I text a man with a ginger beard and long hair, who I sat next to randomly at Folk East, while eating a revolting Indian curry. That didn’t matter, as the man with the ginger beard told me that his dog of 14 years was going to be put down on Monday and he didn’t know if he had the courage to stay with it during the process. That was Saturday. I, who also have a dog and know that his life will end before my own, sympathise. The words I use I speak also to myself.
‘Of course, you must be with him. Why leave him just at the moment he needs you the most?’
It turns out I have met the ginger bearded man before, as I purchased one of his unusual knives from him from Wierd and Wonderful a few years back. They are called the Appalachian Bow Bread knives.
I’ve been living in the wood cabin, blessing Graham and Paul for their work, their voices are still here amongst the oak. Brexit wafts in and out, the oaks will last longer. Tonight the government publish what if there is no deal? Bluff and counter bluff, impossible to know what the game is.
Mischa and Christian are living at East Lodge. Workaway has been good for all of us. East Lodge has provided a home for them, and company, adventure, play and work for me. As I dug in the garden last Friday I blessed Mischa for she had done all the air bnb work which I would have had to do, and sacrificed the garden.
Most days a text between Michael and I exchanges. I do enjoy his texts and his company. He is kind, caring and often funny. On the face of it I am helping him sort out his late wife, the incredible Tamsyn Imison’s life’s work (books and paintings), but there is a balance as in some ways we are helping each other. I look forward to our Tuesday dog walks, breakfast and delve into his garden and Tamsyn’s life.
Kaliwood 