At the moment, when we are all so restricted in what we can do outside the safety of our homes, any break in routine is welcome. Regualr readers of my Editor’s Diary will sympathise!
When the days and weeks merge into one, it’s refreshing to have even the smallest change.
The snowy weather in my part of rural Fife recently has certainly altered the landscape. My picture shows the loch in the hills behind my house, one of my favourite walks. Last weekend, snow had fallen on its frozen surface. The effect was mesmerisingly beautiful.
Burns Night on January 25 was another opportunity to do something a little different. Haggis (the vegetarian variety), neeps, tatties and a dram of Aberlour whisky livened up a Monday night teatime nicely. And I dug out my volume of Burns poetry and read a few verses, too.
At the weekend, I took part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. Again, it was good to have a small change in the routine. And it was very tranquil, spending an hour just observing the garden.
Of course, all the birds made themselves scarce!
Even though the bird feeders are normally mobbed, all was eerily quiet throughout my chosen timeframe. Just six sparrows, two bluetits, two blackbirds and a robin put in an appearance.
It was a different story after I had submitted my results.
Then a gang of long-tailed tits, magpies, wood pigeons and collared doves swooped down to feast on seed and fat balls. You’d think they knew!
Water woes
Another recent unexpected event, though, was less welcome. A blocked drain in the kitchen — just what I didn’t need!
Fortunately, the work to clear it could be done from outside so was COVID safe for everyone. But there was bad news.
Though the blockage was cleared temporarily, the problem was caused by a corroded pipe underground. Which means digging up the gravel outside the back door. And possibly the cobbled path, too . . .
In the meantime, I’m advised to avoid using the washing machine as the volume of water it discharges in one go could cause problems. So it’s handwashing essential clothes only for now. Another change — I should be careful what I wish for!
Thank goodness I’m not having to think about dressing smartly for the office at the moment . . .
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Angela Gilchrist I am the former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. My passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. My favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.
