I’ve been a bit grumpy this past week because sometimes it feels like the world is conspiring against me. Earlier in the year I planted lots of sweet pea seeds. Only one of them germinated and when it had grown to about 10cm tall I planted it at the base of the tree on the footpath outside our house. A week later my neighbour thought it was a weed and pulled it out. He was very apologetic about it. So then I gave up on the sweet peas and planted lots of other things at the base of the tree. A few weeks later someone parked their car on the pavement and on top of the flower bed, squashing the plants. Then last week the council contractors came round and sprayed all the plants and they died. In addition to this I had some server troubles last week with a website I’m managing for the Aberdeen Cycle Forum (thankfully that is sorted now), then there’s the pandemic, the economy, the uncertainty over when we will see our families again, and worst of all, my favourite charity shop is shut for the foresseeable future. Plus we haven’t been Newton Dee since March.
Fortunately I have my hobby which is crochet and I have been burying myself in it lately. This weekend I finished a pair of sneaker slippers.
I used a crochet pattern created by this amazing Norwegian lady living in Italy. I’ve got a few other of her patterns that I’m also making stuff with. I highly recommend them.
Victoria keeps me company.
Today was a good day. We went out on our bikes and found a perfect little spot by the River Dee. A friend told me about a nice place for wild swimming which we went in search of. I’m not going to disclose where this is except to say it’s the River Dee and in Aberdeen. We’re still confined to 5 miles from our home.
Isn’t this beautiful? I sometimes have to remind myself that I’m living in the third largest city in Scotland because at times it feels gloriously rural and remote.
I ventured in.
It was deeper here than where we went last time and so I was able to have a proper swim this time. I am a reasonably good swimmer. You can’t grow up in Australia and not be but I’m still pretty cautious and avoid the visible currents.
It’s so refreshing and wonderful. I couldn’t convince the kids to join me but they were happy enough talking to some ducks.
They both enjoyed the bike ride too.
rachel.blog 
I like those sneaker slippers! Did you put anything on the soles?
I have the pattern for the soles but I haven’t made them yet.
Have you read Turning by Jessica J Lee? She goes swimming lakes in Germany and takes an ice hammer in winter. The water looks beautiful, and I am glad you found a good place to swim.
I haven’t read it. Amazing! I have been swimming in winter but taking an ice hammer with you takes it to a whole new level.
What a lovely post. I am curious which favourite Aberdeen charity shop isn’t open. I guessed somebody cares? I’m off to try and guess where on the Dee to swim. As so want to be brave and wild swim. Sandend is my go to camp spot and has been out of bounds this summer alas. Best wishes fellow Aberdeen dweller and crochet 🧶 maestro
It’s the charity shop on North Deeside Road. The Chest, Heart & Stroke shop. But don’t tell anyone! 🙂
I’m coming t Scotland this week and will travel north to Aberdeen and plan t swim in the River Dee where my grandparents grew up. Luv your pics.
Elizabeth
There are so many wonderful swimming spots in the River Dee. I hope you have a terrific time.