As I was finalising this post, on the eve of the 11th anniversary of Jim’s death, our dear friend Ken, probably Jim’s closest male friend, died of cancer in the Mary Potter Hospice. I’m mourning and remembering. My daughters, who have known him all their lives, are mourning and remembering. He and Barbara blessed and shaped our lives for over 50 years. Our love goes out to his family. He was such a good man. His suffering is over. 🕯️
I was privileged to spend time with Barbara today.
I considered terminating the post here. Instead, I edited it down around a section I wrote on Thursday after I visited an Eco Store and found a puce-coloured, long-sleeved top I've been wearing every since, paired with gifts from friends. 
Left is the top with a shawl recently knitted by an overseas stitching friend of the last 8 years, held in place by an Anglo-Saxon replica brooch given to me in the 1970s by a long-standing high-school friend with whom I am still in touch.
To the right is the top under a cover-all I bought recently while with another friend. I've been wearing it with a Murano-glass necklace given to me for my 60th birthday by a uni friend from the 1960s and a scarf knitted for me by a friend constant since primary school in the 1950s. I am clothed in friendships.
On Saturday I attended a Guild workshop - to learn a new technique, but also to stay connected to my embroidery tribe.
Dinner last night, a long phone call and a visit today wrapped me in the love and continuity of family.
The time to talk of Ken's life will come. Rest in Peace my friend.
Here today I want to acknowledge the threads of family and friendship that hold me together, often in joy - but also through sadness, loss and grief.
Thank you .
