"Toast"

Having recently read two quite 'heavy' books namely 'The Tango Singer' by Tomas Eloy Martinez which was a very worthwhile read, and will definately be read again, and 'Racists' by Kunal Basu-am still wondering what this was all about ? maybe I missed something, decided to go more down home and picked up 'Toast' by Nigel Slater. The other week he was the guest on a B.B.C. documentary that asked celebrities what their favorite foods are, until then I hadn't heard much about him, but Graham, Bob and Bets knew all about him and his book 'Toast". On the television he came over as a rather sad person, a person in love with food, the whole programme showed a certain poignancy, he could remember food, and events relating to food that most people would have forgotten years ago! Hence to the book 'Toast' which I am enjoying reading, and is very funny in parts. It is written in the form of a diary and relates mainly to food, in fact food is the constant that appears to bind it all together. It did put me in mind though of childhood memories so who knows what might appear through the mists of time!

Mussels

We were busy this morning, (well Graham was I held the ladder) spraying the outside of the house with this solution that is meant to get rid of all the old moss prior to painting. We wait with baited breath and for the rain to see what happens, apparently this 'stuff' is applied when the weather is dry, then the rain comes along mixes with the solution, washes it off, and hey presto a much cleaner outside to the house, ready for painting.
Later than usual we went down to the beach and decided to have mussels for dinner. It was lovely at the beach one of those West Highland days you dream of, warm and balmy. We had a good walk looking for crabs and cockles no success, but collected plenty of mussels from the rocks. I cleaned all the mussels then Graham made dinner which was super, mussels in roasted tomato sauce with chilli, served with pasta, and a green salad yummy! We decided to have mussels today as our old Italian friend Luciano states that 'wild' mussels should only be eaten when there is a "R" in the month, so now we wait until September. It is said that in the summer months an algae can form on the mussels, and this can cause digestive upsets.

Apples

Yesterday I went to Kyle of Lochalsh to get the shopping for the week. At the local Co-op I placed some Braeburn apples as is my want into a bag, this week the produce came from France. As I put them in the bag I noticed some other apples that were from England, I hadn't seen them before but decided to try them, they were called Cameo. Putting the Braeburn back on the shelf I placed the Cameo's in the bag, today I tried one, delicious, crisp, sweet and juicy what more could one want?
Today Garry Begg arrived back in the Glen for a short visit, he is a young friend of ours who lives on the Isle of Lewis. He comes over to visit his auntie who is our next door neighbour. He had come over with his dad, and looked much taller and slimmer than when we last saw him at Christmas. Also his auntie arrived back safely from her trip to New Zealand, welcome home Christine!

Kyle of Lochalsh

Today we travelled to Kyle of Lochalsh to "get our messages" i.e. to visit the shops to stock up on food and other necessities. We try to do this journey only once a week as it takes an hour and half round trip, and encroaches into our time and space. When the five day weather forcast for Kyle shows a day when it is going to rain heavily, is the day we try to go.I know living in the north west highlands this could be a joke, no this week the weather has been good. When we were in Kyle last week we noticed down on the harbour side, stacks and stacks of local timber waiting to be loaded onto a ship, it looked amazing and it's the first time we have seen it. Also our new Hunter wellies arrived today, must say they kept my feet lovely and warm!
A note was delivered to Ruaridh and family today from postie Lexi inviting us to her house for lunch on Monday 1st May, maybe a walk in her woods weather permitting. I phoned to accept, will Ruaridh email when he wakens up? His link :-www.moyleglenelg.co.uk

Sur la Plage

Yesterday whilst walking on the beach we noticed a large rusty, round, metal object had been washed up by the stormy seas and had come to rest on the shoreline. What was this an unexploded bomb from either of the two world wars, or a container full of illegal substances lost from a boat? We approached it with a degree of caution and breathed a sigh of relief to find it was a ships mooring that had broken free during the recent storms. When we returned to the beach today the object had been moved by the stormy seas and high winds of last night about 100metres, and was resting against some rocks. Nature at its best!

"Troutmask Cottage"

Yes it's official, we now live at Troutmask Cottage to keep The Captains (Beefheart to the uninitiated) name alive and kicking, here in the north west Highlands. We telephoned Donald at the local Royal Mail sorting office to find out how to change the name of the cottage, he said all we had to do was inform friends and relatives and he would put it on his computer, think I heard him chuckle! When we bought the cottage we purchased it under the name on the sale schedule, however when we arrived here we were informed we should not use the name as a cottage to the east of us was already using that name. Damn! It has only taken us 6 years to come up with another name but at last there it is, a memorable one I think.

Daffodils

A couple of times last week when walking through the woods, I spied this solitary daffodil swaying and blowing in the wind, it brought to my mind for some reason William Wordswoth's poem written 1804 "Daffodils"

"I wander'd lonely as a cloud,
That floats on high o'er vales and hills
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils,
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze."---

Today saw more swallows arriving in the Glen, is summer round the corner? Also we did the long walk again which was super, and we heard our first cuckoo of the year.

Rye Bread

Awoke again to lovely blue skies and sunshine. I know mentioning the weather again, but I'm sure Graham meant for me not to mention it only when it is tippling down! Yesterday Graham decided to make his own 'smoothies', so 5 bananas, 500 gms frozen berries (defrosted of course) juice of 2 oranges and apple juice later, we had the result-amazing! Also (he was very busy yesterday) he made rye bread. Today we had a super breakfast, a small glass of 'smoothie' followed by toasted rye bread with plenty of butter and homemade marmalade, mmmm-.
We then set off for our daily walk with the pup, as the weather was so warm we went a longer walk than normal it took us two and a half hours. The scenary was stunning, the mountains climbing to touch the clear blue sky, the snow on their summits still there. We saw deer over the small burn, but they moved quickly when they got the scent of Ruaridh who had his usual runs in and out of the forests.
Later this afternoon I was helping Graham to 'pot up' more plants and sow more seeds in the greenhouse, when suddenly over the top of us I noticed this wee bird. It flew over the greenhouse then over the field behind us swooping and dipping, yes, it was the our first sighting of a swallow for this year, we are so happy they are back with us for another summer.

Baa Baa Blacksheep

Yes surprise, surprise the sheep belonging to God knows who have arrived back in the field at the front of the house, they are late this year! Hopefully they will be in lamb as it is so good to see the lambs playing together and jumping about in the field, already there are a couple of lambs that arrived with the sheep. Now we have to be more careful when Ruaridh is in the garden, though I must say he is quite good when we come across sheep on our walks-still today he was so fascinated watching the new arrivals, he totally did not see the rabbit munching grass about eight feet from where he stood, ah well can't win them all.
Met Stewarts uncle today so we asked if the man had arrived in N/Z ok. Oh yes said he, Jess his girlfriend went to meet him at Auckland Airport, fell asleep missed his flight and him arriving, when she awoke was told the flight had been and gone and yes he was on it? Luckily for them he had her address in the city and had made his way there-life!

Visitors

I vowed in an earlier Blog that I would not mention the weather again, but, here goes- today was a super day in the North West, blue skies from sunrise to sunset and warm all day! We were going for a walk in the woods, but due to the crofters moving flocks of sheep around we decided to go down to the beach. When we were driving alongside the beach we noticed a ship coming in from the ocean, so we went to a vantage point and saw the cruise ship The Hebridean Princess pass by, methinks this could be an expensive experience! Down on the beach we had a good walk, met a couple from Lincoln with two long haired golden retrievers, whom Ruaridh soon bored of.
Back home did two loads of washing and got it all dry. Helped Graham with the logs, he sawed and I stacked them in the shed. Had a late lunch then got a lovely surprise Bobby & Pam with the two dogs Milly & Mara had popped in to see us, they are two women from Lancashire who come up here on a fairly regular basis. Had tea and biscuits with them, and spent a happy hour or two chatting and catching up on adventures, Bobby did a trip to Machu Picchu last year so it was good to hear about that. The dogs had a great time and played happily together

"Smoothies"

Last week we were over on the Isle of Skye on business and did our weekly shop at The Co-op in Broadford. There on the chill shelves was a carton of "Innocent" the super duper smoothie. I have often thought about buying this product but due to the price thought twice about it, however here we were with it on 'special offer' so I took the plunge and bought a carton. It told me on the outside just what was inside the carton, the taste was delicious Graham and moi savoured it over 4 days! Today I had planned to purchase another "Innocent" but unfortunately there were none on the shelves at the local store, damn! Anyway bought lots of fruit, will get the old liquidizer out and we shall see what results.

The Sea Shore

Decided to try and start doing the Blog earlier in the evening so that I am more awake? So here goes! When Layla and Joe were up visiting we went down to the shore a couple of times. On one of the occasions Layla found a huge sea urchin that had been washed up by the sea. It appeared to be dead but quite a lot of the 'innards' were still in situ, however it was unbroken so she took it back to the house. There she placed it in a bucket in boiling water and appeared to forget about it and left for Edinburgh. Graham said the urchin was stinking, so armed with sharp knife and Ruaridh to help! I took out the innards, scraped the surface and voila- a lovely coloured specimen of the ocean. Reminded me of the days years ago when Sue my buddy and I, as students spent summer days in Scarborough and used to go down onto the rocks every evening to find the sea urchins. Many hours were spent cleaning and scraping them, then a coat of varnish and they made great presents to give to people.

Fruit and Veg

Today I went to investigate how my onions and leeks were coming on, I was pleasantly surprised to see that small shoots of green were pushing through in both areas. The onions were a set and I planted them outside in a raised bed, today I planted the remaining onions from the set. The leeks I planted as seeds in a small tray and they are in the greenhouse, and looking remarkably healthy.
Last week on the way to Kyle for the weekly shop I happened to notice a big sign on the side of a small building " Whole foods, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables." The door appeared to be closed but an "Open" sign was in the window, so on the return I popped in. The shop was packed with all types of fruit and veg, and a delicious assortment of fungi, also a good supply of organic wholefoods, I shall certainly go there again. Also found out the shop is owned by the guy who brings fruit and veg round the glens and villages in the red van!

Weather

Bob and Bets left this morning with half a lamb from Moyle Meats tucked away in the Freelander. Last we heard from them was that some of the lamb was already in "the pot", and smelt delicious!
Graham says to stop mentioning the weather in the Blog so I will use this space today to have a rant and then hopefully will try not to mention it again. At this moment in time one cannot decide what to wear when going out. I faithfully check the weather on the BBC website and also the Met office one. Yesterday for example it said light showers, set off to take the pup for a walk in the sunshine, decided to keep jeans on, you guessed the heavens opened and we got drenched! These are not April showers. Today the forecast was similar so clad all in wet weather gear we went for a walk, yes you guessed never a drop of rain! At night the temperatures are plummeting so we cannot pot up any of our small plants to go into the greenhouse, at the moment they adorn the front room window ledge. Enough.
Heard from Stewart's mum that he got away safely.

Sunday

Bob and Bets arrived in the Glen yesterday for a short visit. Today the "Easter Bunny" arrived with Cadbury's chocolate eggs for all the oldies. After a delicious breakfast of pancakes, Bob and Bets went to Dornie for Bets to go to church, Graham made a big pot of sweet potato soup, Ruaridh and I took our neighbour Noonie an Easter card, egg and Delphinium for her garden.
We then went to the beach were Bets and Bob were supposed to meet up with us. We walked along the East beach, on the way back the heavens opened, however we did manage to find a bucket to put the mussels in we were going to collect for dinner. We sheltered behind some rocks, the pup thought it was great and kept dashing out into the rain. Eventually the downpour lessened and we were able to go and collect the shellfish. B & B never made it to the beach! Superb meal this evening made by Graham and Bob, we girls did the dishes!
Noticed yesterday that a lot more daffodils are out in the garden also that the croft over the way has got two new lambs, is Spring really here at last? Thanks to chums in Aberdeen for the "Bunny".

Au Revoir to Stewart

Stewart our neighbour here in the Glen left today on the start of his trip to New Zealand. He has lived in the caravan in the field at the side of our house for about eighteen months. Ruaridh will miss him as he used to sit on our deck waiting for Stewart to return from work, accompanied by his wee Jack Russell terrier Cluanie. Once he saw the lights go on in the van Ruaridh would wait hoping Stewart would invite him over, he often had a long wait! tonight the van is in total darkness. Stewart's girlfriend Jessy left in January to start her travels, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Australia before getting to New Zealand where she has obtained a job in Auckland. We didn't see much of them but they are nice kids and we will miss them, Graham was able to help them out, especially Jess when they got their ipods! They meet up on Wednesday in Auckland, so travel safely Stewart and have a great time in that wonderful country with Jess.

Over the sea to Skye-2

Today the weather was much improved, more sunshine than rain. The Glenelg ferry that runs from Glenelg to Kylerhea on Skye from April to October was launched again today. Over the past few months debate has raged as to whether the service would be available this year and in the future, as the current owner wishes to sell the boat 'The Glenachulish'. First it was thought a community buy-out by the Glenelg and Arnisdale Community Development Trust would be possible, but this was rejected by residents in the two villages in a ballot.
Now The Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company have reached an agreement with the present owner and the Ferry is almost theirs, it would appear The Community Development Trust have been pipped at the post. We popped over to see the Ferry and were pleased to note that lots of cars were using the service, also cyclists.

Over the sea to Skye

-Actually over the Skye Bridge. Just before we went over the bridge we saw an illuminated sign stating, 'Bridge closed to high sided vehicles due to adverse weather conditions' i.e.strong winds. Needless to say what does one see going over the bridge but a line of high sided vans! Had to go to the Misty Isle today as Graham's wet weather coat had sprung a leak, well the zip was caput. We purchased our wet weather gear about 4-5 years ago from this company in Skye called Cioch at Struan and it has served us well, they were happy to do a replacment zip so hence our journey. We travelled in torrential rain and hail for the most part, as always though, the Cuillen's looked amazing towering majestically over the landscape.
Received my new cord jeans from Howies today they are super, and fit like a glove! Unfortunately the dress does not, far too tight round the hips! Have to try it on, get Graham to take a photograph and email the result to Layla to pass comment on whether I should go UP a size or to get something else. Howies are a clothing company situated in Wales, they try to be ethical and their clothes and service are superb. Also "the copy" in their catalogue to me, is life enhancing.

Wet & Windy

Joe and Layla returned to Edinburgh today and to see them off the heavens opened once again. It was a good visit , plenty of super food, lots of sleep, walks and good company. Ruaridh missed them for a wee while, but quickly became interested in chasing his real or imaginery rabbits? Decided to go down to the beach, where it was very wet and windy, we walked over towards the west i.e. The Isle of Skye. Waterfalls were pouring off the hills onto the beach, the water from them mingling with the ocean, all of it being blown by the wind over the sand. Ruaridh was delighted with the waves and attempted to catch them as we walked along. Too wet to take a photograph so will have to leave the scene to your imagination.

The Woods

Today had to once again postpone our horsetrek due to the changing weather conditions. We decided to go into the woods for a 'good walk' and managed our one and a half hour trek without getting soaked! The minute we got back into the house the heavens opened (blipfoto.com) The moss in the woods was looking good, not many primroses yet but they are coming just need that extra burst of sunshine-we wish.
Yesterday read on the BBC website an article by John Simpson stating what a mess Iraqi is in 3 years down the line. Newsnight gave us an interview with Salman Pax (The Baghdad Blogger) and from this we got a pictorial view of what Simpson was talking about. To cap all that in this country we still have a Prime Minister who 3 years ago told millions who were against the War in Iraqi they were deluded?

Just too Tired!

Today Layla and Joe decided to go on the Sea Probe Atlantis, a glass bottomed boat that operates out of Kyle of Lochalsh. They appeared to enjoy this though what they saw was limited due to the time of the year and the weather conditions. See blipfoto.com.
We took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods which he really enjoyed. Later he started to have his computer lesson with Joe but as you can see so tired-he fell asleep!
Joe was chef tonight pizzas galore accompanied by homemade coleslaw, and some super dips! Thanks Joe.

Play-my Generation!

Today we were booked to go on a horse trek, but due to the weather once again changing quite dramatically from prolonged snow storms to brilliant sunshine we decided to cancel, maybe try again tomorrow or Tuesday. Instead we went down to the local beach and I was pleasantly surprised to see quite a few children there with their parents, playing games and running around. Earlier in the week we had seen a television programme that was showing parents trying to help their offspring have a better lifestyle, in the presence of the usual consultant. One of the things they were encouraged to do was have 'structured exercise' this involved one of the kids running with his dad, whilst the other swam with mum, ok this gave them family time but whatever happened to play?
When we were kids, after school, weekends, holidays were spent 'Playing out', we never hardly saw our parents and had the most amazing adventures many borrowed from the popular books of the day. Groups of us used to go swimming from the age of 5 years, cycling was just something you did, we used to cycle everywhere. From the age of 10 years a gang of us used to go to the cinema on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons to watch the latest adventures from Hollywood. We even got in to see "From here to Eternity" and the talk at school for weeks after was about that "kiss," sur la plage! Heavy stuff.
Glad to read in The Guardian that credit card penalty charges are to be cut, with overdraft charges to follow soon. Thank goodness for that say I, but you guessed the banks and credit card companies are to appeal as their profits will be slashed Yes!

The Mystery Egg-unsolved?

Today we had mixed weather, snow and sleet showers, cold winds and when the sun came out it was very warm. Before heading off to the beach we decided to go and see if the Mystery Egg? was still in situ on the hillside, it was. Today we are no nearer to what this object is than we were yesterday, it is certainly very bright red with big white spots, looks to me like a huge Toadstool a fly agaric. Also today we noticed on the roadside underneath where the mystery lay, big red and white spots had appeared on the side of the road? Ruaridh sniffed around but unfortunately no answers.
Layla has been doing a course on Chinese Vegetarian Cooking over the past few weeks. Tonight she treated us to a banquet all made by herself it was delicious. Thanks Layla!

The Mystery Egg!

Joe and Layla are here for a visit over the weekend. On the drive down to the Glen Layla noticed what she thought was a huge Easter Egg in a field laid on the snow. Yes I know snow in April! It was about four feet x two feet, red in colour with big white spots. No one appears to have any idea what this could be . It has not been reported in the local press or the national, nor the wireless or the television. Could this be a U.F.O. 2330hours just looked out of the door up onto the hill and noticed a strange light sweeping over the hillside. Could the two things be connected? Watch this space.
On p.m. tonight 07/04/06 the first seventeen minutes were spent discussing the outcome of the trial between three millionaire novelists who were all published by Random House Publishing Company, waste of radio time and money methinks!

The Long Trek

When I was down in Edinburgh recently met up with Grace an old friend who is retiring sometime this year from her post at the Western General Hospital. We got chatting and she started to tell me that she was going on a trek to Peru to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. Instead of Birthday/Retiral gifts she is asking people to sponser her in this endevour. She has set up her own web site about this adventure, which can be seen at www.justgiving.com/graceinperu Well done Grace hope you manage to raise a huge sum of money, for this worthwhile cause.
On the other hand just heard on the news tonight that a Turner painting of Venice had sold for $32,000,000! two people were vying for this masterpiece. Bless them! just makes me wonder why one of them stopped, what's another million or two when the stakes are so large already.
Brings to mind when I was in Venice only managed a photograph, oh well! They guys were entertaining though.

It's Ruaridh's World

Today was a big day in the household as "It's Ruaridh's World- The big adventures of a wee dog," was launched, available at www.moyleglenelg.co.uk It includes a welcome, an about me, puppy pix, my chums, and the Monarch speaks-his very own Blog! There is also a short movie. Graham and moi were very excited about the Monarch of Moyle's project, but he showed little interest, in fact I'm sure his nose turned up when he saw us looking at it, as though to say just part of what I do!
The weather was awful today, cold and rain for the most part, we managed a walk down on the beach and the pup enjoyed chasing leaves blowing in the wind. Glad to get back to the 'cozy' of the house where I just read and listened to the wireless all afternoon! Bliss

Lunch Anyone?

Read a super story in The Guardian today about a Lunch Club that was started in New York in 2001. A guy who lived and worked alone from home, decided to combat his isolation by setting up this organization. It turned out to be hugely successful, not for people looking for romance it is not a dating agency, but for people looking for friendship who did not wish to eat alone. The Lunch Club's slogan "Because eating alone is boring" resonated with many as the club now has 8000 members!
Put me in mind of a restaurant started in Edinburgh a few years ago by an innovative French women called. "a table". The restaurant had only one large table that all customers sat round, business people next to mum's with kids, old people next to young. The idea of this was that people would mix and start chatting to one another, even if only on that one visit. Unfortunately for various reasons British reserve, problems with opening hours and cooking due to situ, the restaurant failed and closed. Next, maybe a Lunch Club in Old Reekie?

Onions

Overslept a bit today, last night we were attempting to get Ruaridh to sleep downstairs in his own wee bed, rather than strolling up to ours around 0200 hours and taking over! Peace reigned until 0330 hours when the whimpering started. Managed to ignore most of it, sleeping on and off until 0600 hours when we let him up, you would have thought he hadn't seen us in years, we all snuggled down hence the late awakening.
Received a postcard from our neighbour here in the Glen, never been out of the United Kingdom before, where does she go for her first trip abroad-New Zealand, and she is loving it. Made Graham and me think of going back again, travel safely Christine.
Mixed weather day, very warm when sun out, freezing cold in the hail and sleet showers, and the north west wind. Decided in a moment of sunshine to plant my onions. Had started to get the raised bed ready yesterday, so finished it today turning over, hoeing and raking the soil in sun, sleet and hail. Some debate about how many inches between each onion and how many between the rows, eventually settled on 4 inches and 10 inches respectively, see photograph yes that is an onion! Will report on their activity at intervals through the Blog.

Leeks

Could have written about various issues on the Blog today. An article in The Guardian discussing the gaping inequality that appears to exist in the United Kingdom between the richest 1% and the bottom half of the population. The continuing problems in Iraq especially 'The Insurgency' highlighted in an hour long programme on BBC 2 this evening, which was very good.
Instead decided to let you know I have planted my first leek seeds! Have wanted to grow leeks for ages but never got round to it, so today have put my seeds into the compost in a tray in the greenhouse and will watch their development. I like leeks both for their taste and looks so watch the Blog for further leek articles.

Bye Edinburgh

Good to leave the city today for a stay in the Glen. We were in Old Reekie for two weeks me for work and Graham on business, also a time to catch up with our mothers! Good journey up, sunny weather on arrival, Ruaridh delighted to be back in his big garden chasing round like crazy. Dwarf daffodils in abundance, larger ones budding awaiting that extra ray of sun.
Going to relax for a couple of days then start work in the greenhouse, garden and the house. Layla and Joe up next weekend, maybe get the canoe out and a horse-trek.