May ^15th 2018

Duncan and I have been home since the end of April and are now settled back in Heron's Flight, meeting new guests and welcoming

old friends. Today and tomorrow we have four young French visitors – charming, thoughtful and fun! All four have supped their way through my porridge and declared it good!!!

Ten days ago the Hills returned – then I knew my summer had begun! Denise and Dave were married last August on Calum's “Sula Mhor “ pleasure boat........Last week the Houghs and Mitchells were here – it was a great pleasure to see them all again – and to provide, on the whole, very good walking weather!!

Duncan, my wee three year old Shih Tzu, is settling down quite well. He still usually insists on barking when someone unknown comes down the drive – tail wagging all the time. However, I think it is becoming less - wishful thinking, perhaps?? I shall continue working on it!

He has made new friends who come down and take him a walk some evenings – he waits in the drive, hopefully..... The Sharp family do not have a dog and, though daughter Rowan really prefers to be around horses, she is very good with diminutive Duncan! So when they call down to the house for him, Duncan is beside himself with delight!!

During the day, Duncan follows me around, in and out of the house – when he hears me picking up the car keys – great excitement! He is a good wee companion.......

He is also not at all greedy – a complete contrast to little Ruah!  

How I miss her.......

After tomorrow I have a few days with no visitors and I hope the garden may benefit!! My neighbour Teresa Peach is practically settled in her new house and I await the arrival of my new neighbours. Another neighbour, Marie Campbell at the top of my drive, will hopefully come home after nearly a year in hospital, after a severe stroke. Her husband Ruari has had the house adapted and it's now ready for Marie. I am so very pleased about that!

Will you be travelling this way later on? If so, perhaps you'll call in and say hello, or stay a few days? We'd like that!

Best wishes, Ann

Here is Duncan in his chosen "basket" in front of the Rayburn, in the kitchen.  The basket is my grand daughter Catriona's shoe box - size 6.5!!!