Grandpa's work

My father's father always worked with his hands.  I don't really remember him in paid employment, though I presume he didn't retire until he was 65, which would have been when I was about 7.

Once he retired, he and my grandmother spent much time travelling, visiting Ireland a number of times, and also travelling to Europe.  Everywhere he went, he would pick up interesting stones, and our visits to their house were often to a rumbling background from the pebble tumbler

It seems I have (having just been around the house looking) three of his little insects - the legs made from jewellery setting clasps, and with the little stick on eyes.

I think the tortoise and squirrel (both standing on bases made from Connemara marble) were at dad's flat, and moved here when he died.  At the moment they sit on the bookcase behind my desk - so I noticed them today whilst thinking about re-arranging my books.  The little ceramic tortoise was shop bought, and glued onto a piece which has a brooch clasp glued on the other side.  I remember my grandmother wearing similar brooches on many occasions.  I'm not sure I've ever found an opportunity to wear this - it's quite heavy, so needs a proper formal jacket to support it.  It's not really my style - but maybe one day.

It's been a wet day, so we've spent the day in the study.  I've browsed Blip, and played computer games.  W has sorted out several boxes of books and refilled the bookcases behind his desk.  We now urgently need to take a trip to the charity shop.