1. “Bread and butter,” John says in appreciation of (part of) his simple but delicious lunch. “Toast and pate,” I counter, in appreciation of part of mine.

2. Friendly Black Dog spots us and heads our way like a wagging, smiling homing missile. John notes that he always has such a happy, welcoming expression on his face: “that’s why he’s called Friendly Black Dog!” I explain.

3. The crunch of the coriander stalks under the knife.

4. Strange’s soft white paws dancing away under the colourful yarn.

4b. I know that the wool I spin comes from sheep (obviously) but for some reason, it never occurred to me to think of our wool carpets in the same way – it all grew on sheep.