March 11th, 2010
Early morning in the perfect calm
Just back from the most amazing holiday in New Zealand visiting our daughter. Meanwhile, at home, our son Duncan, has taken time out from his renewable energy business, to install under floor heating and new stone tile flooring in all the bathrooms. They are looking really great but still need some finishing off, so we are not quite ready for visitors yet!
We are just about over the jet lag, still thinking about the amazing scenery, sailing in Doubtful Sound, driving along the 90 mile beach racing against the tide, experiencing the Maori tradition of saying farewell to loved ones at Cape Reinga – where the Tasmin Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Also walks through volcanic areas, with boiling mud, geysers and rainbow lakes; walks over mountains, round lakes and in the Kauri Forests not to mention coastal paths to hidden beaches.
A hidden Cove
Tags: perfect holidays
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February 1st, 2010
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January 27th, 2010
The first seeds of the year are in the proporgator. Tomatoes are the first – lots of unusual varieties such as Tomato Roma, Tomato Sungold, Tomato Green Zebra, Tomato Costoluto Genovese, Tomato Orange Santa, Tomato Black Krim, Tomato Pink Brandywine, Tomato Gardeners Delight, Tomato Yellow Pear and the old favourite Shirley.
Sweet Pea Spencer Waved Mixed, Sweet Pea Cupid Mixed All Things Nice,
Sweet Pea Heirloom Mixed and Sweet Pea Purfume Delight. I also planted Broad Bean Stereo in pots.
Tags: tomato varieties
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January 23rd, 2010
It was such a lovely afternoon, so after a delicious fish pie made with local seafood and Caroline’s hen’s eggs, we took the dogs for a walk along the banks of the River Stinchar. There were signs of the recent flooding with silt covering the grass, sticks and branches caught up in the undergrowth and hedgerows. Snowdrops were peeping through, showing the first signs of spring. A heron watched us, having just eaten his fill of salmon par. The dogs raced along, chasing the scent of a hare or a fox and then jumped into the river for a swim.
Tags: favourite walks in Ballantrae, holidaysouthernscotland
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January 19th, 2010
The Southern Scotland Marketing Initiative is having its first seminar on Wednesday 20th January at Woodland Farm Shop which is kindly hosted by Gillian and Michael Forbes.
Woodland Farm Shop is on the A77 just south of Girvan and not far from Ballantrae. It is like the most beautiful drive from Stranraer or Maybole.
www.holidaysouthernscotland.co.uk and www.blogsouthernscotland.com is the total answer to the visitor’s itineraries with activities, accommodation and Taste of Scotland dining suggestions in Southern Scotland. Pioneering, quality tourism businesses throughout Southern Scotland, supportive of each other are working together to provide visitors with an outstanding experience.
Looking out towards Ailsa Craig
Tags: holidaysouthernscotland
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January 6th, 2010
Following the Crailoch Shoot, Mum and I had a morning plucking pheasants in the Games Room. Mum does the females and I do the males and the gory bits! They have hung for longer than usual this year as it has been so cold. You hold them by the tail and start pulling the feathers up the back, then the legs towards the breast. The wings, feet and neck are all cut off before pulling out the tail feathers. Its a good time to catch up on the chat and they were soon bagged and put in the deep freeze. Crailoch Pheasant with Whisky, cream Bay and Thyme is a favourite recipe at Cosses Country House. Mum and Dad then went off to Wildings for lunch with friends as it is Dad’s 88th birthday tomorrow.
Mum plucking a pheasant in the games room
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January 5th, 2010
Another winter white day with icy roads.
Dogs on crisp icy morning walk
Tags: Snow
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