Scotland

Oh, where to begin to describe the beauty of Scotland! I was completely overwhelmed by the mountains, lochs, castle ruins, beaches, waterfalls, island views, forests and rivers of the Westerns Highlands. We spent 3 days there and packed in loads of sights, sounds and memories. Marise and I were whisked away by Cally and her 2 girls for the 'mid-week break of a lifetime'. We flew to Glasgow and then drove up past Loch Lomond, through the eerie, but beautiful, Glen Coe right up to the shores of Loch Shiel from where we did all our exploring.

Uhm, what can I say? The Roaming elephant of the Scottish West Coast is as elusive as the Loch Ness Monster and sadly remained unspotted by us all....

Having a rest after an afternoon spent walking the White Sands of Morar. Loch Morar is the deepest of the Scottish lochs and has world famous white beaches that stretches on forever.

Marise leaping over a tributary stream that cuts through the beach. The girls did lots of leaping, running, jumping and dancing on the beach , while C and I preferred a more dignified leisurely stroll.

Unusual flat rainbow hanging over a loch we passed coming back from having lunch at Mallaig, the most westerly port on the British Isles.

Castle Tioram is the ultimate castle ruin set on a little peninsula that juts into a loch ,close to the inlet of the ocean. It has the most amazing atmosphere and we spent a magical morning soaking it up and scrambling around its rocky mossy base , it even has its own tiny beach.

Posing with the girls near the Port of Salen where we had a most delicious lunch - smoked salmon for me - at an inn with a very kind proprietor who hopefully appreciated our personal input on some menu changes...long live Toad Ice-cream!
Too soon it was time to return , but my heart was content because a lifelong dream had come true through the blessing of a friend.

First of the Goodbyes

With 8 weeks left before we go to California, it is inevitable that we'll have to say lots of goodbyes. Karen came all the way from Wales to do just that! After tea and Red Velvet cuppies, we spent the rest of the afternoon at Walmer Castle....

....with Anita and Jo-anne.

The famous "Broadwalk" - or at least one side of it.

Rachel joined us later, which was a very good thing as she is a walking Plant-o-pedia and could tell us so much about the beautiful flowers we saw.

We found this huge beech tree with a plaque dating it to the same year I was born. One of us did a lot more growing up than the other one!

Daniel has been busy...

The late spring/early summer days have motivated us to go outside and do some gardening. Daniel went to the garden centre with me and chose some pelargoniums for the pots by his sandpit. He worked so hard at digging, planting and watering them with the help of Dad.

The boys had so much fun "mucking about" and we'll enjoy the pink flowers for the last 4 weeks in our house.

The old saying is true " one is nearer God's heart in a garden, than anywhere else on earth"

Joshua`s first visit

Baby Joshua was born on the 1st of May to our dear friends Niel and Liaan. He is just gorgeous and we all love him to bits already! Last week he came to visit us for the first time.



We had coffee, cupcakes and loads of cuddles.






Daniel felt the need to show Joshua what a tongue was for! He was a bit silly but also very caring and protective towards his newest friend.

Sissinghurst Castle

Had a lovely day out in a beautiful garden with a special friend today. Cally had her birthday and we celebrated in style! Sissinghurst Castle lies tucked away in 400 acres of farm and woodland in Kent. It is one of the world's most celebrated gardens, created in the 1930's by poet and novelist Vita Sackville-West. We strolled around these gardens bathed in spring sunshine, enjoying the new blossoms and shoots on a wide variety of plants. We were a bit too early for the roses though..maybe next time!