and the snow has fallen, the rain has come, the frost has set and all in all we have been experiencing the first winter proper for years. And I for one have almost forgotten how to cope with it - so I have hibernated, and it has been lovely. Christmas was quiet, I enjoyed it greatly, and seeing those friends who were able to get their cars out of assorted driveways and road ends was an extra treat.
And now New Year has been rung in, the gallery is wrapped behind its winter shutters, and we are off on holiday in about 16 hours. What I should be doing is sorting out the clothes that will be appropriate for 30+ Celsius, and making sure I can lay my hands on the insect repellent. I am not complaining, I hasten to make clear - I am simply very aware of the contrast. But pack I will, just as soon as I have eaten something warm and comforting.
What a softy, I hear you say. And I say - look who is off to India in the morning!
All good wishes for a peaceful 2010 to everyone, everywhere.
and Jack Frost is upon us
Apropos of nothing, I was in the Borders this weekend, and the colour remaining in the trees was fantastic. Just imagine what it would have been like some 10 days ago, when more leaves were still on the trees. It was glorious, a real bonus to add to the training event I was attending - which was in itself very good (with one outstanding exception, which was dire - stand up the Scottish Government).
I like this time of year, when the air is crisp and not soggy, when there is a frost on the ground and you can see your breath in front of you. It is especially good on cloudless days, when it always seems to me that I can see further into the distance than I ever can on a balmy summer's day. The drop in temperature is fine too - rather this than the dank, damp weather which seems to set a film of mould over everything, and clothes never seem to be quite dry, even when it is clear that they are.
Sitting in the gallery, however, when there is little opportunity for movement, it can feel cold as the day progresses. Woolly socks are the answer, or at least they are a good part of the answer.
Elisabet is in Sweden at the moment, and phoned at some ungodly hour this moring to tell me that there was frost on the ground and that it looked quite beautiful. I am sure it did, but not so clear that I needed to hear about it at exactly that moment! She will be in Sweden for another 8 days, and come back in good time to set up our Christmas show - The waiting Angel - which will open with the usual mulled wine and celebration on Advent fair day, this year Saturday November 28th.
I like this time of year, when the air is crisp and not soggy, when there is a frost on the ground and you can see your breath in front of you. It is especially good on cloudless days, when it always seems to me that I can see further into the distance than I ever can on a balmy summer's day. The drop in temperature is fine too - rather this than the dank, damp weather which seems to set a film of mould over everything, and clothes never seem to be quite dry, even when it is clear that they are.
Sitting in the gallery, however, when there is little opportunity for movement, it can feel cold as the day progresses. Woolly socks are the answer, or at least they are a good part of the answer.
Elisabet is in Sweden at the moment, and phoned at some ungodly hour this moring to tell me that there was frost on the ground and that it looked quite beautiful. I am sure it did, but not so clear that I needed to hear about it at exactly that moment! She will be in Sweden for another 8 days, and come back in good time to set up our Christmas show - The waiting Angel - which will open with the usual mulled wine and celebration on Advent fair day, this year Saturday November 28th.
Hasty note - the Book Festival is back!
This is not the usual content of this blog section of the website, but, as you will guess, I am running late. The text for the brochure is at the printers and finished product will be with us all shortly. In the meanwhile do have a look at www.linlithgowbookfestival.org.uk to find more detail. We have tickets on sale at The Line, or also available from The Linlithgow Bookshop.
Linlithgow Book Festival
Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 2009
Fri. Oct. 30 6.45 opening by Michael Connarty MP free
7.30 Christopher Brookmyre and
Billy Franks £8.00
Sat. Oct. 31 11.00 poetry workshop with
Andrew Philip £8.00
11.00 Michael Fry £6.00
1.00 Robert Crawford £6.00
2.30 Janice Galloway £6.00
4.00 Angus Konstam £6.00
5.00 Open University debate
The representation of the
history of Scotland free
7.30 Iain Banks £6.00
8.45 Festival Open Mike free
Special Saturday Day Ticket £24.00 for all events
Sun. Nov. 1 1.00 Linlithgow in print
through the ages £4.00
2.15 Six local poets £4.00
3.30 Story telling for young
children free
Linlithgow Book Festival
Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 2009
Fri. Oct. 30 6.45 opening by Michael Connarty MP free
7.30 Christopher Brookmyre and
Billy Franks £8.00
Sat. Oct. 31 11.00 poetry workshop with
Andrew Philip £8.00
11.00 Michael Fry £6.00
1.00 Robert Crawford £6.00
2.30 Janice Galloway £6.00
4.00 Angus Konstam £6.00
5.00 Open University debate
The representation of the
history of Scotland free
7.30 Iain Banks £6.00
8.45 Festival Open Mike free
Special Saturday Day Ticket £24.00 for all events
Sun. Nov. 1 1.00 Linlithgow in print
through the ages £4.00
2.15 Six local poets £4.00
3.30 Story telling for young
children free
It is as big as he is ...
Field trial time has come around again (and by the time I write this, it has gone again also, but no matter). Elisabet and the dogs have been traipsing the length and breadth of Scotland, standing out in knee high heather in all sorts of weather awaiting their turn. As I understand it, the dogs are run two at a time (as opposed to in pairs, which suggests to me that the dogs work together) and are supposed to 'quarter' the relevant bit of land looking (or rather sniffing out) for birds. When a grouse is found, the dog then stands still and 'points' to show the handler where the bird is. On command, the dog makes the bird fly up, whilst ducking down itself to lie still and avoid being shot. Are you with me?Well, Cosimo won. He won a huge silver cup. No small matter when he has to keep it polished for the next year....
He really has done well and Elisabet is delighted. The bar will now be set higher for the Spring Trials.
It will probably rain then too.
