So I spent Xmas, and a couple of weeks beforehand, with Gudrun, David, Maya and Sage at Shutesbury ... they seemed happy, if not humoured to see me. They really were, and so was I to see them.
It was just as I remembered and hoped for ... snow and sunshine, forest trails
and frozen ponds and lakes. Though I had forgotten just how cold it could be, strolling out there.
The kids and I (just a kid too) went down to Lake Wyola several times to play 'chucking stones and star-bursting plates of ice' on the frozen surface. Coming from Scotland, iced ponds scare me, and the kids enjoyed stretching my terror ... 'that's far enough ... c'mon, we said a metre ... okay maybe two ... no more.' Of course, when DAD arrived things were different ... 'of course it's safe.' Sage and I also did a bit of exploring and tracking. If they don't have rabbits (everyone disputes that the tracks I saw belonged to them) they've got 'b..... big squirrels!'
It seems ... dare I say it ... that the Durhams are settled (just don't phone me up Gudrun with an opening 'Daaaad ....'). So I took a photo of the house and 'garden' before things change. There are a few trees down, a new deck, a planned 'mud room' and some cladding and fresh paint to come.
I had lots of yummy food from both cooks and managed a wee contribution of Tart and Tangy Beans, fish cakes and an apple tart (I am beginning to sound like Betty!). We played game with neighbours and friends ... especially taken with that French werewolf game. I'll need to get that for July ... no longer 'next' July!
and frozen ponds and lakes. Though I had forgotten just how cold it could be, strolling out there.
The kids and I (just a kid too) went down to Lake Wyola several times to play 'chucking stones and star-bursting plates of ice' on the frozen surface. Coming from Scotland, iced ponds scare me, and the kids enjoyed stretching my terror ... 'that's far enough ... c'mon, we said a metre ... okay maybe two ... no more.' Of course, when DAD arrived things were different ... 'of course it's safe.' Sage and I also did a bit of exploring and tracking. If they don't have rabbits (everyone disputes that the tracks I saw belonged to them) they've got 'b..... big squirrels!'
It seems ... dare I say it ... that the Durhams are settled (just don't phone me up Gudrun with an opening 'Daaaad ....'). So I took a photo of the house and 'garden' before things change. There are a few trees down, a new deck, a planned 'mud room' and some cladding and fresh paint to come.
I had lots of yummy food from both cooks and managed a wee contribution of Tart and Tangy Beans, fish cakes and an apple tart (I am beginning to sound like Betty!). We played game with neighbours and friends ... especially taken with that French werewolf game. I'll need to get that for July ... no longer 'next' July!
I got some books for Xmas, what else is there? Well, there's a knitted skull cap from Gudrun. She was knitting all day/night long to finish various presents. I also got myself an applemac pro!! By the way Gudrun/David, when I got home I had a message on my answer phone from the Bank. I shall phone and thank them for their diligence later! For the others ... the bank stopped me using my card in Mass, even though I had told them I was going!! And this is the Bank of Scotland that squandered trillions!!!
While the Durhams slowly froze on the Pond I took several photos ... this one is a good 'serious' portrait of the family.
While the Durhams slowly froze on the Pond I took several photos ... this one is a good 'serious' portrait of the family.The day I left, it was raining and above freezing. When I arrived in Glasgow it was -6 degrees, Lerwick was -1 and Bousta +2!
It was only three week but five days after leaving, I am still putting my hand in the left hand side of the drawer to get the teaspoons (they're on the rhs in my drawer). It was a lovely time, thank you to all the Durhams and especially Maya for her room and Sage helping me with my tracking skills and finding the way to the pond..
It was only three week but five days after leaving, I am still putting my hand in the left hand side of the drawer to get the teaspoons (they're on the rhs in my drawer). It was a lovely time, thank you to all the Durhams and especially Maya for her room and Sage helping me with my tracking skills and finding the way to the pond..
Oh yes, Polly was happy to see me ... wouldn't even let me close the bathroom door for the first day without miaowing to check I was still there!
3 comments:
"Daaad".....
Ha ha...yes watch this space!
So lovely to have had you here...can't wait for July and lots of werewolf hunting!
PS Funny to see a family portrait as we don't have many...Maya looks so tall beside me!
Yes, a real professional family portrait! I got Ben the werewolf game for Christmas so we can bring along.
Ok, don't all get too good at the Werewolf game before we have a god!
Nice to know Polly was glad to see you. We'll be up there in a couple of weeks.
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