February
20, 2016
It has
been a busy month to date. I had exterior work being done at 35
Harbour Street, used by Dolan's sisters and brother for holidays and
let out too, to pay for it's upkeep. That's nearly finished – only
one window still to renew... The house is in a conservation area, so
little is done to change it's outside appearance ever.....
At Heron's
Flight I've had the wall above the fireplace “gouged out” and
re-plastered. Despite many many dust-sheets, the mess was
indescribable..Dust settled in the dust-sheeted hall and dining room
too – anywhere it floated to, actually!
Last week
when the plaster work was finished, room cleaned and repainted, the
rest of the house was similarly cleaned and the carpets were
shampooed......
The
workmen will be back to renew the fascia boards and rones before the
outside of the house is painted in April/May.
,
This was
all just done in time, as Moira and the two boys, Sean and Daniel
arrived on Wednesday! Colin managed up a couple of days later,
leaving Catriona cleaning down in Edinburgh by the sound of it! She
also is studying for her O grades, if the exams are still called
that! They are early next school term, after the Easter break and
holidays which are in early April.
The family
must leave today, as school resumes on Monday. It has been a really
lovely time, despite quite dreadful weather. Colin was hoping to
tidy up bits of the garden, but that has been out of the question. I
know they have a few hours today so perhaps it may calm down enough
and dry up sufficiently to get the electric hedge clippers out!
Happily Moira can work sometimes with email and phone, and she does
here – but we had several outings including a meal at Plockton Inn,
which we always enjoy!
And for
some weeks Ruah and I will have the company of little Duncan –
Daniel's eight month Shih Tzu! Ruah is to train him to ask out! I
have already begun (with Ruah and Ryan, the black lab helping!) So
to the door we ALL traipse, out we go, rain hail, wind or snow!!!
Then we
shall go to Edinburgh or the family may come here again, and Daniel
will have his beloved little companion back – and I shall probably
hear the sigh of relief from Ruah!
I am
looking forward to the first visitors of 2016 – around Easter time
next month.
I am also
delighted to know that several old friends are coming north again!
Perhaps
you too may travel this way in 2016. I hope so!
This is Duncan. He has, in hours, made himself very much at home, delighting in "sleeping" on Ruah's bean bag when she really needs a nap! We have a week or two to sort him out......
Best
wishes, Ann
