Category: St Mo’s

A walk in the park – 11 March 2025

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The furthest we went today was a walk to the shops.

Another bright sunny day to start with, then the sun disappeared for a while and it looked like it would rain. However, the rain didn’t arrive and the sun shone again. All the time the cold north wind was chilling us. That was the end of the weather forecast.

We did go for a walk to the shops looking for something for dinner. Actually, we’d already agreed on fish risotto for dinner it was just the need for some spinach, blueberries and creme fraiche that brought us out of the house and down to the shops.

Halfway home, as is usual now, I went for a walk round the pond while Scamp took the messages home. Not a lot to report on the wildfowl though. A few Tufted Ducks and the usual hoards of Mallards. There had been a few Canada Geese last week, but they had just been passing the time on their way north again. Even the frogs and toads had left. I found some Coltsfoot Daisies, but none of the images were worth keeping. In the morning I photographed a vase of cut flowers backlit with the sunlight streaming in the window. That nearly got PoD, but was pipped at the post by a photo of a Horse Chestnut bud just about ready to burst free from the sticky scales that protect them from insect attack.

The Fish Risotto was a bit of a disappointment, I felt. Too much full fat milk in the mix, I think. It was still edible, but not as good as I’d have liked.

That was about it for the day, except Scamp has booked us for a run down south later in the year.  Let’s hope LNER are better resourced than they were at Christmas.

Tomorrow I’m hoping to meet Alex for the first photo walk in ages. No idea where we’ll go.

A fairly lazy morning – 10 March 2025

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A lazy morning for me at least, but Scamp was determined to get the washing done and hung up on the line outside to make the most of the gusty wind that was blowing in from the east.

My morning task was to clean up all the twenty five photos we’d selected for next week’s slide show. I did that, then checked it with Scamp before sening a copy of the photos to Jackie for her comments. Both ladies seemed satisfied with the images.

After lunch we drove over to Falkirk to meet Andrew, the money man. As usual, he was a lot more upbeat than any of the TV reporters and had the graphs and figures to back him up.

From there we drove to Klondyke Garden Centre, still hoping to get a pair of shoes for next week, but found nothing suitable. Lots of flat shoes and even some with Velcro straps, but none with the required heels. We actually had a decent lunch at Klondyke.

On the way home we stopped at the funeral office for Scamp to drop off some clothes for June to wear next week. Shona had been as good as her word and had chosen some things she thought her mum would like.

Back home I gave Scamp some space while I went for a walk in St Mo’s. That’s where today’s PoD came from. I think it’s a sycamore seed that has germinated down in the leaf litter. It looks as if something has chewed it already, but they are strong little plants and can look after themselves.

Dinner was a bowl of Slimmers World soup each. Quite appropriate because it was June who gave us the recipe.

No real plans for tomorrow. Nothing either of us have to do, touch wood!

A day in the garden – 9 March 2025

Posted on by Zogman

A dull, misty start to a day that was supposed to have sunshine from Morning to Night. It did eventually get itself in gear and let the sun shine in.

Scamp was busy today in the garden and I was enlisted to prune the Schoolgirl rose at the front door and also to cut back Alec’s Red the rose that has grown in almost every house we’ve lived in. Scamp is wary of pruning it for fear of going too far. To be honest, so am I. It’s a very elderly rose now and the flowers are great heavy blooms, but every spring I tend to err on the side of safety and although I know it will be better for the plant if I cut it back severely, I’m always wary. So it was today, although it did get a good haircut.

Scamp spent a lot of time, teasing out weeds from her array of plant pots, while all the time looking for fresh growth from the perennial plants. She did find a few, then she brought her garden table into the kitchen and did some potting up of a collection of some little plug plants. Tiny little things in conical tubes about the same diameter as a 10p. They seem to be making good growth. Finally I lifted my latest bargain, an orchid in a glass jar. It was looking a bit sorry for itself and I soon saw why. Although it looked very pretty, and I’d been watering it once every two weeks, the actual plant was in a tiny little plastic tub and was as dry as a bone. It’s now been watered properly and I’ve removed all the damp compost and allowed it to dry out a bit. I might remove the plant from its plastic prison and allow it spread its roots into the compost.

By the time we had both completed our tasks for the day, Scamp decided it was coffee time and I reckoned it was time to go for a walk over to St Mo’s. Thought I saw the white tail of a deer when I was over in the woods, but it disappeared too quickly for me to be sure. I did see a host of frogs, or were they toads? I’m never sure about them, and it was one of those shots that made PoD.

Spoke to Jamie and gave him a better explanation of the last week, now that the fog of confusion is lifting. Heard about his latest purchase, an Apple iPhone 16 no less. He seems to be happier with it than I am at present. I hope he gets good use from it.

Tomorrow we’re hoping to see the money man in Falkirk.

Some kind of normal – 4 March 2025

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Today we had shopping to do. A chance to turn the day into something approaching normal.

Afterwards we drove up to Torwood for lunch and a look at what the garden centre had to offer. Scamp got some seed compost and a very dark coloured hellebore. After I’d dropped her off at home, I took the Blue car for a spring clean at the car-wash! It looked so much better after that.

I went for a walk in St Mo’s and found that the frogs were back. Almost all of them were busy making more frogs. Yesterday there were none, but seemingly the message had got out that it was time to procreate. There were vast rafts of frogspawn. I’m sure this will bring crowds of primary school children eager to capture some of the frogspawn to put in jars in their classrooms. Probably there will be a law against capturing frogs eggs, but children know nothing of the legality of such ambushing.

Today’s PoD was inevitably “Frogs”!

We drove in to Glasgow in the middle of rush hour to pick up Jackie who had travelled south from Skye to add weight to the Scottish contingent. We were very glad to have her. It gave Scamp an opportunity to explain in detail the last few days. It also gave the sisters a chance to bond. I hate that ‘bond’ word, but it’s the only one that fits

Tomorrow we are invited to have coffee in Tesco with one of the English side of the family who may try to put her case for what happens next. I’d have thought a better, and less public place could have been chosen, but maybe, just maybe, it was the choice of Paul and Shona.

It feels like Spring (White Rabbits x3) – 1 March 2025

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Well, it didn’t feel like Spring when we were driving through a drizzle all the way to Brookfield for today’s dance class.

Thankfully when we came out again, the rain had gone and the sun was attempting to shine.

In between, we had a Midnight Jive to heat us up, because the Brookfield Politburo apparently thought 3ºc was warm enough for anyone!

Sufficiently warmed up, we were into the annoying October Waltz, even though it wasn’t October. I find it the worst waltz I’ve had the misfortune to attempt. It just seems so … “Clunky” is the only word I can use. It just doesn’t seem to flow and I was happier once it had gone back into its box, until the next time one of the teachers says “Oh, we haven’t done the October Waltz for a while.” There’s a reason for that I’d say.

Next was Tango and we struggled with that for a while, but it did get better after we got help from Jane. I think I could manage that one, given some effort on my part. Scamp helped by pulling me in the right direction and whispering the instructions in my ear.

We did Mambo Marina to finish with, but two fairly new dancers were left standing in the corner of the room looking bewildered while the teachers danced with a couple of ladies who knew the dance. That doesn’t seem like a dance class to me. Just a little bit of help would have put them on the right track. We had attempted to help the pair just over a week ago when they came to a Tea Dance we go to, but the teachers really need to TEACH. That’s what they are getting nearly twenty quid for every week!

After that we were allowed to go home. To go home with half a dozen eggs from one of the dance class who seem to be bringing eggs ever week or so. It’s very nice of them, the eggs come from a neighbour of theirs, and being free range, they do taste good.

Drove home through the normal tangle of cars and I chose the slow lane today. I really should have done the M74/M73 route which is longer, but faster overall.

I took a couple of lenses with the A7iii over to St Mo’s in the afternoon, once the sun was shining brightly and got a couple of photos. PoD went to a cloudscape with the setting sun just visible. I came home via Golden Bowl with Chicken Chop Suey and Fried Rice for Scamp and a Special Chow Mein for me. Nice to be walking home in the last of the day’s sun.

I almost forgot to mention, we thought the house was being torn apart in the morning or maybe broken into, but it was just the NLC house clearing mob tearing out everything they could find from the house next door. It seemed that Angela, who lived there after Betty (if you pair remember her) had done a ’moonlight’ without telling anyone. Strange woman. Now we wonder who we’ll get in her place.

Tomorrow we may go for a walk if the weather plays nice.

 

 

Clive – 24 February 2025

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Today was a sad day.

It was Clive’s funeral which made it sad, but it was a day for remembering what a kind, gentle man he was and for celebration too. We only knew him for a few years, before his way and ours went in different directions, but I know Scamp and I both enjoyed his company and I hope he enjoyed ours. Lots of stories told and lots of tears shed, but that’s life, and he enjoyed his share of it. Goodbye Clive. You were a lovely man.

Scamp insisted we go out for a coffee and a cake once the service was over. We just drove to halfway to Glasgow to a Costa, and the place was full to bursting on a cold day. After our coffee and a cake, we went for a look at a new ‘pop-up’ furniture shop in a line of similar shops. Unlike the rest, this one had a ‘sale’ on with prices slashed all round the store. Although there were a few folk in the big empty barn of a shop, nobody was buying. Mainly because the price being asked for the articles was exorbitant. Cheap quality and high prices never make many sales, and this one was no exception. We left and drove home.

I went for a walk, because it was still a lovely day. Just a wander around St Mo’s with no thought about what I wanted to photograph. PoD eventually went to a child’s see-saw in a swing park. Mono seemed to suit the subject and the PoD was nailed.

We drove to Kirsty’s dance class when I got home. Tonight was Quickstep. It wasn’t really all that quick. I think she spent too long going over a simple routine and some people were becoming bored with going over the same steps time and time again. Too much talk and too little action, I think. Maybe I’m wrong, I have been before … many times.

After such a lovely day it was a shame to be driving through heavy rain on the way home, but at least we got parked when we did arrive at the house.

Tomorrow we may go out somewhere if the weather plays nice!

Out for a walk – 16 February 2025

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It was one of those days that promised a lot but failed to deliver.

Part of it, I admit was my fault. I should have gone out in the morning, when the light was much better than in the afternoon. I must strive to gee my ginger and get out in the morning to take photos, instead of sitting at home bemoaning my inability to to get a solution to Wordle™.
Actually, both Scamp and I did solve Wordle with the same score.

So, it was afternoon before I managed to coax myself out of the couch and into the real world. We need a leek for dinner and some single cream for the dessert. Also, I wanted some peanut butter for my breakfast. I walked over to the shops via St Mo’s pond, hoping for some bird life. I found it in a group of Canada Geese milling around among the bulrushes and eventually, they made PoD. Unfortunately I failed to capture two, yes TWO grey herons flying past, not 50metres from me on the boardwalk. I haven’t seen a grey heron on the pond in the past year, so it’s gratifying to find what might be two mating pairs in the pond.

The remainder of the walk to the shops was without interest of any kind. Bought the supplies and retraced my steps back, via the pond, without finding any interesting species of life, animal or human. It was just one of those dull days.

Back home, it was my turn to make dinner which was Cod & Prawns with Fennel & White Wine. It turned out fine for one of my meals. The fish was cooked well, but not over cooked and the prawns were just cooked and pink which was fine.

Spoke to Jamie and heard about their friends’ forthcoming wedding in St Conan’s Kirk in the wilds of the Highlands. It’s not until September, so:

  • The place will not be totally plagued by midges … I hope!
  • That means I’ll have a few months to tidy up my room as Jamie and Simonne will need somewhere to stay over on their way to the wedding.

Scamp and I made some plans for holidays this year that will need to be fitted in between hospital visits for both of us. We think it will probably be possible, but a cruise this year may be problematic.

Best wishes to Hazy and Neil on their wedding anniversary today. Hope you both had a great day. I well remember the wedding!!

Tomorrow we may go out for lunch.

Dull and Cold – 11 February 2025

Posted on by Zogman

That sums up this year so far.

Another lazy morning, playing games on our phones and tablets, but finally got our act together and agreed we should go to Waitrose in Stirling for some ‘messages’.

As usual, we spent more than we’d intended and overloaded the poor wee Blue car on the way home. I had intended stopping at Haggs, near Cumbersheugh, to get some photos looking down the Forth & Clyde canal, but the light was so poor, we just continued on our way.

After lunch I went for a walk in St Mo’s, carrying the A7 with it’s usual 24 – 105mm lens, but with the addition of an old 10-20mm Sigma lens I’ve had for years. It only connects to the A7 with an adapter, and the autofocus doesn’t work any more. It’s what photogs call ‘Old Glass’. The actual lens is still immaculate and I don’t mind having to manually focus it. I’d hoped to get a chance to use it today, but the light was too poor to do it justice.

I’d bumped into an old friend out walking her dog. We walked round the pond and discussed our ailments and folk we knew. I often think I’ve got the woes of the world on my shoulders, then I meet someone who has much bigger problems than me. It makes you stop and reassess your life.

When we had completed our circuit she said she was off to exercise her dog and I went for a walk in the woods, still hoping to find those elusive sixteen spot ladybirds that may still be sleeping in the moss at the bottom of the tree. Then I noticed a crack in the bark of a tree with a strange “Thank You” message carved into it. I’d seen the tree and message often in walks in the woods, but the split was new. I’m hoping it’s just the bark that’s split and not something more serious. I’ve often wondered what the message meant. That was my PoD for today.

Don’t know what we’re doing tomorrow. I may have to phone the optician in Larky to get my eyes checked now that the Mr Sharma’s drops seem to have repaired my eye.

 

Just another Saturday – 8 February 2025

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Out in the morning to drive to Brookfield for another dance class.

Today’s class started by going straight into the October Waltz. Not my favourite of the waltz genre, but I didn’t write the script. Until this year we had always started with a sequence dance to ease us into the work that was to come. It appears now that has changed and we go straight into the class proper. This waltz seems a bit disjointed and doesn’t flow as well as some others. That’s my excuse for making a mess of it. Some others were also struggling and I’m sure they have their own excuses too.

Next was the Jive which was a bit awkward to start with, but it started to flow a bit better after a few practise sessions. I’m still feeling that bits of aren’t quite right, and I think I need to look more closely at the videos we’ve taken in class and see where I’m going wrong. That’s one of the benefits of filming short sequences of the dances. I can look back over the steps and find out where I’m ‘wrong footed’ and where I’m just plain wrong. When we get up to do a jive routine, we always start with the Seven Spins which is Glasgow Jive. Maybe we should put that on the back burner for a change and attempt the Ballroom Jive that S&J teach. After all, we come to class to learn the steps, not to cause confusion dancing our own steps.

Third set was a Rumba and although it was familiar to us, Jane had added a few changes to the steps and we did manage to get through them, although when I was watching the more experienced couples I could see how clumsy my attempts were. We live and learn.

We finished the hour and a half with the Melody Foxtrot and then my least favourite, the exhausting Midnight Jive. After that we were free to go. Despite my complaints, I really enjoyed today’s class.

Drove home via the Kingston Bridge which wasn’t as bad as it sometimes is on a Saturday. Maybe neither of the Glasgow teams were at home today, or maybe I just picked the right lane to be in.

We needed some extra bits and pieces for today’s dinner, so we walked over to the shops later to buy some. The meal in question was Spiced Coconut Chicken Traybake. For once it looked just like the photo in the magazine Scamp was making it from. We both would have made small changes, but we were both in agreement that it was worth attempting again.

I took a walk over to St Mo’s in the afternoon and today’s PoD is a low level shot of the wildfowl on St Mo’s pond.

No plans for tomorrow as yet.

 

Note to self:
I think I’ve found where I was making mistakes with the Lightroom catalog I’ve been using since the start of January 2025. I may use the old 2022 catalog (from the Grey SSD) to create a new catalog just to see if it runs properly. It need a bit of planning first to make sure I don’t corrupt anything that’s running just now.

When the gorse is in bloom – 7 February 2025

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Actually we call it Whin in Scotland, but the flowers are the same and the thorns are just as sharp, no matter where you are. That was PoD.

Scamp was out to FitSteps in the morning and I had a free hour or so. I used it up writing a letter. Two or three of my regular readers know that letter and where it can usually be found. This must be the latest it’s been written. Almost a month late. Shocking.

I’d just finished when Scamp arrived home complaining about the cold. Not something she does very often. I’m usually the one who feels the cold most. Even more this year with so many chilly nights. However, this was only afternoon and it was that east wind again that was responsible for the cooling effect.

After lunch, Scamp wanted to do some clearing out. It’s not spring, so it can’t be Spring Cleaning, but something was going on and cupboards were emptied and their contents unceremoniously dumped in the bin if they didn’t Spark Joy as Ms Kondo describes it. I admit, I did the same, although not as rigorously as Scamp, but I did put some unwanted odds and ends in the bin.

When I was tired of that game, I put my boots on and walked over St Mo’s, then down behind the school and over to the shops. It was to be pizza for dinner. I had misread the label on the pizza box and it wasn’t until I was home, I realised I’d bought, a Quattro Formagio and not the Quattro Stagioni I’d intended to. Not to worry, I was sure it would be fine.

Back home I made myself a cup of coffee (Decaf) and finished Bookshops & Bonedust. Another interesting fantasy book, not my usual read at all, but just as good if not better than the sequel, Legends and Lattes. Now I’ll have to dig through my book shelf to find something else to read, something totally different. Thanks again, Hazy.

We watched another episode of of a different fantasy, The Apprentice. This one was almost as bad as last week’s effort. I was sure this would be a double sacking, but I was disappointed.

Tomorrow I think we might be dancing in Brookfield.