Tuesday 11 March 2014

Henry's Dad's Hat

So Gail woke me early on Sunday morning with a cheerful shout. "Rise and shine Bertie! The weather forecast is favourable so we are going to climb Morven and search for Henry's Dad's hat."

By the way, a 'favourable' forecast in these parts in early March means little rain, wind less than 20 mph and temperatures above 5ÂșC.

Now about that hat.

I told you last year  about the special walk up Morven to scatter the ashes of Gail's late friend Kate. What I did not mention before was that, in the process of the scattering, Kate's beloved husband Henry lost his hat in the gale force wind. And this was not just any old hat, rather it was a splendid, characterful Harris tweed affair that used to belong to Henry's father.

Well Henry and friends looked long and hard for the precious headgear on that memorable July day, but time and incipient hypothermia eventually forced abandonment of the search.

I am disappointed to report that, despite roaming far and wide over the rounded summit of Morven, on Sunday I too failed to sniff out Henry's missing hat.

However, the elemental magnificence of the landscape was undiminished.





PS: Sunday in another world entirely, namely Crufts. I can't believe that the wire-haired fox terrier was beaten to Best in Show by a standard poodle. How will I live this down when I next see my poodle cousins Coco and Percy (who is huge)...

23 comments:

  1. Bertie, that poodle needed a pair of pants! 'Twas shocking all that! We were rooting for King as well although I'm not convinced he is in the same breed as Horatio. HRH has never looked like that in his chuff!

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  2. We think that hat has blown all the way to Glasgow by now.

    Can't believe that the WFT got pipped at the post. AND by a poodle.

    XXXOOO Bella & Roxy

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  3. It all looks fabulous up North Bertie and we hope you are enjoying the better weather. Pity about hat and yes drats about the poodle. Have a terrific Tuesday.
    Best wishes Monday.

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  4. sorry that should be
    Best wishes Molly
    Excuse my stupid staff.

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  5. I know that your mom rightly says that I (as in mom) am being wrongly seduced by your photos into thinking your home is a paradise when really I would complain of the cold and wet, but these pictures had me drooling you really do live in the most beautiful place.

    As for the hat, I am very sorry for your friend's passing. Im sure the hat was a thing of beauty and very precious, harris tweed is a favorite o fmine and if you reed my blog you may have notied I LOVE hats. However, despite the fact that I am not religious, perhaps this hat loss was a rather spiritual sign of the connetion between your friend and Henry
    retro rover

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    Replies
    1. I agree about the hat connection. It is a consoling thought. Gail.

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  6. Oh Dear Bertie...an unsuccessful Hat Hunt. We are sorry it is still missing. I expect there is a critter walking in the forest wearing that tweed hat. This news coupled with the WHFT being eliminated from Crufts is more than a fella can take in two days.
    Lots of hugs madi your bfff

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  7. We maintain that Kate's spirit wanted to keep the hat.
    In other Crufts news....did you note the best in breed Scottie is a gorgeous blonde wheaten just like us? Very rare for wheatie pies to get very far in show business.
    Bonnie n Kenzie

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  8. Dear B.Bertie: This is to inform you that the apparent "win" by the standard poodaddle at Crufts was part of a concerted campaign to play down the charm and grace of WFTs so that we do not become this decade's Dalmation.

    your pal
    Gus

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  9. We do not think that the hat was meant to be found. It is in a very special place now.
    We don't know HOW that could have happened at Crufts. Wrong Wrong Wrong.

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  10. So sorry about that hat but look where you got to explore! Just gorgeous.

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  11. Maybe the hat blew off into the heavens or to china. That was certainly one beautiful vista you have there

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  12. The poodle win just amazes me. I didn't even think they MADE poodles anymore. I mean you never see them anywhere, or at least I don't.

    Stella

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    Replies
    1. My 'standard' poodle cousin Percy is so huge, I'm surprised you can't see him from Minnesota!

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  13. Well that's one huge area to try to find a hat!. Now about them Poodles, seems like around here the showing and judging is not prone to give Poodles many wins, is usually a working group pup!

    The Mad Scots

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  14. Hari OM
    POODLE???? Ugh, yuk, hiss, spit.... there is little in the world that will drop me to that level, but POODLE???? shudder. Am glad I don't have telly - or I would have been tempted to throw it out the window.

    Ahem. Composure MacLean. Well done for the walking, sorry about the stalking... I'm with others; the hat had places to be. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  15. Poodles aren't bad sorts once they get rid of those shocking cuts which are required for showing off.

    Kisses,
    Dexter

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  16. That woman sure takes you on some fantastic hikes
    Lily & Edward

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  17. OMD, those are some gorgeous photos!

    And I finks dose poodles must pay off da judges - dey's always winnin group at Westminster, every year it seems like.

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  18. I have to concur with our pal Gussie when he says that we need to stay under the radar so that our breed isn't suddenly desired by all the wrong people who don't have a clue as to what we terriers are like. And I also agree that the hat flew off to keep your friend company on her journey through the atmosphere,

    Wirety love,

    Just Harry

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  19. Dear Cousin Bertie,
    Coco and I would like to point out that this years winner at Crufts was bred by Mike Gadsby who also bred the dearly departed Izzy. Poodles rule!

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    Replies
    1. Dear (but mistaken) Cousin Percy,
      Grrrrrrrrh.

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  20. While we are very sorry you didn't find Henry's Dad's hat we are extremely pleased you had such a nice day to go for a walk.
    We don't watch Crufts in our house. The TV wouldn't be in a fit condition to watch after Molly has charge it at speed.
    Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie

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