vivdunstan

Bit shocked how wobbly I am now, and how dangerous it felt today going upstairs in Waterstones to the cafe - it felt as though I was about to fall on the stairs several times. Martin was coming up behind me. But overjoyed to have managed a rare midweek afternoon outing with him, during the summer too. For once I was awake enough during the day, and he was free - still using up holidays urgently before August. Really pleased how far I managed to walk into the Dundee University Botanic Gardens, even if it was very slowly with two sticks, and I sat down an awful lot! So nice to be sitting out among the plants and trees. I had fun sketching in various places in the garden. Martin was all over photographing plants, birds (especially that jay he was over the moon to see) and butterflies. We couldn't park near enough to Vintage Strings music shop on Perth Road to nip in, so headed to Waterstones instead. Where I was able to look at and buy one book I'd really fancied. And bought another I have been tempted with for a year or two. Getting to the cafe upstairs was extremely hazardous for me today, but we had a lovely sit down and drink/eat there. Then home. I will be very wobbly tonight and probably tomorrow too. But it was absolutely worth it. Oh and while out we also returned a library book that we'd not got back to the university library before today. Again I sat sketching while Martin scooted off to the library with my book.

The pictures show (1) a birder in action in the Botanic Gardens, (2) one of his jay photos (we are so pleased with these!), and (3) my book haul from Waterstones.

Got me some art supplies in (the pencil case is full of a good range of grades of graphite pencils etc.). I used to love drawing as a teenager. Especially in O'Grade Art and Design, when being sent out into Wilton Lodge Park on our own to draw the landscape and wildlife was just the best thing ever! I'd like to return to drawing, though I won't be able to get out much. Considered using my iPad, but for me, I think, analogue would be better. Wish me luck!