Day 3

February 2026

A friend introduced me to the idea of using a balm on Lydia’s fur, at the point where her bridle sits on her snout.

The fabric of the bridle is smooth and soft but, even so, I want to be sure it doesn’t rub.

After picking Lydia up from kennels this morning we went straight home as she’d already been out in the field at the kennels.

In the Buddhist class tonight we looked at different aspects of mind ofcwhich there are many, including discrimination and feelings.

We meditated on the object of recognising that feelings just arise in the mind and, as such, we can learn to let them go.

I don’t find this easy, especially not at the moment. While I recognise the principle, putting it into practice is the challenge. I will keep trying.

Poetry Rule No. 13 Something to do with responsibility

Originally published 13 October 2020

Your Hands

Your hand is soft and warm, so beautiful
I want to take a photograph of it
but it seems disrespectful

Delicate and strong
I stroke it and know
it is comforting for you
it is for me too

Your hands are the hands
that cared for me when I was young
they have tended your garden
and left nothing undone

All your life you have cared for others
with your hands and with your heart
warm and soft and kind and strong
I’ll keep your hands within my heart
my whole life long

Dedicated to my Mum, Vera Elsie Baker (née Wallis) 22 May 1921 to March 2015 & my Dad, Albany Baker 22 August 1910 to February 1992. Both had amazing, strong, caring hands.