Scotland and sour milk

We’ve just returned from a wonderful week in Scotland once again. This time we stayed at a place called Lochgoilhead and it was absolutely beautiful. Tom managed to get a few days fly fishing at Inverawe and we now have a freezer stocked with freshly caught trout. Taking a six year old batman meant we had to go in the swimming pool every day but hey ho, we’d forgotten how much fun you can have with a child who thinks he’s a shark!! We’ve come back well rested and ready (I think) for the autumn and winter. Whenever we go anywhere that’s worth a little feedback we like to give it and I must stress if any of you go self catering around Argyll you must buy your meat from the butchers in Inverary, it’s just in the square where the jail is. The meat is just the best we’ve ever tasted; tender, succulent and so very tasty. Coupled with the fish market and also the great seafood restaurants around the area this definitely is a place to visit for fine food, excellent fishing, invigorating walks and wonderful scenery.

The week before we went Tom had a day at the races with some ex-colleagues and friends. Being the dutiful wife I of course offered to “cover in the guest house the following morning so that he could “rest off” his previous day’s frolicking. After all, I like to socialise, I’m not a bad cook and I know how to clean a room and make a bed. What else is there to running a guest house???? Oh dear, a guest we had for the first time was far, far too polite to mention that his cereal didn’t quite taste as it should. I was mortified when I made myself a well earned coffee once all guests had been accommodated, the milk just settled in lumps floating on the top of the cup. And oh no, who should walk in just as I was screwing up my face?? Yes, Tom!!!!! He went absolutely ballistic at me: How stupid, how careless, don’t you even know how to test milk? He went on and on…… I rushed back into the lounge to apologise to Steve who had finished his cereal admitting that it did taste a little sharp. I am so very sorry Steve but if it makes you feel any better I am well and truly sacked and not allowed near the breakfast preparations again!!!! However, on the positive side I suppose it does make Tom feel more indispensable.

We've also been interviewed and photographed by artist, Tracey Holland, who is one of a group of artists preparing an exhibition displaying the Valley of Stone. The exhibition will be focusing on the stone within the Rossendale Valley; its uses over the years, the part played in the history of Rossendale and the many stories and memories created. The exhibition which has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Groundwork Pennine Lancashire runs from 6 - 14 December at the Horse & Bamboo Theatre in Waterfoot. Some of you may already know the interesting history of our property but for those of you that would like to know more and become familiar with the wonderful and unique properties of the Rural Rossendale group as well as view the fantastic artwork featured around the Valley of Stone you really shouldn't miss what looks as though it is going to be a very interesting exhibition. See you there!!!!!

So now we start the preparations for Christmas and the New Year, before you know it 2009 will be upon us and our first granddaughter is due to greet the world at the end of January.