new obsessions

May started with a bang. Well, not really but you know what I mean? All of a sudden a new month is here, then gone. 

I have been obsessing over tortoises. When I was little, we had two. They were rehomed to another family for reasons I can't remember but I hope they are still alive and well, being long lived creatures. It thought of getting a tortoise for a couple of years now but more so recently. I have watched videos about preparing tortoises for hibernation and every other aspect of tortoise life. I must have read countless reviews about tortoise enclosure substrate. Who knew it was possible to get some many different opinions on that one topic alone? I have studied tortoise breeds and compared their care needs with what I can offer. I looked at every tortoise for sale in the UK, and looked through tortoise re-homing websites. The amount of information online is bottomless and often contradictory. Most of the advice about buying a tortoise is about how not to buy one, although there are plenty of places that do sell them. It is confusing. As a future tortoise owner, I have no idea where to start. In any case, there seem to be no tortoise breeders in Scotland. 

When not obsessing over tortoises I am busy with the usual day to day business of working and parenting, with enough time for myself to protect my sanity. It was a busy Bank Holiday weekend but I like busy so all good.

On Friday, I celebrated my birthday. There were some mild complaints about my meagre wish list but I have all I want (except the tortoise). I received a dungaree pattern and the hardware for the dungarees, two kinds of labels for my me made wardrobe, a button hole puncher thingy, a lovely mug, a wee glass angel, a box of Cadbury cream eggs and a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers with the most wonderful scent. It is a shame I can't share that with you. On my birthday, I spent a couple of hours cutting out fabric for my long neglected ice cream soda quilt. I have cut fabric for six new blocks. Sam came over for dinner and a chat, which was lovely. 

On Saturday, while people up and down the country were watching the coronation, I spent four hours litter picking up by the entrance of Dawsholm Park, a far better use of my time than watching an absurd spectacle. It was raining a lot, with moments of clearer skies. You can see a before and after photograph above, not a pretty sight. The area is a fly-tipping zone unfortunately and has not been cleared for years. We also cleared the gutters and excavated the overgrown curb. It was good to see the rain water flow off without flooding. We managed about half of what needs to be cleared in preparation of eco restoration later this summer so no doubt another session or two of litter picking. I am glad though that next time I volunteer it will be to survey biodiversity and create some more meadow space. 

We had two BBQs on Sunday. It is typical of course. Weeks go by without socialising at all and then all of a sudden, we are super popular. We managed to spend some times at both BBQs and we had a wonderful time catching up with old friends. I may never be hungry again. 

Finally, my friend Karen and I walked from the Kelpies to the Falkirk Wheel on Monday. Both quite impressive structures, check it out via the links. It was not a picturesque walk but flat and easy, leaving plenty of breath to chat. It was a bit damp but not too bothersome. My Garmin told me I walked 15 km, not bad at all for a Monday afternoon. 

I have a very busy time coming up at work so may be a little quiet here. Wish me look. I need it to see me through to the end of June. 

If you are a keen tortoise keeper, please tell me all about it 😀