Firstly, I must apologise for having not written anything
for such a long time; I’m particularly ashamed that my last post finished on
such a sour note with the demise of poor Lucky the lamb. Well, since then, I’ve
definitely become more hardened to the occupation of caring for lambs. As
Fraser says, “lambs are born to die. In fact, they have a will to die”. Sadly, I do appreciate this sentiment, and thus try
not to get too attached to my little charges. Having said this, I am looking
after the three cutest lambs - Diana, Flopsy and Fuzz - and am very attached
indeed.
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| Diana, Flopsy and Fuzz |
We’ve purchased a little playmate for Coco – a tabby-tortie
kitten going by the name of Pebbles. Well, Tiger Pebbles is her full name, as
she uses her claws like a ferocious little tiger, generally on our hands. It’s
been hilarious watching them get to know one another; although sometimes Coco
doesn’t know her own strength, as she chases Pebbles around the room, trying to
wrap her comparatively enormous nashers around her in a ‘playful’ manner,
presumably to make the point that she is bigger. Pebbles is fairly unfazed by
this, and either darts into a tiny space or retaliates later on by playing with
Coco’s tail whilst she’s trying to sleep. Theirs was a tentative introduction
in the first place, with the most incredible amount of growling, hissing and
spitting coming from such a tiny kitten; but all in all, they seem to be
getting along just fine.
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| Pebbles |
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| Best buds - Coco and Pebbles |
Over the past week, we’ve been experiencing a mini heat wave
here in Argyll, so have admittedly been taking time off here and there to have
picnics by the river at the head of the Loch. We’ve also had several barbeques,
with one of our lovely neighbours donating us the meatiest fresh-caught mackerel
I’ve ever seen – delicious on the barbie. We purchased some fishing rods this
week, so will be fishing for more mackerel in the coming months – yum!
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| Awesome picnic spot by the river! |
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| Coco showing off her swimming skills in the river |
We’ve also sniffed out the most amazing sandy beach nearby called
Ostell Bay, which is a bit of a hidden gem, as you have to park up at the side
of the road and walk 15 minutes down to it. The beach is clean, the water warm
and clear, and it overlooks the faint hills of Arran; very picturesque. My
friend Laura is staying this week, and we took Flo and Coco there on Monday, as
it was a scorching hot day. It should be said that Flo is most certainly not a beach dog. She hates the water,
and on my mistake bringing her along when she’s in season, she had several male
dogs sniffing around her, so we had to tie her up which she didn’t like one
bit. Coco, on the other hand, absolutely loves
water. Fraser has been swimming with her in the river, so when I took her
into the sea she was something of a pro! When you lift her top legs out of the
water, she thinks she’s still swimming and so carries on paddling in thin air –
very cute!
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| Beautiful Ostell Bay |
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| Coco the beach dog! |
Unfortunately the midges are out in absolute force, and I’m
feeling particularly sorry for my Dad and his friend Pete, who are currently
cycling Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG). We met with them for dinner last
night in Crianlarich, which is near Loch Lomond. They’re scheduled to finish
this Sunday, so here’s hoping they don’t get eaten alive as they zoom towards
the finish line.
