What’s the Story in Dalamory

This may be a familiar sight to many people, but I was rather overawed by the sheer power of the beast when I got close. To be honest, I ducked out of wrapping my arms around it as if it were a tree. The noise was the most surprising thing. And what you don’t see in the picture above is the scale of the windfarm itself, with twenty or thirty turbines in close proximity. It has made me rethink my attitudes to renewable energy. Wave and tide power seem less intrusive, but then I have never been close to such a scheme. There are windfarms around Dalamory, and from a distance they look OK and I guess this is the face of rural Britain in the years to come.

The reassuring thing about my up close visit was that the skylarks were giving it big licks up above. Their song even outsang the turbines.

This is the day when I read the newspapers with trepidation. There is bound to be something spurious to catch me out. Many’s the time I have been completely taken in. And of course it is worse now, what with radio, TV and internet. My sense of humour and gullibility both let me down.

Think I’ll lie low and wait for it to be over.
Who was it said they would protect us under their wing?

Today is the two year anniversary of my retirement. I remember mentioning previously that my GP had told me that it takes fully two years to adjust to the retired life. At the time I was a bit dubious, however, she has proved to be right. In looking back I can see a progression and an acceptance. And I am now like many an older person who claims never to have time for anything. OK – it is largely because of the joy of the early morning cuppa and a leisurely start to the day, and somehow there are so many things to see and enjoy. This is a special part of the world to live in. There is the ever changing play of sky upon mountains and hills, and the delights of nature are ever present. I am also enjoying re-reading favourite books and am constantly surprised at how different they seem when seen with the older eye and the added years of experience.

Many a minister spends time writing memoirs or plays at doing the bits of ministry they enjoy. I still hanker after doing some creative writing. Maybe this will be a possibility as I become more centred in Dalamory and my new life.

There was a lot of happy quacking …….. I wonder what the gossip was about.  Probably they were wondering where all the females were.

These were an unexpected treat…..found sheltering on the banks of the Crinan Canal.

The sleek speed of my new computer is beginning to be evident. Add that to the new 8MB download we now have with BT and there is a big difference in surfing the web. I suppose there must come a time when the human brain and hands cannot keep up with the technology, but for now I sit amazed at the wonder of it all. Reminds me of an article in Reader’s Digest when an Oldie is sending up music storage and technology, ipods and the like. He was complaining of not knowing where his music was stored, and that it was now on a tiny microchip that could be made off with by a reasonably strong ant. Makes you think.

Quite a sight from the front windows last evening. It was burning well on into the night. My photo is from a fair distance, but if you click here, you will see the work up close and personal.

Him Behind the Wheel has been chopping at the honeysuckle like a demented pixie. (Apologies to any pixie-readers) Let’s hope it still blooms as well this year.

Today has been a day of recovery and much needed rest. Not because of last night’s party – and No I wasn’t drinking to excess – one small glass of wine only!  The exhaustion was caused by literally five hours on helplines with BT setting up our new hub and wireless connections for two other computers. At one point there were three computers, plus wiring, plus two adults all muddled up in the study whilst an operative from far far away was doing spooky things like taking control of a PC and reading information off the hub (router) to do the setup.

So today has been many sleeps and a gentle walk. All in great thankfulness for the spring weather – 14.5degrees C.

Today is Son #3’s Birthday Party at the Tigh n’ Truish Inn on Seil. That means trying to throw darts and hit the board. It was rather embarrassing last year when the only way to bring my match to a conclusion was to make the winner the one who got nearest to the bull. Neither of us could get the needed double one to finish.

Talking of birthdays, I have received some very imaginative gifts this year, including new PC (well that is for many birthdays hence!) some new music to help keep me up to date, an apple tree to hopefully watch grow over the years, and a visit for a half-day’s falconry. The last one is on my list of Things to Do  (Before I Die)……. so it set me off with some editing on that page.  It is amazing how things change in a few years. It first started out to be a reflection based on becoming sixty.  I am still well aware that we would do well to live as if each day is our last so that we can make the most of it, but that is not always easy. For today, though, I am content to bask in the spring, my time of year.