The seal pups mother didn't return. It was looking dehydrated so has been taken away to a sanctuary. A second pup has been found on the beach. It has suffered injuries, probably from a dog, and will follow the first one later on today. The strong tides have swept them off the sand banks in the river. The rangers have taken to posting on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/West-Sands-Ranger-Service/100087381403469/
The garden designer arrives mid-morning. I'm hoping he'll prove to be more affordable than the last one who seemed to think he should use the gardens at Versailles as a model. The garden designer is what the Scots call a man of few words. Elsewhere in the world he'd be known as dour. Conversation quickly exhausted I leave him alone to measure up.
After thirty minutes of searching Angus finds the missing tree baubles in a shoe box in the garage. The little bird that usually clips onto the top of the tree is nowhere to be seen.
A trip to town in search of a replacement introduces us to the discovery that 1) there are Scotland themed Christmas tree decorations and 2) the decorations have the sort of double digit price tag that has Angus exclaiming ' That can't be right ! ' The lady in the shop explains that Scottish themed decorations aren't sold to ultra-nationalists but are very popular with students heading back home. They fit easily into a suitcase and are indestructible. They are , of course, made in China.
The baker continues to become ever more festive. He has now turned his attention to small chocolate covered plum puddings. Santa biscuits also make a seasonal outing.
The weather is worse than foul. The sky opens mid morning and it continues to pour. Time for a glass of wine in a warm(ish) corner of a bar.
Only one more week of exams before the semester ends. Some lucky students are beginning to leave. Taxis are parked outside halls of residence ready to whisk their passengers off to the station or, if the taxi driver is lucky, down to the airport in Edinburgh. Shouted farewells - ' Happy Christmas' and See you next year ' . Pity the poor things who don't sit their term papers until the 18th. Those who are staying seem to be making the most of it. We pass a Teletubby break dancing outside the library. when was the last time you saw a Teletubby ?
10 comments:
The bar looks very appealing.
And thanks for another beautifully sung carol.
I agree that the bar looks very appealing. And it was a nice to see the USC choir. The New York Times also ran an article this week about Krispy Kreme's arrival in Paris and, more generally, the "invasion" of France by American fast food. I am starting to think this is the French version of the articles the US papers seemed to run every year about how expensive melons are in Japan. Meanwhile my son is conducting a diligent survey of the US food chains on the Cote d'Azur. Just yesterday he remarked that he can't understand the poor ratings the French seem to give to these restaurants even though Burger King actually offers table service.
Sad that the seal pupu's mother didn't return, but relieved that it, and the injured pup, will be safe in the sanctuary. I wonder if the pup's mum abandoned it on the beach, knowing it would be found and cared for?
You certainly had a good selection of decorations, Angus, what did you choose to top your tree?
With such awful weather, i think I'd take up residence in the bar, it looks so cosy - and I'm not a drinker!
Coppa G - Oddly, finding something for the top of the tree is proving difficult. None of the shops in town have anything other than baubles.
What a cozy corner to warm up and enjoy a glass of wine.
Stay warm and dry. The baby I gave TinkyWinky to, is now a college graduate, thinking about graduate school.
A lovely arrangement of "Gabriel's Message," one of my favorite carols. USC is my husband's alma mater. I'm thankful the Rangers are keeping a good watch on the shoreline.
I teach at USC! Nice to hear from the Thornton School :) I agree with others - that bar looks very inviting. Hoping that the heat in the LWHBD is working efficiently! I can't believe that finding a tree-topper is so difficult!
In the classic Christmas Story 2, the grown up hero, whose tree was missing its topper, broke into a bar to steal the star on top of their tree. It did not end well, but just a thought...
I might try the proverbial junk shop for a bird or star or what have you for the top. Or raid the kitchen cooking utensils drawer or make a snowflake out of paper for the top.
How about a bird nest abandoned out side in the hedgerow, or a flower from your festive bouquet or a wreath made of brambles and a sprig of greenery with a red bow, or just a red bow. You choose. :)
Post a Comment