Hello,
I am sure I am not alone in being the only person to be wondering just where the last eleven months have gone – flown! However, surely this means that we have been busy, living life to the full and enjoying it?
In every year there are uncontrolled sadnesses and I am thinking of friends whose lives have changed for ever, with the loss of a dear, dear person.....
Then many other friends have cause to celebrate, with the birth of grandchildren, weddings to attend and the joy of seeing their families growing and prospering......
So where has my year gone to? As usual I have been to Edinburgh several times and, as I write this, I am with Moira, Colin and the three children still at home. Those of you who know me well will also be adding “and the animals”! Yes, two dogs (and my two – more of that in a minute!), two cats, Miffy the house rabbit, a hamster and two hens which are laying such big eggs at present! I shall drive home tomorrow and Moira, who has been on a course, may come north too, for a couple of days.
Back to my dogs...... Ruah is now nine, a dear wee soul. Actually not so wee so she is on a diet! Duncan has been with us since the summer. He is a Shih Tzu and one and a half. He was to be in Edinburgh, to replace Daniel's lovely old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. But he, by nature, is a little hunter, keen to catch his prey, so Moira's hens just were not safe, for sure. He is a good wee companion for Ruah and happily Daniel has another puppy that does not chase anything more vulnerable than leaves!!!
Back to Edinburgh....... Sam is enjoying his second year of two where he does hospital work, prior to specialising. We had a meal out the other evening and it was lovely to catch up! Catriona is now sixteen and embroiled in school work, prior to sitting her Higher's. I am glad she still finds time to keep up her dancing classes and go to the gym.
Sean, in second year, is growing up quickly – enjoys school and trying to tame his lovely auburn hair!
Daniel is eleven and will go to High School next August. He, like Sean, plays football and trains regularly. Daniel loves animals and maths – not quite sure of the order!
In September, Alison, my sister in law, came over from Australia, via Iceland, which she absolutely loved. She was in Scotland for a month and three of the weeks she spent in Plockton. There was quite a bit of company, as my B&B guests were around. Most days, while I was looking after the house and its occupants, Alison walked, saw friends of old, even ventured out in a canoe – a long held ambition I realised!!
And she cross-stitched – a lovely picture of four lorikeets. I know it is now nearly finished – what a lot of fine, careful stitching....
Worth it!
The village has been exceptionally busy this year – as has the whole area. The two hotels, one restaurant and the little take-away were stretched to their limits nightly. I now stick to bookings, so know where I am each each week, which I find easier... So I was as busy as I wanted to be! How I enjoyed meeting my friends, old and new!
This winter I am having some new windows and a new heating system which will do away with the several water tanks that threaten to leak/burst – as there have been three floods over the lifetime of the house to date, hopefully I have seen the last of them.
I'll spend Christmas, as usual, with the family in Edinburgh, but will likely be home for New Year. Wherever you are, I wish you and your family the very Happy Christmas time and a Joyful New Year,
Ann
email – annheronsflight@btinternet.com
www.heronsflight.org/index.htm
My site was hacked so the www to use at present is the above - that is perfectly safe.......
