Still Just Can't Help Ourselves! 26th Jan

After our failure of an “Off Day” yesterday we tried again today. We pottered around the house, Vince working on his photos and drone stuff, me doing a bit of planning for my children’s book idea.

We also had invited our crofter friend, Alan, to lunch at 12.00pm so Vince was busy cooking the roast pork, whilst I did the veggies, gravy and desert.

Alan was his usual self, full of tales to tell and great fun. I asked him about what kind of feed I should give to the Heiland Coos next time I see them and if I could purchase some from him. He told me he’s getting a ton tomorrow - I laughed and said that I didn’t think I’d need quite that much.

Vince asked him about Duncan’s Emporium and we enjoyed each other’s company chatting for a good couple of hours before it was back to work for him - on the promise of some scones and tea one day next week - he’s up for it! It was Vince’s idea - I don’t know how I will go without my trusty Thermomix, no hand mixer to speak of and an oven with a tendency to burn things! But hey it’s all part of the adventure!

After enjoying several drams of whiskey with Alan, we had finally finished that special bottle we got just for him. After he left, Vince and I went and had a “kindy nap” - for 3 and half hours! Indulgent to say the least - but necessary as we planned to be up late tonight doing some Astro and waiting for Snow!

Dinner was just nibbling here and there - due to the massive lunch we had eaten.

Then it was off to the military look out at Balmaqueen which we used as a base for a 360 degree view as well as some shelter from the howling, freezing wind. We had been here in daylight so had an idea of the lay of the land, which was just as well as in the pitch dark it was a somewhat complicated hike, due to the steep slippery slopes and the patches of deep bog where you could disappear up to you knees in an instant.

We tried a few varied positions, but in the end the cold got the better of us, even with our gloves, so it was back down the hill and into the car for home.

Much more comfortable by the fire in our cosy little home at Willie McLeod’s House we settled down for a movie, Edie - about an elderly woman who climbs a Munro in the Scottish Highlands. It was a bit slow in places and didn’t really ring my bell - but it was okay.

Hoping for some snow that is forecast for tonight (with a severe weather warning for Flodigarry, which is just down the road) so we can finally build that snowman we have been promising the Grandies. Fingers Crossed