You might be intrigued as to what’s happening these days, since I have been distracted from blogging for a while. Well, all kinds of fascinating things, some frustrations and delights. Additionally we have unearthed a curious offensive weapon.
As for the offensive weapon, or to be more correct in current legal speak, a bladed article. It is designed to have an old fashioned razor blade inserted in the slot. The blade can then be closed into the holder which in turn is attached to a keyring.
Figured out what it is for? Sure, it took me a while. It is not for chopping off the top of someone’s finger. Think prosperous gentlemen of a bygone era. Yes, that’s right, you’ve got it. A cigar cutter. I think the spike is to loosen the end of the cigar a bit, to make it easier to draw the smoke through.
Can you imagine, these days, wandering around with a device like this in your pocket and puffing away on a bonfire-of-a cigar? Aside from being against the law, it beggars belief and yet in a different world it was not unusual. It is surprising how life changes, not always for the better but in reality, somethings are best left behind, even if there is a certain charm to it.
This is an example of Rachel continuing the decluttering process. Several boxes from the attic of odd, miscellaneous things have now found new homes. More practical things have also gone, leaving us with more space. A couple of old Calor gas cylinders from the garage have now gone. Rachel has sold batches of our old light switches and sockets, presumably to folk refurbishing period properties.
Those piles of papers, boxes of bric-a-brac and books seem to be finding some new homes and bringing a little extra money to our bank account in the decluttering process. All good work.
However, it is important we find the correct balance. Neither of us want to declutter to the extent of living in a house devoid of our history. While it is mostly from Rachel’s side of the family, there is interest on both sides. My grandfather (on my mother’s side) was an interesting fellow and I would liked to have met him. Alas, he died in hospital while my mother was a young girl. He was a socialist and a conscientious objector; both of these things brought a certain amount of trouble his way but he was certainly a principled man. He was also a sort of optician and could make lenses and cut diamonds. My mother has a periscope which he made, also a kaleidoscope.
It is these things, together with letters, albums, trinkets and old photographs which should never be thrown out. It is our history, a reminder of who we are and from where we have come.
Other quick update points:
- the garden is bursting into life and we are enjoying it. Lots and lots to do. The main thing is raising the height of some fences by about two feet. We are doing this by using some trellis. Some of this will have a wisteria growing on it. Otherwise we have plenty of weeding, sweeping, digging and planters to plant. Hard work sometimes but I love it, providing it is warm enough!
- church-wise we are continuing to balance our two churches, both very different indeed but thankfully the focus of our faith remains exactly the same. This does raise the odd eyebrow and the strict church.
- health-wise, not too bad but could be a bit better. For several weeks I seemed to have a continuous cold with constant hankies, achy limbs and unsettled sleep. Thankfully I seem to be shaking that off more now. I have had my annual blood tests at the Doctors and all of the routine things are fine although my kidney performance has unexpectedly dropped. I have my regular hospital check up coming soon, so should know more then.
- volunteering continues to be enjoyable, rewarding but alas also so frustrating at times. As you may know, we are trustees with a local charity for folk with disabilities. We are a solvent, going concern and the members are lovely. However when it comes to getting other people interested in helping out, it is so difficult. Virtually all refuse, saying the time is awkward or it’s not their “thing” but some would happily donate some money. We don’t necessarily need money; it is people’s time which is mostly needed. Rant over.