We have been enjoying the best weather, in my opinion, for a long, long time. Some would disagree as it has been very hot – several late afternoon shade temperatures were around 31C.
So the hoses have been out, doors and windows open 24/7, weeds have stopped trying to smother the veges and the midges have even gone into hiding most of the time! One of the New Zealand flax plants has a very tall flower spike – I passed it once or twice before I realised there was one – at five feet nearly two inches all I saw was the usual spread of leaves!
I had a flying visit to Edinburgh – one day. It was Sam’s prize giving and he is Dux of 5th year. Now he’s on to 6th year after the summer. It is incredible how the time has flown…..
After the ceremony, John joined Moira, Sam and me for lunch and that was lovely. Then I beetled back to Moira’s, picked up Ruah and headed north. So I had just short of 24 hours in Edinburgh! The three younger children were, as they say “in good form” and, as I left, I was saying to myself, “a day is better than no day with the family”…..
The journey home was uneventful till south of the turn off west, at Dalwhinnie. The temperature hovered around 28C. Then the heavens opened and I have never driven in weather like that. I wanted to get to Dalwhinnie, to rescue Ruah from her metal crate, in case lightning struck. This daft thought would not go to the back of my mind…. These few miles took quite a time, as conditions were really poor. One plus point was that the temperature dropped 10C in a mile or two! I found out afterwards that Ruah would have been completely safe in her cage – but very frightened…
After Dalwhinnie, the second 100 miles were much less traumatic and we got home around 7.30pm. It had been pretty wet here too and the garden looks good, especially the courgette and its several bright yellow flowers! My four guests had survived quite happily without me! Their breakfast at Plockton Inn was, I’m sure, a welcome break from a week of me! However, I’m glad to be back to keep order, as the gentlemen yesterday climbed “The Saddle” and were “drooked” (completely drenched!) and late, late home. It had been a very arduous climb and their wives and I were very glad when the car finally came down the drive. Today is calm, sunny and still pretty warm…..
I’m off soon to pick Sam up in Kyle. His bus journey takes six hours. He’ll be doing a couple of week’s work experience while he’s here – and sailing!
Sponge and Ruah will be beside themselves with joy when Sam appears!!
I hope all is well with you and that you’ll pop in sometime to Heron’s Flight.
Ann.
