Keeping long distance friendships alive

I've lived in many places, therefore I have friends in many places. I know that it's difficult remaining good friends over great distances, but with a little dedication it is possible. What's a few thousand kilometers between friends right? Here's my advice:

*email frequently, not just on special occasions
*better yet - buy a webcam and skype
*send photos or videos of your latest vacation
*attend alumni events, or any other common interest event where you might meet up with
  old friends
*don't forget to invite them to an event of your own, i.e. wedding, housewarming party, baby shower, graduation, book launch, whatever - make them feel included. Even if they can't make it, your friends will appreciate the thought.

And who knows? Maybe one day one of your friends will surprise you by showing up on your doorstep!

Bowling Bag

The leaves are turning and there's a certain 'spicyness' to the air - yeah, summer's definitely over. This bag I made from tartan wool fabric is just perfect for the coming season.

Medieval Faire

Last weekend the nature park that this town's smack in the middle of hosted a medieval event called 'Spectaculuum'
If you went there dressed up as a knight, Friar Tuck or a chamber maid you got a discount on the entrance fee. In my opinion, those people who really put a lot of effort into their costumes should have gotten in for free. But who am I to complain? This is the first action-packed event this little town's had in a long while.
There was mead to drink and spareribs to eat, lots of other 'medieval' delicacies, stalls that sold leather goods, jewellery and clothes. There was swordplay to watch, and jousting, and up on the wooden stage a group of performers acted out medieval sketches. There was a huge haystack that kids could jump around in and throw at each other.
The event ended with a fireworks display. I'd say it was a success!

Killing Season!

It's that time of year again, when the first thing I do each morning is kill...

...spiders, that is. And I'm not talking about those little baby ones - no, I'm talking fat, black bodies and hairy legs!

Don't get me wrong; I've got nothing against spiders per se, I just don't want them in my living room. I have no idea why they make an appearance en masse once a year. And don't ask me where they hide the rest of the year ( I don't want to know).
Believe me, it's no fun waking up on a Monday morning all bleary-eyed only to discover a huge black hairy thing stuck underneath the toilet seat.

Trust me, after that I'm WIDE AWAKE!