Blairgowrie

Saturday, 4th September.

Well, where do I begin? Last Saturday was the church Autumn Fair, which went well, despite having to be held indoors. Kay came afterwards with Robert, when I’d just started emptying the fridge to give it a good clean.”I’ll do it” granny he piped up and he did too, taking the food out, then the shelves, washing the inside and Kay did the rest.I told him he’s my new home help!

Gremlins lurking in the house, I think as computer and mobile both died on me! Planning my trip to Blairgowrie with Helen and Al, so needed mobile to communicate with them in the the caravan. They booked me into a B and B as they think It will be more comfortable for me, which is true as my days of roughing it are over. Arthur came to have a look at computer, but says Bobby’s the expert, so he came later.Busy with taxis, so told him just to leave it, as I was going away anyway. Helen said I could use Al’s phone. Bobby sorting everything out when I’m away, before he goes on a course for his new job.

Off to Blairgowrie on Sunday morning. Went to B and B first to put in case etc.It had been a former mill owner’s house, so very traditional, just my style and the owners very friendly. Really lovely. downstairs bedroom with ensuite. It was set up on a wee hill opposite the caravan site.Helen had cooked our meal at home, so we had it in the caravan,then lazed about reading all the Sunday papers.I felt totally spoiled by Helen and Al.I’d asked Jonathan to tape the programme about Thomas Hardy, but we watched it anyway and thoroughly enjoyed it Beautifully filmed, bringing out Hardy’s love of Nature as well as discussing his work. Monday, went into Blairgowrie. Bought a couple of tops and browsed round the bookshop. Classics reduced, so got “Hard Times” for £1 as it’s one I haven’t read. Al was in Barnardos looking for books and got three for a pound, two for me.One was “Countryside Poems” which had some of Thomas Hardy’s in it.

Off to Glamis Castle in afternoon. Always visualised it as a ruin. Saw room where Duncan was supposed to have been murdered, which was in the ruined part,but found the rest of the castle very impressive. Couldn’t do the full tour, as too many stairs, but drank in the history of it, though I always have that wee niggle at the back of my mind in these places about the big divide between rich and poor.Had lunch in visitor’s centre and a stroll round grounds. Al went for an Indian “cairry oot’ when we got back. I’ve never had an Indian meal before, so I got scampi and chips, but Helen gave me some of hers and I enjoyed it.

Tuesday back to town for short time then off to “Lewis Grassic Gibbon Centre” near Stonehaven.I've always admired his work and met people there who do too - a couple from America and a German family. His books have even been translated into Chinese The opposite of the inhabitants of Glamis in the political leanings -almost Communist in fact. Tragic that he died so young. Dunnotar Castle is a ruin but its position on the edge of the cliff makes it quite spectacular!

I think this blog is getting a bit boring, rattling on about literature.I may be getting a bit nostalgic about my university days. I did things in such a rush there, that I didn’t have time to really enjoy the course. Saying that, I was lucky to get through it in the first place at my age and without John backing me, humouring me and listening to me, I couldn’t have done it at all!

Thought about him a lot especially in the B and B, as he always loved the full breakfast when we were on holiday, as we usually just had porridge and toast at home, though I sometimes made him a fry up on a Saturday. Would be considered unhealthy nowadays!

Went through Perth on way home, where we spent a week once. It was festooned with flowers. I think it usually wins a prize in the Britain in Bloom thing -or maybe it’s the Scotland in Bloom. Good to see some wildlife gardens there too. Had a meal there and home in evening. Margo down for band practice, so good to see her and gave her all my news and the pressies for the bairns. Liked the pink top I’d bought. Do for Chris and Jim’s Golden wedding.Bobby had sorted the computer so got my mail etc.

Thursday, tidied up, then went to Jean’s. Discussed where we’re going for our tea this weekend. The Goth I think, as it was good the last time. Usual Friday shopping etc. Went to Dick’s for lunch. Joyce wanted to hear about the caravan etc. Nice visit from Isabel Aitken. Was going to choir, but Sandra phoned to say there was no practice, so quite glad. Caught up with Corrie. Surprise, surprise, things are looking up when they’re quoting 17th century poetry on it!

Saturday, delicious meal at Goth again and talked about everything. Margo stayed overnight and helped me change bed etc. Went to John’s grave with flowers.A beautiful day.I always feel the irony of it, him not being here to enjoy the sunshine with me. Bobby here a wee while. He’s off again tonight on his course and next week too. Arthur phoned. asking if I wanted to come for tea, but I’ve already prepared something. Looking forward to Tess tonight,though I know it’ll be so sad.It’s been a feast of literature for me the past two or three days!