Larry the lamb.

We drove to the nearest Tesco at Dores Road roundabout for a few items and then down the road to Holm Mills Shopping Village to check out the new stock.

As we drove down the lane towards the road for the return journey we glanced at the contented sheep in the field and did a double take.....there was a tiny lamb on very wobbly legs next to mum. Luckily the weather has turned quite mild and there is no forecast of anything cold or nasty happening in the next week. Welcome to the world Larry.

The morning after Burns Night.......

I am sure there are alot of sore heads this morning after the celebrations throughout Scotland of Burns Night. Burns Night is an important date in the Scottish calendar and celebrates the life and works of their national poet, Robert Burns who lived between 1759 and 1796. Burns Suppers are held every year on his birthday on the 25th January where various celebrations are conducted amongst family and friends.These include age old traditions such as piping in the guests, the Selkirk Grace, piping in the haggis which will be eaten acccompanied by 'neeps and tatties' and drinking a toast or two of whisky to his memory.

This morning there was a sharp frost on the ground which has stayed all day. The temperature is just above freezing and It has been very chilly but all this has been offset by a beautiful clear blue sky and a wonderful reflection on the water.

Aviemore sled dog rally 2012.

The snow has returned and the surrounding mountains and lower ground is covered. Although it is very pretty to look at it is also very useful this weekend for the biggest husky race in Britain around Loch Morlich near Aviemore. About 1,000 sled dogs take part including Alaskan malamutes,samoyeds and Canadian Eskimo dogs. These are guided by 200 teams of human "mushers" and are encouraged by over 3,000 spectators. The first rally took place in 1984 with just 12 teams but now this annual event is one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in the world.
Although we are not going to watch we can imagine the excitement. We have been to Loch Morlich several times in the warmer weather and viewed it in the distance as we looked down from the top of the funicular railway and also enjoyed many a picnic beside the loch - even sharing it with the many noisy ducks.

Lunch is served

Very cold over the last few days and there was a sharp frost this morning which will remain all day. The temperature is about zero with no sign of it rising much in the near future. We can keep warm and cosy and well fed but when the ground is frozen the wildlife finds it hard to cope alone. This is when we step in and give extra feeds of peanuts, sunflower hearts and suet balls, all foods rich in nourishment for them. The bird bath is frozen solid so I have put food on top of the ice there.
Today we have been visited by numerous red squirrels, the pheasant sisters as well as a wide variety of birds including the tiny male goldcrest - UK's smallest bird.

Nairn beach.......brrrrrrrr

Made the most of a lovely day with a clear blue sky and headed out to Nairn for a brisk walk along the beach. Caught the tide going out and had the beach almost to ourselves. Although we had lots of layers on we did not expect it to be so cold and the wind chill coming off of the water was absolutely freezing.


We were quite glad to get back to the warmth of the car and decided to thaw out in the Cawdor Tavern where we had a great lunch beside the log fire.
On the drive home the sun was just beginning to go down and the effect of the winter light was weird and wonderful.

Reclaim the beach !

The snow has returned along with cold temperatures enough to make your eyes water but the surrounding scenery is very beautiful. We have not had the extreme winds today that the central and southern belt are experiencing.
Took a walk down to the beach and found the water level of Loch Ness had receeded. The solid beach furniture was still there and out of the water but buried quite deep in the pebbles and surrounded by bits of tree trunk and logs of all sizes.
When the weather is more kind we will go down and try and dig out the furniture so as passing walkers and our guests can sit on and enjoy.....we will reclaim the beach !