Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), January 3, 2016

Good Morning Everyone. Terrible to see the flooding in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, where the river has burst it'e banks.

Also, the destruction of the fires in Perth. So frightening to see just on TV, but it must be horrendous for those who live there.

A beautiful frosty morning here.

Just heard from OH's niece in Kintore. They are fine, but they have taken in friends overnight, who have had their home flooded. No power overnight, which also set peoples house alarms off. The marshes behind their house are completely flooded, but have saved their house from being flooded up to now.  

Thank you for the reassurance about Wendy,  OG.  
Brenda good to know your family is OK.  The recent Govt suggestion of allowing land to be flooded, as a flood plain, should, is eminently sensible.  But the safeguard of farm animals is paramount.  I saw an item about a sheep farmer who lost a lot of sheep, despite saving some.  So tragic, both for the farmer and the sheep.

Brenda: Fingers crossed all safe with OH's family - and so good of them to provide shelter for friends (hope it won't be for longer than comfortable for all).  

OG: You've been keeping very busy lately, perhaps in anticipation of the drive to and from Carlisle, treatment, and the upheaval in your routine, so no wonder you're tired. Hope you don't lose your appetite too much - it would be a shame to miss lunches like the one at the Old Toll restaurant.

Off for quick coffee with friend this morning, then to the gym, then to doc to reexamine creaky wrist.  Drying out here, with less aggressive storms to come next week some time.

Enjoyed extended lunch with Friend - went to our favourite garden centre- she is now driving again & it's not far. Had delish cauliflower & parsnip soup, with a little cheese on top. Friend had cheesy baked potato with salad.

Bought some birthday cards, a couple of small Christmassy items intended as future gifts, and a small stuffed reindeer in a Santa hat!! He looked as if he moved, so asked the girl on the till what the price was (no tag on him) It was only three pounds, less than half price, so bought him for the grandchildren. When I arrived home, my OH put batteries in his back and we switched him on........he ran around in a decidedly drunken looking circle, lurching and singing Jingle Bells!! LOL!!

Dreadful news every day about the weather & related problems. Seems that our friends on here are all alright, fingers crossed. Annette - hope you just get some welcome rain, and no more storms.  How is Peanut?

AQ - can't begin to imagine how hot it gets there, and imagine that the children get cranky. You will all welcome the break when Miss4 goes to Nursery for a few hours a week!

Hope OG had a reasonable journey and doesn't feel too tired after.

Thinking of you, Margo.

Good afternoon from a very frosty Speyside in sharp contrast to yesterday.

Thanks for thinking about me and yes the Spey doesn't give us an issue but the run off from the field behind can give us an issue. We have with the help of the farmer built a stone drain to help with run off and OH makes sure this is weed free. It coped very well.

A trip to Inverness to stock up with stuff for next Lundy trip take doggy stuff to Munlochy and then a meet with friend for coffee and a blether . Sunny drive along A9 but thick fog around G on S.

Daisy and I had a falling out when I got home so she got the lecture on being a spoilt brat and there are dogs who would love her life. I think I was talking to very large deaf ears!!!!!

Good to know all is well, Wendy.