March 2020 – Live from Ruthven

Making a splash

It was gloriously sunny today – a bitter irony for a working from home day. However, I went out at noon for a pooch around to see what was new and found myself down by the pond. Lachlan and Lyra were checking out the frogs and in a spontaneous meeting of minds it became clearContinue reading “Making a splash”

Covid Management Update

The denizens of Ruthven and their families continue to thrive, Covid 19 notwithstanding. Ishbel is back on her feet, has finished knitting yet another scarf and will be back at work on Monday. The bunny crumpets have run out…. Lachlan has volunteered for something. He is not entirely sure for what but has submitted hisContinue reading “Covid Management Update”

the Birthday Party (apologies to Pinter)

Lachlan was 21 yesterday and we celebrated in compliance with official guidance. Home made cards and decorations festooned the house- the old curtain bunting finally finding its role. Presents have largely been held over until the right kind of shops reopen. it is clear that the right kind of shops are the expensive ones. HoweverContinue reading “the Birthday Party (apologies to Pinter)”

Ibiza is rocking

Lonely Trevor continues to keep guard in case Big Magda emerges from behind the stepping stones but it is clear that the party action has definitively moved to the Ibiza pool. You could virtually walk on it at lunchtime it was so crowded. The sun seems to have also brought out the frogs who liveContinue reading “Ibiza is rocking”

In the garden today

The sun has brought out the first tulips, little species red ones. There is also a mass of violets under the hedge and growing in the lawn. In the heat you can smell them, just like those (rather horrid) lilt hard parma violet sweeties you could get for 1p a roll in the Isie Ogg’sContinue reading “In the garden today”

Focus group required…

I volunteered a new entertainment idea yesterday to promote family harmony. “Why not” I suggested “select a box set and watch one episode together, on the big telly, with the dog, at 7pm every night”. After some teeth sucking it was conceded that this was an OK suggestion. I had not seen Breaking Bad andContinue reading “Focus group required…”

Space and air

I took a brief break from oiling the wheels of industry this afternoon to stock up on essential supplies. Vegetarianism is staved off for now thanks to Foreman’s of Norham and we now have some compost so the vegetable guru is back in action. We detoured with the dog to Cocklawburn beach on the wayContinue reading “Space and air”

Technical update

I have finally found and fixed the erroneous link in the “About” section at the end. Not tremendously exciting but one more triumph for the over 50s. For my next trick I will reconnect the colour scanner……(maybe).

Amphibian update

I am working from home today and in my lunch break (one has to preserve office routine – I will be swiping the wall to get in and out of the kitchen) I went to see what the frogs were about. A helpful commenter explained yesterday that the big frog at the bottom of theContinue reading “Amphibian update”

New shoots

Lots of things stirring into action in the garden. The water lilies and water hawthorn are starting to send up leaves. The peonies are now mostly through with their strangely visceral red shoots – like sinews. There is a little primula with slightly feathery leaves pushing through by the pond and the gunnera (which couldContinue reading “New shoots”