Life on the hill

LETS GO FOR A SUNDAY WALK

2011-01-31T23:05:00.000Z

Yesterday afternoon was dry and bright, just right for a walk from my cottage and down to the beach. I hope you enjoy coming along with me and the dogs.
The picture above is of Covesea beach with Covesea lighthouse far right taken from the cliff path.
Click on pictures to enlarge them

bryan is high up on the cliff side hunting for bank voles, one of his favourite hobbies.

This is a small pebble and rock strewn beach which we visit at least twice weekly
Mink are often seen hunting in the rock pools.

Once again Bryan is in hunting mode, this time heading towards the rocks to look for mink.
Jarvis follows behind but he prefers rabbits.

Looking west with an oil rig in the distance as it is towed into the Moray Firth

A flock of curlews take off as we cross my neighbours field

Looking back towards the blue waters of the Moray Firth

Covesea village

Treasures from the sea that I spotted on the beach.

AVIELOCHAN IN NOVEMBER PART TWO

2011-01-23T15:37:00.001Z

The weather on this day was crisp and cold, just right for a walk along the banks of the Alt Mhor burn.
I love the white frost on the grass and the sparkles on the water.
It's worth clicking on the pictures to enlarge them.

The dogs are enjoying exploring the walk along the burn, one of their favourite places.

The water droplets left after the frost melted on the trees and shrubs sparkle like diamonds.

The water beneath this little bridge is shall, usually a place that Bryan likes to paddle, but it was to cold

for him today.

These little Christmas trees don't need any fairy lights, look how they shine in the winter sun.

This rotting tree stump has become a tiny garden.

IN THE DEEP MIDWINTER.

2011-01-16T21:46:00.005Z

Thankfully, for now, the snow has gone and we are able to get the car down the hill from our home. Snow is very pretty, but becomes a lot of trouble when it interferes with everyday life.I must admit it did look lovely in the garden.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

I like the sun shining on the trees at the bottom of my garden.

Greg is making a valiant attempt to clear the snow so that we could get out with the car, he has only another quarter of a mile to go. Not bad for a 75 year old. I must continue to feed him spinach.

Only joking, this ws the result of a mechanical digger that came to our rescue during the first lot of snow. He dealt with the depth of snow only to turn the road int a mini version of a ski run"

GOODBYE TO THE GREMLINS ( I HOPE)

2011-01-09T21:49:00.016Z

I cannot explain why, but my computer decided to play up and I couldn't get it to do what I wanted. I had weeks of frustration and gave up in the end. Today I thought I'd try again and would you believe it, it's behaving (so far). Fingers crossed I'm hoping to share some of the photos I took at Avielochan in the middle of November. This is one of our favourite places to stay at any time of the year. I apologize to you all for not visiting for ages I've missed you all.

You might want to click on the pictures to enlarge them. This is a shot from the cottage on a still frosty morning at around nine o'clock.Looking across the lochan to the Cairngorm mountains.

Typically in Scotland the weather is never the same two days running, this shot was taken the next day in the late afternoon with the low sun reflecting on the mountains.

Birch trees and bracken in glorious russet shades The dogs love this bank which contains a rabbit warren, they have both disappeared over the top after a rabbit with no hope of catching it.

FLOWERS, TREES AND ROCKS

2010-08-02T22:13:00.031+01:00

We visited the beautiful Leckmelm Gardens near Ullapool during our holiday in June. The gardens are restored Victorian gardens set on the sloping shore of Loch Broom. Winding pathways meander through glades of Azalea and Rhododendrons. Many specimens of rare trees flourish and the ground supports an abundance of ferns, primula and wild flowers. The scent in spring is amazing.

Greg is enjoying his walk round the gardens.

Click on pictures for more detail

Sunshine on a tree.
Most of the trees and plants are labeled, but I couldn't find a name for this beauty .

Primulas and ferns compliment each other

One of the many little paths that invites exploration.

Death of a giant. I almost wept when I saw this great Weeping Beech that had become a victim of last winters terrible weather. Below is a photo of it in all it's glory when we visited two years ago. The gardeners have planted climbing plants around the old tree and planted ferns and other plants in nooks and crannies on the tree so that in a few years it will be a beautiful feature in the garden in a different way

The Weeping Birch in all it's former glory.

Azaleas above bluebells

These dead trees have been planted around with ivy and carved into the shape of chairs and still play a decorative and useful role in the garden

The "chair trees" seen from behind.

The day after visiting the gardens we headed north of Ullapool to visit Knockan Crag. This place is unusual because contrary to what is usual, the rocks here are older at the surface and younger further down. This was caused when continents collided and the rocks were crumpled and lifted. On and around Knockan Crag or numerous sculptures one of which Greg is going to roll down the mountain side. (I managed to stop him Phew!)

The, not very good, view from on the Crag, due to mist and drizzle.

A WILDLIFE BOAT TRIP

2010-07-18T22:22:00.012+01:00

Whilst on holiday near Ullapool on the west coast of Scotland a few weeks ago, we enjoyed a boat trip out towards the Summer Isles.

Click on pictures to enlarge them

Below is a shot of Ullapool taken just as we were leaving the harbour.

Who's watching who? The seal seems to be enjoying our visit
Grey Seals and Common Seals (smaller)

Rocks, water and mountains make me happy.

A view down Loch Broom as we sail back int harbour.

ON THE BEACH

2010-07-10T22:30:00.013+01:00

If Scotland enjoyed endless hot sunny days all summer long you can be sure our beaches would be nothing like this. There would be high rise hotels all along the shore and rows of sunbeds and sun shades, and of course lots of people. So OK, we get chilly winds and often grey skies, but we also enjoy peace and quiet. These pictures were taken at the end of June. How many people can you see on our beach.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Bryan and Jarvis enjoying a paddle.

Covesea lighthouse in the distance.

Bryan doing a bit of rock hopping

Jarvis having a bad hair day

Crystal clear water in a rock pool

Looking back to Covesea village on top of the cliff.

Bryan reaches the top of the path back up the cliff path heading for home.

WELCOME TO GLASTULLICH

2010-06-29T22:19:00.009+01:00

This is where we recently spent a weeks holiday. If you like a fast pace of life this is not the type of holiday you would enjoy. But if you like total peace and quiet, you would love it. The cottage has no electricity. It is heated and lit by gas. No TV, no phone, no mobile signal. no other house for 2 miles.

Click on pictures for more detail

Greg enjoying the view and his book.
This is taken from up the hill at the back of the cottage

Further up the hill and now showing the little barn where the baby owls live, and the sheep pen.

How's this for a view to look out onto from your window?

On this shot taken from the garden you can see the road up to the cottage

One of the visitors that were curious about us.

A herd of deer came by every day, often they jumped the fence and came into the garden. This one I captured at about 10 pm one evening. I'm afraid the flash has caught his eyes and I don't know how to fix it.

RETURN TO BALINOE

2010-06-10T22:57:00.004+01:00

Last October Greg and I spent a week in this lovely cottage in the Black Isle. We were there again a couple of weeks ago so I thought you would like to see this lovely place in the spring.

Bryan and Jarvis were delighted as you can see.

Click on pictures for a better view

There is about an acre of garden with lovely views.

Ben Wyvis seen from the garden with it's summit in the clouds

I love all the different greens at this time of year

And finally how's this for a sunset?

Unfortunately I can't share with you any shots of the trips we made because, silly me, forgot to take the battery charger for my camera and the battery went flat. However you can visit my october blog if you wish.

RETURN TO WALK AT SPYNIE

2010-05-30T22:22:00.003+01:00

You may remember joining me on this walk back in March. Just look what a difference a few weeks have made.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Bryan and Jarvis heading off like dogs on a mission.
Brand new leaves on the beeches.

Look at the black clouds heading my way, luckily it blew over and I stayed dry.

I love the contrast between the dark Scots Pine and the light green Beech.

Delicate Dog Violet

A bumble bee feeding on a dandylion.

LOGIE STEADING

2010-05-08T22:24:00.007+01:00

Originally built as a model farm in the 1920s, Logie Steading is now converted into a visitor centre to welcome visitors to the beautiful Findhorn Valley. there is a cafe, a great book shop with second hand and new books of all kinds, a craft shop and a farm shop selling local produce including Logie's own Longhorn beef and Jacob lamb. There is also a gallery selling paintings and many other crafts.

The cafe has some of the best cake I've tasted, well worth a visit for that alone.

Click on pictures to enlarge them.

I love the clock tower above the entrance to the steading, even though the time on the clock is wrong

A view of the steading from across the field
This is Logie House. The gardens of the house are usually open to the public but sadly this year, because of damaged caused by the severe winter weather, the garden is undergoing extensive repairs and won't be open until next spring.

Here is Greg sitting in a bower made of living willow. The smile on his face is in anticipation of chocolate cake.

How's this for a pair of handlebars? This old breed of cattle is very hardy, easy to handle, long lived and best of all the beef is delicious. Sirloin steak for dinner tomorrow. Yum Yum

this one is quite young with shorter horns, they look a bit sharp to me though.

Logie stands above the beautiful Findhorn River and the walks along the riverside are wonderful.

I love it at this time of year with the new spring growth.

This is a "dead" stump of an oak tree, but as you can see, it's anything but dead. In fact, it's supporting moss, fern and a scotch pine.

In this shot you can see a stack of trees and branches at the edge which have been swept along by the force of the water after heavy rain and snow melt.

The water in this pool looks like black coffee.

Beech leaves freshly painted and polished by nature.

Can anyone tell me what these little yellow flowers are? I think they may be a type of Euphorbia but I'm not sure.
They are very small.

I'VE REACHED THE BIG 7 0

2010-04-30T22:31:00.003+01:00

I was born 70 years ago yesterday, six weeks premature, in the back bedroom of a small Victorian terraced house, during an air raid. It was only after I had arrived, weighing in at three and a half pounds that the midwife realised there was another baby to be delivered. The Midwife removed the soiled draw sheets, put them in a wicker clothes basket by the bed. She then wrapped me in some towels, put me in the clothes basket too and got on with delivering my brother. My Gran was in the washhouse at the bottom of the yard lighting the fire under the boiler to ensure a good supply of hot water and when she came back to the bedroom it was to see my brother being delivered. She picked up the clothes basket containing the washing and little old me and set off for the washhouse. Thankfully, the Midwife realised the basket had gone and called from the window just as Gran arrived at the washhouse door. Phew! I nearly had an early bath . My brother was just under four pounds and we shared a single pram for the first four months of our lives. We survived more air-raids and came through the war unscathed. I married at twenty and had three lovely daughters and then when I was thirty four, fate again tried to get rid of me and I was diagnosed with oral cancer. After an eight hour operation to remove the tumour, during which my heart stopped , half my tongue and the glands from my neck were removed and

I had to have eight more plastic surgeries to rebuild my mouth and neck. I couldn't speak for weeks, but oh boy, have I made up for it since. I can talk the hind legs off a donkey.

The following years of my life were great and Greg and I enjoyed life to the full. We've travelled to lots of wonderful places and had great fun with an endless stream of pets.

We now have five Grandchildren and a Great Grandchild on the way.

Last year I had a hip replacement (and a blood clot in my leg) oops! which has given me a new lease of life( the hip, not the clot) and despite attempts to stop me I'VE MADE IT TO SEVENTY YIPPEE!!

SPRING FLOWERS AT BRODIE

2010-04-22T22:38:00.007+01:00

After a really hard winter it's great to see life returning to gardens, parks and the countryside. These photos were taken a few days ago in the garden of Brodie Castle.

Click on photos to enlarge them.

We usually have the garden to ourselves but today other people were enjoying it too.

I love these cyclamen
The leaves are as beautiful as the flowers.

I think these are Chinadoxia (don't know if that's the correct spelling)

The sundial surrounded by daffodils

SPYNIE PALACE

2010-04-10T22:14:00.010+01:00

This is one of my favourite places just a couple of miles from home, I have visited many times.

Spynie Palace was for five centuries the residence of the Bishops of Moray. During this time it stood on the edge of Spynie Loch, a sea-loch giving safe anchorage for fishing boats and merchant vessels . A thriving settlement grew up around it. Today, nothing remains to be seen of the medieval town, but the gaunt ruin of Spynie Palace represents one of the largest Surviving medieval bishop's houses in Scotland. The earliest buildings have not survived, the earliest surviving masonry dating from the 14th century. In the 15th century the great tower house known as David's tower after Bishop David Stewart. was built. The picture below shows the great tower.

Click on pictures to enlarge them.

David's tower seen through the trees from the road leading to the Palace.
Due to land drainage over the years this is now all that remains of Spynie Loch. I took this shot from the top of the tower.

A fireplace inside the tower. There were six floors in the tower.

Another view of the inside of the tower.

This is the water gate where goods were unloaded from boats in the loch.

A view from the top of the tower of part of the great hall and the well which would have been in a small well room.

An arch leading into a small chamber in David's tower

The east gate which had a portcullis and two murder holes.

The north range.

South range

The courtyard and part of what once was a chapel

LETS GO FOR A WALK

2010-04-01T22:50:00.006+01:00

A bright dry day, just perfect for a walk. Just outside our cottage a farm worker in a very smart tractor ploughing the field. He just missed my fence post. No more walks across the field until the crop is cut in the autumn.

Click on pictures for more detail.

These naughty cattle have broken through the fence into the kale. Don't they look happy?

They usually come over to see us when we walk by, but not today.

When we reach the cliff path the dogs look down to see if there is anything interesting on the beach.

The water looks very chilly.

This herring gull seems to be on lookout.

How wonderful to be able to glide through the air like a fulmar. You can see on the cliff that they have already chosen their nesting sites.

I like this "window " in the rock, and wonder how it was formed.

This piece of sandstone fell from above a few years ago and makes a nice seat from which I can look out at the lovely view.

Not bad Eh!

A VERY ENJOYABLE BREAK

2010-03-21T22:28:00.005Z

Last week we enjoyed a few days in Strathpeffer (Strath of the River Peffery) . This pretty village owes it's existence to the discovery in the 19th century of mineral wells. The village became very popular and Hotels were built to house the rich and famous who visited for the season. The pump room would have provided curative waters in various ways. In the afternoon visitors may have enjoyed excursions by horse drawn carriage, or play tennis or croquet or stroll in the pavilion gardens.

Click on pictures for more details.

Below is the Ben Wyvis Hotel where we stayed, it was once a Victorian country house and contains many original features.

These shots are of the lovely countryside around the village.

Set amongst the trees is Castle Leod, built in the 16th century it is a fine example of a Scottish tower house. It was the seat of the Clan Mackenzie.

This is The Eagle Stone, carved by the picts. If you enlarge the picture you may be able to make out the carving of an eagle beneath a horseshoe complete with nail holes. No one is sure of the meaning of these stones. There are many fine examples in this part of Scotland.

The Spa Pavilion where visitors would have enjoyed concerts. The recently restored building is well used today for many forms of entertainment.

One of many churches in the village, this one is the Free Church of Scotland.

The impressive Highland Hotel

An example of the pretty houses
found in the village.

One of my favourites.

SUNSHINE AT SPYNIE

2010-03-13T22:19:00.005Z

We have been lucky enough to enjoy some lovely sunny days, so I took the dogs and my camera and headed to Spynie to visit the old churchyard.

I love this style which leads into the church yard.

Click on pictures for more detail.

Jarvis and Bryan enjoying themselves and Spynie Palace in the background.
Look at the amount of work on this old moss covered stone.

Spynie Palace, one time fortified home of the bishops of Moray. Where these cattle roam was a 10 acre walled garden which provided fruit, vegetables and herbs

I will show you more of Spynie Palace later.

This is all that remains of the little church that once stood in Spynie church yard. The plaque below records the building of a new church a few miles away, still known as Spynie Church.

After spending time looking at the old tomb stones we set off on a lovely walk that begins outside the church yard.
The beech trees form a tunnel over the lane. It is very pretty in spring when the new leaves on on the trees and flowers decorate the banks.

Looking down the lane from the brow of the hill. Easy going down, good exercise on the way back up.

A view over the fields to the still snowclad hills.

Beech woods on the hill of Spynie

The lads posing by an ordnance survey marker., they don't think much to stopping.

Notice the bored looks

Ancient and modern. I bet the men who had to produce food from the Palace garden would have been glad of this modern tractor.

Hazel catkins show that spring is on the way.

The drive up to Spynie House with a carpet of snowdrops.

SIGNS OF SPRING AT BRODIE CASTLE

2010-03-06T22:26:00.005Z

A bright day so we decided to visit Brodie Castle and have a walk round the lake and visit the shrubbery garden. There was still ice on most of the lake, but around the edge I noticed spikes of iris coming through

Click on pictures to enlarge them

I like the reflections in this shot. The duck were sliding about on the ice in their attempt to get to the lake side in case we had food for them. over
The dogs lead the way.

More reflections. In the summer we often see fish resting in this shallow pool.

I have to confess to being a bit of a tree hugger. I love this gnarled old oak tree.

I have no idea what this little tree is but it has some strange little yellow buds opening. If any of the gardeners out there have any idea what it is I would love to know.

Another shot of the mystery tree.

Soft, furry, silver buds breaking through on a willow tree.

Brodie Castle taken from the garden.

RETURN TO THE PONDAROSA, AND MORE SNOW

2010-02-26T22:12:00.012Z

In a previous blog I told you about the Pondarosa Cafe on our Scottish beach. Below is a shot of Greg in the garden of the cafe with the Chinese statue, yes thats right, Chinese. Chinese, Pondarosa, Scottish beach, very strange. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Some visitors looking at the fountain outside the cafe.

Icicles on the fountain

The cold weather has never really gone but at least we had a few days free of snow. Not for long, as this picture shows the cold outlook from just outside my garden

Icicles on the cliff and snow on the beach. Just to the left of this shot at the base of the cliff is a cave where it is said people lived at one time. There is also a local tale that a tunnel goes from this cave all the way to Duffus Castle. I couldn't get a shot of the cave entrance from where I was on top of the cliff but will take some shots from the beach at a later date.

A sea stack. The gull are gathering and will soon be nesting here.

During my walk today I looked out for animal tracks in the fresh snow. These are fox tracks.

I wonder if the fox was following this rabbit who left his tracks for me to find.

And now tractor tracks. A farm worker was ploughing in the next field.

Here is a view of the snow capped Bin of Cullen beyond Lossie forest. We often walk in the forest which has endless tracks and paths that lead to the beach or through the trees.

A view of Ben Rinnes covered in snow. Duffus Castle is in the bottom left corner of the shot.

WALKING THE DOGS

2010-02-16T22:25:00.005Z

The snow had gone and was replaced by mud, however the sun was shining, the sea was blue and the dogs needed to be walked, so we headed out across the field. We met the new boys in the field next door. They are tups (male sheep) of various breeds . There are about a dozen in the field. I like the brown and white one. Click on pictures to enlarge them.

Two of my friends dogs are staying with us for a while. Here is Louis at full stretch, running back up the field watched by my Jarvis.

At the bottom of the field we can access the cliff path. Today the tide was going out and gulls were resting on the rocks

Heading back up the opposite side of the field, Jarvis and Louis are still together and Brian just visible bottom right. This is when I get to use my leg muscles

We were treated to a display by a Tornado aircraft from the nearby RAF base.

This is our cottage tucked in below the hill top. Visible in the distance is Lossiemouth and St. James church spire and the tower with red tiled roof of St. Gerardines can be seen

Louis looking wet and windblown but very happy.

Jarvis, backed by blue sea and sky waits for me to catch up.

Later on that afternoon we were treated to this amazing sunset.

SNOWDROPS AND TOMBSTONES

2010-02-06T22:36:00.005Z

We always begin to look out for Snowdrops around this time of year and can always be assured of a good display in Duffus Old Churchyard. It amazes me how such delicate little flowers survive in such harsh weather. For better detail click on pictures.

The porch of the ruined church offers shelter to more snowdrops
The boys use a tombstone as a lookout hoping to catch sight of the many rabbits that live here.

Enlarge this picture to read of the tragic loss a family suffered in the 19th century.

The stone above is the one to the left of this shot, it is by no means the only one with such a sad record.

A view of the ruined church and some of the oldest stones.

Inside the church

This little chap sits quite high up on the outside wall, I wonder where he came from. It's good to know that re-cycling went on way back then.

Below are a couple of details of tombstones. I published a blog of this place last year and may have repeated some shots, so if you have seen them already I apologise

AS IT SAYS IN THE SONG

2010-01-28T22:32:00.009Z

There's nothing quite like a seaside holiday town in the rain. The west beach at Lossiemouth looks pretty dismal, the lighthouse barely visible through the mist and rain but two hardy souls are walking their dogs on the beach. If you click on the picture you will spot them. Greg and I enjoyed coffee and home bakes in the beach cafe called The Pondarosa, yes that's right Pondarosa.

Would you fancy dipping your toes in this water?
On the west beach plenty of vacant picnic tables and benches, roll on summer.

This little Roebuck and his pal came to visit the other morning. The shot is a bit hazy because the window was steamed up. The deer come by quite often but of course as soon as you appear at a window they run away so I was pleased to get a shot of this one.

Remember the Hichcock film The Birds. Well we could have provided plenty of
players from this lot who were feeding on the field at the back of the cottage. Mostly Rooks and Jackdaws with some Pigeons and gulls too

I don't know what scared them, don't think it was me, but look at the chaos as they took to the air. Do they ever collide with each other? There are one or two near misses amongst this lot. Click on this and the next shots and see if you can spot them.

Looking like black snow as they get higher in the sky.

They circled the field and came back to feed again.

WATER WOODS AND GARDEN

2010-01-21T22:24:00.004Z

The water of Loch Insh was very choppy last time we visited so we opted for a bowl of hot soup in the warmth of the cafe which must have one of the best views in the country.

The pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Why is Greg smiling? he's thinking about the cream tea waiting at the end of this walkTree trunks displaying a variety of lichens and bark.

A pathway invites us into the forest.

Braving the cold at the top of the Cairngorm Mountains. Look at the threatening clouds.

Back in my garden my footprints leading to the bird feeder show up in the frost

Another view of the garden.

It's worth clicking on this shot to see how the ice crystals have built up on the chariot and horses statue and the mans helmet.

A SHORT BREAK IN GRANTOWN ON SPEY

2010-01-13T22:26:00.006Z

Last winter we spent a few days in Grantown on Spey, below are some shots of the beautiful scenery of the area and also some of the birds and animals we captured.

For more detail click on photos.

Greg on the bank of the River Spey hoping to catch sight of a salmon.

The birch alder and willow trees in this shot prove that trees are still colourful in winter.
This house looks uninhabited, I wonder where the people went and why.
More winter colour .

Greg on an ornamental bridge on the Revack Estate, if you click on the shot you will see the lovely orange colour on the tree in the foreground.

A pair of Oystercatchers

A Lapwing with rainbow colours on his wing

A very proud looking Greylag Goose

This Red Deer stag seems to be keeping his females in order

A pair of obviously tired Mallards.

Talk about "hanging on by your finger tips" this cheeky chap was hogging the peanuts much to the disgust of the poor little chaffinch to the left.

WOODS AND RIVER FESHIE

2010-01-06T22:28:00.002Z

This is one of our favourite places to visit at any time of the year and the I think sculptures make it special.

For more datail click on pictures.

This is the bridge of Feshiebridge.

A quiet pool of dark water.
Even in winter the trees have some colour.

Below are a few of the strange sculptures scattered throughout the woods and a disused overgrown garden.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

2009-12-31T16:04:00.007Z

2009 has ended with us having more snow. I enjoyed a walk with the dogs across the field down to the cliff path. I hope you enjoy these pictures of our snowy world. I wish you all a very happy New Year.

Click on pictures to enlarge them.

This is my attempt at snow art, a smiley straw bale.

Bryan paying close attention to something has heard something moving beneath the snow

Jarvis is well camouflaged in amongst the long grass and snow.

This is a sea stack viewed from the cliff path at the bottom of the field. The stack is named "Gow's Castle." gow being a local word for gull. The gulls nest on the stack in spring .

Always on the look out for rabbits, Bryan is usually in first whilst Jarvis waits in the hope that he'll flush one. jarvis is better at flushing pheasant and partridge. Of course they never catch anything bigger than voles but still enjoy hunting.

Another view from the cliff top.

My neighbours red combine stands out against the snow.

Another view of Duffus Castle from the cottage. There were people sledging down the steep slopes of the motte.

Home sweet home.

Just as I arrived back after taking this shot I did a spectacular slide and fell flat on my back in the snow. Thank goodness there was nobody to see me.

This is the farm that was hidden in the mist in my last blog.

Is this a rainbow or a snowbow?

I caught this shot through the sittingroom window

Bryan, a bale and our cottage roof.

Another shot taken through the window of the mountains on the far side of the Moray Firth.

Jarvis up to his belly in the snow.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

2009-12-24T22:13:00.007Z

The snow finally arrived the other day and as predicted we were unable to get down our road in the car. Thankfully my friend came to the rescue in his 4 wheel drive and took us shopping. If you click and enlarge the first shot you may be able to pick out the bull on top of the hill who was not enjoying the snow , he has now moved to somewhere warmer. The dogs enjoyed the snow, this is them in fast mode.

Fresh snow on a silver birch.

Winter sunset from the end of my garden

Through the mist you can just see the nearby farm.

Mist formed in the valley just before sunset yesterday afternoon. Duffus castle can be seen centre shot hiding beneath a whisp of cloud.

REMEMBER WHEN

2009-12-17T22:26:00.005Z

Remember when you could go out without a coat, stroll in the sunshine or enjoy a picnic in some beautiful park somewhere. We did just that in this park in Forres back in the summer. Seems a long time ago and the weather is somewhat different now. Click on pictures for more detail

Winter wonderland. The view across Findhorn Bay. I took these pictures about this time last year.
The old disused water wheel at the Mill of Brodie where we enjoyed a lovely lunch.

Magical trees sparkling white against the clear blue sky.

This is for Frank who has missed seeing Bryan and Jarvis in my last couple of posts.

Jarvis doing cute

Back to winter

A silver birch just outside my bedroom window

Another part of the garden

A DRIVE FROM NEWTONMORE

2009-12-09T22:45:00.006Z

During a short break in Newtonmore we drove down the A86 towards Spean Bridge. In my opinion it's one of the most scenic drives in Scotland. Click on pictures to enlarge them.

The cloud slowly clears away from the hills just past Laggan.

This is Loch Laggan
The castle on the other side of the loch is Ardverikie House, it was Glenbogle House in the TV programme Monach of the Glen.

The Commando memorial at Spean Bridge

We bought some sandwiches at the Spean Bridge shop and despite the cold weather, enjoyed a picnic on the shore of Loch Lochy

This is the view from the log we used as a picnic bench, I love these mossy woods

We usually visit here in Spring or summer, but it's still beautiful in winter.

RETURN TO DUFFUS CASTLE

2009-11-29T15:51:00.010Z

Back in the summer I took you on a visit to Duffus Castle, but at the time because of a recent hip replacement I could only get shots from the flat area outside the castle. Now I'm "good to go" so we can explore further. Duffus is a Norman motte and bailey castle. The castle was a fortress-residence for over 600 years. It was originally an earth and timber castle but was burnt down in the 13th century and rebuilt in stone and lime. This shot is taken from the bottom of the motte within the curtain wall. The buildings on the left were storage rooms, the steps lead up to the tower. I don't know if this was the original way. You can click and enlarge the pictures for more detail.

No warriors on the battlements now, but a Hercules plane from the nearby RAF base reminds us of a more modern way of defense,

The way into the tower.
This is the dark narrow space just inside the doorway shown on the previous shot. There was a staircase through the opening. At the opposite end is a gard robe and below a dungeon.

This picture shows that it doesn't do to build a big heavy tower on top of a man made hill on boggy land. The remains have slipped downwards. Through the doorway is a latrine.

Here we are inside what remains of the Lords Hall, you can see slots in the walls where beams would have been to support an upper storey.
You can see above the windows that the stones have slipped.

Another shot taken inside the hall, the curved stonework in the centre is where the staircase would have been,

The name Duff is said to come from the gaelic words dubh uisg which means black water. Although the castle is now surrounded by farmland, it was once on the edge of Spynie Loch and surrounded by water and marshland. After all the heavy rain we have had recently, it's easy to imaging how it would have looked. The line of reeds is the castle moat.

This is another view looking out from the tower doorway showing the curtain wall the wall on the right has a doorway.

Another view of the tower
The doorway in the curtain wall is the one from the previous shot

In this shot you can see the faults in the walls and also see where the top of the motte has begun to slip away and recently been reinforced

And finally, remember the sliding toiled, well here it is again taken from outside the castle
just to show how far it has slid over the years.

TORRIESTON WOODS AND BLACK ISLE

2009-11-21T22:29:00.006Z

Today I am sharing a selection of shots taken a while ago. This first one is of the rocks in the Black Burn which flows through Torrieston Woods, I like the reflections. Click on pictures to enlarge them.

Greg enjoying a quiet moment and a cup of coffee on a well placed bench by the burn. The dogs are keeping an eye on him.
Autumn colours

More reflections in the crystal clear water.

This is a beachside road in Rosemarkie, we enjoyed lunch at a Bistro here and watched dolphins in the Moray Firth.

An attractive church in Strathpheffer

We came across this waterfall whilst walking in the forest at Contin.

VISITING BIRDS AND A VIEW OF THE RIVER

2009-11-15T22:37:00.007Z

We often have birds visiting our garden to feed from the many treats we offer, below is a Yellow hammer, it's worth clicking on the pictures to enlarge and see more detail

After rain, and when the tide is in, we get large flocks of herring gulls feeding on the field behind our house. I caught these taking flight after they were startled by my dogs.
We call this beautiful pheasant Tricky Dickie, he visits most days and seems to enjoy watching us through the window. I love his bronze feathers.

He's having a really good look in now, he doesn't go away when we move around the sitting room. Maybe he's waiting to be invited in.

This is a shot of the River Lossie

The sea is on the other side of the dunes on the opposite bank. Looking towards Lossiemouth
If you enlarge the picture you will be able to see the bridge which takes you over to east beach. In a few weeks there will be big flocks of ducks on the water along with gulls redshanks oyster catchers and of course herons.

AUTUMN AT BRODIE CASTLE

2009-11-08T22:18:00.007Z

Brodie Castle is a short drive away and a place we visit often, It looks beautiful now that autumn has arrived. Click on pictures to enlarge them.

If you have a castle you have to have a view and it's even better when you can have a lake to enhance the view.
My dogs love it here. How can such a large tongue fit into such a small dogs mouth?

There is a lovely walk round the lake.

A silver birch changed to gold. These next shots are taken in the Castle gardens.

These are a few views of the Castle. If you fancy staying here it's possible to rent an apartment in part of the Castle for holidays.

ROGIE FALLS

2009-10-31T21:53:00.006Z

Today I am sharing a selection of pictures taken at Rogie Falls near Contin in Easter Ross. Click on pictures to enlarge them. The dogs are ready for another adventure.

This looks like an old stone wall but is in fact the bark of an ancient birch tree.
I love the way plants grow on other plants, every spare inch seems to be used, the bark of the old birch is supporting a host of lichens and mosses.

A lovely view of the falls and the bridge over the river.

The trees were just beginning to chang colour when we were there, I bet it's stunning now.

The pretty bridge across the Blackwater river.

The falls taken from the bridge

The veiw from below the bridge.

The turbulant water beneath the falls, easy to see why it's called Blackwater River

This is a man made fish ladder built at the side of the falls to help the Salmon to get above the falls. You can see it quite clearly on the picture of the bridge. .

A big fungus growing amongst more mossy things. We often complain about the rain we get in Scotland, but without it we wouldn't have this lush vegetation or lovely rivers and waterfalls so I'm prepared to put up with it.

Here is a Rowan Tree growing out of rock.

We spotted this bus shelter when driving through the pretty little coastal town of Fortrose and had to get a shot of it. You could say it's a great bit of re-cycling and I suppose if the bus didn't turn up there's always the boat.

HIPS LIPS AND HUNTIN FOR FAIRIES

2009-10-24T23:18:00.005+01:00

These plump rose hips on the Rugosa Roses in my garden are much loved by the birds. They also make great rosehip syrup. Click on pictures to enlarge them.

This sunset from a few weeks ago was taken from the back of our cottage. Is it just me, or can you see lips in the sky?

Another shot of the same sunset taken a bit further to the east with straw bales on the horizan.

These next shots are from our Black Isle holiday. We paid a visit to the Fairie Glen at Rosemarkie, a lovely nature reserve. We saw lots of birds, dippers, wagtails and a woodpecker, but not one fairy, we even sent the dogs on a fairy search, but no luck.

We found these strange very small fungi. The shot is a bit blurred, maybe due to the fact I was almost standing on my head. If anyone knows what kind of fungi they are I would love to know.

More fungi growing on a dead tree, no fairies sitting under them.

A lovely burn flows through the reserve which is where we saw the grey wagtails.

This shot is looking back to the mill pond where dragon flies hovered over the still water.

The path took us along the side of the burn and ever upwards until we arrived at a series of waterfalls. Not a fairy in sight, maybe they had gone on holiday, but still a lovely walk and worth the climb to the waterfalls.

A VERY STRANGE PLACE

2009-10-17T22:41:00.004+01:00

During our recent holiday on The Black Isle we visited the Clootie Well near Munlochy. I should explain that a "cloot" or "clout" is a piece of cloth or even an item of clothing. The well was and still is by some folk, believed to possess healing powers against ill health and bad luck and curses. People would take cloots belonging to the afflicted then walk three times round the well, dip the cloot into the "magic" water and then tie it to a tree. As the cloot rotted away the healing began. Judging by the amount of cloots there are a lot of believers out there. If you click on the pictures and enlarge them you'll see a variety of different articles.

Believe me, it's a very weired place.
The water from the "well" is now channeled into an unattractive concrete sink.

Here is the old station at Strathpeffer which has been re-cycled
and now contains a museum of childhood a bookshop and a cafe with yummy cakes.

This lovely cottage used to be a railway cottage

A view across the rooftops of some of the houses in Strathpeffer

This is Strathpeffer Spa Pavillion where events and concerts are held.

A number of wooden carvings adorn the grounds of the pavillion, here you can see Greg, the hat you'll notice is a different one, saying hello to Garry. Garry was a giant, although only a small one at 15ft tall, who fell asleep on a hillside. Some naughty children tied his hair to the heather and when he began to slip down the slope he was brought to a painful halt as you can see by his expression.

I'm sorry to say I can't remember the story that goes with this buxom wench, except I think she's a Vicking, but she's pretty impressive and has someone on her back

A HOLIDAY IN THE BLACK ISLE

2009-10-11T22:28:00.003+01:00

Although we only live an hour away and have often driven through on our way to the west coast, we have never stopped to explore this beautiful part of Scotland. This all changed last week when we rented a lovely bungalow for a week. We arrived during a storm with strong gales and heavy rain , but found the house cosy and warm. It is set in an acre of garden with mature trees and surrounded by a stone wall . Click on photos to enlarge them.

When I got up the next morning the storm had abated and this is the view I saw from the cottage window. The first snow so far on the top of Ben Wyvis and a lovely rainbow to greet the day. The view extends to reveal the Cromarty Firth to the right of the shot and Conan Bridge to the left.

Two days later the view had changed and the mist filled the strath, hiding the trees and farms.

The mist now starting to rise.

The early morning sun highlighting the golden bracken on the hills above the mist.

LOCH AN EILEIN

2009-10-01T22:26:00.003+01:00

During our recent holiday in Aviemore we visited beautiful Loch an Eilein, part of the lovely Rothiemurchas Estate. Pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.

A lovely view of the Cairngorm Mountains across the Loch.
Many little paths meander round the edge of the water.

Sunlight shining through the old Scots Pine.

There are also lots of grand old birch trees.

We found a bench at the edge of the Loch where we enjoyed a picnic.

The ruins of a 13th century castle. During the 1380s that dirty rotter Alexander Stewart, The Wolf of Badenoch, who by the way was the Grandson of Robert The Bruce, occupied this castle and is believed to have added a fortified tower. For more on the Bad old Wolf go to my blog POSTCARDS FROM ELGIN PART TWO.

We found this at the edge of the loch opposite the castle. I've no idea what it is, but with a bit of imagination it could be The Wolf's washing up bowl, or foot spa.

AFTER THE RAIN

2009-09-25T22:09:00.003+01:00

Two weeks ago I posted pictures of our holiday in Aviemore. See AVIEMORE HOLIDAY PART TWO . On the Thursday 3rd of Sept the north of Scotland endured 36 hours of continuous heavy rain. The first picture below shows the Alt Mor burn gently flowing from the Cairngorms to Loch Morlich The following were taken along the same burn on Friday 4th. Click on the photos to enlarge them

Now surging towards the loch taking with it parts of the bank and trees, the burn has lost it's gentle nature.

The dogs especially Bryan, are usually keen to paddle in burns and lochs, but when a footpath suddenly turns into a river it's a bit bewildering.

Greg wishing he'd worn his wellies.

It's amazing to see, how, after rain, the trunks and branches of trees light up with lovely green lichen changing the appearance of the woodland.

A BRIEF TOUR OF BURGHEAD

2009-09-18T22:23:00.009+01:00

A visit to Burghead Village which lies about five miles from home. This view is of Burghead Bay with it's long stretch of golden sands backed by miles of woodland walks in Roseisle Forest.The pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Rooftops above the harbour

This is the remains of the ramparts of an iron age fort, the biggest in Britain dated back to the 4th -7th century which stretches across the neck of the headland. The fort was destroyed after the construction of harbour in 1805, the white building is a heritage centre.

Below is an artists impression of what the fort would have looked like.
This photo shows what would have been the central ridge

These hazardous steps lead down from the fort to the harbour/

Colourful fishing boats in the harbour which at one time was a very busy herring fishing port

The old harbour buildings have been turned into flats.

This poor man was having awful trouble getting the engine of his boat to start and we couldn't help with a push start either.

Here we have the entrance to Burghead "Well" which was discovered in 1805 when excavation work was being done. It is believed to be early Christian in date is an 11ft chamber hewn from the rock and fed by a spring. The size suggests it was used for purposes other that drawing water but no one knows what it was really used for.

This is the far right corner of the well, I couldn't get the whole thing in. The water is very dark and the steps down and the walls damp and slimy, in fact it feels quite spooky.

The dogs obviously want to leave and get back to the surface.

On 11th January each year the Burning of the Clavie takes place. This involves a half barrel filled with wood shavings and tar fixed by a hand wrought nail to a 5ft pole. The contents are set alight and carried by a Clavie King, often a fisherman, and accompanied by others is paraded around the village before finally being taken to the Dourie Hill and placed in the "alter" shown below.

The Dourie Hill and alter

AVIEMORE HOLIDAY PART TWO

2009-09-11T22:09:00.005+01:00

These pictures are of a walk we took in Glenmore Forest, some of which follows the Alt Mor burn. Click on pictures to enlarge.

I love the colours of the forest at this time of year.
Reflections in a still pool.

A pretty wooden bridge over the burn and a grand old scots pine.

Map lichen on a boulder by the burn.

The Alt Mor burn flowing between alder birch and willow trees.

A view of the Shepherds hill. I climbed it a few years ago, you never know I may manage it again before too long.

Another old pine, the smell of the pine and the heather in the warm sun was wonderful

Bryan looking grumpy because I called him to come out of the water.

Watch out, Papillons hunting.

A WEEK AT AVIEMORE

2009-09-05T21:55:00.005+01:00

We have just returned from a weeks holiday in a cottage at Aviemore and I thought you would enjoy the following shots. Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

This is the cottage we stayed in at Avielochan Farm. The cottage is close to a lovely lochan where osprey fish and golden eye and tufted ducks are resident.

This is the road round the loch
A view of the Cairngorm mountains lit up by the evening sun taken from the door of the cottage

Another shot from the cottage of the sun rays breaking through clouds.

A view across the loch from a bit further down the road.

This is Greg standing in the middle of an iron age hut circle, the entrance is to the right of the picture.

Looking back across the loch to where the cottage is to the left of the house with the red roof. The hut circle is in the foreground

Another shot of clouds rolling off the mountains . I will share more pictures of the holiday later.

A WALK IN ROSEISLE FOREST

2009-08-20T22:09:00.006+01:00

Now that I am getting my fitness back after my hip replacement, Iam enjoying getting back out into the wilder places that I love so much. This walk was in Roseisle Forest which has many footpaths through both mature and newer woodland. This path crosses a burn at the bottom of the steps so was a test for the new hip. To see more details just click on the pictures

Whilst Greg and Bryan wait at the top, Jarvis comes back down to hustle me on.
There are lots of Rowan berries ripening at this time of year.

Although I hate it when areas of the forest are clear felled, areas of wild flowers appear a couple of years later to add variety to the forest

The heather smells of honey in the warm sunshine and is enjoyed by bumble bees.

Bryan looks very pleased with himself after having a dip in the burn and then getting covered in sand.

I like the way the light shines on the heather in this shot and the lovely silver colour.

The "dirty dog" has now found a big hole with a strong foxy smell around it.

A chap just has to go and take a look. Jarvis is egging him on but won't be so brave himself.

A short time later and after running through long vegetation hunting for small creatures Bryan is once again looking pretty clean.

A POSTCARD FROM ELGIN

2009-08-13T21:54:00.009+01:00

Elgin is seven miles from us and is where we go to do our main shopping. The name on the town's seal is Helgyn implying Norse links. Below are a few shots of some of the more interesting buildings and a bit of the history when I can supply it. Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Shoppers on the High Street

St, Giles Parish Church,designed by Archibald Simpson 1825-28, is built in the Greek Revival style.
The Tower is the oldest surviving building in High St built in 1631 but added too in 1876.
Isaac Forsyth founded his circulating library here in 1789, the first such library in northern Scotland.

One of the many "closes " in Elgin.

This is Thunderton House from 16th century, home of the King when passing through, and later the town house of The Earls of Moray, Dunbars of Westfield and Lords of Duffus. The building was founded in the 14th century is now a pub and serves good bar meals. If you enlarge the picture you will see, above the ivy on the right, a painting of how the building looked earlier.

The plaque outside Thunderton House

I don't know where the stern looking Bishop? originated, but he is now installed in the wall down one of the closes. He doesn't seem to approve of Greg.

Another strange piece of masonary

A lovely stone staircase at Thunderton House, there is a boot scraper near the top of the steps

The Granary, bar and club and an Italian resturant next door make modern use of old buildings

Elgin Castle once stood on this hill, but now only a few walls remain. It was a royal castle and it is alleged that King Duncan died here of wounds inflicted by Macbeth. King Edward 1st occupied the castle for four days in 1296. The hill is now called Lady Hill possibly because the chapel was rebuilt in 15th century. The monument is an 80ft tall Doric column surmounted by a statue of the 5th (and last) Duke of Gordon.

Due to recent cutback in funding Elgin Council have had to employ street cleaners who don't need paying. Who'se a clever gull then?

A PICNIC IN THE PARK

2009-08-06T22:19:00.005+01:00

After we had been to the re-cycling centre at Forres last week, (see previous blog) we went to Grant Park to enjoy a picnic. Below is a selection of photos of the various floral displays in this lovely park. Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Greg and the dogs are impressed by this giant squirrel, you can see if you enlarge the picture that Greg has even lent it his hat. I just managed to stop Bryan from peeing on it.

This is the view from the bench we chose to enjoy our picnic

One of the fountains in the sunken garden. This garden is where Forres House once stood before it burnt down.

RECYCLING

2009-08-01T23:18:00.010+01:00

Spurred on by Linda's blog about recycling, we loaded

the car and set off to the recycling centre at Forres. It was busy with other likeminded people and catered for everything from garden waste to bathroom suites. The amount of stuff for sale was equally impressive as the photos show a small selection of what's available.

Skis anyone? there were also skiboots by the dozen
This department was furniture of all kinds

The toy section was very popular with the kids and everything going very cheaply. You can see more detail by clicking on the photos to enlarge them

There are some new "recycling machines " in our field, the big ones recycle grass into milk and feed it to the calfs who turn it into beef.

Cute or what?

DUFFUS CASTLE AND WESTFIELD FUN DAY

2009-07-28T22:38:00.006+01:00

Determined to make the most of the light evenings , the dogs and I went to Duffus Castle which is a stones throw away from home. The Castle rises above what used to be Spynie Loch and consists of an outer bailey surrounded by a moat, a walled and ditched inner-bailey, and a great stone keep on top of a motte. Inside the keep a staircase within the wall thickness and parts of rooms can be seen. The keep contained a great hall on the first floor.

Click on pictures to enlarge them.

The late evening sun has turned the old stonework a lovely golden colour.

A small window can be seen high up and an opening into the inside of the wall

On the other side of this wall are cellars and store rooms.

Can you see who is on rampart patrol, these Papillons are more like goats than dogs.

A close up of the stone walls reveals tiny ferns

On the right of the picture you can see that part of the north corner has sheared off and slipped part way down the motte
It contains a latrine

At Westfield house we were entertained by part of the RAF Lossiemouth Pipe Band

This is a Police sniffer dog who has just successfully hunted out some drugs that her handler had hidden to show us what she was capable of, she's now asking for her ball.

A MIXED BAG

2009-07-23T22:32:00.011+01:00

Click on photos to enlarge them.

This photo was taken from the back of my cottage at 10-45pm

The next evening at around 9-30pm on the other side of the cottage we we treated to a rainbow

I don't know the name of these little floweres but they are very delicate and loved by hoverflys

These next photos are taken at Clasach Cove, a short distance down the coast from home and one of my favourite places. The dogs love it too.

Bryan looks very small on this shot

A collie dog just peed on this rock. He just turned up from nowhere all by himself and left a message which my two are "reading" with great interest,

After the rock sniffing session,it's into play mode

This cave goes a long way back in the cliff. It's known as Gordon's Stables. The story being that Gordon of Gordonston a local land owner hid his horses in this cave to prevent them being taken during the Jacobite uprising.

Gordonston is now a famous school where Prince Charles and his brothers were educated. Princess Anne's daughter Zara Philips and her brother Peter also attended .

The cave in this picture goes through to the seaward side of the cliff

More fun on the beach

DOING THE TOURIST BIT

2009-07-18T15:23:00.008+01:00

Although I normally drive the three miles into Lossiemouth once a week

to top up with bread ,milk etc, I thought it would be good to look at it from a tourist point of view, so camera at the ready and Greg in tow, bribed by the offer of lunch, we enjoyed a couple of hours in the pretty seaside town.
The picture above is taken from just outside the Lossie Inn where we had our lunch. In the foreground is the river
Lossie just before it joins the Moray Firth, in front of the river is where the railway used to run, now turned into gardens. Beyond is the open water of the firth. The pointed hill in the far distance is the Cullen Bin, well worth a walk to the top for great views in all directions. The sand dunes in this picture were created by placing rail carriages on the beach so that the blowing sand would bank up and form dunes insted of blowing into the river and silting it up.If you click on the photos it will enlarge them and you will see more detailThe old harbour buildings have been restored and now house a museum about the old fishing days, a cafe with delicious home bakes gift shops and the Harbour Master's office

People enjoying the sunshine outside the cafe, it looks quite continental

One of the lovely flower beds that somehow survive being so close to the sea and the salt laden winds

This harbour was a full of fishing boats a few years ago, but now, like so many others, it is used as a marina for pleasure craft.

This little boat is for sale, all on it's own on the other side of the harbour away from the big fancy boats, it would be about the only one I could afford.

Another view of the boats

Tourist enjoying the warm weather with icecreams and drinks on the esplanade

This bridge takes you over the mouth of the River Lossie and onto East beach,beyond the bridge is Seatown, the original fishing village. When the tide is out and the water low it',s possible to see the ribs of one of the old fishing boats in the sands of the river. In the winter hundreds of ducks spend time here , It's lovely to walk along the banks of the river and then into miles and miles of pine woods

A SUMMER EVENING AND MORE SMALL THINGS

2009-07-15T23:32:00.007+01:00

Yesterday evening the weather was so good, warm and not a breath of wind, that I decided to take the new hip for a wander down to our village. Our village consists of five houses now, but at one time it boasted a shop and a pub. I read somewhere that Alexander

Graham Bell who invented the telephone, spent his honeymoon in one of the cottages

This photo is of the first cottage in the village right on the edge of the cliff. Click on pictures to enlarge them

about nine o' clock and the sun is getting lower in the sky and making a pathway of light across the water

The other direction shows the dunes and lots of gulls on the beach and in the water

When I got back the garden was filled with the scent of warm honey coming from these strange flowers on my Newzealand Flax plant which the bees adore

I did warn you about me getting hooked on small things, these are the seed heads on my Sinecio Bush. To my mind they are just as attractive as the yellow daisy flowers.

This next picture is for ADULTS ONLY. ONLY TO BE VIEWED AFTER THE NINE O'CLOCK DEADLINE

Sex on a Ragwort flower, I caught the little devils in the act
Ahh bless, more nature

MORE MACRO AND REMEMBERING MY NEIGHBOUR

2009-07-13T23:31:00.009+01:00

Be warned I've got really hooked on small things,and hope I don't bore you all with my close ups. I know these are classed as weeds and I admit they are growing in my garden, but hey it's nature. Click on pictures to enlarge them

I found this pretty moth on one of my rose bushes, I'm afraid I don't know it's name, if anyone can tell me I would be grateful Sorry it's a bit out of focus, but I had trouble getting up close because big thorns on this Rugosa Rose

The next three photos are taken on my neighbours croft, these are new neighbours as the old man who used to live here died last year and I really miss him. He was a very small man only about five foot four tall but as tough as an ox. He was well into his nineties but put in a full days work in fact the day before he died I saw him putting new fence posts in one of the fields. Once I caught him on his cottage roof, sweeping the chimney from the top. He was a mine of information about our area and the history of the place and he told me stories of being a child and peeping out of the cottage window when the local smugglers were heading to the beach. Alas I can,t stop and chat to him now, but am really glad I had the pleasure of knowing him. I don't have any photos of him, but lots of memories. Hope you don't mind me sharing my thoughts.

My dogs in the cow field

Shower clould gathering over the croft, you can just see the rooftop of my cottage bottom right

GETTING UP CLOSE

2009-07-08T10:13:00.004+01:00

I have admired many peoples close up shots of flowers insects etc. so thought it about time to have a go myself. These two are taken with the automatic setting on my camera until I get better at using it or get another lens. The hover fly doesn't show up too well but I am quite pleased with the little bumble bee. At one point there were three of them on that rose but they were buzzing about and make the picture fuzzy.

Click on the photos to enlarge them, you can see the pollen on the bee's legs and on the first picture the hover fly has blown the pollen up onto the roses petal

I took this photo the other evening when we let the dogs out for their last pit stop, it was
11-15 pm

A FEW PICTURES OF HOME

2009-07-04T22:47:00.008+01:00

Today I am sharing a few shots from around my home. This is my limit for walks just now, but I am hoping to get the OK from the hospital next week so that I can drive again.

The top picture is the view from the back of my house looking across the Moray firth.

Below are some of my new neighbours who are fascinated by my two Papillons who are looking for rabbits on the other side of the fence. Click on pictures to enlarge them.

They are now setting off to join in the fun by galloping alongside the dogs, who don't care by the way.

The view from just outside the garden gate looking over to Ben Rinnes Ben Aigan and Ben More

This is a view of Lossiemouth Lighthouse, I think it was built by the Stevenson brothers.
Lossiemouth can be seen to the right of the photo above the sheds of Covesea farm.

My little home on the hill, when we moved here there were no trees just a rough field, but now after eighteen years we are very lucky to have lots of trees and shrubs which has brought us plenty of birds to enjoy.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

2009-07-03T13:55:00.003+01:00

I was reading in the sitting room at 10.30 pm and happened to look up from my book. This is what I saw through the patio doors. I quickly grabbed my camera and shot these photos. They are taken through the glass so not quite as sharp as I would have liked.

If you would like to join in with Skywatch clickhttp://skyley.blogspot.com/
Click on photos to enlarge them

It looks a bit like a tornado, but it's the vapour trail of a plane climbing over the Moray Firth in Scotland

MISSING OUT THIS YEAR

2009-06-19T14:38:00.006+01:00

Tomorrow we should have been setting off for a week in a cottage near Ullapool on the west coast of Scotland for a weeks stay in a cottage that we have rented for the last couple of years, but, because I'm not fully recovered from my hip operation and can't drive yet, we are staying at home on the east coast of Scotland. I am posting a random selection of the holiday we had in the cottage last year.

This is Greg sitting on the rocks above the River Ullapool in Glen Achall just a little way from the cottage.

Click on pictures to enlarge them

This is a view of the Corrieshalloch Gorge a very deep box gorge not far away
We visited these lovely gardens one day and spent hours wandering upa and down the winding pathways amongst the lovely trees and flowers on the banks of Loch broom, the gardens belong to the Leckmelm Estate.

This is Glastullich cottage that we rent, for pure solitude it takes some beating. There is no electricity and cooking and lighting is by gas, so as you can imagine it's like stepping back a hundred years. There's no phone signal either and no TV. But sitting in the garden is better than any TV with the view of the hills changing with the light and the weather from minute to minute. The silence is only broken by the drumming of snipe,the calling of curlew and the occasional bleat of sheep.
Each night at about 11 pm (it is still fairly light here all night) a herd of red deer would visit the garden and keep the lawn and shrubs in trim and there was a nest with baby barn owls in the barn which amused us with their antics each evening. You can be sure we'll be back next year.

The shores of Loch Broom with a shower looming

The view from outside our holiday cottage looking down the glen to Loch Achall

Another view of Leckmelm gardens

Just to finish off, a lovely rhodadendron bloom

ON THE ROCKS

2009-06-15T15:44:00.004+01:00

Although my nre hip is feeling great I am not allowed to go wondering too far, especially as we live along a dirt road which is also a hill. I walk daily half way up the road where I can see the sea, mountains and gulls plus some new sheep that have arrived in the field today. The photos I am posting today were taken a few weeks ago and reflect my love of rocks and all their little additions of lichens lumps and bumps. Click on photos to enlarge them. These stones are in the dry stone wall along the side of our lane.

I like the pimples on this oneNo not a rock but he's good to look at

The rocky cliff and a small cave on the beach just below our village

The gorse just coming into bloom.

You can see where the water has worn away the base of the cliff, the sandstone erodes quite easily

I love this great lump of rock, there are so many things growing on it and I imagine a dolphins nose peeping around the front of it.

We do quite often see dolphins along our coast and recently basking sharks

HIP HIP HORAY

2009-06-10T14:40:00.003+01:00

Back to blogging after three weeks and now the proud owner (I think) of a brand new titanium and ceramic right hip, (sorry no photo, don't want to scare you all away)

Apart from being a bit bored (no driving jiving bungy jumping etc.) I am doing OK. Because I have been unable to get out with my camera I thought I would share these pictures I took just before I went into hospital. They are all taken at our nearest, just over the field, beach.

This is a view west towards a coastguard lookout tower.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

The path down to the beach, a mass of yellow gorse or whin bushes as they are called locally.

The flowers smell of coconut.

A view from a grassy bank where I often sit while the dogs exolore the rocks looking for mink.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY AND TORRIESTON WOODS

2009-05-15T16:34:00.010+01:00

Today I am killing two birds with one stone so to speak. The first two pictures are for Skywatch Friday, so if you fancy having a go yourself click here.

This picture is of the sky above the bell tower of Duffus Old Kirk

Click on photos to enlarge them.

the sky seen from my garden gate in the evening

The following pictures are of Torrieston woods near Elgin which is one of my and my dog's favourite walks. These photos were taken about a month ago so many of the trees are still bare.

I quite like this because it gives a better view through the trees.

There is a convenient bench by this bridge, a very good spot for a flask of tea and a snack, and whilst I sit and listen to the birds sing, the dogs explore the banks of the burn.

I took this shot because the sunlight filtering through the trees lit up the heather and made the new growth of birch glitter. You can imagine how lovely it looks later in the year when the heather blooms and the woodland floor hums with the sound of bees and the sweet smell of the heather drifts through the woods

Jarvis is pondering wether or not to go for a dip. He decided not to, if that had been Bryan he would have been straight in. The woodland flowers are just beginning to bloom.

I love the reflections in the calm water in this part of the burn

As you can see Bryan thinks it's pretty good here, and as all Papillon owners will know when Paps like somewhere the best thing to do is go into ZOOOOOM mode.
Look at the big smile on his face.

This is a view of the path down to the bridge the bench can be seen on the other side of the bridge.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

2009-05-08T16:31:00.004+01:00

Once again it's SKYWATCH FRIDAY time. If you would like to post your own pictures click here.

You can click on these pictures to enlarge them.

These are what I refer to as stacking clouds, I believe they are created by the wind blowing them over hills.

The moon in the blue sky at around eight o'clock in the evening

A bit of my garage roof (not intended) and sycamore trees with a cloudy sky.

All of these pictures were taken from just outside my cottage

TRUE COLOUR THURSDAY

2009-05-07T19:50:00.004+01:00

This week the colour is CERISE. If you want to join in with your own colours visit Blue's blog.

You can click on the photos to enlarge them.

This ribbon is round one of my vases of birthday flowers. A cerise toe on a sock my daughter bought me, I have another one just the same!

My lovely Grandaughter wearing a cerise top.

ALPHABET WEDNESDAY

2009-05-06T16:38:00.003+01:00

Alphabet Wednesday's letter this week is P

P is for Pansy. I don't have any real ones so have tried to draw some using watercolour pencils.

To join in the fun click here

Click on photos to enlarge them

P is for Papillon, this is Bryan aged nine

and this is Jarvis who is five

THE OLD KIRK AT DUFFUS

2009-05-05T16:06:00.008+01:00

I love wandering round old graveyards. Not only for the history found in them, but also for the peace and quiet and the wildlife. Here are a few images of Duffus Old Kirk that I took a couple of weeks ago. There were lots of baby rabbits and birds were singing in the old trees that surround the graveyard. The woods at the front were full of wild garlic, not yet in flower but already giving out a pungent smell.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them

This old stone wall is covered in lichen and there are ferns and toadflax growing between the stones
I love the vaulted roof of the kirks porch.

This is a view of the empty shell of the kirk

A mix of tomb stones and lovely old trees

The watch hut where some poor chap had to spend the night guarding the bodies for fear of grave robbers. Rather him than me.

One of the many strange tomb stones. I don,t know why they show the dislocated femurs, each side of the skull, if anyone knows I would love to hear

I wonder why this one is upside down

This stone with it,s horn blowing cherub is almost at roof height, I wonder if it originated elsewhere.

A view of the outside of the kirk.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

2009-05-01T15:34:00.008+01:00

Friday is Skywatch day, if you want to join in and publish your own photos click here

Click on the pictures to view them full size

A lovely blue sky through the blossom of my wild cherry tree.
A lonely herring gull over the Moray Firth

The sunset through a broom bush taken from home

Another picture from my back door

STILL LIMPING

2009-04-30T11:30:00.004+01:00

Last Monday I went into hospital for a hip replacement, I sailed through all the usual tests and prepared myself for the operation on Tuesday morning, which as it happened, was my birthday.I was woken at 5-45 am for a shower and given a sexy gown to wear which always shows your bum because there are never enough ties on it. Of course I wasn't allowed anything to eat or drink so made do with the smell of my neighbours bacon and coffee. The theatre nurse came and told me she would come back at 9am with a sedative tablet and I would go "down" shortly afterwards. Then ten minutes later the Consultant arrived and informed me that seeing as my hip was worse than normal he wanted another Consultant involved, but they didn't hve the required equipment to hand. So here I am back at home until they get the right hardware and call me back in. The good news is I GOT MY BREAKFAST. Today I thought I would share some flowers, because we all like flowers don't we? even if we are not in hospital Ha! Ha! Click on photos to enlarge them.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

2009-04-23T23:13:00.005+01:00

To join in Skywatch Friday click here

This is me looking up at the sky through the branches of a tall pine tree.

A lovely blue sky seen through a tracery of bare branches.

The evening sky seen from the back of my cottage

Lovely colours through the trees in my front garden

Tonight the sun set over the Moray Firth lighting up the mountains beyond

This will be my last Skywatch for a while. I am going into hospital on Monday for a hip replacement but look forward to continuing when I get home

TRUE COLOUR THURSDAY

2009-04-23T16:00:00.003+01:00

Todays colour is RUST

If you want to join in with your own Rusty photos visit Blue

on her blog

Here are some lovely rust coloured beech leaves on the tree and on the ground. This photo was taken last November on the shores of Loch Lochy.

These are bark paintings, done for us by my adopted Aboriginal family when we lived with them for a while in Arnhem Land a few years ago. The rust coloured paint is made from crushed rock.

Lovely rust colour caused by iron in the cliff

This will be my last True Colour Thursday for a while. I am going into Hospital for a hip replacement on Monday,and not quite sure how long I'll be away.

ALPHABET WEDNESDAY

2009-04-22T20:47:00.004+01:00

This week the letter is N, if you want to join in click here , Click on photos to enlarge them

These are my Neoprene boots, very warm and waterproof.

N is for NEW,
leaf buds and catkins on a birch tree

NARCISSUS

Bright yellow to cheer us after the bleakness of winter

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

2009-04-17T15:52:00.003+01:00

This is my first attempt at Skywatch Friday, I have looked at many lovely and often dramatic pictures from other people, so thought I should have a go myself. I have gone for a contrast between the unpredictable skys of the north of Scotland and the hot sunny skys of Malta.

To join in the fun click here.

Where the sky meet the sea over the Moray Firth
Five minutes later, a heavy shower caught me without a raincoat, I should know betterLooking skyward to one of the watch towers on the defence walls of Valetta

The tower of St John's cathedral

Bright blue sky on the west coast of Malta.

TRUE COLOUR THURSDAY

2009-04-16T16:16:00.003+01:00

The colour this week is Lime,

Sorry if this is cheating but you can't get a much truer lime colour than this can you?

If you want to join in visit blue on her blog

The true colour lime

or is this the true colour lime?

NNot to worry the end product tastes really good

ALPHABET WEDNESDAY M

2009-04-15T20:12:00.007+01:00

If you want to join Alphabet Wednesday click here

M is for Malta, so hot and so dry,

M is for mountain with snow in the sky,

M is for mischief for Monkies and More,

A Mallard we saw on a loch, by the shore.

A view of Valetta taken from a boat in the Grand Harbour

The Cairngorm Mountains in early Spring

Cheeky Monkies

A lovely male Mallard duck

MY BACKYARD

2009-04-12T22:32:00.003+01:00

In my previous blogs I have shown photos of the lovely places we visit in the Moray and the Highlands. In this one I am sharing my own back yard so to speak and sharing the bits just around our home. No two days are the same,it changes according to the weather and of course the time of year.

Bryan and Jarvis ready to go, they know where the local rabbits live.
This is our view of the Moray Firth looking north from the cottage,

This is our "village" just down the lane from us, consists of only about five houses now but at one time I believe there was a shop too.

Past the village you can see Lossiemouth Lighthouse,now unmanned. Parts of the buildings are now holiday lets.

This is the view from our cottage looking south,Ben Rinnes can be seen in the centre of the photo

This is the pond in the farmyard. It used to be a mill pond, now it's a haven for birds, Mallards and moorhens nest there and there are some huge carp.

This is home, sometimes the road gets full of snow in the winter and we can be stuck for days at a time. It pays to have a store cupboard.

Looking back from half way down the garden. Our garden is for wildlife and dogs, so no neat flower beds. Lots of plants can't survive here because of the salty winds we can get at any time of year. Most of what we grow is tough shrubs and hardy trees, we also have a resident wild rabbit which would soon take care of tender young plants. Mind you it keeps the dogs amused by hiding in the Rugosa Roses and they run round and round the bushes avoiding the vicious thorns which are keeping Brer Rabbit safe.

TRUE COLOUR THURSDAY

2009-04-09T19:12:00.005+01:00

True colour Thursday this week is black and white, my first picture is of my dog Jarvis enjoying himself of the beach.

Written in black and white

My black and white beads.

If you want to join in True Colour Thursday, visit Blue

SCOTLAND THE BEAUTIFUL.BRAVE AND BEYOND

2009-04-08T22:34:00.008+01:00

A stay in the Cairngorms last week gave me a chance to try out my new camera.These are a few pictures of the places we visited and a few more from the Highland Wildlife Park, there are more "wild things" on my last but one blog.

I love the colours in this photo
There were dozens of frogs in these pools all busy doing what frogs do in early spring.

Interesting trees at Revack Estate

Choppy waters of Loch Inch.

The pack waiting to be fed

King of the swingers

The lookout

Alphabet Wednesday

2009-04-08T16:29:00.004+01:00

This is my first Alphabet Wednesday, the letter this week is L, so I have a Liquid Lake,

If you wish to join in click here

Here is a lovely Lily

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

2009-04-04T18:38:00.014+01:00

We have just spent a few days a Granton-on Spey being fed and watered and waited on.As we had no dogs with us we felt the need to borrow a few courtesy of the Highland Wildlife Park.

Tiger Tiger burning bright

Who's a clever monkey then?

I think this one was meditating.

Pair of oyster-catchers

A lovely lapwing not at all bothered by the camera

A grand red deer stag and his "girls"

I've never seen a horse retrieving before, shortly after taking this photo he chased us off.

A bit of hanky-panky in the rushes.

SRANGE BEINGS IN THE WOODS

2009-03-30T09:36:00.002+01:00

These are a few of the wood sculptures to be found in the woods at Feshiebridge near Aviemore.

This one I love I can imagine him striding all over the the Glen after dark, checking up on things.

This is Feshiebridge

I love the way the sculptor has kept most of the tree natural. As you can imagine the woods look very different in the spring and summer. I love it at any time.

POETRY IN MOTION-NOT

2009-03-28T18:18:00.002Z

This blogger thing's quite new to me, I've only done a few,

I sometimes wonder if my life seems very dull to you,

But just for now I'm happy to wander with my dogs,

Taking lots of photos to publish on my blog,

But when my new hip's fitted I,m sure you all will see

a more exciting person that's waiting to be free,

be back to how I used to be

FAST AND LEAN AND KEEN,

Cos though my body's sixty-nine

my brain is seventeen.

A wind swept Jarvis doing a spot of rock climbing
This is the rock he was going to climb, but he chickened out.

Greg tossing the caber in Kinloss woods

Good dogs waiting for old limpy to catch up

THE COLOUR BEIGE

2009-03-26T16:24:00.007Z

This weeksTrue colour is beige, to join in visit blue blog

Here are some beige bales lined up in a field near home.

A beige bargain, my four pound jacket

A little beige bull on my fridge with a message I'm in favour with..

Some beige reeds blowing in a strong March wind.

A close look at a beige bale of straw.

Some beige curlews hardly visable on a beige field.

True colour this week is beige, not too easy I thought. Anyway the "boys" and I have been out for a scout round and come up with a few.

THANK GOD FOR THE NHS

2009-03-25T18:42:00.002Z

Training aid for the tyre jump or tunnel in agility
A very handy grooming table

A sponge for mopping up those little "accidents", well it happens

sometimes

Very handy ball "picker-upper"
I am going into hospital next month for a hip replacement. Now, I'm pretty sure I

didn't tell the hospital I am a dog fan, but, they must have found out somehow

I won't be allowed to bend from the hips for about six weeks after my op. so they have

very kindly sent me these very handy gadgets to help. How kind is that.

Life on the hill

LETS GO FOR A SUNDAY WALK

AVIELOCHAN IN NOVEMBER PART TWO

IN THE DEEP MIDWINTER.

GOODBYE TO THE GREMLINS ( I HOPE)

FLOWERS, TREES AND ROCKS

A WILDLIFE BOAT TRIP

ON THE BEACH

WELCOME TO GLASTULLICH

RETURN TO BALINOE

RETURN TO WALK AT SPYNIE

LOGIE STEADING

I'VE REACHED THE BIG 7 0

SPRING FLOWERS AT BRODIE

SPYNIE PALACE

LETS GO FOR A WALK

A VERY ENJOYABLE BREAK

SUNSHINE AT SPYNIE

SIGNS OF SPRING AT BRODIE CASTLE

RETURN TO THE PONDAROSA, AND MORE SNOW

WALKING THE DOGS

SNOWDROPS AND TOMBSTONES

AS IT SAYS IN THE SONG

WATER WOODS AND GARDEN

A SHORT BREAK IN GRANTOWN ON SPEY

WOODS AND RIVER FESHIE

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

REMEMBER WHEN

A DRIVE FROM NEWTONMORE

RETURN TO DUFFUS CASTLE

TORRIESTON WOODS AND BLACK ISLE

VISITING BIRDS AND A VIEW OF THE RIVER

AUTUMN AT BRODIE CASTLE

ROGIE FALLS

HIPS LIPS AND HUNTIN FOR FAIRIES

A VERY STRANGE PLACE

A HOLIDAY IN THE BLACK ISLE

LOCH AN EILEIN

AFTER THE RAIN

A BRIEF TOUR OF BURGHEAD

AVIEMORE HOLIDAY PART TWO

A WEEK AT AVIEMORE

MORE POSTCARDS FROM ELGIN

A WALK IN ROSEISLE FOREST

A POSTCARD FROM ELGIN

A PICNIC IN THE PARK

RECYCLING

DUFFUS CASTLE AND WESTFIELD FUN DAY

A MIXED BAG

DOING THE TOURIST BIT

A SUMMER EVENING AND MORE SMALL THINGS

MORE MACRO AND REMEMBERING MY NEIGHBOUR

GETTING UP CLOSE

A FEW PICTURES OF HOME

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

MISSING OUT THIS YEAR

ON THE ROCKS

HIP HIP HORAY

SKYWATCH FRIDAY AND TORRIESTON WOODS

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

TRUE COLOUR THURSDAY

ALPHABET WEDNESDAY

THE OLD KIRK AT DUFFUS

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

STILL LIMPING

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

TRUE COLOUR THURSDAY

ALPHABET WEDNESDAY

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

TRUE COLOUR THURSDAY

ALPHABET WEDNESDAY M

MY BACKYARD

TRUE COLOUR THURSDAY

SCOTLAND THE BEAUTIFUL.BRAVE AND BEYOND

Alphabet Wednesday

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

SRANGE BEINGS IN THE WOODS

POETRY IN MOTION-NOT

THE COLOUR BEIGE