More 'encouragement'.

Early in the afternoon Loic shows up unannounced to blow leaves. The sky is black and a thunderstorm is imminent. I suggest that he turn around and go straight back to the warmth and safety of the home. He looks crestfallen. We agree on a compromise. He can blow leaves until it starts to rain or he hears the first rumble of thunder. I fill the leaf blower with paraffin and off he goes. Two furry companions follow on behind.

Loic is not allowed to use machinery that is dangerous. Someone in health and safety thinks leaf blowers are dangerous. Loic and Angus think differently. Being allowed to wander round the garden blowing leaves is in some ways the highlight of his week. The same might be said for the two enthusiastic dogs that leap in and out of the leaf piles behind him. Loic works for forty five minutes then, as the first peels of thunder drift onto the ridge, he goes. '' We have chocolate pudding and custard tonight for dinner " he says with a broad smile.

The storm is straight out of central casting. Strong winds blow the cypress trees at improbable angles.  Rain turns to sleet then back to rain. The PONs luxuriate in the gale and the rain and the by now sodden piles of leaves. When the lightning starts they are ' encouraged ' indoors. Undoubtedly the best day ever.

The innocence of this made me laugh . Not every day you hear a school band playing the tune 'Campbeltown Loch I wish you were whisky, I would drink you dry ' : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-5PzPL9rSQ