Padded rump.

The wind this morning is blowing down from Norway and bringing an arctic chill with it. The weather forecast now expecting temperatures to fall to minus five this afternoon. Adjust for the wind chill and it will nearer to minus ten.  Sophie deals with the cold wind by standing on the low wall in the courtyard and turning her well padded rump into the gale.

The family diva stands like this for some time before opting to move towards the relative shelter of the gate piers. She transmits PON ESP that makes it quite clear she would like to begin her tour of the village.

Angus finally arrives and we get underway. We meet the surgeon walking her dogs. She reminds us about the Burns Supper. It is the high point in the village social calendar. This year the farmer who has turned one of his hill top barns into a venue for private parties will be giving the address to the haggis. This choice of speaker is not without controversy. The farmer has converted his barn by inserting large plate glass windows into the walls. It is made 'welcoming' by a liberal use of fairy lights which hang in swathes over the windows and cover the trees along the drive. Palm Beach meets Scotland.  The venue is popular with students and raucous wedding guests. Loud music is played and designer cocktails are served. It is implied, although never actually said, that the 'young people' who frequent these events may use marijuana. Outside caterers are used ! There is some dispute between the village elders and the farmer as to whether planning permission is, or is not, required. The elders had a vision of a place where men in chunky knit sweaters would sing folk songs around a peat fueled fire. The farmer had a more profitable vision.

Down to the bakers for a loaf. The cake selection looks like a carry over from yesterday. It is of the high sucrose/high dairy fat variety needed to deal with North Sea gales. We consider the cream trifles but decide to pass.