We're both going to the zoo tomorrow...

This is what my colleague and I were singing on Tuesday when we left the office. We were on our way to Bristol to go to the zoo...for an event I had organised. It went really well and was structured such that we both got the occasional half hour to sneak off. I got bitten by a Lorikeet.

Twice.

Awesome.

I am not a big zoo aficionado and prefer that if animals have to be kept in captivity they have somewhere like Longleat to live in, but as far as zoos go Bristol's is very good. Sadly I couldn't go too far because of my amazing legs. It turns out the 'shin splints' diagnosis I was given in January was WRONG. Not only wrong but the exercises they gave me were making things worse. I actually have Posterior Tibial Tendinitis in BOTH legs. Yes, it is very painful. I have to walk as little as possible, use ice packs at least twice a day, sleep with my legs elevated and avoid ibuprofen unless I can't stand the pain. I'm having insoles made that should help but in the meantime it's sports massage on the soles of my feet and calves which will be agonisingly painful at the time and leave me bruised and hobbling for a few days afterwards. Bonza.  

Fortunately none of this stopped me meeting up with Mary on Monday to exchange parcels for the Spring into Summer Swap. She was uber generous.

She told me a lovely story about seeing the leaf and immediately thinking of me many months ago before the swap came up. She also made the beads herself. So delicate and clever. Close up:

Then the nom's and some yarny goodness. The lovehearts were the 'local' item as they are made near her.

A new playmate for me to photograph in unlikely situations and a book which is a classic I had ashamedly never even heard of. I've been glomming through it a few pages at a time while tucked up in bed.

And then....

I played with the colour settings on my laptop so the photo above probably looks a bit fake but I was trying to show the actual colour of the handspun silk plied with silk that is just so darn awesome I don't really know what else to say. And talk about timely. I'd been looking for a yarn to knit into a shawl to wear with the dress I'm donning for Nickerjac's wedding. And lo! This matches it perfectly. Close up:

 

I didn't alter this one so you can see the red, off-white and turquoise it is plied with. So perfectly balanced - I couldn't be happier!

Exchanging swap parcels in person was a very good idea and we had a good natter as well. A perfect way to start the week!