Homecoming

B2016 GardenThis is just to prove that when we get good weather in Dalamory, we really do get good weather. Indeed Argyll – mountain, glen, loch and seashore becomes a magical place. It is only a week since we came back home after a 6-day break in the pretty Border village of Newcastleton. We used to live there back in the 1980’s.  Our sons went to school and uni and for six years we enjoyed the slower pace of a village that has a mind of its own.

The photos on the link above are much better than any of the ones I tried taking; my excuse is that the weather was a bit iffy though it didn’t spoil our enjoyment. It was our first proper foray into Holiday-Cottage-Land and we had a great time, (so did Misty.) There was also a family garden-party to attend, so we met lots of friends and relatives.

It all set me off thinking about family folklore and stories from those days. One of those tales was the subject of some hilarity with Son #3 recently, so it is worth the retelling. Will I say which son was involved in servicing his bicycle with a car foot pump? Of course I will, it was indeed #3 himself. He was about 8 years old at the time and no doubt thought it would be a good wheeze to acquire Father’s foot-pump from the car or maybe garage, to lessen the work of pumping up his bike tyres.  He leaned the bicycle up against a tree in the village square right outside the house. Grandma and Mother happened to be looking out of the window and were watching proceedings with interest. He fiddled about a bit and managed to connect pump and tyre with relatively little bother. Then, he proceeded to pump his foot vigorously up and down with a look of intense concentration on his face. I can see him now in my memory – what a pity there were no handy mobile phones then.

Suddenly, there was an almighty BANG . . . . . . . . .  Said Son leapt in the are and then ran away, looking extremely frightened. Eventually, when he realised he had not blown up the village he wandered back sheepishly. Mother and Gran collapsed in giggles. Of course the best bit was that he had no idea he was being watched.

These are the kinds of tales that have to be included in the Memoirs. Now I simply have to get on with the task of somehow setting them in context. I’ve not settled recently to any serious Writing, we have been far too busy. I know, I know, I have to make the time or the days will slip away. I actually enjoy sitting at the computer sharing stories, thoughts and dreams, so I do believe it will happen. If I’m spared and well as my own Granny would often say.

It is good to have lots to keep body, mind and spirit occupied.

Blessings on you and all your activities. By the way, has anyone got any good memoirs stories to share?

 

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7 Responses to Homecoming

  1. Dear Freda. This was a post worth waiting for. I’m glad summer and nice Weather is coming your way! You really live on a spot the Lord must have lingered by just for the joy of it. The pumpinganecdot was a laugh really, familiar to all mothers. We celebrate mothersday today.
    I think your other posts contains the small grains of remembrance that eventually will shape into memoirs for real. My posts work that way. Just look them over and start picking stories out. Decide what goes in and what doesnt. Decide what your motives are. Find someone to read through every time you decide on a certain layout. Let that person tell you if it works.
    Memoirs are exiting, but you are still rather young. Are you planning for the sequel???
    I’ll sign upp!!! Dont forget pictures!

  2. Dianne says:

    Glad you had such a good time. We have little towns here in VA that are reminiscent of your village. The early settlers founded most of them in the 1600s and 1700s. Homesick, they copied what they knew in their countries of origin. Remnants exist, although like the London exurbs, the smaller settlements are becoming engulfed by urban sprawl.

  3. Sheila says:

    That’s a hoot! The blown up tire that is and life is good! Xo

  4. freda says:

    Sheila, I always admire your ability to “Seize the Day.”

  5. freda says:

    Dianne, it is only recently on seeing a documentary about emigration to the States and Canada, that I realised they tried to emulate life as was. I’m fascinated by how it has evolved in the present day.

  6. Sue says:

    Happy writing, Freda! You live such a happy life in a beautiful spot, why not share?

  7. freda says:

    Okay, Sue, at least I shall think about sharing the Memoirs with a wider audience – but I have to write them first. The trouble is, I am enjoying the actual writing very much – a finished article is another thing altogether.

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