October 16, 2017

I have a  few days of holiday, so the dogs and I travelled to Edinburgh yesterday – a slow journey, as the schools have autumn holidays at present, there are so many camper vans and caravans on the move and there is a speed limit on the A9, the road from Inverness to Edinburgh. Lorries are down to 50mph.

I go cross country from Plockton to Dalwhinnie and join the A9, as it is the shortest route for me - 200miles.

It is lovely to be here! I have not seen the family for many weeks and everyone is in !good form! - that includes all the animals!

Ruah had her 10^th birthday recently and did ask to be off her diet for a day!

Summer as usual flew by. Alison and Robert were married on the front lawn, in May. Happily the weather was kind and they and their guests enjoyed their time in Plockton. Alison has recently had a birthday and I was delighted to have them here again for a few days.

Dave and Denise, very faithful visitors too for a long time, were married here as well, in August, choosing to tie the knot on Sula Mhor, Calum's Seal trip boat! Alison arrived from Queensland in time for that – hugely taking by surprise the happy couple! (they had met here last year) We were invited on board to take part in the ceremony – yes, even the dogs, who happily behaved impeccably) And Dave and Denise were back last week, for another few days – thank you all for coming....

Alison got back to Australia to start packing for a house move to a lovely house slightly smaller than 5, Blue Hills Road, where she and Ian lived since their move south from Townsville– still in Toowoomba, but the house she wants and will be very happy in; so her last few weeks have been hectically busy and the move actually takes place on Thursday.

I should have loved to be there to help – but actually I'd have been no use, being a hoarder; each day would have ended with little progress and me being advised perhaps to take a plane home!!!

My last guests arrive in a week's time. Then I shall have some indoor painting done and settle down for the winter. There is always something to do here during these months and I certainly shall not be bored!

Please do put a comment on my web page, letting me know you are are well and if I'll see you next year...... I hope I do!

Till next month,

Ann