What’s the Story in Dalamory

Usually, I dispense with my Chartered Insurance Institute magazine rather abruptly. However, this month I was intrigued by the leader Faith and Finance. It seems that in the twenty years since I have left the corporate world of insurance, there is a whole new market in Takaful Insurance – one based on Sharia law. Perhaps you can guess some of my imaginings….. however, it turns out to be a case of a type of mutual insurance which gets round the Islamic rulings on usury. Before everyone starts to opt for a type of cover which seems to promise a return of unused premiums, let me caution you. And give a word in season. When theologians/scholars/learned men (for that is their gender) presume to pontificate on the way a commercial market can be brought into line with their view of a religion…..where does it end?

Policies written on Stonehenge perchance? Or burnt in a cauldron?

I am quite worried about the new tenants of the bird box. A pair of great tits seem to be feeding young – they are certainly busy enough. The only trouble is that it is a blue-tit box. (Smaller opening…..oh dear, I hope the chicks are not too fat.)

I used to live in Dumfriesshire near to Chapelcross, the first nuclear power station to be in use in Scotland. The plant has been in the process of being decommissioned for some years now. The four cooling towers are being demolished today. It makes me think about the ways we use and abuse the world’s resources. When the plant was first built, it was hailed as a miracle of modern science which would produce clean electricity and provide secure employment and prosperity to the area. But what was the real truth? There was a local saying that workers in the plant never made old bones. I have never seen any statistics or research on this, but I would not be surprised to learn that health hazards did exist.

It all makes me think about how we use and abuse the world’s resources. Thankfully, we are waking up to the necessity to take more care of our planet. I hope it is not too late.

The trouble with ear wax is that there is often too much of it. Over the years I have had to get my ears syringed several times, usually because the constant buzzing and/or loss of hearing gets to me. So I thought yesterday’s appointment would be straightforward. The designated almond oil had been duly inserted for several days and I went along to the surgery with nary a thought – other than remembering to keep my coat on, in case of the expected deluge of water. However, progress has meant that there is now new equipment as standard……..a kind of sonic pulsator now takes the place of the jug and long tube.

Oh dear! Neither ear was properly cleared so it is back to the almond oil and awaiting another try next week. Can I just have a little groan at the tender ears and wobbly balance?

Yesterday was what my Grandma would have called a soft day…… in other words it drizzled the whole day. I am sure the plants are grateful, but as for me? I must admit to enjoying days of sunshine and idleness. Perhaps that is the order I should put in for today.

And now Gordon Brown is confirmed as the next Prime Minister of the UK. Scot or not I have my reservations. Something to do with a prudent Chancellor of the Exchequer being a too cautious PM. Oh dear, I am indeed getting old.

So Scotland now has a new First Minister. If I am honest, there is much about our country which is good, but there is also a great deal of room for improvement. Today, my hope is that the government we now have, will be able to carry out changes to benefit everyone, whatever their political views are.

I guess that is what minority government is all about.

    This is currently the state of the sun-porch/extension. We are promised news from the builders this week. You will understand that the news is not likely to be them turning up to work. It is more likely to be a telephone call to say when they might be considering getting on with the job.

Oh well it is Dalamory after all.

Yesterday was a good day for friends and family. Misty enjoyed her two canine visitors: a cocker spaniel and a dachshund. Unfortunately I missed the photo shoot.

Sometimes there are no words that can express the way that we feel.

Today……there are no words…….only a yellow ribbon.
Lots of yellow ribbons.