December 26th Happy Endings

Dear Family and Friends,

Now all of you know how sappy I can be, but I like being sappy.  A while back Robb bought me a CD by Neil Diamond, one of our favorites.  (A Hot August Night- live performance at the Greek Theater was one of our first dates.  Front row, center, tickets- a true night to remember in my life.)  One of the songs on the new CD is the one I've listed the words to below.  Now all of you know what we've been through the past few years but for us we've always believed things would turn out- what a better way to say good bye to our seven week stay here at the Ice Barn knowing that we get to start the new year with happy endings.

Listen to it being sung and enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_gpZ6T6kCI 

NEIL DIAMOND                               "I Believe In Happy Endings"

I believe in happy endings
Starry skies and dreams come true
I've believed it since I first met you
I believe in new beginnings
Extra innings, brand new starts
Loving hearts that care the way I do
All these things and happy endings too

Sad songs bring me right down with the blues
Glad songs take me wherever I choose
And I choose to be there
So that I
Can declare why
I believe in happy endings
You're the reason, love's the way
And I'll believe it till my dying day
I know the cost of tears and trouble
Some get lost, some make it through
Me, I made it, 'cause I always knew
That you believed in happy endings too


Sad songs bring me right down with the blues
Glad songs take me wherever I choose
And I choose to be there
So that I
Can declare
I know the cost of tears and trouble
I got lost, but I got through
And I made it, 'cause I always knew
That you believed in happy endings too
You and me and happy endings too

Thank you for following my blog, not sure about the next six months being an everyday thing, but I'll keep in touch.

Merry Christmas and may you have many Happy Endings Too!
Love to all,
Dawn

December 22nd

Well here we are at the new house, un-doing all the packing so we can re-pack. 

It is icy outside, and was hard to carry everything in, and then Robb had to carry them up two flights of stairs so I could open, and re-pack them.  He does love me so. This is the main bedroom, we didn't take photo's of the other two.

 

This the view out of the windows upstairs towards the Firth of Forth.

We shared our first cuppa in the sitting room and are looking forward to many a cold night sitting here repeating this process.  Doesn't it remind you of our old family room?

The kitchen is really nice and will be easy to use, but alas no Aga to cook on.

I do like to cook, and of course I am married to the most wonderful man who will eat whatever I do make.

Well that's done, nothing for it but to come home.

Until tomorrow, with the last blog.

Love to all,

Dawn

December 21th

Only three days left until we are back with our loved ones!

This morning the wonderful snow socks again made it up the hill and over the river to dry ground.  We took the first load of our belonging over to the new house in St. Monans.  What delightful a neighborhood we are part of.  We met a young couple who live across the street in a very bright yellow house, she goes by Ash, and his name is Dustin.  Dustin hails from the south of Illinois, but sounds as if he has lived here a long while.

Then a woman named Rosalynn came over and introduced herself.   She and her husband John live across the street in a different house.  Then a neighbor three doors up the street, named Nick came and introduced himself.  It seems like such a friendly neighborhood and we are only half moved in!  We've even been invited over for drinks when we get back.  Wow, I don't think I've ever moved into a new area and had so many people come to say hello within minutes. 

We walked through the house again yesterday after signing the lease and it has the most comfortable feel to it.  A homey feeling and the owners must have very similar taste to Robb and I.  It is decorated in a beach type of decor every where but the sitting room, which is leather furniture, painted yellow on three walls and the fireplace wall is a deep red with wall sconces.  A wonderful place to sit with beautiful views of the Firth of Forth.  We placed Robb's desk under one of the windows so he'll have a beautiful view while he works.

The phones have slowed down and people are already getting ready for Christmas.  The Tesco market we stopped at on the way back home was so busy you would have thought it was a shopping day, not 11a.m. on a Tuesday morning.  We'll finish up packing in the morning and move everything over to the other house after lunch tomorrow and then move on to the hotel at the Glasgow airport.

As it stands right now, flights are coming and going with no delays and we shouldn't have any trouble getting out of Scotland.  We were about eight hours ahead of the storm that has caused so much trouble in the South.  Robb was going to stop on Thursday night and then drive the remainder of the way Friday, but he felt like he should just drive on.  God was so gracious because the storm hit the next morning after we had arrived.  The snow, ice and freezing fog have closed roads, airports, rails, stores, deliveries, etc for so many people.  The new neighbor we met Rosalynn, has two sons that have had trouble getting back here from the states.  One made it home this morning, and the second one is supposed to land at Heathrow tomorrow and catch a flight to Edinburgh afterwards.  With so many flights cancelled I hope that he makes it.

Keep Praying!!!!
Love to all,
Dawn

December 20th

Today is the shortest day of the year.  Sunrise here in Scotland today was 8:44 a.m. and sunset is 3:35p.m..  Perfect for those like me who like to sleep.  The temperature is 25F and mostly cloudy.  It is a perfect day for reading.

When I opened the tea room over 12 years ago now, I had the privilege of having a group of customers that became known as the "Uppties".  This group of women were all volunteers at the aquarium in Newport and met once a month to discuss with the volunteer coordinator how things were working, problems etc. and they came to the tearoom for "Nice Cup of Tea and a Sit Down".   This group of women have become wonderful friends over the years and we (they let me join the group) still meet once a month to have lunch or tea.   One of these lovely ladies had sent me a book here in Scotland by that title.

The book is a humorous look at tea, biscuits and where and when to sit down to drink/eat them.  The book written by a couple "Nicey and Wifey" actually written by Stuart Payne, ends up being a wonderful detailed information about all the different biscuits and cakes that are available to buy here in the UK.  It has proven quite valuable by giving me the descriptions of the different biscuits, how sweet they are, when they are better to serve (morning/afternoon) etc.  Walking down the isle of the market there must be hundreds to choices one can make.  My children have grown up eating Hobnobs, both plain and chocolate covered, but we never explored the many other choices.  Something Robb and I are planning to do.  That is of course if I can get him to try something besides shortbread.

www.nicecupofteaandasitdown.com  Some funny things on the website though they haven't updated it in a couple of years.

Love to all,
Dawn

December 19th

I watched Christmas movies most of the day and forgot to write my blog!
Merry Christmas to all.
Love to all
Dawn

December 18th

Tea Time!  Robb found a wonderful classic little tearoom in the village of Auchtermuchty, called the Tannochbrae Tearoom where we had a wonderful lunch.

 The owner of the tea room, Mr. Neal Robertson is a local hero because he was the winner of the 17th Annual Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship.

What is a "Spurtle" you ask?  It is a special tool used to stir the oatmeal with.

This is an old kitchen tool that is used to make oat meal/porridge and helps to keep the lumps out.

Now, Robb who is known for having odd facts tucked into his brain remembered that last years winner of the Golden Spurtle was none other than the local hero of grains in the Portland Oregon area, Bob's Red Mill.

October, 2009 – Carrying the culinary hopes of the USA on his shoulders, American Matthew Cox from Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods has done what no American has done before – he has claimed the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy and won the title of World Porridge Making Champion.

The team from Bob's Red Mill will return home with the coveted "Golden Spurtle" trophy. A Scottish kitchen tool dating back to the 15th century, a spurtle is a rod-like stirring stick that is traditionally used to prevent porridge from becoming lumpy. Expanding on its Oregon theme, Bob's Red Mill competed with its own custom "Myrtle Spurtle" made from Oregon myrtle wood.

This years winner,  Mr. Robertson, used a "Spon".  What is a spon you ask?  A spon is basically a wooden, double backed spoon (no bowl), that gives twice the power to mixing and beating.
 

 

 

If you'd like to learn more about the Golden Spurtle Contest and check out all the recipes, everyone using oat meal you should look up the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Championship.  There are some really interesting recipes.  There are fritters, waffles, and unbelievable uses for oatmeal.

Love to All,

Dawn

ThiI

December 17th

Well our first road trip is over and we are back in Scotland.  The drive down to London and back is a long trek and with the winter weather took us longer than we thought.  Robb's been busy with appointments which is great and he was able to see a number of people that want his company's product.  So it was definitely worth while and we will have many more such trips, even further afield when we return in January.
Robb had made a reservation for us to stay in a beautiful old manor house just outside of London proper.  It was a lovely place, a hotel I would have loved to own and operate.  The one down side of the house was that due to the thick walls or something we couldn't get phone or computer service.  Therefore I haven't done my blog for a few days.

We did enjoy our stay there.  On Tuesday night they had a primary group of young girls from a neighboring school come in and perform.  We were probably the only people attending that were not family members, but it didn't matter.  We felt like we were surrogate grandparents for the evening.   They served spiced wine and minced tarts and it was a lively affair.  Most of the parents had additional children with them so it was full of fun, even a visit from "Santa".  I say "Santa" in quotes because it wasn't "Father Christmas", but the American version of Santa.  With one exception, he had some type of pink light under his beard that flashed on and off, which was strange but the children loved it.  They sang a number of old Christmas hymns but also but very different Christmas Carols that I think would be fun for everyone to learn.
The highlight of my trip was going to be Harrods to do a little (very little) Christmas shopping and a whole lot of Christmas dreaming.  The broken ankle thing made it harder than I thought it would and a whole day standing on my foot, even with the boot made me kind of grumpy and tired.  I took the pain medicines, which made me sleeply which wasn't a good move.

In the years since I was last at Harrods, things have changed a great deal.  It is still bustling and busy, I couldn't believe how many people were carrying large bags of things they had purchased.  Allison had specifically asked me to take photo's of the Christmas Grotto which was based on Peter Pan this year.
Well all I can say is I tried!  We were in the store on the 14th and this sign was posted-
   

 

Harrods Christmas Grotto

Thank you for your interest in the Harrods Christmas Grotto.
Unfortunately, we are now completely fully booked for 2010.
If you wish to enquire about an existing booking please contact our Customer Service team on telephone number 020 7893 8877 or email grottocustomerservice@harrods.com
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
Harrods Christmas Grotto
So we never were able to go in and see what type of display they had, and I'm guessing anyone visiting around December would need to go on line and make a booking in January for 2011!
One of the songs we've heard here about Christmas is "Thirty-two feet - Eight little tails"  I had never heard the song before, but in looking it up I found that it was written by Gene Autry in 1951.  It is a cute song and the children really like it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz7rMCo5TO4  Play it for the grand kids for me.

Have you ever seen anything cuter?

Love  to All,

Dawn

   

 

December 10th

  In the States pretty much the only birds we eat are chicken, turkey, occasionally you'll see a goose, and hardly ever will you see duck.

The birds of the air don't fair as well over here.  All along the roads you'll see beautiful

Pheasants

Often there are quails and partridges flying and walking around

But every type of flying thing needs to be careful.

Because even the lowly

Pigeon ends up on the plate or in a pie (Remember the blackbirds?)

I am just glad that I haven't seen

on the meat market shelves!  Here's to good eating and new adventures.
Love to all,
Dawn

December 9th

Another blog with a theme of food.  I thought I'd write a blog about pork.  I know that there are those out there who love pork!  One of the biggest issues we have had is bacon.  British bacon is not what we've grown up with.  It is more like a slice of ham that is heated, never crisp and crunchy like what we are used to. 

This week on the TV we've seen ads for pork belly squares.  Now there is a certain person in this household who loves (and I mean loves) pork.  Being the wife of the century, I made certain to check out this advertised appetizer for the love of my life.  And I found it.  Pork belly squares that you bake and then cover with a BBQ sauce (included), and put a toothpick in to serve (included).  It was indeed a big hit and a wonderful appetizer to serve at a party, or in our case, lunch.

I have been looking for bacon as I know it, thin strips of fatty pork, that when fried are crisp and yummy.  I finally found the perfect thing, known over here as smoked thin sliced streaky rashers.  We had them for a lunch/brunch today and found them just like home.  I saved a couple of slices and shared them with our neighbors who had given up finding bacon from the states.  They had BLT's for dinner tonight and now know that they can have a little bit of home right here in the UK. 

Funny how little things can mean so much.
Love to all,
Dawn

December 8th

Today was doctor day.

Robb has been calling around attempting to get me into see someone about my ankle, the trip to Edinburgh or Glasgow on hold due to the roads being closed because of continued snow.  He found a sports medicine clinic that agreed to see me and access my ankle and treat it for soft muscle tissue damage.
Appt.  9:00, arrival 9:20 due to ice and traffic;

Once at the clinic the physical therapist thought that I should have my foot looked at by a GP.  She works with one and so gave him a call.  It so happens his wife worked in the same clinic and he was on his way to pick her up so he would give my foot a look.

Within a few minutes he was at the clinic and was turning and poking my ankle and foot, not nearly as softly as the therapist had done.  He felt I should have an x-ray because of the pain still existing and arranged for us to go to a private hospital that would do it and give us the results quickly.  So off we were to the hospital.

Appt. 1:30, arrival 1:25 thanks to TomTom and Eglantine

I was quickly taken into the x-ray room where a very nice technician took two different photos of my foot.  When asked if it was broken she said she wasn't able to tell me.  But as she helped me back into the waiting room she told me "to be very very careful", which lead me to suppose that something wasn't right.

Robb and I waited in the the waiting room and finally she came back and gave me a CD ROM with my x-rays and told us we were to go to a different hospital.   This one was a National Hospital run by the government in the UK.  Again Tom Tom took us directly to the Accident/Emergency entrance which is where we were told to go. 

I walked in gave my name and was told to walk over and down to the plastering room.  We waited a few minutes and a technician came and talked to us.  She didn't know what to do with me so she called the front desk.  There was no order for her to put a cast on my foot.  Back to the reception we went.

The doctor in charge of the Accident/Emergency area came out to talk to us.  Had I had an accident? NO  Was it an emergency? NO  He couldn't help me.   The man in the reception area explained that the doctor who had looked at it had stopped in and was having me sent up to have the orthopedic surgeon look at the xrays and then decide what should be done.  NO, no, he needed to call the doctor and talk to him.  He came back out and told us that he had called and was waiting for the doctor to call back.

A few minutes later, the doctor, a really really nice doctor named Dr. Dawson came into the waiting room at the hospital.  He said he would go talk to the doctor and find out what had happened.  Well, the fact of it was we were Yanks.  I couldn't go to a private hospital and then come to the government hospital.  I had to go back to the private hospital to be treated.

He had looked at the xrays, yes there was a fracture and a small chip, extensive damage to the tendon, and two legiments and a cast could be put on or a boot.  Ah, the boot!

Home 4:00pm.
Long story I know, but we ended up coming back home to await a BOOT that Robb had already ordered two days ago.  It, like everything has been held up due to weather, so once it arrives all will be well. 

Here for your viewing pleasure are my xrays.  You can see the little crack running cross wise and the little bit of a chip that have been causing all this pain.

So it has been a long three weeks of not knowing what was wrong, now we do, but everything is still the same.  It hurts like the devil.

Love to all,
Dawn

December 7th

We heard today that we were accepted to rent the house in St. Monans.  It has been a holiday let like this one so we don't need to provide anything at all except our private belongings.  That makes it so much easier on the move and we take possession on the 18th of December so we can move over and leave all the clothes and things we don't wish to bring back for the few weeks we are home.

I am sure we will enjoy living there and there is extra room for anyone who would like to come by for a visit.  We hope some of you will take us up on the offer.

Love to all,
Dawn

December 6th

Once again we woke up to snow.  Another four to six inches fell this morning, with both Edinburgh and Glasgow airports closed.  It surprised everyone to find that we were once again snowbound, but hopefully it will be better tomorrow.  The weather is supposed to be in the low teens tonight and and low twenties tomorrow.  Rain in the forecast for Friday and if it stays cold at night that could make a great mess.

We made an offer today on the house for let in St. Monans.  It has some wonderful features but the town itself has some great history.  We took some photo's of the church which was built in the late 1200's basically 800 hundred years old.  It had been there 500 hundred years before the United States was formed as a country.  It is Church of Scotland, which to us is a Presbyterian Church and still has services every Sunday.

We've searched high and low for something we would enjoy living in, something with history, a past, giving us the feeling of being part of the past and this is what we've found.  What do you think?

Actually this is the Newark Castle ruins, also in St. Monans, but hasn't been occupied since the 16th century.  It is just a little further down from the church.  History abounds all around the area and some things like the church you can still enjoy as it was meant to be, others like this you can only imagine.

Now this where we hope to live when we return to Scotland.  The red door is the entrance into what is a three story terrace house, with the walls connected on both sides.  The windows to the left are part of the house.  The downstairs window is the kitchen just off the entry with one bedroom downstairs, and a door to a small enclosed courtyard in back.  Upstairs is the living room room window and the bathroom.  On the third floor is the master bedroom and another bedroom.  It is completely furnished because it has been a holiday rental so I wouldn't have to do anything but move in.  How nice is that?

The town itself is an old fishing village and has an attractive small harbor at the end of the street where the house sits, perhaps half a block down the road.  Although there aren't as many fishing boats as in times past, there are some of them left and several active fish markets in town.

There is also a historic windmill, built in the late 1700's to pump sea water into large cast iron pots.  Coal was mined nearby and burned under the pots, to boil off the water and leave the salt, which was quite valuable in those days.  An early example of a wind turbine in Scotland....

Love to all,
Dawn

December 5th

A lovely day, we once again drove out and enjoyed being able to do just that.  I didn't realize how much the freedom of movement meant to me until I was unable to do it.  I think if my foot felt better and I had been able to walk around I wouldn't have felt so confined, but as it is I almost felt in imprisoned.

The food issue was another story all together.  For those of you who have ever watched the food networks show called "Chopped" where the chefs are given a basket of odd ingredients that the had to use to make a starter, main course or dessert that was my challenge.  The only unfortunate thing was I didn't have their back up pantries to count on. 

Using mayonnaise, lasagna noodles and odd bits of cheese I made a cheese noodle casserole.  I broke the noodles up into small pieces, grated the cheeses and mixed them all together and baked them in a macaroni and cheese want-a-be sort of thing.  Robb thought it tasted good which is all that mattered and felt full after dinner so that I wasn't "chopped".  Another night without going to the market might not have had the same results.

Today we drove around the different little villages that the rental properties are in to see if we found one more to our liking than the others.  In the village of Anstruther they have a UK famous fish and chips store where we enjoyed lunch.  It was very good and the little waterfront area would be a lot of fun in warm weather.

We also stopped at a farm store just outside of St. Monans, which Robb called my Wholefoods store.  It was a lovely shop with the freshest meats and veggies around.  It was expensive (ie. wholefoods), but the choice was wonderful.  I actually didn't buy much because we aren't here for very much longer this trip, but I did buy a jar of sliced lemons.  I know that sounds silly, but they are beautiful slices and I tried them in a glass of sparkling water and it tasted wonderful.  Who would have ever thought of bottling sliced lemons?

Love to All,
Dawn

December 4

Well we made it out!!!!

A man named James picked Robb up this morning and took him off to downtown Dundee where he was able to procure the purchased Tyre Socks, and then a quick trip to Asda (you know it as Walmart) and then home again.

We put away the food- knowing that we would not, after all, starve to death, and then we unpacked the tyre socks.  I have to admit upon opening the package that I was in even greater doubt as to whether or not they would work but I put on my shoes (a conquest in itself), coat, scarf and gloves and went out to help my helpmate.  We put these rather funny looking, thin coverings on the tires and tried to move the car a few feet with no results.

IN WALKS PHIL- or rather down the hill comes  a bedraggled Phil who had walked twenty minutes from his car, wet and cold, wanting nothing more than a warm shower.  He helps Robb move the car the few feet needed to get the tire socks on and off he goes to his warm comforting retreat- laughing as he thought we were daft to think these things would work.

And wouldn't you know that were like magic.  We went up the hill, down the hill and over the roads with absolutely no trouble whats so ever.  We drove until the roads were clear, stopped, and in just a few moments we were on our way on the clear, snow free roads.  Our week of entrapment was over.

We had made appointments to go visit a couple of available rentals and we were able to get to the different houses.  We visited a wonderful, funky apartment in Crial that was on the High Road of the town, three storeys and very wonderful.  It had room for a love seat in the front room, a small table and the kitchen.  Up stairs was a small sitting room and the master or main bedroom.  Up stairs again was two small bedrooms and the bathroom.  It was next door to a bookstore and was in a beautiful small town that still has a green grocers, bakery, butcher shop and all the wonderful workings of a town.

Our second stop was not expected, but the realtor from the first place took us to see a three storey house in St. Morans overlooking the Forth of Firth.  It was a lovely four bedroom house with a view of the Forth and has a small back patio.

Our third stop was a mother-in-law addition to a home in St. Andrews and was lovely but really had no character.  We are still waiting to hear about the farm called Wendy Yett, and perhaps by the beginning of the week will know where we will live when we return in January. 

All in all it was a wonderful day, just getting out was refreshing and knowing we have food reassuring.  I've learned two new phrases this week that I think are wonderful. 

1.  A Duvet Day - in our world a snow day.  A time to snuggle down in the duvet and go back to sleep.
and
2. Poets Day- This occurs on Fridays and means:
                         Push off early tomorrow is Saturday  - helps to understand that nothing gets done Friday
afternoons!
Love to All,
Dawn

December 2 and 3

Yesterday was so absolutely boring that I just couldn't make my self write a word.  The snow continues, the chains are somewhere in Dundee, and the company won't allow any of their drivers to cross over the bridge to bring them to us.  So here we are.  The one note of news in that our American neighbors arrived.  We saw a man walking around and Robb went out and followed him a bit and found that they had gotten their car stuck up at the top of the drive down to the house.  He and his wife, their 17 year old lab and 13 year old cat had walked down and the animals and wife were in the house.  Robb and he (his name is Phil) unbolted the dog carrier and loaded it with luggage and pushed/pulled it down the hill sort of like a sled.  Robb helped him get all their luggage into their house.  The wife (Susan) and he came over for a little and shared some of their food with us for dinner.

We have gotten the name of a man with a 4 wheel drive vehicle that is supposed to take Robb over to get the chains (and I hope stop at the grocery store) in the morning.  Robb is sure he will be able to get the car out once we have the chains.  Me, I'm not as optimistic about it as he.  We've called around and there is no one who will come and plow the roads.  Everyone says to just sit tight and all will be well.  With the worst cold spell in 25 years I am not sure just how long we are to sit tight.  Needless-to-say we've got cabin fever after over a week of being here in the house.  Robb didn't bring any boots so walking in the snow is very cold on his feet and I still haven't been able to put my shoe on my right foot.  No snowman building for us.  So hopefully Robb is right (he usually is) about the car moving once he chains it up.  Now both houses are stuck as the neighbors can't get out either.  They've had three horrible days traveling up from London with the dog and cat and snow.  I think they are relieved to be home!

We had appointments to visit a couple of rentals tomorrow which we've cancelled, as well as our trip on Sunday to London.  We've re-scheduled the trip to London for the following week and hopefully this cold spell will pass before it's time for us to return for Christmas. 

We've eaten, we're warm and happy,
Love to all,
Dawn

December 1- going backwards now Day 1 of 23 until we are back home.

The weather outside is frightful, and the fire is so delightful couldn't be more appropriate.
The idea of central heat here in Scotland is different from our idea of central heat.  For one thing there are no thermostats to control the temperature of the boiler.  It comes on for a certain amount of time and then goes off.  They have it set to come on for a couple of hours in the morning, then again in the evening for a couple of hours.  In between it shuts off completely.  There is a booster button that you can hit to add another hour to the on time, but if you don't get it right after it shuts off, everything cools down again and it is hardly worth it.  So I have been sitting around in my wonderful wool plus lining cape that I bought for $3.00 at the Red/White and Blue Thrift shop up in Portland.  It has slits for your hands and is a much more substantial form of the "Snugly".  We are learning to adapt!

Still no chains, but we hope they will arrive later today.
Love to all,
Dawn

Day Thirty

Being house bound does have some limiting effect on life.  Since I haven't been out doors for days and I can't think of a single thing to take photo's of around the house I am just going to have to sign off with nothing.
Perhaps tomorrow will have something worthy of my blog.
Love to all,
Dawn

Day Twenty Nine

My how time flies, we've been here almost a month and now have less than a month until we return home for the wedding of Allison and Bill.

We have been completely snowed in with no way to drive out for the past two days.  Today Robb ordered something called "snow socks" for the car.  Something akin to chains, but easier to put on.  They are supposed to be delivered by mail tomorrow or the next day.  I didn't see the mail man today as he has to walk down to the houses to deliver the mail because of the snow, but we'll see.

The lightning and snow that we saw yesterday is uncommon and the weather people aren't sure exactly what happens.  They call it Thunder snow.  I tried to find out more information on the Internet today but there isn't much about the phenomena.

Not much going on today, Robb and I are trying to just stay warm as it is below freezing outside with a strong wind blowing.  It is supposed to be sunny tomorrow and a little colder- nice place to cuddle.

Love to all,
Dawn

Day Twenty Eight

The snow has not stopped since I posted my blog yesterday.  What was a light dusting has turned into one of the earliest heavy snowfalls in the UK since 1993.

 
Tried to take some of the same shots as yesterday.

Someone tried to drive down the road, I think to visit with the elderly lady next door but their car became stuck and a tractor came and pulled them up the hill.  Needless to say, we didn't even try to go any where.

It has continued to snow off and on all day, with winds at thirty miles per hour, thunder and lightning even while it snowed.  A wonderful storm to see and be inside and warm during!

But that left me with little to do all day so I thought I would show you one of the oddities of this house.  Now in Mary Poppins one of the first things she does when is hired is re-decorates her room.  She walks over to this little mirror on the wall, removes it and then pulls out this large mirror from her wonderful carpet bag.  She makes some statement like "I prefer to see all of my face at one time" or something similar.  Well I know just how she feels.  Here are the mirrors over the sinks in all three bathrooms.

This is the mirror over the sink in the "Master Bath"  As you can see where the flash is you can sort of tell my height.  I can only see the top of my head and certainly can't see my teeth while I brush or put on make up.

This is the mirror over the sink in the family bathroom that Robb uses, the cord you see is the electrical turn on for the shower.  Again just the top of my head

This is the third bathroom in the guest bedroom.  It is a little lower than the others, but still no whole face.  I think that one needs to be at least six feet tall to use any of them, and woe be to any one shorter, ie, me, or any children.

There are two little desk mirrors and one on the wall in the guest room.  Yes it too is hung high enough for only a six footer to use.

But fortunately, in the master bedroom, hidden in a corner, with no light was a thin wall mirror.  I moved a chair, bought a TV tray to make my make up/hair dresser and now I can see all of me, just like Mary Poppins.  I only wish I looked like her.

Well, the weather outside is frightful, and my honey is so delightful and waiting for me to finish so I'm off to bed!
Love to All,
Dawn

Well we went to bed with it snowing heavily with some of the largest snowflakes I have ever seen.

 But all we woke up with was a light dusting of snow that had been wet but was now frozen like a sheet of ice.

 We did think to go out this afternoon
but after three or four attempts at going up the
drive way, we went back into the house
defeated by the road.  Mexican food and the craft shop will have to wait for another day.






DUNDEE WEATHER FORECAST- remember Zero on the Celsius scale is 32 degrees!

Detailed ten-day forecast			°F | °C
Day	Forecast	Description	Precipitation chance
Today 27 Nov Details	Mostly Cloudy High: 0° Low: -4°	Day: Partly cloudy skies. High 0C, humidity 75%. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.	40%
		Night: Cloudy with flurries. Low -4C. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.	60%
Tomorrow 28 Nov Details	Snow High: 2° Low: -1°	Day: Snow. High 2C, humidity 75%. Winds ENE at 15 to 20 mph.	95%
		Night: Mostly cloudy with snow showers. Low -1C. Winds ENE at 15 to 20 mph.	90%
Monday 29 Nov	Snow Showers High: 2° Low: -1°	Cloudy with snow showers. High 2C and low -1C. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph.	80%
Tuesday 30 Nov	Snow Showers / Sun High: 0° Low: -4°	Mostly clear skies. High 0C and low -4C. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.	70%
Wednesday 01 Dec	Snow Showers / Sun High: -1° Low: -4°	Mostly clear skies. High -1C and low -4C. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.	75%
Thursday 02 Dec	Afternoon Snow High: -2° Low: -11°	Cloudy with snow showers. High -2C and low -12C.	40%
Friday 03 Dec	Cloudy / Afternoon Sun High: 1° Low: 0°	Mostly clear skies. High 1C and low 1C.	50%
Saturday 04 Dec	Scattered Flurries High: 2° Low: -5°	Drizzle and scattered flurries. High 2C and low -5C.	95%
Sunday 05 Dec	Clear High: 3° Low: -9°	Sunny skies. High 3C and low -9C.	40%
Monday

It looks like we will have a delightful week, hopefully we will be able to make the meetings Robb has set up.  All of the northeast coast of Scotland is going through this spell of winter weather so I am sure other will have to cancel as well.
Love to all,
Dawn