Almost a month ago I wrote a post about one memorable Hogmanay. Yesterday I got thinking about more of them, and started planning this post*. And then today I listened to reports of quieter celebrations around the world, and the cancellation of Edinburgh's "traditional" Hogamanay festival. Now I'm no spring chicken but I'm not *that*…Read more Ringing in the changes
Family
Setting the scene
It's Friday once more. Still a special night. We're back from our shopping trip and it's already dark*. The fish is waiting in the fridge, this week it's MrS cooking and we'll have Haddock and chips. Soon he'll start the preparations, laying out the flour, egg and breadcrumbs to make a crispy coating when the…Read more Setting the scene
Getting crafty for Christmas
It's even wetter and windier today! I had to cut short my walk, don't worry DogS got her usual long one with MrS while I was at my Zoom Yoga class. So after getting into dry clothes and finishing off yesterday's soup for lunch I settled down for an afternoon of craft. I'm not a…Read more Getting crafty for Christmas
Fireworks, but not tonight.
So tonight is Bonfire Night tonight, more formally Guy Fawkes Night. But this year there won't be any big public displays, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are currently on lockdown and here in Scotland large gatherings are banned. And while I'm missing all the things we can't do at the moment, this one well, I'm…Read more Fireworks, but not tonight.
The Post
Many people complain but we have an excellent postal service. Sometimes I would even describe it as magical, items arriving at their destination in what seems to be impossible speed. Throughout lockdown the post was a source of joy and anticipation, I kept things in "quarantine" for a day before I opened them. Now impatience…Read more The Post
Observing traditions
Today is the Feast of All Souls. Friday you may have celebrated Hallowe'en, perhaps decorating your house or yard with pumpkins or spooky items. In Scotland children mark the festival by "guising" dressing up and going from house to house, ideally performing some kind of "turn" in return for treats, usually sweets or chocolate. That…Read more Observing traditions
Challenging myself again
Not anything new, in fact I'm looking back six months and reviving my "every day.." challenge. It's just a pity that "Every day in November" doesn't have quite the same ring to it. I didn't manage to keep up posting in between times. June was a time of hope, infection levels were dropping and lockdown…Read more Challenging myself again
Meeting up with friends
And from tomorrow we can. In small groups* and outside. Nicola Sturgeon"s announcement today had been expected, so we've already got an invite for coffee with friends next week. In their garden. It'll be nice to sit and chat with them. We've had conversations across the road when our daily exercise paths have crossed, and…Read more Meeting up with friends
Having fun with my sister
I've been having fun with her all my life. It might have been less fun for her. After all I just appeared one day, a surprise when she got home from school. No careful preparation for new siblings back then. And I certainly didn't bring her a gift. I was more likely to trash her…Read more Having fun with my sister
Scents
Thinking about the town that smelled of chocolate has made me remember other scents. Childhood day trips to my favourite beaches on the Gower, holding my breath as we drove past the stinks of Llandarcy. No point really. I got a bumper dose of the stench once I gave up and breathed again. Nearer to…Read more Scents
