Holiday gardening

 It is good staying at my brother's house.. unfortunately he is at present I the Lake District , camping with other motorbike enthusiasts..I wonder if his will be the only electric motorbike?

We are saying Thankyou with some gardening...lawn mowing and bramble bashing at the rear and weeding paviours and garden at the front..

There will be two ton bags to go to the cowp (municipal recycling centre) when he returns!!  He really isn't into gardening, although he does appreciate a garden!!

The lawnmower was on its last legs..but managed it!!

The sky was beautiful last night, but it feels strange that it goes dark so much sooner than in Scotland!!

A mutual friend came round for coffee and brought brother's electric van back from having a new tyre fitted. Good to chat and catch up.

Tomorrow we must go food shopping and fuel shopping for the car...a pity as I am enjoying being quiet and not going anywhere after our journey down!!

Take a break Wednesday

Packing up and cleaning today, and off in the road by 10am.
We followed the back road to Aviemore, one we didn't manage to ride over..it was a bit too far for my fitness level..but it will be a good ride next time.
A steady drive to Ballinluig and sandwiches outside at a cafe there, before carrying on home. Our paths diverged at Perth, not too far on from there.
A shop stop on the further side of Glasgow, then onto smaller quieter roads to finish the journey. Almost 200 miles each way, but really worth it, riding and walking with friends , no TV, clean fresh air, no passing traffic..

Then a welcome home from the garden....

Take a break Tuesday

It was a beautiful morning..until 6.30am!!
Then the clouds rolled in for a while, but no rain until we decided to go out in the bikes anyway!! Our friends went to Loch Garten by car then walked the dog, we rode over, and saw them just before they arrived back at the car park! Cue sunshine! We regrouped for a coffee and a cream tea in Nethy Bridge, before returning to base for lunch.
We are all having a relaxing afternoon, having decided against going shopping!
The dog is having another walk as she was getting too interested in log sawing and splitting. The 'boys' have been dealing with the firewood, now Pirate has his feet up as the grass is being mowed. Makes a good change.
I will start cooking rice and mixed veges in a minute, our contribution to supper.

Take a break, Monday

Today's ride took us almost into Grantown on Spey, unintentionally..I had misunderstood our directions! It gave us another new road and five extra miles anyhow!!
We went out through Nethy Bridge heading on the back road towards Aviemore...but at the turn for Boat of Garden I thought... enough!
After an hour and twenty minutes riding...then head back through Nethy Bridge and turn...and when we arrived at the A95, follow the old road! 200 m on the verge when that finished and we were back on the lane to Skye of Curr where we are staying.
After lunch another afternoon walk with friends and dog...back by Boat of Garden!! But really beautiful and worth doing.

Topped off by cooking supper for our friend on his birthday!

Take a break, Sunday

We had a good bike ride today, parking in Grantown on Spey then riding up the quiet road side of the Spey Valley..or rather down! It took us an hour out and an hour twenty minutes back!
After lunch, another dog walk in the woods, and with a bit of sun the colours were completely different.