There are times when I really dislike computers!! Had I been writing longhand and used a “rubber” I would have erased a word or two. Well, I have just obliterated a whole letter to you – a momentary lapse, with savage consequences!
It is blowing a real gale tonight and there have been some wild rain showers. This is a complete contrast to the last few days, which were very hot, sunny and calm. A couple of days ago, the temp. at the back of the house was 29C, in the shade. However, round the front there was a little breeze from the sea. It was just enough to keep the midges at bay, but not enough to help the Plockton small sailing boats finish a race.
The animals did enjoy the heat! Yarrow was to be found quite often stretched out on the tarmac. Sponge had more sense and tucked himself under a bush. Cheque reacted most dramatically of all – she legged it round the “down garden”, ate loads of dandelion and cabbage leaves in particular and gathered her strength again while dozing under a clump of mombretia, with it’s waving, cooling leaves. I’m pleased to say she has gained 80g. since coming out of hibernation.
The flower garden does not need much attention at present – all my shades of green are doing well and the odd colour is dotted around. I must thank recent visitors for gifts of plants and flowers – they obviously thought I did not have enough to do! Seriously, they are much appreciated and I have remembered you, Wendy, Carole and Brian and Jean and Graham when I have been lugging great watering cans to them, to keep them alive!!
The still nameless little boat now has a small electric outboard engine, complete with huge battery, and will have a launching trolly and cover soon. She’ll be kept just beside the workshop near the PO and will be easy to trail along to the water. I am looking forward very much to having Sam and Catriona row me round the coast for picnics! We have a magical spot near the lighthouse….
I have, as ever, had such kind and considerate guests. Practically all of them have managed a few bits of the jigsaw – albeit with gritted teeth! It was becoming a regular activity to lounge around on the front lawn too, with such amazing good weather. Tonight one would be blown into the loch and away…
We have had people arriving in many different ways – car, motor and push bike, train and bus. The nationalities too are many and varied – several times I have remarked that I am the only Scot in the house! And just as often I have wandered outside to admire marvellous motor bikes - a mode of transport gaining in popularity, I think and not simply with the youngsters.
I’ll report on the Plockton Wedding next time – Catriona is a quarter of the flower girls – excitement is reaching fever pitch……….Ann
