Hammer time
Self-portrait in toilet mirror, Kazimier Garden, Liverpool 2022.
I went to the Bridgewater Hall to see Mahler’s 6th symphony this week. Classical music is not really my thing, but a friend had a spare ticket so I thought it might be fun to give it a go. As it turns out, Mahler’s 6th (often nicknamed The Tragic), is a loud, bombastic affair, famous for its relentless marching rhythms (think Star Wars) and profound emotional peaks. Mahler makes full use of the orchestra and then some, including four harps, two tymps and a bloke with a massive hammer – Mahler’s hammer.
Das Hammer Tutorial demonstrates how to wield one like a pro.
This is Hester – my friend’s adorable Jack Russell – sporting a polo neck jumper I knitted her as a thank-you for letting us stay with her. Parcel was held up in the post but managed to arrive just in time for the bank holiday heatwave. Phew!
Self portrait in bathroom mirror.
One hundred and seventy-five
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The New York Times celebrates its 175th anniversary this year. Here’s my husband (and I) bringing a dark cloud to festivities on New Year’s Eve, 2014.





I LOVE the hammer tutorial!!
And Hester of course!
Hester looks marvellous in her jumper!