View From the Window

In the office, early this morning.

Anticipation

Sometimes you see it before you feel it.

DIY

It's been a long time since I've done any DIY, I realised this morning, as I stood there in the attic with a paint roller in my hand. I still knew how to do all that, but I had to borrow some old clothes as I no longer have my work clothes. Meanwhile, a lot was going on around me, and there were the usual debates on the best and most efficient way to get the work done. Suddenly you understand why those tough guys working on the roads stand around with their hands in their pockets so much, there is a lot to think about. We got the work done quickly this time. And very efficiently, I'm sure, thanks to our initial attention to organisation. Isn't that just the way it always goes.

Invaded?

Cycling into work today I noticed sponges in two places. Just plain, ordinary yellow household sponges lying in the street, the kind that remind you of Sponge Bob. Is this a sign? Are we being invaded by sponges from outer space? Is it time for the big city cleanup? Is there a cleaner at work somewhere realising he has lost half his tools? So many questions, and so few answers.

Stones

When I was in Edinburgh earlier this year I found a tiny shop almost right next to the hostel, Mr Wood's Fossils. There was a collection of fossils, minerals and meteorites there that I found fascinating. Since I've been working as a guide I have become more interested in those things anyway, and this was a lovely shop. I spent a long time there, looking at all the items on display, and I actually left carrying a few stones, and a small piece of Jasper.

Jasper to me is connected to the Antarctic, to Hannah Point on the South Shetland Islands. There is a streak of Jasper near Suicide Point, always fascinating to see. You are not allowed to take any with you, and though I have found bits of Jasper on the beach, and certainly was tempted, I did behave. I did buy a couple of pieces from Mr Wood's shop though, so I can have a look at them once in a while. I also bought a piece of Bloodstone, the stone that might have attracted people to live on Rum. This piece isn't from Rum, though, I should have bought a piece there, of course. Next time.

Since my visit to the shop I've been looking at stones more often. I checked out the stones at Naturalis, and just the other day at a small shop in Amsterdam. And I've been following Mr. Woods Fossils through his weblog. There is such a great variety in colour, just in stones, again so much to know and learn. New fields.