In our first foray further than Edinburgh since lockdown, we have ventured north to the cottage. DJ Lachlan got the front seat for the drive up so he could manage the sounds. I was consigned to the back with Lyra and a blankie as dog car sick monitor. It was a slow trip north, lotsContinue reading “Four go to Glenelg”
Category Archives: wildlife
Mists and mellow fruitfulness
The seasonal cart is over the top of the hill and starting to pick up speed in its roll down to autumn. We have had a few misty mornings and evenings of late. Not cold at all, but the air very fresh and moist. The scent of the wild camomile on the air has contributedContinue reading “Mists and mellow fruitfulness”
Tolkein weather
In recent days we have had torrential rains, blistering sun, hobbits, amphibians identifying as birds, volcanoes and insect plagues. Increasingly it feels like we are on the ring quest with Bilbo and the boys. If I see five orcs and a dwarf coming over the hill I shall give them all a cheery wave andContinue reading “Tolkein weather”
Who is the fluffiest of them all?
The boys are off for long awaited haircuts today so Lyra and I have the afternoon to ourselves. It has been hot and sultry all day. Yesterday’s rain has not dried up, leaving puddles in the tractor tracks to be jumped, and there is a gently steaming feeling in the air. We skirt the smallContinue reading “Who is the fluffiest of them all?”
Harvest music
Lachlan and Keith volunteered to reassemble the Plough marquee yesterday in anticipation of reopening (hopefully before too long as we have missed it sorely). I was deemed surplus to requirements and had settled down to a snack with a view to some weeding after when the call came through to “take Lyra for a walkContinue reading “Harvest music”
Whirlwind tour
It’s been a while since the last garden round up so here we go…. Late July can be a bit of a gappy time in our garden. The roses are just starting to flag, and the late summer spectaculars are yet to really get into full swing, though the big double hemerocallis have started toContinue reading “Whirlwind tour”
Pick of the crop
Harvest time is in full swing on the Ruthven homestead. We have moved on from Lavender to soft fruit. The strawberries were lovely but we (and Squirrel Nutkin) simply scoffed them all. Our gooseberries were somewhat underwhelming – only enough for 6 fools (I shan’t name them – it would be unkind). Luckily, Anne nextContinue reading “Pick of the crop”
The tardy correspondent
It has been a few days since the last post. Things are becoming a little more normal here at Ruthven, the vista of life is opening up. We have had not one but two visitors to liven things up (Thomas and Anne) and I think we have all benefitted from differing perspectives and a licenceContinue reading “The tardy correspondent”
Potions and notions
I fear that I may need to hit the turmeric latte – given I have now told you all twice about my rose petal pot pourri endeavours (the perils of finishing a blog after dinner and a few glasses of wine). However, in for a penny and all that, I am still at it andContinue reading “Potions and notions”
The fruits of labour (or labour of fruits?)
Every morning there is something to collect from the garden. The wind and rain made the pinks flop over the path and the self sown marigolds are past their best but still sending out the odd bloom, so these were picked to cheer up the kitchen. Who says orange and magenta don’t go??. Deadheading theContinue reading “The fruits of labour (or labour of fruits?)”