Sweet and happy.

The joys of having a long haired dog as a Scottish autumn transitions into winter are not immediately apparent. Thank heavens the hallway is paved in water resistant slate. The family diva, of course, thinks that mud and water are pure, unadulterated, heaven. She does her best to bring them back with her into the house. 

Sophie and Angus head into town for a coffee, a bowl of water and something that is labeled 'Croissant' .... but isn't.

The canned wine arrives. It was sent by post and there's been a postal strike. The cans are not like your standard soda cans. The quality of construction is altogether different. These are high class cans with art work to match. These babies would win the can of the year award at the can makers convention. The wine inside is good but equivalent to only one pre-dinner glass.... or two small ones if you want to be abstemious. 

Down the road to the farm for some cheese. The farmers wife tells me that cheese made in October is the best. Late autumn grass is the softest and easiest to digest which makes the milk.... and the cows .... 'sweet and happy'. It would be hard to think of a better recommendation. Sophie chats to the farm dogs - two Jack Russells and a black Labrador - while I talk to the farmers wife. This morning we settle on some Lanark Blue and some fresh cheddar.