Cait Sith (Fairy Cat) approves...

Normally Sith is on the cupboard, which is to the right of this one, it being the one that contains the boiler. It was, previously, almost impossible for him to sit on this cupboard as it displayed leaflets, RSPB badges for sale and the Visitors Book. Instead of a mirror to pose prettily by the walls were filled with all our framed certificates and awards. Leaflets and certificates now banished to the library.

The Atrium is now completely re-painted, Antique Cream, and the first visitor to view (after Sith) actually said, "Wow!" Which is just what I wanted.

Next task quite a lot bigger....

Brrrrr.

Its actually quite warm for the time of year! But it doesnt look it if you understand me.
Not long to Christmas now. For the first time in 60 years I am fairly well organised. Christmas Cake made and being fed weekly with booze. Tins of chocs stashed away and the Crackers. Presents for distant relatives parcelled and sent. Only the ones actually having Christmas here with us to stocking fill for. And halfway through writing the Christmas cards. There are some I always leave til the last minute, just in case I commit a faux pas and send one to someone who has died......
My steam press packed in giving me an enforced break from ironing! I have freecycled the press to someone who can repair it and am waiting for the new one to arrive. (Should have been yesterday.) So having nothing better to do I decided to re-paint the atrium/entrance hall. Mike asked what on earth I was doing, house up for sale etc.etc. I just said I would go mad if I didnt have something to do!!!! We then both realised I was probably already there.

Frozen North.

Our first minus temperatures of this winter. Good job I had plenty to do inside. Ironing and cleaning for guests arriving.
We had four lorry drivers and four lorries! I had been told they were only little lorries, and had visions of something of the Ford Transit size. They arrived in the pitch black and well I guess they were little compared to most, but we still had to sort the parking out. Charlie wasnt around who owns the land next door but it was the only place to put the lorries. I am just dreading him turning up to collect his stuff for his work and finding he has four great lorries blocking his access. Hopefully they will be gone before he arrives.

Ceilidh

What a fantastic evening - havent enjoyed myself so much in years. My only regret is that my dancing partner did not wear a kilt.

Hopeful...

That I will be feeling like this in a few hours time. Full of energy - I doubt it. My first Ceilidh.

Oh I do love having me hair done..

I have a lovely hair dresser. Ange does not ask me "Where are you going on holiday?" Or, "Any plans for the weekend?" All she says is "And now..." which is very much a North East Scotland greeting. And then she gets on with it. More often than not I sit with eyes closed, totally relaxed, blissful, apart from the awful music that blasts out. I can't see anything with my eyes open, as I have to take my glasses off. When the hair is being washed I am almost ecstatic as the girl who does the shampooing has obviously had some training in head massage. Yesterday I had my colours done, which inolves having bits wrapped in foil after whatever colour has been pasted on, then sit there for ages and ages, but I dont mind. This time I also had quite a lot chopped off.
Then it was home to get ready to go to the weekly Rotary meeting. On the agenda this week was practising for the Ceilidh on Friday. I got halfway through an eightsome reel before collapsing. Not bad. Also was truly thrilled I could remember so much from primary school days when we were taught these dances. Still not sure what to wear...
Oh - the other bit of news is that we will still be here at Christmas. Our second viewers are not in a hurry to move. I wish people like that would NOT come and view your home and go round planning which wall they are going to knock down when they have NO intention of making an offer.

Party for one wee boy.

Some of the family managed to be at Zac's birthday party. All his Aunties, who took lots of photos for Granddad and me.

We had to stay here for another viewing of our house. Lovely family looking for somewhere bigger, well Greenbrae is certainly that! Hoping we get an offer from them, as the other viewers obviously do not understand the Scottish system. Any offer below the asking price is treated with a smidgeon of contempt. Actually a whole barrow load of contempt from me.

We are still in business with guests trickling in.

Have to say I was not impressed with our local paper's headline on one page, "Christmas - only 7 weeks to go." Good job I havent packed the Christmas stuff yet.