice. Wasn’t pretty. All good fun although I have restricted myself to practicing with it only a few times a week as my current budget doesn’t extend to replacing rotor blades quite that quickly. It has also made me feel a lot better about having one of my few toys stolen.

I friend recently provided me with a pile of cherries which were promptly preserved and made into a must for wine. I thought the must had gone wrong as when I put in yeast the airlock just looked at me for a few weeks with a gentle, “what are you looking at” appearance. With my oh-so-scientific mind and odd lack of hydrometer readings I admitted defeat and went to throw it away. When I took the lid off the fumes just about knocked me backwards. Definitely alcohol in there so Iracked it and declared myself wine champion of the day. I really have no idea what I’m doing here so I will let my friend try it first. He dropped off a bag of plums yesterday…

Now, those pumpkins are looking a bit pleased with themselves and some plums are in desperate need of squishing. I call it therapeutic relaxation.