Soon.

Cloudy this morning. The beach deserted apart from the first of the southwards bound seabirds standing on the waters edge. Over the last week it's been warm and sunny during the day but there's a definite chill to the air when the sun sets. The birds seem to sense that the northern autumn will soon be here.

Down on the golf course a large viewing stand is being erected in readiness for the tournament that starts in two weeks time.  This has been scheduled for the week when 10,000 students arrive so town will be hectic. The organizers know that the driest weather in this part of Scotland can usually be found in September and early October.  By the flower beds a gull mother and a hungry chick keep the early day trippers amused. Two of our chicks have survived. The late developing one didn't. The two survivors are spending more and more time away from the nest although they seem to return home in the small hours for a chat and a snack.

No work at the house yesterday although the eighth ( and final ) skip was collected . The Portaloo will go for good on Wednesday.  Everything is now on hold while the missing parts for the roof louvres clear UK customs. The painters and joiners are due later today to finish off a list of small 'snagging' problems. If all goes well , and the customs issue is resolved, then we'll move back in tomorrow. If not it will be early next week. A quick totting up of the costs shows that we'll probably emerge within 1-2% of budget. In these inflationary times that's a small victory. Sticking to the original plans and avoiding any changes ( plus having time penalties ) pretty much worked.

Down on the coast where the potato fields meet the sea a line of wild daisies has sprouted. The line must be two metres wide and runs all the way from our fence down to the old bothy - a distance of a mile. It is a remarkable sight. The Canada Geese seem to choose the daisies as a favoured roosting spot.

At the wee house in town 'The Font' attempts to control the roses which are blooming as if they're on steroids. By mid-afternoon the climbers in the walled garden are home to dozens of Red Admirals and Cabbage Whites enjoying the warmth.

So ends a week that almost gets us over the finishing line.

Neptunes clouds :https://www.space.com/neptune-clouds-vanish-solar-activity-responsible and dying trees :https://knowablemagazine.org/article/food-environment/2023/dead-trees-shocking-scientists