Six am. The village already busy. For the farmers the 'sit back and wait' growing season is over. Harvest time is here. On the track that leads towards the village a large combine is turning slowly into one of the barley fields that line the coast. Behind it, on the other side of the track, a John Deere machine is busy at work cutting the potato plants down to ground level. Out at sea five small fishing boats are laying out their creels. With a large golf tournament about to start the five star hotels all want fresh lobster. Golfers at upscale resorts seem to exist on a diet of eye wateringly priced Surf and Turf.
No sooner have I opened the front door than a small white bundle of fur arrives with a 'whoosh' out of nowhere. The sudden arrival in the kitchen knows she's chancing her luck. The puppy is picked up and positioned outside in the garden where, shortly after, her two elder sisters arrive . For this completely fearless young farm dog 'everywhere' in the village is home and everything is exciting.
Back at the house in town the electrician has finished installing new wall mounted radiators. These, together with the underfloor heating and larger towel rails, should keep the bathrooms at a temperature that American visitors will consider 'toasty'. The wall mounted radiators are a metre high ( plus ) and 70 cms wide and designed to look like mirrors. First impressions are that they churn out a remarkable amount of warmth. We shall see if they can do battle with a Scottish winter. Their only downside is that they sit 3 cms proud of the wall.
On our way back to the car a super early rising lady is sitting wrapped up outside the cafe. Only as I get closer do I see her companion in the push chair. More and more fresh faces seen around town now. The count down to the new semester is underway. Outside the house that the American lady has bought there's already a line of four builders trucks. She's decided to have 'work done'. I'm hoping she's not expecting everything to be ship shape and Bristol fashion in the next two weeks.
The black Volvo is a great vantage point for a large gull to observe the towns coming and goings. It flies away reluctantly. It squawks to let me know that I'm extremely irritating.
14 comments:
I'm now wondering if I've never seen a mirror/radiator before, or just never realised it was a radiator.
Wee puppy is so adorably cheeky.
It seems you have been adopted.
Paca, my latest dog, seems to have the same cheeky approach that your visitor has. She is convinced that she's welcome everywhere and their home is her home - even the ones with cats!
Do you think that the pup was just casing the joint for the other two, and all three will be waiting outside tomorrow!
Hari OM
You may have an ideal situation here - a puppy to entertain but none of the responsibility of ownership!
And, I kid not, only yesterday, I was thinking (who knows for why) about the fact that I hadn't heard the culinary term "surf and turf" for some considerable number of years, wondering if it was out of fashion. Clearly not! YAM xx
All that kitchen needs is a dog - later this year. Maybe the gull should look in the mirror to see who is irritating.
Yamini - Surf and Turf is alive and well. You can still find on the East coast of Scotland culinary favourites that disappeared elsewhere 50 years ago. The taste of the 70's still rules.
My architect husband would like to know the name of the paint on your color paint in your kitchen!
Cutest chancer ever!
barb
Wow, a radiator mirror, what a terrific concept - although your stories of the Scottish winters make me wonder how my son is going to do in Glasgow. He's assuming it will be more or less like Ohio in terms of cold, but with no tornados. I have been enjoying the Jack Russell escapades. When I was sixteen, working at a stable in New Jersey, one summer Friday I brought home a Jack Russell/Norwich cross puppy. Her father, the Norwich, belonged to the huntsman of the Essex Fox Hounds and rode with the hunt. I was dazzled, but my parents were not - they told me in no uncertain terms that the dog was going back to the breeder on Monday. She was with us for 18 years and was a great dog - smart, fearless and happy, just like your visitors. Just seeing that puppy's face yesterday brought back so many memories.
The puppy is adorable!
The experience of going to a Buc-ee’s is unforgettable! We stopped at one outside of Atlanta. I had no idea that beef jerky came in so many different flavors. The only item you can’t get there is hot tea!!
Years ago, during a move into a small home, a beagle ran into my house. He ran purposefully through the house and directly to the refrigerator where he assumed the “beg” position. I gave him a bit of cheese from a takeout sandwich I had. He ate the cheese, turned and ran back out the door. I was later told his name was Chester, he visited everyone and to go along with it. Kept a little wrap of cheese squares for his visits.
Wonderful story!
Fay - I've just checked the invoice - Farrow & Ball Estate Vert de terre No.234 Matt Emulsion
Angus, that was kind of you. Thank you. /Fay
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