Monday 13 July 2020

Some days are not so exciting



Gail has pointed out an omission in my description last week of our Torridon cottage as "a little patch of heaven'.

What I should have said, of course, was that, in the months of July and August, on dull and damp days, it is "a little patch of heaven for the Highland midge".

The cottage is nestled below a boggy hillside, surrounded by birches and Scots pines, and sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds. Perfect conditions then, when the light is low and the atmosphere humid, for massed ranks of our local species of biting midge to come out and party in the garden.

And it seems they did not get this year's memo about social distancing. So when, on Sunday morning, Gail got all togged up for a spot of shed painting, I opted to stay indoors behind closed windows and catch up on some zzzzzzz.

Only later, when the weather had brightened up a bit and the midges had retreated to their boggy dwelling places to hide from the sun, did I emerge to supervise Gail's work in the garden.


19 comments:

  1. your gail is super clever... we will buy such a hat with a net too... just in case da bees will bee back... do you know if that hat is available in a canine version too?

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  2. Hari OM
    I think you had absolutely the right idea here, Bertie lad. Those little ******s can turn heaven into hell, am I right? Meanwhile, here in Auld Reekie at the father's patch, this morning we will have the wasp exterminator. They've built a nest in our annex in one of the work drawers!!! I know insects have their place - but really? Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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    1. Oh no, a wasp nest? That's really not what you need right now... We hope Mr Exterminator does his job quickly and well.

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    2. ...been, done, and forty quid later, gone! Yxx

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  3. Yay for Gail seeing that the midges didn't buzz around her head and her eyes or even worse her mouth. I cannot stand bugs buzzing me.
    Tell Gail her garden is so pretty of course enhanced the presence of you.
    Hugs Cecilia

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  4. I'm with you, Bertie. Staying inside till the midges go back into hiding would be exactly what I would do too. Your cottage is sure beautiful!

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  5. The midges sound terrible and annoying, but it might be the price you pay to be in someplace so lovely The garden looks soooo pretty!

    Kiki and Rosie

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    1. The midges and the unreliable weather are probably the reasons why this stunningly beautiful corner of Europe has never suffered from over-developments, so some people round here say they are our friends!

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  6. Midges...one annoying bug we don't have, and we have plenty of others! Bertie, we think you made the best decision...just wait for Midge Time to be over.

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  7. Ick! You definitely had the right idea Bertie!!

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  8. We're glad you were finally able to spend some time out in your lovely garden Bertie. It doesn't look like it would be very fun to have to put a head net on just to go outside.

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  9. Bertie - You did the only sensible thing.

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  10. You are such a smart one, Bertie. I must say that your garden is absolutely gorgeous! That dampness is good for something :)

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  11. Our Dad hates any kind of bug - we think we need to get him a head piece like that one Gail is wearing. It would be a hoot to see him put it on:)

    Hope the midge stay away so you can get more outdoor time. Your gardens are beautiful.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  12. It is smart of you to sleep when your mommy works so you can be full of energy when she gets finished and is tired.

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  13. What a sensible idea, Bertie, to get some z's in while Gail works hard painting the shed!
    We have all sorts of nasty little bugs here and mosquitos too, so I think I'll take a leaf out of your book and just stay inside until they've gone!

    Love,
    Inca xx

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  14. Oh, sounds like Gail has things under control there Bertie! I likes your idea of sleepin' til things are done. Peeps get really annoyed when we try and help out. ☺
    Such a lovely garden you have my furiend! Just pawfect!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  15. Ahh maybe Gail might want to change the color of her hat or save it for Halloween. Midges so do you have the biting species? Did you paint the midges into the shed? I guess with such beautiful vegetation one has to have a down side.
    Sweet William The Scot

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