Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Red Toothpaste

02/01/2005

A surprise, a really good day’s weather when one least expected it! Almost spring like, with a temperature of plus thirteen degrees, light westerly wind, dry with plenty of bright sunshine. We can even watch the moon for most of the day to the east of us, halfway between full and new. Plenty to do in Glen Trollaigh but the highlight must be the news from Glen Orchy that Kim and Mhairi Katharine Kerr have arrived safely from Madison, Alabama. These lovely girls are daughter-in-law and granddaughter to John and Erica and their arrival has lifted everyone’s spirits in the Lorn glens. Dotty and I cannot resist nipping across the high pass with the complete pack in high spirits to call at Arichastlich, a wonderful treat to be greeted with such innocent informality by Mhairi Katharine, surely she could be a most suitable recipient of the ancient rights and titles of Glen Trollaigh. Her father generously sends me a superb personalised sweatshirt that I will wear to the Colonsay Ceilidh. Before we leave after many friendly toasts to “the confusion of our mutual enemies”, there is a slight contra ton about red toothpaste. Apparently, the blue variety has been left in Madison, and Oban will be scoured tomorrow for a replacement. A blast from the past to hear from Irwin Fletch, once again his memory fails him, as it was his father Major Sir Duncan Fletch of that Ilk who made the bidding error that legally allowed the Trollaighs to possess both the Fletch Gold Pocket Watch and the rights to all future generations of first-born Fletch females. I still wear the gold fob each day in my Haggarts of Aberfeldy tweed waistcoat, however, in deference to dearest Dotty I have never exercised the second prize! But, dear Irwin, one never knows! Yours Aye, Archie, The Baron Trollaigh.