Candy is dandy...

Pet Rescue - Carnoustie!

2010-05-18T22:47:00.003+01:00

Gwen eventually worked out where the cat noise was coming from that we had heard for the last couple of days. Since she was pregnant I was sent to attempt a rescue from the top of the scaffolding at the back of the old Victoria Wine building.

Clambering onto the top of the wall revealed a large drop to a narrow shelf, which having once been a wash house was complete with a large, rusting, metal basin. The basin's contents were unsavoury to say the least, but jumping down from this ledge landed me in Carnoustie's very own open sewer, looking for all the world like the run-off from a shanty town. No wonder that Queen Street often reeks on hot days. I couldn't see the source of the turgid brown slop, but the stone cover has been lifted from the drain closer to the high street to allow an exit. Just as well, or I could have been literally up to my neck in s***.

I quickly climbed up the less than stable scaffolding, but the cat was reluctant to come. So, a return journey to collect the cat box of our ex-cats. My reputation as an animal lover must have preceded me as the cat was having nothing to do with me despite its obvious distress. Another trip through the open sewer revealed a genuinely incredible display of brown in every shade imaginable and put me in favour of contacting the SSPCA.

At least I had managed to get the owners phone number from the collar. The SSPCA couldn't come out until tomorrow and there was no answer on the owners number. So Gwen decided to try tempting it across the roof with tuna. The owner then phoned and it turned out that 'Biggles' had been missing since the 7th. The combination of tuna and hearing his own name overcame his fear. However, it then became clear why he hadn't come this way before. The nesting seagulls began to dive bomb the poor moggy, but despite constant hary from the air, Biggles (fittingly enough) came through the aerial assault and Gwen completed the rescue with bloodied face.

One happy owner!
One call to environmental health tomorrow!

So busy

2010-03-04T12:54:00.003Z

Just no time to to do anything. We did manage to stop for coffee last weekend though and the hills are definitely snowy, we could see this tree from Peel Farm.

Gulls dodging the waves

2010-01-19T23:19:00.004Z

I'm not usually a fan of seagulls but I think I will have to get this printed to see what it looks like larger. The great sunset on Sunday was one of those you only get in January where the water turns a rich golden colour. It looks viscous like waves made in golden syrup. The seagulls were doing their best to avoid the breaking waves which giving up their turgid shoreward journey suddenly burst out sending the birds into the air. The strange thing was having lifted from the sea they perfectly echoed the wave with those that rose first setting down first, with the others following with perfect synchronicity.

Windy weather!

2010-01-10T21:50:00.004Z

Esmé enjoyed the wind with a little encouragement. If you look above the trees on the golf course picture you can see an iridescent cloud.

Bird count update

2010-01-10T17:07:00.008Z

These figures represent the highest at any one time today.

4 blackbirds (down from10)

4 Fieldfares (down from 12)

16 Goldfinches (possibly more up from 13)

8 Chaffinches (up from 4)

6 House Sparrows ( up from 4)

4 Blue Tits (no change)

1 Pigeon (no change)

1 Dove (no change)

4 Greenfinches (up from 2

4 Bramblings (First visit)

There has been a significant change over the last week and the thaw today has seen the departure of many of the Fieldfares and blackbirds. However, we spotted some bramblings today a first for our garden. The new small hole feeder with thistle seed is now being heavily used by the goldfinches. While the chaffinches are collecting the fallen seed below. No Waxwings this year.

We just need a feeder nearer the house now to take a decent picture.

Ice on the riverTay

2010-01-08T20:46:00.002Z

Brrrrrr on riverside just after sunset today. There was no wind and I was frozen within about 10 minutes. I had the gloves that I have worn on plenty of snow capped summits and my fingers were getting numb by the time I got back to the car.

Last Sunday of the holidays :(

2010-01-03T22:33:00.004Z

I am back at work tomorrow Gwen and Esmé don't go back until Wednesday. I will miss them. It is hard when you get used to life with each other all day and then it comes to an abrupt end.

Great weather though for the last day, blue sky, crisp snow and you could see large breakers out in the estuary. The sea actually looked fairly calm but it was impacting against the coastal defences with a sudden ferocity. It caught me off guard a couple of times and but for a quick jump I would have been soaked.

The seed heads I noticed last week and thought they looked interesting. The sun was in just the right place to provide a silhouette of there structure.

Garden bird count

2010-01-02T13:34:00.002Z

- 1 cat = lots more birds (Although Oscar is sadly missed)

max at one time.

10 blackbirds (1 black and white)

12 Fieldfares (only1 in previous years)

13 Goldfinches

4 Chaffinches

4 House Sparrows

4 Blue Tits

1 Pigeon

1 Dove

2 Greenfinches

Starlings numerous

Snow fun at Backwater Dam

2009-12-30T22:32:00.005Z

It always surprises me the amount of folk who have never been for a jont round Backwater Dam. Geographically, it is very interesting and visually it brings something new everytime you visit. James and I have not been up in the snow for a long time, in fact last time I was only a few weeks pregnant with Esmé - so yes, a good long time ago.

We knew that Esmé wouldn't be up for a big walk, given that she has been off colour, so we packed the car with a picnic and the sledge and headed up Glen Isla, stopping to take pictures of some friendly sheep and Highland Moo Coos.

The snow did not disappoint, it was deep(ish) crisp and reasonably even, hardly anyone else had been up. The reservoir was like glass and mirrored the landscape, including Driesh and Mayar beautifully. It was absolutely freezing, too cold for James to take many photos, much to Esmé's delight. We took turns dragging Esmé in her sledge, no-one wanted to drag me :( I can't think why???) [Maybe because after a great deal of effort to move the sledge with you on it the only result was that the sledge suddenly moved forward and you were left on your bottom!]

Happy Birthday Gwen!

2009-12-26T20:33:00.005Z

It's that special time of year again where we decorate the house, give cards and gifts and do our best to cook and eat a fantastic meal. Yes you guessed it it's Gwen's birthday. Gwen has opened all of her presents now and we had a great time at the Rep. Esmé enjoyed her first theatre performance and despite some scary moments in the seasonal Dicken's favourite there was nothing more frightening than the blue rinsers in the audience. So, how does it feel Gwen?

Sledging

2009-12-24T01:29:00.004Z

Esmé started the day off being pulled around Carnoustie while we did the shopping and enjoyed Stuart Henderson's hospitality while we dropped off a preasent from Esmé for Zenta.

After lunch we headed for the hills and the further we got from Carnoustie the thinner the snow got :(

Eventually at Esmé's favourite sledging spot, which has a long gentle run, there was around half the cover that we had at home. Initially she was insisting on going with Gwen or I, however that didn't last long. She had a great time.

Hopefully tomorrow will bring fresh snow. It didn't look like it would happen yesterday but at about 2am I looked out of the window and it was falling fast. Of course since it is late and into Christmas Eve my days are all confused now. You know what I mean, hopefully.

Christmas Holidays day1

2009-12-22T23:25:00.005Z

Esmé is off and the snow is still here! In all the excitement the pictures are in the wrong order.

After weeks of enforced captivity the suns low position in the sky was all the more prominent. Despite it being the first day after the solstice there was no appreciable rise in the suns arc as it travelled from east to west. It gave only watery light during the morning at Barry Mill and the pictures there look very grey, while the brighter afternoon was filled with a drawn out and relaxed lunch at Banana Splits café. After a brief visit to the shops. Esmé and I were left to go adventure.

Esmé thought that the snow on the beach was fantastic and was desperate to see the sea frozen over. No luck yet. Craigmill Den is blocked off at both ends for no apparent reason. What's more climbing over the barriers was very hazardous! I hope Angus Council aren't planning to do anything daft as at the Fairy Steps where there is still no bridge several years on. Again climbing over the barrier and crossing on the remaining girders raises the heart beat a little.

Despite being blocked off, or maybe because of it Craigmill Den was serene just after the sun had dipped below the horizon. Esmé did admit to being a little afraid as the dark crept in and she gripped tightly to my hand.

Tomorrow if the weather remains good will hopefully bring an opportunity to sledge. I would like to be in Glen Isla or Prosen early to take some pictures, however experience tells me getting all three of us out early is unlikely. I need to get some pictures for Peel Farm. A couple of snowy ones would be nice. Hopefully the light will be better than today. Some thin cirrus clouds please.

New photos of Westhaven

2009-12-22T00:44:00.003Z

I have added a set of pictures from Westhaven to my website, from back in October.

They are under the new additions section and the Carnoustie & Westhaven shore section.

There are also an impressive sun rise from Monifieth and a sunset from Grange of Barry.

Message from Santa for Esmé

2009-12-21T23:41:00.002Z

Message for Esmé!

Snow on the Tay at Kingoodie and Carnoustie

2009-12-20T23:00:00.003Z

Snow! It really feels like Christmas and I am off on holiday as well double exclamation marks!! My drive back from Inchture where I work for part of the week passes several areas where the reed beds alongside the Tay are accessible. The frosty conditions make it easier to make your way amongst them. Sitting there still, watching, listening, alongside bales of cut reeds, while the birds and fish go about their business as they have since the ice retreated ten thousand years ago, brings with it a sense of the world as it should be. However, the light has remained a fairly constant grey every time I have had an opportunity to sit there. Hopefully early one morning or one evening the sky will light up and reflect from the river.

Far removed from the reed beds, but at the mouth of the same river, the Carnoustie Golf Hotel and our very own gaudy christmas lights

Sunset at Grange of Barry

2009-12-14T12:52:00.006Z

A gorgeous sunset yesterday. Both Gwen and I exclaimed "wow!" independently after climbing the bank of the large irrigation pond above the lade. Up until then we had only been able to see the pink tinged tree tops that only gave a slight clue to the drama unfolding between the thin clouds and the fading sun. The newly trimmed hedges add a very strange rectangular silhouette between the tangled oak trees.

Bothy Gollach Photography

2009-12-07T23:46:00.007Z

Check out the new website

Monifieth one morning last week. It really was a struggle to get back in the car and go to work.

Lunan Bay and Red Castle

2009-11-18T23:01:00.004Z

Esmé and Dad had a lovely time exploring Red Castle and Lunan Bay on Sunday. Poor Mum was stuck at home doing reading for university :( Esmé especially missed her.

Carnoustie fireworks

2009-11-08T01:23:00.002Z

Torch light, fireworks and a bonfire.

Esmé's Birthday. Happy 5th Birthday!

2009-11-01T21:27:00.002Z

Pumpkin

2009-10-29T18:31:00.003Z

Esmé did all the design work, then Gwen cut the pumpkin to her exacting standards.

Halloween preparations

2009-10-29T18:24:00.002Z

Halloween preparations are in full flow and our autumn mobile is finally finished.

Dog, ducks, a shy cat and two billy goats not so gruff!

2009-10-25T21:52:00.005Z

We all had a wonderful afternoon visiting Jackie and Graham in their rural idyll. Esmé was particularly taken by the friendly menagerie who keep Jackie and Graham company. The ducklings were undoubtedly her favourites ( they are very cute) and she was thoroughly excited about getting to help feed them all. Many thanks for a lovely afternoon Jackie and Graham.

Westhaven Sunrise

2009-10-25T12:48:00.003Z

Decidedly grey, but with its own subtle interests.

Storms

2009-10-23T23:02:00.001+01:00

Anstruther at high tide

2009-10-18T22:55:00.002+01:00

We had a bad experience last time we went to the Anstruther Chippy, so, looking through the door and remembering the 1 hour it took last time and the poor service we opted for The Water Front Chip Shop, recently mentioned in the observer. Quick service and the best fish and chips (prawns in Gwen's case) we have had for ages. We will definitely go back.

We didn't get down on the beach as the tide was right in. So we left early, we were missing Esmé, but she was having too much fun at Templeton woods with Granda Jim and Granny Phyllis. For once it wasn't us who were late back. Esmé had a great time and saw a red squirel and lots of fungi, and mini beasts. She is also now the proud owner of a huge monkey puzzle branch.

Fossils at Kingsbarns

2009-10-18T22:47:00.002+01:00

Our first visit to Kingsbarns and we were very impressed by the beach. Lovely sand and stones. Even the ruined harbour is made with blocks of stone containing a large amount of compacted shells. There are also lots of bark impressions and stems in the bedrock.

2009-10-17T23:49:00.002+01:00

Fantastic lunch at the Birnam Art Centre followed by retail therapy and a walk around the Birks of Aberfeldy.

Sunset - Carnoustie beach details

2009-10-16T20:19:00.004+01:00

Rubbish on the beach

2009-10-15T14:40:00.004+01:00

This is a picture of the fishing line that we picked up on a short section of the beach at Auchmithie. We started with a small piece and quickly started picking every bit we could see. Including swivels, muppets and multiple hooks.

So we have done our bit for the environment, strange that angling should produce so much litter. I wonder if the long shore drift acts to deposit line from a large area on this bit of beach?

Kinnordy Loch and Reekie Linn

2009-10-14T23:07:00.006+01:00

The weather was very overcast with virtually no colour, even at sunset today. We made it to Kirriemuir so that Gwen could pop in to work. We then called off any objectives to go further afield. So we had a picnic at Kinnordy Loch and watched the ducks and swans. Autumn colour was in evidence, some sun would have illuminated the leaves with spectacular effect, however, no sun made it through, although the temperature was more like August than October. We then went on to Peel farm, where we enjoyed a coffee, while Esmé coloured in. The shop at Peel Farm also has some great wool, and Gwen could not resist. With dusk fast approaching we made it as far as Reekie Linn before it got dark. Despite checking every picture they all have blown highlights somewhere in the shot, grrrrrr. Better luck next time.

Fossil Hnting in Crail part 2

2009-10-13T19:33:00.001+01:00

Fossilised plant stems exposed in an undercut section of sandstone, a large section of plant stem in a boulder, and Stigmaria in sandstone strata.

The section of Stigmaria we found last year is no longer in situ, whether removed by erosion or collection is unclear. We found a number of short plant stems in amongst shale deposits, with very horsetail like markings on the stem. In the sandstone at beach level on Roome rocks there are a large number of 'nodules' , when removed the ovular dark brown nuggets look very fossil like however what they are we haven't worked out yet.

Fossil hunting in Crail

2009-10-13T19:30:00.003+01:00

Gwen holding Stigmaria impression, Arthropleura tracks and Esmé on the fossilised tree trunk. Although we didn't take Esmé beside the tracks the Arthropleura work out at about the same size as her.

The Big DJ Doodle

2009-10-10T23:45:00.004+01:00

Lots of fun! Thanks for the invite Cat. We now have 4 pieces of original and needless to say, original pieces of artwork on our walls. It's hard to say whether Gwen and I, or Esmé had the most fun. Lots of good things on at DCA and we need to remember and look out for them.

Auchmithie

2009-10-10T11:20:00.003+01:00

Great coffee and cake from Margo at the But 'n' Ben. We really need to go back for lunch sometime soon. As it was our picnic on the beach was tasty, however thoughts of fish and chips did creep in. We finally got a picture for the top of Esmé's jewellery box. Her name in pebbles will fill the space perfectly.

Tattie Holidays!!!!

2009-10-07T19:44:00.002+01:00

At last! It feels like a long time since the summer. The leaves are yellow and the conkers are brown. Esmé now has a huge collection of the brown jewels from our favourite and secret location. The shorter days have put sunrise and sunset in easy reach for her. Hundreds of pictures but few swapped to jpeg so it's the pics. from the conker hunting trip, and inside the Birnam Oak. Also the butterfly that Esmé spotted and sent in to CBeebies.

Esmé looking for crystals

2009-09-23T22:32:00.003+01:00

Esmé likes rocks and she took her new hammer out at the weekend. She brought back lots of agate and several geodes. We also tried our best to avoid the hundreds of ladybirds.

Dolphins

2009-09-19T23:23:00.002+01:00

The best of the dolphin pictures from last weekend. They were very close to the shore at Scurdieness but still very difficult to photograph.

n_ilk at The Botanics

2009-09-14T22:24:00.004+01:00

We had a great time at n_ilk at The Botaniks. Great acts enhanced by the enviromental interaction provided by the venue. The changes in light, sound and the interaction with the space even bats at one point contributed to the special feel. The only complaint we have is against the ants which have left us covered in very itchy bites.

Emé's new hat

2009-09-06T21:25:00.001+01:00

The latest crocheted item. With felted heart detail. Isn't Gwen clever, and productive when she is stuck in the house ill.

Wildlife in the garden

2009-09-02T22:04:00.002+01:00

Most of the tadpoles have now become froglets. It appears that there was one survivor of the first spawn, a toad, spotted at night on to ocassions. We have spotted one dragonfly so far this year and hope for more.

Carnoustie at night

2009-08-29T07:52:00.004+01:00

Some pictures taken on Carnourtie beach on the 24th from sunset onwards.

The Train Track of History!

2009-08-26T00:20:00.002+01:00

Esmé uses this turn of phrase to indicate that somthing is the biggest.

Carnoustie Flower Show Photography

2009-08-23T09:21:00.007+01:00

Carnoustie Flower Show has been a great success this year. With more entries and competitors despight the terrible weather. The addition of extra categories into the photography section has paid off with more entries than ever before. So many that extra tables had to be put out on Thursday to give enough space. There were 6 categories and Gwen scooped a 1st and 2nd prize, particularly good as she only entered two. I had two 1st places and a 2nd place. However, my two favouite pictures didn't get a prize. Just goes to prove that everyone has a different taste. Or it could be that the very kind help received from Nick Morocco with the mounts was what swung it, my two faves were in black frames, so a big thanks to Nick. Our fruit and veg was poor this year and only the plumbs scraped a 3rd prize. The herbs did manage a 1st place although there were fewer competitors this year in this section.

Carnoustie Flower Show

2009-08-23T09:11:00.002+01:00

It's that time of year again. Not enough time for much cooking this year but Gwen excelled herself with her crochet, her hat received a 2nd prize. Her felted bag made from an old jumper one a 1st in the new from old category. Esmé only had time for two entries as she was very busy with school but, she got a prize for each entry!

Crafty

2009-08-23T09:05:00.003+01:00

Crochet and felt this month.

Esmé's first day at school

2009-08-23T08:48:00.003+01:00

Esmé started school on Tuesday . She has grown up overnight and made us feel very old. Esmé really enjoyed colouring in and playtime. She also really likes her teachers.

Esmé's holiday highlights

2009-08-09T15:14:00.005+01:00

Barry Mill, Father's Day Frenzy

2009-06-22T22:27:00.003+01:00

Highlights from the Father's Day races at Barry Mill.

The fight to save it from closure goes on with the crucial council vote on Thursday. The puplic support is huge, so fingers crossed.

Angus Council back call to save Barry Mill

2009-03-28T11:24:00.006Z

Following the successful meeting on Wednesday, Angus Councilors have unanimously backed the call to save the mill. The first aim of Friends of Barry Mill is to win an extension of the April dedline for alternative funding to be found. Angus Council have called upon the National Trust for Scotland to do just that.

Show you support; add your thoughts, get in touch and join the fight to save Barry Mill.

Picture - The waterfall at Barry Mill

A busy week

2009-03-28T09:19:00.003Z

A busy week with, Mothers day flowers, sunshine, good food at the Clova Hotel and all the signs of spring. Not to mention Mill meetings and everything else.

Friends of Barry Mill Public Meeting

2009-03-25T23:47:00.003Z

Over 70 people turned up tonight, we actually ran out of seats and had to use the children's ones! There is to be alot of support in the local community and a Steering Group has been set up. We agreed that we need to try to meet with a decision maker from NTS to try to organise a 'Stay-of -execution' for the mill. The steering group are meeting next Tuesday at the mill.

There were lots of great suggestions made, but we really need to talk to NTS, to find out what they are looking for. Fingers crossed that we can arrange that.

There were journalists there from the local press and the P&J and some rather unfaltering photos were taken too, so look out for us in the local press!

Many thanks to those of you who attended and for your continuing support.

Gwen.

Mothers Day

2009-03-21T23:15:00.005Z

I just wanted to a all the Mummy's out there a great, big, Happy Mothers Day, especially my Mum, Sheona, and my Mother-in-Law, Phyllis. You guys are superstars and we all love you loads.

Being a mum is amazing, sometimes I still can't believe that I am a Mum, even although Esmé is nearly four and a half! Esmé is a fantastic little angel, no one could ever have told me how life changing having a baby is or how wonderful. I really don't know what I did before I had her, I must have way more than double the amount of time I have now, but I am sure I didn't do half things I do now!!!

Gwen x

Save Barry Mill

2009-03-16T21:44:00.003Z

The National Trust for Scotland has announced plans to close various properties across Scotland. One of the affected properties is Barry Mill, just down the road from James' parents.

Barry Mill is one of only a few working Mills left in Scotland. Help us fight to save our heritage, join Friends of Barry Mill.

A night at the brazier

2009-03-04T22:49:00.003Z

Gwen and I spent some quality time burning things. Pyromania ruled for an hour ot two at least. Favourite pictures so far:

To The Lighthouse

2009-02-26T17:30:00.004Z

Far better than reading Virginia Wolf (In my opinion).

Esmé, although unable to smile for a camera, did enjoy herself. We even found a tiny geode amongst the volcanic rocks of Scurdie Ness.

Waxwings in Carnoustie

2009-02-15T14:25:00.002Z

We had 10 Waxwings in our garden yesterday. They were enjoying the last of our apple crop.

Sledging

2009-02-14T23:28:00.006Z

The sun was shining and unusually the snow lay thick for a second day. So, we headed up to our favourite sledging haunt.

It was Cameron's first trip into

the hills to sledge. He was defiantely setting the pace for the day, with a style all of his own!

We all had alot of fun, although I think I managed to do more falling off (taking anyone on the sledge with me at same time) than anyone else.

Spot the snowball!!!!

Is this anyway to show respect to your elders?

He's coming to get you......

2009-02-14T23:16:00.003Z

James had had so much fun making a snow person with Esmé on Thursday, that temptation proved too much for him on Friday and Cameron and James created this truelly terrifying masterpiece.

Without trying to be sexist this snow monster definately smacks of being a male creation. If you know these two important men in my life, I think you will see where I am coming from.

What the photo does not show is the 'removable brain' which Cameron created. Orginal, ehh?

Bless them, they had so much fun.

I should add that upon returning later in the day, someone had removed the head. I wondered if this had been in response to some sceaming, terrified toddler..."Daddy, the Snowman had teeth...is it going to get me?"

A first for Esmé!!!

2009-02-14T23:01:00.002Z

On Thursday the snow came and it was thick and deep and nearly even. I couldn't believe the way it just kept snowing, we haven't had snow like that for ages here.

This has been the first winter that Esmé has really enjoyed the snow. In previous years the sight of snow has been accompanied by Esmé begging to go back inside, out of the cold, or crying!

This is the first snow person(it's true sex is undecided, it seems to change hour by hour!) she has ever made and she is oh so proud of it. It was a proper family effort, even James managed to hand over the camera for a while to help...lol

Go Team Anderson!!!!

The Shape Of Felt To Come

2009-02-08T23:28:00.004Z

I have been experimenting a little with making felt. These are my first attempts at felting with a resist, to create three dimensional objects. Neither turned out as expected, but I think I have come a long way to figuring out how to do it properly! Many thanks go to the lovely ladies, Annie and Lynn, at www.rosiepink.typepad.co.uk, for their help and excellent range of wool!

Health and safety warning!

2009-02-08T22:57:00.003Z

Oscar will be 9 this year and has been mellowing in his old age. No longer does he want to be out, on the town, all hours of the day and night. He is even not averse to rolling about and playing with bits of wool. However, as I was to discover on Friday night, the killer instinct is still alive and kicking!!! Ooowww!!!

Winter Storms

2009-02-02T09:55:00.006Z

A proper winter storm from Saturday.

My first day out of the house for over a week. Snow is whirling around outside as I type, so, fingers crossed for crisp white conditions.

I am loving Aviary at the moment. Online image editing and creation.

Isn't amazing what you can achieve from lying flat on your back for a week and half! It is good to see that James got something out of his enforced time in bed! Gwen x

Geograph of the year from last January

2009-01-27T11:29:00.014Z

Thanks to everyone who voted and those who made the selections. I am really shocked and pleased to have won. What a shame that Gwen wasn't with me when I took the picture.

Since I am unlikely to be close to a mountain for some time I will enjoy reminiscing about an early start to a wonderful day. Unfortunately the sound recording of the fence didn't work. So I can't share the incredibly musical noise made by the ice as it dropped from the fence sometimes as big chunks, but always amongst a myriad of smaller slivers that stuck into the snow below making a very delicate sound.

Instead a video from the top of Mayar where as always I have circled around too quickly. Along with some other pictures I didn't post of the fence.

Burns Night

2009-01-25T13:46:00.006Z

Invalided as I am my thoughts still wander to Burns and especially what poem to give my class. I found the whole process a torment when I was young, however, as a recent convert I will share my enthusiasm with Primary 4 in the hope that one or two might find their way to love it in later life. No decision as yet on what to give them, rest assured that it will probably be a J.K. Annand favourite.

Until then this offering from Stuart McLean:

(If you don't know the tune I have the complete boxed set of burns songs just ask)

Bruce, the Best Man’s, Address to the Groom at His Wedding

Scot, wha hae wi' shavin’ bled,
Scot, wham is so easy led,
Welcome to yer wedding bed -
Oh such mysterie!

Now's the day, and now's the hour:
See the front o' battle lour,
See approach yer new bride’s mither -
Chains and slaverie!

Wha could be so bloody brave?
Married till ye meet the grave?
All yer life tae be a slave? -
Too late tae turn, and flee!

By yer wife’s woes and pains,
Ye’ll hae six screamin’, scroungin’ weans,
They’ll ensure yer bank book drains,
And ye shall ne’er be free!

Lay such horrid thoughts aside!
Long enough have ye cried!
Let us stand and toast the bride!
The drinks are all on me!

This of course in no way represents my views or feelings about marriage. My own experience and that of everyone whom I know has been a blissfully happy one. In no way do I recommend that any best man recites this at a wedding, or if he chooses to do so of his own free will and volition, do not blame me!

Geograph of the Year 2008...

2009-01-23T22:18:00.002Z

... and the winner is ... James!!!!!!

Yes, the overall winner of Geograph of the Year 2008, with this photo

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/660224

Our profile on Geograph is GwenandJames, but that photo was all James. I wasn't there and if I had been, I probably would have held him up too much on that fine, crisp morning last January, to have allowed him to take it!

Yes, he is good, he knows it and now he has a title to prove it!!!

Well done honey.

Gwen x

James is still recovering from the lumbar puncture and has spent all day flat on his back. He was far braver than I would have been.

Lumber Puncture

2009-01-22T18:44:00.003Z

Post-puncture = flat on my back. Thank Toshiba for my laptop and the accessibility of music on the web that shuns the corporate model that dominates the main stream. From dublab based in LA and recording artists in unusual venues around the city downloadable to your i-pod as well.

That reminds me, we have tickets for Dick Gaughan. This might mark the true transition into proper 'folk' fans, but as someone (I can't remember who) said when asked if their music was folk music; "yeh it's folk music, have you ever heard of a horse that can sing".

DON CAVALLI "Long Time Gone" (dublab VisionVersion) from dublab on Vimeo.

....ermmm Happy New Year...

2009-01-18T22:16:00.002Z

... well better late than never!

I can hardly believe that it is the 18th January already and that we haven't had a chance to get on the blog since New Year. However, it is true.

James and I are back to work and Esmé has started at morning (pre-school) nursery, that's right she is off the school after the summer, yes, the summer this year...[deep breath, no tears]. Anyway, with work and Esmé's social life we have had little time up date the blog.

I remember when blogs first started to take off, you know, when they were for computer nerds, my brother -in-law told me that there was no point in having a blog if it was not updated very regularly. I heard a discussion on Radio 4 late last year about blogs. It claimed that most blogs were full of personal drivel and irregularly updated, thus dragging down the validity of serious blogs.

Their description is our blog, I won't argue, but surely our efforts to record family life to keep friends who occassionaly pop in informed, does not actually do any harm to the 'serious' blogger?

Happy New Year

Bye, bye 2008

2008-12-31T23:21:00.003Z

Another year comes to an end, so let us raise a glass to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

Best wishes for 2009 from Gwen, James and Esmé

Sunset on the Year

2008-12-31T22:22:00.009Z

Sunset on the last day of the year over Glen Prosen. A soft winter light and gentle haze has characterised a day with no wind and temperatures that have clung firmly around freezing.

Esmé had soft winter sunshine to hone her photography skills. As well as amazing us by walking all the way up a hill, then insisting on going further, and further along the track. We had to stop her or we would have been trying to get back to the car in the dark. From Esmé's camera here is a picture of the Airlie Monument or 'Giant's Castle' whichever you prefer.

Light at the end of the year

2008-12-31T00:51:00.004Z

A year that ends with days of perfect light can't be too bad. Just a day to go before the trials and tribulations of this year can be metaphorically buried, while the memories of the year captured as photographs become idealised moments. Taking the picture is a self differentiating act, the camera only tends to come out when the smiles are full, the sun shining and the occasion suitable. A slice in time is removed, taken out of context and every contact thereafter imbues it with new meaning, usually a subtle adition, but always widening the distance between the image and the event. Pictures on mountains especially and most immediately fall short of the original experience. While mountains are out of bounds for now, my legs can just about cope with the beach and the light on the 29th was incredible. This lends the picture all the more power, making it the more capable of cutting me off from the actual event. Although the light was magical and the sea was playing its part admirably neither of these were the most important part of the half hour. It was the company of Gwen and Esmé, all three of us collecting shells and driftwood relaxed, at peace. With just a day in between, this kernel is already slipping, so what hope of remembering the truly important parts of the year?

Happy Gwen Day!

2008-12-26T21:00:00.003Z

The momentous day has arrived and eventually Gwen has like a modern day Methuselah reached the grand 'old' age of 30. Stop where you are! No donations are required as yet for the care home, she still seems capable of going to the toilet unaided, at least when sober. So, in this most festive of seasons an extra day of merry making has been squeezed in. This bonus satiation has caused an equally pressing, if somewhat less pleasant reaction between our collective waistlines and our collective waistbands, but before we all turn to search for the corrective equation to this wayward chemical reaction (no doubt fresh green salad features in there somewhere) raise a glass to Gwen and remind her that women truly blossom at 30. Here's to Gwen!

Another Birthday!

2008-12-16T22:46:00.003Z

It's Emily's birthday today...Happy Birthday!

You know what that means though..don't you?

Yes, 10 days til my Birthday, wayhey!!!

Going for Green!!!!

2008-12-08T21:30:00.006Z

The school Esmé's Nursery is attached to, is going for their Green Eco-Schools award. The staff and kids seem to be backing it enthuastically and on Saturday James and I were getting stuck in too!
Some of the older pupils have drawn up plans for the area we cleared. They are planing to plant a Sunflower field, Wheat or Barley fields(?, not sure which) and have a Bee and Butterfly Garden.

While we were busy outside, it was all go at the Christmas Craft Fair. Marta launched her 'Marta's Eco-crafts' business, making and selling funky handcrafted items, made from recycled materials. Cool isn't it, well done Marta!
Marta's boys and Esmé were giving her lots of support and help!!!!

Many thanks to David for the photos!

Sledging Fun

2008-12-06T21:11:00.005Z

Esmé had great fun in the snow and ice in Glen Lethnot today. Unfortunately on her last run the sledge tipped and she scraped her face and split her lip :( She was very brave though and is now covered in arnika cream.

Esmé comic genius!

2008-12-06T01:21:00.003Z

Just to prove how easy comic life is to use Esmé made this. She selected all of the components and did the dragging and dropping. The only part I did was the typing and saving.

James.

So what happened?

2008-12-04T22:52:00.004Z

No snow fell here last night, I had grand plans for snowy fun on my day off, but no, it didn't happen :(

I had even imagined all the Dundee schools being off and James being able to enjoy the snow too. However, the schools were open and the rain seems to be bringing the winter wonderland to an end for the moment, even the carpark at James' work is turning to slush.

There is one thing for certain, there must have been thousands of disappointed faces looking across the classrooms today, from both sides of the teachers desk!!!

(Last Sunday was cold and very crisp. Barry mill was still thick with frost after midday)

It's snowing.....

2008-11-22T22:45:00.007Z

Wow, I know it was forecast for wintry showers, but I really didn't expect to waken up to a blanket of snow covering the garden! Esmé was utterly delighted, til the temper tantrum anyway. Ahhh to be 4 years old....

It was oh so cold, bbbrrr. Beautiful though...

We had a glorious walk last weekend in the last autumn sun, through Craigmill Den and back along the beach. It was sunny with a chill to the air, but definitely still warm enough to linger and beach comb!

In contrast, today definitely heralded arrival of winter! It was freezing, literally, we didn't even make it down to the beach!

Could we be in for a white Christmas? Who is to say, but it is guaranteed to be the number question from my pupils on Monday.
Note to self...keep an eye on those synoptic charts....

Fabulous, fizzing fireworks.

2008-11-10T22:41:00.011Z

Surely everyone loves fireworks? We do, James, Esmé and I are all big fireworks fans. Without a doubt the best fireworks which James and I have been to are the Edinburgh Festival Fireworks ~ totally amazing, if you ever get the chance, go!

Back to this year, we were spoilt, we went to the Coastguard fireworks and then on Guy Fawkes Night we went up to Next Generation and met up with Simon and Eleanor, and Su, Mark and Benjamin. After soup and stovies the fun began.

The only bad thing about the fireworks was that Margaret was poorly and unable to come along. It really was a shame, especially since she organised our fireworks evening!

I am however please to report that she is on the mend ~ get well soon Margaret xx

Busy weekend for birthday girl!!!!

2008-11-03T22:40:00.007Z

Esmé turned 4 on Thursday and we seem to have been celebrating ever since!

Esmé was delighted to have Alex round to show her new big girl Lego off to and everyone at nursery sang Happy Birthday to her.

Aunts, Uncles, Grannies and Granda popped in to help Esmé blow out her candles on birthday cake number 1.

To be honest it really doesn't feel like 4 years since we were bathing her in a basin on the same table featured in the picture!

Friday was Halloween, I really did want Esmé to be born on Halloween, but when it came to it, that was never going to happen.....
Esmé had her nursery Halloween party and dressed up in her pumpkin dress and got plenty of party game practise for Sunday.
I did dress up as a witch for work, but was gutted that I forgot my broom stick...
I still managed to forget it when we popped into the Abourkir's kids party in the evening :(

We had our annual family outing to the Carnoustie fireworks on Saturday, this year followed by soup at OC's.

Hopefully there will still be fireworks and a torchlit procession to go to next year, but lack of donations last year had put this years fireworks in jeopardy. There have been a alot of people trying to raise money to support the fireworks and hopefully more people made contributions this year.

It really would be a sad day if this tradition came to an end.

Sunday was party time. Friends and family were invited to Esmé's fancy dress Halloween birthday party. There was a fabulous fancy dress turn out amongst the children and the 'big kids' effort was pretty good too! A big well done to the all the winners, but especially to the Ghostbusters in the adult/big kid category!!! (May I add that Indian Jones was one of our favourites.) Once more we had fantastic selection of carved pumpkins for the pumpkin competition - well done everyone. So much easier than the dreaded turnip scooping our childhood...
The party was huge, busy, noisy and a bit mad. I think everybody enjoyed themselves, Esmé certainly did. There is no way we could have pulled it off had it not have been for the help and support we received. Like the Oscars there are too many people to thank everyone by name, but must say a special thank you to Granny Sheona and Granny Phyllis, Auntie Dawn and Marta.

Esmé has received so many lovely presents she has truly been spoilt, Esmé sends a big thank you.

So we are almost back to normality, whatever that is in our house, but we still have the fireworks on November 5th to look forward too!!!!

Happy Birthday Cameron!!!!

2008-10-19T00:37:00.007+01:00

Happy Birthday Cameron!!!

Lots of Love from

Auntie Gwen, Uncle James
and Esmé
x x x

Esmé's birthday card for Cameron

Labour of Love...

2008-10-15T23:37:00.009+01:00

From when I first fell pregnant with Esmé, I have wanted to make something for her to keep. I couldn't knit, I have no obvious and useful skills, what could I make? I really couldn't think of anything, but it still bugged me I wanted to make her something. Over 6 months ago I started on her blanket...

...and I crocheted it!!! This time last year I could not crochet, I wouldn't even have known which end of a crochet hook was which! Around Christmas time last year, I saw lovely crocheted flower pins, for bags and jackets in DCA. They cost a small fortune and I was sure I could have a stab at making something similar. After all, the other women in the family seem to be able to use metal sticks to produce something wonderful out of yarn. And this was when I enlisted the Phyllis to help me.

Before Esmé was even born, Phyllis had made her a beautiful crocheted shawl, and we used it all the time. I loved it and marvelled at someone being able to produce something so lovely. It never crossed my mind that I could learn to crochet. However, after seeing the flowers I decided to ask Phyllis to help me and early this year, maybe 8 months ago, she started to teach me to crochet, may I add here that she is a wonderful tutor!

I diligently practised my squares and circles and at some point along the way, I decided that it would be a great idea to crochet Esmé a blanket. I eventually found the perfect wool, courtesy of Angels and Elephants, who have an Ebay online store. They buy in Shetland wool and dye it themselves. In fact they ended up dying a few batches especially for me, due to my complete inability to judge how much wool I would need! Thank you Kellie x

Of course, me being me, I couldn't find a pattern that was exactly what I wanted. In my wisdom I decided that, as a newbie hooker, the best thing to do would be to improvise on a pattern in one of Nicky's crocheting books and then make the rest up as I went along! As a result the blanket is the combination of five different patterns, with a little bit of Gwen for good measure!!!

Six months down the line and the blanket is finally finished. I am truly proud of my efforts and very grateful to James for his patience and support, to Kellie for keeping on dying more wool for me, to Phyllis for teaching me how to hook and for keeping me right, to those of you who have endured the blanket traumas and of course to Esmé for being so patient!

...I truly am a happy hooker!

Jambo Lizzy and Ruth

2008-10-04T15:36:00.006+01:00

The holidays are here, the term has flown by. James is still in shock to find himself at the end of his first term at school. I don't think that James or I can quite believe that Esmé has completed her first term at school nursery. The fact that she will be going to school next summer really seems to becoming a reality! She has had a ball, Esmé's favourite things at nursery are gym and show and tell. She actually asked me this morning how many sleeps it was till nursery starts again!!!!

I do enjoy my job, but I have to say that the last weeks of a school term always seem a little stressful, as the kids start to get impatient for the end of term. This term has been entirely different. As most of you are aware Websters is linked with Litein High School, in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. Earlier in the year one of the geographers, Richard came for a visit as part of the Global Reciprocal Visit Scheme. For the past 2 weeks we have had Lizzy, an English teacher and Ruth, a History and RME teacher visiting.

They are both fantastic ladies and it has been a wonderful experience having them in school. They have been rushed off their feet visiting classes and groups both within the school and local community. The Home Economics dept. hosted a coffee morning in aid of the link. Which was very successful. Esmé was very excited about going and getting to meet Lizzy and Ruth. The three of them really seemed to hit it off!

I have been involved with the Kenyan link since the start, although mostly as an interested onloooker, Mike has been the driving force within the school. I always believed in the link and felt it would be an enriching experience. We have begun to amend our syllabus to include a study of Kenya, this is part of an enriched task and runs as part of a faculty wide project, working alongside History and RME. I know that Lizzy and Ruth have been working on curriculum development too. We also have a number of pupils who now have Kenyan penpals.

The link has however, bought so much with it, other than curriculum development and greater awareness and knowledge of another country. It is difficult to describe, but suddenly Kenya doesn't seem like a distant land. And I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to meet some truly wonderful people and dedicated teachers to boot!

I hope that Lizzy and Ruth have lovely last few days in Scotland and have a little time to chill out before returning home.

Happy tattie holidays!

Perthshire Open Studios

2008-09-29T22:10:00.003+01:00

Our friend Mhairi makes lovely jewellery. Everything she makes is beautifully hand crafted.

This week she is been involved in the Perthshire Open Studios week and is been exhibiting with Gerry and Alison in their studio. It is a unique oppertunity to meet local artists and makers in their studio's, watch them work and even have a chance to buy something really lovely...Christmas is only 3 months away......

Visit http://www.perthshireopenstudios.com/ for more info and if you are free this week, why not go along!

So the world didn't end today....

2008-09-10T22:17:00.003+01:00

Work today has consisted of much speculation about whether we would indeed be swallowed up into a great big black hole or not. There were a few interesting theories flying around my classes...

Firstly, the Large Hadron Collider(LHC) would create are enormous black hole and by 09.15 would would all have disappeared into it. Life as we know it would be at an end. As the day went on new deadlines for the black hole swallowing us up were created, to allow for the fact that we were still here.

The second theory argued was that the world was not going to end today. A black hole would be created, however it was apparently going to be so small the only small things would get sucked into it and we were too big. I can see this becoming an excuse for the mysterious ongoing disappearance of pencils, rulers, jotters and anything required in class! :p

A group of pupils informed me that since the world was going to end today, there would have be no point in wasting their last night on Earth doing their homework!!!!! I am glad to add that the homework in question was not for me!

After much speculation about 'Big Bang Day', it is good to see that the £5billion the French and Swiss spent creating it was well spent and that we were all still here to see the the two little lights on the screen. I was informed by a pupil at the end of the day that I was wrong, we had not yet survived 'Big Bang Day', because, wait for it, we are not going to get swallowed into said enormous black hole until tomorrow morning!Although who is to say? After all no-one seems to know exactly when they plan to run the first actual collision!!!

Gwen

Back to school...

2008-08-18T00:28:00.003+01:00

....what already???? You must be joking....

Ahh yes the echos of pupils and teachers alike, sounding all round Scotland.

It is true, as it always is, that the summer holidays have flown by. It is hard to believe that we have had 7 weeks off this year.

I have mixed feeling about going back as you might expect, but it will be nice to get back in there, I do enjoy my job, well, most of the time anyway!!!

For me it is just 'going back', for James and Esmé this week marks excting new times. Esmé starts at the school nursery and she is very excited about this. Apparently, big girls(and boys, no doubt) go to the school nursery! James, of course starts, in his first teaching job, so tomorrow is a very big day for him. Luckily he is feeling alot better.

I would like to say a big thank you to James and Esmé for a lovely holiday. After a hard year it has been great to spend time together.

So, good luck for your first day at school James!!! Don't wind the older ones up, they'll flush your head down the toilet........or is that just at secondary?

Gwen x

...and he's home!!! Hooray!!!

2008-08-04T15:59:00.003+01:00

Just to let you know that James is now home, having had his mri this morning. He is feeling much better and is very glad to be properly reunited with his laptop, without the fear of having to leave it at 8.30pm! Glad to have you home Honey xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I would to say a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us out, while James has been in hospital. I have no idea how we would have managed without you all.

Day Release

2008-08-02T11:58:00.003+01:00

James here on day release from hospital. The NHS at 60 is in fine shape and I have a room of my own, en suit, with a TV. It doesn't have internet access though. I now realise just how much I use it now for everything.

Hopefully I will get my MRI scan early on in the week and with any luck it will indicate what is wrong. So far I have avoided the threatened lumber puncture. The CT scan was interesting, something akin to sticking your head into the whirling drum of a washing machine.

Gwen has been great and made sure I am getting plenty of food and reading material to stop me going mad. I really miss being at home though, this really isn't how I planned to end my summer holidays.

Inverness

2008-07-31T22:15:00.008+01:00

Last week we were up in Inverness on holiday, having a lovely time. We had intended to get a holiday post on here sooner, however, James started feeling unwell and after a trip to the doctor on Tuesday, ended up enjoying the hospitality of Ninewells. He is feeling much better thankfully, but is still in so the docs can keep an eye on him. Esmé and I are missing him loads and hoping that he will be better and back home very soon. I have cobbled together a post, we had such a good time and did so much, I am not about to try and get it all down, just some of the highlights. It will be be wholly inadequate without James' input though, I fear.

We hadn't planned on going away on holiday, but it didn't take much to change our minds!!!
So, we headed up to the lovely Iris' B&B(please get in touch for contact details). As we left Carnoustie the sun was shining on us and it remained so for the whole of our holiday. To be honest as we sat out every night in shorts and t-shirts til 11pm, it was hard to believe that we were holidaying in the north of Scotland! We slapped on the factor 50 daily and topped it up and we all have managed to still get a tan.
We managed to squeeze so much into our 5 days away.

We went along the coast abit to Burghead to visit the old fort and well. We never got into the well, the key holder wasn't available :-(

The rock pools at Burghead are fantastic, they were all crawling with crabs, hermit crabs, anemones and sea hares(as seen in the picture).
The stone was a lovely golden colour and the water in pools was so clear...they really were the perfect rock pools!!!

We decided to have lunch on the beach at Burghead and discovered that it wasn't just the rock pools that were amazing. Burghead also sports perfect sand castle building sand.

You can imagine the seen Mum and Dad getting stuck into building a huge sand castle, small child disowning parents.
Esmé was trying to pull down the castle, she took great delight when she, along with the various friends she had made in the beach, was allowed to knock down the castle!

May we add it was the biggest and best castle on the beach and there were lots of people at the beach!!!

If you are in Inverness you really do have to visit the Black Isle, it really does have some beautiful spots and interesting places to visit. We didn't make it up last time, so we thought we better had this time.

We found a museum in Rosemarkie that houses the local history information and artifacts, including locally found carved stones. It is great to see stones in the area they belong to... The museum also had a good range of things for kids to do, including this harp, which children are encouraged to play!

We saw alot of different birds and animals while we were away. We watched a red squirrel run up a tree, saw a deer, Esmé spotted many a bunny and there were jellyfish galore.

However, while up in Cromarty stood caught sight of a little lost mole looking for his mole hole. For all of us it was our first ever mole sighting!!

I fondly remember as a small child, probably about the same age as Esme is now, going on a barge on a canal. I don't think that I had ever been back to visit a canal since, until last Thursday!

Now Esmé would have loved to go on one of the boats in the canal, we didn't manage that, but we were lucky enough to see 2 boats go down through the locks on the canal. Esmé was fascinated watching the water level out between locks. She was a little disappointed that they wouldn't let her on them though!!!

We walked right along the tow path between the two road swing bridges. On our way along we found the first of the years raspberries. James bravely clambered in to get them and oh they may have been small, but they were nice and juicy!

On our visit to the Black Isle earlier in the week we had run out of time and had to forget visiting the Black Isle Brewery.
We decided that before went headed for the lowlands on our way home, we would pop in. It is a small scale micro brewery and it was interesting to see where the beer comes from.

All real ale lovers should try the Black Isle Brewery beers and if up that way, it is worth a quick visit, even if it is just to stock up...

Happy holidays!!!

2008-07-20T10:26:00.003+01:00

We have been meaning to put this on since we came back but here is a video of the lovely summer weather at the summit of Stuc a Chroin back on the 5th of the month. Wintery conditions forecast for high tops this week temperatures close to zero brrrrrrrrr.

Esmé's first camping trip

2008-07-17T00:07:00.003+01:00

We have been thinking about taking Esmé camping for a while now and since Kev gave Esmé a wee persons sleeping bag, we thought we had better get on with it.

So we packed up the car, with everything apart from the kitchen sink and the laptops. Then we made for the coast via the chippy. Having found the 'good chippy' in Montrose to be shut, we continued up to Inverbervie.

We had a yummy, truly Scottish tea and then had a walk along the beach. Having spotted a perfect site, a good bit away and across the river from the camp and caravan site. We got our kit and set about making camp.

There was plenty of evidence of previous campers, but we gathered most of that up and burnt it on our camp fire.

It kept us warm well into the night, as we watched the sun go down, lighting up the clouds beautifully and later as we counted the stars as they came out for the night.

We awoke on Tuesday morning to sun and the sound of many a sheep bleating around the tent. They did keep a respectful distance as we had our breakfast!

Esmé thoroughly enjoyed the experience and is keen to go again, although she was a little upset, complaining 'Daddy rolled on me and squished me'!!!! Never mind, these things happen!!!!!!!

Oh my word, that is so sweet!

2008-07-16T23:57:00.003+01:00

As you all know James has just finished his PGDE(Primary). It was a hard year of much laughter and tears. For some on the course however, they found a little more than they expected. Paul and Elaine meet on the course, fell in love and got married on Saturday! See, we told you it was sweet!!!!

The whole wedding was lovely, very romantic, the food was great and the ceilidh was grand and everyone had a ball, especially the kids.

So, congratulations to the happy couple and of a big thank you for a lovely day, from all of us.

With a little help from our friends

2008-07-16T23:45:00.004+01:00

We love the beach and spend alot of our time down there. Since the start of the holidays, we have set about experimenting with sandcastle building.

Rarely has this been a purely aesthetical venture. We have been going for good defence and scale. We had to purchase two extra big spades, so we had one each and have taken to lugging the tub~trug along too, to facilitate greater quantity sand moving! Oh yes, we are taking this very seriously!

However, how do you go about building a huge multi#sandcastle empire before tea time???

The simply answer is have a fun afternoon with your friends! Marta, Jamie and Alex joined us and together we made this monument to sandcastle building. Thanks guys xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Two at a time baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-16T22:58:00.005+01:00

We made our third attempt, this year, to get to the summit of Ben Vorlich. On both of our past attempts, the weather beat us back.

On the the 5th July, the forecast was for sun with shower, with some wind rising gusts of 40mph max. So, in good faith we set off, thinking it would probably be a pleasant summer days walking.

As Ben Vorlich came into view it became apparent that the weather was somewhat at odds with the forecast. The summit was shrouded in cloud and as we climbed higher it was clear that it was going to be another very windy day.

We were frozen, but trumphant as we reached the summit and our glee lead us to successfully make it up to Stuc a Chroin!

Rather wind blown, we returned to the car, glorious in the knowledge that we had done both the Munros in the area and that we would not have to return again, well not this year anyway!!!

Slugs, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails...

2008-07-01T23:21:00.003+01:00

... well slugs, snails(still), worms and slaters anyway!

Esmé's interest in all things 'creepy crawly' simply grows and grows. Not content with just two racing snails ~ normally named George and Molly, Esmé has decided that a careful study of the creatures in the garden should take place at every possible opportunity.

Her sand bucket doubles as a collecting pot, for the beasties she finds under her rocks and stones in the garden. She takes great delight in finding the largest slugs and biggest families of slaters.

To aid her in her investigations we bought her a 'Bugscope'. She is now able to examine her captive creatures until her heart's content! And of course it is a very valuable learning experience ;-)

Oscar was a little put out that both Ivory and Cola had made their débuts on the blog, but that he was yet to be seen. He made sure he was in the picture this time!!!!!

News Flash

2008-07-01T23:15:00.002+01:00

Despite heroic efforts, the latest additions to Carnoustie's sea defences fail!

It has to be said that we all put in an hours hard graft, before the natural forces of the sea breached our sea wall!!!

Scrubber!

2008-06-29T20:58:00.003+01:00

James has definitely found his true vocation. Forget education, he is going to open his own laundry service featuring his patented (pending) washing system. Also know as the bucket!

He did a great job, the jackets were most certainly beading, as were his hands!!!!

It says you can wash Paramo in the washing machine, but we think there is still too much detergent build up. So a bucket and hot water is all that's needed to avoid the problem. Lets see if it works in the rain. We both have memories of being frozen in January in first rain then snow and sub zero conditions. Not nice!

Life's a beach

2008-06-29T20:35:00.003+01:00

In between rain clouds we have managed to investigate life in the rock pools, crabs, fish, anemones, hermit crabs and more. Esmé is enthralled, although the crab in the picture gave her a fright!

In contrast to the leaden skies of last week this morning was bright from first thing. Just as well since Gwen had offered to walk Cola. Plenty of Jelly fish on the beach and Cola had a good time although he must have wondered why it took 3 hours. But Esmé managed along the beach up Craigmill Den and back through Panbride all without help. But she definately doesn't want a dog now that she knows you have to do that twice a day.

Batties Den

2008-06-24T20:24:00.002+01:00

Craigmill Den and The Fairy Steps

2008-06-24T20:22:00.000+01:00