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