Monday, February 07, 2005
Tups and Parties
02/07/2005
The wind backs to the south, so it is a forecast of rain. However, apart from a couple of heavy showers it is not too bad, with cloud breaking for a few precious blinks of sunshine, plenty of snow above 1500 feet. But, the southerly wind is stronger than of late, so wind chill is zero degrees, especially when the showers are about to blow through. The baronial JCB is digging all day, with a break to unload horse manure for the garden, kindly sent up from Loch Fyne. Dotty and I have heated discussions about the septic tank problem, and I am rebuked several times for mentioning the details of soil drainage at meal times, but this challenge is consuming my thoughts, as we desperately need an emergency short term solution, as well as a long term re-design. Rather unkindly, Dotty becomes almost hysterical at luncheon, as I enthusiastically unveil my plans to recycle the contents of the blocked and overflowing tank by pumping directly onto the Rose beds. At Arichastlich, Mhairi Katharine comes face to face with some large tups while sheep feeding, fortunately she is sharp enough to grasp that they are a lot more scared of her, than she of them, and quickly takes command. In the afternoon, there is a party with Innis, Callum, Lewis and their parents, from Blackmount and Corryghoil. The party is greatly enjoyed by all, Mhairi beginning declared the ice cream champion, with others scoring well with ham, cheese and potatoes (not all together!). As Easter is not that far away, I hear that chocolate mini eggs proved popular! Back in Glen Trollaigh, I spend the evening in the office paying bills, and realising that I have the accounts to finish off. However, an “very young” Ardbeg will make the task less painful, and as the gales start to shake the Tower of Trollaigh, I know the Great Bed awaits. Yours Aye, Archie, The Baron Trollaigh.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Alpine Argyll
02/06/2005
Awake to an Alpine morning. This is what we were promised for yesterday. The temperature rises from freezing to plus five degrees, light northerly breeze, blue skies and snow down to 1000 feet. I feel in remarkably good form, with only some stiff leg muscles to show for yesterday’s marathon. I forgot to report our spotting tally for Saturday, we saw Deer, Ravens (diving ritual display), Ptarmigan, Black Grouse, and a lot of tracks including fox, hare, sheep, stoats and possibly an otter. To-day I enjoy the sun in the policies but fail to tick anything off the “must do” list. I hear that two uncles, one great uncle, one great aunt and a great grandfather have all left Arichastlich to-day. Mhairi Katharine found real snow on Blackmount and made a snowman with pebble eyes, nose and heather hair! The sun reaches the Tower at 11.10 am, earlier and earlier each day, and I can easily go for a brisk walk at 5.00 pm, south down the glen with the pack in full cry. A Thrush (Song or Mistle?) follows us along the roadside treetops, singing it’s heart out, and we are treated to wonderful views of the snowy tops, 3000 feet above us, turn pink in the last of the sun’s rays. It will be cold tonight,with plenty of stars, perhaps a chance to spend the evening in front of the library fire with a good book. I have many to catch up with, and because it is Sunday, I can put everything else off until tomorrow. I am hoping for a A large nightcap and an early bed, however, I have just heard dearest Dotty hallooing in the long gallery. Perhaps my hedonistic plans are in peril, where can I hide? Yours Aye, Archie, The Baron Trollaigh.