Extream Wether

Woke up this morning to gale force winds and driving rain. Trev was supposed to be putting the lights on the outdoor tree, but decided to let him have a lie in as there was no way he could go up a ladder in that wind. We had to buy new lights as the previous ones had died on us, after two of the hardest winters I have ever know, I'm not surprised. This is a picture of the tree last year in all the snow. It was much admired by people in the town, and I should not gloat, but it is considerably bigger than the 'official' tree, ours does have the advantage of being a living tree.

Despite the howling gale we are off to Cupar tonight to a wine tasting, would take more that a bit of high wind to keep Trev away from that, just hope there are no trees down on the way. Tomorrow promises to be much improved, so I might get my tree lit after all.

Had to stop there last night as it was time to go, the wine tasting was very informative but I'm afraid I can not see the justification for a bottle of wine at £90, to my unsophisticated pallet the one we had at a tenner was just as good. Sort of glad I can't -I could not afford the 'good' stuff.

Perthshire wildlife

Invited to the Burnam Hotel, courtesy of Perth and Kinross Council, as part of the rural development programme, to hear speakers from the RSPB and Scottish Wildlife Trust. Fascinating talk about the reintroduction of the White Tailed Eagle to the east coast of Scotland. There have been occasional viewings at Loch Leven, so we are hoping that one day we may get a nesting pair in the area, (the introductions are due to start breeding next year).

Also heard about the work of the RSPB at Vane Farm, living so close we visit quite often, but I did not realise just how much landscape management went into creating the wetland for the wading birds, including the use of highland cattle to graze the land. The speaker for the SWT showed slides of several of the wildlife reserves, including some which are not accessible to the public, but very important from a conservation prospective,many species of wild flowers including some rare orchids.

The evening closed with a delicious buffet using many local products. Our thanks to all concerned especially Fiona and Sarah and the staff of the hotel, who looked after us so well.

Winter mini break

Since the clocks went back it feels as if winter has come already, although the weather is still fine and dry, it is just that it seems to go dusk so early.Here is our Christmas fairy (granddaughter) to brighten the day.

Now is definitely the time to think about winter treats. This year we are offering a two night stay, for two people, mulled wine and Christmas Stollen on arrival, a two course dinner on one of the nights, for the all inclusive price of £160. This offer runs from 20th November to 31st January, excluding 24th, 25th 26th December, which are already booked.

Back at long last

Oh dear, it is so long since I did this I've forgotten how to! However, prompted by two very 'social media' savvy daughters, and a few of our guests, I've decided it is about time I did something about it.

First we have a new puppy, Juno, who is an absolute delight, very popular with the guests, whom she loves, mainly I think because she gets loads of cuddles from them.

We have had a week of bright dry autumn days and Trevor has spent them planting over 1000 bulbs, I am really looking forward to seeing them all on bloom in the spring.

Went for a Slow Food meal at the Willows in Perth last night, very good, we had venison as a main course. There are so many good restaurants in the area, we are spoilt for choice, we are very fortunate to live in an area with so many excellent local produce. Which reminds me, we are now part of the Perthshire Breakfast scheme. Fifty percent of our breakfast menu has to be grown or produced in Perthshire, which was easy for us to achieve, because we make so much ourselves. A particular favorite is my lemon curd, I wish we could get local grown lemons! However the eggs from our own chickens do help to make it something special.