Tuesday, December 11, 2007

December News



On December 9th, a Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, born on 10/10/07 and I travelled 200 miles from Fife to here. I've called her Ruah.

Rua(d)h in Gaelic is a reddish colour and a point or headland. Ruah is white and tan and our official postal address is Heron's Flight, Point, Plockton,
Ruah is also Hebrew for “spirit of the wind”. Well, she actually has a look of Dumbo, but I'll live in hope that she'll soon be flying along the length of our downstairs corridor and then tackle the front lawn!

Yarrow had a special name too – a wild flower or weed..... Yarrow came from Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home and we did not know if he'd be really good or not so good. He was the wild flower and very special, as he was Dolan’s too.

Ruah and I will do our best to keep the Heron's Flight tradition of special dogs going. It'll be a very different regime, with such a little dog and one that cannot roam the village at will. But Ruah will be hoping, as Yarrow always did, that our visitors will need a guide round the village, morning, noon or evening!

Ann

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

November News

12/11/07

Sam came to Plockton for his October holiday. As the weather was very good we took off in the car most mornings, visiting Dingwall and Inverness, Glenelg and across to Skye on the small community owned ferry, Elgol and of course Applecross. All the routes were new to Sam. He took a lot of photos, a few of which Alison has put on the website. Thank you, Alison.

A few days after Sam’s departure, I motored south and had a day or two with the family, including a magical half day just with Sean (4). Afterwards we collected Catriona (7) and a friend from school and all had fun till the rest of the family came home around teatime.

Ian had arrived from Seattle and was visiting the relatives. Then we met up and drove to Plockton. The weather worsened and Ian saw very little of the majestic land and sea scenery in the week ….. However, it was wonderful to have him here and I think he benefited from the peace and quiet - but not from helping straighten out computer problems, I fear!!

We returned to Edinburgh last Monday and Ian flew to France on Tuesday at the crack of dawn. He had two days visiting his grand daughter Amelia, when his French must have been stretched to its limit, by an excited 7 year old! Now Ian’s safely home in Toowoomba and it is hard to believe that, a week ago, he, John, Sam and I were having a meal in the Cramond Brig Inn in Edinburgh …..

I had hurried home as the painters had started the exterior walls here. .All week I hoped that the atrocious weather would improve enough to let them finish the work. However, that did not happen and I now hope that they may finish the bits still to be completed as soon as possible. The woodwork will be painted in the spring, as the days are now too cool and short.

Dolan’s cousin Kay and her husband Rick were here for the weekend. Their lovely young collie “Cuileag” is very well mannered and I have picked up tips on puppy training! It is time for me to be thinking about another dog, as this house was never without one and it and I just need a dog. So, watch this space and I’ll let you know any developments – I think the only similarity to our lovely Yarrow may be in his/her nature. I have also decided not to go to Australia this winter – at the rate time whizzes past, I’ll be planning that for 2008/9 before I know it!

Finally, can anyone explain why one cannot send abroad, surface mail, a parcel heavier than 2.5KG (unless it is printed papers, when the limit is 5KG)? I really would be grateful for a logical, sensible explanation as the Post Office cannot give one….. Please do not tell me to make 2 parcels – it cannot be broken into bits – unless in transit….!!.

Best wishes
Ann

Friday, October 12, 2007

October News

Have you looked at Heron’s Flight’s Visitors Photograph Gallery recently? The photos are really wonderful and I thank all the contributors. Jacques Robert sent his Plockton visit folio just a week or two ago – it’s marvellous and well worth a look..

The nights are drawing in now and it is quite dark at 6.00pm. Suddenly winter is just around the corner, though we have had some lovely autumn days – bright, sunny, gentle winds and trees turning glorious colours. It’s quite blustery today, yet few leaves are being blown off the horse chestnuts, birch and other deciduous trees. So autumn is hanging in there!

Our schools have been on holiday for a week already, but the Edinburgh ones start their break today. Here it is traditionally a fortnight’s holiday, while further south the schools normally have a week at this time. Sam is travelling north by bus tomorrow and I’ll meet him in Kyle at 7.30pm. I am so pleased that he is coming!

We decided that Sam should have the break on his own and Catriona is booked in to Heron’s Flight for the New Year week! She’ll probably let Sam join us, if he wishes!
So, Sam and I can do some sight seeing, which might well be a bit tedious for Catriona. Weather permitting, we’ll motor to Applecross, over the highest road in Britain, Bealach na Ba. (the Pass of the Cattle) We may drive on to Shieldaig and Torridon before turning for home. It’s a drive of around 115 miles, so the day has to be good and our start early!
Sam has not been in Gairloch and beyond and it would be good to drive as far as we can on that road too. We may also have a day in Dingwall and Inverness.

Ian will fly into Edinburgh 2 weeks tomorrow and will have a couple of days visiting family and friends. I’ll drive south and Ian and I will come north for a few days. Then we’ll reverse the procedure! I’ll probably stay on in Edinburgh for a short time.

So I’m up to November with my plans; then Heron’s Flight will be in
hibernation for a little while (the house, NOT the owner)! I’ll talk to you soon again.

Best wishes.
Ann

Thursday, September 13, 2007

September news

Thursday, September 13th, 2007.

The weather over the last week or two has been very mixed with no two days the same. The grass is (again!) beginning to fold over and desperately needs cut. Days have been very mild and growing took off again! I had hoped to “last cut” the lawns before now….

However, the winter veg. is planted – broccoli, cabbages and kale, while rows of leeks at various stages occupy a good bit of space. The rest of that garden will have a rest over the winter and then be dug over with seaweed. The black grapes are almost ready and just need a day or two more of sunshine…

There has been of late a wonderful “world wide mix” of guests at Heron’s Flight! It has been great fun! There are still several weeks to go before bookings tail off. By then Sam (and hopefully Catriona) will be here for their October school break and I’ll be looking forward to Ian’s brief visit to Scotland and in particular Plockton!

A few days ago four stalwart lads and a cox rowed round the perch mark in Loch Carron and home in a time of 23. This was a very respectable time as the wind blew up on their homeward journey. That time may be good enough to win Dolan’s Rowing Trophy for this year. I am hoping that, when Sam and his cousins are a bit older and stronger, they will row round the perch too!

I’m looking forward to a visit from a clock repairer tomorrow. Robert Livingstone refurbished the Vienna clock in the dining room. That clock does not like being wound up and it takes me sometimes 2 days to hit the balance spot to make the pendulum happy! Worse than that, however, is the sudden stopping of the grandfather clock in the hall – it never stops…..Robert will save the day, I know!

I wish friend “Big John” a speedy recovery from this pending op. John, get back in the air, on the road and all your golf courses soon!

Finally, I’ve put another photo up and, believe it or not, all you who knew Yarrow, this is a dog called Ellie, 12 years old and living happily with her owners Judy and Desmond Williams in Western Australia. Yarrow was such a mixture – wrong ears we thought, Alsatian tail, speed and build when younger like a whippet, a”one off” we firmly believed….And here is a New Zealand Hunterway X Red Cloud Kelpie + ? I showed the photo to family and friends and asked and asked if they noticed anything strange in it – the only comments were the “new, very clean carpet”!!! The likeness of Ellie to Yarrow is breathtaking…..

Sponge continues to ask for everyone’s attention and I send best wishes

Ann

Monday, August 13, 2007

August News


It’s just six weeks since 2007’s 1000 piece jigsaw was started and it is completed! I must thank Di and Cid, Jan, Russell (fanatical!) and Mary and Al (equally fanatical!) What progress was made with only a little lost sleep by some!! The nearly finished Highland Cows were well hidden during Regatta fortnight, when Moira and Colin, Sam, Catriona, Sean and Daniel were here. But yesterday Jim popped the remaining pieces in place. I’ll get it framed and show it to you.


The time has just flown and the family is now back in Edinburgh; we had a wonderful fortnight, with so much to do in fairly summery weather! Sam did some crewing and was in the winning boat when Calum, who skippers the Argus seal trip boat, won the Ex Commodore’s race! Catriona went horse riding and got the taste for it – not surprising in the least, as Moira had horses from the age of four Sean was everywhere around the garden and enjoyed some freedom, visiting neighbours with Catriona, while Daniel joined in as many ploys as a two year old can! Piglet was frequently used, with engine and oars, while most of us could be found in the evenings fishing from the pontoon!

Moira and Colin did steel themselves and “left home“overnight – and they did not phone too often! All went remarkably smoothly here, with Sam patting my head from aloft and assuring me we were doing a good job! I’d do it again, for longer and I think that the parents would now venture further and for more than 24 hours!

Catriona stayed on for another week and had a packed schedule – dancing in the street on the last day of the Regatta, horse riding, rowing Piglet, swimming, going walks and visiting. Then I took her to Inverness to spend a few days, with Auntie Janet, Uncle Stewart, Uncle Don and Cousin Hamish – I know she had fun there! She’ll be back home today and school restarts on Wednesday.

The weather has deteriorated in the last day or two and today is cold, wet and windy. I have plenty to do in the garden – but not today! My visitors from New Zealand are remaining very philosophical and I hope French arrivals tomorrow can do the same.
I am very lucky to have such interesting guests choosing to stay at Heron’s Flight! Perhaps I shall meet you sometime?

Best wishes
Ann

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Busy, Busy Busy!....


Dear all,
This is Alison, your friendly website editor. Don't get the chance to talk to you often - though I'm sure that Ann wouldn't mind if I did. However, I've been meaning for ages to put a fabulous new photo by Sandra Holmes onto the site - and have done so tonight, on the home page. Here's another peek, if you haven't seen it yet! There's a new photo of Sponge too, on Ann's page.
I know that Ann is very busy at the moment, while the famous Plockton Regatta is on. Family visitors, visiting friends, long days, happy days. I'm sure she'll be back here soon to tell you what she's been doing herself.
If you like this website, why not drop me a line in the Guest Book to tell me, or to suggest improvements?
All the best, all the way from Australia! Alison Hunter

Sunday, June 24, 2007

June News




It’s been a month of welcoming back old friends and they all enjoyed good weather. Angela and Richard walked, climbed and scrambled over hill and dale, looking healthier by the day! Malcolm painted and presented me with two lovely pictures, which I’ll put on the website. Denise relaxed in the sun. They also sailed out to dinner looking very glamorous! Graham and Jean too had not changed one bit. That’s Graham in the photo – can you guess what he’s doing? Send me your answers! Cid and Dianne brought 2 motor bikes in their Ford Transit – from the south coast of England! They are here for a fortnight and are actually in Harris for a few days at present. They get Brownie points for starting this year’s 1000 piece jigsaw, entitled “Highlanders” The Wanless foursome amazed me with their talents – sketching, organ playing, singing, photographing – and, yes, Noel, eating!!
John Townend and perhaps Sheila will be here again next month – congratulations to them on the recent birth of a second grand child, Lily.
Last weekend Sam came from Edinburgh, for a couple of nights. Plockton Small Boat Sailing Club has accepted a rowing trophy, in memory of Dolan. It was unveiled at a Club get together, after a sponsored row, when thousands of pounds were raised for cancer charities. I’ll post a photo of Sam with “The Plockton Rowing Trophy”

Sam’s actually coming north again next Friday, when school finishes for the year. I am planning a lightning visit to Edinburgh, to attend Sam’s school (the Royal High)’s prize giving ceremony. I’ll be in town just overnight on Thursday and Sam and I will be in Plockton by 6.00pm on Friday. Hopefully Sam will get a bit of rowing in – maybe even crewing in a PSBSC race. If the wind is strong, skippers are always on the look out for a third crew member.

Regatta Fortnight begins on July 23rd. I hope to have some or all of the family here at various points. The next few weeks will be busy, with guests from home and abroad. The flower garden takes several hours a week to keep in a state of “quiet chaos”, while the veges need a little attention too. The spring cabbages have been very good – all ready at the same time, of course! Lettuce will be this week’s giveaway! The peas should still be going strong when the children come, as well as the potatoes, rasps, gooseberries and maybe the onions – I plant with high hopes and am delighted when most of the produce is edible!!

The computer and I are not gelling just at present….yesterday I lost my 2007 B@B bookings folder – it has NOT reappeared – yet.
Sponge and I are at loggerheads too. I have cream to rub around and on his ears, morning and evening. He hates it and shoots out the kitchen window, sits glaring up at me and licks off as much as possible. You’ll be wondering why this performance? Well, in his old age, Sponge has become allergic to ……MIDGES…

I’ll write again after Regatta,

Ann

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Late May


24th May, 2007

Recently I’ve been sent or given new photographs of Plockton and the area. To fit them into the website, with owner’s permission, Alison has added a Visitor’s Photo Gallery. I am sure you’ll enjoy looking at some rather special photos! We should welcome any from you and are particularly keen to see Glenelg, The Isle of Skye and Applecross.


I have been busy for the past few weeks and have met people from all over the place! B&B is such an interesting life! Last week Sponge had his first comment in the visitor’s book – favourable, I hasten to add! He also had his portrait painted!!! We had Mr and Mrs Kim Redpath for a week and Kim (a nephew of Ann Redpath) painted every day. Sponge was a model sitter and dozed for the hour or two he was in the spotlight! Sponge actually belongs to Sam in Edinburgh, though he’s got a Plockton meow now – so Sam and I shall share the painting! I’ll post it with this news and you’ll see Sponge in an unusually dark and solemn mood, I think. The picture is not tiny, measuring 42x30cm!

After the completely unexpected simply marvellous April weather we have been subjected to a less than mediocre May…. There has been a lot of rain, usually accompanied by high winds. I soon got very tired of assuring guests that my veges. needed lots of rain and now I could put the hose away! Judy and Keith from Australia, and Frederic and Aurielle from France trailed round the Isle of Skye today, seeing very little indeed….. I do not remember having huge coal fires on from early afternoon before.

However, the vegetables are doing well and only the leeks have to go in the ground, alongside the potatoes, onions, lettuce, beetroot, carrots and dwarf peas. I have not grown beetroot or carrot before and the thinning process seems a bit daunting…If there is much more heavy rain the seedlings may float apart?

Dolan’s eldest sister Katie died at the beginning of May. She stayed in the family home on the main street. It is strange not to stop there every time I pass. However, our niece Sandra is moving into “35” and will stay till she builds a house on her croft on the Brae, behind the village. Midge, her Border collie, is well used to the village, as Sandra already spends a lot of her free time on the croft.

Little Daniel, two last month, is just too young to say hello on the phone. Sean, four in July, talks freely and gives me his news then finishes either with “I see you tomorrow” or “I love you”. Catriona’s now seven and got a gold cup in her ballet “exam” last week, while Sam at 14 is amazing this innumerate side of the family with his maths results! And yes, they are all my pride and joy…

June will be busy and I am looking forward to meeting friends from previous visits. With no Cheque or Yarrow, Heron’s Flight is a bit different this year. However, Sponge and I will certainly be waiting to welcome you.

Best wishes
Ann

Sunday, April 22, 2007

April's almost gone!

Moira, aided by Sean and Sam, brought Catriona to Dalwhinnie on April 3rd and we had lunch before travelling in opposite directions. Catriona and I met Sam two days later, in Kyle. Sam had a football team to support, before his holiday began!

The weather was very good for the ten days we were together and we launched Piglet. Catriona’s just too small to row single handed, but she and Sam took an oar each. Sam did some single handed rowing and swimming lessons were arranged for Catriona. She made excellent progress.
Beach combing was high on our list and our quest for a stone for the base of Dolan’s Rowing Trophy was successful. We brought back so many “possibles” that I now have a new stone border where the black bamboo is!

We had a few guests as well and both Sam and Catriona were good helps. Sam took charge of the fire making and we roasted nightly! Catriona learned some SCD steps and performed in her Uncle John’s first kilt!

We did a bit of sight seeing on the Isle of Skye and visited quite a few friends locally. Then we motored to Edinburgh on the 14th, for two important reasons – Catriona’s 7th birthday on the 15th and yet another football match to attend – Hibernian FC is supported by all the family except me – my lone shout is for Hearts!

Catriona had a lovely day and there is still a party with school chums to come. I left Edinburgh very early the next day and was home by 11.30am. What a quiet house it was, though Sponge really did his best to show his pleasure at my return…….

I’ve been getting another patch of the down garden ready for more planting. Sam, Catriona and I did the onions and potatoes.
The yachts, over wintered in the car park, were launched on Wednesday and Thursday at the high tides. So the bay is beginning to fill up again. The Hebridean Princess cruise ship is again calling in, as is Ocean Spirit, the Gordonstoun School yacht.

I am hoping to receive a few lovely photos of Eilean Donan Castle at night, taken by a guest last week. Alison in Toowoomba should by now realise that my photographic powers are very limited…but I’m being reminded that web photos need updating…..please come and help me and stay a few days at Heron’s Flight too!!

Best wishes,
Ann

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Late March, 2007

We have had a week of beautiful, sunny weather! So the lawns are cut and the edgings are tidied. Everything that does not move has been pressure hosed! A lot of shrubs have been cut back and now the daffodils will be loosely tied up in bunches till the foliage withers. The vege garden is dug over and the potatoes are “chitting”. I’ll plant the onions and potatoes soon, with help from Sam and Catriona.
There are several heathers in bloom and three forsythia bushes are shouting that spring is really here! The latter may not have listened to the weather forecast – snow showers tomorrow….

School holidays start next week and Moira and I will drive towards each other on Tuesday. Sam and Catriona will change vehicles and homes, for ten days! We shall have great fun. We are all looking forward to launching “Piglet” again. She’s only 10 feet long and I’m hoping Catriona will now be tall enough to start rowing her. Sam became quite proficient last summer; he takes charge of the outboard too. So, fingers crossed for calm weather!

April will be busier with visitors than this month and then there will be only a few days off till September. It will be a strangely sad summer too, without Yarrow’s help……
Thank you, Alison, for altering parts of the website – you are there when I threaten to fall apart….

There is a good bit of activity in the car park now, as yachtsmen are sprucing up their crafts, prior to launching at the next high tides, in a week or two. Then the bay will begin to fill up with year round boats – plenty of space for visitors too! 60 yachts moored in the bay in front of Heron’s Flight is not uncommon in the summer months.

Sam, Catriona and I are going to go to two beaches – favourites with our family. We’ll be looking for one special stone. It’ll be used as the base for a trophy which will be in memory of Dolan. PSBSC (Plockton Small Boat Sailing Club) decided to honour Dolan by having a silver replica of one of the old markers in the bay made. These markers were lit up to guide big ships past rocks many years ago. When the trophy is finished, I’ll show it to you. It’ll be presented yearly and will involve rowing, rather than sailing. Dolan was a marvellous skipper, but he always said it was no use being a very good sailor if you could not row out to your boat!

Do you know Plockton Bay? If not, do come and see it, from Heron’s Flight! - Ann

Sunday, March 04, 2007

March 2007 News

March 3, 2007
Dear all,
On January 31, I had a cataract successfully removed in Raigmore Hospital, 75 miles from Plockton. As I could not drive home, a friend picked Yarrow and me up and when we reached home it was dark.

My friend reversed with my help and was slowly heading off when Yarrow was run over. He must have been blinded by a combination of car and security lights and just stepped in front of the car...

Yarrow was operated on two days later. And he nearly made it….

We had Yarrow for 10 years –'Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home’s very best', Dolan and I readily agreed. In the last two years, Yarrow and I were very seldom apart, as you’ll all know. I miss him dreadfully – he gave me unconditional love and devotion – and it was reciprocated…..

My daughter Moira phoned in early February and gave me 2 options, for Sam’s school holiday week. (She’s good at long distance therapy)
Take Sam to Paris or take Sam to London. I opted to get lost in English, for our first trip at least….

Sam and I had three full days in the Capital and saw such a lot. We enjoyed open air bus travel, went down into the bowels of the city and zipped from station to station and walked, walked and walked! We agreed that another trip would be good!

It’s less than a fortnight till my first visitors arrive. John Townend (Big John) will be first through the door in 2007. Happily, the carpet layers were here yesterday, curtains are being hemmed and the newly covered dining room chairs will all be home today. When the weather improves, the outside of the house is going to be white-washed and painted. It is good for me to keep busy and have plans…

"Sponge" the cat is lost too without his friend Yarrow. He’s decided to try to fill a bit of the gap and at present is here and hereabout all the time….. He seems to be "comfort eating" too, something he has no need to do; as you all know he is a heavyweight already!

Thank you everyone for writing, emailing, phoning and sending flowers for Yarrow…….

I’ll write soon again,
Ann

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Bad news about Yarrow

Yarrow
Dear Readers,
I am sorry to tell you that Yarrow didn't come out of an operation he had last week. He was the very best of mates, and as you will appreciate, it is a very upsetting time.
I may not be able to respond as quickly as usual to your emails for the next week or so.
Ann

Thursday, January 25, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IAN!


JANUARY 27, 2007


Dear Ian

Have a wonderful time in Sydney with Alison and the Family. As ever, we are sorry to be here, with all of you there…..

Four appropriate quotes are enough to be going on with, for the next 10 years!!

“Few women admit their age. Few men act their age”

“Inflation is when you pay $15 for the $10 haircut you used to get for $5, when you had hair”

“Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest”

“Men are like wine; some turn to vinegar – but the best improve with age”

Love
Ann and the Family.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Growing Pains at Heron's Flight!

Catriona sailing Curlew in Plockton

Phew......

I know as one reaches more mature years, it does take longer to grasp any new process. From today I s-h-o-u-l-d be able to change spelling errors and even send you a photo regularly - we'll see!

If I write it all down in words of maximum two syllables, remember another few words of computer language, read the email notes I've received from Australia and try the processes more than a couple of times in the year, then we've cracked it, Alison (in Toowoomba!)

I'll put the theory into practice now and rub out my mistakes and find an "upright" photo to replace the sailing boat "Curlew", which at present lies on it's side!!

Catriona, last summer, had her first helming lesson in "Curlew", an old clinker boat which sails in Plockton Regatta. Malcolm and David were her instructors - Malcolm is Catriona's BIG cousin! He's also a fully qualified sailing instructor, or he might not have been trusted with such a precious six year old skipper!!

The days are slowly stretching and there is a noticeable difference in the evenings - when there is a clear sky, which has not been very often..... We did miss the horrendous storms which battered the south recently. There has been no snow in the west either. We've not had good weather - but it could have been a whole lot worse.
I hope you have the promise of Spring?

Ann

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

January 2007 News

I wish you all a very Happy New Year!

As ever, the weather is a very important topic here. Today has been one to remember – bright and sunny with a tiny breeze. The forecast is for yet more stormy weather - we are all very tired of it! I’m waiting for a few calm days to plant the “palm bunches” which I sawed off the big branch which broke off one of the cordylines a week or two ago. Do you know if they will grow or am I wasting my time? I shall saw the branch into several logs and hope that some may sprout – I’ve seen that happen.

Sam (14) was with me for a week at New Year. We did enjoy the time together! On Hogmanay we went up to “35” and saw the New Year in with Dolan’s sisters and brother. The bonfire on the island, lit by rocket from the shore, was spectacular and so were the fireworks. It was a very blustery night, but the Plockton celebrations carried on regardless, while Edinburgh, Glasgow and other cities had to cancel. We came home a while later, leaving many people partying the night away.
Over the next few days we visited many friends and were visited too. One of Sam’s achievements this time was teaching me to text on my phone! I am assured I’ll soon wonder how I lived without that particular skill till now!!

When we do finally have a window of better weather I shall begin the winter pruning. At present everything looks so bedraggled that I wonder if a chain saw swept horizontally would not do a good job of tidying up? There is a lot to do…. Today I did get the vine in the greenhouse pruned. It did very well last year – by far the best crop for the least work!

The animals…… “Cheque” was taken to Alyth in Perthshire for hibernation. After much thought I have decided to leave him there. I often felt he was lonely – he did arrive here with his brother “Book” who died suddenly after their first hibernation. He was always trying to hide away in shade, indeed darkness, most often under the broad, jaggy berberis hedge. He was “lost” many times there, causing everyone grief. Now he will be surrounded by little friends in Alyth and so well cared for. I shall see Bob and Gwen, his breeders, occasionally and have first hand reports of wee Cheque.

Sponge is looking very content, shiny and BIG! He has mellowed with age and needs our company now. When Yarrow and I have been out or away in the car he invariably meets us and escorts us into the house! He often shares Yarrow’s beanbag or sleeps on one of the kitchen chairs. Tonight we are all in the kitchen where it is pleasantly warm. Hibernian are beating Aberdeen 1-0 in the Scottish Cup and I’ll be pleased if it stays like that – I’ve mentioned before that most of my Edinburgh gang support Hibs!

Our trip to Edinburgh for Christmas was nearly cancelled because Yarrow had a stroke a month ago. After just 24 hours the improvement was dramatic, which I learned from the vet is quite normal. He had a course of 20 daily tablets and now I have to monitor his every move and action for a while. Hopefully he’ll be able to do without tablets for life.

You’ll be able to imagine how anxious I was and still am……. But the future is beginning to look good and if you come and mention the word “walk”, Yarrow’s reaction will be the same as always – ecstatic!!

I hope you will come and meet us all, in 2007.

Best wishes
Ann
PS Hibs have drawn 2-2 with Aberdeen, so we await the drama of a replay…!