We’ve had a lovely stay in Tomich, Scotland – snowed in for most of the time. Absolutely beautiful. Lovely days tucked away inside, nipping outside to feed the horses and ducks, and to walk the dogs. The walks have been so stunning – there were times we were brought to tears. But as the snow got deeper and the temperatures plummeted the walks got more limited. My record low temperature walk was -13 degrees. Needless to say it was rather brief and brisk and I was very happy to get back inside and warm up.
It was an added bonus having a real ‘bonafide” white Christmas – not that common in Tomich. Technically you must have snow fall on the actual day – we did in the early hours! Yeah! We had a few laughs with Andrew looking for his present under the tree, finding it – apparently he has an inbuilt homing device – and then trying to unwrap it with his paws and teeth. He loves to fetch – sticks, frizbies, you name it – and he has a selection of inside toys for this purpose. You throw one across the room, he brings it back. I ended up with tennis elbow at one point trying to wear him out but finally conceded defeat. So his new toy – a soft, round, green hedgehog – is meant for playing inside. But Andrew wasn’t keen to be parted from his new toy – we caught him trying to sneak it outside for his morning walk! And he knew exactly what he was doing! We then had a lovely Christmas lunch at the Tomich Hotel. Quite a few English B&B guests staying at the pub over the Christmas period so it was nice to share the day with them. Lots of chatting in the dining room – we were reminded with obvious glee of the Ashes result earlier in the year.
We also had a great News Years Eve in a old renovated barn – part of the farm that sits high on the hill above Tomich. Gill – our home owner – arrived home that day. She wasn’t going to miss out on the celebrations! Nearly everyone in the village was there – from babies to the elderly. Bag pipes playing and lots of socializing. Just before 12 we went outside into a large courtyard to count down the final few seconds of 09. The bell in the bell tower was rung, and we welcomed in the new year. A few firewoks and sparklers to add to the atmosphere. Reg and I headed home at around 1am but the celebrations continued as people visited each others homes. Part of Scottish tradition. Gill wandered in tired but happy around 5am.
Heading off today towards Cornwall. Visiting Mike and Rachel – fellow Aussies who also house sit for Gill. Looking forward to meeting them. Our last little adventure before heading home.
Lots of love
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in House Sits, Scotland, Tomich (2), United Kingdom