July 22, 2012

Where has the time gone?  

Everyone’s asking that, around here!  I think it is partly at least due to the fact that good weather arrived here in mid-May and it has stayed with us - till now.  England has been badly hit by floods for many weeks and these travelled north east and have made summer, to date, a non-event in Edinburgh and elsewhere.  Seemingly the Jet Stream has “slipped” south as far as the Continent – it normally sits somewhere very high above our latitude – and this may be the reason for our wonderful very warm, sunny days.  Last month the temperatures at times were in the 30’sC – what a treat! 

It has meant that hoses have never been put away and I think I have had water spraying on the garden most evenings.  Unheard of!!  But, as a result, most plants are doing very well and my new thistles are lovely.  I am gathering as many as I can, while on outings.  It may take some little time to build up a collection, as (most of you know!) I do not go away from home very often - and I did not see a thistle in Australia at Christmas time!!

Our annual regatta fortnight begins on Monday.  Saranna C, the clinker boat Dolan built 10 years ago, will sail in the regatta.  Sam, nephew Malcolm and another friend have spent several days rigging her.  Her original sails are missing and no doubt will turn up at the next clear up in the barn, where masts, booms, etc. are stored.  So Saranna C is decked in red mainsail and white jib.   Reliable rumour has it that even a mouse trap was cannibalised to complete the rigging!!!

I am writing now on Sunday, 22 July and there is a fierce gale blowing, accompanied by horizontal rain.  At least it is mild!  But the gardens are taking a severe battering and chunks of tall flowers in bloom are strewn all over the drive……  The forecast is not too good for tomorrow.

Sam and Sean are here, from Edinburgh.  Sam will be in Saranna C during regatta fortnight, while Sean, 9, is starting his Topper training, a two day course, on Tuesday.  He’ll complete three such courses before being deemed competent to helm solo.  He is very keen.

At the weekend the rest of the family arrives.   I am looking forward to that.  So Heron’s Flight will have seven of us “on board” – hopefully eight if Catriona’s friend Nicola comes for a third year.    After regatta Daniel at least will stay on.  I’ll also pick up the threads and have a busy time with visitors from France, Holland and Italy over the following two weeks. 

I hope you may come to Plockton sometime and look us up – by us I mean the usual residents at Heron’s Flight - Ruah the little dog, Amber the large cat and me.

Ann

PS:  That Jet Stream has, I fear, pushed back up north, as we have had a good going gale with quite a lot of the old familiar rain!  Races cancelled and sailors down in the mouth……..