The sky feels different here.

On a whim and spurred on by the fact I had one day left of my leave which needed to be used before the end of the month or I would lose it - Himself and I took last Friday off - added it to the bank holiday weekend and went feral in Dumfries and Galloway for four days!

We have some lovely memories of the area from our days when visiting with the boys and we wanted to revisit some of our old haunts as well as discover new ones, so Zeb (our van) was packed first thing on the Friday and by mid morning we were trundling up the motorway at a very sedate pace. Himself was feeling a little under the weather so despite me suggesting we stay home until he felt a 'little more human' he decided that he'd rather go and breathe in some fresh sea air and walk some gentle woodland tracks - so that is exactly what we did! Nature's curative powers are not to be sneezed at. 

We stopped a couple of places on the way up for a mug of tea and a breather, one of which Himself was incensed at the amount of litter and spent about five minutes collecting a bag full of recyclable bottles and cans - why on earth are people STILL so lazy/ignorant/awful/thoughtless????

We arrived in Kirkcudbright, and having found ourselves permissible free almost wild, off-grid parking, we wandered into the town via the estuarine coast line. Breathing in that tang that only coastal air can give you was delicious. Moss was besides herself wanting to leap into the tidal waters. We had to stop her as the tide was out and to get to the water would have entailed floundering through metres and metres of super stinky, super slippery mud - which she would have done (with such a silly grin on her face) but the thought of having to de-mud an idiot border collie had us recoiling in horror!

Wandering around a sleepy town full of quirky corners, cute cottages and narrow passageways is always a delight. I could have spent long time snapping images but Himself and Moss were both hungry so we returned to our van. There was only one other van parked up, the owner I'd spotted earlier in the local shop - a very distinctive looking bloke sporting a magnificent head of dreadlocks. His van exuded a delicious scent of incense as well as a festival vibe soundtrack - we were gently entertained by him as we ate our meal. 

The next day, Saturday, was the evening of the town's floodlit tattoo and fireworks display celebrating the last of the summer events, so we decided in the morning to visit Cally Gardens - one on our bucket list - and we were not disappointed - I may have even come home with a plant!

I could have spent all day there and even wanted to offer to volunteer an hour or two - however we had to get back for the tattoo and despite us purchasing tickets - we would not be guaranteed a good spot so had to make sure we got there in time.

Despite all good intentions, we got there a little later than planned (dog walks are serious things says Moss - not to be shortened for anything!) However, we still had a lovely evening. We watched the teeniest wee dancers doing the Highland fling (the youngest apparently was only four!) we were 'entertained' (had enough after the first ten minutes TBH) by a motorbike stunt rider, were wowed by massed pipe bands, bored by a Canadian choir (mainly because we could not hear them), amused by the gently drunk family alongside us who joined in enthusiastically with everything. We watched Scottish country dancing, flag waving, tug 'o war and a brass band. Then as the evening wore on, the lone piper played the lament high up on scaffolding - usually up in the castle but it was being renovated then the fireworks to end the evening. We all left as the tannoy was belting out Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline'  Nearly everyone joined in and sang their hearts out as they melted into the darkness and up the streets and back home - once again we have fallen in love with Kirkcudbright.

On Sunday we woke up to another bright and sunny morning and with breakfast eaten, we wandered back into the town to bumble around the vintage car rally - another of our pleasures. 

Later we moved from our site - we don't like staying longer than two nights at any one point and found ourselves another quiet spot. We we arrived there were two other vans, but by night fall one had left and the other quietly - like ourselves - just watched the stars and the tide recede. 

Before we left, we managed to squeeze in walking, visiting a gallery for 'The Glasgow Girls' exhibition, swimming - Moss has developed gills, and wandering - just wandering and enjoying the gentle nothingness of wandering.

As I said before - the sky feels different here xxxx

Meanderings of the muddy kind

It has been a busy few days recently, however today I started work really early to get the bulk of it done before it was too warm. I can deal with the heat quite well having lived in Africa til I was in my 20s but gardens in the uk can't. They sulk. 

So whilst the garden owner was swanning around in her fuchsia pink Japanese kaftan, matching toenails and flamingo mug of frothy coffee, I got stuck in and planted several trays of plants I'd placed last week but had not had time to settle in. She is lovely lady - mellowed as we have got to know each other. When I first worked for her she was quite the dragon (ex senior school head) and stood for no nonsense as she dictated where EXACTLY each plant was to go, what was to be pruned, what was to be moved/watered/etc and all the plants were spoken about in their full Latin names. After a few years I changed jobs (the boys were older and I could stop being freelance around their needs) and a fellow gardener took over.

Fast forward nearly a decade (jeez where does time go) and I now garden for this client again. The previous gardener was more than happy to give back the gig (in almost indecent haste) and I picked up where I'd left off.

A lot had happened to the both of us in those intervening years, her husband had died, my job had turned sour and I'd fallen in with the black dog and we both had changed. Now we get on really well, she is a pleasure to work for, makes a really good mug of tea and only buys the best biscuits (and her taste in nail varnish and earrings are top notch!)

Funnily enough that was not what I was going to post about, it sort of just happened, my fingers typed one story while my head was ready to tell another. So - lucky you - you'll get both!

Over the last weekend we celebrated the last of the 21st birthdays - Youngest's girlfriend reached that milestone and we all trouped over to her parent's town for fish and chips on the beach. It was super warm and extremely busy when we first arrived so we did a quick walk along the promenade culminating at a rather delicious ice cream vendor, we then returned on the shore which was a lot quieter and far cooler. And MUDDY...... !!🤎🐾

Mud = HaPpY DoG!

Back at the van I attempted to rub off as much as the silty mud as I could but her white fur was stained a rather niffy chocolate brown - hmmm. 

We, the boys, their girls, Miss Muddy Moss, Himself and I, walked through a small woodland to arrive at the house - the garden was lovely and cool compared to the promenade and much to Moss's horror, I asked to borrow the hosepipe and Himself and I rinsed her down as best we could.

The afternoon was a pleasant family affair with music, cake and presents, silly dogs and sillier stories.  

Then in the evening when it was finally cool enough to let the dogs run without expiring, we went back down on to the beach where both Moss and Oscar had great fun.

It felt good getting sand between the toes and shoes and sandals were quickly abandoned as we walked along the shore.

Watching a gentle sunset slip behind clouds was a lovely refreshing end to a warm and family filled day. It was time to go home...... 

Happy Birthday C!! Welcome to the over 21's club😁

Simply gently wonderful

 We looked at each other over the empty breakfast bowls and half drunk mugs of tea and almost simultaneously said ... shall we go out in the van?  In what felt like record time, we'd packed and were trundling off towards our nearest coastal patch where Moss has a favourite dog loop (well lets face it she has lots of favourite dog loops but this one must top them all!)

Are we nearly there yet?

We arrived by lunch and within moments of stopping we threw the doors open and had the kettle on. On the horizon the clouds tumbled and turned black and looked incredible. We sat drinking mugs of tea and savoured our lunch as we watched a fantastic storm out at sea. There were a few splots near us but we must have just been on the fringe of the storm so we could smell the rain and feel the warm and blustery wind - it was elating!

Lunch as we wait for the rain to arrive

After lunch we set off with Moss leading the way - she knew where she wanted to go and we let her take us. She dragged us down at double quick time into the village of Glasson via the docks then over the swing bridge down to the Lune estuary edge. Once there we let her off the lead and we wandered in brilliant sunshine - it was so warm and the scent from the dog roses was intoxicating. There were so many butterflies about and we stopped several times to try and take photos but they flittered from flower to flower so joyously that we could not keep up. We watched the common terns hunt for fish, first hovering then plunging into the riverine edges then flying off to their nests with beaks filled with silvery snacks. As she sunbathed, Moss grinned from her tail to her chops.

Aw com'on peeps less bird watchin' and more dog walkin' says Moss

Our path continued along the disused railway line where we turned off and worked our way along the lanes to Condor Mill and then onto the canal tow path. Moss inspected every possible entry point so she could slip into the tepid water for a swim. 

Momma swan proudly watching over her brood

The swan family we'd noticed nesting a couple of months ago now have a family of cygnets on the water and I managed to snap a photo quickly before the adults became cross. At the marina basin Moss swam for a little while until we had to call her out and head back to the van - we could see the clouds building up again and we wanted to make sure we were not caught out in any rain.

The hugest cloud in the sky dwarfing Sunderland Point as it hurled rain down on the sea

Back at the van, dog towelled dry, fed, dozing and drying in the warm sunlight, we had a brew and watched another summer storm roll by along the horizon. As the sun dropped we were treated to an amazingly colourful sky. Moss slept through it all - she is a funny ol' thing - as soon as we return to the van from a jolly out she wants to sit in the cab on her bed and have a post-walk-nap!

Moss dozing in the sun on her mattress, warm and full of food - happy dog!

After we'd eaten we went back out for an evening dog loop (Moss was besides herself with wuffety happiness) returning to the van to sit and watch the sky darken as the sun slipped under the sea as we sipped tea. We sat there and felt absolutely at peace and gently happy.

Simple pleasures, simply gently wonderful. We all need more days like these.

edgelands

A couple of weeks ago, we packed the van and headed north. Our plan was to see what the weather was doing and follow the sunshine. We spent nearly a week wandering the quiet lanes and finding the solitary views. Walking on beaches where we were the only ones watching the waves crash and draw as the tide turned.

We stopped for a few hours at Wigtown Harbour which is a rather grand title for a tidal river with disused quays.  However it is a delightful spot. The oystercatchers nest on the grassy docks between lichen splattered concrete bollards. A secret whorled nest cradling four speckled brown and cream eggs. I watch the female oystercatcher watch me as I take photos.

Across from the harbour beef cows graze in knee deep breeze blown grass undulating and mimicking water. Skylarks and curlews fill the air with their song - one melodic, the other forlorn. Both beautiful. 

Once we'd rested up, we returned to the road promising to return to the harbour - a edgeland space, simple, wild and obviously loved by the locals.

I will share a few precious moments from our holiday over the next few posts - promise I wont swamp you will photos and stories (of which there are many!) until next time 💙💚💙 xxxx

A postcard from Moss

hello, 

iz Moss here,

recently we has been away.... near beaches (my best favourite thing)

and rivers (my also best favourite thing)

I wallowed and 'muddled' (mud puddling) (my happiest favourite thing ever) 

My humans took many photos - no idea why - of me but who cares ? - I wuz at the seaside!

and in woodlands wiv sticks and mud (my every day favourite things)

My human says that the holiday was 'just her cup of tea' - I thought I wuz?!

I rode in the van and I got tired and muddy and stinky (best stink EVER!)

I sat in da sun and blinked and sunbathed and got hot (my favourite holiday thing to do)

I tried to jump in to da sea at EVERY oppawtunity (silly humans stopped me - said too dangerous!!)

I did lots of my favourite things - just not enough of them coz could do them EVERY day!

luv and wuffs

Moss

🐾🐾

ps my human may get round to typing a word or two - eventually, but I fink we are back at work tomorrow and its gonna be a busy week - I want to go back to the sea!

24 hours

Snapshots from the weekend - a brief visit to the coast.

Moss, who is back to her normal (almost) bouncy self  'wearing' a mudpack set of black boots... she smelt 'delightful'!

Bluebells nodding in the brisk breeze on Saturday afternoon - their fragrance whipped away before I could smell it, will have to wait for a less windy day...

St Helen's Church, Overton - one of the oldest churches in Lancashire thought to originate around 1050 - 1140, depending on which wall you look at with evidence of both Norman and Saxon architecture.

A heron tentatively dipping a toe into the estuarine waters - it was incredibly choppy with spray breaking off each little wave.

We walked around Bazil Head (a small farmed peninsular) where the coastal defences are huge boulders piled up against the land preventing erosion during stormy weather. Someone with a sense of humour created this ....

With my back to 'Stone Face' I photo-ed the view - Himself and Moss ahead of me of course.

Further round, in a marshy inlet there is a fine line where the land starts and the sea ends with the fence as the marker, although it does appear as if the sea breaches that manmade barrier on a regular basis.

All around the headland were small red place names - obviously a community who love and care for their little headland on the edge.

Then as the sun began to set, we watched four hares loping around the fields below us. We could make out two male and two female and although there was no boxing or chasing, there was definitely a platonic group happening as they grazed in the lengthening shadows.

In the morning after breakfast and a dog walk  (wallowing, stick hunting, mud puddling, sniffing and running. Insert any or all listed ...) we packed the van - with a list of chores to be done we returned home to make the most of Sunday afternoon.

Hope your weekend was a good one 😊