What comes to mind when you hear the word 'Macduff'?
If you are a literary or theatrical type, you might think of Shakespeare and 'the Scottish play'. But to the Bertie and Gail household, Macduff is the small town on the Moray Firth, c.40 miles north of Aberdeen, where our dear friends Molly and Neil live, along with their agreeable lurcher pup Maisie.
For the usual boring reasons we hadn't been up there for a long while, but made good on a promise to visit this weekend.
I was so happy to see the familiar cheerful red gate to the old house near the harbour.
But no soon as we'd stepped inside than we headed out again, taking advantage of a rare glimpse of sunshine for a walk along the shore near Whitehills, a short distance to the east.
Maisie, who is the same age as me, does not have her own social media presence and so is unaccustomed to posing. But no worries, I soon licked her into shape.
Can you see how all the grass is flattened, after last week's Storm Arwen droves waves well beyond the usual high tide mark? In some areas the grass was spattered with seashells too.
On Saturday morning Gail took me for a short walk around the town and down to the harbour. It was cold, and raining hard.
What you don't see on the photos is how things nearly went all Mary Poppins when a strong onshore gust caught Gail's golf umbrella...
When Gail paused to take a photo of Neil and Molly's house, I was impatient to be back indoors.
Specifically, to the shelter of the kitchen table.
Sometimes it's the simply best place to be.
Away from the horrid weather Gail and Molly, friends for over forty years, enjoyed a good old natter while Neil strummed his banjo quietly in the background.
Gail thinks some of you might be entertained, as she was, by this decade old YouTube video of Neil and his mates and their version of a well known Mexican tune. Neil's the one in the shorts:
PS from Gail: these days I only take Bertie to visit friends who are tolerant and not overly house proud. I am pleased to report that Bertie did not do too badly - there was no bladder leakage over Molly and Neil's brand new sofa, and just one small and easily mopped up puddle on the tiled kitchen floor!
that are super good news Bertie... and we love that place where your riend molly lives... lurchers ae such a fab breed, the mama always grins when she remembers what job this dogs had in da old times ;O)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Bertie. I'd rather be inside and away from the rain and the wind. We loved the video!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteBrrrrrrrr... it has definitely been raw weather, eh Bertie lad - if I could get low enough, I might choose the table cave too!!!
Had a good giggle at the 'canny lads' video - the other fellow with the lump hammer and good hip action reminds me of Beau's dad Bob... well done the lot of them. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Yam's comment will not be repeated to bob. ha ha. truth told it does kind of look like him.. love the video and smiled all the way through. so glad you and Gail got to visit long time friends and so happy you did so well... sometimes i wish i could have a cave like your table cave. sorry you had to walk in rain and cold... I zoomed in to see a lurcher and also went out and looked up lurcher. my first time ever hearing or seeing the breed.. I love black dogs and would love to hug you and your lurcher friend
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost a red door is a wonderful way to start a post. I'm so happy you and Gail had a good visit with dear long time friends Molly and Neil. Maisie is such a cute little friend. I am very happy to hear you BERTIE were a perfect house guest
ReplyDeleteOh the video was AmaZing! The can-can and the tail feather shake had me giggling
Hugs and Happy week to you and Gail
Cecilia
It sounds like you and Gail had a lovely visit with your friends, Bertie. We enjoyed that video too.
ReplyDeleteBertie, you are lucky to have friends who are so accommodating of your disability. If you lived closer, we would welcome you with open arms. Hope the wind dies down. Lee and Phod
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely visit you had (except for the rain and wind). It is so nice to stay with old friends and reconnect in these trying times for sure!
ReplyDeleteRosie and Redford
Bertie, that was a very fun video. Thanks for sharing. We never cease to be amazed at all the trips you take and al the walking you manage so very well.
ReplyDeleteSorry we didn't get a photo of the Aussie-doodle. We think her peeps came early Sunday for her because we didn't see her at all yesterday. If she comes back again, we will see what we can do.
Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
You go to the most magical palces
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfulk visit you had BErtie...despite the weather! We also had a little giggle at Gail's friends, what good dancers they are LOL!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Sunny, Rosy and Jakey
What a fun weekend you had Bertie, and what a good boy too - with no problems.
ReplyDeleteThe weather in Macduff doesn't look very cheery, but that red front door looks so welcoming and you had an even warmer welcome indoors!
We sometimes meet a Lurcher on our walks - her name is Lady, and she barks at me to say "hello" when we walk past her house.
My human really enjoyed the video. It was so funny and says it's a long time since she's had such a good laugh!
Love,
Inca xx
Hi friend, Ojo here! I am sure there was no puddle, that's a myth. Also it is great you got to visit friends, hurray!
ReplyDeleteI do like that kitchen table - what a great idea.
ReplyDelete