Quirks.

Another sunny morning. Mornings here seem to be more sunny than not. The sand whipping wind has died down so Sophie and Angus can wander across the dunes  to the sea without worrying about grit blowing in their eyes. The golf courses that snake along the coast are already busy with bobble hatted foursomes. Lots of Indonesians up and about this morning. At the moment Scotland seems to be unreasonably warm and mild ( by Scottish standards )  while the rest of Europe is heading into a deep chill. The super smart Los Angeleans might have been right about February being abnormally cold. In one of those meteorological quirks New York has been largely snow free ( unlike the rest of the state ) but that may be about to change. 

Runners, joggers, other dogs and a group of six super serious young men in a circle practising some oriental martial art attract the PONettes attention. Sophie runs into the middle of the circle, barks and then runs off again. The super serious young men say nothing but seem ever so slightly irritated. An amorous boxer dog tries to make Sophies acquaintance but she's having nothing to do with him. He is told where to go in no uncertain terms.

Archie the arthritic labrador is greeted but he's at an age where he's not really interested in a long chat with the family diva. He shuffles off slowly. His owner tells me that she's bought a new, longer, ramp so that his climb into the back of the car is less steep. This is the sort of conversation dog owners have. Archie is at that glorious family fellow age where love and trust mark his every step.

The bookstore is once again open early and there's a parking space outside.

Inside it's empty. A solitary assistant is nursing a cup of Bovril. Half a dozen new books are being published today and copies have been set aside for us. Sophie is disappointed that the assistant, despite being bombarded with PONette ESP,  is oblivious to her need for Jaffa Cakes. He will not be on her Christmas card list. We go to the good coffee cafe where some female students talk to her. She gets a sliver of shortbread. This restores her faith in the kindness of strangers.

So starts a Thursday morning on the Scottish coast with a Polish Lowland Sheepdog who is happy with her routines, her acquaintances and is thriving on a constant stream of new adventures. Life is good !