Bright Saturday

02/19/2005

Frosty start with a scattering of snow around the Tower of Glen Trollaigh. However, a bright blustery day, with good sunshine from 10.15. Brisk north wind brings flurries of snow from time to time, and the temperature rises to plus 2 degrees. It is frosty in the Great Bed as well, because I jumped ship last night to avoid dinner with the Boat of Garten and The Baked Bean Taster. However, as it is our favourite Saturday morning, a cup of tea in bed brings forgiveness. Another day in the Garden, or half a day as we will leave mid-afternoon to go to Glasgow for the Colonsay fundraiser. We do not catch sight of the Happy Couple, and over coffee David phones from a field in Norfolk where they have shot their quota of birds at Sandringham, but are now engaged in an inter temple trap shoot. Judging by the distinctive blast of five shot Berretta automatic twelve bores in the background, the competition is intense. According to David, the Baked Bean does have certain rights after living in the Highbury House for six months, but as it is a company house, we are quite at liberty to get him to sign a contract waiving his rights, if he is not paying a rent. This is extremely good news, and David dictates a form of agreement over the mobile, pausing as the fusillades of shots roar past. I quickly type this up on the PC and summon the Baked Bean to the Estate Office. As gruffly, as possible, I explain the situation, sign two copies and give them to him to sign and return to me, pointing out that failure to sign is, by default acceptance of the terms. The Baked Bean is satisfyingly ashen faced and twitchy. I then summon Lachie and Mhairi who have volunteered to serve the Happy Couple tonight, in our absence. I make it quite clear what may or may not be eaten or drunk, before, during or after dinner. Any nonsense, they are to contact me in Glasgow. Whistling smugly, I nip into dearest Dotty’s loo for a hot bath, and in excellent spirits head for Town. Yours Aye, Archie, The Baron Trollaigh.